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
Welcome to the Baseball Coaching and Training Blog. We strive to supply our baseball readers with the very latest articles, tips and drills related to baseball coaching and training including free baseball drills, free baseballl tips and free baseball coaching articles.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Coaching Baseball - Two True Base Running Blunders That Teach a Lesson
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
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
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
A Monthly Basic Baseball Training Schedule - Our 500th Post
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!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_E_Wilson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6119387
Hit2win.com - Build a Better Swing! Free Drills, Tips & Articles.
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!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_E_Wilson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6119387
Hit2win.com - Build a Better Swing! Free Drills, Tips & Articles.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy Independence Day - 2011
Happy Independence Day - 2011
Happy Birthday America!
For free articles, drills & tips, visit Hit2win.com
Advanced Skills Tee is the 'World's Most Advanced Batting Tee". Check ot this
great training product at AdvancedSkillsTee.com
Happy Birthday America!
For free articles, drills & tips, visit Hit2win.com
Advanced Skills Tee is the 'World's Most Advanced Batting Tee". Check ot this
great training product at AdvancedSkillsTee.com
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Baseball Coaching Digest: 5 Solid Tips for Taking Your Team From Worst to First in Batting Stats
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.
The Baseball2u.com Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. Available now for just $119.95 + S&H.
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
===================
Thanks to our sponsors:
Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog
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.
The Baseball2u.com Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. Available now for just $119.95 + S&H.
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
===================
Thanks to our sponsors:
Check out these coaching articles at the Softball Coaching Digest:
SoftballCoachingDigest.com
• Articles from the Youth Softball Coaching Clinic Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Pitchers Blog
• Articles from the Coaching Fastpitch Softball Hitters Blog
• Articles from the Tips for Fastpitch Softball Coaches Blog
• The Fastpitch Softball Training Equipment Blog
Monday, June 20, 2011
Pro Baseball Tryouts - How Should I Prepare for Tryout Day?
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lyle_LaFountain
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Baseball Pitching - Coaching Pitchers to Succeed by Starting With the Basics
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
======================
Thanks to our sponsors:
SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
======================
Thanks to our sponsors:
SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)