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!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Outfield Rules
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.
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
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.
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
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…
"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
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.
________________________________________
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
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)
High School Players Experience
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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.
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.
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