Fundamentals:
All Players
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When preparing to receive a throw (any player), players should present a target
with two hands in front of the body. Catching the ball in front of the body allows
the eyes to follow it all the way into the glove. The glove is pointed so the fingers
point up to catch throws. Bend knees for lower throws or turn fingers down if
throw is too low.
Ready Position- is nothing more than an athletic position, with the knees slightly
bent, the weight on the balls of the feet, hands out in front, and the feet shoulderwidth apart.
PREP Steps- All fielders should use “prep steps” (take a step with right and left
foot forward) as the pitch is approaching home plate.
Catching Line drives- Teach your players to try to catch line drives above the
waist, if possible, and always with two hands out in front of the body so that the
eyes can see the ball and the glove at the same time. Sometimes on line drives that
are not hit directly at the fielder, he or she may have to make a one-handed play.
Balls above the waist should be caught out in front of the body with the fingers
pointing up, while balls below the waist should be caught with the fingers
pointing down.
Where to aim on a throw- The throw for a tag play should arrive at belt level.
Many times coaches say that the perfect throw arrives right on the bag, but it is
actually much harder to catch a throw at that level with a runner bearing down on
you than it is to handle a ball that is waist high and drop a tag straight down. The
throw for a force play should arrive at chest level. The throw for a cutoff play
should arrive at head level.
Hitting
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Hitting Drills- To increase the velocity at which batters get the center of mass of
their bat toward pitched baseballs, batters need to swing striking implements with
which they do not have downward stress, such as broomsticks for younger players
and shovel handles for older players. This is the “Underload principal” and one
arm swings develop bat speed. The farther the hands grip the bat from the center
of mass of the bat, the greater the downward force they have to overcome. Want
hands closer to center of bat mass. To do the rear arm only and front arm only
drills, have batters grip the striking implement the length of their rear arm forearm
above the knob end of the striking implement. To do the both arms drill, have
batters start with grips that are half-way between the knob and the length of their
rear arm forearm above the knob. With the both arms drill, also have batters
grip the striking implement with no less than one-half inch between their hands.
Front arm only drill- the front arm must come to a complete stop and the
swinging implement continues forward to contact the ball. As a result, the
striking implement should contact the ball after the front arm stops moving
forward, not when the front arm is moving forward. You do not want to drop the
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center of mass of the hitting implement to below the front hand. To do the Front
Arm Only drill, have batters place a head band around the wrist of the front
arm, twist it once and hold the other loop with the rear hand. The purpose of the
head band is to apply backward force with the rear arm that “locks” the position
of the front arm with the position of the torso. Batters need to keep the upper arm
of the front arm vertically close to the side of their Rib Cage. To start
accelerating the bat, batters should explosively rotate their acromial line to
perpendicular to the direction at which the location of the pitched baseball
requires. For outside pitches, the acromial line should be perpendicular to the
hole between the infielders on the opposite side of the infield (do this before
driving rear arm straight forward). For middle pitches, the acromial line should
be perpendicular to the pitcher (do this before driving rear arm straight forward).
For inside pitches, the acromial line should be perpendicular to the hole between
the infielders on the pull side of the infield (do this before driving rear arm
straight forward). Once the acromial line is appropriately perpendicular, batters
should powerfully punch the center of mass of the bat horizontally straight
toward the pitched baseball and the front arm stop the forward movement of the
handle of the bat. The velocity of the rotation of the acromial line determines the
velocity of the center of mass of the bat before the rear arm applies straight force
to the center of mass of the bat and the front arm stops the forward movement of
the handle of the bat.
Hitting Tips- The center of mass of the striking implement must move absolutely
horizontally through and after the striking zone. The challenge is to smoothly
move the center of mass of the striking implement from the slightly above the
shoulder height at which it starts to the anticipated height of the pitched ball. At
no time should the center of mass of the striking implement move below the
center of mass of the pitched ball. To do this, batters must use their rear arm to
control the pathway of the center of mass of the baseball bat. When batters use
their front arm to control the center of mass of the baseball bat, the inertial mass
of the bat moves the center of mass of the baseball bat below the level of pitched
baseballs. Don’t use front arm to control the bat. The rear arm completely
controls the center of mass of the baseball bat. Until the bat enters the contact
zone, other than preventing the inertial mass of the baseball bat from pinning the
front forearm against the body, the front arm does not apply any force that
accelerates the baseball bat. After body rotation initiates the forward
movement of the bat, the rear arm horizontally punches the center of mass of
the baseball bat through the pitched baseball. When the bat enters the
contact zone, the front arm stops the acceleration of the handle of the baseball bat.
To firmly hold the bat, as the body rotates forward, the front upper arm lays
vertically against the body and the front forearm remains perpendicular to
the acromial line of the shoulders. From the start of the baseball swing through
contact with the pitched baseball the position of the front arm remains the same
(keep it tightly bent). After the bat contacts the pitched baseball, want batters
to take their front hand off the bat (only the rear arm decelerates the bat). When
the bat enters the contact zone, the rear arm drives the bat forward and the front
arm stops the forward movement of the handle of the bat. These parallel and
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oppositely-directed forces on both sides of the fulcrum between them add together
to maximally accelerate the baseball bat through contact. This action is “Forcecoupling.” This technique gives batters over double the driveline length of
'traditional' baseball batters. When batters move the center of mass of their
baseball bat at upward angles, they have to have had the center of mass of their
baseball bat below the height of the pitched baseball; this leads to popups. Batters should never have the center of mass of their baseball bats below the
height of the pitched baseball. If batters do rotate forward with their front foot,
then batters are able to forwardly rotate their hips, shoulders and rear upper arm
over their front foot. Therefore, at contact, batters can drive their rear arm down
their acromial line (longer driveline). The difference between driving the rear arm
down the acromial line versus driving the rear arm perpendicular to the acromial
line is the length of the straight driveline (if drive perpendicular, then have a
shorter driveline). The only “active” movement of the front arm is to apply the
oppositely directed force to the handle of the bat just before the center of mass of
the bat collides with the center of mass of the pitched baseball. First, the forward
rotation of the entire rear arm side of the body overcomes the inertia of the
baseball bat. Second, when the acromial line (shoulders) is perpendicular to
where batters should hit the pitched baseball, with their rear arm, batters drive
the center of mass of the bat in straight lines toward the pitched baseball. Third,
just before the center of mass of the baseball bat collides with the center of
mass of the baseball, with their front arm, batters should suddenly stop the
forward movement of the handle of the bat. Fourth, immediately after colliding
or not with the pitched ball, with their front arm, batters should release the
handle of the bat and only use the rear arm to decelerate the center of mass of the
bat.
Hitting Objectives- Want batters to hit low line drives that skip off the infield
dirt behind the base lines (between 1st and 2nd and 2nd and 3rd) into the outfield
grass. Do not want batters to hit pop-ups, fly balls or line drives that do not skip
off the infield dirt behind the base lines into the outfield grass.
Hitting Grip, Positioning in box, Stance, and Approach- Grip should start
loose, but rotate to “box grip” with bat still in fingers, not in the palms- line up
ring fingers. When batters pull back with their front arm and drive straight
toward the pitched baseball with their rear arm, batters have the palm of their
front arm facing downward and the palm of their rear arm facing upward. The
proximal phalanges (big knuckels or base of knuckles) of both hands to line up
pointing in opposite directions. To stop the handle of the baseball bat with the
front arm, batters have to pull their front arm forearm straight backward. Batters
have to have the proximal phalanges of their hands pointing in opposite directions
perpendicular to the driveline of the bat. Back elbow should be down. Position in
the box should be a little off the plate to increase chances of hitting balls to
opposite field and/or up the middle OR set up to your strength (meaning that if
you like to pull the ball, then set up close to the plate) OR set up to manage your
weakness (meaning that if you don’t like the outside pitch then again you would
set up closer to the plate). To maximally rotate the body, batters have to keep
their arms and legs as close to the body's vertical axis of rotation as
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possible. This means that the knees have to be close together. Don’t have too
wide of a base. Have feet about shoulder width apart in the stance and weight
on balls of the feet (equally distributed). The feet of the batter should be just
wide enough that a push off the rear foot easily moves the center of mass of the
body forward without the center of mass moving downward. Have front foot
slightly open (like pointing between mound and 1st base for right handed hitter);
helps turn on inside pitch. In the stance, batters should stand erect (directly
upward) and point their acromial line (shoulders) 45 degrees open to the pitcher’s
throwing arm (so open shoulders a little). To prepare to swing the bat, batters
should point their acromial line at the pitchers (line up shoulders with pitcher)
as the pitcher takes ball out of his/her glove. In their stance and reverse
rotation preparation phase, the batter’s bat should lay horizontally barely above
their shoulders at a right angle to their acromial line; batters should be able to
touch their rear arm side earlobe with the thumb of their rear hand. In their stance
and preparation phase, batters should have weight on balls of feet and be prepared
to move their body. When about ready to swing (pitcher starting his/her delivery),
the batter should have a little of their weight on the toes of their front foot as
though they are about to step forward (and be ready to push backwards); this is a
timing mechanism (keep most of weight on back foot toes). Then, when baseball
pitchers release their pitches, batters push off their rear foot and walk forward
through contact; rear foot does not leave the ground until after contact with
the ball. At contact, front foot has full contact with the ground and rear foot has
heel off the ground). After contact, both feet move forward through contact.
Therefore, after contact, the heels of both feet come off the ground. This means
that the batter moves their head forward through contact (a little). By moving
forward through contact, batters lengthen their driveline through the pitched
baseball.
No Forward Stride- Not striding forward with the front foot eliminates the extra
step of having to time when the front foot lands with the arrival of the ball into the
contact zone (easier to make contact this way). By not having a stride (instead,
just going up on front toes as preparing to swing), it also increases the straight
driveline through contact. By rotating the entire rear arm side of the body
forward through contact, batters are able to drive their rear arm significantly
farther forward.
Hitting the outside pitch- The outside pitch contact point is at an angle that is 40
degrees further back (further from the pitcher) than the contact point for a pitch
right down the middle; contact point for pitch right down the middle is from a
straight line from where your front foot is. To hit the outside pitch, you do need
to move your body towards the outside corner by stepping towards the plate with
your front leg (your rear leg continues to moves the body forward); front foot
appropriately laterally relocates the center of mass of the vertically upright body
(hips, torso, and head). Batters need to always keep their hips under their torso
and head. When stepping towards plate with your front leg on an outside pitch,
land on the toes.
Body Rotation- To maximally rotate the body, batters have to have their torso
(shoulders down to toes) vertical. The batter must ALWAYS try to keep his/her
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hips directly under the head and torso. With their torso vertical, the bat is
horizontal. Ideally, will have no back shoulder dip (drop right shoulder down
for right handed hitter); keep this drop to no drop or as little drop as possible. The
height of the pitched baseball that does not require baseball batters to make any
vertical adjustment in the height of the center of mass of the baseball bat is the
height at which baseball batters hold the baseball bat before they start to rotate
their body. Therefore, batters with this technique prefer pitched baseballs at the
height of the center of mass of the bat before batters start to rotate their body. The
farther away from the height of the center of mass of the bat before batters
start to rotate their body, the greater the adjustment the batter have to make.
Therefore, batters with this technique prefer to receive pitched baseballs that cross
home plate above waist high. If forced to swing at pitched baseballs that cross
home plate below waist high, then batters should try to hit baseballs such that it
hits the ground before they reach the infielders. To move the center of mass of
the bat closer to the height of low pitches, to always keep their torso vertical,
batters should bend their legs and lower their hands. If pitched baseballs cross
home plate at close to the height of the center of mass of the baseball bat before
batters start to rotate their body, then the handle of the bat should be below the
height of the pitched baseball. If pitched baseballs cross home plate at the height
of the batters waist, then the handle of the baseball bat should be at the height of
the pitched baseball. If pitched baseballs cross home plate at the height of the
batters knees, then the handle of the bat should be above the height of the pitched
baseball. If a pitched baseball is inside, then need to hit the ball out in front of
your front foot. If pitched baseball is outside, then need to move body toward the
outside and keep the same baseball swing.
Leg and knee action- the rear leg drives the center of mass of the body
forward through contact. The front leg acts as a pivot point around which the
body rotates. When batters “lock out” their front arm side leg, they stop the
forward movement of the center of mass of their body. To accelerate the bat
through contact, batters have to continue to move the center of mass of their body
forward through contact. Batters should rotate the entire rear arm side of their
body forward through contact. To do this, batters drive their rear arm side knee
straight toward the pitched baseball. To move the center of mass of the body
horizontally forward through contact, batters have to rotate their body over their
front foot and apply force straight backwardly with their rear foot.
Finding bat’s Center of Mass- In general, baseball bats with slender handles and
big barrels have their center of mass farther down the bat and baseball bats with
thick handles and slender barrels have their center of mass closer to the knob.
Use the “find-the-center-of-mass-of-baseball-bats” technique and wrap a one-half
inch piece of athletic tape around the bat at its center of mass. The center of mass
of the baseball bat is that location of the bat where equal amounts of the bat
are on both sides of the center of mass. Lay people call the “center of mass” of
the bat, the “sweet spot”. When pitched baseballs contact the “center of mass” of
the bat, the bat does not vibrate. To find the “center of mass” of a baseball bat,
batters need to hold baseball bats vertical with the fingers and thumb gently
holding the knob and, with the other hand, tap the bat along its length until the bat
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does not vibrate (lean bat against body and have barrel near ear). You can also
find the “center of mass” by holding one bat horizontally and tapping it with
another bat; the bat you are using to tap the horizontal bat will bound a little
higher and make a slightly different sound when bouncing it on the “center of
mass”. The actual “center of mass” is about the size of a finger. We will put a
piece of masking tape on the center of mass to help us during practices to hit the
ball on the optimal part of the bat (need to remove tape for games). Could put
colored marker on tape and then look at baseball after you hit it during soft toss,
tee work, or pitched ball to see if ball has any of the color on it (showing you
made contact with that ball on the “sweet spot”. For aluminum bats, the “center
of mass” of bats is a plane (flat, level surface) and for wood bats it is a molecule
(smallest unit of physical unit of an element or compound- simplest unit). To have
the “center of mass” of the bat consistently collide with pitched baseballs, batters
have to have the pathway of the “center of mass” of the baseball bat horizontal
through the contact zone. Most importantly, on its way to the contact zone, the
pathway of the “center of mass” of the baseball bat must never move below the
level of pitched baseballs.
Some general hitting advise/tips- Error- A hitter doesn’t get his or her hips into
the swing properly. Tell the hitter to open the front toes a little bit more, pointing
it slightly toward the pitcher and to possibly open the stance a bit. The back toes
also can be turned slightly toward the pitcher to keep the hips from getting locked
up. If a batter is swinging over top of the ball, ask him or her to try to hit the
bottom half of the ball during drills and vice versa for a hitter who consistently
swings below the pitch. Break swing into different components when working on
things in practice. Work on hitting pitches at shoulder height before mastering
hitting pitches below shoulder height. Batters using Marshall’s technique do not
swing at pitches below the middle of their upper leg (unless have 2 strikes or have
a hit and run on). Work on weight shift (go back to go forward- small shift back
keeping hands near back shoulder). Do soft toss just focusing on the proper grip
(start loose, but rotate to box grip with bat still in fingers, not in the palms- line up
ring fingers). To teach players to keep their front shoulder in, do front toss (toss
from 10 feet away with firm underhand tosses towards outside part of plate).
“Punch” the ball with your rear arm in a straight line (don’t drop your shoulder or
have a long looping swing). At ball contact, your rear arm palm should be faced
up and front arm palm should be faced down (don’t roll wrists too early). At
contact, shoulders should be aligned perpendicular to where the batter drives the
center of mass of the bat. Initiate the bat’s forward movement with the rear foot
and then actively horizontally punch the ball with your rear arm so the center of
bat mass goes through the baseball and your shoulders should be perpendicular to
bat’s center of mass at ball contact. Keep head as still as possible and always
keep eyes on the ball. Hit your favorite pitch with 0 strikes, hit any strike with 1
strike, hit anything that could be called a strike with 2 strikes. Be ready to adjust
if needed during a game; like if the umpire has a really big zone, then swing at
that pitch if you have 2 strikes. Study the pitcher (pick up release point) when
waiting to bat and time him. Let the outside pitch travel. Realize that curve ball
is going to break down and away (so if pitch coming in at knees, then it will break
for a ball). If trying to get out of way of a wild/inside pitch- bring your bat down,
tuck your chin, and curl your body in towards the plate and end up so you look
away from the pitcher. Marhsall teaches his batters to not hit inside pitches.
Instead, he prefers batters stand far enough away from home plate to make inside
pitches middle pitches, make middle pitches outside pitches, and move the body to
keep outside pitches outside pitches. We will not go to that extreme. We will
recommend a hitter set up to their current strengths (meaning if they like to pull
the ball, then set up close to the plate); a crafty pitcher could pick up on that
however and pitch to their “weakness” (meaning pitch that same batter away from
the plate). Or, we will recommend a hitter stand slightly off the plate if they hit to
all fields (this will increase odds to hit up the middle and to the opposite way.
Bunting
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Bunting tips- Pivot on both feet to provide full vision and bend the knees slightly
(turn body to forty-five degrees toward the pitcher). Get bat out over center of
plate and into fair territory. Place feet shoulder-width apart with weight more on
front foot. Don't "square" around toward the pitcher; this makes it difficult to get
out of the way of an inside pitch. Slide top hand up to a point just below the label
(bring bottom hand up on bat some too for better bat control). Hold bat in top
hand between thumb and index finger to protect fingers. Hold bat at top of strike
zone in front of home plate. This gives the hitter a better angle to keep the ball fair.
Bend knees for low pitches; do not drop the barrel of the bat below the hands.
Position bat head above the hands at pivot and when making contact. Don’t let
bat’s center of mass drop below the ball. Let the ball hit the bat; don't stab at the
ball, but try to "catch" it with the bat head. Use the bottom hand to guide the bat
and push the ball in the desired direction. Don't worry about showing too early in
a sacrifice situation; put sacrifice bunts down first base side as it is easier to bunt
that way (for right handed batter). Follow same basic fundamentals when bunting
for a hit, but show bunt later.
Throwing
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Learning 4 seam grip (all players)- Players should grip the ball in the throwing
hand using a four-seam grip with the index and middle fingers next to the
“horseshoe”(have middle finger closer to the horseshoe loop) and across the four
seams (the index finger is the shorter finger and the way the seam drops down at
this point allows both fingers to contact it). You space slightly apart with the
place thumb under the ball and use ring finger (along with little finger) as a
support platform. The ball is gripped lightly in the fingers, not in the palm, as if
holding an egg. The fingers should be fairly close together, as the wider apart
they are the less velocity is generated by the throw.
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Successful throwing- pendulum swing throwing arm straight back (palm under
the baseball), palm facing away from your head as swinging throwing arm back
(like towards 3rd base if on the pitching rubber), have slight bend in throwing
elbow with a “long” arm swing, glove foot should land (land on heel) at the same
time that the baseball reaches its highest point on the swing back, glove arm
thumb is point down towards the ground and glove and throwing shoulder are
pointing directly at your target, IMMEDIATELY (as soon as your glove foot
touches the ground) bring your “upper arm” (shoulder to elbow) close to vertical
(and to your head) as you lay your throwing forearm back horizontally to the
ground (focus on keeping the baseball/hand back like you are passing it to
someone) and tilt your head back a little and keep hips under your head and head
over rubber when take same step forward with your glove foot (then have a
forward vertical lean with the same angle of the mound as rotating body forward
over the glove foot), use your glove arm as the “key” for your explosive
acceleration, you pull your glove arm into your glove shoulder while pointing
glove thumb from down to up, you stand tall and rotate over your glove foot (hips
and throwing arm move forward at same time), and release the baseball (release
the baseball when your pitching upper leg is pointing vertically downward and
just in front of your glove upper leg AND arch your upper back at release) with a
straight driveline and pronate (point throwing thumb down and palm away from
head) at release (stick the target). Your throwing foot should land in front of your
glove foot (after release). Only your throwing side of body is exposed to a hit
baseball after release (practice getting used to this fielding position); less of your
body is at risk to getting hit by ball… This technique is safest and best for your
arm. It takes a while to learn if you have learned the “traditional” throwing
technique… It uses the tricep and lats as opposed to the chest and teres minor
(back of shoulder) to throw the ball (like a javelin or football thrower and more of
a “push” action than a “pull” action); less side to side wasted force that puts strain
on the arm and decreases throwing consistency. If player wants to use the
“traditional” throwing technique, then let them do that (not enough time to
learn new motion in short amount of time); focus on long arm swing (get
elbow up and ball up), ball to highest point/glove foot landing at same time,
land on heel (to help move body in straight line towards target), “active”
glove arm that controls the explosive rotation forward towards the target,
glove ends up at the glove shoulder as rotating (helps not bend over at waist),
release ball with throwing elbow above the throwing shoulder, stand tall at
release (not good for back to try to bend over and also loses leverage- this is a
misunderstood mechanic that “bending the back” means a player is properly
“following through” and momentum towards the target after release.
Infielders
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Force Plays- The player throwing the ball should make the throw about as high as
the chest. The player covering the base should get to the side of the base edge
nearest the player making the throw as quickly as possible and provide a target
with two hands out in front of the body. This shortens the throw’s length and,
thus, the time it takes to arrive, making it more likely that an out will be made. If
the play is going to be close, the player should stretch as far as she or he can and
catch the ball in the glove hand only. If the play is not going to be close, the
player should stretch a comfortable distance and catch the ball with both hands.
The player catching the ball should always try to shorten the distance and time of
the throw so the throw will get there before the runner does. Anticipate a bad
throw. No matter what, it is important not to take the foot toward the ball too
soon, because it can lock the fielder receiving the throw into a position that will
not allow him or her to reach a throw that is slightly off target. The receiver of the
throw also should stand tall at the bag in an athletic position with the knees
slightly bent, ready to move off the base for an errant throw. Once the direction
of the throw is determined, the player covering the base should take the glove and
glove-side foot directly to the ball at the same time (land on the heel to help keep
foot on base stay on the base). The ball should enter the glove at about the same
time that the foot hits the ground. SS stretch on double plays: stretch with left
foot when getting from 2nd baseman or 1st baseman on outfield side of baseline
(push off bag with right foot and create throwing lane to 1st); can also use “crow
hop” footwork, stretch with right foot when getting from pitcher, 3rd baseman,
catcher, or 1st baseman on infield side of baseline- Shortstop Inside Pivot (step
forward with left foot that was on the bag while swinging arm back and throwagain, should have a throwing lane to 1st), or if late getting to bag- step on bag
with left foot and throw at the same time (release throw as making contact with
bag with glove foot- need to practice this timing). Ideally, the SS would like the
ball delivered “early” from any of the other infielders so the SS can cleanly catch
the ball right before he/she touches the bag, gets throwing lane and makes the
throw. SS should be athletic and be ready for the throw to be off-line and ready to
adjust and just try to get the lead runner out if play is slow developing and/or no
chance to turn two.
Fielding a ground ball- fielder must create a wide base with the feet. Doing so
allows the infielder to get the rear end down and closer to the ground instead of
having to bend at the waist (not bringing eye level down as approaching the
baseball makes it easier to field balls). Having the rear end down allows the head
to stay up and the eyes to stay focused on the ball. Be aggressive and “attack” the
baseball and move feet so have an angle to where you are throwing to. Want to
get the “short hop” or the “big hop” and not the more difficult “in between” hops.
If ball takes bad bounce, at least try to keep it in front if you can’t field it cleanly.
Also, dive for ball and at least try to knock it down if know can’t field it cleanly.
For hard ball hit at you, try to field just off center (glove slightly to your glove
side knee side); harder to judge speed and hops of ball if coming directly at you.
The hands should be placed out in front of the body so that the eyes can follow
the ball all the way to the glove. Glove should be touching the ground. Fielders
should place their bare hand beside the glove and relax the wrist of the glove hand
so that the fingers point almost straight down. Push” through the baseball with
glove (forward a few inches) once ready to field the ball. Keep glove open so
the glove can “see the baseball”. Once the ball enters the glove and is squeezed,
the bare hand should go on top of the ball to allow for an easy transfer and a
quicker throw. If have time, then “gain ground” to make your throw easier
(replace your glove foot with throwing foot and can then do a shuffle towards the
target and throw); stay balanced, low and athletic while gaining ground towards
your target. If don’t have time, then quickest way to release ball is to replace
glove with throwing foot (so put throwing foot just to the right of where glove
fielded the ball) and step with glove foot while swing arm back and then throw;
this is same concept as the “Crow Hop”. After releasing the ball, should
continue to take a few steps towards your target (want your momentum going
towards your target). Backhands- The fundamentals used for the backhand are
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the same as for the routine ground ball. Fielders create a wide base with their feet,
get their rear ends down, and catch the ball out in front of their bodies. The wrist
should be relaxed, with the fingers of the glove pointing straight down and
touching the ground. Then push through the ball with glove open. Try to “beat
the ball” to the spot on a backhand play and use the throwing side backhand
footwork (controlled back-hand- glove side knee touches ground and field just in
front of the throwing side foot). Can then just step with glove side foot as swing
throwing arm back after fielding the ball and throw. Especially important to keep
“glove seeing the baseball” (keep glove open) and to “trust your backhand”
(watch the ball, not the glove). Can also use the glove side backhand method (or
crossover lunge method). The crossover lunge method may allow you to have a
further reach- throwing side knee touches the ground and left leg crosses over as
if turning to walk. Ball should be caught off the front foot (left) instead of in front
of it; want glove to be out in front of body. Can even use the “Ozzie Smith”
method and field backhand out in front of front foot with neither foot really in
front of the other. Fielding a Slow roller- run as hard as can to the moving ball,
come to a jump stop to get body under control (do this as quickly as possible),
field ball with glove (only use bare hand if ball isn’t moving), step towards base
and throw. This method minimizes the likelihood that base runners will advance
farther than the ground ball warrants. Cal Ripken IT (advanced play)- if 2nd
baseman fields ball deep to his forehand (right handed thrower) and trying to
throw to 2nd base (and didn’t get his feet set up so can quickly open and turn to
2nd base), then best play is to turn glove side (so turning so facing outfield as
turning on throw) to allow to get more on the throw. Similar concept on a bunt
fielded by left handed pitcher down 3rd baseline (with play at 1st). Turning glove
side on throw allows a stronger throw than opening body up and throwing (and is
normally a quicker way to get rid of the ball). Other tips- infielders should
anticipate slower hit balls when batter has 2 strikes on them. Use glove if ball is
moving and use bare hand if ball is not moving.
Underhand Flip- The underhand flip should be used to start a double play or
force a runner at second on balls hit directly at the middle infielder or balls hit to
the second base side of the middle infielder. After the ball is fielded, the
mechanics of the flip are as follows: 1. Stay low and take your momentum toward
the target by shuffling the feet or using a crossover step. 2. Get the glove out of
the way so that the player receiving the throw can see the ball. 3. Keep the wrist
stiff and the hand behind the ball. 4. Don’t wind up and swing the arm too much;
let the body’s momentum carry the ball to the target. 5. Release the ball, leaving
the hand high at the target’s face level. 6. Bring fingers towards the target (not up
to sky) 7. Follow the flip toward the target. The shortstop has an advantage over
the second baseman when using the underhand flip to record the out at second
since the shortstop is more open toward the bag. This makes the flip from short to
second feel more natural. For the second baseman, the natural movement is to
take the ball that is caught in front of the body to a point behind the body, turning
the entire body in the process, before flipping the ball. Because the second
baseman catches the ball out in front, he or she should flip it to the shortstop from
out in front. Momentum still should be taken toward the target with a shuffle or
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crossover, the wrist still should stay stiff without winding up, the hand should be
left at face level after the ball is released, and the flip should be followed. The
underhand flip is an uphill feed. It should travel on a line from low to high
without an arc so that it can be caught at the chest or face level for an easy
transfer and throw. Can also work on the side flip which is sometimes easier for a
second baseman to use.
Proper tags: Middle infielders and 3rd baseman should meet pick off throws on
the base from pitcher (don’t stand on base); allows fielder to field his position
better as pitcher pitches. 1st basemen will stand with edge of foot on base and
shuffle out as pitch thrown. All fielders meet throws from catchers on pickoffs or
throws to catch runner stealing. Feet positioning for 1st baseman (pick from
pitcher)- right foot against front edge of base and left foot pointed slightly open
about halfway between home plate and 3rd base (do need to be in fair territory).
Let pick off from pitcher travel and place caught ball right in front of inside bag
edge so runner comes into your glove. Feet positioning for 1st baseman getting
throw from catcher (if starting behind the runner)- meet throw aiming to catch it
right in front of base (facing throw). Place caught ball right in front of inside bag
edge so runner comes into your glove. If 1st baseman is starting in front of runner,
then he should just have feet point towards catcher (heels on edge of base) on
catcher pick off and tag in front of the base; if near the foul line then use drop step
and shuffle towards runner to get back, if closer to 2nd base then use drop step and
shuffle towards the 1st base to get back. Middle infielders straddle bag (back left
corner) and have feet pointing about half way between home and 1st base. Place
caught ball right in front of base so runner comes into your glove. 3rd baseman
straddles bag (back left corner) and have left foot pointing towards 2nd base and
right foot toward the plate (body towards home plate). Place caught ball right in
front of base so runner comes into your glove. On all throws (from infield,
pitcher or catcher), fielder should be facing the target with feet positioned
behind the bag and in a way that allows him to go in all directions (for when
there is a bad throw); will lean forward with body straddling the bag as ball
comes in. Taggers must be in position to see both the thrown baseball and the
baserunner; therefore they should stand behind the baseline. To enable taggers to
react to the location where the thrown ball will arrive, taggers should stand far
enough behind base line so that they can catch the ball while moving forward.
Taggers first job is to make sure the ball doesn’t get past them or hits base runners
(which leads to extra bases). By standing farther behind the base line, the taggers
can move in all directions without concern for the base runners. When the thrown
ball is high and/or wide, taggers have more time and room to catch the ball.
When the throw is low, taggers have room to either move forward through base
runners (since making play on ball) or move backwards for a better hop. When
thrown baseballs hit base runners, taggers can move through the sliding base
runners and smother the baseball. Infielders that catch ball in front of base risk
runner running into them (knock the ball loose and/or undercut the fielder and risk
their glove wrist to injury) and may tag out too far in front (and miss a runner on
hook slide)- tag “blindly”; concept is to let the ball travel (it should be moving
quicker than a fielder moving forward and then back and could come into play on
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a close play at a bag (meaning let ball travel gives that extra split second to tag the
runner out- the velocity of the thrown baseball is faster than the glove arm will
move). The throw for a tag play should arrive at belt level. Many times coaches
say that the perfect throw arrives right on the bag, but it is actually much harder to
catch a throw at that level with a runner bearing down on you than it is to handle a
ball that is waist high and drop a tag straight down. The runner will probably be
sliding into the base, so the player receiving the throw should catch the ball and
take the glove straight down and straight up. Remember that when receiving a
throw for a tag play, they need to move from the base to keep throws that are offline or in the dirt from getting through and allowing baserunners to advance. If the
runner is sliding, the tag should be applied with just the glove (the ball must be in
the glove). If the runner comes into the bag standing up, the player applying the
tag might want to use two hands to execute the tag.
Proper way for middle infielders to take throw at 2nd base from the outfield;
if taking throw from left field, then fielder should straddle base (straddling base
makes it easier to find base after get throw) with toes and shoulders facing the
fielder. Fielder then reads the throw. If runner will make it safely easily, then
fielder should go towards the throw (leave the bag by a step) so not in way of
runner (and maybe can tag runner on an overslide). If have a chance to get the
runner out (ball may beat the runner), then If throw to glove side and on line
(right handed player), then reposition feet so catching ball in a way to put
glove right in front of the base (so put left foot on right field side of bag)turning back to right field. Your right foot would be on the 3rd base side of the
bag (so end up straddling base as catch ball); or could do a 180 degree spin move
to reposition feet. If have chance to get runner (ball beats runner) and throw to
throwing side (right handed player) and ball thrown on line, then reposition feet
so catching ball in a way to put glove right in front of the base (so put left foot
on right field side of bag)- turning back to 3rd base. Your right foot would be on
the 3rd base side of bag (so end up straddling base as catch ball); or could do a
180 degree spin move to reposition feet. If taking throw from center field or
right field, then use this same technique (reposition feet with left foot on right
field side of bag and right foot on 3rd base side of bag).
Looking the runner back- On ground balls in certain situations, a fielder
can look a runner back to the base before throwing to first for the out, thus
keeping the runner from advancing. For example, when a runner is on second and
a ground ball is hit to the third baseman, that fielder should catch the ball
(focusing entirely on fielding it first!), and as he or she begins the throwing
motion, look quickly at the runner to keep the runner from advancing. Unless the
runner tries to advance, the fielder should not stop or slow the throwing motion. If
the runner does try to advance, the fielder is ready to make a play on the runner. If
the fielder doesn’t pay attention to the runner, the runner likely will be able to
advance. This also can occur when a runner is on second or third and there is a
ground ball hit to the pitcher with fewer than two outs.
Use pump fake- if have runners on 1st and 2nd to start a play (play starts with 0
outs) and get the out at 2nd base but don’t have any chance to turn a double play,
then a smart play would be to pump fake throw to 1st base (because never want to
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waste a throw and possibly throw ball away) and then take a look at the runner
that went from 2nd to 3rd base; may be able to bait that runner to take a big turn
around 3rd base (so could then maybe get that runner out).
Making sure of the first out. In a double-play situation, the top priority is to get
the lead runner out. If infielders retire the lead runner, they can attempt to
complete the double play. Rushing to get the double play instead of making sure
of the first out can lead to a situation were no outs are recorded, which can set
your opponent up for a big inning.
3 Man hot box: Players replace throws they make, run with ball in throwing hand
and get throwing lane (tag runner going away from you with ball in throwing
hand if can), receiver should give target that helps thrower get throwing lane (so
don’t have to throw across the runner) and yell “NOW” when ready to receive a
throw, can use ball fakes, receiver should run into the throw after sees it is good,
never give up advancing base, fielders should try to “close ground” (come in on
runner so throws aren’t long), try to have as few throws as possible, can’t make
contact with the runner if don’t have the ball (get out of way and replace your
throw after make it), be out in front of base about 5-6 feet so catch it and tag
runner before he/she gets to base, and make sure ball is in hand that tags the
runner (ideal to tag runner with two hands; ball in glove and throwing hand
securing glove if runner coming towards you). Backup fielders should stay at
least 5 to 10 feet behind the primary fielders unless the play has moved close to a
base.
Outfielders
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Outfielder skills- learning to read the ball off the bat and get a good jump on fly
balls takes countless hours of practice. On a sure single, the outfielder wants to
field the ground ball (like an infielder with a wide base, the rear end down, and
the hands out in front) and get the ball to the appropriate cutoff man as quickly as
possible to hold the runner to first base. When runners are on base and there is a
hit, the more quickly the outfielder can get to the ball and get it to the cutoff, the
less likely that the runners will advance more than one base. When an outfielder
catches a fly ball, he or she prevents the batter from getting to first base and, in
some cases, any runners from advancing. The outfielders should hold their gloves
more near waist level than their infield counterparts, but their knees should bend
slightly and their weight should be on the balls of their feet. Outfielders should
always be squared toward the hitting zone. Outfielders should look in at the
hitting zone when the ball is pitched so that they can see it hit the bat. Think
where ball should be going if hit to them before each pitch is made. Outfielders
must get to the spot quickly (get behind the ball) after a ball is hit to keep the
batter off the bases or prevent the baserunners from advancing. To accomplish
this, outfielders should move at full speed to the spot where they think the ball is
traveling, get under control to make the play, and then get rid of the ball as
quickly as possible, throwing it to the appropriate infielder. Should put glove up
right before about to catch (don’t run with glove up in the air- instead, outfielder
should pump his arms). Most young athletes tend to drift toward the ball, which
means they are still moving as they catch the ball. This delays them in getting rid
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of the ball and can allow runners to advance. Drop step, then crossover StepOutfielders use this technique to track down fly balls that aren’t hit directly at
them. The outfielder should first use a drop step (drop one foot back, turn the
body, and cross the other foot over in the direction of the ball). Many times a
fielder incorrectly lifts the leg nearest the ball and puts it back down in almost the
same place before doing a drop step or crossing over. Doing this means it takes
extra time to get to the same spot where the player who executed the proper drop
step. Making the catch- To catch a fly ball correctly, the player should get to the
spot where it is going to come down as quickly as possible. The ball should be
caught while moving forward whenever possible. The eyes should remain on the
ball at all times, and the ball should be caught with two hands above the head.
This allows the outfielder to watch the ball all the way into the glove. After the
ball enters the glove and it is squeezed, the outfielder should put the bare hand on
top of the ball and bring the glove and ball directly to the center of the body (chest)
for a quick transfer and throw. As soon as the outfielder thinks that the ball can be
played by him or her, he or she should call for it by yelling, “I got it! I got it! I got
it!” Show crow hop rhythm for outfielders (3 Step body action)- this is a
technique in which the fielder generates momentum toward the target before
releasing the ball. Teach crow hop rhythm to outfielders: field ball in front of
glove side foot (keep glove on outside of foot); head down. Gather ball in front of
your chest, as the body moves beside where the glove foot landed drop throwing
hand downward out of glove and hop forward (keep eyes on target) off the glove
foot onto the throwing foot (such that when their throwing arm side foot lands
the throwing arm is hanging pointing vertically downward). Then pendulum
swing throwing arm backward and upward to driveline height at the same time
that the glove foot lands, rotate off of glove side foot and throw. Advanced
Plays- catching ball at fence; find ball, then fence, then ball again (lead with
your throwing hand as get close to the fence to stop you from crashing into it).
Diving for a ball (dive for soft fly balls especially)- foot first slide (slide like
sliding into a base and make sure glove hand doesn’t get caught on the ground).
If diving forward- to avoid injury to their glove arm side shoulder, players must
never land face first. Instead, they need to land on whichever side/back of the
shoulder to which they have to turn and roll over onto their back. Players should
also use their throwing side forearm to land on if diving so don’t bend back their
glove wrist when extending for ball with glove.
Backing up batted balls. Outfielders not directly involved in a play should back
up each other. If the ball gets away from one outfielder, the backup can make the
play and prevent the runners from taking an extra base. The number one job of an
outfielder is to keep runners from advancing extra bases on balls that are hit to
them.
Cut-offs and Relays
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Cutoffs and Relays- A cutoff is set up on every ball hit to the outfield and is
designed to manage the throw from an outfielder on a routine ball. The cutoff
person is in place to stop throws that are errant or when there is no play at the
base where the throw is heading and to keep trailing baserunners from advancing
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to the next base with no consequence. A relay situation occurs on a ball that
gets by the outfielders when there is no way that the outfielder can throw the
ball all the way to the base where the lead runner is heading. In this situation
the batter is guaranteed to have at least a double and there might be a play at
home (if there were a runner on first when the ball was hit) or third (if the
batter is trying to stretch the hit into a triple). On most batted balls, when the
throws from the outfield will be coming into second or third base, the shortstop
and second baseman are responsible for serving as the cutoffs. Cutoffs to Second
Base- The cutoff person needs to know the fielder’s arm strength and stand far
enough away from the base so that the throw can either be cut off or make it to the
base on no more than one hop. The player covering the base can see the runner
coming. If the runner is staying at first, the player covering should simply tell the
cutoff to “cut!” If the runner is trying for second and the throw needs help to get
to the base, the player covering should yell, “cut, second!” or, “cut, two!” If the
throw is on target and the runner is coming, the player covering should say
nothing and the cutoff should let the ball travel all the way to the base. Cutoffs to
Third Base- With a runner on first, the shortstop always is the cutoff player for
base hits to the outfield. The third baseman covers the base and directs the
shortstop so that he or she is in a direct line between the fielder and the bag. The
shortstop should set up at a spot where the outfielder can throw the ball on a line
and hit him or her in the head. As with the player covering second base, the third
baseman tells the shortstop whether to cut off the throw and which base (if any) to
throw it to. The shortstop should be in position so the fielder can throw as soon as
he or she fields the ball and far enough away so that the right fielder can get the
ball to him or her at head or chest level without having to throw the ball with an
arc. The third baseman should direct the shortstop so that he or she is lined up
directly between the fielder and the base. he or she should also tell the shortstop
whether or not to cut off the throw and where to throw it. The second baseman
covers second. Cutoffs to Home (will use pitcher since smaller field instead
of 1st and 3rd basemen)- The catcher directs traffic on this one. For base hits to
left field with a runner on second or fly balls to left with a runner on third, the
catcher lines up the pitcher in a direct line between the left fielder and home plate.
The third baseman should be far enough out that the left fielder can throw the ball
on a line and hit him in the head. It is the catcher’s job to tell the pitcher whether
to cut off the throw and which base (if any) to throw it to. For balls hit to centerand right field the catcher directs the pitcher in a similar manner.
Relay Basics- If a ball gets through an outfielder so that the fielder can’t throw
the ball all the way to the base where the lead runner is heading, a relay situation
arises. Our team will yell “Relay”. This ball is going to be a double no matter
how fast the outfielder gets to the ball and throws it into the infield. So, there is no
play at second, but if the player tries to stretch the double into a triple or there was
a runner on first who is trying to score, a throw may need to be made to one of
those locations. The player who was the cutoff player needs to get out farther to
assist the outfielder in getting the ball to the proper base. The other middle
infielder should set up as a trailer, about 10 feet behind the relay person. If a
throw is low or high to the relay, he or she should let it go to the trailer. The third
baseman and catcher should communicate about where the final throw should go,
and the first baseman should make sure that second base is covered in case the
runner makes a hard turn and gets caught too far off the base. The pitcher will
either back up 3rd base or be the cut-off man to home (so a 2nd cut-off player).
Mechanics of the Cutoff or Relay Throw- If the cutoff or relay person is
receiving a throw, turning and throwing to a base in an attempt to cut down a
runner, it is important for that player to be able to make the throw as quickly as
possible. To do this, the throw should be caught with two hands for a quick
transfer. As the ball approaches, the player receiving the throw should turn his or
her body and start moving toward the base where the he or she will be throwing
the ball (use “crow hop”). This will allow the player to generate momentum
toward the target before the ball actually arrives, making it possible for the quick
transfer and throw.
1st Basemen
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First base play- 1st baseman is a key player and makes more unusual plays than
any other position player. If the ball pulls the first baseman from the bag, he or
she will use the stiff underhand flip to flip the ball to the pitcher covering the base.
If the ball is closer to the bag, the first baseman may run over to tag the base.
Sometimes a first baseman may start a 3-6-3 or a 3-6-1 double play; other times,
depending on the situation, the first baseman may attempt to cut down a runner at
home or even 3rd base (if trying to keep a key runner off 3rd base like to make the
1st out at 3rd on a force play). When ball is hit to another fielder- That’s when
the first baseman’s job becomes most important. When that happens, the first
baseman needs to get to the base as quickly as possible and set up as a stationary
target for the player fielding the ball. The first baseman should not crouch, but
instead should be as big a target as possible while still keeping the knees slightly
bent. The throwing-side heel should be placed on the inside of the base
(closest to the thrower), and the shoulders and toes should be squared to the
fielder making the throw. The glove foot should be on the ground. The only
exception is for a ball fielded close to home plate for a right handed 1st baseman
or dropped 3rd strike that goes to 1st base foul area for a left handed 1st basemanplace your glove side foot on base and throwing foot on ground on this play to
give you a better chance to catch the ball (reach across your body and give
thrower a backhand glove target; don’t try to take glove to the ball as much on
this play like you do with other foot technique)- the concept is you want to
present a throwing lane where the ball won’t hit the runner. The most important
thing for the first baseman to remember is to not stretch too soon. He or she
should let the ball travel across the diamond, taking the glove and glove-side foot
toward the throw together. The ball should hit the glove about the same time that
the foot hits the ground. The first baseman should always anticipate an off-target
throw and be prepared to leave the base to catch or knock down the ball in such a
situation. If have to jump for a ball, should try to land with your feet at shoulder
width and feet parallel to the ground and turned slightly outward (less likely to
roll an ankle this way if come down on runners foot). Advanced play- on
reading a high throw, could put throwing foot toes on edge of base furthest from
thrower (so heel is in foul territory) and reach up for high throw; gives best
chance on getting at out on high throw. After catching the ball in the glove and
squeezing it, the first baseman should come off the bag in a position to throw if
there are runners on other bases.
Baserunning
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Taking a Lead- Get signs while standing on base. When taking a lead, a good
rule of thumb is to slowly shuffle 2-1/2 steps off the base without crossing the feet.
Don’t bring feet all the way together when getting leads (stay athletic). Get lead in
center part of baseline if at 1st, get in straight line from 2nd to 3rd if at 2nd
(unless 2 outs, then get slightly to outside baseline), and get lead in foul territory
at 3rd base. At this point the runner should be in an athletic position; the knees
are slightly bent with the feet about shoulder-width apart. A runner taking a lead
never should rest the hands on the knees, because the first move he or she would
have to make would be to remove the hands. Runner’s eyes should be on pitcher
once he leaves the base (after getting sign). Hold batting gloves in hands to help
protect them from getting mashed if diving back to base (optional). If diving back
to base, then aim for front outside corner of base and look away from the baseball
(should only dive back to the base if ball beats you to the bag and you are trying
to avoid a tag). An even better way to get back to base is returning with the 2
step stand up method (take first big step back with right foot, then left foot
steps on base while standing up; turn face away from pitcher). Get as much
of a primary lead as you can without getting picked off; at 3rd base, get less of a
primary lead (and get if foul territory so if hit ball ball then you are not out). Get
a good secondary lead (means momentum should be going to the next base as the
ball crosses home plate- take shuffle steps with right foot open towards next base
and be ready to make crossover to go towards next base on batted ball or passed
ball); know the catcher’s arm so you know how much of a secondary lead you can
get. Stop when catcher catches ball and be ready to get back. If miss a sign, ask
for time and/or coach to repeat the sign. If right hander lifts his front leg
without moving back foot, then it should be safe to either steal or get secondary
lead. If stealing- The most efficient way to move laterally is by using a crossover
step while staying low; runner pivots the lead leg (should already have lead toe
pointing towards next base a little to help with the pivot) while at the same time
crossing the trail leg over the lead leg and toward the base.
Sliding; bent-leg slide is the most common and effective method. Start the slide
10 to 12 feet from the bag. Lean torso back at about a 45 degree angle. Slide
straight to the bag. Extend one leg toward the bag and bend the other leg under
the extended knee. Slide on your rear end (and left side of upper left leg), not
your side. Tuck your chin to your chest. Bend the extended leg as it reaches the
base to give and prevent injury. Keep your hands up. Drive the heel of the right
foot into the base and swing arms/core forward to perform the pop-up slide. The
pop-up slide is the best slide because it minimizes injuries, gets base runners to
the base the fastest, prevents over-sliding the base, enables base runners to
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quickly react to thrown balls that get away, and helps hinder defensive players
from making plays at other bases. Teach players to run hard and try to lift
their leg up slightly as they approach the bag to avoid jamming the ankle or
knee. The safest way to learn how to slide is on wet grass.
Going Halfway- The definition of “halfway” is very simple and depends on each
individual runner. Going halfway simply means that the runner moves as far off
of the base as he or she can and still get back to the bag safely if the ball is caught.
The reason players go halfway is to be in a position to advance to the next base or
to advance two bases if a ball ends up being a hit or is dropped or misplayed.
Explain the meaning of going halfway. When a fly ball is hit that is too shallow
to tag up on or in situations when tagging up is too much of a risk or not an option
at all, the baserunners should go halfway. This simply means that the runners
should move only as far off the base as he or she can go and still get back to the
base safely if the ball is caught. The main reason for doing this is so that the
baserunners can make sure that if the ball does drop, they will be able to advance
to the next base without being forced or tagged out.
General Baserunning tips- Baserunners must be alert and aggressive. They must
be aware of the count and the number of outs, and they must think about what
they will do once the ball is hit to various locations. They should always know
where the ball is and be able to pick up signals from base coaches. When
introducing your players to the fundamentals of baserunning, you must teach them
proper running technique, the fundamentals of running to first, the fundamentals
of rounding bases, the proper sliding technique, and the concept of tagging up.
Form running- keep head up, lean forward, run on balls of feet, lift knees high,
pump arms front to back; opposite arm with opposite knee, relax upper body.
Running out ground ball- run hard on contact, don’t watch ball too long, step on
front of base, keep eyes on base, don’t lunge, run hard all the way past the base
and listen for coach and/or look for wild throw, break down as quick as can after
running through 1st base (so ready to go to 2nd on wild throw), don’t make a
movement or attempt towards 2nd unless you have a chance (you can be tagged
out if you do); probably best to turn back towards 1st base coach when going back
to base so umpire isn’t confused and thinks you are attempting to go to 2nd base,
don’t slide unless you are avoiding a tag play on an off-target throw that pulls the
1st baseman from the bag. Making a turn- To advance or try to advance two
bases, base runners immediately move fifteen feet outside of the base line (do
this once think may get a double) and run in a straight line until they are fifteen
feet from the base. At that location, base runners powerfully plant off their
right foot and run at a forty-five degree angle to the base. When they reach the
base, they again powerfully plant their right foot into the inside of the base.
Lastly, they run in a straight line directly at the next base. To advance or try to
advance three bases, base runners immediately move five feet outside of the first
bases line and run in a straight line until they are five feet from the base. At that
location, base runners powerfully plant their right foot and run at a forty-five
degree angle to the base. When they reach the base, they powerfully plant their
right foot into the inside of the base and immediately move fifteen feet outside
of the base line and run in a straight line until they are fifteen feet from the base.
At that location, base runners powerfully plant off their right foot and run at a
forty-five degree angle to the base. When they reach the base, they again
powerfully plant their right foot into the inside of the base. Lastly, they run in a
straight line directly at the next base. To advance or try to advance four bases,
base runners immediately move five feet outside of the first bases line and
run in a straight line until they are five feet from the base. At that location, base
runners powerfully plant their right foot and run at a forty-five degree angle to
the base. When they reach the base, they powerfully plant their right foot
into the inside of the base and immediately move five feet outside of the base
line and run in a straight line until they are five feet from the base. At that
location, base runners powerfully plant their right foot and run at a forty-five
degree angle to the base. When they reach the base, they powerfully plant their
right foot into the inside of the base and immediately move fifteen feet outside
of the base line and run in a straight line until they are fifteen feet from the base.
At that location, base runners powerfully plant off their right foot and run at a
forty-five degree angle to the base. When they reach the base, they again
powerfully plant their right foot into the inside of the base. Lastly, they run
in a straight line directly at the next base. With regard to base running: The key
to getting an extra base is for base runners to run in an absolutely straight line
between the next to last and the last bases. To do this, base runners have to start
the turn before the last base fifteen feet behind the base line (towards the right of
the baseline) and fifteen feet short of the next to last base. When base runners turn
bases before the last base (like for a triple or home run), they do not have to run
straight down the base line to the next base. Therefore, they can start their turn
five feet behind the base line and five feet short of the base. For example: To
advance three bases, base runners should start their first turn five feet behind and
five feet short of first base and their second turn fifteen feet behind and fifteen feet
short of the second base. As a result of the bigger second turn radius, base
runners are able to run in straight lines for the entire 90 feet to the last base.
The last turn is the biggest. To dramatically change the direction of the center of
mass of their body's momentum, base runners must powerfully plant their right
foot against the inside of the well-anchored base. Runners need to try to
determine if they are going to a double, triple, or home run as soon as they can,
lean in like riding a bicycle as rounding bases, don’t break stride (touch base with
either foot; although it is IDEAL to powerfully plant the right foot against the
inside of the base), use bag to propel you toward next base, pick up the ball with
your eyes as soon as you make the turn, run until the defense forces you to stop
(don’t be over aggressive if have situation where you can easily steal 2nd base).
We will just teach the 5 foot method for the Northside teams. General
baserunning rules- always know the situation (outs, other runners on base, count,
where outfielders are positioned), when in doubt then slide, don’t cross feet as
taking lead, tag up on all foul balls, freeze on all line drives (unless stealing on the
pitch; just keep going if line drive is hit in the infield, try to get back if hit to
outfield and has a chance to be caught, go “halfway” when appropriate, know
where ball is and listen for instructions from base coaches, pick up 3rd base coach
when rounding 2nd and ball is in right field, take lead and secondary lead from
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3rd base in foul ground and return to the base in fair territory, tag on all fly balls
and line drives to outfield when on 3rd (less than 2 outs), and freeze on line drives
to the infield (since couldn’t tag and score, but may be able to score if not tagging
if ball falls safely). Find where the outfielders are while standing on the base
(helps you get jumps). Pick up 3rd base coach if rounding 2nd or 3rd base.
Avoid being tagged with the ball if possible (can go 3 feet to either side of
baseline you established).
Delayed steal—similar to a straight steal, except the runner waits until the ball
crosses home plate to break for the next base. The goal is to get the defense to
relax and think the runner is not going and then break toward the next base. Often
when the runner doesn’t try to steal with the release of the pitch, the defense
assumes the runner is not stealing and does not communicate to the catcher that a
steal is being attempted. The middle infielders, caught flatfooted, may not be able
to get to the base in time to receive a throw. Thus, the catcher either holds the ball
because no one is there or throws the ball into centerfield because no one is
covering second base. A good time to try a delayed steal is when your opponent’s
middle infielders don’t move toward second base after each pitch.
Hit and run—when a runner takes off on the pitch as if stealing second and the
batter does everything in his or her power to make contact with the ball. This
helps eliminate the possibility of grounding into a double play and allows a team
to more easily move runners to scoring position. Don’t use this strategy if the
opposing pitcher is wild (thus making it difficult for the batter to make contact) or
if the hitter is not skilled enough to make frequent contact. The batter should
swing to protect the runner unless pitch is not close to being a strike (like bounces
or is way out or in, or high).
Pitching
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Two seam fastball for pitchers (generates more movement)- held with the
seams at the point where the seams are closest together instead of across the
seams. Once again the ball should be held lightly in the fingers. The fingers
should be a comfortable width apart, either on top of the seams or inside the
seams. The most important consideration is to find the grip that allows the pitcher
to generate the most movement and still throw strikes consistently. When a
righthander throws a two-seamer to a right-handed batter it should run inside. A
left-hander’s two-seamer should cut away from a right-handed hitter.
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Picking runner off- the key for the lefty is to make the leg kick when delivering
the ball home appear to be as similar as possible to the leg kick used when
throwing to first. Have this move. Can also work on other various moves to mix
things up.
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Pitcher covering 1st base- Any time a ball is hit on the ground (or in the air, for
that matter) to the right side of the infield, the pitcher should get into the habit of
moving toward first base in case the first baseman has to field the ball and can’t
get back to the base in time to record the out. When this happens the pitcher
should sprint to a point about 10 to 12 feet up the first-base line toward home
plate. From there the pitcher should slow down and run parallel to the baseline,
presenting a target at chest level. The first baseman should get the ball to the
pitcher as early as possible, using an underhand flip when appropriate, so that the
pitcher can catch the ball and then look down for the base. The pitcher should try
to touch the inside edge of the base and then turn toward the infield to keep an eye
on any other baserunners and avoid a collision with the player running to first. If
the pitcher gets to the base before the first baseman has delivered the ball, he or
she should stop and set up like a first baseman to receive the throw.
General Pitching Tips- Cover 1st base on ball hit to right side. Field your
position. Vary looks to the plate to keep runners close. Learn different pick off
moves. Pick off to keep runners close. Sprint to home on any past ball with
runner on third- angle body to receive throw from catcher in front of plate (make
sure knee is angled so going up the foul line- don’t want to get hit by runner on
side of knee). Talk to SS on double play situations. There is such a thing as an
OK walk (will not give in to certain hitters in certain situations- will make them
hit our pitch). Use all pitches (develop a change-up) and will throw all pitches for
strikes- key to pitching is throwing what the hitter doesn’t expect. It is OK to
shake off catcher’s sign (you know what you throw best). # 1 focus is throwing
the pitch you want where you want it on every play.
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Catchers
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Catcher skills- position is the most demanding in baseball. During a game, the
catcher is the busiest player on the field—crouching behind the plate, calling
pitches, blocking balls, keeping track of the count on each batter, repositioning
teammates defensively, and so on. So select a sturdy, smart, and strong player.
Stance- athletic position; the feet are shoulder width apart with the weight on the
balls of the feet and the knees slightly bent. The signs should be given with the
hand placed close to the catcher’s protective cup. If the legs are too far apart, that
can allow the opposing team to steal the signals. Receiving Stance and
Framing- The elbows should be outside of the shin guard and the wrists should
be loose. A catcher’s weight should be on his or her insteps, not the toes, to help
keep the weight out in front. Center body on throwing arm side one-third of
home plate at sit still. The throwing hand should be protected behind the mitt or
by placing it along the outside part of the leg while keeping the weight forward.
Catchers should catch all pitches from the middle of their body to the glove arm
side of home plate forehanded and all pitches from the middle of their body to the
throwing arm side of home plate backhanded. Be smooth, subtle, quiet. Only
frame pitches that are close. Do not hold the pitch for a longer time after umpire
calls a ball. Catch ball as close to the plate as possible without getting hit by the
bat (this doesn’t allow pitch to run as much). Have quick hands- if ball is outside
an inch, beat the ball to the spot and be 2 inches outside and be waiting on pitch
(allows you to catch the ball on the way back in towards the plate a little bit). If
you get there at the same time as the ball, then you end up pushing ball out of the
strike zone a bit. Control ball as you catch it- catch it firmly, but softly. Absorb
ball, but have firm wrist. What you don’t want to see is you catch it and glove is
pulled out of the strike zone and then you pull it back in the strike zone; if you
have too much glove movement as you catch the ball you will probably alert the
umpire that you are trying to steal pitches on them and the umpire may become
defensive and less likely to give you calls. After catching ball, you should also
slightly push ball towards the pitcher and lower you chin a little to give the
umpire a better view. Runners on Base/Two-Strike Stance- With runners on
base, two strikes on a batter, or both, the catcher should adjust the stance to get in
a good throwing position. This means being in an athletic position with the
weight forward on the balls of the feet. The rear end is pushed up higher in this
stance so that it is just as easy to throw or drop to block a pitch. If the rear end is
closer to the ground, the first movement has to be up and not toward where the
throw will ultimately go. The knees should point toward second base, with the
left foot slightly in front of the right and the throwing hand balled up in a loose
fist and placed behind the mitt to protect the fingers. It is imperative that the
catcher watches the ball as it travels all the way into the mitt. You can’t throw it
if you don’t catch it first! Blocking pitches-anticipate the ball in the dirt,
especially with two strikes on a batter and runners on base. When blocking, get
glove on ground first and then place the throwing hand behind the mitt and the
glove between the legs to keep the ball from skipping through. The catcher
should drop the rear end as close to the ground as possible, curling the shoulders
and swinging the hips around to create angles parallel to home plate and to help
guide the ball in front of the plate. The mitt should be kept in position on the
ground between the legs as the catcher attempts to smother the ball with the chest
protector. The chin should be tucked in toward the chest to avoid getting hit in
the neck, and the head-mask should be moved to a spot directly over where the
pitch bounces. All balls should be blocked into fair territory when possible.
Whichever direction the catcher has to move to block a pitch, he or she should
turn that shoulder in toward home plate to direct the ball in front of the plate.
The catcher should try to block wild pitches to either side at a 45-degree angle in
hopes of deadening the ball in front of home. On balls in the dirt, he or she
should drop to the knees as quickly as possible, moving forward and down. After
the ball is blocked it should be picked up with the bare hand—the first time! If
can’t get body in front of a dirt ball, then put glove where the pitched ball will
contact the ground to try to smother the ball in the dirt. Receiving a Throw at
the Plate- When receiving a throw from an infielder, the catcher should set up
one step behind home plate in the direction from which the throw is coming so
that he or she can see both the runner and the fielder. By standing behind home
plate, catchers are able to determine whether the thrown baseball will pass in
front of the base runner. If the base runner is going to pass in front of the thrown
baseball, then, to catch the thrown ball, catchers should quickly move forward
through home plate and allow the base runner to slide behind them. If the catcher
determines that the thrown ball will pass in front of the base runner, the catcher
should wait until the base runner starts his/her slide to suddenly step forward,
catch the thrown baseball and tag the base runner. The catcher should assume an
athletic position with the knees slightly bent and the left foot should be pointing
up the third base line when applying the tag. The catcher should leave the mask
on if possible and give the fielder a target with two hands out in front of the body.
Once the ball is caught, the catcher should put the ball in the throwing hand
inside the mitt as quickly as possible. Then he or she should turn to see the
runner’s path. If the runner slides, the catcher should push his or her body down
and across the base path and be ready to look up for any other runners trying to
advance (try to stay on feet). If the runner doesn’t slide, the catcher should stay
athletic and tag the runner with the bare hand holding the ball inside the glove
(stay low). On throws from the outfield- the catcher should keep the glove low
near the ground in case of a skip or bad hop. The ball must be caught before a tag
can be made. Catching Pop-Ups- The catcher should keep his or her eyes open
when the batter swings to give him or herself the best opportunity to see where
the ball is hit. When possible, the catcher should turn his or her back to the
infield before making the play. This makes the spin less tricky than it would be
the other way. The catcher should remove the mask quickly and, once the
location of the ball is determined, toss it far enough away so that it won’t be an
obstacle. The feet should keep moving and not be crossed. If the catcher keeps
the knees bent and doesn’t stand flat-footed, he or she will have a better chance
to make the play. The catcher should try to line up under the ball so that it would
hit him or her in the nose, and he or she should catch the ball with two hands
above the head. On pop-ups hit in foul territory down either baseline, catchers
should chase the pop-up until called off or told that there is no play on the ball.
Throwing after Receiving the Pitch- For the catcher trying to throw out a
runner attempting to steal, footwork is the key. The catcher should anticipate a
steal on every pitch. The ball must be caught first. OK to move body slightly
into the pitch (don’t let bat hit your glove- keep your glove back by letting ball
travel to glove) as coming and raise rear end up some (OK to sacrifice framing
pitch for ump for better chance to throw runner out). Get 4 seam grip. Point
glove arm at target (keep front shoulder pointing at target). Take short (jab) step
forward with right foot as catching the ball, and then step with glove side foot as
swing arm back (swing arm back quickly WITH LONG ARM SWING) .
Work on this footwork so on a pitch over the plate, you aren’t landing on the
plate as you throw (could cause you to slip). Catcher needs to know that the
batter is entitled to stay in the batter’s box on a steal to 3rd, so catcher needs
to use feet to step around batter (either behind or in front depending on
where the pitch is). If batter tries to fall in front of plate, catcher should just
throw through the runner and NOT try to avoid contact (like a throw to 2nd
base); this is offensive interference and the ump will call it if contact made
while batter is out of the batter’s box. Fielding Bunts-Catchers always must
know the game situation (the score, which bases are occupied, the number of outs,
and so on). The catcher has the play in front of him or her. He or she should
determine who should field the ball and to which base a throw should be made.
When preparing to field a bunt, the catcher should keep the knees bent and
remain in an athletic position. The catcher should pick up the ball with the bare
hand the first time. If the catcher prefers, he or she can use the glove to assist the
bare hand in scooping up the ball. The catcher should assume that he or she will
field the bunt and not rely on teammates. Should try to have front shoulder turned
toward the target as fielding (so can get rid of ball quicker) OR keep the feet
moving after fielding ball and turn the front shoulder toward the target. The
catcher should step toward the target when making the throw and then continue
walking toward the target after the throw (momentum going towards target). For
bunts that end up near the first-base line, the catcher should take a step or two
toward the pitcher’s mound to clear the runner. Other Tip- If passed ball and
close to plate, could either tag runner yourself or do still underhand toss. Catcher
should be alert and vocal (use outside voice); direct infielders on where best
chance for play is at and line up cut off players. Get angle on throw to 1st when
strike 3 in dirt (don’t want to throw over the runner). Be friendly to umpire at all
times. Talk to your pitcher if/when needed. Anticipate bunts and be ready to
pounce on the ball. Use glove if ball is moving, use hand if ball is not
moving. For blocking plate, will stay low and take away inside part of plate
(then when catch ball, look to make tag to outside part of plate since that is where
the runner thinks is open). Make sure the 1st and 3rd defensive call is on (ask
coach if nothing is called). Make sure bunt coverage is on when appropriate (ask
coach if nothing is called).
Player Development
All Fielders
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When on defense, players should think ahead each time a batter comes up to batkeeping in mind the speed of your baserunners, the strength of the infielders’ and
outfielders’ arms, playing conditions, the number of outs, and the score.
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Encourage pitcher and talk to teammates- # of outs.
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Fly ball priorities. Simply put, the middle infielders have priority over the corner
infielders and pitchers on pop-ups, the corner infielders have priority over the
pitcher and catcher on pop-ups, and the shortstop has priority over all other
infielders on pop-ups. Outfielders coming in for fly balls have priority over
infielders; infielders should get out of the way as soon as an outfielder calls for
the ball. The centerfielder has priority over the left and right fielders on fly balls.
Again, keep your defensive strategies simple and the number manageable.
Defense requires quick reactions. If you overload players with too much
information or it’s too complicated, they won’t be able to respond quickly and
properly when the ball is hit.
Infield
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Infielders should work short hops as they warm up and work partner rolls.
Anticipate- infielders should anticipate slower hit balls when batter has 2 strikes
on them.
Safety
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Recommend all players wear protective cups. It is recommended that infielders
wear mouthgaurds.
Preparation and Conditioning
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Drink water day before competition, right before competition, during, and after.
Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat;
bananas are great.
Strive to have an excellent strength-to-weight ratio (a frame that is lean and long
is a genetic advantage in baseball). Having high fast-twitch muscle fiber make-up
is a genetic gift that helps in baseball (a culture that emphasizes manual labor
increases chances for increased high fast-twitch muscles). Having dynamic joint
range of motion throughout the hips, ankles and shoulders is also important. This
allows for high speed & power while running, throwing and swinging. So what a
player can control is improving his/her quick-twitch muscles, strength, and
flexibility. Have an emphasis on “speed” strength, not muscle mass (do explosive
exercises to develop strength, speed and power without risking injury).
“Bodybuilding” is for bodybuilders, not for baseball players… The ideal body
type is a quick, durable, and agile body type. For the American player to balance
school, social, etc., the player needs to have strong work habits to also have
enough time to devote towards baseball. Athletes need to put the time in doing a
skill correctly (precise work); does no good to take 100 swings the wrong way…
The more core stability and flexibility an athlete has, the more effective he/she
can be if given proper mechanics training. Conversely, the more large muscles
are worked over and over, without focus on small muscle groups, the less flexible
and stable an athlete will be. One website to find core training is
www.barrylovelace.com. The P90X series have core and flexibility training in
them as well. Also, doing exercises that are as close to baseball specific
movements as possible is the best use of your time. The Seattle Mariners have
adopted this change and are promoting more core and flexibility training.
Learning
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Learn to relax; Slow Down- the natural inclination for any athlete in stressful
situations is to hurry up. When you rush your movements your muscles tighten,
your technique hinders, and you lose concentration. You see this in a pitcher who
speeds up the tempo of his wind-up when he walks a few batters or in a hitter who
stops doing his pre-pitch routine just so they can get to the next pitch. When the
pressure is on and you are experiencing a high-pressure situation, step off the
mound (or out of the box) and slow yourself down, this will not only slow down
your body but also, slow down your mind. Deep Breath- when stress occurs you
have a tendency to shorten your breaths. This means that there is a decrease in
oxygen getting to your muscles, and when your muscles don't have oxygen they
don't perform at their highest level. When you take a deep breath you are literally
saturating your muscles with oxygen or in other words, with power and energy.
The deep breath also releases muscle tension allowing you have more freedom
with your movements (breath through nose, hold it for a moment, then breath out
through mouth). Tighten and Relax- a quick muscle relaxation is called
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). Basically, it entails tightening up a muscle
(or group of muscles) for 5-10 seconds, then releasing the tension. This sudden
release of tension will allow you to experience relaxation of those particular
muscles quickly. Elite baseball players can play well under pressure because they
know how to relax in situations where mediocre ball players panic. Teach how to
relax because their great talent means nothing if they can't perform under pressure.
So the next time someone yells at you to "relax" in a stressful situation remember:
slow down, take a deep breath, and relax your muscles.
Become stronger between the ears than everyone else. Don’t ever be shaken.
Believe in yourself, even in the most difficult circumstances. Losing is not an
option. And it’s never even considered.
Teach players to look out for each other and pick each other up. Examples- help
teammates if they are unclear about what a sign is, help them if they are unsure
what to do next during a practice drill, if a player struck out with runner at 3rd and
less than 2 outs then get a hit to drive in the run, share anything you picked up
from the other team’s pitcher (like if pitcher tipping when throws the curve),
cheer up your teammate if they make an error or have a bat at-bat.
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Players should properly warm up (like our team will do); means getting blood
flowing to the muscles, working on explosive movements that work fast-twitch
muscles, and strengthen core. Core strength helps fast twitch muscle growth and
helps condition the athlete so he/she can be strong throughout the event. Getting
blood flow to the muscles helps relax and loosen them up which in turn decreases
the chance of muscle tear after a sudden movement. If muscles are tight, then this
can put strain on the tendons and ligaments (which support the muscles) and can
cause injury to them.
Parent coaching from the stands; tell up front don’t want that as it may confuse
the kids.
Player not executing a technique; have player explain the skill to see if they are
missing a point. Then go over it again.
If player not participating; talk to them privately and let know there will be
consequences if don’t participate.
If kids had fun and learned something, then it was worthwhile.
Are the kids having fun, improving, and learning.
If coaches son/daughter is on the team, don’t coach them any differently than the
other players (don’t be too easy or too hard on them). Often works best to let
other coaches make teaching points to coaches children on the team.
Coaches can correct some player mistakes quietly between innings.
Review teaching points about games at the next practice or before next game.
Recreate the situation and present as a team event instead of singling a player out;
present as the entire team needs to work on. Point out individual good things
from the game.
Introduce proper method of executing a skill, create buzzwords to make it easier
for players to remember and explain why to help them understand and reinforce
the lesson. Then demonstrate and let kids imitate and then break into small
groups for drills. Turn drills into game or contest.
Make list of things that need to be addresses while game going on so don’t forget.
Set up stations and move players around during practices.
Emphasize the correct way to do something instead of what they are doing wrong.
Ask team what was the purpose of the drill and what are the most important
things to remember when executing the drill. If they don’t come up with answer
on their own, then guide them to the correct response or demonstrate the proper
way to execute the skill without speaking. Ask some or all players to demonstrate
the proper technique and to repeat buzzwords for you.
Once players get hang of drill, introduce point system or some other way for them
to perform the drill in a competitive setting.
Your explanation will help kids understand why they should learn the skill and
kids are more likely to trust you and try what you ask if you are able to tell them
why they should do something a certain way.
If not hitting the cutoff man and player understands the concept, then review
buzzwords to help him remember how to do it and let him practice.
Give genuine praise for effort if good effort given. Don’t use sarcasm.
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If a player does something wrong, don’t repeat that (this may more firmly plant
the incorrect technique in his/her head). Show the right way.
As athletes become more proficient at a skill, reinforce them occasionally and
only for the best examples of the skill behavior.
If a player is doing something wrong (like sliding too early), you can ask them to
tell you what is happening when he attempts a steal and what he thinks he's doing
wrong will help you get a grasp of your player's knowledge about why he isn't
getting safely to the base. Should slide about 10 to 12 feet from the bag.
Celebrate small victories and be enthusiastic when doing so.
As athletes become more proficient at a skill, reinforce them only occasionally
and only for the best examples of the skill behavior. By focusing only on the best
examples, you will help them continue to improve once they've mastered the
basics, and they will begin to understand the difference between doing something
satisfactorily and exceptionally.
When athletes are trying to master a new skill, temporarily relax your standards
for how you reward them. As they focus on the new skill or attempt to integrate it
with other skills, the old well-learned skills may temporarily degenerate. As this
happens remind them of the "buzzwords" and demonstrate all aspects of the new
and old skills. Constantly review and reinforce.
If a well-learned skill degenerates for long, you may need to restore it by going
back to the basics. For example, a hitter who makes contact on almost every pitch
suddenly can't hit anything. You might want to try soft toss or short toss from the
front to help him or her regain confidence and then go back to live pitching.
Look players in eyes when speak. Use humor. Make sure players know that they
are not allowed to talk or distract their teammates when a coach is talking.
Name skills you are working on.
Demonstrate skill talking about.
Easier to imitate a skill if facing the same direction so if showing fielding then
face same direction they are.
Break skill up into several small parts with checkpoints.
Before you begin drills, make sure everyone is taking the proper approach to
learning the skill. Only spend a few minutes talking about a skill however since
kids have short attention spans.
If you can explain why, you gain instant credibility.
Sports skills should be taught so they have meaning to the child.
Guide/walk unsure athletes through a skill can help them gain confidence.
Observe players as they improve and helping them stay on task when they don’t
perform a skill exactly the way you taught them.
Set aside time before, during, or after practice to give individual help when
needed.
Reward positive behavior when you see it.
Smile and give positive reaction when player does good things.
Celebrate small victories with enthusiasm.
Reinforce the positive part that a player does and then teach part they didn’t do so
well.
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Help players work on one aspect of a skill at a time.
Focus only when a player does something really well.
Go back to basics if a player starts to struggle with a certain skill (like hitting)could go to soft toss from front.
It’s important for players to realize who the coach is and for the coach only to
teach skills.
Performance (physical) errors- made mistake in executing what they do know.
Learning errors (mental)- athletes don’t know how to perform a skill; have not yet
developed the correct motor program in the brain to perform a particular skill.
Watch players field, hit and pitch closely (observe) over time before asking them
to correct anything.
Look for results and leave player alone if performing well their way.
Correct one error at a time. Sometimes, one error may correct another. Select
correcting the error that will bring the greatest improvement when remedied.
Improvement in one area may motivate to improve in another area.
Emphasize what to do instead of what not to do.
Praise effort and correct performance; don’t ever give false praise though.
Give simple, precise feedback.
Learn if the player can take immediate feedback or if you should wait and give
feedback later.
If complicated- explain and demonstrate what they should have done (don’t
demonstrate what they did wrong), explain the cause of the error if it isn’t obvious,
explain why recommending the correction you selected if it isn’t obvious.
Make sure athlete understands the feedback; ask them to repeat the feedback and
to explain and demonstrate how it will be used.
Remind that improvements take time and they will only improve if they work at it.
Have small groups. Maybe 2 groups of 6, 3 groups of 4 or 4 groups of 3. Can
also have pitcher in bullpen.
Practice hitting/throwing/catching during every practice.
Can ignore misbehavior (extinction) or tell players that misbehavior must stop
and that discipline will follow if it doesn’t. Extinction works best when players
are clowning around or grandstanding.
Discipline- have players sit out of part or all of game if repeatedly break
important team rules; like throwing equipment, arguing with umpires, or
criticizing teammates. Don’t discipline to retaliate or make yourself feel better.
Impose discipline in an impersonal way (don’t shout or scold). Follow through on
consequences if rule broken. Be consistent in administering. If can’t think of
appropriate consequence right away, then tell player you will talk to him after you
think about it. You might consider involving the player in designing a
consequence. Once discipline is completed, let them out of doghouse (make feel
valued). Make sure player doesn’t see or perceive the discipline as positive
reinforcement (like sitting out of a hard drill); have them sit out and do something
fun with the team. Never use physical activity (running laps or push ups)- don’t
want them to associate physical activity with something bad. Discipline
sparingly- use it as a tool.
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If a player violates a team rule or does something deemed inappropriate (like
skips class), then give player a choice to either sit out of a game or do a
conditioning workout. If player choices to do a conditioning workout, set up
during a practice where you do a fun game/drill with the team (where you also
can free up a coach to run the player through the workout). This is more for high
school level.