Coaching Baseball; Recommended Baseball Articles for Coaches

Coaching Baseball; Recommended Baseball Articles for Coaches


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Have a Great Weekend! Good luck to you and your team if you are playing. Here are some recommended baseball coaching articles for baseball coaches. Nick Dixon
Coaching Little League Baseball - Bad Habits Make For Bad Coaching

Article discusses 10 bad habits of bad Little League Coaches. These bad habits make it impossible for a coach to be an effective coach and role model.


Coaching Youth Baseball - Coaching Your First Baseman

Here are important points and skills that you must teach your First Baseman. Tips cover teaching the proper way to get to the bag, set up to receive the throw and how to stretch.


Baseball Coaching Digest - Stop and See - 1st & 3rd Double Steal Base Running Play

This 1st and 3rd Double Steal Play known as the Stop and See Steal. This play is used by offensive teams to score a runner from 3rd base by stopping the stealing runner short of the bag and tag.


Baseball Coaching Digest - Fake 3rd Out Defensive Trick

The Fake 3rd Out is a trick play ran by defensive teams to trick an unsuspecting base runner. If the base runner is not alert and aware, he may step off the bag and give the defensive team a cheap out to end the inning. Coaches should make their players aware of sure plays and tactics to prevent this trick from happening to their team.


Baseball Coaching Digest - Illegal Use of the Courtesy Runner Rule

Baseball coaches must be alert for one way that opposing offensive teams may illegally use the Courtesy Runner or Speed-Up rule. How does a team illegally use a courtesy runner? Here is the procedure outlined:


Baseball Coaching and the Importance of Goals For Team and Player Motivation

There are very few volunteer jobs more challenging, time-consuming or rewarding than being a coach in your local league. There are many four letter words used by coaches that I can not use here. Here I want to discuss the 4 four-letter words that can and will determine the amount of success a coach has during the coming season. The four words are Goal, Plan, Work and Time.




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Coaching Baseball - 4 Things the On-Deck Batter Should Always Do and 4 Things He Should Never Do

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Coaching Baseball - 4 Things the On-Deck Batter Should Always Do and 4 Things He Should Never Do
By Nick Dixon

Baseball coaching is teaching the big and little details of the game. Every position or location on the field requires a player to observe and to be aware of what is happening. Many young batters on deck often do no pay attention to what is happening. They are often guilty of looking into the crowd or even talking to someone through the fence. On-deck batters that do not closely observe the pitcher and the catcher are missing a greatly opportunity to "scout" the opponent. The on-deck circle is a crucial location from which the observation process should be done. Here are 4 things that the on-deck batter must do and 4 things they not do.

On-deck batters should always:

1) Identify the ARM SLOT of the opposing pitcher? Is the opposing pitchers arm motion, over the top, side-arm, at 1 O'Clock, or 2 O'clock, 3 O'clock or submarine? The on-deck batter must know this before getting into the batting box. Knowing the "arm slot" or pitchers arm angle during the delivery will accelerate the batters ability to "pick the ball up" or see the ball in the pitchers hand before it is released. Picking the ball up early allows the batter to see the ball out of the pitchers hand at the release point.

2) Take practice swings every time the pitcher throws a pitch to the batter ahead of you. Try to pick up the pitchers speed, timing, rhythm, and release point. Time the fastball by taking a stance, loading, and swing in rhythm with the pitching delivery. This timing warm-up exercise should be taken facing the pitcher.

3) Does the pitcher have a tendency to work slow or fast? If the pitcher works too slow or fast, you may want to call time and step out to change the pitchers rhythm.

4) Does the pitcher throw a lot of off-speed or junk pitches? Does the pitcher have below average, average, or above average pop on the fastball? You will move up in the box if the pitcher is a slow ball junk pitcher and move deeper in the box if the pitcher has high velocity on the fastball.

Coaching Point: There are other duties of the on-deck hitter at the high school, college and even travel ball level. If the batter ahead of you gets a RBI hit, you may have to move the bat out of the sliding zone if the umpire does not move it. Only do this if time allows. The on-deck batter will may also coach the scoring runner at the plate by using signs or verbal call to signal "get down", "you are up", or a "needed slide location to avoid a possible tag".

1. Never talk to the crowd, fans or family through the fence. The on-deck batter should be seeing and concentrating on what is happening on the field. This is for performance, concentration, and safety reasons.

2. Never Swing Before looking. For safety reasons, never swing the bat in the on-deck circle without looking to make sure that he is clear of the fence and that other players have not approached him. Making sure that everyone is clear of you before you swing a bat is a rule for all batters, of all ages, to live by.

3. Never talk to the batter unless it is positive praise or encouraging words. "Warning" the batter that he better look out for that curve-ball is not encouraging words. Simply telling the batter that he can do it and to keep his eyes on the ball is far more appropriate and productive.

4. Never take a knee or kneel in the on-deck circle. If a ball is hit toward you, you must be able to move quickly.

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Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest Blog for daily post and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball. The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon

Over-training: Are We Playing TOO Much?

Article Title: Over-training: Are We Playing TOO Much?
By Steve Zawrotny

Perhaps you have heard of a concept leadership and
management guru Stephen Covey calls 'Sharpening the
Saw.' While he was aiming this idea to the business
world, it has applicability to those who coach and play sports
as well.

Basically, the concept goes like this:

Don't get so busy sawing that you forget to sharpen the saw.

What happens to the saw while you are sawing?

It gets dull.

What happens when your saw becomes dull?

You can still saw, but the process becomes much less
effective. The work is harder and takes longer - you just
don't saw as well.

To bring this back to baseball and softball, I've noticed a
trend that is not new, but may well be developing into a
problem. The situation is the growing proliferation of travel
teams at all age levels at nearly all times of the year.
While things do slow down a bit in areas of the country
with cold winters, in many places, baseball and softball are
becoming nearly a year round activity.

First, there is the normal spring ball season. Practice for
this may begin in January or February (in some places, even
earlier), with games beginning in late March. The season
continues until June, then summer league begins. This
typically will run into August, and then school starts again.

In many areas of the country, this means Fall league ball.
Practice for this often begins in August, and the Fall season
can run into late October.

So, you have 10 or so months of 'sawing' with young ball
players, leaving perhaps two months to 'sharpen the saw.' I
wonder if this is enough time for players to work on new skills
development, along with appropriate strength and conditioning.

No doubt that the best way to improve in baseball and softball
is to play a lot. This is why many of the best (but not all!)
players come from warm weather states - CA, TX, FL and
others. They simply have better weather allowing them to
play and practice more.

But is there a point where the returns for all these games and
travel diminish? Where it's time to stop and take some time
to 'sharpen the saw?' I think there is. Consider the major
league season: April - September, then the playoffs. Two
teams go all the way to the World Series in October.

Therefore, the vast majority of big leaguers are playing
about 5 months (admittedly, a LOT of games), not counting
Spring training (pre season). And there are various winter
leagues that certain players participate in for additional skill
development.

But, while playing a lot of games in a relatively short
period of time is physically demanding, the big boys
have a LOT of down time with which to recover or
Sharpen the Saw.

I submit that coaches and parents need to consider this
idea carefully. It is well known that acquiring a new skill
takes time, and that there is usually a decrement in
performance as one learns and implements a new skill.
That's why it's usually best to not make any major mechanical
adjustments during the regular season. And, with all the
games and practices during the regular season, coaches
know it's tougher to provide a lot of individual attention to
their players.

This is becoming more apparent by the increasing number
of questions I get about how to implement a good all
around Strength & Conditioning program during the season.
Or how to fit in arm strength or bat speed workouts between
games and practices. It can be done, but it's not easy.

Here are some key points to consider:

1) In what areas does your player(s) need to improve?
Prioritize them.

2) Take the first priority (let's say it's running speed
improvement) and make it the first thing to work on
after any skill work for that day. Skill work requires more
precision as it is performed. For this to be most effective,
one should not be tired or the skill work can suffer.

3) If your player has multiple areas where they need
to improve, consider taking some time off from all the
playing and games. Will missing Summer or Fall ball
really hurt you, considering you'll be working on new
skill development, along with S & C?

4) This brings us to the idea of 'active rest.' The
athlete remains physically active, but in some other sport
or activity than baseball or softball. Sort of the 'cross
training' concept, which allows the ballplayer to recover
physically and mentally from their regular routine. As long
as the ball player is staying active, most any activity will
suffice.

Here's a basic format for a well rounded off-season S & C
workout:

M - Strength, Flexibility work

T - Power work, Flexibility, Energy System conditioning

W - S, F

TH - P, F

F - S, F

Sat - ES, F

Do any hitting or pitching mechanical work before these
workouts, e.g., skill work in the AM, S & C work in the PM.

5) Let the energy level of your player(s) be your guide.
If s/he is having fun, is full of energy and enthusiasm about
their workouts, is not feeling unduly sore, etc., then let them
go. On days they may be feeling tired and worn down, it's
time for a day off. Just pick up at the next day's workout -
don't worry about making up for the missed work.

Remember, everyone needs to stop and 'Sharpen the Saw'
at some point. If it means not playing as many games in
order to do so, so be it. The idea of taking one step back in
order to more quickly take two steps forward is very legitimate
and worth making a part of your player development program.

Steve Zawrotny, MS, CSCS
405.373.3253
steve@baseballfit.com
FREE REPORT: "Harmful Resistance Exercises Baseball/Softball Players Should Avoid"
VISIT: http://www.BaseballFit.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Zawrotny

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Baseball Coaching Digest - Pitcher Fielding Practice Drills - Double Play Feeds and Covering First

Baseball Training Bat by Albert Pujols

Baseball Coaching Digest - Pitcher Fielding Practice Drills - Double Play Feeds and Covering First
By Nick Dixon

Pitcher fielding practice should be an important part of every team's regular practice routine. Pitcher fielding practice is an activity that allows pitchers to practice fielding and making good throws to the different bases in different situations.

Our Pitcher Fielding Practice or PFP, as it is called, requires all infielders and all pitchers. The activity takes only 7 minutes. Therefore we do PFP drills every day in practice. This practice activity requires two coaches to fungo or hit the ground balls, 6 baseballs, and 4 catchers alternating and catching up.

First Set - Pitcher Covering First and Bunt throw to 2nd Base

We begin the activity by having 2 middle infielders report to their position. We will then divide the pitchers into two groups. One line will be getting over to first on a ball hit to the right side. The other line will be fielding bunts and making the throw to second. This is the first segment of the drill and we do this for 3.5 minutes without a beak. The pitchers will rotate lines after each throw.

The "cover first group" works on the right side of the diamond. The bunt cover to 2nd base group works on the left side of the diamond. The line will run out toward 2nd base. The pitchers will set up even with the pitching rubber but will shade to their respective side to allow enough space for both groups to work at the side time without delays or stopping.

Coaching Points: Covering First

The pitcher will must take a good angle toward the line and work up the line toward the bag. The catcher will yell, "get over" each time a ball is hit. The first baseman will communicate with the pitcher to let him know if he will take to the bag himself. If the first baseman bobbles or is slower getting to a ball, the pitcher will setup and stretch on the throw. It is important that the pitcher avoid shading over into the base path in order to avoid a collision with the runner. The pitchers will work out of the windup.

Coaching Point: Bunt throw to 2nd base

The pitchers and catchers will make a call. If the catcher can field it, he will. If the pitcher fields it, the catcher will make a "2 call". Communication and verbal calls by the catcher is an important part of this drill. The pitcher must make a perfect throw every time. Make sure that the pitcher has the right approach to the ball and sets the feet before picking it up, if he can. Good footwork will save time and make execution of the throw easier. The pitchers will work out of the stretch.

Set 2 - "Squeeze Play and Throwing to Second Baseball to Double Play"

During the second half of PFP's we will have the "right" side group field a "come backer" ground ball and make a throw to 1st or 2nd. The "left" side group will may a "do-or-die" play on a squeeze play for 1 minute and then cover home on a passed ball for the remaining 2 minutes.

Coaching Point: Comebacker

The coach will call out where runners are before the ball is hit. The pitchers always work out of the stretch. The catcher will make a "2 call" if the ball is a double play ball and there is a runner on 1st. If the ball is bobble or too slow for to turn two, the catcher will make a "1 call" and the pitcher will make a throw to 1st. If no runners on base the pitcher will make a throw to 1st. We will vary the situations on various days. The coach may call a runner on any base or all bases. The pitcher may check a runner at 2nd and go one, check a runner at 3rd and go 1. The pitcher may have to go home with it if the 3rd base man makes a "4 call". The pitcher may also turn two if the catcher makes a "2 call". All infielders are used during this drill and "talking" is vital.

Coaching Point: Squeeze Play - Cover Home

The "left" side group will may a "do-or-die" play on a squeeze play for 1 minute. The pitcher must charge the ball and use a "scoop and throw" technique to get the ball to the catcher. The winning run is at third and the play is a "do-or-die" play. Speed and accuracy is important. The catcher must complete the play with a simulated tag.
Next, the pitcher will practice covering home on a passed ball or wild pitch. The catcher will retrieve the ball using a "slide by" pickup technique. The catcher must make a perfect tag spot throw to the pitcher. The pitcher will hustle, set up for the throw and finish the play with a simulated tag.

Note: A lot of action is occurring is this 7 minute drill. If commit only 7 minutes so the "sense of urgency" make the kids really bounce around and hustle. Each fielder receiving a throw will step out of the drill and make a throw to the 2nd catcher in their drill. The catcher will then toss the ball to the coach for the next rep. The catchers alternate each side every other day. One day two catchers will work the "right side" drills and the next day they will work the "left side" drills.

I hope you find this information useful and beneficial. I know that you can add and make improvements to this activity as you use it. Good Luck till next time, Nick Dixon.

The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon

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Speed Training - Push Off Versus Landing Strength

Albert Pujols Sweet Spot Training Bat

Article Title: Speed Training - Push Off Versus Landing Strength
By Thurman Hendrix

When it comes to sprinting, many athletes understand that they must forcefully push into the ground in order to thrust their body forward. Therefore, they work tirelessly in the weight room to improve their push-off (often called concentric) strength. Many use exercises such as squats and leg presses to accomplish this goal, usually focusing on the portion of the exercise in which they push or straighten out their legs. While this type of strength is extremely valuable for sprinting, many athletes often underestimate the type and amount of strength that is required in order to simply absorb their bodyweight and land upon each foot strike (often called eccentric strength).

When sprinting, runners usually hit the ground with force much greater than 4 times their body weight. In other words, a 200 hundred pound athlete will need to decelerate well over 800 pounds of force (landing strength) before they can then explode (push-off strength) back into the ground to move forward. Keep in mind that this force deceleration occurs on every stride they take during the sprint. Think about it, if their muscles were not activated during the landing portion of the stride their body would simply crumble to the ground under the force of gravity.

Many of the athletes that I train, including professionals, often wonder why I teach them landing techniques (eccentric) prior to teaching them jumping or explosive techniques (concentric). I then explain that in order to get full benefit out of doing something explosively (push-off strength), they must first be able to absorb and control all of their forces (landing strength).

Most exercises done in a weight room involve both a concentric and eccentric portion. Therefore, athletes are most likely already training this landing strength component. For example, in the first paragraph, I mentioned that they often use squats and leg presses and focus on the part of the exercise in which they straighten out their legs. This is the concentric (push) part and is usually perceived as the "hard" portion of the exercise. However, the lowering, eccentric part is equally important and should also be emphasized. Rather than just lowering the weight aimlessly, the athlete needs to focus on their form and technique so that they are in a safe and strong position when transitioning into the push-off phase. Again, if the muscles were not activated during the lowering portion of the lift, the athlete's body would get crushed!

Training eccentric (landing) strength can sometimes get complicated and should originally be taught under the guidance of a qualified professional. Exercises, such as depth jumps that involve falling from a distance before jumping may seem easy to understand, but due to the extreme forces involved and the demands that it places on the nervous system, one must respect this type of training and always start out slow.

To learn how to improve your 60 yard dash and baseball specific speed visit: http://www.60yarddash.com

Thurman Hendrix is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and specializes in training athletes. As a former pro baseball player he will help you increase speed in a very short amount of time.

This article may be published on your web sites or other electronic publications assuming it is used in its entirety. The resource box, copyright info, and all references must also be included and all hyperlinks must be HTML clickable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thurman_Hendrix

Baseball Coaching Digest - The 4 Key Elements That Help a Batter Hit a Baseball With More Power

The Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, by SKLZ. Availabe at fine sporting goods stores nationwide or at Baseball2u.com.

By Nick Dixon

Every baseball player loves to hit the ball hard and far. The power required to hit the baseball deep comes from the generation of maximum bat speed. The generation of bat speed is created by the correct use of the lower body, hips and hands. Four key elements are required to make the batting swing more powerful.

This article outlines and explains those key elements.Those key elements are:

1) The Batter Uses the Front Leg as Leverage to Generate Maximum Bat Speed. - What is leverage in the baseball swing? Why is leverage important? How is leverage generated? Leverage in a baseball swing is a resistance point or stationary object that stops forward movement. The front foot acts as the lever and provides leverage to the swing. For this leverage to occur the batter must allow the ball pass front foot. The front foot should be closed with the toes pointed toward the plate to supply maximum leverage to the swing. This leverage is the force against which the batter rotates the hips against. The front leg must be strait and planted to allow the hips to turn.

2) The Batter Generates Maximum Rotational "Torque of the Hips". - I use the term "Hip Torque" to describe the power the hips add to the swing. Batters must rotate the hips to achieve maximum bat speed. To get the maximum hip turn the front foot should be kept in a closed position. If the front foot is allowed to rotate or is in an open position at any point during the swing, there will be a loss of hip energy and a reduction of power in the swing.

The back foot is often lifted or turned up onto the toe. Many coaches describe the action of the back foot as a turn of the "shoe laces to the pitcher". The back foot action is not nearly as important as the front foot. The one thing that must be monitored is that the back foot does not travel forward. The back foot should stay where it was at the beginning of the swing, but the heel should lift and the foot turn to free the back side and to allow for maximum hip and torso rotation.

3) The Batter Keeps of the Hands Close to the Body. The Batter Keeps the Hands on the Shortest Power Path to the Ball. - The power track for the hands is a path that starts above the ball and close to the body. The "power track" is a short compact swing that is directly to the ball. To generate great bat speed the batter must drive the knob and bury it at the power contact position. Keeping the hands closer to the body also keeps the hands inside the ball.

4) The Batter Achieves Maximum Extension Through the Ball. - The batter that keeps the bat on the ball plane as long as possible is able to generate the maximum amount of power possible. The track or path of the bat should be downward until it gets to the balls plane. When the bat gets on an even plane with the ball, the batter should then drive the hands forward through the ball. This power extension has the top hand in a palm down position and the bottom hand in a palm up position. This forward extension or drive through the baseball is a key element of generating power.

I hope that this article was informative and helpful to you. I appreciate you taking the time to read. Have a great day, Nick.

Baseball Batting Machine - The Backyard Basketball Goal For Baseball Players

One of my pet peeves in life is that there are many hundred thousands of future high school baseball players that will spend millions of hours of their spare time shooting basketball today. They will go out into their own backyard and spend hours and hours shooting games of “Horse” or playing “Pick-up” basketball.

Why does this bother me? The reason is that I know that these players could be having just as much fun and entertainment swinging a baseball bat if they had the right batting machine at home. They could be building skills in the game of baseball that will benefit them greatly when they compete for a spot on their high school team later.

Backyard batting machines such as the BatAction Hitting Machine and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine are the “Backyard Basketball Goal” for the Future Baseball Prospect. The future baseball prospect “lives” to swing the bat like the future basketball prospect “lives” to shoot the hoop.

Here are my 5 reasons the Batting Machine is like a Backyard Basketball Goal:

1. It is pure fun to hit. It offers a variety of fun and entertaining games and batting drills that kids love to play. The batting machine makes your backyard the most popular backyard in the neighborhood.

2. It is always ready for action. When the player gets bored at home, the machine is readily available.

3. There is not set-up required. To shoot basketball, all you need is a basketball. To hit the batting machine, all you need is a bat.

4. There is no energy required. The batting machine is fully self-contained. It operates off its on energy source. It uses the energy of the bat’s contact to propel the ball for the next swing.

5. A player can shoot basketball solo. The player can hit the batting machine without having to have a second person also. The “Streak” hitting game is comparable to shooting “Horse”. Players can play the “Streak” game alone.

So you can see why I call the batting machine, the backyard basketball goal for hitters. The two batting machine that are most poplar today are the BatAction Hitting Machine by Nedco Sports and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Machine by SKLZ.

You can see the batting machines described in theis article at BatAction.com and HurricaneMachine.com

Nick Dixon is the host for BaseballCoachingDigest.com, the YouthBaseballDigest.com, and BaseballParentGuide.com.

Easton Stealth Baseball Bats - The Stealth IMX and Ozone

Article Title:
Easton Stealth Baseball Bats - The Stealth IMX and Ozone
By Brandon Bland

The Easton Stealth Baseball Bats for 2009 are the Stealth IMX and the Stealth Ozone models. The Stealth IMX is a 2-piece, all composite bat. It uses their IMX or Integrated Matrix composite technology. This is an aerospace grade composite material in which the fibers are angled and layered a certain way that creates a very large sweet spot on the barrel. The IMX is known for having a big barrel. It also uses Easton's ConneXion, or CXN technology. This literally means that since the bat is 2 pieces, it creates a "connection" between the handle and barrel. The main purpose for the two separate pieces is to reduce vibration to the handle on contact with the ball. The bat also uses Carbon Nanotube Technology (CNT) in the composite resin material. This is also an aerospace technology, used in many advanced applications and projects. It is used to make the composite extremely strong.

On a scale of 1 to 100 Easton gives ratings to four separate bat characteristics. The ratings for the Stealth IMX are a Hitting Area of 100 (big sweet spot), a Swing Weight (M.O.I.) of 90 (relatively barrel heavy), a VRS (Vibration Reduction System) rating of 95 (minimal vibration), and a handle flex of 75 (average flexibility in the handle).

The other of the Easton Stealth baseball bats is the Ozone model. It has some similarities to the IMX in that it is a 2-piece bat. However, this bat is a combination of composite material in the handle and an aluminum alloy in the barrel. This is known as a "hybrid" design. It uses the alloy from Easton's 2008 line of bats, the Sc900. The Ozone technology used in the bat is named after the way the sweet spot is designed. The walls of the bat are thicker at the taper (area between the handle and barrel) and the end cap, while the sweet spot is made thinner. This creates a trampoline effect on contact with the ball to create more "pop." You can learn more at Easton Stealth Baseball Bats.

Brandon Bland is the webmaster of Baseball Equipment Review, a site devoted to informing ballplayers of the quality of today's baseball equipment so they can make informed decisions about their purchases.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Bland

Sponsor Links:

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---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

2010 Demarini Baseball Bat Reviews

By R. Nelson

Demarini's 2010 line-up of baseball bats includes some minor adjustments to their 2009 line. The new "buzz word" for their 2010 models is Silver Trace technology which claims to be a unique blend of carbon combined with the "Silver Trace" technology. They say it is a bonding agent that adds strength to maximize power transfer to the barrel. I'd say it's more hype than anything else but at least they're trying to make it seem like there's something new going on. The new CF4 is essentially the same as the CF3 with a slightly larger barrel and they've adding a new option in the low-priced composite category. They've also dropped the Vexxum which has been in their line-up for quite a long time.

Here are the 2010 Demarini Baseball Bat Reviews:

Demarini 100% Composite Bats


Demarini CF4: According to Demarini the new CF4 Gold is their most technologically advanced baseball bat. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much change from the CF3. The handle is now "Pitch Black Plus" instead of just "Pitch Black" composite material and the aforementioned "Silver Trace" technology to the barrel. They say this adds 11% to the barrel length compared to the CF3 (so about an inch). It also has a redesigned end cap called "The Hub" that has a noticeably concave design. It's a two-piece double wall composite bat with a flex handle and a very low swing weight, although Demarini does not supply any numbers. The odd thing about the CF4 or CF3 is that most college players do not use it. In the 2009 College World Series teams that use Demarini bats, like Arizona State, have nobody swinging a CF4 or CF3. My guess is that these advanced players do not like the extremely light feel of the CF4/CF3 and are looking for a little more mass. The Adult -3 model has a retail price of $399.99. I still think the CF3 is a very viable option on the discount racks.
Demarini Vendetta C6: This is where Demarini is using their brain. The Vendetta C6 is Demarini's first attempt at a second tier composite baseball bat. With the high cost of composite bats it's critical for manufacturers to offer a second tier model. The all new Vendetta C6 is a two-piece single wall bat with a flex handle, balanced design and Demarini's second tier (C6) composite material. The Adult -3 model retails for $299 which puts it in the same price range as the other second tier composite bats. This is a solid option in this category.

Demarini Hybrid Bats


Demarini Voodoo Black: Two-piece single wall bat with a flex handle that features "Pitch Black Plus" technology and a balanced design. The barrel is the same SC4 Alloy as the Vendetta SC4 but it retails for an additional $50 at $299.99 for the Adult -3 model. This is by far Demarini's most popular bat. As mentioned, teams like Arizona State that use Demarini bats overwhelmingly use the Voodoo. The entire Arizona State starting line-up used the Voodoo in the 2009 CWS. The Voodoo is my recommendation for high cost hybrid bats.
Demarini Vendetta SC4: The Vendetta SC4 is the same as the 2009 Vendetta model. It's a two-piece single wall bat with a flex handle, a balanced design and includes their "Rails Hybrid" technology. It has the same SC4 alloy barrel as the Voodoo. It has a retail price of $249.95 for the Adult -3 model. The only difference between this and the Voodoo is the inclusion of the Pitch Black plus and Silver Trace technology that's on the Voodoo. A solid option for the low cost hybrid category.

Demarini Alloy Bats


Demarini's only entry in the 100% alloy segment is the Nitro. It's a basic bat made from older material at a bargain basement price of $99 for the Adult -3 model.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Nelson


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One Perfect Swing

One Perfect Swing
The BatAction Hitting Machine - The Original Rotational Hitting Machine - The Perfect Home Batting Trainer.

By Todd Thomas

Is there one perfect swing? The simple answer is no. There are many "perfect" swings. Every pitch in every location at every speed requires adjustments. Mike Epstein's definition of a perfect swing is "the adjustments the hitter makes to the pitch s/he gets." If a hitter is only taught one swing, for instance level or down, they will be ill-equipped to make adjustments to different pitch locations if their body has been programmed to only "one" swing? If a hitter is only taught to swing level and taught NOT TO let their rear shoulder drop on the approach, how are they going to hit the pitch at their knees?

Great hitters like say Manny Ramirez ,though they have a core of swing mechanics, on a regular basis clearly show the adjustments good hitters make. When Manny is thrown a ball up in the zone you will see him swinging in such a way where he is upright on his axis, his shoulders are more level, and his swing is level to the incoming pitch. A "perfect" swing. Manny would have little or no success hitting the high pitch if the only swing he was taught was straight down.

If Manny was taught only a level swing, he would be well equipped for pitches up in the zone but would be in trouble on pitches down. Have you ever tried to swing "level" on a pitch at the knees? But we hear instruction to hitters all the time, "Swing level, swing level". Level to what?

Manny however within his core of rotational hitting mechanics has a great deal of success on the low pitch. His rear shoulder comes down and his bat head properly drops below his hands in order to get on plane with a low pitch. This being in a lot of ways a very different swing then he executed on the high pitch, yet another "perfect" swing. Keep in mind: this is the SAME hitter responding to different pitches and making adjustments!

Here's how a swing can be perfect AND ugly. A pitcher gets a hitter to break their vertical plane and come forward through their axis bringing their weight out over the top of the front foot executing a one-arm lunging swing. This could really be considered a "perfect" swing with two strikes when all the hitter is trying to do is get a piece of a tough pitch in order to get a better one to hit next time. Simply making contact is often the goal with two strikes and this could have been the swing necessary to fight off a good pitch. However, if that very same swing were executed by a hitter with the count 2-0, it would be considered "ugly". A hitter's goal often changes with each pitch based on count situation, score, inning, and runners on base. Perfect swings by good hitters though often different are the by-product of their mental and physical adjustments.

Adjustments made by the top hitters in baseball and softball are done to enhance their ability to get on the plane of the pitch and to hit the ball square. Repositioning the body is one of the adjustments necessary for making this happen. Why make a tough thing like hitting, tougher with a one way to swing approach?

Sometimes a hitter can execute a "perfect" swing(or what I call their "A" swing) to match the speed and location of a particular pitch and still one of those 9 other guys on the field makes a play on it and gets the hitter out. Sometimes a hitter will put a less than perfect swing( a "C" or "D" swing) on a particular pitch and somehow ends up with a hit. The goal of every hitter however should be to put as many "A" swings on pitches as they can.

Learning a "core" technique that you see in the best player's "A" swings is important. A good instructor will then show the hitter how to adjust from that blueprint to pitches in different areas of the strike zone. This is an absolute must. There is no "one way" to swing. Adjustments have to be made from a swing that would be "perfect" for an inside pitch to what would put a hitter in the perfect or better hitting position for an outside pitch. The Rotational Hitting technique (or whatever you want to call it, the "the big league" swing, hybrid swing, et. al) gives the hitter the flexibility to make on the fly adjustments much more than the rigid Linear Hitting approach does.

Todd Thomas is a Baseball Coach and Professional Hitting Instructor for Mike Epstein Hitting. Coach Todd's personal hitting website is http://www.HitItHere.net. Coach Todd also enthusiastically endorses http://PlayMyBestBaseball.com as a place where baseball and softball hitters can master the Confidence, Composure, Focus and Consistency of their game so they can reach their full potential.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Todd_Thomas

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Pitching Mechanics - Become a Robot on the Mound

StayBackTee.com

By KC Andrus

Alright, so you want to become a robot on the mound. Pitcher's have control over everything that happens on the field, in a lot of regards they are the most important people on the field. Now, everyone enjoys watching a finesse pitcher think his way through a lineup and get people out, but the best way to become a consistent pitcher that consistently gets outs is to throw hard. It is true that certain people have naturally gifted, golden arms but it is also true that everyone can improve their velocity by tweaking some things within their throwing motion.

Pitching mechanics are a living, breathing thing and the most important thing to accomplish within your windup is to establish consistency. The first thing you want to is to find the most comfortable spot on the rubber. Once that is out of the way you are going to want to keep things as simple as possible and try to keep everything going towards home plate. That means take a short, straight step back and then go straight to your balance point. When you reach your balance point you should be able to maintain pretty good balance, don't worry about whether your toe is pointing down or anything like that just make sure you are balanced.

When you land you should be a little more than shoulder width apart. Then it is vital that you fully extend your arm forward and release the ball out in front with a quick flicking motion in your wrist. All of the top power pitchers implement these things into their motions and it not only builds power but also improves command.

Be sure to use all these basic tips to help improve your throwing motion. If you really want to improve your velocity on the mound and add 10 mph to your fastball be sure to follow the link below for all the best professional tips you can get:

Pitching Mechanics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KC_Andrus

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Little League Digest - Proper Baseball Swing Mechanics and the "Belly Button" Rule of Hip Turn

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By Nick Dixon

Little league Digest: Baseball Batting Coaching Tips: Teaching Hip Turn Mechanics and Using the "Belly Button" Rule to Improve Baseball Swing Quality

The hips play an important part in the baseball swing process. The turn of the hips helps to generate power and bat speed. There are several important coaching points about the involvement of the hips in the swing. The "B B" rule is one good way to teach young players the degree of hip turn on various pitch locations. This article presents several coaching points and explains the "B B" rule.

Here are 10 Coaching Points related to Hip Movement Mechanics:

1. The degree of hip movement is determined by the location of the pitch.

2. The hips must turn more when hitting an inside pitch.

3. The hips will turn less when hitting a pitch away.

4. The hips should not move before the hands and bat.

5. To free the hips, the back foot must spin, rotate or turn onto the toe.

6. The hips follow the barrel. The hips should open behind the barrel, not before it.

7. Premature front side or hip movement will cause a batter to pull the head and to pull of pitches.

8. The correct hip movement is a spin. Lunging or sliding the hips forward is not acceptable.

9. The hip movement should be a thrust or fast rotation. The faster the rotation of the hips, the faster the bats speed.

10. The degree of hip rotation can be taught by teaching the "Belly Button" rule as explained below.

The "Belly Button Rule" is explained as the following:

The Belly Button should follow the barrel of the bat through the baseball swing process. The location of a pitch determines hip turn. The degree of hip turn determines where the belly button is pointing when the batter finishes the baseball swing. The belly button should always finish in a position that points toward the direction in which the baseball was hit.

For example, when a ball is hit to the opposite field, the batters "Button" should point or be directed toward the opposite field when the swing is completed. If a batter pulls an inside pitch, the belly button should follow the ball and point toward the direction in which the ball was hit.

Coaching Point: For right and left handed batters, if the ball is hit through the box, up the middle, the belly button should "shine" or point toward second base when the swing is complete. For right handed batter, is a ball is pulled, the belly button should finish pointing toward third base. If a right handed batter hits the baseball down the right field line, the button should point toward first base when the swing is completed. If a left handed batter pulls the baseball, the hips should turn completely and the button should finish pointing at first base. If a left handed batter hits the ball to left field, the hips should turn less and the belly button should finish the swing pointing the 5-6 hole or between 3rd and 2nd base.

I hope that you found this article to be informative and helpful. Thanks for taking the time to read it. I wish you and your team good luck this season! Have a great day, Nick.

The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Little League Digest the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon


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Batting Cage Netting - Choosing Just What You Need

BattingCagesDirect.com

Batting Cage Netting - Choosing Just What You Need
By James Quick

Knowing how to choose the Right batting cage netting for your situation could save you lots of money and save you from cheap imitations. batting cage netting comes in several types.

Batting cages at the school or at home are becoming increasingly popular as the price gets to where an individual can afford one. It cuts down on trips to the park to practice and allows for practice any time you want it. The netting is the most important thing when you talk about batting cages and there are several kinds. Which one is the best?

Most netting is made in Nylon and comes in several different strengths. Of course, the less strength the less money you have to pay for the netting. This netting usually comes in clear or white and it is pretty strong.

There is also the more expensive polyethylene netting. This netting is made from melting plastic and then making into strands that are braided or knotted. You can find this type of netting in all kinds of color from black to bright orange and this netting lasts forever. You may get a tear in it but it is easily fixed. Polyethylene netting doesn't absorb water like nylon netting does so there is no chance it will deteriorate.

Nylon netting is soft and pliable while the polyethylene is rather stiff. You can do repairs on both, but it is probably easier to repair nylon net because of its pliable nature. Naturally the nylon netting is made in less steps and the material is cheap so the netting will be cheaper. Polyethylene netting is a bit expensive but worth it.

If you have a small area to put up a cage use the polyethylene because it is stronger. You will not have to worry if the ball hit at a high speed will escape the netting. You won't have to pay for repairs to ball dents in your neighbor's brand new car.

Go here to get the Right batting netting you need http://www.battingcagenetting.net

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Quick

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Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
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Heater Pitching Machines
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…and if you are looking for Youth Training Equipment, Advanced Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, and Pitching & Throwing Trainers, or Portable Mounds, they have those too!
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Baseball Coaching Digest - Pitcher Fielding Practice Drills - Double Play Feeds and Covering First

Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine by SKLZ

By Nick Dixon

Pitcher fielding practice should be an important part of every team's regular practice routine. Pitcher fielding practice is an activity that allows pitchers to practice fielding and making good throws to the different bases in different situations.

Our Pitcher Fielding Practice or PFP, as it is called, requires all infielders and all pitchers. The activity takes only 7 minutes. Therefore we do PFP drills every day in practice. This practice activity requires two coaches to fungo or hit the ground balls, 6 baseballs, and 4 catchers alternating and catching up.

First Set - Pitcher Covering First and Bunt throw to 2nd Base

We begin the activity by having 2 middle infielders report to their position. We will then divide the pitchers into two groups. One line will be getting over to first on a ball hit to the right side. The other line will be fielding bunts and making the throw to second. This is the first segment of the drill and we do this for 3.5 minutes without a beak. The pitchers will rotate lines after each throw.

The "cover first group" works on the right side of the diamond. The bunt cover to 2nd base group works on the left side of the diamond. The line will run out toward 2nd base. The pitchers will set up even with the pitching rubber but will shade to their respective side to allow enough space for both groups to work at the side time without delays or stopping.

Coaching Points: Covering First

The pitcher will must take a good angle toward the line and work up the line toward the bag. The catcher will yell, "get over" each time a ball is hit. The first baseman will communicate with the pitcher to let him know if he will take to the bag himself. If the first baseman bobbles or is slower getting to a ball, the pitcher will setup and stretch on the throw. It is important that the pitcher avoid shading over into the base path in order to avoid a collision with the runner. The pitchers will work out of the windup.

Coaching Point: Bunt throw to 2nd base

The pitchers and catchers will make a call. If the catcher can field it, he will. If the pitcher fields it, the catcher will make a "2 call". Communication and verbal calls by the catcher is an important part of this drill. The pitcher must make a perfect throw every time. Make sure that the pitcher has the right approach to the ball and sets the feet before picking it up, if he can. Good footwork will save time and make execution of the throw easier. The pitchers will work out of the stretch.

Set 2 - "Squeeze Play and Throwing to Second Baseball to Double Play"

During the second half of PFP's we will have the "right" side group field a "come backer" ground ball and make a throw to 1st or 2nd. The "left" side group will may a "do-or-die" play on a squeeze play for 1 minute and then cover home on a passed ball for the remaining 2 minutes.

Coaching Point: Comebacker

The coach will call out where runners are before the ball is hit. The pitchers always work out of the stretch. The catcher will make a "2 call" if the ball is a double play ball and there is a runner on 1st. If the ball is bobble or too slow for to turn two, the catcher will make a "1 call" and the pitcher will make a throw to 1st. If no runners on base the pitcher will make a throw to 1st. We will vary the situations on various days. The coach may call a runner on any base or all bases. The pitcher may check a runner at 2nd and go one, check a runner at 3rd and go 1. The pitcher may have to go home with it if the 3rd base man makes a "4 call". The pitcher may also turn two if the catcher makes a "2 call". All infielders are used during this drill and "talking" is vital.

Coaching Point: Squeeze Play - Cover Home

The "left" side group will may a "do-or-die" play on a squeeze play for 1 minute. The pitcher must charge the ball and use a "scoop and throw" technique to get the ball to the catcher. The winning run is at third and the play is a "do-or-die" play. Speed and accuracy is important. The catcher must complete the play with a simulated tag.
Next, the pitcher will practice covering home on a passed ball or wild pitch. The catcher will retrieve the ball using a "slide by" pickup technique. The catcher must make a perfect tag spot throw to the pitcher. The pitcher will hustle, set up for the throw and finish the play with a simulated tag.

Note: A lot of action is occurring is this 7 minute drill. If commit only 7 minutes so the "sense of urgency" make the kids really bounce around and hustle. Each fielder receiving a throw will step out of the drill and make a throw to the 2nd catcher in their drill. The catcher will then toss the ball to the coach for the next rep. The catchers alternate each side every other day. One day two catchers will work the "right side" drills and the next day they will work the "left side" drills.

I hope you find this information useful and beneficial. I know that you can add and make improvements to this activity as you use it. Good Luck till next time, Nick Dixon.

The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon

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The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Youth Baseball Digest - Good Pitcher Sometimes Can Not Throw a Strike - 10 Things to Check First

By Nick Dixon

If you have a young baseball pitcher that at times looks like a Josh Beckett or Randy Smith and other times he struggles to throw two strikes in a row, what can cause of his control problems? There are 10 key elements of his delivery that should always be checked first. Those key elements are outlined in this article.

There are 10 key elements of his delivery that should always be checked first. Those key elements are outlined below.

The 10 most common causes of control problem in Little League Pitchers are:

1. Pitcher is Not Concentrating on The Target. The pitcher does not keep his eyes locked in on the target from the start to the finish of his delivery. Many young pitchers when get half through their delivery they look away. They take their eyes off the mitt. They must keep their eyes focused on the target at all times during the delivery.

2. Bad Stride Foot Angle - The pitcher is not steeping in the direction of the target. The stride foot landing must be close to an imaginary straight line from the middle of the pitching rubber to the middle of home plate. If the pitcher steps too far to either side of this imaginary line, there will be control problems. The stride foot should land no more than an inch or two off that line to either side. It is best for some part of the stride foot to land directly on that line.

3. Bad Stride Foot Landing - The stride foot should land flat. Many times young pitchers will land on their heel. This can and will cause control problems.

4. Stride Leg Does Not Flex or Bend - Many young pitchers lock the stride leg. This locking action makes the body "pole vault" upward upon the landing of the front foot. The stride leg must bend slightly to allow the pitcher to drive and snap the hips.

5. Dragging the Back toe - The back side toe should be lifted up and out of an imaginary bucket. If a pitcher sometimes drags the back too when throwing the fastball, his control will be inconsistent. Sometimes a pitcher will intentionally drag the back toe when throwing off-speed pitches. That is acceptable so long as the pitcher is conscientious of the action.

6. Inconsistent Release Point - The pitcher is not consistent with his throwing arm extension toward the plate or his release point. To have consistent control, the pitcher must release every fastball in the same release spot. He must release very breaking ball at the same release point. It requires a lot of pitching practice to master the muscle memory that allows these release points to be consistent.

7. Not Finishing Low Enough - The pitcher does not bend at the waist. The pitcher must bend, get low, and drive through the pitch delivery. Trying to pitch while standing more upright is going to cause problems and a lack of control.

8. The Finish and Following Through are Poor - Pitch quality suffers when a pitcher does not finish properly or execute a smooth proper follow through. The pitcher's throwing arm should finish with the elbow below his off side knee. The pitcher's chin must finish down and the head should be in front of the stride toe. The head should finish lower than the waist with the back leg foot lifting above the pitcher's entire body.

9. The Trunk rotates too early - Many young pitchers open the front shoulder prematurely or rotate the truck of the body too early. The shoulder should stay closed until the weight is shifted onto the stride foot. The torso rotation should be delayed until at least 60 to 70% of the pitcher's stride is completed.

10. The grip is inconsistent - The pitcher must practice pitching enough to get a consistent feel for each pitch grip. The pitcher should keep the fastball gripped as far out in the fingers as possible. Pitchers that sometimes grip the ball wrong or change their grip without knowing it will definitely have problems throwing pitches consistently and hitting their sports.

I know that some of these keys were elementary, but sometimes it is the simplest thing that throws the most advanced pitcher we have off his game. I would always check these 10 keys to see if I could diagnose the problem and correct it as soon as possible.

I hope that you found this article to be informative and interesting. wish your team good luck in the coming season. Have a great day, Nick.

The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon

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Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!