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
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Baseball Coaching and Training Equipment Blog
Welcome to the Coachesbest.com official baseball coaching and training blog. Our free baseball coaching articles, drills and tips will help your improve your baseball training and baseball practice. Our daily posts and archives provide you with tips to help you plan your baseball practices and baseball workouts. Make sure to save or bookmark this site to your favorites for future visits. Good luck to your team!
Showing posts with label baseball practice and training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball practice and training. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Baseball Coaching Tips - Mind Games Between the Pitcher and Hitter!

Baseball Coaching & Training Books at Baseball2u.com
One of the better baseball coaching tips
By Larry Cicchiello
As you advance to older levels of play, you will find that many baseball hitters will play certain mind games with the pitcher and pitchers will do the same with hitters. Personally, I would NOT recommend getting involved in any mind games until the high school level of play or higher whether you are the pitcher or the hitter. One of the better baseball coaching tips to always remember is that playing good baseball requires clever use of the mind and not just the body.
Hitters will ask for a time out when you are getting ready to make the pitch to annoy you. This is not to say every time a baseball hitter does this he's playing a mind game but sometimes he is. They will wander away from the batter's box while you are kept waiting, hoping to annoy you.
If you are well aware BEFOREHAND that these things are definitely going to happen, it should be easier for you as a pitcher to deal with them. You know batters are going to do it so why let them accomplish what they want to do and let it bother you? If you do, it's a victory for the batter, isn't it?
As a pitcher, you too can play a few mind games with the batter. It is pretty much a proven fact that working quickly on the mound is beneficial to a pitcher because his fielders have to "stay on their toes." There simply isn't any time for their minds to wander. An added plus is that the pitcher is also sending an indirect message to the hitters that he is extremely confident and can't wait to throw the next pitch to them.
There are times however, when it just might be the right time to slow things down a little! When a very aggressive and anxious batter gets to the plate and it appears that he can't wait to hit, it may be a very good time to step off the mound and rub up the baseball. Hey, if the hitter likes things to happen fast, make sure you slow things down which is the exact opposite of what the hitter wants.
It may be the perfect time to talk something over with your catcher. You may want to motion for your catcher to come out to the mound for a chat. Tell your catcher that you simply are "fussing" with the batter and want to simply talk for a minute. Anything to keep the over anxious hitter waiting impatiently.
When I pitched, if a runner was on first base and a real good anxious hitter was up, I would make sure I came to the set position and would pause there for two or three seconds and then lob the ball to first base. I might do it a second or even a third time also.
I may pause in the set position on the rubber for three or four seconds and then step off the rubber. I could literally see the look of anger on the faces of some of these hitters. Many times these mind games will make the batter angry or very impatient at the plate and swing at pitches out of the strike zone!
Obviously, I would much rather have a hitter thinking about how annoyed he is with me instead of focusing strictly on his baseball hitting. That's a victory for me as a pitcher. Disrupting the batter's thinking means that I've won half the battle before it has even begun!
If you are involved in baseball coaching, just remember that mind games should NOT be played with younger players, who are just starting to learn the game of baseball.
Larry Cicchiello is the successful author of several very user friendly eBooks covering 320 topics on playing or coaching excellent baseball. ANY player, coach or parent who wants to help their child will be fully equipped! Check out some FREE baseball tips on hitting and FREE baseball pitching tips at LarryBaseball.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Cicchiello
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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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Saturday, May 29, 2010
Buy Top Quality Baseball Training Equipment at Ebay Prices.
Buy Top Quality Baseball Training Equipment at Ebay Prices.

Nedco Sports Ebay Store - New Top Quality Products backed by fast and friendly serive. It does not get any better than this!

Nedco Sports Ebay Store - New Top Quality Products backed by fast and friendly serive. It does not get any better than this!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Remembering the "Johnny Bench Baseball Batter-Up" Baseball Trainer


By: Nick Dixon - Inventor of BatAction and Hurricane Hitting Machines
My son loved absolutely loved his Johnny Bench batting trainer. It was so simple and easy to use. He would hit that tiny rubber ball with the molded seams and it would wrap around the pole, return, and he would hit it again. Only God really knows, how many times he watched that ball circle that pole. It was the youth hit trainer that made him a great hitter. It made him a major leaguer in his own mind. He would imagine himself being Johnny Bench. With 2 outs, bases loaded, and the World Series on the line, he had a lot of pressure on him for a 12 year old. He would track that ball around the pole as if it was a 90+ miles per hour fastball. He learned to concentrate on the ball and to keep his head still during his swing.
It was tough be a big league hitter in those days. When that ball got to him, he would hit it so hard that he would almost come out of his shoes. Grand Slam, he would yell! Then he would trot around the backyard smiling and basking in the glory that only a World Series title could bring. It was so sweet to be named the MVP of the whole world. Baseball was fun and his Johnny Bench trainer was his pitcher. As an only child and with no neighbors living close by, it was his best friend and his way of having a great make believe baseball game in his own backyard. It was those backyard games that developed the hitting skills he needed to become a great little league all-star, high school standout, and college baseball player.
Back in those days training aid manufacturing technology was a bit behind the times. There were certain things about the JB trainer that were a bit frustrating. The major problem was those confounded rubber bands. They would dry-rot and break. Eventually most people made their own from cut pieces of old tire inner tubes. Eventually the ball broke off the rod and the JB trainer playing days at our house were over. And the big mass of concrete it was mounted in proved to be a major problem to move when wanted it gone.
Years ago I looked at young players and I realized just how much they too needed a good wholesome home trainer that was fun, practical, entertaining, and productive to hit. That need is the reason I invented the BatAction Hitting Machine and the Hurricane Hitting Machine. Both of these patented batting machines have similar ball motion paths, high speed ball movement, and both offer the same levels of fun and excitement. These popular machines feature adjustable ball speeds and height settings for all ages and ability levels. If you experienced the Johnny Bench trainer as a youngster and appreciate what it did for you, you will want your child or grandchild to have the same opportunities. If you are looking for a rotational hitting machine at a good price, I recommend the BatAction and Hurricane Hitting Machines. I know that you will love the results that you see from regular backyard workouts on these hitting trainers. Good luck till next time, Nick Dixon.
The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
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The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!
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Monday, May 3, 2010
Speed in Baseball - Is the 60 Yard Dash Still Important?
Speed in Baseball - Is the 60 Yard Dash Still Important?
By Thurman Hendrix
As many know by now, the average body size of Major League Baseball players has greatly increased since around the mid 1990's. Players began to hit more home runs than in the past and coaches stopped calling as many steal attempts in fear of running into outs. Go back and look at the stolen base leaders through the years. In 1982, Rickey Henderson stole 130 bases. Nowadays, anything over 40 is considered a huge year. However, speed is still a big factor in the recruiting process and ultimately may be what gets you a roster spot, a scholarship, or a higher draft pick and signing bonus!
The ability to run is considered one of the five tools that scouts look for when recruiting players. The others are the ability to hit for average, power, throwing-arm strength, and defense. It used to be that speed alone could earn you a roster spot on a major league team. Other than a few rare exceptions, this is no longer the case. Currently in the eyes of many professional scouts, running speed is probably the least important of the five tools. In the past you may have heard a scout say, "Wow, this guy can run. Can he hit at least a little?" Meaning that speed alone could have gotten someone to the big leagues. Any hitting ability would be icing on the cake. Now, you are more likely to hear "Wow, this guy can run, but can he hit?" Meaning, it's great that the player can run, but they wouldn't get called up unless they were a major league hitter. This is, however, starting to change as the league is beginning to clean itself up. Home run totals are down the past few years and major league organizations are starting to put greater emphasis back into speed.
It may sound as if I'm saying speed is not that important. That is not the case at all! While it is true that speed is less important at the major league level, it does still play a huge factor in the high school and college game. This is especially true among teams that play in large, open ballparks and do not hit a lot of home runs. Also, even though professionally it is not as valued as it once was, speed is still a huge factor in your overall draft status and it can even make you appear to be a better hitter by boosting your batting average from beating out infield singles or bunts.
Scouts come across thousands of players and have the tough job of trying to predict who will succeed at the next level. Speed will obviously be the deciding factor when choosing between two players that have equal ability when comparing their other tools. During the recruiting process, speed gets you noticed. If you have ever been to a showcase, one of the first things they will look at is your 60 yard dash time. The purpose of this is to immediately weed some players out. If your 60 time is not where it needs to be for your position, they may have already crossed you off of their "watch" list.
I like to say that when assessing your five tools, each can be classified as a liability, average, or a tool. In terms of speed, a liability would mean that you are so slow for your position that scouts may not even look at what else you can do. Unless you are a super-freak hitter you are probably not getting to the next level. Average speed would mean that you are just fast enough to play at the next level, but it is not really going to impress either. Having speed as a tool means that you run better (sometimes exceptionally better) than most other players at your position. It is not the only thing looked at in scouting, but it is definitely a huge bargaining chip in your favor. Think of it as a credential on a resume. A doctorate degree looks better than a master's degree, a master's degree looks better than a bachelor's degree, which looks better than a GED, which looks better than no degree at all. Obviously, if interviewing for an upper level position, the job recruiter will first look at the person with the doctorate because he has the most credentials. The same holds true in the world of baseball recruiting. In essence, you are interviewing for an upper level position. The more credentials and tools on your resume, the more likely you will be looked at.
To learn how to improve your 60 yard dash and baseball specific speed visit: http://www.60yarddash.com
Thurman Hendrix is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and specializes in training athletes. As a former pro baseball player he will help you increase speed in a very short amount of time.
This article may be published on your web sites or other electronic publications assuming it is used in its entirety. The resource box, copyright info, and all references must also be included and all hyperlinks must be HTML clickable.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thurman_Hendrix
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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!
By Thurman Hendrix
As many know by now, the average body size of Major League Baseball players has greatly increased since around the mid 1990's. Players began to hit more home runs than in the past and coaches stopped calling as many steal attempts in fear of running into outs. Go back and look at the stolen base leaders through the years. In 1982, Rickey Henderson stole 130 bases. Nowadays, anything over 40 is considered a huge year. However, speed is still a big factor in the recruiting process and ultimately may be what gets you a roster spot, a scholarship, or a higher draft pick and signing bonus!
The ability to run is considered one of the five tools that scouts look for when recruiting players. The others are the ability to hit for average, power, throwing-arm strength, and defense. It used to be that speed alone could earn you a roster spot on a major league team. Other than a few rare exceptions, this is no longer the case. Currently in the eyes of many professional scouts, running speed is probably the least important of the five tools. In the past you may have heard a scout say, "Wow, this guy can run. Can he hit at least a little?" Meaning that speed alone could have gotten someone to the big leagues. Any hitting ability would be icing on the cake. Now, you are more likely to hear "Wow, this guy can run, but can he hit?" Meaning, it's great that the player can run, but they wouldn't get called up unless they were a major league hitter. This is, however, starting to change as the league is beginning to clean itself up. Home run totals are down the past few years and major league organizations are starting to put greater emphasis back into speed.
It may sound as if I'm saying speed is not that important. That is not the case at all! While it is true that speed is less important at the major league level, it does still play a huge factor in the high school and college game. This is especially true among teams that play in large, open ballparks and do not hit a lot of home runs. Also, even though professionally it is not as valued as it once was, speed is still a huge factor in your overall draft status and it can even make you appear to be a better hitter by boosting your batting average from beating out infield singles or bunts.
Scouts come across thousands of players and have the tough job of trying to predict who will succeed at the next level. Speed will obviously be the deciding factor when choosing between two players that have equal ability when comparing their other tools. During the recruiting process, speed gets you noticed. If you have ever been to a showcase, one of the first things they will look at is your 60 yard dash time. The purpose of this is to immediately weed some players out. If your 60 time is not where it needs to be for your position, they may have already crossed you off of their "watch" list.
I like to say that when assessing your five tools, each can be classified as a liability, average, or a tool. In terms of speed, a liability would mean that you are so slow for your position that scouts may not even look at what else you can do. Unless you are a super-freak hitter you are probably not getting to the next level. Average speed would mean that you are just fast enough to play at the next level, but it is not really going to impress either. Having speed as a tool means that you run better (sometimes exceptionally better) than most other players at your position. It is not the only thing looked at in scouting, but it is definitely a huge bargaining chip in your favor. Think of it as a credential on a resume. A doctorate degree looks better than a master's degree, a master's degree looks better than a bachelor's degree, which looks better than a GED, which looks better than no degree at all. Obviously, if interviewing for an upper level position, the job recruiter will first look at the person with the doctorate because he has the most credentials. The same holds true in the world of baseball recruiting. In essence, you are interviewing for an upper level position. The more credentials and tools on your resume, the more likely you will be looked at.
To learn how to improve your 60 yard dash and baseball specific speed visit: http://www.60yarddash.com
Thurman Hendrix is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and specializes in training athletes. As a former pro baseball player he will help you increase speed in a very short amount of time.
This article may be published on your web sites or other electronic publications assuming it is used in its entirety. The resource box, copyright info, and all references must also be included and all hyperlinks must be HTML clickable.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thurman_Hendrix
===Advertisement from our sponsor:=====
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!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Zone Hitting - Working the Pitch Count

Zone Hitting - Working the Pitch Count
By Fred Bonds
Undisciplined hitting has two major pitfalls. First, the batter is not swinging at pitches that are located where he hits most effectively, resulting in weak grounders or fly balls and easy outs. Second, a team of undisciplined hitters will never (and I mean NEVER!) press the opposing pitcher to the point of breakdown. Bottom line is that the pitcher will always maintain control of the ballgame as long as he can count on hitters swinging at his pitch and not theirs.
There are many ways to have a good at bat (let's call it a QAB or quality at bat) from this point on. QAB's come from good clean hits. The pitcher throws the all, you hit it hard, it finds a hole and you're on base. That's the most obvious QAB. The less obvious ones come from forcing the pitcher to throw you your pitch or taking him deep into the count before getting a walk or making an out. Both should be rewarded by teammates for reasons I will explain later.
Let's start by defining a QAB. This is a concept you must learn, understand, and apply every at bat from this point on. A quality at bat is any at bat you have that results in either you getting on base via a hit or walk, or you forcing the pitcher to throw more than four pitchers. Why four? Because if I, as a pitcher, can get you out in 4 pitches and I can do it again for each of your teammates, then my pitch count is 12 pitches per inning, 108 for the game. That's not too bad for a pitcher. Also, it means that you, as a hitter, are only getting 12-16 pitches (if that) per game to hit. Later in the game, you'll not have seen enough pitches to get your timing down and get comfortable. Have you ever wondered why a pitcher, who is cruising along in a game with no real problems but is going to full count with nearly every batter, suddenly gets rocked even though he is doing well? The batters got comfortable with him. They saw enough pitches to figure out how to hit him effectively. That's why closers are so effective even if they throw only one type of pitch.
By forcing the pitcher to throw more pitches, you get to see him longer, and see all of his pitches. Also, you wear him down. So instead of 4 pitches, it now takes 7 pitches to get you and the rest of your team out. Assuming no one gets on base, the pitcher ends up throwing 21 pitches per inning or 147 per game. That is a very high pitch count for anyone, especially high school or collegiate pitchers.
Let's assume that most pitchers have an effectiveness ceiling of 80 pitches. You face a pitcher and get on base in 5 pitches. The next hitter flies out in 6. The number 3 hitter hits a ground ball through in 4 pitches. The cleanup hitter is out in 7. The last batter of the inning fights back from 1-2 only to ground out in 7 pitches. No runs score, but your team has made the pitcher throw 29 pitches in one inning. At that pace, the pitcher should lose his effectiveness in the third inning. If your team continues to wear him down, you will have created a window of opportunity to break the game wide open somewhere in the third or fourth inning.
How do you have a QAB? The answer depends on the situation present when you enter the batters box. For now, let's discuss your first at bat, no runners on, and no outs. You should have a good idea of where your "happy spot" is in the strike zone. A "happy spot" is your power zone. Normally, it is mid-thigh to belt high on the inner half of the plate. Where ever it is, this is the spot that you want to hit the ball for power and solid contact. When you are at the plate, you are looking for a fastball in that specific location. You will not swing at any pitch outside that zone even if it is a strike. Also, you will not swing at any off speed pitch. You will keep looking for a pitch in this zone until you have one strike on you.
With one strike, the zone you are hitting in expands slightly. Now you are looking fastball (or hanging off-speed) across the heart of the plate. Height-wise look just above knees to hip high. You must make a mental note to stay closed as you expand your zone. The odds of getting pitched outside increase dramatically when you have one or more strikes on you. Also, your mind-set should be to hit the ball up the middle. You should not swing at pitches outside of the zone or at off-speed pitches that are not mistakes. You will hit this zone until you have two strikes.
With two strikes, the zone is wide open, extending at least 2 in. on the corners and a ball width up and down the zone. Make note of what the ump is calling and adjust your zone accordingly. Your swing shortens slightly as you look to put the ball in play or foul it off. You are now looking for the ball away and will keep your front hip closed as you approach the ball. You are looking to hit opposite field as a majority of pitches will be thrown to the outer half of the plate with two strikes. You will react to the inside pitch.
Now with this mind-set, the pitcher must throw a minimum of 3 pitches to get you out or get a walk. So, a minimum of 3 pitches to get you out or 4 to walk you. You have that many pitches to find one that is in your hitting zone to hit for power. Expect to go at least 5 pitches as we can expect the pitcher to waste a pitch or miss the zone. It is very likely one of those five pitches will be the money pitch for you. Be ready. The big difference between amateur and professional hitters is that pros can hit the pitch when they get it a majority of the time.
With runners on, your zone will change depending upon where you want to hit the ball, but for the most part, those three zone situations will suffice. Also, should you face a pitcher who is throwing strikes and a lot of them; you will need to match his aggressiveness. Still looking for your pitch, your zone should expand larger after the 1st strike to incorporate the zone the pitcher is hitting. If he's not missing much, you have to step it up a notch and match him. Sure, you are not going to drive up the pitch count (unless you hit him a lot and keep him out there) but you will see pitches you can hit so go get them.
Working the count is extremely important when hitting against a pitcher you haven't seen before. A team effort is required to gain info on what the pitcher has in way of velocity, location, and pitch types. Done properly, batters can swing the advantage to their side of the plate while possibly increasing their batting averages. Will this work every time? Probably not, but it will make you a better hitter and increase the odds of your team winning.
Variations of this approach can be made by moving your initial zone to wherever you want to hit the ball. If I know I can hit the outside pitch away with power, I may want to go after the first fastball I see on the outer half of the plate (very likely the first pitch). It's up to you. The important part of all of this is to learn discipline at the plate and not go up there hacking at anything that moves. Have a plan and stick to it unless the conditions make you change.
Ultimately, QAB's will help raise your batting average, RBI count, and on-base percentage. In order to be effective, however, you must learn to recognize pitches as well as developing a short quick stroke to the ball. Putting it all together is what it's all about!
Fred Bonds is the Director of Research for Area51Sports, an innovative new wood baseball bat company, http://www.area51bats.com. He was director of the Central Michigan Sports Center, director of the BPR Nationals Baseball HS Prospect team, and a former associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds and Global Scouting Bureau. Be sure to visit the Area51Sports website and get on the email list for the latest advances in hitting, coaching, and great discounts on the hottest baseball bats in the game. For more info on wood baseball bats or to contact Fred, go to http://www.area51bats.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_Bonds
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Monday, March 29, 2010
Baseball Training For Power Hitting
Derek Jeter CAT4 Hurricane Hitting Machine

Baseball Training For Power Hitting
By Vic Read
Watching a 5' 8", 160 pound shortstop hit a 400 foot bomb is always amazing. Sure, the 6' 4", 235 pound first baseman has the natural strength to put the ball out of the yard, but how does the smaller player do it? What does he possess to produce such power? And how do some larger players consistently hit for distance, while others just have the occasional home run?
The three main components to hitting the baseball consistently and for distance are:
1. Proper mechanics - feet comfortably spread apart, hands back, and a smooth transfer from load to swing.
2. Good eye-hand coordination - seeing the ball all the way in and watching the ball hit the bat.
3. Good bat speed - the faster the bat, the faster the ball flies out.
Each one of these components can be improved upon by every baseball player.
1. Proper Mechanics - Watch some major league games and check out the different styles of batting stance. Then grab a bat and see what is most comfortable for you. Being tense at the plate cuts down on your reaction time. And when that fastball is coming in, you have to be relaxed and ready to release the perfect swing. Once you have found a stance you like, go hit off the tee and then take some cuts at a batting cage and continue to refine your mechanics. Once you like your stance, then do some research and learn about loading up, staying back on the ball and swinging thru the pitch.
2. Good eye-hand coordination - soft toss, which is hitting a ball into a net when tossed by someone from a short distance, is a good tool to work on and improve your eye-hand coordination. Have the person toss the ball at different angles and different locations. Start off with slow tosses, and then increase the speed.
3. Good bat speed - there are many methods to help improve your bat speed. Try using a heavier bat or a wood bat during practice or in the cages. Swing off the tee using only one hand. Take a medicine ball, hold it out in front of you and rotate your hands like you were swinging a bat. The idea is to get your hands and hips moving faster to strike the ball at a greater speed.
Once you find that comfortable batting stance, and you have worked on the eye-hand drills, and you have improved your bat speed, than take a 100 swings a day. It can be off a tee, during soft toss, in a cage, or just in the backyard swinging at the air. But take a 100 good swings a day to make your swing as natural as breathing.
For more tips on increasing your bat speed and hitting the baseball farther, please visit http://www.powerhitting.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vic_Read
======================
=======================================
Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine
=======================================
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 Training For Power Hitting
By Vic Read
Watching a 5' 8", 160 pound shortstop hit a 400 foot bomb is always amazing. Sure, the 6' 4", 235 pound first baseman has the natural strength to put the ball out of the yard, but how does the smaller player do it? What does he possess to produce such power? And how do some larger players consistently hit for distance, while others just have the occasional home run?
The three main components to hitting the baseball consistently and for distance are:
1. Proper mechanics - feet comfortably spread apart, hands back, and a smooth transfer from load to swing.
2. Good eye-hand coordination - seeing the ball all the way in and watching the ball hit the bat.
3. Good bat speed - the faster the bat, the faster the ball flies out.
Each one of these components can be improved upon by every baseball player.
1. Proper Mechanics - Watch some major league games and check out the different styles of batting stance. Then grab a bat and see what is most comfortable for you. Being tense at the plate cuts down on your reaction time. And when that fastball is coming in, you have to be relaxed and ready to release the perfect swing. Once you have found a stance you like, go hit off the tee and then take some cuts at a batting cage and continue to refine your mechanics. Once you like your stance, then do some research and learn about loading up, staying back on the ball and swinging thru the pitch.
2. Good eye-hand coordination - soft toss, which is hitting a ball into a net when tossed by someone from a short distance, is a good tool to work on and improve your eye-hand coordination. Have the person toss the ball at different angles and different locations. Start off with slow tosses, and then increase the speed.
3. Good bat speed - there are many methods to help improve your bat speed. Try using a heavier bat or a wood bat during practice or in the cages. Swing off the tee using only one hand. Take a medicine ball, hold it out in front of you and rotate your hands like you were swinging a bat. The idea is to get your hands and hips moving faster to strike the ball at a greater speed.
Once you find that comfortable batting stance, and you have worked on the eye-hand drills, and you have improved your bat speed, than take a 100 swings a day. It can be off a tee, during soft toss, in a cage, or just in the backyard swinging at the air. But take a 100 good swings a day to make your swing as natural as breathing.
For more tips on increasing your bat speed and hitting the baseball farther, please visit http://www.powerhitting.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vic_Read
======================
=======================================
Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine
=======================================
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.
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