Baseball Coaching and Training Blog

How to Improve Your Baseball Hitting Techniques by Proper Baseball Training

2011-12-13T10:50:00.000-08:00

How to Improve Your Baseball Hitting Techniques by Proper Baseball Training
By guest author: Chris Moheno

Many people think in order to become a great baseball hitter they must work with a trainer to get the best results possible. Although if you get the opportunity, take it but many people can only do things on their own. Realizing this there are a few simple things you can do on your own to get the baseball training necessary in becoming an efficient hitter.

The most important thing is to be yourself. Seriously, it sounds odd but the next time you go to the batting cages watch all the Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, and Ichiro Suzuki stances used by others around you. Yes those three are great hitters, but with all do respect the way they bat may not work for you. Effective hitting doesn't mean trying to hit it out of the ballpark every time either. You will need to have patience, good vision, quick hands, strength, and the ability to take criticism while learning. Then of course you will need to find a bat that fits your size and arm length. Once you have all this you can interact with certain baseball drills to fine tune your batting.

Don't be afraid to experiment with everything. For instance staying away from "hitting the ball off of tee" because it´s boring. Make it fun, and remember if players like former batting champion Tony Gwynn did it while he was a pro then so can you. It will help you learn to hit the ball cleanly and hit line drives which will only increase your overall batting average. There are a few major things to remember about how to train yourself to be a better hitter; practice, practice, practice. However, keep in mind if you are practicing drills without tweaking your batting stance to become better or bringing a heavier bat along with you to hit as far as you can then your not really practicing.

If you are going to take baseball training seriously it would be in your best interest to make a schedule, and keep it. In doing so you will begin to get in a routine that between such and such an hour this is what is practiced throughout the week. Add different things for each day of the week so you won't be burnt out quickly. Its definitely hard work to become a better hitter, but when it happens the rewards are exciting and fun. Here are a few more things to think about when getting up to the plate.

When you take your swing at a pitch be sure to keep your stride short and sweet. This will allow your body to move in one fluent motion. If your strides are long you have a greater chance of throwing your balance off in the process. Keeping your head still is another solid point to remember during every swing. It allows you to focus on the ball, what kind of pitch, and helps your plate discipline deciphering if its good or bad. If your head is moving to the left or up to the sky you'll know that you can't see the pitch hit off the bat which can take away from your strengths becoming more luck than skill.

While many of these are basics of the game and have been told over and over again they are the most important parts to your baseball drills. Once you have mastered these you will see it in your overall offensive statistics during the season. Just remember to keep it fun, and learn to try new things if what you're doing now isn't working or you've hit a slump. The smallest change may make all the difference in becoming a true baseball hitter.

Discover more about how to improve your baseball hitting techniques on baseballtrainingsecrets.com

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

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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, 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, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Youth Baseball Training - Pitching Drills for Little Leaguers

2011-11-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

Youth Baseball Training - Pitching Drills for Little Leaguers
By guest author: Jake Wyatt

In youth baseball training, the coach shouldn't wait until problems develop to use pitching drills. Pitching baseballs should be practiced all the time to promote good pitching habits and fundamentals. Here are some pitching drills that can be used by Little League coaches.

Before beginning pitching drills, you must know pitching mechanics. The type of pitching drills and number of throws depends on the age and strength of the player. Every coach should teach the mechanics first. This will be boring for the players but the coach must require proper mechanics of all his pitchers to prevent injuries.

Here are some great pitching drills for young players:

1. Balance Drill. This involves the pitcher "playing ball" from the mound, to get the feel of compensating for the slope of the mound. Have a "catcher" set up in front of the plate, giving a good target to the pitcher. Since the distance is shorter, the pitcher can work on his mechanics while not using his arm as much. This drill helps reinforce the wind up and throw, with balance, while throwing strikes.

2. Stay-closed Drill. This is another drill that helps reinforce good mechanics. Again, the catcher will position himself six or so feet in front of home plate. After warming up, have the pitcher stand sideways on the mound with his feet spread the approximate width of his stride. Next, have the pitcher shift his weight to his back foot to throw the ball to the catcher. You want the pitcher to develop good tempo by smoothly transferring his weight from back to front. The goal of this drill is to make sure the pitcher's head stays on line with the target and to have his head down as he finishes the pitch (have him take his hat off and pick it up at the end of the drill to reinforce this). The goal is to throw efficiently, not hard, in this drill.

3. On-your-knee Drill. This drill reinforces the hip and trunk rotation needed for a mechanically correct delivery. Have a right-handed pitcher place his right knee on the ground, with his left shoulder closed and pointing toward the catcher. Have the catcher set up in front of the plate to make the drill easier. Have the pitcher "rock back" and throw the ball. Make sure the pitcher keeps his head in line and finishes the delivery properly. This drill is good for developing curve balls and changeups.

Making pitching drills part of your regular practices will improve your team's pitching consistency and help prevent injuries as well!

In order to be the best possible baseball player, training should happen year-round and be a joint effort between the coach, the player and the parents. Get more free tips to improve baseball performance, reviews of e-products related to baseball, and links to training resources at http://youth-baseball-training.com.

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

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Baseball Drills - Staying Motivated While You Practice

2011-10-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Baseball Drills - Staying Motivated While You Practice
By guest author: Nate Barnett

One of the biggest challenges a coach faces is to successfully instill a long-term motivation and vision in practice during the typical lengthy baseball season. It's not uncommon for a high school player to spend February through August doing baseball drills, workouts, training, and of course participating in games. So the question must be asked, how can you create a sense of urgency and long-term focus during the hundreds of hours of baseball drills throughout the season?

This is where goals come into play. Though I will say, be careful how you use the term "goals", the reaction of your athletes may be less than excited. I prefer the term, "road map". Whether it be to play in high school, college, or professionally, you will be much more likely to find your athletes will perform the baseball drills and workouts you create efficiently if you help them continually expand their road map. Without a clear and defined road map, you'll end up wasting a lot of practice time and will most certainly find it tough to help your players stay motivated throughout the duration of the season.

I'm sure you've agreed with me thus far that a road map creation process is vital to the success to an athlete. But let me give you one tangible and practical way to help enlarge the thinking of your players.

Think of it this way. If the goal is to get to the Big Leagues, there are some serious rewards that come with the title of Big Leaguer. One of the benefits of course is economic. Lets say a talented and successful player makes one million dollars annually playing professionally. Broken down over a career of practicing and working hard on baseball drills, that's about 20 grand per practice! Obviously it largely depends on the age of the athlete whose dream is to play in the Bigs, but I'm sure you can do the math and figure out the amount of money per practice. Have the athlete deposit the money in his mental bank account only if he's worked hard during his practice.

The mind is an amazing thing. Help your athletes develop it so they may achieve their full potential.

Nate Barnett is owner of The Pitching Academy and improves the mental game of baseball in athletes. Help your game by improving your pitching.

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

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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, 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, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Baseball Coaching Digest - Base Running Basics

2011-09-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Baseball Coaching Digest - Base Running Basics
By guest author: Nick Dixon

There are certain base running rules that every base runner should learn. Here is each base and basic rules that players should know about each.

First Base

1.Sneak a peek when running to first. If the ball does not get by the infielders run through the bag. Make sure that you foot lands on the front half of the bag.
2.When you cross the bag, always look to your right to see if the throw got by the first base man.
3.If the ball gets into the outfield, do a "fish hook" move to get a flatter path to second base.
4.Get your signs from the 3rd base coach with both heels on the bag.
5.Make sure to take you lead using the proper steps and shuffle footwork.
6.Remember it is your job to get a good jump or start. The job of the coach is not to start you but to rather stop you.
7.Should a deep fly ball be hit to the left field, go away from the bag as long as you can read the numbers on the back of the jersey of the left fielder. When he stops and turns to field the ball, you should stop and read what happens of the play. If he sets up for the catcher, you should retreat to first base with a full sprint.

Second Base

1.When advancing toward second base, always pick up the 3rd base coach visually about ½ of the way to second base.
2.If there are less than two outs, take your lead in the line or base path directly between the bags.
3.If there are two outs, get a deeper lead, to give your self a flatter angle to turn at third base should you have to score.

Third Base

1.Always take your lead in foul territory with no part of you body extending into fair territory. This is prevent an out being called if a ball is hit down the line and you can are hit by it.
2.Make sure to take your walking lead with timing that has your right foot landing when the ball gets to the plate. Do not get caught flat footed. When the ball hits the mitt, you either score on the play or retreat to the bag immediately.
3.When you return to third base, always return to the inside corner of the bag. If the third base man has his glove out, go in high, and block the block from home plate. This may deflect a throw from the catcher.

I hope this article was beneficial and useful to you. Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest Blog and the Youth Baseball Coaching Clinic Blog for daily post and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball.

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

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Baseball Tips - Catchers - Just Let 'Er Rip!

2011-09-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Baseball Tips - Catchers - Just Let 'Er Rip!
By guest author: Chico Reese

Did you ever get to a game and as you're watching the players warm up you notice that the catcher seems to have a pretty good gun? He's snapping throws off to other players and throwing ropes in long toss. He just looks good.

Then the game starts. Well, inevitably, a guy with half descent speed gets on first and gets the steal sign and takes off on a following pitch. The catcher pops out of his crouch and throws an absolute rocket towards second base. However, it's too high and sails into centerfield.

The next thing you hear is the coach yapping away with things like:

•"Hey! Get it down! No one can do anything with that throw!"
•"Hey! Follow through!"
•"Hey! Throw down, not up!"
•"Hey! Get it down! I'd rather have it in the dirt instead of out there!"

All of the above is true, for the most part. If you've ever caught, you've probably heard good advice during a game and many times heard bizarre things that leaves you shaking your head. This is very true if you have a coach that doesn't know that much about catching and has never caught before either.

Later in the game, another guy gets on and steals. The catcher pops out of his crouch and fires off a...well, not a rocket, but a medium fast, arcing throw towards second.

Safe.

It got there, but there was nothing on it. It didn't, however, end up in centerfield did it? But, how good is that throw anyway? And that's how the rest of his throws go. The catcher has been reduced from a kid throwing rockets before the game to a catcher who is taken a great deal of velocity off his throw and is now "aiming" his throws. It looks like he's throwing darts at times.

Here are a few baseball tips for you catchers, especially the young ones. Also, coaches should be thinking about these also.

First, catching is an explosive position. There are no big wind ups, long strides, and so on. Watch the pros. When someone steals the catcher fires up and just puts everything into a short, fast motion. The mask is usually flopping all over the place and the chest guard is flopping around. It has to be this way. That's how momentum is built up and released.

What can stop this explosiveness and produce crappy arcing throws?

Fear.

Fear of what?

Well,

•There is a fear of failure.
•There is a fear of looking bad or stupid.
•There is a fear of getting yelled at during the game by a coach.

If you are a catcher and you have a fear of throwing , you better fix it and get over it because when the time comes, you "gotta let 'er rip"! Don't worry about overthrowing because of your velocity. Always, always, always throw hard!

What you need to do is focus on your footwork and your release and try not to aim or "throw darts", which will kill your velocity. You need to understand correct throwing mechanics and footwork. Learn them. Find someone knowledgeable who can teach you these things. The best thing is to get your hands on catching videos and DVDs showing proper throwing techniques. These are produced by college coaches and pros who know what they're talking about. You only need one or two. Watch them and then watch some major league games on TV and you'll see that the pros are doing exactly what you've watched on your tapes and DVDs.

So, learn and practice...over and over. You can never practice footwork too much. Once your footwork is correct and your release is correct you won't worry about overthrowing. Your velocity will still be there, probably better now. And as a catcher there are times when you do overthrow. Big deal! But, you have to feel what you just did, feel that your feet were too fast or too slow or feel that you were too far in front too fast, and so on. This comes only with knowledge and practice. Don't blame yourself for throwing too hard!

Overthrowing second base has nothing to do with throwing hard. You must know that as a young catcher. As a coach you should always encourage hard throws. Don't yell about the overthrow...make the catcher think about his feet and delivery. Go over it after the inning is over. If you've trained the catcher with proper footwork and delivery he should be able to tell you what went wrong with that throw. And it should never be, "I threw it too hard."

So keep your catchers throwing hard. You can prevent full potential by yelling about overthrowing. Remember, you overthrow second base by having bad mechanics for that particular throw, not throwing hard. That's as silly as telling a traffic cop that the reason you drifted through the stop sign was because you were going too slow.

On rare occasions, excessive thinking or fear of throwing can lead to the most devastating throwing "afflictions" you can ever witness or go through. This is the Steve Blass Disease or Sasser Syndrome. Sasser was a catcher for the Dodgers. There are other names for this but the most notable case in recent years was young pitcher Rick Ankiel of the St. Louis Cardinals.

So catchers and coaches, consider the baseball tips above for a little bit. Learn proper footwork and delivery and practice it over and over and over. Then you'll be very confident and not afraid to "just let 'er rip!" when you know someone just got the steal sign and is taking off on the very next pitch.

Chico Reese has been closely involved in youth baseball, softball and High School Baseball over the last twelve years and enjoys working with young catchers.

For excellent Catching instruction, drills, training and other valuable baseball tips, consider the following sources:

Catcher Instruction, Training and Tips To Make You A Better Catcher

http://baseballcatcher.baseballgloverestore.com/

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

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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, 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, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Rediscovering the Magic of Youth Baseball

2011-09-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Rediscovering the Magic of Youth Baseball
By guest author: Dave Rosene

I have seen significant changes how youth baseball has been 'taught' in the U.S. since the 1960's, and the changes haven't been positive. I didn't say coached because coaching refers to strategy and competition, and the concentration of youth baseball must be on skill development, rules understanding, and team play. We need teaching coaches for that, because today's players show deficiencies in these areas more than previous generations. When people of my era started playing baseball, it was the most popular sport in America and engrained in our culture. There were many different forms that helped improve individual skills: fast pitch, whiffle ball, ledge, penner, or just throwing popups to yourself, and we didn't need parents to organize these activities. We called our friends who would call their friends, we threw off walls or our house steps, and we had games with whoever was around and made up our own rules. We became better players by thinking or playing baseball every day. Plus we learned the game by watching baseball on television or going to major league games if we were lucky enough to get tickets.

Most youth American players today lack the knowledge and experience that we had because they have more options to take up their free time and they therefore have varied interests. By not spending more time practicing, playing, or watching baseball, they are lagging behind kids from other countries in skill development and general baseball knowledge. Why do Latin American players dominate professional baseball? In most cases playing baseball is the only sport available to kids there to participate in, and by playing constantly they progress quickly.

Can we and should we go back in time to help our youth rediscover the magic of baseball? How can we, as teachers and coaches, make the game relevant and necessary for players who get distracted and sidetracked easily. We have to show kids what made us love baseball, and pass along that love. That's the challenge we want to take on. In future articles we will discuss how to effectively teach and coach our youth athletes to maximize their talents while identifying the negative methods to avoid that I've seen too much of in the past 30 years.

DNA Sports specializes in personalized baseball and softball skill programs, college recruiting education and preparation, and coaching clinics. Learn more: http://www.dnasportsonline.com

Dave Rosene - Co-Founder, DNA Sports

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

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Dustin Pedroia Baseball Training Tips

2011-09-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Dustin Pedroia Baseball Training Tips
Uploaded by StackBaseball Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox, provides a baseball training how to, addresing the importance of hard work and the difference between high school and college training. Pedroia: ""I went to Arizona State, and in the fall there, when we weren't playing, it was always, get as strong as you can as fast as you can for the season. I try to take that into professional baseball as well. That's why I train at ABI and get ready for the season, because I feel like it's the best fit for me, and makes me become the better athlete that I can be. I trained in high school too, but it got more advanced when I got to college. I think in high school, you just go in there and any time you can, you just go in there and lift weights any time you can, but once you get to college they have people that prepare you and they have strength coaches where in high school it was just our baseball coach telling us what to do and to lift weights. I think once you get to college, you'll understand that there is a program that you need to be on.""

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Problems With Travel Baseball: Not Enough Practice Time

2011-08-29T04:36:00.000-07:00

Problems With Travel Baseball: Not Enough Practice Time
By Andy Pohl

When travel league schedules revolve around tournament play, winning inherently becomes the primary focus. Rarely do these teams have time to practice due to the heightened amount of travel and games. This is a glaring problem with travel baseball, as kids need a combination of practice and games to best facilitate athletic development. Simply throwing young kids out on the field to play as many games as possible does not necessarily facilitate athletic development, as younger athletes need considerable practice time to develop their hitting and defensive skills in a pressure free environment.

Basically, what travel baseball has done is put 8-11 year olds in an adult created setting where the pressure to win and perform takes precedent over the emotional and athletic development of the players themselves.

A bi-product of this reality is the coaches themselves acting as if they were managing professional players - the yelling, the throwing of equipment, the arguing with umpires, the sulking after losses. And while it may appear that these travel coaches know what they are doing with their custom made dry-fit coaching shirts and Oakley Sunglasses resting on the brims of their fitted caps, the fact of the matter is that most of travel coaches possess the same amount of knowledge as your average house league coach. In fact, the majority of travel players are being coached by parents who don't know the first thing about baseball or the social and emotional development of kids. Many of these parent coaches cannot even properly parent their own kids!

Rather than winning, the focus for youth baseball needs to be on development. After all, once these kids hit puberty, it is really not going to matter which travel team your son played on and how many tournaments they won. Athletic excellence and success cannot always be identified at an early age, and inferior athletes will frequently blossom and attain success in later years given the right opportunity to compete and develop their skills. Consistent practice time is a critical component to this development.

Though some may disagree with several of the statements in this narrative, understand that my goal is to report in an honest and straightforward manner what I know to be true from my many experiences working with youth baseball players. I have no hidden agenda. The well-being of kids is always my top priority, hence the reason why I created this article.

Andy Pohl - Co-Founder, DNA Sports

DNA Sports specializes in personalized baseball and softball skill programs, college recruiting education and preparation, and coaching clinics. Learn more: http://www.dnasportsonline.com

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

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The Importance of a Good Baseball Weight Training Program

2011-08-24T04:25:00.000-07:00

The Importance of a Good Baseball Weight Training Program
By Guest Author Ron Wrigley

Serious baseball players understand the importance of starting a baseball weight training program during the off-season. Sure, they could spend the off-season reliving the wins and losses of the past season, but that does nothing to improve their game. A smart program will only improve a player's skills.

In recent years, there has been much buzz about famous baseball athletes who performed well and then were found to be using steroids and other harmful substances to increase their performance. Instead of participating in these illegal practices, it is important to know how to train properly so that you can be the best in the sport.

Baseball players mostly use the core muscles in the body: those located in the stomach and the back. Some of the key elements in the sport are power and the ability to be quick. Major league teams have recognized that a players ability to bring these elements into the game relies heavily on their weight training. Most of these teams have incorporated weight training rooms and fitness centers in their stadiums, as well as trainers who are professionals at coaching sports competitors.

The barbell push press is very effective at training the muscles in the shoulder area, allowing a baseball player to achieve a very strong swing with the bat. The front squat will benefit any athlete in increasing leg and shoulder strength as well as balance and stability. The barbell bench press, jump shrugs, and squats are other exercises that ball players should practice which strengthens the entire upper body.

Lunges and jumping jacks will help with endurance skills, and practicing jumping hurdles can be another great exercise for athletes to take part in.

Not only is it important to increase your stamina and weight lifting skills, but you should also practice sprinting and agility drills so that you are quick on your feet. Do your best to be in good physical shape for the games before your season begins and you will be well on your way to a winning season.

Click Here [http://www.baseballweighttrain.info] for more training tips.

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

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Baseball Coaching Glove Radar: Excellent Tool - Excellent Price

2011-08-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

The Glove Radar™ can aid any player - infielders and outfielders, as well as pitchers and catchers, throwing from any distance. Professional and amateur players can use the Glove Radar™ when warming-up. Young ballplayers will benefit from velocity information when tossing or training, and will have fun using it.

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The purpose of Glove Radar™ is to assist in developing players' throwing capabilities by providing a measure of velocity improvement which results from using proper throwing techniques. By learning the proper way to condition, train, warm-up, and throw, players can achieve their best accuracy and velocity performance, while reducing the risks of injury to their arm and body.

The Baseball Glove Radar can be purchased for $69.95 at Baseball2u.com
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2011-08-18T04:13:00.001-07:00

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Free Baseball Coaching & Training Drills and Tips

2011-08-17T04:14:00.001-07:00

You are invited to join the Baseball Coaching Digest community and begin receiving the Baseball Coaching Digest free every month. This emailed newsletter contains free baseball drills, free baseball coaching tips, articles on how to teach hitting, articles on how to teach pitching mechanics, and baseball practice planning tips and templates.

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Youth Baseball Training - Three Tips to Increase Baserunning Speed

2011-08-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

Youth Baseball Training - Three Tips to Increase Baserunning Speed
By guest author: Jake Wyatt

Youth baseball coaches spend a lot of practice time focusing on batting, throwing, and fielding skills. Speed training often consists of just having the kids run the bases as fast as they can a few times. Coaches that take the time to work with their players on their base running speed will make their teams more competitive.

Here are some specific tips to use to help your players run faster. Working with each player individually to help them increase their speed will have the most benefit, as each player will need different improvements.

1. Arm position. The runner's arm position should be close to the body at a 90 degree angle and about waist high. As the player runs, the arms should be moving front to back. Sideways movements will slow the runner down. The shoulders and hands should be relaxed. Have players practice the correct movements in slow motion until they develop the appropriate muscle memory.

2. Focus. The runner should be looking at his destination, not at the ground in front of him. For baseball players this means the next base. However, the player does need to be aware of what's going on around him, so he doesn't get tagged on the baseline or run into another player.

3. Foot position. Keep runners OFF their heels. The proper foot position for the fastest speed is to land on the ball of the foot and push off, rolling forward to the toes. Professional running shoes have the cleats only on the front of the shoe, because this is where a runner's power comes from.

If a coach spends a few minutes every practice working with his players on their running form, his team will be faster overall. And a faster team wins more baseball games!

In order to be the best possible baseball player, training should happen year-round and be a joint effort between the coach, the player and the parents. Get more free tips to improve baseball performance, reviews of e-products related to baseball, and links to training resources at http://youth-baseball-training.com.

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

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Baseball Fielding Drills

2011-08-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

Baseball Drills for Infielders - How to catch a ground ball

http://www.baseball-training-instruction.com/youth-baseball-bats.html

Four Baseball Fielding Drills to be used indoors or out. They will improve technique while giving players a baseball specific workout.

Baseball Tips: Taking a Lead

2011-08-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

Baseball Tips: Taking a Lead
Uploaded by playsportstv
Visit PlaySportsTV http://www.playsportstv.com/baseball for more great youth baseball drills and baseball coaching tips. Learn how to take a lead from first base in this baseball training video.

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Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…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!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.

Coaching Little League Baseball - Bad Habits Make For Bad Coaching

2011-07-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

Coaching Little League Baseball - Bad Habits Make For Bad Coaching
By guest author: Nick Dixon

Here are 10 bad habits of bad Little League Coaches:

1.Laziness is the #1 trait of bad coaches. It is impossible for a coach to fool the players. They more than anyone else know when a coach is lazy. It is difficult to get players to work hard enough to be successful if the coach is not willing to put forth the effort.
2.Lack of knowledge is another trait of an inadequate coach. They do not know enough to properly teach and instruct. If a coach did not play as a child or teenager, they should become a "student of the game" and learn the correct terminology, fundamentals, techniques and strategies to be successful.
3.Not being organized is another trait that bad coaches are good at. They seldom have what they need or have a plan for practice or games.
4.Not being on time is another characteristic of a terrible coach. They arrive late for practice and games. They often have to miss practice or have to leave practice early. They find it impossible to find enough time to be a good coach.
5.Negativity is a trait that helps make a bad coach worst. They are always expecting the worst. They expect it to be a bad day and most of the time they are right. They expect to lose and often find a way to justify losing.
6.Lack of attention to detail. They are too busy to see what is happening or to pay attention to small details that make big differences in a player's and team's success. They often ignore swing flaws, mechanical mistakes, and sub-par performance at practice or a game. They chose to over-look the mistake than correct it. They do not consider little things important. Therefore, their players and teams never reach their fullest potential.
7.Bad coaches often speak before they think.
8.They are quick to panic or over react. They are impatience.
9.They are not consistent in teaching and instruction techniques.
10.They don't really like kids.

Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest Blog for daily post and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball. The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog. Check out the Bat Action Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

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

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Baseball Training Fundamentals

2011-07-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

Baseball Training Fundamentals
By guest author: Wade Lockstock

When you're dealing with baseball training, you have to look at a few factors. For example, how to you hit the ball with the bat? Getting it just right will make or break a team. A good baseball hitter has to have some natural talents, crack the basic skills of baseball and a certain level of confidence.

Natural talent covers the body, having good arms, wrist, hand and the ability to synchronize the ball with the bat. You could have all the natural ability in the world, but if you don't get the fundamental basics down, you won't be a successful hitter. Being self-confident comes from the constant success in hitting the ball with the bat.

Standing correctly is one of the biggest things to get right. You should stand up straight with the body weight being equally distributed on the feet. The feet should be shoulder width apart. When the ball is coming the person should lift up his front foot up a few inches then slide it forward towards the pitcher. The timing has to be just right and your hands should be one on top of the other when swinging the bat.

The bat is held differently for both right and left handed batters. You move you're hands down as you swing the bat. When you hit the ball, then you run to first base.

Running is the easiest step to do. There are all types of running and sliding into the bases. When you run, take one step in front of another keeping balance on both feet. The ball will tell you how far you can run. If the ball runs up the field you can try to get to base 2 or 3. It just depends on how far or short you hit the ball and who catches it.

Having a good pitcher can make or break the team. The pitcher is one of the most important players on the team. He can be of a great uplift when the team is down. You have to be strong and confident. If the pitcher is no good, you can find the team being in last place for the season.

The pitcher should have a good throwing arm. He also has to be able to throw the ball where he wants it to go. The object is to get the ball over the strike zone so that you can get the batter to strike out.

The pitcher needs to be in great shape too. He needs to be calm, cool and confident that he can do his job. No matter what happens the pitcher has to do the best that he can in pitching. Now you know some of the baseball training tips you can use on your next game.

Want All The Baseball Training, Tips And Tricks To Have You Playing Like A Pro? Visit: http://www.baseball-training.org.

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

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Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
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Batting Cages
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BATA Pitching Machines
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Phantom Pitching Machines
…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!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.

Baseball Coaching Digest - Can You Name 20 Ways to Score From Third Base?

2011-07-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Baseball Coaching Digest - Can You Name 20 Ways to Score From Third Base?
By guest author: Nick Dixon

How many ways can you think of that a runner can score from third base.

I am a firm believer in the strategy of getting the runner to third base with less than two outs any way you can. Below, I have listed 23 ways of scoring a runner from third base that do not score the same runner from second base.

I am sure that there are more than 23. That is all that I could think of today.

1. Pitcher throws a wild pitch.

2. Catcher allows a passed ball.

3. Pitcher commits a balk.

4. Batter hits a sacrifice fly.

5. Batter properly executes a squeeze bunt.

6. Catcher commits interference.

7. The pitcher allows a base on balls.

8. Runner steals home.

9. Baseball hit ground ball that is fielded quickly by an outfielder.

10. A "bounce away" error by an infielder which requires the infielder to make a move to recover the ball.

11. Fly ball misplayed or dropped by an infielder in fair territory with 2 outs.

12. Fly ball misplayed or dropped by an outfielder in fair territory with 2 outs

13. Short fly ball hit in the outfield that is misplayed or dropped.

14. Soft line drive hit over the infielders head.

15. Pitchers hits batter with bases loaded.

16. The catcher makes an errant throw back to the pitcher. The pitchers misses the ball thrown back to him by the catcher.

17. With no outs, the batter hits a double play ground ball, with runners on 1B and 3B and the opposition turns the double play.

18. An infielder while attempting to make a play to first on the batter makes an errant throw.

19. Catcher throws the ball into center field attempting to throw out a runner trying to steal second base.

20. Middle infielder misplays and drops the throw from the catcher on a runner stealing second base.

21. Pitcher throws the ball away at third base while attempting a pick off.

22. Pitcher throws the ball away at first base while attempting a pick off.

23. Catcher throws the ball into left field while attempting to pick the runner off at third base.

The CoachesBest Baseball Store has over 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.

Make sure to visit Blog4Coaches and the Baseball Coaching Digest for free coaching articles, drills and tips.

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

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Baseball Coaching and Baseball training dvds, videos, and books.

2011-07-15T07:59:00.001-07:00

Baseball2u.com - Has the Baseball Coaching and Baseball Practice Books and DVDs that help coaches take their team to the next level. Check out the baseball coaching titles below found at the Baseball2u Online Book Store

Book: "The Baseball Playbook"
by Ron Polk$29.95
Book: "The Baseball Handbook"
by Bernie Walter $19.95
DVD: "Hitting Drills & Techniques" by Marty Schupak $24.95
Book - Mike Epstein on Hitting $24.95
DVD - The Mechanics of Hitting by Tony Dello $39.95
Book - 101 Championship Baseball Drills
by Glenn Cecchini $19.95
DVD Series - 6 Tape DVD Series:
"Ron Jackson's Hitting Factory" $199.99
DVD - Teaching the Mechanics of
the Major League Swing II
with Tom Emanski $29.95
Book - The Natural Hitter's Drill
Handbook-Vol 2: 101 Advanced
Hitting Drills by Luis Ortiz$19.95
6 DVD Series: Hitting For Excellence
by Dave Hudgens
Cleveland Indians Hitting Coordinator $99.95
A Youth Baseball Coaches Tool Kit $19.95
Book - Youth Baseball: A Coach's and Parent's Guide $19.95
Book: "Baseball Strategies"
with the American Baseball
Coaches Association by Wendell Kim $24.95
DVD: "Winning Baseball Strategies"
by Coach Marty Schupak $24.95
DVD: Baseball World's Dynamic
Practice Organization
with Tom Emanski $29.95
DVD: 6 Set Series
Tom Emanski Series $169.95
Book: "Coaching Baseball Successfully"
by Mike Curran $19.95
Book: "Coaching Baseball the Cal Ripkin Way"
by Cal and Bill Ripken $16.95
DVD: "Baseball Skills & Drills DVD"
by American Baseball Coaches Association $49.95
Book - 101 Defensive Baseball Drills
by Pat McMahon $19.95
Book: "Gold Glove Baseball" by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) $19.95

Youth Baseball : Little League Baseball Batting Tips

2011-07-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

Youth Baseball : Little League Baseball Batting Tips
Uploaded by eHowSports

Teaching little league baseball players how to bat requires a great deal of practice, patience and making sure each kid feels comfortable at the plate. Get the most out of your hitters with tips from a professional baseball instructor in this free video on little league baseball batting tips.

Expert: Mickey Hiter
Contact: www.sandlotter.com
Bio: Mickey Hiter played baseball at Lipscomb University.
Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

Series Description: Little league and youth baseball coaching requires a great deal of communication skills, patience and understanding of baseball. Be a great coach and mentor with tips from a professional baseball instructor in this free video series on youth baseball.

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Baseball Playing & Coaching Tips : How to Pitch a Ball

2011-07-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Baseball Playing & Coaching Tips : How to Pitch a Ball
Uploaded by expertvillage
Pitching a baseball is done by stepping towards the target and stepping forward with the opposite foot of the throwing hand. Throw a baseball accurately with tips from a professional baseball instructor in this free video on baseball.

Expert: Mickey Hiter
Bio: Mickey Hiter played baseball at Lipscomb University.
Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

======================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…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!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.

Unique Baseball Drills

2011-07-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

Available at:
Baseball2u.com

BatAction.com
Hit2win.com

Unique Baseball Drills
By Jim Bain

While observing an advanced skill level team practice have you ever noticed a metal folding chair setting somewhere around the dugout, bull pen or other area adjacent to the practice field? If you have, you've probably either noticed it, but it didn't register or raise any questions in your mind, or you just figured it was for a coach to sit and take a break.

Did it ever occur to you that you were looking at a very important training tool? You heard me right... a baseball training aid which is utilized for rather unique and skill specific training.

We teach hitting mechanics in a systematic building block process which includes, but is not limited to the legs, core, hips, shoulders, wrists and starting mechanisms. Sometimes a player will develop a problem, or bad habit, with one or more of these elements which must be corrected.

The use of the metal folding chair, or a similar chair devise, as a coaching tool begins here. For instance:

1. If a player develops a bad habit of opening his hips too soon while swinging, he will either hit an excessive amount of foul balls to his left, if a right handed hitter, or to his right if a left handed hitter, or pull off the ball, which shortens his bat length and prevents him from being able to reach a pitch on the outside of the plate.

In order to correct this problem, it is imperative you remove the legs and hips as part of the swinging process. By having the player sit in the chair, with his ankles wrapped around the front legs, you accomplish this goal. The coach will soft toss a ball to the player and the player will swing, attempting to hit the ball solidly, but will only be able to utilize his core, shoulders and arms.

Repetitive use of this drill will retard the impulse of opening the hips too soon, as the muscle memory of the core will over ride, yet work in conjunction with the hips and legs, resulting in a quick bat and power generated from the entire body.

2. On the defensive side of the coin, the chair is utilized for drills which increases hand speed and fielding ability. Obviously the legs are an integral part of fielding just as they are with hitting, but there are times the legs will get a fielder where he wants to go, to the ball, in time, but a bad hop occurs which tests the fielder's ability to quickly adapt with his hands and glove.

The player will sit in the chair slightly bent over in a semi-fielding position. The coach will position himself about 10 foot away, facing the player and throw tennis or rubber balls at him in various ways.

The reason tennis or rubber are used instead of a regular baseball is they bounce better, can be made to bounce and skid erratically and for safety as the player is restricted in his movement.

The fast paced drill requires the fielder to react quickly with only his glove and upper body, which replicates the identical situation presented by a bad hop. Repetitive use of this drill will increase the players' hand speed and agility.

So next time you're at a practice field, don't just look...actually see what's going on. There's no telling what you might learn.

Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on hitting baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com

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

Youth Baseball Trainer From Baseball2u.com

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BatAction 360
SKLZ Lightning Bolt Pitching Machine
SKLZ Light Bolt PRO Pitching Machine
Joe Mauer PX4 QuickSwing Baseball Trainer
Advanced Skills Tee by Muhl Tech
SKLZ 5 Position Batting Tee
ZipnHit Pro Baseball Swing Trainer
Jugs Small Ball Pitching Machine

3 Drills to Help Improve You Pitching Mechanics in the Offseason

2011-07-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

3 Drills to Help Improve You Pitching Mechanics in the Offseason
By Jim Bain

You may be able to throw a baseball 110 mph but without proper pitching mechanics and endurance you'll never become a quality pitcher. Pitching strength is the ability to throw that 110 mph fastball, consistently for strikes, for 9 innings.

I can't show you how to throw 110 mph, but I will teach you drills which will train you in proper pitching mechanics and increase your pitching strength.
These drills are the basic building blocks, the foundation, of the long road to perfecting our pitching mechanics. They may seem simplistic at first, but similar to "Wax On -- Wax Off " of the Karate Kid, they will build into sound pitching mechanics.

Mastering Upper body mechanics is the first issue to be dealt with and the "Knee Drill" or "Upper Body Drill" will teach these proper techniques.
This drill requires 2 players, both kneeling @ 30 - 50 feet apart. A right handed thrower kneels on his right knee, lefty on his left knee. From this kneeling position they simply play catch.

Without Lower Body involvement, the player is able to concentrate solely on developing good arm mechanics. Special attention should be paid to:

A. The shoulder alignment with the target, shoulder should directly face the other player.
B. Check for Good Circular arm rotation. Bad rotation results in shoulder problems.
C. The elbow should be at least as high as the shoulder, forming a right angle with the head / shoulder as the arm comes pass the ear.
D. Complete follow through is important. The pitching hand should completely cross the body ending at the opposite hip or knee. Finishing your pitching motion is every bit as important as the beginning step.

Performing this drill religiously until perfected will engrain proper upper body pitching mechanics into muscle memory, which will then become automatic.

Balance is critical to every aspect in baseball, but especially pitching and hitting. Without having good balance, besides all the other problems of control and velocity it causes, it will sap your strength reducing your endurance and quality pitching starts. This drill will help teach you how to maintain balance while pitching.

This drill is to be performed without a baseball and will include the full wind up and stretch position.

Perform your normal pitching delivery as if you were throwing to a batter. When you reach the "lifting of the leg" portion of your delivery -- Stop! Now hold that position for 5 seconds. There should be no teetering, wavering or wobbling. If properly balanced you should feel as if you could hold this pose indefinitely.

Finish your pitching motion. You have now, through intense practice of these two drills, learned proper Upper Body pitching mechanics and Balance. You are well on your way to becoming a quality pitcher.

Tarp Drill: This drill is especially helpful in allowing a pitcher to attain accuracy and velocity, because it can be performed without the need for a catcher. The player can do this by himself in his back yard.

1. Buy a 10' X 10' colored plastic tarp and cut it into 4 - 5' X 5' pieces.
2. Paint or Tape a rectangular strike zone on the tarp piece and securely hang it.
3. Place a pitching rubber, in line with a rubber home plate in front of the tarp, at ¾ three quarters the player's age regulation pitching distance.
4. Throw from the full wind up and the stretch position. After obtaining the skill to consistently throw strikes from this distance, move the rubber back to regulation distance.

As the pitcher's accuracy and velocity increases, divide the rectangular zone into 4 separate zones and have the pitcher throw at each zone within the zone.

Jim (Coach) Bain is a former Minor League Player and Coach of Youth Baseball for over 10 years. He has drawn from fellow successful coaches' experiences and combined them with his own extensive experience to create a Baseball Teaching Website. The site is packed with 100s of tips, drills, history and instruction on how to play and coach the game of baseball.
http://www.Learn-Youth-Baseball-Coaching.com

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

Coaching Baseball - Two True Base Running Blunders That Teach a Lesson

2011-07-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Coaching Baseball - Two True Base Running Blunders That Teach a Lesson
By guest author: Nick Dixon

We all know the importance of good base running. We know that "solid" base running scores runs and wins games. We also know that poor base running can easily cause a team to lose a game. The following two stories are true stories of base running mistakes that cost the team a win. All the team had to do to win was to have the base runner advance to the next bag. These two stories are great stories that you can tell to your players to teach young players two important rules of base running:

1) Always hustle and run everything out and never assume anything when you are running the bases.

2) On a game winning base hit, always advance to and touch the next bag.

Coaching Baseball Base running: The stories of two base running mistakes that teach a lesson

It was a high school game. The home team was batting, down 3-1, with bases loaded and two outs. The #6 hitter, with average speed was at third, #9 hitter, a fast runner, was on 2nd and lead-off hitter, a super speedster, was on 1st. The count was 3-2, with bases loaded and all three runners were moving on the pitch. The #2 batter was the batting for the team trailing by two runs. He was expecting a fastball on the outer half of the plate that and he got "all of it"! He ripped a hard line drive right at the second baseman. The second baseman leaped into the air and the ball hit his glove. The batter seeing the ball go into the glove immediately slumped in disappointment about a 3rd of the way to first. He goes down to his knees with his face in his hands. He was basically "feeling sorry for himself". In the meanwhile, he was unaware that the ball went completely through the webbing of the glove of the second baseman and landed 15 feet behind the fielder. The second baseman had to go get the ball and make the throw to first for the out. The second baseman was quick as a cat so it did not take long. The batter realized what had happened, tried to beat out the throw, but was out by a step at first base.

However, if the batter had he been running, he would have been easily safe at first. The saddest fact of all is that the runners on 3rd and 2nd scored easily what would have been the two tying runs. Plus, the runner at 1st, the super speedster, crossed the plate during the play to score what was the winning run. But, the team lost the game. If the batter had simply run the ball out, his team would have won the game. A hard lesson learned and one that will never be forgotten.

The Great Base running Mistake in Baseball History

The following is the story of what is commonly called Merkle's Boner. It is the most costly mistake ever made by a baseball player running the bases. It happened in September of 1908, in NY City. The Cubs were facing the Giants with the pennant on the line. Each and every game was a must-win situation. The score was tied 1-1, in the bottom of the 9th inning; the Giants had runners on the corners with two outs. Fred Merkle, a 19 year-old rookie, was the runner on first. The next batter lined a single. The runner at third came home. It appeared to be a Giants victory, they had won the game and taken the lead for the pennant, and the cheering fans swarmed the field.

Merkle looked toward home plate and saw his teammate cross the plate. Merkle was startled as he saw the huge crowd pour out of the stands and onto the field. In his excitement, he simply stopped half-way to 2nd base. Thinking the game was over, Merkle sprinted off the field. But, he had forgotten an important rule of baseball; he did not go touch second. With him on first, there was a force out at second if the defense can get the ball to second base before he touches second base. The Cubs retrieved the ball, went and touched second. The game was declared at tie because order could not be restored because the fans could not be removed from the field. The two teams went on to finish the season in a dead tie for the pennant. They had to play a one-game playoff. The Cubs won and went to the World Series. One loss, the loss, that day knocked the Giants out!

Merkle was never forgiven by the NY fans for that blunder. He went on to have a solid career of 14 years and a lifetime average of 273. However, everywhere he went he always was reminded by fans of his terrible mistake on that day of his rookie season. This is a major league mistake that will always be called, Merkles Boner. I hope these two stories are useful to you. I appreciate your interest and you taking the time to read my writing.

Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest Blog for daily post and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball. The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog. Check out the Bat Action Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

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

======================
Thanks to our sponsors:

www.BatAction.com

---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

A Monthly Basic Baseball Training Schedule - Our 500th Post

2011-07-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

A Monthly Basic Baseball Training Schedule
By Thomas E Wilson

If you intend to make baseball your life and make the big leagues, you really need to practice 365 days a year. We get emails all the time from medical experts explaining how rest days are very important in building muscle, and we could not agree more. When we say practice 365 days a year, we don't necessarily suggest going through a entire training session every day, as that is never healthy. We suggest that each and every day you really should do one thing to improve or practice, even if it is not physical.

You could record a baseball game and then watch it back in slow motion taking note on precisely how different players swing, field ground balls, and so on. You could possibly also read through a book on the subject of baseball tactics. Your opportunities are infinite, but don't forget you shouldn't be laying on the sofa each and every day watching baseball games and expecting to get a lot better. 95 percent of your training should really be physical training. With that being said, below is a basic schedule of what your baseball workouts ought to look like.

January-February: You should be focused on physical fitness all through the first two months of the year. Take advantage of your school's fitness center or work out room if they have one. If you have room in your house, buy one piece of exercise equipment so you can get plenty of exercise at home when ever you want to. A treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike are highly recommended. The second most vital thing is a set of free weights for bench pressing, curls, etc. If you don't have any space in your house for big pieces of equipment, use the cash you would have used and buy a membership to a local gym if you have dependable transportation. Like we say all the time, great players find a way to make things happen. Even if none of the above choices work for you, be ready to go jogging outdoors almost every day, through the rain, sleet, snow, and heat.

March-April: These are the classic "spring training months." Take your fitness training down a level and concentrate on acquiring your baseball techniques back again. Play catch, take ground balls, fly balls, and batting practice practically every day. Don't forget to ease your arm back into throwing slowly and gradually, since the last thing you want right now is an arm injury. Concentrate on form and regaining your technique.

May-October: Time to play some baseball! Continue to keep up mild physical training, but do not forget to conserve the majority of of your energy for the games. Now is your time to show off what you have worked so hard to be able to do!

November-December: Take a well earned break from baseball. As much as all of us enjoy the sport, taking a couple of months "off" is likely to protect against burnout. Still continue healthy and balanced eating and light exercise, but relax and enjoy the holidays. Set your goals and objectives for your baseball workout programs for the new year.

This is the standard training model that we suggest following. Of course, just like all workout programs, you should modify it to accommodate your needs. Additionally, seek the advice of a medical professional prior to getting started with any kind of significant exercise plan. If you ever get frustrated, just remember how you are in control of your future. Make the best of what you're given and work harder than everybody else. The most important thing to bear in mind, is that baseball is enjoyable, and though you need to work hard, keep in mind when you are working your butt off training, how much fun you will have not just playing, but excelling in the game you love!

Are you interested in improving your game and being the best baseball player you can be? If so, check out www.BestBaseballWorkouts.com to find more helpful information as well as baseball workouts and training programs for sale that will take your game to the next level!

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Hit2win.com - Build a Better Swing! Free Drills, Tips & Articles.

Happy Independence Day - 2011

2011-07-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day - 2011
Happy Birthday America!

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Baseball Coaching Digest: 5 Solid Tips for Taking Your Team From Worst to First in Batting Stats

2011-06-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

Baseball Coaching Digest: 5 Solid Tips for Taking Your Team From Worst to First in Batting Stats
By guest author: Nick Dixon

There are five things that I recommend baseball coaches do to improve a team's offensive numbers. These are changes that coaches must put into place if they are looking to take their team to a higher level in hitting statistics. This article explains those five things that I suggest that you make a part of your regular team routine.

Your team can become a better hitting team. I am 100% confident that you can be the reason that your team has a better hitting season this year than last season. The number one thing you must remember is the saying, "Stupidity is never more evident than when a coach has his team do the same thing over, and over and over, but expects different results". If you want your team to be better than they have ever been, you have got to plan, coach, instruct, teacher, work, and organize your practices better than you ever have.

Here are three things I recommend for helping a team become a better hitting team:

1. Change Your Attitude - Teams always emulate the attitude of the coach. If you expect the team to hit better and do all of the work and preparations to do so, then the players will expect better results. Make it known that "thing are changing around here". Make it known that you have a new system, a new approach, and a new commitment to getting the job done at the plate. Let the team know that "everything counts". Every practice swing must be performed, reviewed, assessed, and critiqued. Make it known that every fundamental will be given the attention necessary to make the team better. Sub-par practice will not be accepted. We will practice like we play and play like we practice, with a stated purpose and with total focus.

2. Sense of Urgency - Make sure that your team and staff know that improvement is a must. They must realize that last year's or season's numbers were bad for a reason. Those numbers are unacceptable and unexpected this year. And explain to them that the reason for those bad numbers last season was a lack of work, a lack of commitment, and a lack of performance. The players and staff must realize the importance of making improvements. When a coach becomes better at teaching a skill, the team just got better. When a player becomes more knowledgeable on a baseball task, the team just got better. All players and staff must know that they must be committed to doing more than normal to help the team improve. Players and staff should be willing to stay after practice, come in before practice, or find extra time, outside of team practices, to work and improve on fundamentals. A player must know that the team "chain" is no stronger than the "weakest link". If a player is weak at a particular skill, until that player improves, the team will not be as good as possible.

3. Repetition of Quality Swings - Practice repetition for the sake of practice repetition is useless. Swing the bat is useless if the swing is a bad practice swing of less than game speed or game quality. You team needs to have a commitment to numbers and quality if your team's hitting numbers are going to drastically improve. My "rule of thumb" is that I want every player in my program to take at least 300 practice swing a day. Those swings must be purpose driven with no tolerance for "playing around", "goofing off" or "less than perfect execution". I don't care how the swings are performed. They can be off a batting tee, a training machine, live-arm in the batting cage, or simply a soft-toss drill. The key is to take enough swings every day to allow the player's swing to become instinctive, smooth, and as powerful as possible. The more quality swing a player takes, the more confidence that player will have.

4. Improving Knowledge - To improve quality of play, improved knowledge must take place first. Player must know what a good swing looks like. They must know what makes a stance a good stance. They must know and be able to identify good and bad hitting mechanics and fundamentals. They must hear the correct words and terminology when it comes to instruction, teaching, and practice. A coach must do his homework when it comes to learning the fundamentals of playing and coaching the game. Read books, articles, and everything else that you can get your hands on. Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest, the Youth Baseball Digest or the Baseball Today Coaching Journal to access free drills, tips, and coaching articles. Watch videos on YouTube of batting drills and coaching tips.

5. Truth and Consequences - Never lie to your team. Tell them honestly when a drill is good and tell them when a drill is bad. Have a consequence for poor drill performance. I try to keep my drills and instruction periods short at no than 10 to 15 minutes. But, if a drill is done sloppy or poorly, I have told my team that I reserve the right to always to have the team do a drill over or do a "start over". I want my players to know that we have a commitment to quality not quantity.

I hope that you found this article to be informative and useful. You may read more articles like it at the Baseball Coaching Digest, Youth Baseball Digest, and the Baseball Parent Guide. Thanks for reading this article. I wish you and your team the best of luck in the coming season. Have a great day, Nick.

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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. Dixon coaches at Boaz High in Boaz Alabama. Dixon is a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association and Alabama Baseball Coaches Association.

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 considered an expert in baseball training and skills development. Dixon also serves as an active consultant to baseball equipment companies and other sports product inventors.

Dixon is also a contributing writer for the Baseball Coaching Digest, the baseball Coaching Digest Blog, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Youth Baseball Digest Blog, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

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Pro Baseball Tryouts - How Should I Prepare for Tryout Day?

2011-06-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Pro Baseball Tryouts - How Should I Prepare for Tryout Day?
By Lyle LaFountain

Attending a pro baseball tryout is a great way to get exposure from pro scouts so you can get on their radar. That way they can watch you during the season. While it is rare, sometimes players get signed right out of a pro tryout.

There are two basic types of tryouts- Open and Closed. Closed tryouts are by invitation only. Players are often sent a letter in the mail, called, or told in person where to be for their workout. Open Pro Baseball Tryouts are for everybody and you need to be prepared for a pretty long day.

First thing you will do at a pro baseball tryout is fill out a short form with your name, age, school, position, and sign a liability release. At a tryout you might run into some of your friends but be careful to pay specific attention to the directions given by the area pro scout. You want to be respectful and note any specific instructions that may be given.

Secondly, at a pro baseball tryout you want to have all the equipment that you will need. Be sure to bring your own spikes, glove, wooden bat, catching equipment, and even your own helmet. Come to the field dressed sharp and looking like a serious baseball player.

You will also want to be prepared for a long day at a pro baseball tryout. Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before and eat a good-sized breakfast to start the day. Come to the field dressed and ready to work out. You can often have hundreds of players in attendance. So bring a light lunch to eat at the field and also bring plenty to drink. The field you will be at might not have any water fountains so you will definitely want to bring your own in order to stay hydrated.

Thirdly, make sure you arrive at the tryout on time or even a little early. Make sure before you begin the tryout that you get loose. Have a thorough warm-up and stretching session. For position players the first thing you will do is run the 60 yard dash. I would advise you to run a few sprints to get your legs loose before you let loose on your timed 60. Pitchers don't warm-up to soon but be ready for when it is time for you to show your skills on the mound. Some pitchers warm up and throw right when they get there. Then have to warm-up and throw again later. Then they have to pitch on the side and then they will finally be asked to pitch in a game. Make sure you wait to as close to the time for you to pitch for the scouts as possible before you warm-up. You don't want to be fatigued going to the mound and want to show off your best stuff.

At the pro baseball tryouts work hard and hustle. Make sure the scout knows that you are a ball player and that you love to play the game of baseball.

Lyle LaFountain is an expert author and former college baseball player at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. To receive "Why Some Players Make It and Others Don't" a free pro scouting report, visit his website Pro Baseball Tryouts. While you are there you can become a member and have access to a complete up to date list of professional baseball tryouts, including MLB tryouts, Minor Leagues Baseball Tryouts, and Independent League Tryouts.

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Baseball Pitching - Coaching Pitchers to Succeed by Starting With the Basics

2011-06-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

Baseball Pitching - Coaching Pitchers to Succeed by Starting With the Basics
By guest author: Nick Dixon

The coaching of baseball pitchers does not require a degree in "pitchingtology". There is no such degree to my knowledge. I just made that up. My point here is that coaching baseball pitching is not rocket science. However, having a basic knowledge of the terms and mechanics is a must. Having a commitment to be attentive to details in instruction and and to have frequent quality practice sessions is a good start toward becoming a coach of a successful pitcher at any level.

Here are the 5 basics elements of pitching success:

1. Beginning with the basics and keeping it simple

Let we first say that one of the basic rules on our high school team is that if you make our team, you are going to pitch. Every player participates in pitching workouts until it is determined that player simply can not help us on the mound. Over the years about 75% of our players pitch at least 10 innings during the season. With that said, I want you to know that my philosophy is to keep the terminology simple, the technique simple, and to make the process of pitching as easy as possible to master.

2. Balance is Key

The first thing we want out kids to understand is the importance of balance. Pitchers must learn to achieve and maintain balance from the start to the finish of their delivery. This is done by learning to keep the weight evenly distributed on the balls of the feet. Nothing happens on the heels. Keep head and body movement to a minimum. The head should stay still. This allows the head to stay over the ball of the pivot foot and over the body core or center. Special attention should be directed at eliminating any tendency to lean back, lunge forward, or to arch the back.

3. Knee Lift and Proper Stride Leg Motion

The lifting action of the stride leg should be smooth, straight up, and to a point of perfect balance. Make sure that the leg is not swung. The stride foot should go downward and then out. Many you pitchers want to lead with their hip and this cause major problems. Make sure that the leg action is down and out in smooth path. The stride foot should land on the ball of the foot. The stride should be in a direction with at least part of the foot landing on a straight line toward the catcher. Some pitchers will land more closed and some will land more open. The main point to remember here is consistency. A pitcher must land in the same spot time after time. If the landing spot is all over the place, control problems will be evident.

4. Elbow Dynamics

Much has been written and many studies have been made on the dynamics of the pitching process. To keep it simple, we want the following to occur. When the front foot lands both elbows should be up and even with each other on a direct line. The glove and ball may be above or below the elbow, but both elbows serve to reverse mirror each other. If the front elbow is tucked when the front foot lands, then a problem is evident. Both elbows should be extended away from the body in perfect opposite directions from the body to form a perfect straight line.

5. Late Break of the Hips

What I mean by this term is that we want the weight out and onto the front foot before the hip and trunk rotation occur. This late rotation generates velocity. Early rotation causes the pitcher to throw with all arm and will cause arm problems.

COACHING POINT: Make sure that the pitcher finishes low with the throwing arm finishing outside the stride knee. Many young players want to lock the front leg thus pole vaunting or lifting their body up and over the front foot. The stride leg should bend slightly.

As mentioned before, make sure that the stride foot is not heeling- out or landing on the heel. This is a flaw that causes jar and control problems. Also make sure that pitchers set up on the pitching rubber in the correct location. We want right-handed pitchers on the right of the rubber and left-handed pitchers on the left. This makes the ball more difficult to pick-up by the batter because of the increase in angle. It gives the pitcher more plate to work with.

Check out the Bat Action Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

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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Explosive Rotational Hitting for Beginners thru High School

2011-06-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

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Beginner Baseball Training Tips For Coaches

2011-06-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Beginner Baseball Training Tips For Coaches
By guest author: Sameep Shah

A proper training and coaching is very important no matter what level of game you need to success at. Therefore you will first have to find a qualified baseball coach who can teach you some essential fundamentals of the sport. If you are looking for some serious training through a professional coach then it is advisable to find a good local instructor or purchase videos and books or even find a reputable baseball institute. If you cannot afford to join the schools then you can read the books about the game or get some good DVDs. You can even find plenty of free information on the internet to help you get going with the game.

As the old saying goes practice makes you perfect, therefore the biggest tip in training would be keep on practicing. You need to focus on just 1 or 2 areas of the game when you are a beginner in the game. You should also work on getting the basics done perfectly for baseball and should bare in mind that the more you practice the better you can be in the game. You can even move further to expand your capabilities to advanced baseball training. One of the best ways to master in the game is to participate in the game. Therefore get yourself playing the game as much as possible. Apart from baseball fundamentals there are also other fields that you should work on.

Strength training - One important thing is to maintain your flexibility and strength when playing baseball. This training will help you avoid injuries and enhance performance.

Mental toughness - You will also have to work on the mental aspects of the game as it is evenly important to be a successful player. This means that you should learn team spirit, to be positive, skill to handle failure and criticism with the right courage. Always make sure the game is fun to play for you as it will keep your courage lasting long and when something negative happens you just shake it off and you are back to the game.

Diet - The diet you intake also plays a crucial role in your baseball training. Apart from strength and exercise training it is also important that you eat healthy. You need to have a balanced diet that includes all the vital vitamins, minerals and proteins.

These are some basic and important fundamentals for beginners that will help you build up as a successful baseball player.

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

2011-05-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Baseball Coaching and the Importance of Goals For Team and Player Motivation
By guest author: Nick Dixon

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.

Today the four letter word is G-O-A-L:

The Definition of the word Goal is a simple goal can do wonders to drive a baseball toward success. When you set a goal or goals, you accept the challenge to achieve the goal set. With that challenge comes a commitment and responsibility. Setting goals can improve the focus of the team, bring members and staff closer, and unite the groups in a common cause.

If you have a goal or goals to work for, your season will be like a journey to no where. You must set team goals. The setting of goals should be a team effort. It is suggested that team goals be set during a team function, away from the field. Have a team swim party, cookout, and party soon after the draft. Let the parents and players meet each other and the staff. Then let the players suggest what team goals they see as important for the approaching season. The goals should be set before a single practice or workout. The goals should be written down. It is always a great idea to make each player a printed list of the goals. Take a picture at that first team meeting. Use office publisher to make a sheet having the team name, logo, picture, team roster and the list of the team goals. You may also want to put a team motto on the bottom of the sheet.

The players should post the "Team Goal Sheet" in their bedroom. It is also recommended that a few team rules be included on that sheet.

It is suggested that you often mention your team goals during team practices and games. Use the team goals to motivate your players to focus on the practice activity being done at the present time.

It is always a great idea to have a post season meeting to discuss and review the team goal sheet with the team goals that the team set before the season began. You will briefly discuss the goals not met and why your team came up short on them. You will not single out players, plays, or games. You will briefly mention that if you had worked harder, these goals may have been reached.

In this post season meeting you will mostly discuss the great things done and the goals set and met. You should tell the team how proud you are for the team accomplishments. You may also discuss the hard work and great performance level that led to the achieving of these goals.

You may want to give the players a second Team Sheet with the goals achieved, team record, team photo, roster, and maybe a quote or motto you want them to remember in the off-season.

Suggested team goals:

Win the League Championship
Go Undefeated
Score at least 7 runs each game.
Hold the opponent to 3 runs or less each game
Have a team batting average of .375 or better.
Have perfect attendance at every practice.

Suggested team rules:

Never throw an object in disgust.
Never walk on the field.
Never be late for practice.
Answer the coach with a Yes, Sir or No Sir
Never question an umpires call.
Never sit or lay down on the field during timeouts.
Properly warm-up before every practice and game.

Suggested Team Slogans:

Expect to WORK...Expect to WIN!
A Season with a Reason
There is no I in TEAM
Work More, Win More
Work Like a Champion

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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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Baseball Batting Tips for Coaches - How to Improve Your Players' Swings

2011-05-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

Baseball Batting Tips for Coaches - How to Improve Your Players' Swings
By guest author: John B. Miller

Many baseball batting coaches claim to have "mastered" the art of the baseball swing. I do not claim to be a "know all" baseball coach or expert. I coach a local little league team and I would like to share four simple batting tips that have helped my team.

Tip 1. Coach your players to shorten up their swing. A compact swing is desired because it focuses and directs all of the swing's power into the ball. By shortening up the swing, it does not give the player time to waste on a long swooping swing that disperses all of the swing's power before hitting the ball.

Tip 2. Instruct your players to swing slightly up. It is important to swing slightly up because the pitcher's mound is raised above the batter's box. A perfectly level swing will actually cause the batter to hit a ground ball at best. By instructing your players to swing in a slight upward motion, beautiful line drivers are ensured to follow. Warning: make sure your players do not over exaggerate the swinging up motion. This will result in fly balls which will easily be caught and discourage your players.

Tip 3. Make solid contact with the ball! It may be difficult for your players to feel the proper sensation of solidly hitting a ball with an aluminum bat. For this reason I would recommend having a few practices using wooden bats. The use of wooden bats will allow your players to feel the proper sensation of a solidly hit ball. Once they learn this feeling, transition your players back to aluminum bats, and tell your players to try to emulate the same feeling they had when using the wooden bats.

Tip 4. Lastly, consistency is king! Once you coach your players proper swing technique and form, you must coach consistency. This is the most important step! A technically sound swing may take months or even years to achieve. This hard work can be for nothing if your players cannot learn to swing with proper form in a consistent manner. It is important that you first strip your players of the years of bad habits and poor technique before drilling in consistency. You don't want your players repeating bad habits! Once correct form and technique is coached, drill in consistency!

Follow these four simple batting tips and you should see an improvement in your players' swings.

John is a little league baseball coach who works with players between the ages of 11 and 13.
In just a few short seasons as a coach, John was able take his previously winless team to a recreational baseball league championship. He writes about the baseball drills his team works on http://www.baseballbattingdrillsblog.com

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Baseball Hitting Mechanics 101

2011-04-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

Baseball Hitting Mechanics 101
By guest author: Jeffery A Wise

The first thing any baseball player should learn is the proper baseball hitting mechanics. The earlier a player learns these mechanics, the better they will do when they step up to bat. It's not necessary for new players to learn complicated advanced hitting techniques. That will come in time, so they should just focus on the basics until they feel completely comfortable to move on. There are several simple steps you should know for the basic hitting mechanics.

How to stand in the batter's box
Where to look and the best way to position your head
How to position the rest of your body
How to hold the bat
How to swing the bat
When to swing the bat
What to do after you hit the ball

Anyone who loves playing baseball has a desire to be the best they can be, even at an early age. When I was young I asked my parents to buy me several baseball hitting books so I could learn how to be the best. I couldn't wait to crack them open and learn everything possible to improve my hitting.

If you are a parent of a young player, be willing to help your child advance and learn as much as the desire. Take it one step at a time, though, and don't rush them into anything. Some kids will ask a lot of questions, though, so be ready to move fast if necessary. Be prepared to answer any questions they have and help them both on and off the field.

It would be a good idea if you as the parent start studying before they even begin playing. Play to cover one hitting tip with them each week. Be sure they are comfortable before moving on to the next tip.

There are several tools you'll need to start helping a child learn the basic hitting mechanics. You'll need a bat, ball, helmet, tee and a field to practice on. You may want to also keep a notebook handy so you can document the progress of kids you're assisting, whether it's your child or a team of ballplayers.

If you stick to the basics of hitting, children will learn the proper steps necessary to hit a baseball. They must get plenty of practice and their skills are sure to develop. They will be excited as they seem self improvement. Even if a child seems to pick up the basics pretty quickly, they should never stop practicing these hitting mechanics. Even professional baseball players practice them on a regular basis.

Remember that the reason to practice baseball hitting mechanics is to give you skills and talent to become the baseball player you want to be. Download free hitting videos with tips and instructions you need to get started quickly by visiting Baseball Hitting and learn how to hit the baseball better.

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Little League Digest - Instantly Make Yourself a Better Little Coach With This Quick Self Evaluation

2011-04-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Little League Digest - Instantly Make Yourself a Better Little Coach With This Quick Self Evaluation
By guest author: Nick Dixon

Little League Digest: You Can Make Yourself a Better Little Coach Instantly with this Quick Preseason Evaluation

The quality of a Little League Team's play depends greatly on the quality of coaching the kids receive. Coaches spend most of their team assessing and trying to improve player skills and performance. The theory is simple, improve your player's talent and you improve your team. I have a different approach. I say, improve your coaching skills and your Little League team will definitely play better baseball. How do you improve your coaching skills? I have a simple evaluation that will help you become a better coach instantly.

Ask yourself these the three simple questions listed below. Depending on your answer, chose the recommended approach and set your standards for this coming season.

Question #1 - "Coach, are you a good a planner and organizer when it comes to Little League Baseball Practice?"

If you answered YES...Congratulations! Your planning and organizational skills should help your team have high quality practices in the coming season. Move on to question #2.

If you answered NO....Make a commitment now that you will spend at least 20 minutes pre-planning every practice and write your practice plan on paper. Carefully plan each drill and activity with specific start times and end times. Make sure that drills are short with time periods restricted to 10 minutes are less. Make a commitment to make a copy to give to each assistant coach that you have helping you.

Question # 2 - "Coach, do you value time and punctuality as much as you should?'

If you answered YES...Congratulations! You are a coach that knows the value of time and punctuality. Your players are lucky to have such a coach. Move on to question #3.

If you answered NO....Make a commitment now that you will be the first person on sight at every practice and game. It is bad policy for Little League coaches to arrive late at a practice or game. If you expect your players to always be at practice on time, you should set a good example and be the first person arriving each day. Make it your personal goal to not be late for a single practice or game. Always plan and give yourself extra time to arrive at practice.

Question # 3 - "Coach, do you really know enough about the baseball fundamentals and the rules of baseball to adequately teach your players?"

If you answered YES...Congratulations! Your knowledge of baseball is commended. You are a coach knows baseball fundamentals and knows how to teach them. Your baseball knowledge will definitely give your team an advantage in the coming season. Congratulations! You have completed this coaching self-evaluation.

If you answered NO....Make a commitment now to commit time and effort to improving your knowledge of the rules of the game of baseball and the fundamentals of baseball that your players must be taught and master. The internet is a valuable resource for finding free baseball coaching articles and drill videos. Three great sites for free articles are the Baseball Coaching Digest, the Youth Baseball Digest, and the Little League Digest.

Every Little League Coach has a responsibility to put effort in learning more than they know. How can we expect players to improve their knowledge of the game if we refuse to? Not knowing baseball is not the ultimate sin of a baseball coach. Refusing to become a student of the game is the ultimate sin. If you knowledge is limited and you do not wish to increase your knowledge, you might be doing your team a favor to offer your time and effort as a Little League volunteer in another capacity other than coaching.

How did you score?

One Yes Answer - You are definitely an honest person and honesty is a strong virtue of a good Little League Baseball Coach. You now know what two areas you in which you need to improve. You are commended for taking the first crucial steps toward improving your qualities as a Little League Coach. Improvement will come with the right commitment and continued effort.

Two Yes Answers - You should be proud that you only have one area where improvement is required. You are close to being a top notch Little League Coach. You should focus all of your effort into eliminating the weakness that you have identified. Set your goal now to improve your qualities as a coach in that particular area.

Three Yes Answers - Congratulations! You are a top quality Little League Coach. With your skills and talent, you should be able to help every player on your team improve and become a better player. You team should have a great.

I hope that this evaluation helps you improve as a coach. Enthusiasm is one trait this quick evaluation did not address. Along with the qualities evaluated here, you must possess and display a high level of excitement and enthusiasm for the great game of baseball. Thanks for taking the time to read this article. 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 Joe Mauer Quick Swing batting practice machine.

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 Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog

Discover Top Baseball Training Fundamentals

2011-04-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Discover Top Baseball Training Fundamentals
By guest author: Matt Dimock

Baseball is one of America's favorite sports. Millions of men have been interested in playing it either as a weekend pastime or semi-professionally. It is understandable that only a handful would go to the pro leagues but nevertheless, baseball has won the hearts of many. You are probably one of them that's why you are interested in this article. Baseball is more than just picking up a bat and hitting the ball or the other way around, picking up a ball and throwing it. So if you want to get better in this sports, there are some fundamentals you should learn first.

It is important for any person who wants to play baseball to first undergo baseball training to help prepare his mind and body for the game. We can't ignore the fact that there will always be people who have natural talent for this sport and that understanding how the game is played and how it should be played will be very easy for them. Nevertheless knowing the basics is still essential as it is the first stepping stone toward being a great baseball athlete.

So here are some baseball training tips that you should follow to help you improve your game. Remember to keep everything in moderation and to never rush your training as it can lead to serious injury.

Just like with any other sports, warming up is the key to avoiding any injury. Stretching is a vital part of this. While some professional trainers will provide you with specific warm up and stretching instructions, in my opinion, any of the typical warm ups will do. Especially those that involve the arms and the legs as you will be doing a lot of swinging and throwing the ball during the game. Just jog in place or for a few meters and you will be good to go.

Most people forget to have a good posture when they are playing the game when in fact standing correctly has a great impact in utilizing your skills. Always stand straight and always make sure that your whole body weight is distributed equally to both of your feet. Your feet should align to the length of your shoulders. As a batter this normal position will give you the stability you need to make that powerful swing.

How should you be gripping a baseball bat? Quite naturally, you should pick up the bat using your strongest hand. Your other hand will be there just to support it. And do not strangle the bat. When you hold a bat very tightly you are releasing unneeded tension which will result to a weaker hitting power. Just let your grip loosen up a bit, allowing for your fingers to move easily. With less tension on your part, you will have greater power to hit that ball.

There are other fundamentals that you probably need to know but for starters the ones listed here will be good enough. Always remember to not overwork yourself and to simply enjoy baseball. That's why it's called a game in the first place.

Like To Know How To Get Better In The Game Through The Help Of Baseball Training? Find All The Techniques At: www.baseball-training.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Dimock

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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, 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, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Baseball Playing & Coaching Tips : How to Coach Baseball

2011-03-31T04:21:00.000-07:00

Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.

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Baseball Training Videos - An Introductory Look

2011-03-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

Baseball Training Videos - An Introductory Look
By guest author: Henry Hines

Baseball as a modern sport was introduced in the mid 1800's in the United States. Today the game of baseball is played and enjoyed worldwide. The game requires knowledge, mental toughness, natural ability, and proper technique. In recent years the use of baseball training videos, DVD's and the internet have turned baseball instruction into an industry. It is vital that all players, especially beginners, learn the proper techniques and fundamentals of playing the game. Instructional videos have made it possible to film lessons so that the students are able to see instruction at the same time it is being explained.

If you start to look for baseball training videos you will be immediately impressed as to the huge number that is available. Therefore, it is extremely important that you establish criteria for doing the necessary research when looking for the right video for you or your students:

There are a lot of parents searching for help that will have limited experience in baseball. They are simply trying to spend time with their child and helping the student to improve in any way they can. It is necessary to find baseball training videos with an instructor that is qualified and knowledgeable when presenting the instructions. Just because someone played baseball on a school team or played as a child does not mean that they are going to know enough to coach. As in everything in life, baseball techniques have continued to evolve and change so the training techniques that people are familiar with when they were younger may have changed. It is important that teaching and instructional techniques continue to improve.

If you are going to use baseball training videos to learn and apply coaching techniques, you should have a definite idea about how the videos are structured and what information you are trying to get. One recommendation is either a series of short videos or one video divided into short segments. Since everyone has a tendency to get bored or lose interest when watching something like instructions or looking at repetitive drills.

Another suggestion would be to get videos that are devoted to specific subjects like hitting, pitching, or catching. This will also allow you to focus on different aspects of the game since there is a completely different skill set needed for each component of the game.

The specialization of baseball training videos has gotten to such a point that when it comes to hitting you are dealing with such things as rotational hitting, linear hitting, bat upright style, bat back style, and more. Each style has its own followers who are passionate and each style is probably correct for someone.

The same goes with pitching videos where you have video instruction on ball grip, leg plant, follow through, and leg kick. That is why it is important that you spend some time researching training aids and finding the things that you are comfortable with.

A couple of things to mention are that all of the training aids in the world will not help someone if the player is not willing to do the work. That is sometimes difficult for the younger students to understand and your job as a coach is to somehow make the tedious practice seem like fun. By learning the fundamentals and perfecting the basic techniques, the player will improve.

The one thing to remember about all of the baseball training videos, instructions, and training aids is that there is no guarantee that any of them will make you a "GREAT" player. One thing that can be guaranteed is if you use the information and work hard you will IMPROVE AS A PLAYER.

After all isn't that about all we can ask of someone.

Henry Hines has been a youth coach for over thirty years coaching different sports. He is presently coaching girls softball and operates a number of stores that supply sports training material and videos. For more information on baseball training videos please go to http://baseballTrainingVideos.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Hines

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Baseball Coaching Digest - What Baseball Coaches and Umpires Expect From Each Other

2011-03-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

Baseball Coaching Digest - What Baseball Coaches and Umpires Expect From Each Other
By guest author: Nick Dixon

Baseball coaches and umpires often have a love/hate relationship. Coaches often make the job of an umpire more difficult. Umpires sometimes hurt the feelings of a coach with a crucial call. Coaches expect a high level of professionalism from the umpires in the crew working a game. Umpires expect a high level of professionalism from the coaches of both teams. Here I outline 5 things coaches expect of umpires and 5 things umpires expect of coaches:

5 Things Coaches Expect from Umpires

1. Work Hard - The coach expects the umpire to move and work to get in the correct position to make every call. Coaches understand that occasionally an umpire will be slow getting to a "call spot" but a lazy umpire that is always out of position is going to hear about it from the coach. Coaches expect the members of the umpire crew to work and earn their money.

2. Listen Attentively - If a coach come out to discuss a call and does so in a respectful manner, listen to his concerns. Do not be "bull-headed" and refuse to listen. Coaches know that there is little or no chance that you will change the call. But, if you made a mistake, be man enough to respectfully listen and hear point of view of the coach.

3. Show Courtesy - Being a total jerk is not a requirement of the umpire profession. You can call the game and still be polite and communicate with both coaches. The umpire that shows one coach more attention than the other is asking for trouble. Be friendly but firm in your actions.

4. Show Maturity - Do Not Gain Glory at the Expense of a the expense of the feelings of a coach or player. There is no place in the game of baseball for umpires that go on the field looking for victims. Kids are kids, Coaches are coaches. Umpires should be umpires. Never say inappropriate things to a player under your breath. Be mature in your actions and remember that your actions have long lasting effects on the players that you communicate with.

5. Never Show Boat - People come to the baseball field for one reason. That reason is to watch two teams of kids play the game. People do not come to watch you umpire. An old coach once told me and I will always remember the following saying, "Kid remember, they do not come to watch you coach...they do not come to watch him umpire...they come to watch the kids play a game. The less you and that umpire are seen the better the game will be. Let the kids get the glory!"

5 Things Umpires Expect of Coaches

1. Display Promptness - Coaches should do everything in their power to arrive at the game with ample time to prepare for the game and to begin the game on time. Coaches should be ready to start team warm-up on time. Coaches should turn their line-ups in on time. Coaches should appear at the pregame plate conference on time. Making the other coaches and umpires wait on you is a show of disrespect and lack of professionalism.

2. Show Respect - "Blue and Ump" are not our names. You were introduced to the umpire at the pregame conference. Common courtesy is to call the umpires by their name when communicating with them.

3. Work Hard - Coach your players. Do what is acceptable coaching behavior. But do not be too theatrical or try to put on a show. Remember why the people come to watch the game.

4. Keep Your Team Hustling - Have your team hustle on and off the field. Do anything you can do to help move the game along faster. Have your on-deck batter retrieve foul balls or dead passed balls. This allows the catcher and umpire to stay in the boxes and keep the game moving. Delaying the game with needless chatter or timeouts is not going to help your cause. Work hard at coaching your kids.

5. Do Not Be a Nagger - Coaches that constantly nag or grip about every call, every pitch, or every action taken by the umpire are wasting their energy. If you grip about every call, regardless of how close or how insignificant the call is, you are being a bad role model for your players. What does a coach gain by questioning every call in a game? I would say absolutely nothing. If the coach keeps gripping, the umpires are going to "tune the coach out" sooner or later and close their ears to everything coming out of his dug out. Then when the coach has a legitimate reason to question a call, his words go unheard. Coaches should only question a call when it is a crucial call that significantly affects the game. Questioning every pitch call by saying clever things to your catcher is also inappropriate.

I hope that you found this article to be interesting and informative. I really appreciate you taking the time to read it. 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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Youth Baseball Coaching - 8 Elements of a Super Baseball Swing

2011-03-01T04:24:00.000-08:00

Youth Baseball Coaching - 8 Elements of a Super Baseball Swing
By Nick Dixon

The perfect baseball swing is a thing of beauty. There are few movements and actions in sports that are practice more often than the baseball swing. Players take thousands and thousands of practice swing during a season. The key to game swing quality is practice swing quality. There are certain basic rules that every batter should remember when taking a swing in practice and games.

Those rules are:

Make your stance wide to keep a short stride. A shorter stride is desirable because it allows the batter to execute the swing with little or no striding action. This allows the batter to keep the weight and hands back longer thus eliminating the possibility of being fooled on off-speed pitches.
Keep your hands close and stay inside the ball. The batter must learn to execute a swing that keeps the hands, wrist, and bat inside the ball.
Keep the head in and the front shoulder down. This body position will prevent the batter from pulling of the ball or popping up.
Move the lead foot...keep the back foot still. The lead leg should be planted and kept stiff. The back leg and hip will turn and rotate during the swing. The proper swing action is a "turning of the hips" and not a lunging action toward the ball.
Pivot of the back leg. The back toe should finish "on the toe-shoe laces to the pitcher". The turning in of the back toe and knee serves to free the hips allowing a smooth powerful swing with the hips generating power.
See the ball go flat. The concept is that the batter should see the bat distort one side of the ball upon impact. The barrel of the bat will "flatten" one of the ball when the ball is hit. The batter should keep the eyes and head on the ball so well that he can see the ball go flat.
Get extension through the ball. The batter should drive the hands through the ball using a quick wrist action to get maximum bat speed generation. The path of the bat should be similar to the path of a "landing plane". The path should be downward and through the ball to maintain bat to ball contact for as long as possible.
Finish long and smooth. The hands, wrist and arms should be driven through the ball in a long smooth path. The finishing position of the hands and bat should be one that has allowed the bat to go long through a long arch. A quick or abrupt stopping of the swing will alter the path and timing of the bat.

The Baseball2u Baseball Store has a great selection of BASEBALL HITTING, COACHING and TRAINING DVDs. Check out the Bat Action Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

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

Coaching Skills For Teachers

2011-02-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

Coaching Skills For Teachers
By guest author: Dot Struthers

Coaching is now a well regarded tool for teachers to develop themselves both personally and professionally and is growing in popularity because its short, sharp and effective.

Getting coaching for yourself is one thing but developing your skills to coach others is another and requires self awareness, understanding and practice.

Coaching should be a non-judgemental and stimulating process which gives the other person time to think and share their feelings. Your job as the coach is to challenge their attitude, offer inspiration and get them to a place of action.

Here are five key principles that will help you to be an effective coach:-

1. Play to a person's strengths
We all know what we are not good at and there is no point in trying to solve a problem from a place of weakness. If you are an introvert you can't suddenly become an extrovert, it would be unnatural. When you focus on a person's strengths and uniqueness, you build their confidence.

2. Create time to think
The only way to see the wood from the trees is to step back and create some space and time. Helping people to see the bigger picture allows them to gain perspective but also to focus on their specific issue more clearly. By encouraging reflection, you are able to create more self awareness.

3. Solutions are within
So often we think the answers are outside of us but the truth is that we are good at getting in the way of our own solutions. Helping someone to explore options, ideas or thoughts has a magical quality which allows us to connect with our inner wisdom and create those "aha" moments.

4. Being Present
So often we are distracted by either reminiscing the past where our memories live or the getting lost in our dreams in the future. Helping someone to stay present in the current moment "now" will help them to stay focused and bring about the changes and improvements they want.

5. Personal Responsibility
It can be so easy to judge others and tell them what they are doing wrong or what they should be doing but in fact you are only holding them back and could be creating a rod for your own back. When you insist on another person taking responsibility for their actions and behaviours you are giving them the control and authority they need to take ownership.

Coaching skills are life skills and worth investing in. They are particularly helpful in times of stress, conflict and change and after a while it becomes a way of doing things rather than a set of techniques.

Dot Struthers works with school leaders wanting to develop their leadership and management skills. including personal coaching, HR consultancy and management skills training. For more information go to http://www.merechats.co.uk

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

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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: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, 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, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Baseball Exercises

2011-02-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

Baseball Exercises
By guest author: Jim Bain

The thought of baseball exercises being important to young baseball players doesn't always get the proper amount of attention from coaches and parents that it should. It's somewhat understandable, as one equates youth with unlimited energy and abilities, but training should begin as early in a player's career as possible.

Ahhh, did you catch the word training instead of exercises? The difference in words, although they are interchangeable, shines a different light on the subject.

Players are never too young to begin a strengthening and conditioning program. In fact you are doing a disservice to the player waiting until he/she is 11 or 12 years old, because proper strength and muscle building requires time to develop and the longer you wait...the longer it takes for the player to catch up.

Let's look at some exercises through the terminology of training and Baseball specific.

Wind Sprints are a tried and true method of developing endurance as well as speed. Endurance is required to not only play 7 innings of baseball, but to be able to play 7 innings at peak performance level. Does an inside the park home run count for less in the 6th inning than the 1st? With a 0-0 score it is of equal importance, but if the level of performance has shriveled due to fatigue, the 6th inning run may not score.

Sprints in sets of 10, 30 to 40 yards in length will have the player(s) embarking on a quality endurance program. Having the players run the drills as a unit, such as pitchers together, catchers, infielders, etc. will also build a team unity which is invaluable during the course of a long season.

Squeezing racquetballs or tennis balls, is an excellent exercise for developing wrist, forearm and finger strength. The drill can be performed by the player anywhere at anytime without the need for a partner or any special weather conditions.

One may not realize, but strong fingers are a huge part of swinging a baseball bat. Think about it. You don't hold the bat in the palm of your hand, at least you better not, where there is no strength. You firmly clasp the bat in the fingers using the palms to merely keep the bat from falling out of your hand.

Strong wrist and forearms, which operate in conjunction with the hands, are the strength mechanisms which yield the snap and power of the wrist when swinging a bat or throwing a baseball.

These are but two exercises, or rather training exercises, which a young player needs to begin as soon as possible. Strength, endurance, team building and much more are accomplished through drills, exercises and training which is started young, with the intensity level increased as the player develops.

Jim ( Coach ) Bain is a former Minor League Player and Coach of Youth Baseball for over a decade. He has drawn from fellow successful coaches' experiences and combined them with his own extensive experience to create a Baseball Teaching Website. The site is packed with 100s of tips, drills, history and instruction on how to play and coach the game of baseball.

http://www.Learn-Youth-Baseball-Coaching.com

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

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Advanced Skills Tee - College Hitter Hitting This Baseball Trainer

2011-01-25T04:14:00.000-08:00

Advanced Skills Tee - College Hitter Hitting This Baseball Trainer

The Advanced Skills Tee, by Muhl Tech, is a popular baseball and softball batting tee trainer that builds a compact swing, keeps the "hands inside the ball" and improves bat speed. The Advanced Skills Tee or AST as it is often called is used by over 3000 high school and colleges in the USA. It should be a regular part of every team's daily practice routine. http://www.AdvancedSkillsTee.com
The Advanced Skills Batting Tee teaches players to have a "shorter-bat-stroke" to the baseball. The AST also teaches batters to "hit the baseball where it's pitched". The Advanced Skills Tee is backed by a two-year warranty! Available at http://www.baseball2u.com/adsktee1.html

Baseball Coaching and Training Tips

2011-01-23T16:43:00.000-08:00

Baseball Coaching Digest: The Perils of Defensive Assumption in Baseball Action by Nick Dixon
Assuming or taking certain things for granted when your team is playing or coaching baseball defense can lead to costly mistakes and could even cause your team to lose. This article outlines three things that coaches and players should never assume when you are coaching or playing baseball defense.

Baseball Coaching Digest: The Perils of Offensive Assumption in Baseball Action by Nick Dixon Coaching and playing baseball requires total mental concentration and focus. One mental thought that has caused many teams to lose in baseball is the thought of assumption. Assumption is defined by the Webster dictionary as the taking of something for granted; something expected. This article explains two types of situations during a game that offensive players must be taught not to make assumptions. This article discusses how coaches should eliminate the perils or dangers of offensive assumption by properly preparing their baseball team in practice.

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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, 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, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

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Batting Cages: The Secret to Batting Success

2011-01-21T04:08:00.000-08:00

BattingCageDoor.com

Batting Cages: The Secret to Batting Success
By Jack M Patterson

While practicing as a team is the best way to go, athletes also need to work on their individual skills in a more focused environment. Batting cages are perfect for players who want to enhance their skills, in order to be able to bring more to the game.

This specialized cage is an enclosed area where baseball players can practice their batting skills. It is usually rectangular in shape and made of netting. A batter stands at one end of the enclosure. For safety and practicality, a pitching machine instead of a real pitcher is placed at the other end. The nets keep the balls within close range while allowing batters to hit at full strength. The cage can be placed outdoors or inside of a long room so that batters can practice in all weather conditions. Indoor cages are popular during winter months, when days are shorter and it takes more electricity to light up the field for a longer period of time.

A pitching machine automatically pitches balls at varying speeds and styles. It usually pitches out softballs or synthetic baseballs in place of the official leather baseball. Special mechanisms installed allow the machine to compensate for the true weight of an official ball. It simulates pitching scenarios that batters usually encounter.

Batting cages are important in improving every batter's skills. They are used by both amateur and professional baseball organizations as a necessary part of their training routine. A batter can improve his or her positioning, timing, and focus when practicing with this type of training tool. All baseball teams or serious baseball players should invest on high quality practice cages that will suit their needs.

Resource Box:

SPI Nets is a leader in providing high quality batting cages. The company also provides high-quality golf netting and other sports equipment. Log on to SPINets.net or call 866-243-6387 for more information.

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

===============

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Baseball Softball Coaching Tips - Batting Drill - Hitting to All Fields - Hurricane Hitting Machine

2011-01-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

Video demonstrates how baseball softball coaches can use the Hurricane Hitting Machine to teach and practice hitting the ball to all fields. Video shows a college baseball player hitting the inside, middle, and away pitch locations without having to stop or change th machine. Video audion by Nick Dixon, inventor of the Hurricane and BatAction Machines, also gives tips and details about the correct way to hit each of the pitch locations. Visit the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine Training Blog for more free coaching tips, drills,a dn articles. http://hurricanebaseballtrainingmachi...
Also visit http://www.HurricaneMachine.com or http://store.baseball2u.com/husotrmaj... for more info on this baseball batting trainer.

Why Use Portable Batting Cages

2011-01-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

Why Use Portable Batting Cages
By Andy Brock

A regular baseball cage is a must for those who play baseball or even for those people who want their children to be engaged in baseball. The functions of standard batting cages are to give limits to baseballs or softballs, so that you do not have to go to a far place to pick up the balls; and it gives you a space where you can practice and improve your skills in batting. You will also not waste time worrying about baseballs going astray and accidentally hitting someone else's window, or worse, face.

However, more and more baseball aficionados and players choose portable batting cages because of their additional benefits. Aside from the benefits stated in the previous paragraph, portable batting cages can be transported or moved from one place to another. This is very ideal for those people or baseball teams who are always on the road, going to different places to compete. It also allows you to move your cage indoors if the weather turns bad outside.

This type of batting cage can also be easily disassembled and stored away. This feature is very ideal for those who have small backyards. For example, if the baseball season finally ends, you can just disassemble the batting cage and store it in a nice place while you can use the previously used space for other purposes, such as parties or barbecues.

Moreover, if your decision for buying a portable batting cage is because your children enjoy playing baseball, this type is the best option for you. Once your children grew up, they might have a different interest not at all related to baseball. If this happens, it is very easy to disassemble the batting cage and put it away for storage or you can easily sell it to your neighbours or other people who might need it. By doing this, you can get at least a part of the amount that you had to pay when you bought the batting cage after your children could enjoy practicing in it. Not only this, you also will be able to help those people who are on a low budget but in dire need of a batting cage.

So instead of installing a permanent batting cage in your backyard or school ground, why not get yourself a portable batting cage to enjoy its features not available in standard batting cages. Buying one of these portable batting cages is very beneficial for homeowners, schools, sporting complexes, or baseball teams who are always on the road and have limited space.

If you would like to learn more you can read about batting cages and practical tips on using a batting cage to improve hitting.

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

===================

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Core Exercise | Baseball Players | Baseball Training

2011-01-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Batting Cage Door Kit by Nedco Sports

John Mallee 6 Steps of a Major League Swing Hitting Tips

2010-12-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, 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, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

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Little League Pitching Drill - Increasing Arm Strength

2010-12-22T08:07:00.000-08:00

Shown above are two exciting new baseball products and baseball equipment for 2011. BatAction.com BattingCageDoor.com

Little League Pitching Drill - Increasing Arm Strength
By Jim Bain

Just because it's off season doesn't mean you don't train, you just train differently.

Many major colleges have instituted a program of throwing weighted baseballs in order to increase arm strength. Initial results have indicated a positive and in some cases a substantial improvement in arm strength and velocity.

A word of caution here. You only throw weighted baseballs in the off season and if you're throwing off a mound Do Not use them.

It's important to know this program is it must be implemented correctly and slowly or the findings reverse dramatically with arm injuries soaring.

Let's examine a sample routine which has been used with great success.

The player should plan on using this workout program for a duration of 2 months, definitely no longer than 3 months and that depends on other influences, such as beginning to pitch from a mound. This throwing routine should be performed no more than three times a week and should be combined in with other strength, cardio and conditioning programs.

The Player must jog or run for no less than 5 minutes, working up a good sweat, then the player should perform his stretching routine, which should be a full body stretching exercise.

Now that the player is loose he begins the 10 Minute Throwing Workout. Ten minutes may not seem long, but believe me the player will feel the results of this intense program.

This is how the routine is performed: Throw

60' for 3 minutes; 90' for 3 minutes; 120' for 3 minutes - finishing with; 60' for 1 minute. A cool down.

OR an alternative method to use is: Throw a:

6oz. Ball, 20 throws at 70'; 4oz. Ball, 20 throws at 70'; 5oz. Ball, 20 throws at 70'.

The alternating in weight, but not distance, does not negatively affect a change in pitching form or mechanics, only increases muscle strength.

It Must be stated Never Throw a Baseball Over 6 Oz.! Anything weighing more will only tear muscle down and result in a series of injuries.

Jim invites anyone interested in learning more about baseball and baseball pitching to come to his site.

BaseballPitching"

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

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Short Toss Hitting Drill

2010-12-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

Insider Bat Baseball Training Bat Coaching Muscle Memory Hitting Tool

2010-12-15T18:13:00.000-08:00

Baseball Batting Instruction & Tips Joe Mauer & Paul Molitor

2010-12-15T05:55:00.000-08:00

Joe Mauer's Secret to Hitting Success - QuickSwingTrainer.com

2010-12-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

Did you have a Johnny Bench Batter-Up Trainer When You Were Young?

2010-12-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

The Johnny Bench Batter-up was one of the first serious baseball batting trainer ever. This popular rotational hitting machine was on the market in the late 70's. If you grew up hitting on one, you know the value of the rotational hitting machine. You will glad to know that there is a modern version of these opular trainer, the Derek Jeter Hurricane Machine offers the same benefits and advantages. http://store.baseball2u.com/husotrmajese.html... Visit the Hurricane Machine Training Blog at http://hurricanebaseballtrainingmachine.blogspot.com/... for free training tips, drills and coaching articles.

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Message to Parents From Coach Nick
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The Highly Acclaimed 20-Minute Hurricane Batting Practice Workout
Hurricane Batting Machine Video Clips
Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine

Add Power to Your Baseball Swing

2010-12-06T18:26:00.000-08:00

By Jim_Bain

Once a player learns the basics of hitting a baseball and becomes more and more confident of his/her abilities to make contact, they seem to invariably want to start hitting home runs. A wise coach will immediately discourage this burning desire to become the next Babe Ruth, as nothing but a development of bad mechanics can result.

However, the ability to increase the power of your basic, fluid batting swing is quite desirable and achievable. Let's exam a drill which will increase the power of your swing quickly and safely.

One must consider baseball hitting in terms similar to a martial arts student, a boxer, football kicker or any other athlete who wants to increase his power. You're taught to power through your target. To envision the follow through of your fist, foot or bat, powering through the target, in this case, the baseball.

This simple, yet effective drill, is designed to increase your hitting power by actually hitting a heavy object and swinging the bat through it. Your power will increase as you progress, but perhaps more long term importance is you will train the hitting muscles and visually see (therefore your mind comprehends and believes) the success.

You'll need a partially deflated soccer ball or basketball, a hitting tee, a plumbers' plunger and a bat to execute the drill. Pay special attention to the ball as if there is too much air in it, the ball will explode off the tee offering little resistance. If there's not enough air it will simply collapse upon impact with the bat.

Slide the plumbers' plunger into the hitting tee with the plunger end up to hold the basket ball / soccer ball. Set the deflated ball into the cup of the plunger.

Using your natural batting stance and swing, hit the deflated ball off the tee. The first few strikes will seem awkward and there will be a large hesitation in your follow through swing, but that's Ok... keep swinging. The intended goal is to hit the ball off the tee without any hesitation in your swing as the bat makes contact with the ball.

As you eliminate this hesitation action your power will increase and the ball will travel farther. Additionally, you will be able to see results, positive or negative, rather quickly and you can see whether adjusting hip rotation or your strength training program is improving your power swing.

Jim Bain Has played and coached baseball for 50 years. He shares everything he knows as well as the insights and skills of the many coaches and players he used to compete against.

http://www.Learn-Youth-Baseball-Coaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain

===========================

Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - Tips for Extending Your Powerbands Life

Baseball Softball Coaching Tips - Batting Drill - Hitting to All Fields - Hurricane Hitting Machine

2010-12-05T19:39:00.000-08:00

Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - 4 Important Tips for Hurricane Machine Owners

2010-11-28T19:05:00.000-08:00

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Hurricane Hitting Machine - Homepage
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Examples of Hurricane Hitting Drills
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Kids Baseball - Coach the Fundamentals of Throwing and Catching

2010-11-24T15:47:00.000-08:00

Kids Baseball - Coach the Fundamentals of Throwing and Catching
By Kenny Buford

When coaching kids' baseball, an important first step is identifying the mechanical elements of each skill and then using that knowledge to teach the fundamentals of the game. Most beginning players will not know the proper technique for gripping, throwing, and catching the ball. Establishing these skills early will ensure players feel more confident and have fun playing the game.

Proper Grip

Start by teaching how to grip the ball:

For proper grip, the ball should only contact the fingers and thumb, not the palm of the hand. However, because beginning players' hands are often small, they might have to use their whole hand in the grip.
Players should grip the ball across the seams, with their fingers spread over the top of the ball and their thumb positioned on the bottom. Those with big enough hands should use only the index and middle fingers, while those with smaller hands can use three fingers to grip the ball across the top.
As the grip is released, players should focus on keeping the fingers directly behind the ball. Following through with the fingers after the throw will increase the velocity of the ball.

Throwing Fundamentals

Next, coach proper throwing technique for a basic overhand:

Players should begin the throwing motion by taking a step with the foot opposite of the throwing arm. The step should be in the direction they will be throwing.
The front shoulder and hip should be positioned so that they are pointing in the direction of the throw.
The front shoulder should be positioned toward the target, and the rest of the body is turned to the side. The arms should be extended from the body in a T-formation.
As the arm begins the throwing motion, the elbow should be as high as the shoulder and the hand should be higher than the head.
The front foot should now start forward, stepping toward the target.
As the arm continues the throw, the front shoulder and hip should turn so that they face toward the target.
The ball should be released above and in front of the head, snapping the wrist right before the release and pushing through with the fingers directly behind the ball.
Follow through the throw by bending the back slightly forward.

Basic Catching Technique

To coach catching, follow these steps:

Keep arms bent and relaxed, and provide a target for the thrower.
Hold the glove open toward the thrower, keeping the fingers up. If the ball is thrown low, switch to position the fingers down.
Use the bare hand to cover the ball once it is caught in the glove.
After the catch, bring the glove, ball, and throwing hand up to the chest and prepare to throw.

And if you'd like to see more free kids baseball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:
http://www.baseball-tutorials.com
Kenny Buford is a kids baseball coach, and the owner and publisher of Baseball-Tutorials.com, the web's #1 resource for kids baseball drills, practice ideas, and coaching tips.

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

==============================

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Little League Baseball Tryouts And The Draft

2010-11-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

Little League Baseball Tryouts And The Draft
By guest author: Marty Schupak

In most youth baseball leagues, autumn is the time of year that baseball leagues have registration and also assign players to teams. Tryouts and the player draft are always one of the most interesting times of the year. Some managers try to gain an advantage during this time. There is always a scramble to secure assistant coaches. Parents who have experienced the process, know that some managers will pick an assistant not according to the assistant's ability to coach, but by the ability of his talented child. Another technique done which is highly unsportsmanlike is for the manager to discretely suggest to a player to "dog it " during the tryouts so that manager can get a player of first round ability in the later rounds of the draft.

There is very little a league can do about a manager picking an assistant to secure a spot on the team for his child. Drafting the actual teams can be done in a fair manner. A fair process is for the league managers and league director to pick each team with similar ability and throw them into a hat. For instance, a league will have eight teams consisting of twelve players. Assuming each team has a manager and coach and their two kids, all the managers and coaches will sit in a room and rate the players and assign ten players to teams one through eight. Once it is agreed that the eight teams of ten are pretty much equal, throw the teams into a hat and each manager will pick a team. The league will have more parity with this system and this will limit some of the complaints. One word of advice when using this technique is to make sure enough pitchers are part of the ten players on each team.

The success of a league begins in the autumn. There have been seasons where some teams do not win a single game. The team assignment process can make for a better year for each player individually, as a team and as a league. A league that has parity will make for a better season and in fact will help that league in All Stars with each player experiencing a competitive season with some excellent close games. It is up to the league President and league director to make every effort to make sure each team is fairly equal in ability and take away any advantage that some managers try to gain.

http://www.YouthSportsClub.com

Marty Schupak has coached youth baseball for 18 years and is the video creator of "The 59 Minute Baseball Practice", "Backyard Baseball Drills","Winning Baseball Strategies","Hitting Drills & Techniques" and author of the popular book, "Youth Baseball Drills". He is also President of the Youth Sports Club, a group dedicated to making sports practices and games more enjoyable for kids.

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

=================

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=======================================
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HurricaneMachine.com - Links

---15 Reasons To Buy a Hurricane Trainer
---6 Questions Often Asked By Customers
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Drills
---20-Minute Hurricane Batting Practice Workout
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Video Demo Clips

Baseball2u.com has a one of the internet's largest selections of baseball coaching and training dvds

Uncommon Baseball Hitting Drills

2010-11-12T08:36:00.000-08:00

Uncommon Baseball Hitting Drills
By guest author: Jeffery A Wise

Baseball hitting drills are a necessary part of practice. Players run these drills to improve their skills and get them ready for batting practice and games. There are some common hitting drills, but we're going to talk about one that is not so common. Nonetheless, it is important and should be practiced more often.

The modified broomstick drill is very helpful. You need a broom handle that is cut down to the length of a bat. It will help to sand the end and add batter's tape on the end for grip. Then, ask someone to pitch plastic golf balls to you. These balls can be purchased at any sporting goods store.

The distance between you and the pitcher doesn't matter as long as they can toss you the balls easily. Start with underhand pitches. Then switch to overhand pitches so there is some appropriate velocity on the pitch which simulates a real pitch.

You can work on many different hitting mechanics for improvement, but now let's just focus on your upper body. Relax your shoulders, neck and face. If you are too tense at the plate it is much harder to have a quick, fluid swing. That's what this baseball hitting drill is for.

Also, make sure your front shoulder is lined up to the pitcher and have it closed. Sometimes ball players have an issue with leaving their shoulder open and that makes them open up and start their swing too early. This causes players to pull the ball in the form of a ground out or fly out.

During this baseball hitting drill, keep the shoulder closed and wait for the plastic golf ball to arrive in the hitting zone before taking a smooth, fluid swing. Take turns hitting 25 balls and then rotate. This drill is a lot like playing wiffle ball so have fun with it.

The purpose of this drill is to improve hand-eye coordination and mechanics. You may also want to use this drill to practice hitting harder. Whatever you do, always strive to have fun!

Jeffery A Wise invites you to learn more about baseball hitting drills so that you can hit a baseball better. Start learning today at http://www.baseballhittingtipsonline.com by reading our information, watching our videos and participating in our blog.

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

===================
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=======================================
Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine
=======================================

Derek Jeter Hurricane Machine Training Blog

HurricaneMachine.com - Links

---15 Reasons To Buy a Hurricane Trainer
---6 Questions Often Asked By Customers
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Drills
---20-Minute Hurricane Batting Practice Workout
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Video Demo Clips

Baseball2u.com has a one of the internet's largest selections of baseball coaching and training dvds

Baseball Power Hitting Drills - These Power Hitting Drills Are a Must For Any Baseball Player

2010-11-08T04:16:00.000-08:00

Baseball Power Hitting Drills - These Power Hitting Drills Are a Must For Any Baseball Player
By Tyler Barton

If you are a dedicated baseball player like I am with the thirst for power hitting, you know how important a good set of power hitting drills are. The sweet feeling of entering the ball park having your teammates proud and thankful to be on your team, to step up to the plate and have the other team's coach tell the fielders to move way back...it feels great.

However, before I found the right set of power hitting drills to incorporate into my baseball training, I didn't exist in the world of batting, let alone power hitting - I sucked!

It didn't matter what power hitting drills I did..or ate. My family couldn't afford a weight system, batting gloves don't help - just a waste of money, batting tees kinda helped my level swing - useless against non-stationary baseballs, I even tried eating a plate of spaghetti before every game - a mom tip. I would either end up flailing around at the plate like I had spaghetti arms (no pun intended), or I would get a stomach ache.

I was sick of everybody's advice and almost quit - there was a nice summer reading program at the library I could volunteer at for my community service hours for school.

Believe it or not, it was physics class that gave me a new practice drill - we had a question involving baseball distance and batting speed. Obviously, went home and looked for ways to improve my bat speed. WARNING: CLICHE MOMENT. It seemed too good to be true -PowerHittingDrills.com - a site devoted to baseball power hitting drills by university coaches and scientists (don't let this discourage you, it's about baseball, so it's written for baseball players).

Given that it's tested material, and the fact I was fed up with dumb redneck batting tips and willing to try anything, Given that these baseball power hitting drills are tested power hitting drills, and the fact I was fed up with dumb redneck batting tips and willing to try anything, I went for it. Going back to the beginning of this little blurb, this was the best investment ever - better than my ps3.

By just adjusting my grip I lost spaghetti arm and could make solid contact with the ball, so I was excited about learning the real power hitting drills.

Within weeks (or within a few season games for another perspective) I had added several power hitting drills and tips to my arsenal, power hitting baseballs to the fence for triples, and even ground rule doubles. Finally, within a month....same ol' season games - I hit my first home run - 290ft. Within another week or so, I became a power hitting machine. It's quite amazing how many friends remember you when you start winning games for their team.

You can read more about my story at PowerHittingDrills.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tyler_Barton

===================

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Tips to Get Great Teaching Aids to Practice Baseball Techniques

2010-11-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

Tips to Get Great Teaching Aids to Practice Baseball Techniques
By Connor R Sullivan

Most young people these days are involved with some sport or another, and to make them better at the game itself they often need something like baseball training aids to bring out their hidden talents. Pitching machines in particular will enable them to hone their skills up to match level and beyond. This is a good way to see if they can carry on with the sport into adulthood and may make them enthusiastic enough to keep on with it until they turn professional.

Indeed, there are so many videos and books out there that show the budding player how to work and improve his skills that it is sometimes hard to know which ones are the best. But people often prefer to have those which are backed by the expert players themselves. These first quality stars of the sport will give some insight into what is needed to make the game easier to be played, and they also know how to psych up the youngster to make them perform better as well.

Imagine a young person looking at his hero on video and having a one on one lesson from this great player. Who could fail to get enthusiastic about the game when all these pointers are being taught so that anyone can improve his game playing tactics? Game techniques and even exercise routines are all par for the course on these videos and they can also be used in a school setting as well as at home.

Special equipment is also advised for those who want to improve their strength and speed on the court or field. Rolling equipment which stretches and strengthens the calf muscles without damaging the knees or joints is ideal. Even specialist shoes which enable the player to jump up to nine inches higher are usually recommended too and this added speed and agility surely brings about a much more confident player all round.

The throwing equipment is great since it enables the player to hone that skill down to a very fine art. It can either be set to throw curve balls, from right or left, or just the same shot over and over until the player is confident that he can handle the ball correctly. Because the machine can be altered at will, this equipment can even be used for children. Since the ball often leaves this machine at about ninety miles per hour, this is a must for any parent who does not want their child to be injured of course.

Of course, the great thing about all this equipment is that it can be used both at home, and in a school or club setting. Because the price has come down so much, even families can afford to put them in the yard for all the family to enjoy and practice their skills.

This works particularly well at family gatherings where the girls can play the boys or moms and dads can have a go too. If the game is introduced in a fun setting then children will certainly form a life long interest for sure.

Connor R. Sullivan owns and operates a top ranking web site to help people find pitching machines to improve their baseball skills. He offers a large selection of baseball training aids for coaches and parents to use for the athletes.

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

===================

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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, 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, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Teaching the Professional Baseball Swing

2010-11-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

Teaching the Professional Baseball Swing
Super8Hitting http://www.learnbaseballhitting.com/lcp. Teaching the professional baseball swing with easy to follow baseball hitting videos and drills. Learn to be teaching the professional baseball swing quickly.

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How To Hit a Baseball - A Great Example

2010-10-30T19:54:00.001-07:00

How To Hit a Baseball - A Great Example
By Jeffery A Wise

This year there was a story about a prep baseball player who is a great example for others to learn how to hit a baseball. Ethan Bennett plays for a high school in Knoxville, TN called Farragut. He amazed fans and spectators with a state record 27 home runs and 73 RBIs.

In addition, Bennett made a national record by hitting a home run in 10 consecutive games. He also has won three state championships in a row. It's not surprising that he's signed with the University of Tennessee next year.

It's extremely difficult for a high school student to have numbers like this. Seasons in high school are pretty short. They play less than a third of the games Major Leaguers do. Needless to say, it's not common to find a player like Bennett.

If you were to talk to Bennett, he would most likely tell you how hard he practiced to be a successful hitter. Let his story encourage you. With a lot of practice and hard work, you could have great numbers too.

You may have a desire to hit as many home runs as Bennett did in a season, but please remember that home runs aren't the most important when it comes to hitting. Every team needs all types of hitters including power hitters, those who move runners over, those who are fast, those who hit for average and those who bunt well. Don't be discouraged if you're not the power hitter. Your team still needs you.

You may already know what type of hitter you are. Ask your coach how you can be even better at what you're good at. Practice hard and be committed to being your best!

Jeffery A Wise invites you to learn the proven system of how to hit a baseball so that you can help your team win. Start learning today by visiting our baseball hitting blog, reading our information and watching our videos.

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

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Coaching Baseball : How to Measure Glove Size

2010-10-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Coaching Baseball : How to Measure Glove Size
expertvillage To determine a baseball glove size, measure the base of the mitt to the outside edge of the glove. Learn more about measuring baseball gloves with tips from a baseball coach in this free video about playing baseball.

Expert: Mike Nolan
Bio: Mike Nolan works as a strength coach and baseball instructor for Coastal Athletics in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Filmmaker: Reel Media LLC

Great Catcher's Conditioning Drill - DanBlewett.com

2010-10-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Great Catcher's Conditioning Drill - DanBlewett.com
dblewett20 Here is a simple, functional drill to get catchers into fantastic baseball shape.

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Baseball Drills - Outfield Drills for Game Day Skills

2010-10-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

Baseball Drills - Outfield Drills for Game Day Skills
By guest author: Kenny Buford

There is more to developing outfield skills than just playing catch. Outfielders need baseball drills that will prepare them for conditions they will face on game day. The following outfield drills help players become comfortable with any situation they might encounter during a game.

Sun Drill

For this drill, the players line up facing the sun and take turns catching fly balls from the coach. The players can wear sun glasses, but often the glare is still too much. Outfielders need to get used to using their gloves to block the sun while watching for the ball. Over time, the players will develop an approach for using the glove to see while also preparing for the catch and will feel confident in the outfield on sunny game days.

Fence Drill

This outfield drill teaches players how to correctly go for a catch against the fence. A lot of factors will come into play in this type of situation during a game, like where the ball is, how hard it is hit, and its elevation as it approaches the fence. However, with practice outfielders can become more comfortable going for the fence.

In this drill, the outfielders should start 10 to 15 feet away from the fence. One at a time, the coach throws high fly balls either above or against the fence. The outfielder takes his ready steps and rushes to the fence, keeping his eyes on the ball and his throwing hand outstretched to guide him and protect him from running into the fence. The player then makes the catch, jumping in front of or leaning against the fence.

Line Drive Drill

Line players up in the outfield and have them take turns running the drill. The first outfielder takes his ready step as the coach throws a line drive toward his knees. The player runs directly at the coach, keeping his palms up and his glove in basket form. When he catches the ball, the player shoots his glove up in the air to show the umpire he got it.

Backup Drill

This drill emphasizes communication in the outfield and prepares players to back each other up on fly balls.

For this drill, the players form two lines in the outfield, about 90 feet apart. The coach hits or throws a fly ball between the first two players in each line. The players have to communicate who is going for the catch, making sure not to run into each other while still watching the ball. The player going for the catch should yell "got it" and the other player should respond "take it." The second player should still back up the first player in case the ball gets through.

And if you'd like to see more free baseball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.baseball-tutorials.com/vid/

Kenny Buford is a youth baseball coach, and the owner and publisher of Baseball-Tutorials.com, the web's #1 resource for baseball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.

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Seven Steps on How to Hit a Baseball

2010-10-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

Seven Steps on How to Hit a Baseball
By Ryan P Andrews

Hitting a baseball is one of the hardest things to do in sports. It takes time and a lot of practice to hit one just right. There are seven key steps to hitting a baseball that I have used and should be used to hitting a baseball properly.

Picking out the bat is a key step in hitting a baseball. You shouldn't pick out a bat that is too heavy or too long for yourself. For a beginner the lighter the bat the better it is to practice and learn. As you begin to learn how to hit a baseball you can pick out a bat that is more comfortable for you to use. One way of doing this is holding the bat straight out. If you can hold the bat straight out without it bending the bat it is perfect for you.

Your stance is a crucial part of your swing. You must have an athletic stance that is comfortable for you. Stances can vary in many different ways, upright, crouched, open, and closed stances, are main areas that stances can be used. Pick one and if you are comfortable with the stance continue using it. Your position is the batter's box also helps with your stance. You can stand anywhere you want inside the box but you don't want a too wide of a stance because you will not get enough power out of your swing.

The grip you have on the handle of the bat is the second key step to your swing. You should have a firm grip on the bat but not too tight. If you are right-handed, your right hand is on top and your left hand is on the bottom, vice versa for lefties. You don't want to be choking the handle because that tenses up your muscles. You should be able to move the bat in a circular motion in your hands to know that your grip is good.

After stepping into the batter's box you should be focusing on the pitcher. Both of your eyes should be following the ball the whole time. If you are following the ball perfectly you should know what type of pitch it is and where the location will be right out of the pitchers hand.

Your stride is the last step in your swing. The stride triggers your whole body. It creates a wave of energy from your legs all the way up to your arms and shoulders. Your stride shouldn't be any longer than a foot. Once your foot touches down your arms are ready to follow through.

The key to hitting a baseball is a level swing. Always try to keep the barrel of the bat level with the path of the baseball. This way you have a less margin of error. If your bat is level you can still get a hit majority of the time. You can slightly be below or above the ball and still be able to get a hit.

After connecting with the ball you must follow through. Don't stop when you hit the ball, continue through the ball. If you stop your swing you lose all the power that you have created before. After you swing your bat should be able to touch the back of your shoulder.

In conclusion, hitting a baseball isn't easy but with these seven key steps it should help you. By using these steps won't help you in one day; it takes a lot of time and effort to perfect a baseball swing and how to hit a baseball.

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

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The Benefits of Sending Your Child to Summer Camp

2010-10-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

The Benefits of Sending Your Child to Summer Camp
By guest author: Julie Pitts

When summer starts and the kids are home it can be difficult to keep them entertained. You want them to continue to have the social interactions, the learning experiences, and the fun that they experience while in school. But, it can be tough to keep this up, especially if you work full time. A smart answer is to send your children to camp.

There are plenty of benefits that come from sending your child to camp. For one, you will get them out of the house, away from the TV and video games, away from nagging each other and becoming bored. They will be able to play out some of their energy with exercise and activities. And, they will have time outside in the fresh air and sunshine.

Sending your child to summer camp will also add social interaction into their lives. If they are going to a camp with classmates they will be able to keep contact throughout the summer so that they don't lose touch during the break from school. Plus, they will have the opportunity to meet children that might not be from their school or area. This gives them a diverse social circle to play, learn, and talk with. Camp creates an atmosphere where your child can meet new people and build lasting friendships.

Another benefit of summer camp is that your child will be put into a new environment. They will gain independence and experience new things. They can use the knowledge they obtained throughout the school year and apply it to their camp activities. It will be a fun and exciting way for your child to continuously learn and grow throughout the summer.

As for what camp to choose, there are summer camps designed to meet any child's interest. They can be general and offer a variety of activities like arts and crafts, games, theater, and outdoor fun. Or, the camp can be specific to a certain sport like gymnastic camp or baseball camp, or to a specific activity like kids fitness camps. Depending on the age of your son or daughter you might consider a sleep away camp. This will give them the added experience of caring for themselves during the period they are away. For younger children, most areas offer plenty of half or full day camp options. These would keep them on a similar schedule as the school year.

When deciding on which camp to choose, it is good to take into consideration your child's age, likes or dislikes, and expectations. Although a little persuasion might be necessary, you do not want to force your child into a camp that does not fit them. Include your child in the selection process. Make it an exciting time and you and your child will be sure to benefit from your collective decision. Summer camps will not only keep your children entertained, they will also create lasting memories and life-long friendships!

Gym Carolina offers great summer camp options for your child. We are a gymnastic facility serving the Triangle Area of North Carolina. Our goal is to teach gymnastics in a fun and safe environment, where children can build self-esteem while learning. Check out our website for track out camp information.

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

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Pick Off Move For A Lefty

2010-10-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

Pick Off Move For A Lefty
ISGvids107
There are many steps a pitcher needs to follow when throwing over to first base. This video will lay out the steps necessary and guide you in the right direction. This does take years of practice so do not become frustrated and keep working at your fundamentals. For more videos like this go to http://www.isportsgallery.net/

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4 Baseball Pitching Drills For Little League Players

2010-10-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

4 Baseball Pitching Drills For Little League Players
By guest author: Nick Dixon

Teaching, training and developing young baseball pitchers takes a lot of time, patience, and practice repetition. Many young pitchers need to practice pitching skills daily. To keep the interest level high, it is best to use a variety of drills on alternate days to prevent boredom. Here are 4 baseball pitching drills that can be used to train youth and beginner pitchers.

Drill #1 - Up & Out Foot Drill Objective - To help pitchers perfect the proper back leg action. The purpose of this drill is to stop foot drag and prevent over striding.

Equipment Needed - A brick, block or wood or other suitable object. The object will be placed at a location just in front of the pivot foot of the pitcher. The pitcher will be working out of the stretch. The pitcher should be reminded to roll and pick his back foot up so that it clears the object.

Procedure - The pitcher throws using his normal motion and delivery. If the pitcher fails to clear the object, then his back foot is "dragging" or he is over striding. Young pitchers should be coached to step out of the "hold" and up and over the block.

Drill #2 - Dot Spot Drill Objective - The purpose of this drill is to build confidence, to teach young pitchers to hit their spots and to teach young pitchers to have great control.

Equipment Needed - Good balls, Catching equipment, and glove.

Procedure - The catcher has 4 dots on his gear. The 4 dots or spots are different colors or they each have a number on them. The dots are taped to each knee on the shin guards and one to the left shoulder and right shoulder. The catcher or coach calls a color or a number. The pitcher must hit the dot called. The pitcher has 6 pitches to hit all 4 of the dots. All dots should be called in different orders each time. If the pitcher fails to hit 4 dots correctly, the pitcher must do 10 push ups. Two pitchers can compete to see which finishes first. The dots may be placed lower on the catcher to stress keeping the ball low or down in the zone.

Drill #3 Long Toss - Power Building Drill - Pitchers should long toss several times a week to build strength and endurance. The two players should warm-up as usual and then move back a few steps after each 4 throws. Pitchers should be able to increase their strength and extend their distances within weeks. Pitchers of all ages should work out to a distance at least 3 times their normal pitching distance. Some coaches allow players to "crow hop" at the farthest distances. That is up to you.

Drill #4 - Front Side Drill Objective - This drill is used to teach and reinforce the proper front shoulder action during delivery.

The drill is performed as the pitcher kneels on the pivot-leg knee. The pitcher will begin the drill with the throwing arm in the "T -position" and the stride foot aimed at the plate. The pitcher begins the throwing motion by pulling and tucking his front arm and glove. At the same time he is bringing his throwing arm and shoulder around and toward the plate. The drill should be performed many times to give the pitcher the feel of proper mechanics and front shoulder movement. The front elbow should be used as the guide for the front side. The glove should be extended out and tucked as the pitcher rolls his lead shoulder and pulls it in. This deceptive move is used to distract and deceive batters. The drill should be finished with the throwing arm in proper finish position outside the stride leg knee.

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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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Baseball Bat Sizing - How to Choose a Ball Bat

2010-10-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

Baseball Bat Sizing - How to Choose a Ball Bat
By guest author: Ben Theismann

Baseball Bat Sizing is an inexact science with many different variables including body types, size, height, personal preference, and skill set. Buying the correct ball bat can have a big impact on batting average and power numbers over the course of a season whether you are in little league, high school, or college.

Bats are made from many different materials including aluminum, graphite/titanium, and wood. Each of these materials breaks down into various other materials such as different types of wood used to make wood bats. They also bring unique characteristics and advantages to help improve your game.

Aluminum bats is the lightest of the three materials helping you increase bat speed and accuracy. Aluminum bats drive the ball farther than the other two materials. These bats come in double or single layer versions that can offer more durability and power.

Wood bats can be made from maple, oak, and other strong trees. They bring the familiar crack of the bat and are required use in lots of league styles. Long, wide grain wood is the best selection. While wood bats tend to crack or break, the price point is lower and they provide a true sense of skill since hitting is not enhanced.

To find the bat size that fits you best, you should review this chart:

5-7 yrs: 24"-26"

8-9 yrs: 26"-28"

10 yrs: 28"-29"

11-12 yrs: 30"-31"

13-14 yrs: 31"-32"

15-16 yrs: 32"-33"

17+ yrs: 34"

While it is not set in stone, the baseball bat sizing chart helps give you a good idea where to start when selecting a bat. Obviously body type and size will also determine if you should go up in size or down.

Choosing weight comes down to your strength and your hitting style. Average hitters normally choose a lighter weight bat to gain more control while power hitters tend to use heavier bats.

The basic baseball bat sizing information should help you select the best baseball bat for your needs.

Ben Theismann is a freelance writer with an expertise in health, sports, and fitness related topics. Ben currently produces articles, press releases, product copywriting, and other writing assignments for numerous internet companies.

Baseball Rampage is a leading retailer of baseball equipment by Easton, Reebok, Nike, and more. Review and rate baseball gear, follow us on Twitter, or be a fan on Facebook. Baseball Rampage recommends trying a wood baseball bat in competition to feel the true baseball experience. Visit Baseball Rampage to find low prices on baseball bats, gloves, catchers equipment, and more.

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Baseball Glove Repair

2010-09-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Baseball Glove Repair
By guest author: Chico Reese

Baseball glove repair would really not be a concern around this time of year if players and/or parents would just perform a little bit of "routine maintenance" on their baseball gloves right after the playing season is over and then maybe a little bit more right before the beginning of the next season. But this doesn't seem to happen that much from what I can tell.

So here we are...another High School Baseball and College Baseball season. I've already gotten a couple of baseball gloves in the last month or so that have broken. And it's the same thing...very, very dry leather and laces. The laces on one of these baseball gloves were so dry, hard and brittle that they didn't even feel like leather. The laces were so stiff that it was actually a little tough pulling these laces out of some parts of the glove.

The condition of your baseball glove during and after a season will somewhat depend on where you live in the country. In the southeast and southwest you probably aren't going to see a lot of snow, ice and mud. Your glove may face very strong sun and heat, though.

The baseball gloves that I have just repaired were used in the northeast part of the country which can be terrible for leather. The leather can see snow and freezing temperatures. The baseball gloves will definitely get wet and muddy. This mud and water gets ground in sometimes day after day. This water eventually strips the leather of its original oils, softness and color. Then, summer comes. The sun beats down on the glove and dries it up even more. The laces become stiff, weak and brittle. They eventually break. Sometimes parts of the glove, like the eyelets and leather holes, rip. This even happens on the good, expensive gloves that are not cared for.

All of these things can mostly be avoided. Simply try to implement some of the following tips:

Clean off your baseball glove during the season when it needs it. Just a warm, damp cloth will do. Don't soak the glove. You're just trying to get some of the dirt off.
During the season, if the glove has seen a lot of water and then a lot of sun, you should rub in a little bit of conditioner (not any kind of oil!) and let it soak in. This will restore some of the leather's oils, softness and color.
Most importantly, give your glove a good cleaning and conditioning after your season is over. Wipe off all of the dirt and then after the glove dries rub a good coat of conditioner into the glove. Sometimes you may have to do this two or three times if the glove soaks up all of the conditioner right away. Wipe off any excess conditioner. Your restored glove will look and feel new during the off-season.
Tighten up loose laces and definitely repair broken laces or laces that you have a good feeling will break the next season. Do it now while you have the time.
And then, right before the beginning of your next season, inspect your glove again, tighten things up if necessary, put a light coat of conditioner on. There you are! Almost a new glove again.

Believe me, these simple baseball glove repair and restore tips work. I have taken care of a catcher's mitt for three years now...and yes, it's up in the northeast where a catcher's mitt takes water and mud in great amounts in some games. But this glove, after three years, feels great and looks great. The laces and leather show no signs of weakness. This is all because I religiously follow the tips above.

The kid who's glove I fixed the other day...the real dry one, says his glove looks and feels new again. He actually likes the all-black laces better than the original gray ones too. I hope he takes care of it now. But I bet I see it again someday.

And I bet I'll repair a good number of gloves starting around now. These are all of the gloves from last season that were just thrown in garages or basements with no after-season conditioning or tightening or repairing of laces.

So that's where I'll come in...again. Baseball glove repair and restore. I do it all of the time and never once have I advertised this. It all started with one glove, as a favor, and word got out. That was about six years ago and I'm still repairing gloves today.

So try to keep in mind some of these baseball glove repair and restore tips. Your glove will always be in great shape and you'll prevent those unexpected breaks during a game...and there will be no "down time" of your favorite glove.

Do your own Baseball Glove Repairs. Learn how to repair, relace and restore your own baseball glove with "Fix That Glove". Save yourself time and money.

Baseball Glove Repair

http://www.BaseballGloveRestore.com/

Chico Reese has been closely involved in youth baseball, softball and High School Baseball over the last twelve years. He also is known as "The Doctor" for his quick baseball glove repairs and restorations for many kids and adults throughout the summer.

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BatAction Hitting Machine Baseball Softball Trainer

2010-09-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

BatAction Hitting Machine Baseball Softball Trainer
Coach2winVideos
Short video demonstration of the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball softball trainer, The BatAction offers high speed ball movement drills that are 100% Guaranteed to Improve batting averages, bat speed and hitting skill. Unit is suitable for all ages from t-ball to high scholo. Great for Little League team parctices and home backyard workouts. The BatAction is often called the "Backyard Basketball Goal" for baseball and softball players. Visit the Official BatAction Training Blog at http://batactionbaseballtraining.blog... for free drills, tips, and baseball coaching articles. http://www.BatAction.com

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Baseball Hitting Drill: "Stay Back"

2010-09-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Baseball Hitting Drill: "Stay Back"
ebaseballtips
http://www.baseballsmith.com is another great resource for players, coaches and parents involved in youth baseball.

In coaching youth baseball have you ever wondered what stay back actually means to a hitter? This video explains the key reference points in this concept.
www.ebaseballtips.com

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Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - 4 Important Tips for Hurricane Machine Owners

2010-09-22T10:27:00.001-07:00

Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - 4 Important Tips for Hurricane Machine Owners
Coach2winVideos
Video shows important tips that every Derek Jeter Hurricane Machine Owner should know and follow. Video features Nick Dixon of Nedco Sports. Dixon is the inventor of the Hurricane and BatAction Machines. Visit the Hurricane Machine Training Blog at http://hurricanebaseballtrainingmachi... for free baseball coaching and training tips, drills and articles. Also visit http://www.HurricaneMachine.com or http://store.baseball2u.com/husotrmaj... for more information on the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine by SKLZ.

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