Baseball Coaching by Coach Fox

Coach Fox Hall of Fame inductee

2009-01-02T15:43:00.000-08:00

Coach Fox, Hall of Fame Inductee HSCOACH 01/02/09 04:32 PM 0 hits

Last year I recieved an award from the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association for "Man of the Year" 2007 and this year on January 31st I will be inducted into the IHSBCA Hall of Fame. At first impulse I was excited and thought that this was a great award for me as a baseball coach and would be a highlight of my career but as I thought more about it, it was even a bigger honor for many others.
I would have never recieved this honor if it wasn't for a great group of people around me...and I would like to thank them now and give this honor to the people that deserve it most and made it all possible. You win some, You lose some...It's the feeling of being apart of it you never forget and that's what has meant the most to me.
My wife Penny and my family Paul. David, Nick, Jessica, and Greg have always taken a back seat to my love of the game and the time I spent on the baseball practice and game fields. The time spent away from them was unbelievable and yet they stood by me. They truely have made all of this possible for me by their sacrifices. They are the main reason I was able to have success and be the type of coach I have always wanted to be.
My players have been the real cause of these honors because they have really done all the hard work, effort, and preperation to succeed at this level. I have been very fortunate to be associated with the greatest group of athletes and teams that anyone could hope for. They were all class individuals and are a very important part of my life and my baseball success. They are all winners and I will never forget them...they are a life time full of great memories.
The school, the families, and the boosters were also a big part of these awards...
The Downers Grove South School and Oregon High School faculty and Administrators were very helpful to me and my ability to improve the facilities and playing conditions for the athletes and to improve my coaching skills and abilities.
The families and boosters that supported the baseball program also were big in the development of first class equipment, facilities, and uniforms. They were not only great parents that supported there kids a 100% but great boosters that supported me through all these years...I can't thank all of them seperately but they will always be a part of me and my great memories at Oregon High School and Downers Grove South. They were willing to not only sacrifice time and money for the program but support of my ideas and philosophies. There kids were great examples of great families.
The assistant coaches that I have had over the years were outstanding. I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by the best assistant coaches a head coach could ask for.I would name them all and thank it one but I could never thank them enough...I learned so much from them. I do want to mention Rudy Boker who was the head coach at South before me...He was a greeat teacher of the game of baseball...Thanks.
As an IHSBCA Board member for the last 9 years i have also learned that there is ways of supporting Illinois baseball besides coaching...Helping Illinois baseball coaches learn and supporting their programs. The IHSBCA Board members are the greatest group of coaches that take coaching to the next level...State wide. They have taught me and shared many coaching ideas that even today have helped me be a better caoch.
I am writing this article not to accept this honor on my behalf but for all the teams that I have coached in the last 32 years. I had the honor to coach at Downers grove South for 23 years and Oregon High School for 9 years. My 397 victories do not exist without any of these players. My 21 years as a head Varsity baseball coach doesn't exist without the support of my family and my extended baseball family. The last 2 years I have recieved honors not for me but for them. On January 31st I will be inducted into IHSBCA Hall of Fame but my shoulders will be alot bigger than ever before...I will be carrying alot of players,c oaches, family, and friends with me.
Congratualtions to all of you who have had a part in this honor...it truely is for you too.The award and honor are not mine alone...But my baseball family's.
Thanks to the Chicago White Sox Academy in Lisle for allowing me to continue coaching and doing what I love most. Being able to touch individual baseball players and help their progress is a great feeling. Still coaching hitting and pitching lessons.This allows me to still help some of Downers Grove South's players.

What is Class?

2008-11-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

We have heard them all and many more. As players, coaches, parents and fans, we all need to address how we react to sports.
WHAT IS CLASS? THESE ARE SOME IDEAS TO FOLLOW...
* Being a positive role model and example to others as an athlete, coach, fan or parent.
* Accepting the responsibility of passing on to others the "Right Way" to represent yourself.
* Remembering and honoring all those who showed you the way.
* Defeating an inferior opponent without embarassing him/her. Understand that th effort they took to lose may have been as much as you took to win.
* Accepting that sometimes your opponent will play better than you. Never accept losing, but accept losing with dignity.
* Telling an Opponent "Nice Job, Great Game. You played well." and mean it.
* Winning with humility while maintaining your dignity in defeat.
* Being courteous to all players-opponents-fans- parents.
* Treating all members of your team with respect and how you would want them to treat you. Everyone on the team is as important as you are...otherwise there is no team.
* Never quitting. Never quitting. Never quitting.
* Respecting your opponents by being prepared. Anyone can win on any given day if you don't prepare to play the game the way it's meant to be played...100%
* Thinking before you say something "stupid". Don't react...Think first.
* Your appearance - How you dress and how you react. Look good, Play good!
So in essence we all can have class if we want to...
Win with class
Lose with class
"Class" should be the main lesson a coach and parent should be teaching and demonstrateing to the players, not just winning.
YOU ARE NOTHING WITHOUT CLASS...

Head High School Baseball Coaches Job Description

2008-11-26T10:59:00.000-08:00

Head Baseball Coaches Job Description

1. Ride the bus to and from the games and supervise players’ behavior.
2. Oversee entire coaching staff.
3. Make “Major” discipline decisions on “All” levels.
4. Set up a list of “Baseball Musts” designed for his way of coaching and for other coaches on the staff to use as reference.
5. Order equipment for program.
6. Develop improvement plans for facilities.
7. Determine who will coach on his staff.
8. Do summer baseball program.
9. Develop off-season programs…Conditioning & Weights.
10. Develop & maintain a Booster club.
11. Attend Booster club meetings.
12. Promote at least one charitable organizations cause once a year. (Funds for…student with cancer, Giving tree, lions club, heritage fest)
13. Be a Laison to the community for baseball teams.
14. Run clinics for local youth.
15. Help take care of baseball fields.
Cut grass, trim base paths, put in clay bricks,
Paint, clean up, drag field, cover areas, Line fields, rake leaves, buy dirt, buy crushed rock, keep fences up to standards, sod areas as needed, seed areas as needed, etc.
16. Promote academics…check grades each quarter/semester… all year long.
17. Inventorying all equipment.
18. Promote other sports with kids in our season and out.
Encourage them to do other activities besides baseball.
19. Promote and help athletes go to college and play whenever possible.
20. Communicate with umpires/opponent on home game rainouts. (Summer)
21. Attend as many clinics as possible to further your knowledge of the game.
22. Attend the IHSBCA monthly meetings when possible and become an involved
member to help promote Illinois High School baseball and your school.
23. Send your school preview books to all interested colleges.
24. Attend National Convention.
25. Control of players and coaches during games.
26. Promote your school with pride and dignity at all times.
27. Communicate as much as possible with the Athletic Director and Coaches.
28. Keep statistics on the Varsity level for school records.
29. Keep constant communication with local papers during the season.
30. Write work orders for field work and follow up on it.
30. Promote the game! Make it Fun!

Outfield Tips

2008-11-26T10:43:00.000-08:00

Outfield Tips
During batting practice shag all balls in your position!
The READY POSITION is one of narrow stance with the weight on the balls of feet and the center of gravity relatively high, so that the outfielder can move quickly in any direction. He must be ready to move rather instantaneously in an unknown direction. You should walk into the ready position.

PRE-PLAY MENTAL PREPARATIONS:1. Determine how the ball bounces off the wall.2. Determine how the ball meets the corner of the fence.3. Say to yourself "EVERY BALL HIT IS GOING TO BE HIT TO ME." Prepare yourself mentally before every pitch. That way you will never be caught on the short end.4. Be alert to each special situation. Always expect the worst so you will be ready. Know what you are doing with the ball on every pitch. a. Know when the bunt is in order. b. Know when the tying or winning run is at bat or on base. c. Know who has exceptional speed. d. Look for changes in sun and wind.5. Study the hitters so you will know who pulls and who hits with power and then play accordingly.

FROM THIS POSITION: a. Read every pitch inside and outside b. Read the bat angle. The hitter will show you where the ball is going. c. Sound will tell you how far the ball is going.

FIELDING FLY BALLS: a. First response is to jerk the head back using inner ear. b. Use the drop step for fly balls over your head then cross step. Drop directly towards the straight line route to the baseball. c. Always run full speed after fly balls. Get under them and wait to catch it. d. Never glide to the ball, or get in the habit of timing your catch. e. Always stand deeper from where you think the ball will land so you are able to turn through the ball when you make the catch. If possible catch the ball going toward infield. f. Time the catch and go into a throwing motion. Set up 6-10 feet behind fly ball when possible. g. Don't get under the ball. Keep the ball to the side angle. h. Lock the ball into the glove. i. On diving catches use the shoulder roll, finish and get the glove up. j. On sliding catches use a pop-up slide technique with your glove to the side. k. Remember the ball will always curve toward the foul line. l. Most outfielders use a very large glove. m. Catch the ball on the throwing side above the shoulder with two hands as the rear foot hits the ground.

FIELDING GROUND BALLS: The key is to break hard on every play. Charge all ground balls, even though it is directly at an infielder and appears to be a sure out. Get in the habit of backing your infielders.
NO PLAY TECHNIQUE: Block ground balls: some coaches have you on your right (left) knee. I prefer to treat it like you’re an infielder…stay in front of it.

INFIELD TECHNIQUE: Always field the ball in front of you. Right handers practice fielding ground balls on the left foot. Charge at full speed until you are ready to make the catch, then THROW (CROW) HOP to get under control. After you have caught the ball off your lead foot, throw by planting your back foot. Stare down low line drives and ground balls.

THROWING: *Always grip across all four seams with your fingers apart. *Always throw overhand with full arm extension. *Right-handers TUCK your glove against your chest when throwing to prevent flying open. *Over-emphasize the follow through when warming up and during infield practice. You'll find this will strengthen your arm as well as make it accurate. *Always hit your cut-off man to prevent further advancement. *Don't worry about where the runners are. Just hit the cut-off man. *Never THROW THROUGH (shortstop) to your infielders. *THROW HOP to target to create momentum and power. (Crow Hop) *After the catch get the meat hand into the glove as quickly as possible. *Be sure that you finish with the chest over the front foot. *With the baseball stopped at the fence, step over the ball - crow and throw. *On the glove side while running hard to cut the ball off - you step over and throw back.

Offseason conditioning

2008-11-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

Offseason Conditioning That Produces Champions
The game of baseball is played in a series of short quick bursts, so as coaches, why not condition athletes in the offseason to enhance those attributes in players. The goal is to turn average players into contributors and good players into great players.
Utilize the lifting program three days a week--Tuesday, Thursday and SundaysLike many other programs with time and facility limitations, the entire body is worked in those three days. On alternate days, Monday and Wednesday, the agility program is used. Split the entire squad into two groups and work for one-half hour. In agility workouts, use many exercises that improve players' reaction time, power and explosion.
Two workouts are recommendedThe first workout is a station workout, and the second workout is a stairwell workout accompanied with plyometrics. In the station workout, the players exercise at each station for one minute (2 to 30 second sets). In between each station, the players run a backward lap on the track. The stations are as follows:
Two laps in 25 seconds each (track 1/11 of a mile)
Medicine ball abdominal work - 10 pounds. Two players back-to-back passing the ball over head (one set) and waist high (one set)
One legged dot-to-dot (both legs)
Jump rope
Reverse curls - wrist rolls with straight bar
Mountain climbers
Plyometrics - 12 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches only (one set on top, one set up and over)
Two-legged dot-to-dot (both feet each spot)
Throw-downs (abdominals)
One-legged half squats
Lateral hops over a 12-inch cone
Step ups - 24 inches
Side crunches with 10-pound medicine ball
NOTE: In the complete workout, run over a mile backwards.
The Stairwell Workout is as Follows:
Two-feet bunny hop every step, two times.
Two-feet bunny hop two steps, two times.
Two-feet bunny hop three steps, two times.
Two-feet bunny hop four steps, two times.
Two-feet bunny hop as many as possible, two times.
One-legged hop alternate legs, two times.
One-legged hop two steps alternate legs, two times.
One-legged hop three steps alternate legs, two times.
HOP up three steps, down two steps.
HOP up two steps, down one step.
Set ups 15 second sets for three minutes.
PLYOMETRICS:
Box Height - 12 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches, 48 inches, 54 inches.
Workout - six times through, jumping on top of boxes and six times jumping up and over the boxes. The boxes are placed three feet apart.

Players Word List

2008-11-26T10:35:00.000-08:00

Name ____________

Mustang Baseball – Word List

Below is a list of words that coaches and players use a lot…What each means to the individual can be completely different. Write down what each word means to you.

Attitude…

Confidence…

Desire…

Team Player…

Role player…

Concentration…

Pride…

Coachable…

Motivation…

Momentum…

Discipline…

Character…

Trust…

Focus…

Fundamentals…

Balance…

Mechanics…

Game face…

Ability…

Unity…

Hustle…

Now take the list above and find the top four that mean the most to you and list them below in order of importance. If you have a different one feel free to include it too.

1.

2.

3.

4

Coaches Check List

2008-11-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

Coaches Check List

Defensive…
Bunting… Basic “0”(3 man coverage)
“1” First Base stays
“3” Third Base stays
“2” Special Play
FIST Wheel Play
Runner on 1st Runner on 2nd
Runner on 3rd Runners on 1st & 2nd
Bunt for a hit Runners on 1st & 3rd

First & Third… Basic “0” (2B comes in)
#’s Cover bases
Early Steal Delayed Steal
Forced Pickoff Double Steal
Regular Steal Fake Fall at First
Wheel

Cuts & Relays… Single and Double Cuts
Nobody on Runners on

Double Plays…
Second to first Third to first
Home to first First to second to first

PFP…Pitcher Fielding Practice
Covering first Covering home
DP...Comebackers Backing up bases
Pickoffs

Infield Positioning…Coaches hand positions
Pulled in ½ Way
In/Back Regular/Back
Last out at the plate

Field Adjustments…
Finding the fence Warning track
Foul play area Backstop distance

Tagging…
Stealing From the field
Pickoffs Rundowns
Coaches Check list

Offensive…

Bunting…
Sacrifice Squeeze
For a Hit On your own
Double Squeeze Runners responsibilities
Fake & Slap

Hit & Run…
Hitter Runner

Leadoffs…
One Way Two Way
Stealing Safe
On Your Own Jumps
Steps Pitch shuffle
Dive Back

Stealing…
Early Delayed
Straight Double Steal

1st & 3rd…
Early Delayed
Double Forced Pickoff
Fake Fall Wheel
Run down

Tagging…
Which foot When to go

Signals…
Coaches hand signals Signs
Bench signs Player signs (Choke)
Pitch calls

Individual Checklists…

Catcher…
Signs Stance Pickoffs
Bunts Foul Balls Pop Ups Pop Ups
Tagging Play at the Plate Dropped 3rd Strike
DP – 4 to 1 Covering third on Bunt

Pitcher…
Covering first DP Comebacker DP 4-1
Bunts (1,3,0) Pass Ball coverage Pop Ups

1B…
Ball in Dirt Ball on the line Pickoffs
P Cover 1st Holding runner on Tagging
Slow rollers Ball decision between 2B & 1B & P

2B…
DP 1B/2B inbetweeners Covering First on a bunt
Pickoffs Pop Ups Relays
Backing up P Backing up 1B Tagging
Slow rollers

SS…
DP SS/3B inbetweeners Covering 2B on a bunt
Pickoffs Pop Ups Relays
Backing up P Tagging Slow rollers

3B…
DP 3B/SS inbetweeners Covering 3B on a bunt
Pickoffs Pop Ups Relays
Backing up P Tagging Bunts
Slow rollers

Outfielders…
Fly Balls…all sides/ways
Ground Balls…all sides/ways
Sun Balls Cutoffs Do or Die
Line Drives Runner on ? No Runners
Double Cut Stopped ball Backing Up
Slow Rollers OF Rules Wrong Turn
Gap Ball No Play

Throwers 10 Exercise Program

2008-11-26T10:30:00.000-08:00

Throwers 10 Exercise Program

1. Diagonal Pattern D2 Extension / Flexion
2. External / Internal Rotation at 0 to 90 degree Abduction
3. Shoulder Abduction to 90 degrees
4. Scaption Internal Rotation
5. Prone Horizontal Abduction
6. Press-ups
7. Prone Rowing
8. Push Ups
9. Elbow Flexion / Extensions
10.Wrist Extension / Flexion Supination / Pronation

The throwers 10 program is designed to exercise the major muscles necessary for throwing. The programs goal is to be an organized and concise exercise program. In addition, all exercises included are specific to the thrower and are designed to improve strength, power, and endurance of the shoulder complex musculature.

1. Diagonal Pattern D2 Extension / Flexion

Extension… involved hand will grip tubing handle overhead and out to the side.
Pull tubing down and across your body to the opposite side of your leg. During the motion lead with your thumb.

Straight Arm
Down
Flexion… Gripping tubing handle in hand of involved arm. Begin with arm out from side 45 degrees and palm facing backward, after turning palm forward, proceed to flex elbow and bring arm up and over uninvolved shoulder. Turn palm down and reverse to take arm to starting position. Exercise should be performed in controlled manner.

2. External / Internal Rotation at 0 to 90 degree Abduction

External Rotation at 0 degrees Abduction… Stand with involved elbow fixed at side, elbow at 90 degrees and involved arm across front of body. Grip tubing handle while the other end of the tubing in fixed to a stationary object. Pull out with arm, keep in elbow at side. Return tubing slowly and in a controlled manner.

Internal Rotation at 0 degrees Abduction… Standing with elbow at side, fixed at 90 degrees and should be rotated out. Grip tubing handle while other end of tubing is fixed to a stationary object. Pull arm across body, keeping elbow at side. Return tubing slowly and controlled.

External Rotation at 90 degree Abduction… Stand with shoulder abducted 90 degrees and elbow flexed at 90 degrees. Grip tubing handle while the other end is fixed straight ahead, slightly lower than the shoulder. Keeping shoulder abducted, rotate the shoulder back, keeping elbow at 90 degrees. Return tubing and hand to starting position.

Internal Rotation at 90 degrees abduction… Stand with shoulder abducted to 90 degrees externally rotated 90 degrees and elbow bent 90 degrees. Keeping shoulder abducted, rotate shoulder toward, keeping elbow bent at 90 degrees. Return tubing and hand to starting position.

3. Shoulder Abduction to 90 degrees

Start with arm at side, elbow straight, and palm against side. Raise arm to the side, palm down, until arm reaches 90 degrees (shoulder level) Hold 2 seconds and then lower slowly.

4. Scaption Internal Rotation

Scaption, Internal / Rotation… Stand with elbow straight and thumb up. Raise arm to shoulder level at 30 degree angle in front of body. Do not go above shoulder height. Hold 2 seconds and lower slowly.

5. Prone Horizontal Abduction

Prone Horizontal Abduction (Neutral)… Lie on a table, face down, with involved arm hanging straight to the floor, palm facing down. Raise arm out to side parallel to floor. Hold 2 seconds and lower slowly.

Probe Horizontal Abduction (Full external rotation, 100 degrees abduction)… Lie on table, face down, with involved arm hanging straight to the floor, thumb rotated up. (Hitch hiker position) Raise arm out to the side slightly in front of shoulder, parallel to the floor. Hold for 2 seconds and lower slowly

6. Press-ups

Seated on a chair or table, Place both hands firmly on the side of the chair or table, palm down and fingers pointed outward. Hands should be placed equal with the shoulders. Slowly push downward through the hands to elevate your body. Hold the elevated position for 2 seconds and lower slowly.

7. Prone Rowing

Lying on your stomach, with your involved arm hanging over the side of a table, dumbbell in hand and elbow straight. Slowly raise arm, bending elbow and bring dumbbell as high as possible. Hold at the top for 2 seconds, then slowly lower.

8. Push Ups

Push Ups… Start in the down position, place hands no more than shoulder width apart. Push up as high as possible, rolling shoulders forward after elbows are straight. Start with a push up into the wall, then gradually progress to table top and eventually to the floor as tolerable.

9. Elbow Flexion / Extensions

Elbow Flexion… Standing with arm against side and palm facing inward, bend elbow upward turning palm up as you progress. Hold for 2 seconds and lower slowly.

Elbow Extension… (Abduction) Raise involved
arm overhead, provide support at elbow from
uninvolved hand. Straighten arm overhead.
Hold 2 seconds then lower slowly.

10. Wrist Extension
Wrist Extension… Supporting the forearm and
With palm facing downward, raise weight in
hand as far as possible. Hold 2 seconds, then
lower slowly.
Wrist Flexion… Supporting the forearm and with
palm facing upward, lower a weight in hand as far
as possible, then curl it up as high as possible, then
curl it up as high as possible. Hold for 2 seconds
and lower slowly.
Wrist Supination…
With forearm supported on table with wrist in
neutral position, use a weight or hammer to roll
wrist to the palm up position. Hold 2 seconds and
return to starting position.
Wrist Pronation…
Forearm should be supported on a table with the
wrist in neutral position. Using a weight or hammer, roll wrist to the palm down position. Hold 2 seconds and

Daily Pitching Drills

2008-11-26T10:29:00.000-08:00

Baseball Quick Drills for Pitchers

1. Balance Point Up & Down… Control point work…. No throw
2. Turn to Balance Point From Stretch & Wind Up... No throw
3. Balance Point To Stride and Back Up… No throw
4. Towel Drill …5 steps For Extension
5. Clap Drill…5 steps For release
6. Dart Toss… Change Finger position
7. Two knees… Upper body work
8. One Knee Up / One Knee Down… Glove knee up… Follow Through
9. One Knee Up/ One Knee Down kick up with back foot…Stand Up
10. Ten Toes…
11. Straddle Throw… Exaggerate Upper Body movement
12. Elbow Over/Stride Throw (Side ways) No Step… Hips first/Arm Position
13.. Step to Stride with Leg Lift… Separate Hands/Leg Lift
14. Crossed over Leg drill Throw
15.QB Drop back throw…
16. Complete Pitch… No Stopping Throw
17. Practice pitch to each Other… Different Speeds, Locations, Spins
18. Vary Stretch Moves… As if a runner on base
19. Pickoffs…1st-2nd-3rd
20. Pitchouts
21. Rewind Pitch…Awareness No throw
22. Blind Pitching…with and without the ball Advanced with coach watching

Team drills…
23. Covering Home
24. Comebackers… throwing to 1st, 2nd, 3rd?
25. Bunt Coverage
26. 1st & 3rd Coverage
27. Backing Up the Bases
28. Pop Ups
29. Bull Pen Work
30. Covering 1st
31. Days Off for Recovery… What to you do?

Keep the Head, Shoulders, and Torso headed to Home Plate….
See how Easy you can throw Hard!
Use your Torso really hard, so you can use your Arm easy!
Everything must be parallel and perpendicular!

Attitude and Points of Emphasis

2008-11-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

Attitude and Points of Emphasis

Winning -
We've been here before; Win or Lose; Tough Situation or Not, Last Out or First, We must be the same.

Respect -
For Teachers, Team Mates, Umpires, Our School, The other Team, Other Sports, Other Coaches, Fans, Your Parents, and Your Coaches.
1. Yes Sir, No Sir
2. Great Game, Great Plays, Great Hits, etc.
3. Don't talk to the other coaches, the other players, or the umps unless it's friendly and complimentary
4. When a coach tells you something…do it no questions asked.

Trust-
Only if and when you have trust for the coaches and players around you can we be at our best.

Dress-
We will dress like a winner…complete uniform, properly worn at all times, hat forward, sleeves, and coats if cold
We play like we practice-
We play hard and hustle in both practice and games…it's the only way

TEAM-
No glory as and individual is as rewarding as glory as a team. Emphasis should be on everyone doing the right thing for the team's welfare…not the individuals.
Discipline-
Discipline precedes team success. We do not put individuals above and before the team.

Coaches-
1st emphasis is on the team
2nd emphasis is on the individuals
3rd emphasis is on winning

Character-
Baseball doesn't build character; it reveals it…
What's yours Character like?
Character is how you act when no one else is around.

We do not play the best ; we play the 9 best…
Skills are not the only thing that makes a winning team…
Players' desire, effort, heart and will to want to win help teams win; not just on the field but in life too.

Daily Outfield Drills

2008-11-26T10:26:00.000-08:00

Words to Live By

2008-11-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

Words to Live by…and Words to Avoid

Five most important words: “Surround yourself with good people.”

Four most important words: “Take care of yourself.”

Three most important words: “Class, character, concern.”

Two most important words: “Thank You.”

Single most important word: “We.”

Single least important word: “I.”

Two worst words: “I quit.”

Three worst words: “I don’t care”

Four worst words: “Everybody is doing it.”

Five worst words: “Let somebody else do it.”

Outfield Rules by Counts

2008-11-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Outfield Rules by Count

General Rules to follow:

In-between each pitch check coach for signs of where to move…if changes are to be made.

Below is 16 changes in count along with the corresponding movement changes that can be made.

0-0 to 0-1 move 2 steps to the opposite field
0-0 to 1-0 4 pull
1-0 to 2-0 4 pull
1-0 to 1-1 4 opposite
0-1 to 0-2 4 opposite
0-1 to 1-1 2 pull
2-0 to 3-0 4 pull
2-0 to 2-1 6 opposite
3-0 to 3-1 4 opposite
1-1 to 1-2 4 opposite
1-1 to 2-1 2 pull
2-1 to 3-1 6 pull
2-1 to 2-2 2 opposite
2-2 to 3-2 4 pull
1-2 to 2-2 4 pull
3-1 to 3-2 4 opposite
0-2 to 1-2 2 pull

This is simply playing the percentages.

Daily Catching Drills

2008-11-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

Daily Catching Drills

All Techniques and Foot Work should be covered before doing these drills on their own…Proper equipment for each drill should be on.
Most drills are done with a partner.

Warm up drills…
Stance ¼ Glove Turn Giving signs
Grip on ball Flip to hand Catch & Throw Position

Quick drills…each done 5 times and go on to the next.

1. Stance – With and without runners on base. Sway of ankles.

2. Signs – Giving signs

3. Frame – No Ball…preglove ¼ turn
Player points at a spot where the ball would go. The catcher then adjusts glove by pulling it into the strike zone the proper way. Close glove in.

4. Frame Ball
Player throws the ball to a spot. The catcher then adjusts glove by pulling it into the strike zone the proper way. No jerky movements allowed. Inside/Outside/Up/Down

5. Catch & Throw
Player throws the ball to catcher, the catcher takes proper steps and fakes throw to base he’s working on. Throws vary from straight at him, to the right, to the left, up & down. 5 Times at each location letting the catcher know where it is going to be.
- to first
- to second
- to third

6. Pitchouts & steps
Player throws ball to catcher like it’s a pitchout and the catcher reacts.
- no throw, righty, lefty
- fake throw, to first for a pickoff, righty, lefty
- fake throw, to second for a pickoff, righty, lefty
- fake throw, to third for a pickoff, righty, lefty

7. Blocking – no ball
Player points to middle, right, or left ball in dirt, the catcher blocks that location.

8. Blocking Ball
Player throws ball to middle, right, or left in the dirt, the catcher blocks the ball.

9. Tag at the Plate
Player throws the ball to the catcher covering the plate the proper way. Mix the ball between good and bad throws.
- on the fly
- on the bounce

10. Dropped third strike
Player throws ball behind the catcher’s back (Not too far) in different directions, catcher finds it and fakes a throw to first.

11. Bunts
Player throws the ball in a position the catcher would field a bunt in a game. The catcher reacts and fakes a throw.
- First base
- second base

12. Foul Pop Flys
Player tosses the ball up as high as they can, catcher adjusts and gets proper turn and position under the ball and catches it.

13. Stealing Footwork
Player pitches ball to catcher who moves feet to proper throwing position to make a throw at 2nd or 3rd. Fake throw.

14. Pitcher covering home
Catcher retrieves a pass ball back by screen and on one-knee slides to ball and makes throw to home base where a pitcher covers. (Other catcher stands at plate for this drill)

Proper Throwing Techniques

2008-11-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

Proper Throwing Techniques
Why Building Good Technique Is ImportantBy learning the proper throwing techniques, players can achieve their best velocity and accuracy while reducing the risk of injury to their arm and body.
Learning the proper throwing techniques when young allows a player's muscles and mind to develop the correct memory. Proper throwing can therefore become a good habit that will stay with players throughout their playing lives.
Getting Ready to Throw
Proper throwing starts with conditioning activities well before the ball season begins.
Stretching and warming-up the entire body, as well as the shoulders and arms, is necessary before actually starting to throw. "Warm-up to throw; don't throw to warm-up," as stated by the American Sports Medicine Institute.
Start throwing slowly, over a short distance. Gradually lengthen the distance and increase velocity. This warm-up period will vary with the individual, but will be typically 10-20 minutes.
Some Proper Throwing Techniques
Plant the back foot on the side of your throwing arm, and step with the front foot toward the receiver.
As you step, turn the shoulder of your gloved hand toward the receiver.
Reach down and back for power, keeping your hand on top of the ball palm down.
Extend the arm of the gloved hand forward for balance, generally with the elbow somewhat bent.
Keep your eyes on the target as you "come almost over the top" with the ball. Sidearm throws are sometimes necessary in game situations, but maximum velocity and accuracy can be achieved with an overhand throwing motion. Let this be your natural motion.
Release the ball out in front of your body after your arm passes your head.
Follow through with your arm and body -- do not let your throwing side stay back.
Your arm follow through will be a smooth arc down and across to the opposite side of your body to allow your arm to slow down after releasing the ball.
The entire throwing motion should be smooth, not herky-jerky.
Start off slowly until the entire process becomes natural and comfortable.

Perfecting Your Technique
Work on receiving the ball coming to you on either side, high or low.
Get into your throwing position as you are receiving the ball.
To be best prepared to make a quick throw, catch the ball with both hands so that the ball can be transferred easily to your throwing hand.
Get your body moving as you receive the ball so that your step toward the receiver is a natural part of making the catch. A short hop or "crow-step" will give your body momentum to make the throw.
Try to get set before throwing. Avoid throwing off balance unless it is the only way to make the play quickly.
Practice getting rid of the ball quickly -- infielders to get a fast runner, and outfielders to nail the runner tagging-up or stretching a hit. Imagine various game situations as you toss and practice.
Three Things That Make a Good Ballplayer
Practice
Practice
Practice

5 Essentials of Infield Play

2008-11-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

The Five Essentials of Infield Play

Every infielder must strive to achieve the following. He must have:
1. The correct attitude
2. Excellent sensory perception
3. Good rhythm with all ground balls
4. Proper mechanics
5. The ability to make the plays.

Once he has developed these five areas, he must never settle for anything short of perfection.
Every infielder must want+ to be involved in all 21 outs. His ATTITUDE should be to demand that every ground ball be hit to him. He is so confident in his fielding abilities that he knows every ground ball hit to him will result in an out. Therefore, if 21 ground balls are hit to him, no errors will be committed, and his team will be in a great position to win. He takes every ground ball personally, as if he were in a prizefight for the championship of the world. His confident attitude forces him to believe that there is no ground ball which can get by him, that he will get to the ball and throw the runner out. This is a highly competitive attitude, which puts the infielder in the correct frame of mind. Never should an infielder take on the attitude of fear or apprehension; rather, he should have an attitude of confidence and courage.
The jump an infielder gets on a batted ball is directly proportional to his level of SENSORY PERCEPTION. A good infielder will read a batted ball with both sight and sound. This ability enables the infielder to gauge the speed and direction of the batted ball. Most infielders will move, even on balls that are swung on and missed. This is due to their visual perception of pitch location and bat angle. The sound of the ball coming off the bat allows the infielder to make judgment of how fast or slow the ball may be hit and then react accordingly. In order to take full advantage of both sight and sound, an infielder must have a solid pre-pitch mentality and be focused on the hitting zone. Infielders must practice this during batting practice to get the full effect of using both sight and sound.
Developing a good RHYTHM WITH GROUND BALLS could be taught as a mechanic of fielding but has been separated from that section because of its overwhelming importance. Arriving in the proper position to field a ground ball requires a sense of timing. The terms "arriving on time" or "getting instinct with the ball" are good pictures of what actually needs to occur. There are three different hops which an infielder might field; long hop, short hop, and in-between hop. The most desirable hops to field are long hops or short hops with in-between hops being the hop most likely to be misfielded. Although sensory perception plays a large role in the rhythm phase, once the speed of the ground ball has been gauged, agility and timing must take over. This allows the infielder to get to and field the more desirable hops. An infielder accomplishes this by slowing down (shuffling his feet) or speeding up (taking a more direct approach to the ball); this process is referred to as "dancing with the ball." Once the fielder has arrived, with good timing, he will field and secure the ball.
Proper FIELDING MECHANICS must take place throughout the entire fielding process. This article will not cover the intricacies of fielding mechanics, but will list the major points of the fielding process.
1. Ready position
2. Check step or break down
3. Getting outside of the ball
4. Right-left field (for a right-handed fielder)
5. Go down and get the ball, with the hands at 7 & 2 o'clock
6. Right-left throw (for a right-handed fielder)
The methods infielders use to approach and address the ball may be different. However, the infielder must have good feet and good hands or his fielding will be based on luck. Fielding mechanics are taught in many different ways, but a good infielder always finds a way to get into a good athletic position to field the ball.
The bottom line for any infielder is to get to the ball and MAKE THE PLAY. He must relax, feel confident, and explode. There is no time in a game to think back on the how “To's” of fielding. The infielder should react only to the situation and conquer it. This moment is the time all the hard work in practice pays off. All the thinking, repetition, and focus should take over and allow the infielder to accomplish only one thing, MAKING THE PLAY!
Every infielder must be successful on every ground ball hit to him on these five essentials. Baseball is a repetitious sport, and a good work ethic and practice regimen are the only ways to become truly proficient in these five areas. Every infielder must take pride in his craft. Becoming proficient in these five areas will allow him to further his mental and physical abilities.

Imperfect Practice makes perfect

2008-11-26T10:05:00.000-08:00

Imperfect Practice Makes Perfect
by Jon Doyle
___Perfect practice does not make perfect unless the practice is imperfect. Make sure you read that again and let it sink in. Training in a perfect environment for sport is not optimal because that perfect environment never exists. Competition is ALWAYS a reactive environment. Nothing is ever controlled. Who wants to look like Tarzan and play like Jane? Lets look and play like Tarzan!
___When an athlete builds their conditioning in a pristine environment they are doing themselves a disservice. Do Navy Seals train in immaculate environments? How about fighter pilots? Would you send a teacher into a classroom of 20 screaming children without putting them through real life situations as student teachers? As silly as those questions may seem I think you get my point.
___An athlete needs to be able to adjust their body while making split second decisions. The ability to “slow down” game speed is crucial in the development of a superior athlete. The great ones anticipate what is going to happen next and react to that. Some athletes have the natural ability to do this, but would still benefit from this type of training. Imperfect training has a more profound effect on those that do not have these instincts “built-in.” As the old saying goes, “Experience is our best teacher” and the more an athlete trains to adapt to an ever changing environment the better off they are.
___You must be asking the question, “How do I incorporate imperfect training into what I am doing already?” There are many ways to do this. Have your training partner tell you what exercise you are doing next. Everything becomes a surprise because you do not know what is coming next. Have that partner nudge you slightly in different directions during a pause squat or Indo Board session. Blindfolded training works wonders. How about not listening to your favorite workout music and see how you perform?
___These are just a few of the many ways that imperfect training can be incorporated into your current regime. Become an athlete, not a weight room warrior or a five o’clock hitter.

Tips for a successful tryout

2008-11-26T10:02:00.000-08:00

Tips For A Successful Tryout
I was recently asked by a friend for some tips about how his sons should approach their upcoming Little League tryouts. They wanted to know how to catch the coaches’ eye. The obvious answer is to play well. But there are a few things they should do to insure an eye-catching performance.
1. Understand that a tryout is not a social event. You are there to take someone's job.
2. Dress like a ball player. Wear baseball pants, cleats and a hat. You will get major deductions if you show up in baggy jeans and the latest skater dude apparel. Wearing your hat backward or sideways is a major no no.
3. When you arrive, place your equipment away from everyone else's. Run, preferably by yourself, to get warm. Stretch away from everyone else in the outfield. Coaches will notice that this is a serious, disciplined, knowledgeable ball player. Also, your equipment is less likely to grow legs.
4. Throw sufficiently to be completely warm. There may be a lengthy wait while waiting to perform at your position. Be sure to keep throwing if necessary to stay loose and warm.
5. Many think that hustling and trying to aggressively make plays is the way to impress coaches. Understand that it is early season and your game is not in midseason form. When it comes time to show your defensive skills you will be much better taking it slow and smooth, focusing on proper mechanics. Get your feet under you and focus on making an accurate throw. The odds are, if you try too hard, rush it and throw it as hard as you can, you will boot it and throw it into the stands.
6. When hitting, take a pitch to get a feel for the timing of the pitch. Be selective and only swing at pitches that you can expect to hit with a high degree of success. Here again it is early season so your stroke is not in midseason form. Don’t overswing, but just swing smoothly and try to hit line drives and hard ground balls. I once saw a kid hit four straight line drives turn to the coaches and say, “it's going to be a long day, do you want to see any more?” I drafted him!
7. Daddies, stay away from the coaches. Lobbying will not help. There are two notations experienced coaches make. DIAs ( Dad Is an Ass) are to be avoided. GLMs (Good Lucking Mom) are prized.

What it takes to be a good coach...

2008-11-26T09:58:00.000-08:00

What It Takes to Be a Good Coach
1. You Have to Like Young People
This has to be number one: you have to like being with kids. Your primary reason for coaching should be to watch young people grow, mature and develop. Sure, everybody likes to win, but if winning is the only thing that counts, you'll never get that deep feeling of pride and satisfaction that comes from watching your kids succeed at life. And it doesn't matter what age or gender you're talking about. "Kids" range from the "Pee-Wee" stage of five years old until they graduate from college. College coaches even refer to their players as "my kids." You have to be in coaching for the right reasons. You must like youngsters and want to teach them proper values. These values include discipline, work ethic, conquering fear and tension, pride in their team and teammates, establishing reachable goals, and most importantly, the burning desire to accomplish those goals.
2. Organization
A favorite expression of many people in all walks of life is: "I have got to get organized." Jerry Kindall, the great baseball coach at the University of Arizona, took a poll of his baseball players and asked his team what they wanted most from Jerry and his staff. Much to his surprise the players responded "organization." I know of no one more organized they Jerry. He has won NCAA baseball championships as well as being selected NCAA Baseball Coach Of The Year on several occasions and organization is one of his greatest strengths. You won't accomplish half of what you set out to do without a concrete, workable plan.
3. Enthusiasm
If we could bottle enthusiasm and sell it, we would be the richest people in the world. Enthusiasm is a must in coaching baseball. It is such a fantastic game to each and every one of us. The thought of working with "your kids" should truly motivate you and get you excited about what they are doing. Going back to the first premise of being a good coach, caring and liking kids, it would be a complete contradiction if you were not enthusiastic about teach- ing them the game.
4. Patience
The gift of patience - what a virtue! The ability to go over things time and time again, never losing your enthusiasm, is an absolute for a great coach. Every great athlete had a mentor, a friend who had the patience to teach him the fundamentals of the game. Ted Williams, Roger Hornsby, Babe Ruth, all had someone who took the time to teach them to hit. Vince Lombardi, one of the great football coaches of all time, had this vital quality. The Green Bay Packers would run the Green Bay sweep fifty times at every practice and Vince would be teaching the "little things" that made it work each time they ran it. That is why they were champ- ions year after year. Vince was a patient man. One of the greatest joys of coaching is to see the least talented suddenly blossom, and all because you never gave up on him or her.
5. Persistence
Patience and persistence are certainly a marriage. It is difficult to differentiate between these two virtues, and they truly go hand in hand in the coaching profession. You must persist, and you must teach your kids to persist. Yogi Berra's quote, "It's never over until it's over," is an excellent definition of persistence. Chris Evert, the great lady of tennis, was taught at age four by her dad that every volley was match point. Persistence, in simple words, is "never give up." Each of us fail. It is what we do after we fail that is important. I believe Abe Lincoln was defeated 17 consecutive times while seeking public office. The beautiful aspect about defeat is that it is a powerful learning experience.
6. Sincerity and Concern
We get back to a coach's most important virtue - caring. You must be sincerely concerned about your athletes first as human beings and secondly about their physical abilities. If it's vice-versa, it won't work and resentment will be the end product of your relationship. Being truly concerned, to listen as well as teach, is not an easy virtue to acquire.
7. Being Fair
Being fair goes along with sincerity and concern. Everyone wants a fair chance to show what he or she can do. They want the opportunity! Each day the coach has to evaluate his personnel. Each team member must be reviewed and analyzed. Great coaches have the gift of being able to evaluate personnel quickly and get them into the proper position and in the proper pecking order. But even great coaches get fooled when a player comes out of nowhere to make a great contribution to the team. An excellent attribute of many coaches is that they will spend as much time as possible with the "second stringers" and make them feel their worth to the team. Championships are won in many situations because the second team constantly pushed the first team to greater heights.
8. Integrity And Your Relationship With Your Coaching Peers
Never compromise on rules. Rules are exactly that - rules! They are not suggestions. Society today treats the Ten Commandments as if they were the ten suggestions.
Never compromise on right or wrong. It is a black and white situation, not a gray area.
In dealing with umpires, referees and those that govern the game, we want the play called right at least 90% of the time. Instant replay has proven time and time again that we can't expect more than that. Officials are human and they will make mistakes. The important idea here is that you must support your officials rather they tearing them down or ridiculing them.
9. Coaches Are Human Beings - Don't Be Afraid to Show It
You are going to get angry and perhaps show it. You might get so emotional that you cry. I'll bet John Wayne even cried. If you care, you are going to cry. It is perfectly O.K. to show people that you love them. Don't just say it, show it. Especially with your wife and family. They are proud of you but they also miss a lot of family time because of your long coaching hours. So you must show them you love them at every opportunity. You are going to fail and make mistakes. If you offend someone, apologize as soon as possible, especially when you offend one of your players. They are like family.
10. Be at Your Best
In Dealing With the Press and Other MediaThe media has a job to do, just like you. Try to make their job easier by your cooperation.
11. Dealing With School Administration and Faculty
If You Are Coaching In a School SituationI have never met an outstanding coach who was not an outstanding classroom teacher. The great Knute Rockne of Notre Dame was an outstanding chemistry professor. Vince Lombardi taught physics and math at St. Cecelia High School. The great ones take special pride in their classroom work and with especially working well with non-athletes.
12. Your Best Friends In Coaching - Your Support Personnel
Recognize the importance of your support personnel at every opportunity. They are the ones who care the most. Praise them all, including the grounds keepers, the custodian, the student managers. The grounds keeper is the difference in whether you play or sit on rainy days. He takes pride in the field and makes it a showcase. It is your Field of Dreams and he makes it tick.

Teamwork...Quotes to use

2008-11-26T09:54:00.000-08:00

Teamwork…

Either we’re pulling together or we’re pulling apart.

Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.
Tom Landry

Together we can change the world.

Little disciplines multiply rewards.
Jim Rohn

Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.
Kenyon Proverb

You become successful by helping others become successful.

All happiness depends on courage and work.
Honore de Balzac

Large-scale success today is spelled “Teamwork.” The successful team worker doesn’t wear a chip on his shoulder, doesn’t look for slights, isn’t constantly on the alert lest his “Dignity” be insulted. He puts the team-first. And if the whole prospers, he, as an active, effective, progressive part, will prosper with it.
B. C. Forbes

To accept good advice from others increases one’s own ability.
Teamwork…

Praise loudly and blame softly.
Catherine II

As a rule of thumb, involve everyone in everything.
Tom Peters

Winners can tell you where they are going, what they are doing, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them.
Denis Waitley

Give all the credit away.
John Wooden

No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helps you.
Wilma Rudolph

The heights by great men
Reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight,
But they, while there
Companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Build for your team a feeling of oneness, of dependence on one another, and of strength to be derived by unity.
Vince Lombardi

Teamwork…
Joys divided are increased.
Josia Holland

Nothing great will ever be achieved without great men, and men are great only if they are determined to be so.
Charles de Gaulle

There is no “I” in the word teamwork.
Bill Foster

If everyone is moving forward together, then the success takes care of itself.
Henry Ford

None of us is as smart as all of us.
Ken Blanchard

The best team doesn’t win nearly as often as the team that gets along best.
Dr. Rob Gilbert

The team player knows that it doesn’t matter who gets the credit as long as the job gets done. If the job gets done, the credit will come.

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.
John Holmes

Winners never quit and quitters never win.

Teamwork…

People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.
Andrew Carnegie

Team spirit is a competitive advantage

Teamwork divides the task and doubles the success

The achievements of an organization are the result of the combined effort of each individual.
Vince Lombardi

A successful team comes from mutual recognition.

Appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.
Voltaire

Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.
Jesse Jackson

Trust is the emotional glue that binds a team together.

Only a life lived for others is worth living.
Albert Einstein

Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates.
Magic Johnson

Preventing the Big Inning

2008-11-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

Preventing the Big Inning
An oft-quoted baseball axiom is that in 65% of baseball games, the winning team scores more runs in one inning than the losing team does in the entire game. Thus, the issue for coaches becomes how do you prevent those big innings that lose games? I believe the answer is through preparing your team to anticipate these situations that arise in the big innings as they begin to develop and to have your team prepared to do the little things that make the opponent truly earn big innings.
My philosophy about big innings is that while no coach likes to see big numbers against you on the scoreboard, they are easier to take when the offense earns them through a series of hits. As coaches, you cannot control whether your pitcher hits his spots or how the opposing team hits what is thrown.
What you must control is every other aspect of how big innings occur: from controlling the offense's running game and how aggressive you allow them to be on the base paths, to how your defense is prepared to react to every situation and their mental approach to these situations as they develop.
Defensively, while you are limited in your control of excellent hitting execution that is not how most big innings usually occur. Ask yourself, how many six-run innings happened against you last season because of a pair of three-run home runs being hit against you? And how many happened because of failure on the part of your team to execute things like turning grounders into double plays, runners advancing against you needlessly, balls being thrown past your catcher and relief pitchers not doing their job? My experiences have been that the latter examples outnumber the former 10-to-one.
Since they usually happen because of the small things in baseball, you have to prepare your team to execute the little things that will cut off all big innings that are built strictly on things other than the opponents hitting the baseball. Here are some ways to do it:
STOPPING IT FROM THE MOUND
Emphasizing pitching from the stretch90% of the key pitches your team will make in the course of a season will be from the stretch, so I think the best pitching coaches spend the majority of their preparation time emphasizing this. I think throwing from the stretch should be a part of your pitcher's daily routine. When the big innings begin to take shape, this is how your pitchers will most likely be delivering the ball. He should be comfortable throwing from the stretch, prepared to make the pitches to end the inning.
Control the running gameIf you can limit a base-runner's lead and how good a jump he gets when they run, you'll be taking away one of the offense's key weapons in creating a big inning. The best way to keep base-runners honest is to throw back to the base, vary the length of your set times, and create doubt in the mind of the runner whether you are going to throw home. Many baseball purists dislike the way Bobby Valentine has the Mets' first basemen hold runners on, but few can argue that when it is done correctly it does create some doubt in the mind of the base-runners.
Use the timed pick-off play to all basesIt is important for players not to think that their inability to pick off runners means throwing to the bases is pointless. If you can cut a base runner's lead by a step, you have done something significant and something that will help prevent a big inning. Timed pick-off plays, where a runner is not being held on a base and the pitcher delivers the ball to the bag as the fielder breaks behind the runner to the base, are great ways to both cut down leads and get runners out. These are plays that require some practice, but teams that execute them well are frequently paid big dividends. A successful timed pick-off play is a great rally killer and a psychological boost for a team when it needs it.
Don't give into hitters when you get behind in the countWhen pitchers face situations with runners on base and they start to get behind in the count, the impulse is to give in and throw one toward the middle of the plate so they can get a strike. This is the wrong instinct. Teach your pitchers that this should be only a last resort and to believe in their ability to throw strikes and pitch their game.
Mental toughnessThe type of pitchers that coaches want on the mound are ones who know how to cope with challenges, can control their emotions and can collect themselves in times of pressure. Pitchers who consistently work themselves out of jams are ones that do so because they focus exclusively on making good pitches one pitch at a time. Pitchers who consistently give up big innings are ones that get preoccupied with what is happening around them. Those pitchers think things like: "what happens if this guy gets a hit?"; "if I walk one more hitter, will coach take me out?"; or "why is someone warming up already?" Teach your pitchers that base runners are a part of the game and to elevate their focus, not panic or become selfish as the inning becomes challenging.
No letdownsCoaches also want pitchers who are unaffected by misplays behind them. How many times have you seen an error on a routine play followed by a four-pitch walk? This is another area where pitchers need to elevate their focus and collect themselves to prevent the big inning. Promote a forward looking focus.
Use your open bases wiselyOf course, there are not strict rules for the use of open bases that fit every situation. One accepted rule is to only intentionally walk a skilled hitter, never just to set up a potential double play. I think to prevent the big inning, it is preferable to try and eliminate as many intentional walks you grant with less than two outs as possible. Putting runners on with either none or one out is playing with fire and can be a catalyst to a big inning. Do it only against the most dangerous hitters. Think about how many of those who are intentionally walked eventually score - it has to be nearly 40%. On the other side of the coin, it is wise that with two outs and runners on (but first base unoccupied) to pitch to the batter with the open base in mind, especially if the on-deck hitter is weaker than the one at bat.
Use your inside move to see if the offense will show their handThis is an easy play that carries no risk for the defense, but can be an important tool. When the opposition is in a possible bunt situation and there is a runner on second, do an inside move to see if the batter will show you what the offensive strategy is. Then, you can adjust your defense accordingly or force the opposition to change their call. That extra step that the defense has when they expect a ball to be bunted can be the difference.
Be unpredictable with your pitch selectionToo many pitchers freeze up when the bases are occupied. They stop thinking like pitchers - always using their fastball to get ahead or when they are behind. Trust your stuff and think aggressively (not predictably) to stay out of the big inning.
Don't allow the base-runners to distract you from the hitterThere is no better way for an offensive team to create a big inning than to have a base-runner get inside a pitcher's head and take his concentration away from his first priority - getting the hitter out. When you throw to the plate, be focused and collected on making the right pitch.
Get ahead in the countThis is basic baseball. Studies show that there is about a .100 point difference in the batting averages on balls hit into play from advantage counts (0-1, 1-2, 0-2), than from when you are behind (1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 2-1, 3-1, 3-2). Pitchers getting behind in the count are ways offenses build big innings. Don't give hitters the chance to zone in on you.

Bring in relief pitchers who are truly readyWarming up in the bullpen to relieve during an inning is one of the hardest skills for young pitchers to learn. This is a very underrated quality and one that in the college game your staff usually has almost no experience doing: very few high school pitchers have extensive experience pitching in relief. Yet, it is a vital part of forming a successful staff. Pitchers must be taught how to make good physical and mental preparation in the bullpen. The pitcher must learn to get loose quickly and know the difference between warm and truly ready to come into the game and get outs. Lastly, they must learn to use their warm-up pitches on the game mound, to make any last minute adjustments and acquaint them with the game mound (invariably different from the bullpen mound). Most big innings see at least one pitching change and the lack of preparedness by relievers is frequently a compounding factor.
STOPPING IT IN THE FIELD
Keep your concentrationFielders' minds tend to wander as the innings get longer. With each long count and each pitching change, there is an opportunity for the fielders to lose their concentration on the game. How many times have you seen your three outfielders gather together in centerfield during a pitching change? Do you think they're talking about how to play a ball hit between them and the foul line or about something totally removed from the defensive situation? Do what you can to keep them in the flow of the game.
Have your catchers throw to bases after the pitchWhile this can be a dangerous strategy, if you have the right personnel, it can be a great weapon to get outs and limit secondary leads. Again, this is another skill that requires some practice, but can pay big dividends.
Keep the double play in orderThere are many situations where the defense's focus should be on the back runner rather than the lead runner. When the lead runner won't make the difference in the game, it is the back runner that is the signal of a big inning to come. For example, if you are ahead by four runs in the eighth and the opponents have runners at first and third with no outs, you should focus your energies on keeping the back runner close so you are a ground ball away from having the bases cleared. Don't be afraid to treat a back runner on first the same way you would if he were a lead runner. If you have a good catcher, don't be afraid to have him defend second base - be aggressive in shutting down the first and third steal, especially with less than two outs. The offensive team (especially if it is behind in the game) is going to want to limit its risk of making an out at home in this situation.
Have the catchers keep the balls from going to the screenBig innings are almost invariably long innings and fatigue usually is a factor. Pitchers' arms and catchers' legs get tired as the innings drag on and this is frequently one of the causes of a big inning. Do everything you can to keep your catchers fresh and focused during the long inning and ready to prevent any ball from getting past them. Wild pitches or passed balls are almost always a contributing factor to big innings.
Convert the outs when they are given to youAnother frequent factor in big innings is a failure by the defense to convert outs when they are presented to them. How many times in your career has your team's failure to get an out on a sacrifice bunt opened the floodgates? Defenses sometimes get greedy in these situations: the opposition bunts with runners on first and second and they try to get the lead runner going to third and end up with nothing. Another good example is when a borderline double play ball is hit: the defense gets greedy and tries to turn two and ends up with none. Get your defense into the mind-set that if the defense gives you an out, take no chances on converting one out at a minimum (unless the game is on the line). Make them learn when to take chances and when to play it conservatively.

Don't let the runners move up on plays to the plateThis is another play that goes unpracticed by many teams and can be the root of a lot of big innings: after a hitter singles with a runner on second base, the defense tries to throw the runner out at the plate and in doing so the hitter moves up to second. Now, all the potential outs that may have been recorded as the offense tried to move that runner into scoring position (sacrifice, stolen base, hit and run, etc.) are gone. Teams need to adopt a defensive concept where they do everything they can to prevent that runner from moving up. There are three main ways to do this: don't let the catcher and the rest of the defense wait for the umpire's call at home, have him ready to react to the advancing runner immediately after the tag is applied; practice and master the art of the fake cut off by the deep cut off man; and, make sure the fielders are properly covering the occupied bases so that the base-runners aren't able to make too big a turn.
Use aggressive bunt defenses to keep the offense out of their game plansThere are certain circumstances where letting the offensive team sacrifice is acceptable to the defense, while there are other times when you ought to be aggressive and do what you can to take away that option. In obvious bunt situations with critical runners on base, don't be afraid to have your corner base runners take a very aggressive position. This puts the pressure on the offense to either make a perfect bunt or take their chances swinging the bat. If you can take them away from their game plan, it is the kind of mental victory that helps prevent big innings.
Have your outfielders make accurate throwsThe ability of your outfielders to consistently hit the cut-off man and to make accurate throws to the bases are important factors in staying away from the big inning. Anytime that a ball thrown to the plate is more than a couple of steps off line is an opportunity for the base-runners to move up, a big contributing factor to big innings. The same is true for balls that miss the intended cut-off man: those few seconds when the ball is being retrieved is where the offense can pick up an extra base. The more that these plays are practiced on a regular basis, the less likely they are to occur in the game.
Use trailer plays (when possible) to cut down the big turnsWhen a defense allows a base-runner to take a big turn, you are opening the door that allows the offense to start thinking about taking an extra base. For example, on a "double-possible-triple" with no one on, have the first baseman trail the runner to second. Knowing there is someone on second base will limit his move toward third. It also will decrease his opportunity to take advantage of a dropped, missed or bobbled relay throw.
Practice knocking balls down in the infield when there are runners on baseWhat is the difference between a ground ball that gets through to the outfield and a ground ball that is knocked down by an infielder? It usually means one more base to the lead runner at a minimum, and these are the bases that are critical in big innings. There is a huge difference between balls that get through and those that do not. This is a skill that a team ought to practice, as it can be a big factor in stopping big innings from developing. If your team gets particularly good at this skill, it may even lead to turning these knocked down ground balls into outs.
Back up the bases properlyThis again is a skill that at times can be taken for granted and not practiced. How many times have you seen a pitcher, feeling sorry for himself after a hit, be lazy in going to back up? How many times have you seen players who are backing up not get the proper depth and see the ball get past them, too? It happens too often and a factor in this is that it is a skill that is not practiced enough - work on your pitchers knocking the overthrown balls down and getting proper distance when backing up.

COACHING
Use your trips to the moundThere is a mystifying preoccupation in many levels of baseball today to preserve your trips to the mound. Think about the 65% statistic: your preoccupation should be with preventing the big inning, not saving trips. Then, when you do make trips, use them to relay calm and break the tension. A big part of pitching out of jams is mental and you need to get your pitcher into the proper frame of mind in these critical situations. When you're out at the mound on a trip, convey calm and use the trip to impede the offense's momentum. If you are out of trips, have your catcher go out. Sometimes pitchers react better to encouragement from their peers.

Two Fathers Watching Their Children

2008-11-26T09:46:00.000-08:00

Two Fathers Watching Their Children
________________________________________
by Rick Reilley
Reprinted From:
CNN / Sports Illustrated.Com

________________________________________

After more than 35 years I still read Sports Illustrated every week. I know the date it was published was awhile ago but I still think it is something to read.
The following "Life of Reilly" article is not about high school baseball, or even baseball for that matter. But it very easily could be. I found the article amusing yet too true and in some cases a sad commentary on how we as a society have trouble letting kids be kids.
________________________________________
Two fathers stand watching their kids. "Well, the wife and I have finally come to a decision," says the one with the Reebok headband.
"Yeah?" says the one in the Nike cap.
"Amber's gonna concentrate 100 percent on tennis from now on. Her coach says she's gotta pick one sport right now, or she'll get left behind the other girls."
"She looks like she's got good quickness," says the cap.
"Her kinesiologist says she's quicker than Venus at this age," says the headband, beaming.
"We've decided the same thing about Ike and golf," says the cap. "If he's going to stay ahead of the other kids, he's got to specialize now."
"His hand-eye looks good," says the headband.
"His physiologist says his muscle fibers twitch faster than Tiger's!"
"Golf's fine, I guess," says the headband, "but our financial planner says for girls, tennis is it. With Venus and Serena pushing the global marketing envelope, our yearly income should be seven figures!"
"You mean her income."
"Right. Her income."
"Ike's psychologist has told us he's gifted in lots of sports besides golf, but there's no time," says the cap. "You don't want to be spinning your wheels."
"Course not!" says the headband. "You don't want to be shut outta the best camps -- "
"And the best leagues -- "
"And the national teams."
"I mean, yeah," says the cap, "it looks like my wife will have to quit her job just to drive Ike to all his golf tournaments. But there's no Tiger without Earl, right?"
"Tell me about it!" says the headband. "I'm working three jobs just to pay for all this stuff -- Amber's pilates are killin' me! -- but it's all about the kids, man."
"I hear that. Like, Ike's media tutor won't be cheap, but it'll free up his afternoons for his bunker workshops."
"Hey, you're gonna have expenses," says the headband. "We ripped out the bedrooms upstairs and put in an indoor tennis cage, but whaddya gonna do? The little girl across the street has a live-in hitting partner!"
"God! That's just plain overparenting!"
"Criminal!"
"The wife and I feel that if we put in the hours and the money now, Ike will be good enough to go straight to the PGA Tour out of high school and not waste time going to college. Not that college is a bad thing."
"Nah, not really bad," says the headband. "But Amber's career strategist thinks she can do Wimbledon by 14. That's what's important. Did you see the MLS kid whose parents let him miss a game the other day because of his prom?"
"Sounds like somebody's got their priorities mixed up," says the cap. "I mean, I'm sure Ike will be a little disappointed he'll have to leave home and move in with the Leadbetters soon, but some decisions a father has to make for his son."
"I know, I know," says the headband. "I'm a little bummed that Amber won't get to play lacrosse or basketball or, even, I don't know, piano, but how can she do that and put in the 13 hours a day that will give us the level we need?"
"She needs."
"She needs, right."
"Hey, I only wish my dad had done this for me," says the cap.
"Hell, yeah!" says the headband. "I know this dad who's renting a house on a lake this summer. Says he and the family are just gonna fish and skip stones!"
"What a waste of time!"
"I mean, what are you gonna do with your kid for two weeks on a lake? I wouldn't know what to say to Amber for two weeks!"
"Most summers from now on, Ike will be playing the mini Asian tours, to build up his tolerance for travel and foreign foods. He'll need it when he gets his Gulfstream IV."
There's a pause.
"Which one's yours, anyway?" says the cap.
"The little one in the pink diaper near the incubator," says the headband.
"Beautiful. Mine's in the blue. With the nurse and the bottle."
"Got creatine?"
"Hey, it's never too early to start, am I right?"
Issue date: April 2, 2001

Top 16 Reasons to Coach

2008-11-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

Top 16 Reasons to Coach

1. You get to spend most of your summer with other people's kids instead of your own.
2. You get to rake fields and set up bases just like a real grounds crew member.
3. You get the credit whenever a kid isn't playing well.
4. You get to put off your vacation until right before school starts.
5. You get a great farmer's tan.
6. You get to be the last one home after a game.
7. You get thick skin by being second guessed about 2500 times or so by parents.
8. You get to spend a lot of evenings on the phone instead of with your wife.
9. You gain deeper insight into the game by hearing such novel bits of wisdom as "straighten it out" from the stands.
10. You get to drive a bunch of dirty kids around in your car/bus.
11. You have lots of meaningful conversations with parents, like about how great their kids can pitch.
12. You get great insight into emotional disorders in children in case you want to pursue a career in counseling.
13. You get to leave work early to get to the field early.
14. You get to leave work even earlier to pick up kids without rides.
15. You develop humility when the kids get the credit for wins and you get blamed for losses.
16. You get to have a party at your house after the season with your own food and pop

Baseball Team Warm-up Procedure

2008-11-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

Baseball Warm Up Procedures
· Jog
· Stretch
· Throwing/Catching…Is the most important part of our defense
1. We always need to move our feet.
2. We always need to get our throwing hand in the ready position.
3. We always need to throw to a target.
1. Dart Toss (20’)
Elbow out/Flick of the wrist/Finger tips last part on the ball/Support the throwing arm with the glove
2. One Knee (30’)
Glove knee up/Follow through over knee/Turn at waist
3. Ten Toes (30’)
Facing straight at your partner/Turn & Throw/Don’t move feet
4. Side Ways (45’)
Arm back and above shoulder line/Elbows match/back of hand towards you/Don’t move feet
5. Side Ways (45’)
Hand motion doing figure 8/Throwing rhythm/Move feet
6. Walking Figure 8 (75’)
Walk towards your partner and throw using the figure 8 motion
7. Step in Front (75’)
Throwing pivot foot steps in front as your going to throw
8. Step Behind (75’)
Throwing pivot foot steps behind as your going to throw
9. Catch and Throw (90’)
Using your whole body and legs moving to the ball and throwing with your legs too.
10. Long Toss (Progression…120’-250’)
You must use your whole body/The ball projectory should not be a looping throw…Line drive throws are the best for developing arm strength…the best ball is when the ball bounces in to your partner rather then up in the air to high from a long distance.
11. Quick Toss (30’)
Catching and throwing as fast as you can to your partner by moving your feet to the correct position and not over throwing the ball/You must be accurate and quick with your whole body.

Eliminate Mental Errors: Checklist

2008-11-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

Eliminate Mental Errors: A Checklist
The following is something for all players so they could see just how much mental errors make a difference in a game. Put it up in the dugout so they will see it as they go out on the field. Believe it or not, it works extremely well. They see this and become more focused the second they walk out on the field.
Mental errors are more expensive than you think…
Mental errors can cause you lack of concentration.
Mental errors can cause your teammates lack of concentration.
Mental errors can cost your team a run.
Mental errors will cost your team the game.
Mental errors can lose a run for your team.
Mental errors can cause lack of trust from your teammates.
Mental errors will cost your team the game.
Mental errors can cause lack of trust from your coaches.
Mental errors can cost you playing time.
Mental errors will cost your team the game.
Mental errors sometimes never go away.
Mental errors will not go away if you continue to think about them.
Mental errors will cost your team the game.
Mental errors will make you look funny.
Mental errors will make the other team laugh at you.
Mental errors will make the other team think you are a push-over.
Mental errors will cost your team the game.
Mental errors do not have to be made.
Mental errors can be avoided with proper pre-game preparation.
Mental errors will cost your team the game.
Mental errors will be punished.
Mental errors will cost your team the game.
Do not be the victim of a mental error!!!!

What it Takes to Attract the Interest of College and Porfessional Scouts

2008-11-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

Ballplayers: Learn What it Takes to Attract the Interest of College and Professional Scouts
How you perform in these five areas determines whether you're considered a solid college or pro prospect.
Every season they come out in droves and surround the backstops of ball fields all across the country looking for the next ballplayer to help their team win more ball games, a national title, a major league pennant, or even a college or major league world series title.
These "bird dogs," and the scouts and organizations they report to are evaluating your proficiency in five areas:
Hitting for Power
Hitting for Average
Running Speed
Defensive Abilities (Fielding Skills)
Strong Throwing Arm
So here's what you need to know:
How Scouts Evaluate You and What They Measure You AgainstEven though a great deal has been published on this subject, much of it is usually of a subjective nature. Things like "an above average arm," "good power," "speed," and "quickness" can mean quite different things even to two scouts in the same organization.
More importantly, there is not a lot of data on more objective measures of a baseball player's physical performance to benchmark or compare against.
This lack of data led me to conduct an extensive search, both online and otherwise. I compiled information from several sources, one of which is the master himself, Gene Coleman, Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Houston Astros and his excellent book, "52 Week Baseball Conditioning." I’ve covered both the "tangible," more easily quantified physical skills and the "intangible," more difficult to observe and measure attributes like attitude and work habits.
The result…
Performance Variables You Can Measure Yourself AgainstThese are a set of indices specific to baseball. I'm sure more data exists and as I find it I'll update this article. Meanwhile, you can use this information to benchmark and gauge your abilities and learn what it takes to play at a higher level.
Remember, to be considered a solid college or pro prospect, you don't have to be highly proficient in all of these areas. Although, the higher your ability is in these areas the more likely you'll attract the attention of the scouts and the better you chances are for a brighter future.
Here are some interesting benchmarks performance measures used for major league ballplayers. Obviously, youth league players would not be expected to perform at these levels. So, please use the following data strictly for information purposes only.
SIZE
Average Size of a Major League Ballplayer:· 6'0 190 lbs., 11% Body Fat (IF - 9.4%, OF - 8.4%)
Average Size of a Major League Pitcher:· 6'1" 190 - 200 lbs., 12.3% Body Fat
Average Size of a Major League Catcher:· 5'11" 190 - 200 lbs., 11.5% Body Fat
RUNNING SPEED
60 yard dash time:
· Exceptional - 6.3 to 6.5
· Good - 6.5 to 6.8
· Acceptable - 7 seconds or less
Home-to first time:
Home to 1B
Left Handed Batters
Right Handed Batters
Exceptional
4.0 seconds or less
4.1 seconds or less
Good
4.1 seconds
4.2 seconds
Average
4.2 seconds
4.3 seconds
1st to 3rd time:
· Exceptional - 6.7 seconds or less
· Good - 6.8 - 6.9
· Average - 7.0 seconds
Home to 3rd time:
· Exceptional - 10.4 - 10.7
· Good - 10.8 - 11.2
· Average - 11.3 - 11.7
Home to home time:
· Exceptional - 14.0 seconds or less
· Good - 14.1 - 15.0 seconds
· Average - 15.5 seconds
ARM STRENGTH / THROWING VELOCITY
Pitcher's Throwing Velocities in Miles Per Hour (mph)
Fastball:
· Exceptional - 94 - 97 mph
· Good - 92 - 93 mph
· Average - 88 - 91 mph
Slider:
· 7 - 8 mph slower than fastball
Curve, Changeup:
· 12 - 15 mph slower than fastball
Infielder's throw across the infield in Miles Per Hour:
· Exceptional - 85 mph and up
· Good - 82 - 84 mph
Outfielders:According to Gene Coleman, one useful way of evaluating outfielder arm strength is to measure the time it takes to field a hit ball and make a throw from a distance of 270 feet from home plate. The watch is started on bat contact and ends when the ball crosses home plate. Since the average major leaguer runs from second base to home in 7 seconds or less, a strong throw will beat that time.
Catcher's Throwing Velocity in Mile Per Hour:
· Exceptional - 84 mph and up
· Good - 82 - 83 mph
RELEASE TIME
Pitcher's to home plate from the stretch position with a runner on base:
· Excellent - > 1.2 seconds
· Good - 1.2 - 1.3 seconds
· Average (RH) - 1.3 seconds
· Average (LH) - 1.4 seconds
Catcher's throwing to second on base stealing attempt:
· Excellent - >1.8 seconds
· Good - 1.9 seconds or less
· Average - 2.0 seconds
Catcher's and Pitcher's combined times vs. Base Stealers:
TIME
OUTCOME
More Than 3.3 seconds
Likely Stolen Base
Between 3.2 and 3.3 seconds
50/50 chance of safely stealing base
Less than 3.3 seconds
Likely to be thrown out
Base Stealers:You need to be at or below 3.2 seconds between first and second on a base stealing attempt against the combined average time of a major league catcher and pitcher. In his prime, Rickey Henderson was consistently at 3.0 - 3.1.
What's more, scouts rate players on both their present ability as well as their projected future potential. Talk about subjective.
How do you project "future potential?" Well, you can look at things like current size, age, body mechanics, the size of close family members, athletic ability of close family members and the like.
This is at best a guessing game, but it matters a fair amount in a scout's assessment of a player. You could even rate somewhat average in your present ability in a particular area, yet be considered a good prospect due to your possible "upside" or future potential. All of which leads us to the next section...
Intangibles
These are attributes deemed highly important but for which no technique exists to objectively measure the attribute. While you can easily time a thrown baseball or running speed, there is no way to measure an important trait such as "hand speed." It's just one of those things you look at and can see whether or not a hitter has it.
Yes, there are devices you can set up in a lab or clinic to measure bat speed. But, these are not convenient for a scout to use at a game, so a scout will say a prospect has good or excellent hand speed without a precise definition of what that means.
The problem, of course, is that two capable, experienced evaluators may define good and excellent somewhat differently.
Observing a good young hitter with truly outstanding hand speed and noting that fact is relatively easy. The trick, of course, is rating prospects of lesser ability while accurately projecting his "upside" or future potential.
Hence, we end up with situations like Kirby Puckett, a Hall of Famer who wasn't drafted or offered a college scholarship out of high school, and superstars like John Smoltz and Jose Canseco who were relatively low draft picks.
The most "infamous" of these stories may be that of Mike Piazza. Drafted in the 64th round by the LA Dodgers as a favor to his father, who was good friends with Tommy Lasorda (at the time the Dodger's manager) Piazza may turn out to be the best catcher in the history of the game. Many hundreds of players were selected in the draft ahead of him, most of whom never made it to the big leagues and are probably out of the game by now.
Could not ONE of these scouts have seen something in Piazza? What were the projections on Piazza's upside? There are many stories similar to these player's, and more still about high draft picks who were busts (see Clint Hurdle).
This is not meant as a knock on the scouts; it's a tough gig.
The point?
Work hard, and dream on. You just never know.
12 Specific Intangible Scouts Consider
Work habits
Maturity
Respect for the game
Aggressiveness
Actions and preparation in the on-deck circle
Off-field habits
Intelligence (grades matter!)
Composure
Desire
Dedication
Instincts.
Hustle
This obviously could be a very long list and is best summed up by the following comment by Mike Batesole, Cal State Northridge Head Baseball Coach:
"I watch everything a guy does when he's not at the plate or fielding a ball. Facial expressions, how he treats teammates, these are the clues that tell me whether he will be willing to put in the time it takes to be successful."
Train Hard, Train Smart

Practice Success Mentally

2008-11-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

Practice Success Mentally…

The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the
Way you use them. Just as you have to work to maintain your physical skills you must work to maintain positive thoughts.

To achieve the desired results you need to set aside time to image every day. Imaging is seeing yourself accomplishing a specific goal. Imaging can be done in practice, on the bench, on bus trips, in your room and prior to bedtime – anytime and anywhere. Visualization should include as many of the senses as possible. Effective imaging includes seeing, hearing, and feeling. Focus on the perfection of mechanics, perfect timing, power, aggressiveness or anything that helps bring your goal to reality. See and feel yourself playing loose, performing superbly!

When possible, perform at least part of the physical motions related to the skill while mentally practicing. Learn the feel of your muscles performing actions, such as swinging the bat, pitching windup and delivery, fielding, running the bases – whatever it takes. This helps you stay focused and avoid distractions.

· Prisoners of war mentally practiced golf while incarcerated. Not only did it help them survive, but found their skills had actually improved once freed. After years of not playing, they found themselves shooting much lower scores than before their imprisonment. Proof!!!

Two methods of Visualization

Internal – Being the most valuable of the two methods, it involves seeing yourself through your own eyes, mentally performing the physical skills.

External – It involves watching yourself from outside the body, as if seeing a video tape of yourself in performance.

Focusing

The mind has many thoughts clamoring for ATTENTION.

Life is handling many tasks at once…But in a game performance a divided mind will produced negative results.

Fundamentals and Tips on Pitching...White Sox Way

2008-11-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

FUNDAMENTALS AND TIPS ON PITCHING…

Coach Phil Fox

Talent is what happens, when Hard Work and Preparation is used in practice…

Pitching Steps and Technique

Steps to better mechanics on the mound…

THE START
Tension free
½ of the foot over front edge of rubber
Ankle… slightly turned
THE TURN
Short drop step back, this helps you Pivot the foot
When you complete the turn your foot will drop into slot in
front of the rubber This is the start of your leg lift
LEG LIFT
Your leg lifts up to at least waist high (some coaches call this the
Balance position)
Straight up and down posture
Back leg has slightly bend
Hands stay together
Head and eyes on target
LEG DRIVE
Front Leg heads straight to the catcher’s glove
Hands separate when the front leg goes forward or down
HAND SEPERATION
Hands separate when the knee goes forward or down
The hands separate and go in opposite directions; Back arm
(Throwing arm) must go in a circular motion behind
your back side. Usually said “Thumb to thigh , ball to sky”
STRIDE
When you stride forward and your front foot lands, the
throwing arm with the ball in it should be facing the
centerfielder and the back of your hand towards you.
Glove opening should be facing backwards…1/4 turn glove
The front arm should be a duplicate of the back arm
angle. Elbows straight, from end to end. Angle of
elbows the same, with the front arm towards the side
or down a little. (Not straight up like the back arm)
Land foot closed slightly
THROWING MOTION
The back side should start the arm around to throw.
Hip, knee, and ankle are connected and work as one
The hips drive off the rubber and turn to home plate.
Arm must be even or above the shoulder during the throw
Glove and Nose stay towards the catcher

RELEASE
The fingers are the last thing to leave the ball
The front side is over the front leg
Shoulders stay square at release
Chest to glove
Think of putting the ball into the catcher’s glove
Nose to catcher’s glove until ball is caught
FOLLOW THROUGH
Arm continues to outside glove of leg
Back foot, heel to sky
Bend at waist
Finish in ready position
Glove up as long as possible

Drills for Pitchers
Baseball Quick Drills for Pitchers

1. Balance Point Up & Down… Control point work…. No throw
2. Turn to Balance Point From Stretch & Wind Up... No throw
3. Balance Point To Stride and Back Up… No throw
4. Towel Drill …5 steps For Extension
5. Clap Drill…5 steps For release
6. Dart Toss… Change Finger position
7. Two knees… Upper body work
8. One Knee Up / One Knee Down… Glove knee up… Follow Through
9. One Knee Up/ One Knee Down kick up with back foot…Stand Up
10. Ten Toes…
11. Straddle Throw… Exaggerate Upper Body movement
12. Elbow Over/Stride Throw (Side ways) No Step… Hips first/Arm Position
13. one, two three drill Stop at each step
14. Step to Stride with Leg Lift… Separate Hands/Leg Lift
15. Crossed over Leg drill Throw
16.QB Drop back throw…
17. Back Step Hip movement only
18. Bounce Pitch Bounce 3 times a finish of throw
19. Complete Pitch… No Stopping Throw
20. Practice pitch to each Other… Different Speeds, Locations, Spins
21. Vary Stretch Moves… As if a runner on base
22. Pickoffs…1st-2nd-3rd
23. Pitchouts
24. Rewind Pitch…Awareness No throw
25. Blind Pitching…with and without the ball Advanced with coach watching

Team Drills…
26. Covering Home
27. Comebackers… throwing to 1st, 2nd, 3rd?
28. Bunt Coverage
29. 1st & 3rd Coverage
30. Backing Up the Bases
31. Pop Ups
32. Bull Pen Work
33. Covering 1st
34. Days Off for Recovery… What to you do?

Keep the Head, Shoulders, and Torso headed to Home Plate….
See how Easy you can throw Hard!
Use your Torso really hard, so you can use your Arm really easy!
Everything must be parallel and perpendicular!

Drills…mechanics and arm action
Work backwards…

Extra Comments and Drills…

One leg throw...balance, stride, and finish
Stop at each position 1, 2, 3
Movement with body, glove, hands
Head level

Stride drill
Feet wide…start ball in glove out front
Separate hands, down back and up, extension out front
Backside roll foot over ..ensure full hip explosion
Chest over knee when finish
Back elbow explodes through
Extension out front

Balance position/stop
Stretch
Stop slightly at balance point
Leg kick up throw and follow-through
Knee and glove work together
Hands break with knee ,,,knee up hands up…down separation
Get hips open if can

Bounce on finish
Balance throw...bounce three times soft front leg
For bad follow-through
Knee to sky

Junior size football toss
Over loading
Good stretch
Gets elbow up
Throw like a baseball

Curve ball work
Stride or balance position
Throw and one hop to partner
Pull down on it
½ way between him and partner

Curve ball drill
play at 70’ 80’ different distances
have the catcher outside…aim at plate and really extend to get to catcher
line up to plate

Change Up drill
Shuffle shuffle…long toss good arm action and speed
Aggressive pitch...attack zone
Change up grip…fast ball attitude

Change Up Drop
Drop it on the plate
Use strings on poles…get it below the strings

Working down, out, in
Strings move to work areas

3 Goals…not strikeouts
1. 1st pitch strike…75%
2. 65% overall strikes
3. 1 walk every 3 innings…most important

Fence Drill
If arm circle behind is too far back behind back.
Play catch as you are against a wall

The Way to Think…

Balance, Stride, & Explode

Extra Comments….

Lead with foot…drive down where you want it to be
Kick out
Weight inside… balls of foot
When spikes drag the dirt they open up
Use your glove to hold your left side up
Back side push front side open
Back elbow starts to lead
Extension out front
Extend and follow-through

Fundamentals on Hitting...White Sox Way!

2008-11-26T07:49:00.001-08:00

FUNDAMENTALS AND TIPS ON HITTING…

Coach Phil Fox

Talent is what happens, when Hard Work and Preparation is done in practice…

BAT SELECTION

LENGTH AND WEIGHT??
Each individual’s strength, height, weight, type of
hitter, age, etc. are all factors to determine the proper
bat selection. The real key to bat selection is the
players capability of controlling the bat during the
swing. Trying different bat sizes and weights before
you buy the bat will enable you to find the proper
bat size and weight. Do not buy a bat for the label!
Proper bat selection can make the difference
between the player having success as a hitter or not.
Some levels of play will have weight deduction
restrictions…check with the individuals coach.

HITTERS VISION

Most hitter’s think that they should be looking at
the pitcher’s arm slot to be able to see the ball coming
from the pitcher…That’s not true. The best starting
point for a hitter is not the pitcher’s arm slot but his
hat/nose/chin. This location will enable your eyes to
make only a small adjustment to the arm slot location
rather than larger one. Remember when looking at
the arm slot too early, your looking to centerfield area.

STANCE

There really is no exact way to set up your stance, but
All successful hitters have the following things in
common.

ATHLETIC STANCE
Knees inside of ankles, toes pointed straight
ahead, head and weight at 50/50.

ATHLETIC POSTURE
Weight on balls of feet, slight chest lean forward,
knees bent slightly, Butt sticking out, Head
slightly in front of the knees and straight up.
No Tilt!

HEAD ANGLE AND POSITION
Eyes level to ground

GRIP
Knocking knuckles lined up to get palm up,
palm down during swing. Helps create what we
call the “Whipping Grip”

RHYTHM
Keep your upper body loose and ready instead of
tight and coiled. Some type of movement is
recommended.

SET-UP POSITION / STRIDE

LOAD
Back before forward, Load is not a rock backwards but
a starting position. Weight stays inside of back foot and
leg. Bat remains in slot.

STRIDE
Back side must gain ground with front side. Think of the stride as the back knee pushing the stride foot forward. Stride in a straight line to pitcher. Stride length is individualized but must be determined by stance width and height. Hitters should land approximately 60% of their height. Linear motion creates MOMENTUM… you must go back before you go forward.

50/50
Body is in a 50/50 balanced position when the stride
foot lands. Head walks away from your hands. You
should be in a perfect athletic position. Weight on
inside of balls of the feet.

HANDS BACK
When the stride foot lands, the hands are shoulder/arm
pit level beyond the back shoulder but not past the
elbow.

KNOB OF BAT AT CATCHER’S FEET
The knob of the bat should point to the catcher’s feet
when stride foot lands. This will allow you to get your
hands in a straight path to the ball.

CONTACT OR POWER POSITION

HANDS ON LINE
Hands on a straight path to and through the ball. The
back elbow will come just inside the rib cage instead
of away from the body. Visualize hitting the inside of
the ball. Stay on line through extension.

HANDS ON-PLANE
“LEVEL” The longer on-plane and on-line, the larger
our hitting zone will be. The bigger the hitting zone the
less perfect our timing can be. Stay level through
extension.

POWER POSITION
When making contact: Middle- even with front foot
after stride, Inside- 2-3 inches in front of front foot,
Outside- 2-3 inches behind front foot.
Arms are bent at contact…not straight.

PALM UP, PALM DOWN AT CONTACT
The power position at contact with hands inside the
ball.

HIP ROTATION
The hips will turn the lower body. Not the foot. The hip
should pull the foot on to the toes, heel up and the shoe
laces towards the pitcher.

FIRM FRONT SIDE
The knee stays inside the ankle and your nose stays
inside the knee at contact. The back side rotating
straightens out the front leg at contact.

BAT SPEED
Try to have the bat pick up speed through contact…
not slow down.

Power Position / Contact Position

EXTENSION AND FINISH

EXTENSION
The barrel follows the path of the ball off the
bat. The arms then get locked out in front of
you. Keeping the power and energy behind
the ball in a straight line.
For every action there is an equal and opposite
reaction. I f you are powering forward, the
same amount of force will push you
backwards…a good base is necessary to counter
this reaction.

FINISH
One handed or two handed doesn’t make a difference
as long as the hitter gets extension first. Releasing the
bat is up to the individual hitter. Let the bat lead your
body into a natural follow through.

DRILLS

The most important concept of hitting is that all skills are completed and now a habit so that when in a game your only thought is… “See the Ball, Hit the Ball”

Hitting Drills, T WORK Drills, Soft Toss Drills, and Batting Practice Drills…

1. Dry Swings (Fundamentals)
Walk through of… Stance, Stride, Half Swing
(Power Position), and Follow through.
2. Location Drills on T (Pitch Locations)
Middle- even with front stride foot, Inside- 2-3 inches in front,
Outside- 2-3 inches behind
3. Walk Up to T (Forward Motion)
Walking up to a hitting position
4. Happy Gilmore Drill on T (Forward Motion)
Running up to hitting position
5. Forced Hands Drill on T (Backward Motion of Hands)
Feet do not move, Arms only
6. One hand Drill on T (Arm Separation Position)
Use a small bat and swing on a T with one arm only… no feet
to start/Add feet later
7. Double T (Swing Length)
Using 2 T’s Hitting a ball on both T’s with the same swing
8. High / Low Drill (Keeping the Hands High)
Using the T, start high and work your way down
9. Angle Drill (Bat Path)
A T set up higher behind the T… Check for long swing
beginning
10. Soft Toss Underhand (Swing Work & Corrections)
a. Straight on
b. Outside pitches
c. Inside Pitches
d. Speed Changes (Mix up Speeds)
11. Curve Ball Side Toss Underhand (Ball thrown on an angle)
Set screen slightly to one side can change sides for
Lefty/Righty curveball work. Spin the ball.
12. Short Toss Overhand (Swing Work & Corrections)
Short Toss overhand behind screen
a. Straight on
b. Outside pitches
c. Inside Pitches
d. Speed Changes (Mix up Speeds)
13. Regular Batting Practice Toss Drill
a. Straight on
b. Outside pitches
c. Inside Pitches
d. Speed Changes (Mix up Speeds)
e. Curveballs
14. Count Work (Hitters work on counts)
Throwing live with counts…
15. Bunting
Work on technique and then practice locations
a. Firstbase side
b. Thirdbase side
c. Push bunt
d. Drag bunt
e. Squeeze
16. Buster 400 Bat Drills
The training bat promotes these skills…. Sweet spot hitting,
Hands inside the ball, Focus, confidence, instant feedback on
Swing plane, weight training in swing.
Can be used with any type of hitting… live included if needed
a. T work
b. Soft Toss
c. Regular Toss
d. Curveball work
17. Hit and Run Drill (Swinging at any pitch
Late swing technique
18. 2 Strike Drill (Contact Drills)
Pitches aimed at location towards a hitter with 2 strikes
19. Moving runners along (No Body Out, Runner on First)
Ground ball to right side
20. Late Swing Drill (Waiting on the Pitch)
Letting the ball get as deep in the hitting zone as possible
21. Toss from up High (Hand Eye Work)
On a chair behind the hitter, drop a ball
22. Toss from behind ( Bat Speed Work)
Short Toss from behind
23. Toss from the side (Hand Eye Work)
Angle toss from the side
24. Front Bounce (Keeping the Hands Back)
Tossing the ball from the front bounce it into the strike
zone and have the hitter hit it if it’s a strike.
25. 2 Ball Toss (Bat Speed / Hand Eye)
Toss 2 balls up from the side… Call top or bottom.
The hitter reacts and hits the ball you called.

TIPS FOR HITTERS…

Drills, Practice, Games, Hard Work, mean a lot but, they don’t mean a thing unless you believe in yourself. When you work hard and develop good techniques and habits the rest will come. Don’t pressure yourself to have instant success… give yourself time to develop. Remember the pitcher is someone trying to have success too. When you believe in yourself, you will get better, if you don’t you, won’t.
Baseball is a game of failure… 7 out of 10 times you fail and you’re still a great hitter. It’s not just how you accept success, but how you accept failure. Handle both the same and concentrate on what you can do with the next pitch, not the last one.
Above all…Believe in yourself!

Outfield Rules

2008-11-26T07:46:00.000-08:00

Outfield Rules…

1. Never miss a Cut-off Man. This is your main objective…

2. Always keep the double play in order, when possible.

3. The Centerfielder – communicates between each situation the number of outs and where to throw the ball on a fly ball, grounder (base hit), and extra base hit. He must be a leader…

4. Pitcher ahead in count, play hitter to hit to opposite field. (Take 2 steps to that side) Pitcher behind in the count, play hitter to pull. (Take 2 steps to that side) Full count, play it straight. 3rd or 4th Hitter play them to pull.

5. Ball hit directly at you (or slightly to your side) with a runner on throw to the lead base.

6. Ball hit more than three steps to your side you throw to stop the hitter from reaching second base. You keep the double play in order.

7. Ball hit to you where you turn your back on the infielders, hit the cut-off man.

8. Line drive hit directly at you, open to your glove side.

9. Do or Die plays…Must be planned before it’s hit.

10. React to different pitchers and their abilities for field positioning.
Check coaches for help.
Fly Ball Principles
· Never "back peddle" to catch a ball that is hit over your shoulder. Always use the drop step and run!
· Once the fly ball is descending the ball must be called by one of the defensive players.
· On balls that are hit softly between the outfield and infield, the outfield has priority. Therefore the infielder should go after the ball and try to make the catch until the outfielder calls the infielder off. This method will avoid the ugly collision between the outfield and infield.
· The outfielder always has priority over the infielder on fly balls.

Outfield Drills

2008-11-26T07:42:00.000-08:00

Outfield Drills
All drills should be taught proper technique before doing these on there own…Partners are used.
General rules…Crow hop to throw is one of momentum towards the throwing base, not jumping up.
Catching the ball consists of the glove being to one side or the other…not in the middle.

1. Ball directly at you...
Ball rolled directly at the fielder and nobody on base. Block the ball like you would if you’re an infielder.
2. Ball to the right…
Ball rolled slightly to the right, position body to ball, round it if possible.
3. Ball to the left…
Ball rolled slightly to the left, position body to ball, round it if possible.
4. Slow roller…
Ball rolled slowly at fielder, on the run pick ball up and throw it. Technique is to step near ball keeping ball on outside of the foot…You must stay down through the pickup. Glove must stay near ground as long as possible.
5. Cut ball off…
Ball going into gap, right or left, fielder must stop it from getting through for extra bases.
6. Fly ball at…
Ball directly above head of fielder, outfielder must get behind ball and take steps towards infield as he catches it.
7. Fly ball over left shoulder…
Ball 4-5 steps over his shoulder reaching with glove at last possible second.
8. Fly ball over right shoulder…
Ball 4-5 steps over his shoulder reaching with glove at last possible second.
9. Sprint straight back…
Ball 4-5 steps directly over your head, sprinting back and then adjusting to the ball.
10. Do or die…
Slow roller or ball to the side a little, the fielder must field in a hurry and make a great throw at full speed. In this drill come up faking the throw (Unless outside or a net to throw into).
11. Sun balls…
Tossing the ball up into the lights or the sun cover the light or sun with your glove or barehand and catch it.
12. Dead Ball pickup…
Run back behind you and pick up a ball that has stopped completely. Keep eyes on ball as you pick it up. Can also do this with a ball stopped in front of you.

EXTRA DRILLS

Z Drill… The outfielder runs the Z pattern and catches the ball on the last cut

Line Drive Gap Drill…Outfielders run across in front of the coach catching balls thrown in front of them.

Shoe String Catch Drill…The outfielder runs towards the coach and catches the ball near his ankle without stopping.

Wrong turn drill…The outfielder turns over the wrong shoulder and then has to make an adjustment and turn back to the other shoulder to catch the ball.

Blind drill…Have the fielder turn his back, toss the ball up and say “ball” the
fielder then turns around and finds the ball.

Pushup drill…Have the fielder do a pushup and then stand up as quick as
possible to find and catch the ball.

Spin Drill…The fielder spins around twice then finds the ball and catches it.

Use two players and space for the next drills…

13. Communication drill…
Ball between two fielders, “Me, Me, Me” call & “You, You, You” call, remember centerfielder rules. Can also do this with the infielders.

14. Relays…
Player to player to player.

15. Cutoff gaps…
Two players deciding to get the ball & the other communicating where to throw it.

Coach Fox's Philosophy

2008-11-26T07:38:00.000-08:00

Coach Fox's Philosophy

"I AM THIRD"

My School Is First…
Grades and proper class behavior
Respect for the school
Respect for the Teachers and Staff
Proper Behavior in and out of school
Follow the athletic Code
Pride in the Athletic program and it's Traditions
Be in school every day
Represent the school to the highest degree
Take care of your equipment

My Teammates are Second…
Team Play before individual play
Respect for others and their personal items
Team Pride before individual pride
Team friendships
Team Accomplishments
Runs are team success, not individual
Helping another teammate whenever possible

I Am Third…
Records are secondary
Individual Accomplishments and success comes from team success
Individual pride is based on team pride
Individual recognition is based on team recognition
Wins are team Wins, not Individual
Taking Criticism, It will only make me better

I Am Third…

Parent Syndrome by Keith Madison U of Kentucky

2008-11-26T07:35:00.000-08:00

Parent Syndrome
________________________________________
This article was written by:
Keith Madison
former Head Baseball Coach
University of Kentucky
________________________________________

Recently, when coaches talk to me about the most pressing issues concerning their baseball programs, ranked near the top along with gender equity, scholarship reduction, and finding a quality left-hander, is the increasing problem of parents interfering with the coach-player relationship.
Fortunately, in most cases, parents train and support their young players; and then at the high school and college level, they turn them over to professional coaches. It is a wonderful thing to see a parent teaching a seven-year-old how to catch, throw, or hit a baseball, but it is downright embarrassing to see a parent yelling instructions from the stands or coaching behind the dugout during a high school or college game.
Everyone, except the parent and especially the player, is embarrassed by this type of interference. Even more out of place is the parent who complains to the coach about playing time or where his/her son should be hitting in the lineup. The conversation usually end with, "I would not want him to know we discussed this."
Why don’t they want their son to know ? Their son wants to be a man and handle his own problems, if there really is one; unfortunately, some parents want to "fix" everything for the son, not allowing him to grow up. I wonder how many calls Gen. Schwarzkopf received from parents discussing the strategy of using thousands of 18 and 19-year-olds during the Persian Gulf War ?
One coach of a national championship team recently shared with me a story about returning victorious from the College World Series in Omaha only to receive a phone call as he was walking in the door of his home from a complaining father about the lack of his son’s playing time and playing time and possible transfer.
Whatever happened to the team concept ? I have had other successful coaches share similar stories. One very successful Division I coach recently resigned, citing parents with unrealistic expectations and interferences as one of the major problems. He said, "IT JUST WASN’T FUN ANYMORE."
We all have roles to play in the development of these young athletes. As coaches, we are so blessed to be a part of their lives. Our role as a coach is to provide an opportunity for the athlete to fully develop the skills needed to become the best he can possibly become while fulfilling the important task of fitting into a team concept thus ensuring success for the team.
Some suggestions for coaches who may encounter the "Parent Syndrome":
1. Communicate openly with your players about potential problems. Let them know that you choose not to discuss strategy or playing time with their parents.
2. If parents call or write, let them know immediately of your policy not to discuss strategy or playing time with them. Also, make sure you make the parents aware of your desire to discuss academics, or any personal problem that may help you work with their son.
3. Alert the player that any phone calls received from the parents that concerns playing time or strategy will be discussed with the player. Also let them know that any negative letters received from parents will be shared with the player.
4. Treat your players the way you would want your son treated. Make fairness to players and parents priority. Remember, the young man in your program will be your player for just a few years, he will always be his parent’s son.

Some suggestions for parents dealing with your son’s baseball career:
1. Baseball gives a young person an opportunity to compete and play within the framework and guidelines of a team concept. Encourage your son to be a team player. Spend as much time discussing the team as you do his individual performance.
2. Help you son to grow and mature by allowing him to handle his relationship with his coach by himself. Unless the coach is placing your son in danger of hurting himself, let him handle his problems. You may suggest to your son positive ways to approach his coach and the respectful way to discuss the problem, but don’t interfere. If a coach is forcing your son to play with a serious injury or allowing him to throw too many pitches on too little rest, they you have every right to step in.
3. Talk to your son more about effort and less about performance. Otherwise you are expressing conditional love, i.e. "If you go 2-for-4, I love you. If you go 0-for-4, I don’t love you."
4. Praise a positive attitude regardless of performance. Make your son aware of negative attitude and negative body language regardless of performance. Attitude is a choice, performance isn’t.
5. It is encouraging for a player to see his parents in the stands cheering for team. It is embarrassing for a player when his parents try to help coach or when they try to get too close to the coach. Peer pressure can be devastating if your son’s teammates see you as someone wanting special favors from the coach.

Most Common Pitfalls of High School Players

2008-11-26T07:33:00.000-08:00

The Most Common Pitfalls
High School Players Experience
________________________________________

Every parent of a high school player should read this article ... then every player should read it. Even if it does not apply to you or your player. Each of us knows someone that should read this. Maybe this will help get the message through to one player.
________________________________________

The Big Three
No sense of urgency that time is slipping by
Inability to listen to Coaches and Teachers
The way I dress and act is just "my style" and if they want me, they know where to find me, then I will change
________________________________________

Overestimating your own ability level
Poor personal grooming habits & social skills
Believing that attitude has very little to do with your appeal to a college coach
My poor work habits will improve when I get around a college coach
Very small perspective on baseball abilities of others around the nation
No sense of urgency to get serious about the work needed to move on
Being influenced by the wrong type of self-destructive people
Believing that sportsmanship is not important
Appearing lazy or lethargic
Thinking "I'll turn it up when I need to
Frequent trips outside the dugout to talk to dad, girlfriend or buddies
________________________________________

Things that do not go unnoticed

Negatives
Long Hair & Facial Hair
Earrings & Tattoos
Poor fitting uniform
Being unprepared to play
Being late for a game
Smoking
Being rude or obnoxious
Tantrums, swearing, helmet or bat throwing
Arguing with Umpires
Frequent trips out of the dugout
Hanging out with sketchy characters
Always having an excuse
Immature behavior
Sloppy non-athletic appearance
Inability to communicate
Walking on and off the field
________________________________________

Positives
Clean, well kept appearance
Wearing the uniform correctly
Hustle and Enthusiasm
Backing up bases
Not missing signals
Encouraging teammates
Arriving early to game
Helping clean up gear after the game
Calming influence
Hanging around quality people
Taking responsibility
Displaying good character
A tremendous smile
Athletic appearance
Good speaking abilities
Working hard in the classroom
Addressing adults with respect (yes sir and yes m'am, etc)

Tips

2008-11-26T07:28:00.000-08:00

Tip: Signs
Keep signs simple. You can use a simple numbers system. That is, how many signs will you give before a specific cut-off gesture. By counting the number of signs before the cut-off, the player knows the play. For example:
2 signs = take (two...take)
3 signs = hit and run (three words in hit and run)
4 signs = bunt (four letters in bunt)
5 signs = steal (five letters in steal)

Tip: Measuring ability
Baseball is one of the few sports that cannot measure ability strictly by athletic prowess. Stats, radar guns, and tape measures do not measure the heart of a player (a critical part in baseball). Listen to coaches and scouts about that player that may not be as gifted as the rest, but has the heart of a lion.

Tip: Coaching Attitude

When coaching, follow every negative comment with a positive one shortly down the road. Players will respect you if you criticize them when need be, but also praise them at every opportunity.

Tip: Work with scouts
When recruiting on the college level, the best way to improve your team is to form a relationship with pro scouts. Often, they will scout players that are not quite ready for the professional level, but might be with some cultivating.

Tip: Baseball Recruiting
Many coaches do not realize the value of the Internet in their recruiting efforts. Many sites allow you to search a talent pool for players. Players can make themselves available to web talent pools by posting their baseball resumes online.

Tip: Hustle
Hustle is what determines the winners from the losers and the players from the athletes. Hustle catches the attention of coaches. A coach may take a player who hustles over one who is more talented, because that person is more valuable as a team player.

Tip: Coaching Camps
Coaching camps are available throughout the country. Tips, advice, ideas, and counsel that the college and professional coaches give at these camps are invaluable.

Tip: Tantrums
Perhaps it is because the game can be so frustrating, but baseball naturally lends itself to tantrums. Try to discourage that immediately. One way is to get everyone to laugh instead, but you know what works for individual players.

Tip: Trying to get noticed
You never know when a scout is in the stands looking at you. Be sure to hustle on and off the field. Avoid public displays of anger. And always handle yourself with class and dignity on the field.

Tip: Admitting mistakes
Umpires are human and will make mistakes. Especially at advanced levels, the game moves so quickly that you simply can´t make every call right. Umpires should realize this, but players and coaches should respect their decisions.

Tip: Staying out of the limelight
Even at the amateur level, certain umpires have the wrong attitude. Never should an umpire be more important than the game. The umpire forgets the game on both sides of the ball should be fun!

Tip: Measuring ability
Baseball is one of the few sports that cannot measure ability strictly by athletic prowess. Stats, radar guns, and tape measures do not measure the heart of a player (a critical part in baseball). Listen to coaches and scouts about that player that may not be as gifted as the rest, but has the heart of a lion.

Outfield Cut-Offs and Relay Rules

2008-11-26T07:14:00.000-08:00

Cut-Offs and Relays

Every player must know where to go with, or without the ball. If cut-offs are done properly, you will be surprised at how many close games a team will win. It must be stressed that whatever you do defensively, someone is running against you offensively. It is important to communicate and not waste time in your defensive moves.

General Objectives…

The main reason for having cut-offs and relays is to prevent runs from scoring, taking the extra base, and/or advancing into scoring position.
One of the main objectives in cuts and relays is to keep the double play situation in play.

Basic Rules to Follow…Infielders and Outfielders.

1. Always throw ahead of the runner
2. If you can’t get the primary runner, cut the ball and see if there is a play somewhere else. Never throw the ball unless you have a play.
3. All throws should be low, so fielders can handle them.
4. THINK baseball…Stay in the game.
5. Catch the ball with two hands on the proper side. (Glove side if relaying the ball or throwing side if cutting the ball and going to another base)
6. Communicate with each other. Verbal signals must be heard.
7. Be aggressive…Don’t worry about making a wrong decision.
8. Be Flexible…If the strategy changes during a play you must adapt. Nothing is definite in baseball cut-offs and relays.
9. When relaying the ball, or cutting and going to another base, always throw the ball from the position you field it from. (You don’t have time to straighten up and throw) Catch it and throw it.
10. Make the decision yourself. Try not to rely on verbal signals. If there is no play, don’t wait for someone to tell you…Make the decision yourself.
11. Don’t let the ball go through to a base if there is no play…Cut The Ball.
12. Make accurate throws. An accurate throw is better than a wild strong one.
13. When the ball is hit right at you in the outfield…Throw to get the lead runner.
14. When the ball is hit to your side at more than 3-4 steps…Throw to get the hitter.

Basic rules for each position…

Outfielders
Communicate! All throws should be low so the relay men can handle it properly. Get in position to catch and release the ball as quickly as possible. Always get in back of the ball so you are moving forward, catching the ball on your throwing side. Remember, anyone can catch a ball, but outfielders must be able to stop those runners from taking those extra bases and that takes a strong throw. Back each other up.

Infielders
Communicate! Get to your defensive position as soon as you can. Get body in position to either relay the throw or cut it off. If you are relaying the ball, catch it on your glove side. If you must cut the ball and throw back to a base, you must now catch the ball on your throwing side. Always catch the ball with two hands, since your release will be quicker. Be Flexible…The defensive play might change, and you must react.

Pitchers
Communicate! Don’t sulk after a base hit. Back up the proper base. When backing up
a base, back up as far as possible…against the fence or dugout.

Catchers
Communicate! Take Charge. You must run the entire defense. Always say something. Never say nothing. Be aggressive! Try to let the ball go through….Relay only when you have to.

Verbal Signals

“Use a #” Relay…Help the player to know where the ball \
should go, where you are, and keep yelling to
show confidence with your choice

* If nothing is said…the ball should be let through to the base it is attended to go*

Calls for Flyballs…

“ME, ME, ME” When you have the ball…
Remember to call the ball after it reaches it’s apex
.
“YOU, YOU, YOU” When the other fielder has the ball

Pre-Season Coaches Meeting and Expectation List (High School)

2008-11-26T07:10:00.000-08:00

Preseason Coaches Meeting

I expect all my coaches to...

1. Show enthusiasm towards coaching.
2. Use no player put downs. Positive corrections only!
3. Wear proper coaching clothes for practices. Not Jeans.
4. Display no unprofessional behaviors.
Improper actions and body gestures
5. Attend one coaches clinic each year.
6. Attend booster meetings when possible. First Tuesday of each
month.
7. Attend and help with fundraisers.
8. Continue professional growth in the area of coaching magazines, books, and videos.
9. Take responsibility to improve one physical structure of the baseball program.
10. Take full responsibility and proper care of your team uniforms (collecting), equipment, and stats.
11. Turn in an evaluation form for each player at the end of each year.
12. Turn in a completed team stats for each year.
13. Turn in a completed form after cuts that include...name, address, phone, parent’s names, e-mail addresses, position, weight, height, throws, and bats.
14. Run the plays the Varsity coach requests. (Ex: 1st and 3rd situation)
15. Attend Pre-season weights and open gym workouts when possible.
16. Attend fieldwork days.
17. Report all major discipline problems to the Varsity Head Coach first before action is taken.
18. Report all parent problems to the Head Coach
19. Report all game scores to the Head Coach as soon as possible. No later than the next morning.
20. Attend one summer game a week.
21. Use the same drills the Varsity Coaches use.
Different drills must be approved.
22. Must take care of field...Raking, Dragging, Sweeping, etc. as directed by Head Coach.
23. During season...Find and keep in touch with Head Coach during the school day for game situations and Practice situations.
24. Notify Head Coach of all rainouts or suspended games.
25. Turn in a written practice schedule once a week.
26. Follow coach’s MUST list.

Batting Order

2008-11-26T07:06:00.000-08:00

Batting Order Possibilities…
BATTING ORDER PLAYER CHARACTERISTICS Other considerations:
• Try to mix-up right and left-handed hitters. This keeps the pitcher from getting into a rhythm - throwing to the same side of the plate to several hitters in a row.

• Mix your speed players in between your slow players. This will keep you from ending up with all slow runners on the bases at one time. (Just don't stick your slowest player in the 8 slot before your two fastest 'lead-off' hitters. In fact, try to follow your slowest baserunner with a good contact hitter to give him a better chance of advancing.)

• Place a left-handed hitter behind a base stealer. This blocks the catcher's vision of the runner and creates a hole when the first baseman holds the runners on.
• Line Up depends on DH and who’s pitching. Try to get hitters comfortable with their position in the line up.

1. Leadoff Hitter Good speed
Good eye
Good base runner
2. Second Hitter Unselfish
Good contact hitter
Good bunter
Good eye
Left handed hitter, if possible
3. Best Hitter Left handed hitter, if possible
High average
Good speed
Makes good contact
Power is a plus
4. Power Hitter Good power
Good pitch selection
Extra base hits
5. Power Much like attributes for Power Hitter
Drive in runs
Average not as high as #3 or #4
6. Contact Hitter Put the ball in play
Doesn't strike out much
Good speed
Base stealer
7. Contact Hitter Much like Second Hitter attributes
Not as good a hitter
8. Power Poor contact
Some power
Not a high average hitter
9. Leadoff Second lead off man
Good eye
Base stealer
Very important to get to top of order

10 reasons why baseball is the best spring sport

2008-11-26T07:03:00.000-08:00

Top 10 reasons why baseball is the best spring sport…

10. There are no limitations of where you have to stand.
9. We will play at least 4 games a week.
8. No funny t-shirts or shorts to wear.
7. Perfect sport to complement and improve all hand- eye coordination sports including Basketball, Football and Volleyball.
6. Girls love to watch guys in uniform and tight pants.
5. Games are not governed by who reaches a score first or a time limit.
4. You wear a cup because you are a MAN.
3. A homerun doesn’t happen very often because it is the hardest thing to do in ANY sport.
2. It is OK to only play one game and not best out of three to win.
1. It is America’s one and only real past time game.

Try-Out Check List

2008-11-26T06:51:00.000-08:00

Try-Out Checklist
How to Make The High School Team

1. Persistence is more important than talent
2. There is a reason that the word STUDENT comes first in student/athletes
3. Respect the game as much as you want to be respected
4. Tuck in your shirt
5. Don't wear your hat backwards
6. Practice hard because you play the way you practice
7. It doesn't take any talent to hustle
8. Be a student in baseball. Learn the game - Study the history of baseball
9. Help your team win whether you play or not
10. Keep a daily diary of what you do at practice and keep notes of your observations. This will help you see the progress you have made
11. Never argue with an umpire
12. Agree to let your coaches train you
13. Don't cut class
14. Maintain the grades that keep you eligible
15. Set high standards along with knowing the steps to attain them
16. Don't tell people what you are worth, prove it to them
17. Your girlfriend is not more important than your career
18. Your parents love you, but they don't know more than your coach about baseball
19. Don't let anyone make an excuse for you
20. Maintain eye contact with all adults when they talk to you. Practice on your friends
21. It is your coach's opinion of you that counts. He makes out the lineup. Fail to understand this point and you will soon be out of the game
22. Life is not fair. Regardless of what some people want you to think
23. Be passionate about your teammates
24. Love the game
25. Players are not the only people in the game. There are coaches, trainers, announcers, umpires, broadcasters and writers. All those jobs are honorable professions as well as keeping you young
26. The only thing that coaches owe you is HONESTY
27. Body language screams. It never whispers
28. Balance makes champions. If you focus on hitting and ignore the defensive part of your game you will never be a complete player
29. Be as diligent on defense as you are on offense
30. Defense wins more games than offense
31. Pitching sets the tone
32. Games are lost not won. Mistakes lead to losses
33. You can win a league with a few good pitchers. Well developed pitching staffs win the tournaments
34. Work on your game every day of the year. The guy who beat you out for the starting job did and the team that always beats you
35. Who you are today is a result of who you were in the past. Fill your past with smart work and good deeds and you will maximize your potential
36. You don't have to be a great athlete to be a good baseball player
37. Show off your talent to your current coach and your future coach by doing the following: (ALL THE TIME)
o When you jog to warm up finish first.
o When you stretch do it the right way.
o When you play catch, throw to a target and hit it every time.
o When you play catch, catch the ball or block the bad throw and keep it in front of you every time.
o When you are doing a drill, do it perfect, every time.
o Go hard all the time. Never walk on a baseball practice field.
o As a batter/runner run to first as though it matters that you are safe.
o Know the situation on defense and do the right thing.
38. Baseball reveals character it doesn't build it.
39. Character means doing the right thing when nobody's watching

Strive for Excellence!

2008-11-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

Strive For Excellence!

Achieving Excellence is not Easy…

Team Mission Statement… “Excellence Both Off and On the field”

“Excel” comes from the Latin word for “Rise Up”

Excellence is…the continuous, relentless, never ending commitment
To improve…

Excellence is the gradual result of always trying to get better.

Excellence is getting to the field earlier…
Training Harder
Practicing Longer
Working Smarter
& Preparing more than others can expect to.

To achieve Excellence you got to believe…

Excellence means making a special effort & doing more than what is asked. Expecting more of oneself.

Defining Characteristics of Excellence…
It’s an all the time thing.
You can’t do it right some of the time.
A near miss isn’t almost right, it’s wrong.

Excellence and Winning is a habit so is losing and Mediocrity.
Like all habits they affect our lives.

Excellence in a player isn’t 20 % better in one area…
It’s 1 % in 20 different areas.

“Good Enough Never Is”

“Think…Excellence Both Off and On the Field”

Rundowns

2008-11-25T13:35:00.000-08:00

RUN DOWNS
*Always make as few as possible throws*

BASIC RULES

Both players set up inside of baseline as soon as possible. (2’-3”)

Catch the ball first before you run. Keep your eyes on the ball., not the runner.

Run full speed at the base runner if no one else is on the bases and/or your running at the lead runner.

Chase the runner back to the base he came from when possible.

Don’t stop when runner stops. Take control of the situation.
Short toss from the wrist. Just like throwing a dart when possible.

Don’t fake more than once and only if the runner is looking at you.

Throw chest high to your teammate& when they flash glove.

Throw the ball 5’ to 6’ before runner gets to your teammate.

Throw to inside of baseline away from the runners path. Do not hit the runner.

Player tagging the runner should be 2 steps up the baseline from the base.

Tag the runner from the top down.

After throwing the ball cut to the inside and return to your original base.

SPECIAL SITUATIONS...

Between 3rd and Home base - Be early with the throw so the run won’t score. (if headed for home) We would rather have him return to 3rd than score.

Between 2nd and 3rd - The runner has a bigger lead so we need to give up the ball sooner.

1st and 3rd situation - Judgment play on when to throw. Always be listening for the “4” call from the catcher. Turn and get feet set to throw before throwing. Remember don’t run full speed if your not chasing lead runner.

Backups - Anyone not involved keep your distance from rundown situation and be ready for an overthrow, Be at least 20’ away from the base your backing up. Outfielders are important in all over throw situations.

PLAYERS INVOLVED - BETWEEN...

1st and 2nd 2nd and 3rd 3rd and home

At 2B - 2B, SS At 2B - 2B, SS At 3rd - 3B, SS
At 1B - 1B, P At 3rd - 3B, P At Home - C, P
Entire Outfield Entire Outfield Entire Outfield

What I believe should be a players dream.

2008-11-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

I was talking to a player's father the other day and a simple thought came into my mind...Does a player think he can play at the next level? and should he?

My whole concept was as a coach what did I want him to think he could do? My one thought seemed really simple. If the player thought he could continue to play at the next level he would continue to improve and work hard. This would be great for any team he was on. If not, he wouldn't work as hard and would not improve as much and this would be bad for any team he was on. Was this right? I firmly beleive that the player's ATTITUDE means alot. For a player to want to work as hard as possible to get better, he must beleive in something...My thought, was he must believe in himself!

I beleive that as a coach and as a parent you must want to keep the dream alive for your son until something stops it. I have told players that the only thing that really stops your dream from coming true is the player himself. If he continues to believe in himself, it serves two purposes: 1) He will have confidence in what he's doing and 2) He will feel like he's got a reachable goal in his future.

What does that mean? You will be a pro. No, that's not what I mean. You as a player will learn to work hard and strive for bigger and better things for yourself. Doing this keeps the dream worth while. Believing in things that may never come true does not hurt you as much as not believing at all.

I lived and had the same dreams and now I only wish I was still dreaming. Keep your dreams alive as long as you can...You never know, you might wake up one day and it may come true.

The Power of Habit and Commitment

2008-11-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

The Power of Habit and Commitment
I am your constant companion.I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden.I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.I am completely at your command.Half the things you do, you might just as well turn over to me,And I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.I am easily managed; you must merely be firm with me.Show me exactly how you want something done,And after a few lessons I will do it automatically.I am the servant of all great men.And, alas, of all failures as well.Those who are great, I have made great.Those who are failures, I have made failures.I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision of a machine.Plus, the intelligence of a man.You may run me for profit, or run me for ruin;It makes no difference to me.Take me, train me, be firm with meAnd I will put the world at your feet.Be easy with me, and I will destroy you.Who am I?I am HABIT!
It makes your knees shake, it makes your stomach tight, it makes you calm with relief.It can determine the way you feel and the way you act.It's what creates business relationships and also what can destroy them.It's something we succeed at one minute and fail at the next.It distinguishes doers from dreamers, champions from wanna-be's.It sorts our confusion, clarifies the mysterious and has the ability to dramatically impact your business.It can alter the quality of your life, the extent of your achievements, and the measure of your success.It has the power to create what is possible.It's called commitment!

Jobe Tubing Exercises

2008-11-14T15:50:00.001-08:00

Jobe Tubing Exercises These should be performed 3 - 4 times a week as part of your warm up before weight training.
External Rotation at 0 Degree Abduction - Standing with involved elbow flexed at side, elbow at 90 degrees and involved arm across front of body. Grip tubing handle while the other end of tubing is fixed. Pull out with arm, keeping elbow at side. Return tubing slowly and controlled.
Internal Rotation at 0 Degree Abduction - Standing with elbow at side fixed at 90 degrees and shoulder rotated out. Grip tubing handle while other end of tubing is fixed. Pull arm across body keeping elbow at side. Return tubing slowly and controlled.
External Rotation at 90 Degree Abduction (Slow) - Stand with shoulder abducted 90 degrees and elbow flexed 90 degrees. Grip tubing handle while the other end is fixed straight ahead. Keeping shoulder abducted, rotate shoulder back keeping elbow at 90 degrees. Return tubing and hand to start position slowly and controlled.
Internal Rotation at 90 Degree Abduction (Slow) - Stand with shoulder abducted to 90 degrees, externally rotated 90 degrees, and elbow flexed 90 degrees. Grip tubing handle with other end of tubingfixed straight behind. Keeping shoulder abducted, rotate shoulder forward, keeping elbow at 90 degrees. Return tubing and hand to start position slowlyand controlled.
Diagonal Pattern (D1) Flexion - Gripping tubing handle in hand of involved arm, begin with arm out from side 45 degrees and palm facing backward. After turning palm forward, proceed to flex elbow and bring arm up and over uninvolved shoulder. Turn palm down and reverse to take arm to starting position. Exercise should be performed in controlled manner.
Diagonal Pattern (D2) Flexion - Involved hand will grip tubing handle across body and against thigh of opposite side leg. Starting with palm down, rotate palm up to begin. Proceed to flex elbow and bring arm up and over involved shoulder with palm facing inward. Turn palm down and reverse to take arm to starting position. Exercise should be performed in a controlled manner.
Diagonal Pattern (D2) Extension - Involved hand will grip tubing handle overhead and out to the side. Pull tubing down and across your body to the opposite side of leg. During the motion lead with your thumb.

Defensive Concepts

2008-11-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

Defensive Concepts
DEFENSIVE QUOTATIONS:
The following quotations can be heard in every baseball park at any time.These are at the heart of baseball philosophy.
Prevent the big inning.
"If you hold them scoreless, I promise you a tie" said the offensive coach to the defensive coach!
We cannot lose if we do not let them score.
In 65% of games, more runs are scored by the winning team in one inning than the losing team scores in the entire game.
Pitching is 75% of the game.
Pitching is 80% of the game.
Pitching is 90% of the game.
"Who is the toughest hitter you ever faced?" Anyone with a bat!
The pitcher is the fifth infielder and protects the center of the diamond.
The pitcher, when he completes his pitch to home plate, is only 54 feet from the hitter. He better have his glove ready.
You must be good defensively up the middle.
All championship teams have a great defensive catcher.
More errors are made by third basemen than any other position.
The first baseman makes the rest of the infielders look good.
That outfield can really go get them.
Every one on every play is in the right position.
They never beat themselves.
Their pre-game infield practice is really impressive.
They really play with a great deal of pride.
Did you see that team hustle on and off the field?
Keep the runner off first base.
Keep the runner off third base.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RUNNERS AT THIRD BASE
To elaborate on the last quotation, it is one of the fundamental ideas in baseball philosophy. The importance of runners on third base is often overlooked by coaches. Some runners cause havoc when they reach third; they dance off the base, threaten to steal or to pull a suicide squeeze, and generally cause the opponent to lose hair and sleep. However, every runner on third base is far more likely to score than a runner on second base. Keeping runners off third base must be an important key to the team's defensive philosophy (and a fundamental part of the team's offensive philosophy should be to get runners to third base).
To illustrate the importance of keeping runners off third, here is a list of 24 ways in which a runner can score from third base but not from second base. If there are more, please write and inform me.
A runner can score from third base but not second base on...
A balk.
A catcher's interference.
A wild pitch.
A passed ball.
A hard hit ground ball through the infield and directly in front of an outfielder.
An error by an infielder which eludes him by more than ten feet.
A short pop-up just beyond the infield that is dropped by a fielder.
A short line drive or a bloop single just over the infield.
A sacrifice fly.
A fly ball dropped by an outfielder.
A fair pop-up dropped by an infielder with two outs.
A walk or a hit batter with the bases full.
On a wild throw by the catcher back to the pitcher.
A ground ball, early in the game with runners on first and third, no outs, and the defense decides to go for the double play. (Note: So you think this play is inconsequential? This play occurred in the third inning of a scoreless game during the 1959 World Series, allowing the Chicago White Sox to score the first run of the game against Sandy Koufax and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The White Sox won the game by the score of 1 to 0.)
A wild throw by the pitcher attempting to pick the runner off third base.
A wild throw by the pitcher attempting to pick a runner off first base.
A wild throw by the catcher attempting to pick the runner off third base.
A wild throw by the catcher attempting to throw out a runner trying to steal second base.
A dropped throw from the catcher on an attempted steal of second base.
With runners on first and third, less than two outs, the runner on first heads for second base; the catcher throws to the cutoff man who makes a wild throw back to the catcher.
A suicide squeeze bunt.
A steal of home.
A wild throw by an infielder attempting to throw the batter out at first base.
An interference by an infielder during a rundown play on the runner at third. (Note: Although the runner may be heading back toward third base when interference occurs, he is nevertheless permitted to score because an obstructed runner is awarded at least one base beyond the base he last legally touched.)

12 PRINCIPLES OF COACHING

2008-11-14T15:44:00.001-08:00

12 PRINCIPLES OF COACHING

1. It is not what the coach knows, but what the player knows.
2. Get the right player in the right position to be successful. Don’t ask a player to do something that he cannot do.
3. Teach Technique…Make a player technique conscious.
4. Repetition – repetition day after day after day
5. Preparation = performance Talk I meetings – Act on the field – Coach on the run
6. 4 Parts of Learning…
a. Explanation
b. Demonstration – walk through
c. Practice – repetition
d. Walk through – correct mistakes
7. Mistakes – Learn from your mistakes
a. See a mistake – correct it…Ask yourself why and how?
b. Look for better ways to teach players…Drills should always have a purpose.
c. Don’t complain about your players…they are the only ones you have. Be positive – make them the best they can be.
8. Check after practice
a. Discuss Attitude, Effort, and Accomplishments after each practice.
b. Never allow a player to loaf in any baseball related activity.
9. Chemistry and Team Morale
a. More important than ever
b. Coach needs to show his players that he cares about them
c. Honesty, Trust, Communication
d. Door is always open to meet with players…Schedule three formal meetings each year.
e. Strive to make players better – Commitment
f. Make every player feel a part of the team…Everyone is important…Everyone is treated in the same manner
g. Do not give up on your players
10. Evaluate players daily
11. Never fail to talk with anyone about something that could help the baseball team
12. Strive to take yourself to the next level.

Baseball's Ten Commandments

2008-11-14T15:42:00.000-08:00

Baseball's Ten Commandments

These 10 rules of baseball were true almost 100 years agoAnd they are still “the truth” today

1. Nobody ever becomes a ballplayer by walking after a ball.
2. You will never become a .300 hitter unless you take the bat off your shoulder.
3. If what you did yesterday still looks big to you, you haven't done much today.
4. Keep your head up and you may not have to keep it down.
5. When you start to slide, slide. He who changes his mind may have to change a good leg for a bad one.
6. Do not alibi on bad hops. Anybody can field the good ones.
7. Always run them out. You never can tell.
8. Never quit.
9. Do not find too much fault with the umpires. You cannot expect them to be as perfect as you are.
10. A pitcher who hasn't control hasn't anything.

7 ways to get to first base safely!

2008-11-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

7 ways to get to first base safely!

There are seven ways in which a batter can safely reach first base.Most adults can't get them all, so see if your team can.
I give them the first 4, and let them shout out guesses for the final three...
1. hit
2. error
3. base on balls
4. hit by pitch
5. dropped third strike
6. catcher's interference
7. (the hard one) Fielder's choice
Have a great season!

Players rules and expectations

2008-11-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

BASEBALL MUSTS....

These are rules and expectations you must follow to be a part of this TEAM.

1. Sprint to and from all positions/drills. Never get out hustled!
2. Never wear your hat backwards.
3. Never wear jewelry at practices/games.
4. Long sleeves are worn until Coaches tell you different.
5. Pitchers must have a jacket at practices/games.
6. Run past first base on “ANY” and “ALL” hit balls.
7. Wear gym shoes to and from practice and game areas. Players need a bag to
keep spikes, glove, batting gloves, and personal equipment in.
8. Infielders, outfielders, and pitchers must warm up between innings. If you can
not warm up a substitute will be provided. We will warm up second baseman
and closest outfielder between innings. On our side of the field.
9. Backup (bullpen) catcher must always have 2 good game balls, shin guards on
and his glove/mask ready at all times.
10. Runners on base or at bat should never have to go in dugout to get glove and
hat after the last out is made.
11. Wear team hat to all practices and games.
12. Obey and maintain the ATHLETIC CODE.
13. No horseplay in school halls, locker rooms, and during warm-ups.
14. Never throw bats or any equipment.
15. Stay in the dugout...DO NOT talk to fans or parents during the games.
16. One person (Varsity field) must be a personal protector for the pitcher
warming up on sidelines during the game when at a field that this area is in play.
17. Hair must be trimmed up to a respectful playing length. Facial hair is
restricted.
18. Respect each other’s equipment.
19. Everyone not in the game will chase foul balls. (except Bullpen catcher)
20. Pick up all equipment...Helmets, bats, balls every 1/2 inning, Put all balls in
the ball bucket at all times.
21. Yes sir, No sir, No questions asked attitude when being corrected by coaches.
22. You must notify your coach if absent or missing practice or game. Do not tell a
teammate. Call the school or the A.D.’s office and leave a message if you can
not get the coach.
23. Throw the ball lively and with a purpose after an out. On a strikeout we will
throw to first base.
24. All players help carry equipment in and out. No special treatment for Seniors.
25. Never play catch (pre-game warm-up) on any teams infield.
26. MAINTAIN a high standard of excellence on and off the field.
27. Take care and have pride in our program, equipment, field, and your coaches.
28. Establish our program as one of the best in the Community, Area, and State.
29. Warm-up correctly; jog, agility, stretches and throw proper and with a purpose.
30. The bench...stay in the game mentally and physically...run in-between innings.
31. Be Coachable.
32. Run every sprint hard and from a base stealing start.
33. Going to games...Get ready mentally.
34. Be early...Help set up equipment.
35. Make ONLY positive comments about and to each other.
36. No skipping classes/school at anytime. Senior Ditch Day is not for us.
37. Grades must be a #1 priority. Keep good grades by having good work habits.
38. No alcohol...No tobacco...No drugs of any form will be permitted.
39. You represent the school, the community, the student body, the DGS staff, and
the Athletic program at South High. Do it proudly and wisely.
40. The uniforms are not permitted to be worn outside the school. No one not on
the team will be allowed to wear any part of our uniform.
41. Vacations...are not allowed during the season.
42. After Games and Practices…Positive comment sessions will take place.
43. The 3 STRIKE RULE is in effect. At any time you are on the ineligibility list
for 3 times you must turn your equipment in. The importance of Grades can
not be stressed more than this. Your value to the team is only secondary to
your work at school. Also your responsibility to your team to be eligible and
available to play is important too. If we can not depend on you and your
school work is not up to standards…school must come first.

At ant time you or your parent wish to talk to me, my office is always open.

( Cut at this line)

Date : ____________

I understand the above rules and will fully follow these rules and expectations. I also understand the 3 STRIKE RULE. I have discussed and presented these rules and expectations to my Parents and they are aware of the consequences for failure to follow these. (Especially the 3 STRIKE RULE)

________________________________ _______________________________
(Players Signature) (Parents Signature)

Hitting Fundamentals and Tips

2008-11-14T15:33:00.000-08:00

Hitting Fundamentals and Tips…
Bat Selection…

Size and weight are a factor…But control of the Bat is a must. Selecting a bat needs the individual to be
checked up for strength, size, and ability.

Stance… (How you stand as the pitcher gets ready to deliver)
There is really no right way to set up, but all successful hitters have the following things in common.

1. Line up with your knocking knuckles in line with each other and wrists flexed slightly
(Point the index fingers…they can’t cross each other to check for proper alignment)
2. Weight and Head Balanced between feet (50/50)
3. Legs are flexed slightly and knees must be inside the ankles…weight on the inside of the balls of your feet.
4. Keep your upper body loose and ready instead of tight and coiled. Some type of movement is recommended.
5. Feet pointed straight ahead towards the other batters box.
6. Head slightly in front of the knees and straight up…no tilt.

The Stride… (The load/The Stride & Separation/ The walk away from the Bat…
All deal with position of the bat)

1. Linear motion creates MOMENTUM…you must go back before you go forward.
2. Head walks away from your hands
3. Keep the bat in THE SLOT – behind the helmet with the hands below the bat head and the knob towards the catcher’s feet.
4. Step towards ball, widening stance somewhat and creating linear momentum.
5. Weight on inside balls of the feet.
6. Hands do not go past the back arms elbow.
7. Head moves forward until front stride foot lands.
8. Hands are farther away from the head than when in Stance.

Hip Rotation… (Start of swing)

1. Front arm loose, front elbow pointed down and flexed.
2. Bat remains in slot.
3. Wrist stays cocked and back.
4. Wide base
5. Head and eyes stay on the ball
6. Back side or hips turn into ball path
7. Bat knob starts towards the ball paths location.

Power Position to contact… (Hands and body start to unwind towards the ball)

1. Lower body and hips start the swing Back knee turns forward as the hip turns…don’t drop back shoulder, this creates an upper cut
2. The upper body holds back, creating resistance…like a spring waiting to let go.
3. Keep bat in the slot as long as you can. Short to the ball and long through it.
4. Both arms are bent at contact…hands stay inside the ball.
5. Back side hip turns and straightens out the front leg

Follow Through…

1. Watch the ball
2. The bat follows the path of the ball. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. If you are powering the ball forward, the same amount of force will push you backwards.
3. Let the bat lead your body into a natural follow through
4. This is where the hands turn – after contact… not before or during
5. Releasing the bat after contact is up to the individual hitter.
6. Try to have the bat pick up speed during and after contact with the ball.

Focus of the eyes…

Start on the eyes, hat or nose of the pitcher and then move to the area of the ball release slot. Both eyes
level to the ground.

Coach Fox's Current Background

2008-03-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Currently employed at The Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Center in LISLE Illinois

Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association 1st Vice President Elect