Baseball Practice Schedule - How to Stay in Peak Performance Shape

Baseball Practice Schedule - How to Stay in Peak Performance Shape
By Guest Author Jack Perconte

Baseball Practice Schedule - How to Stay in Peak Performance Shape

Adhering to a baseball practice schedule is important for serious baseball players. However, I am a big believer in having young athletes play as many sports as reasonable and affordable. Playing other sports can help players develop the footwork and hand/eye coordination that can enhance players' baseball skills. Additionally, playing other sports can keep players from burning out on baseball at a young age.

Over the past fifteen years or so, travel sports have become so prominent for youth athletes. This movement into travel sports has led to athletes specializing at younger and younger ages. When athletes should specialize is a subject for another day, but the point is that multiple sports can be very beneficial for baseball players being able to stay in peak performance shape and for avoiding burnout.

Having said that, it is also important to have young athletes whose favorite sport is baseball, to practice and play baseball for more months out of the year than just their regular season. I believe a good plan for developing successful baseball players and for staying in peak performance shape is to add one month of baseball play and practice to a players schedule for every year beginning at age 9. For example, nine-year-old players should play an extra month beyond their regular season schedule and ten year olds, who love baseball, should play and /or practice two extra months. By the time a player is a teenager they should be playing and practicing baseball for up to nine months out of the year. A three-month break, when players can totally get away from baseball is always recommended, even for the most serious players.

Other suggestions to develop a complete baseball practice schedule to maintain peak performance shape are:

1. Bigger, stronger and faster is always better so having young athletes perform age-appropriate speed and strengthening programs is beneficial.

2. Learning the correct fundamentals is priceless. Having players receive professional, fundamental instruction is important. Developing correct throwing mechanics is especially important for avoiding arm injury.

3. The best time to build arm strength is a throwing program beginning after the regular season when players' arms are in shape. The exception would be for pitchers who threw a heavy inning load during their season.

4. An off-season baseball program that promotes fun and fundamentals is a good start before preseason baseball practice begins.

5. Protecting the arm is of paramount importance so a strict pitch and inning limit should be placed on pitchers.

6. Hitters should get in the pattern of using a batting tee for warm-ups and for performing good, fundamental hitting drills.

7. Working hard is always advised but having rest periods and off-days is necessary to remain in peak performance shape, too.

8. Baseball is a game of repetition and nowhere is that more important than when performing fielding drills. Players need to work on fielding as much as they do the other parts of the game.

9. Running the bases for correct footwork and timing is important, as well as for conditioning work.

10. Game play is of course necessary for learning game strategy, as long as a limit on games is adhered to for young ballplayers. Burnout can occur in young ballplayers with an overabundance of games mixed in with practice.

Finally, it is always a good idea to analyze players' school and other sport schedule in order to draw up a good yearly baseball practice schedule that suits that individual.

Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball playing lessons, books and advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his positive parenting advice and books can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte

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Youth Baseball - Tips for Young Catchers

On http://ClubHouseGAS.com , former MLB player, Russ Dickerson gives tips for youth baseball catchers. Also check-out http://YouthSportTravel.com.

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How to Improve Batting Average and Get Full Contact When Hitting a Baseball

How to Improve Batting Average and Get Full Contact When Hitting a Baseball
By Guest Author Joe Brockoff

Young or old, new to the game or not, no one likes to strike out. So, when I see players struggling with making contact while at bat I simply ask, "How do you feel at the plate?" Most often, the response is the same, "Coach, I'm not seeing the ball."

My response? Use your imagination. Throughout my career in baseball, I've developed hitting drills that convert complex techniques into easy-to-learn applications using imagery. My system is practically fool proof, requiring only a player's willingness to imagine and a desire to succeed.

So how can we use imagery to help batters "see the ball?"

The Problem: "I can't see the ball."

We hear players say it all the time, especially after striking out. Following the ball from pitch to plate is a serious challenge for many hitters, yet we know that the ability to read the pitch and make proper judgment is as important as anything in becoming an efficient hitter. This also decreases rushing and increases confidence.

The Super 8 Hitting System Solution: "Visualize the Target"

Let's imagine that the ball is a target. If we want to hit the bull's eye on a target, then it is necessary to aim for the bull's eye. If the outer ring will give us 10 points, and the bull's eye will give us 100 points, what part do we focus on? The bull's eye, of course. It gives us the highest reward.

With this in mind, let's do a few "making connections" hitting drills, using either regular batting practice or a pitching machine.

Drill #1: Loose Body, Full Take

1. Stand in the batter's box. Take a deep breath.

2. Stand tall with a soft body, soft in the hinge joints.

3. As ball is pitched, keep eyes horizontal, placing a quarter-size imaginary red dot in center of ball.

4. Read pitch all the way to catcher, using just the swivel of the head. Move nothing else.

5. Repeat several times.

Drill #2: Stride-Take

1. Begin as in Drill #1.

2. As ball is pitched, load and stride, reading pitch back to catcher.

3. Continue to visualize bull's eye.

4. Important: Do not move hands from starting position.

5. In the stride, front heel remains up, with 30-40% weight now on front side.

6. Hips remain closed.

7. Repeat several times.

Drill #3: Drive-Take, Add the Pivot

1. Begin as in the first two drills.

2. Pivot hips at completion of stride.

3. Important: Hands rotate with body; they do not commit to the pitch.

4. Hitter is now taking pitch in "drive position."

5. Visualize where "cut" or cut line on the ball will be.

6. Read ball to "contact zone" in front of plate.

7. Repeat several times.

Drill #4: Take and Stroke

1. Batter reads pitch in loose body.

2. Visualize the proper cut line and take pitch.

3. Take several full swings, use same cut line.

4. Each time, visualize a positive hit.

5. Repeat several times.

Through repetition, these visualization drills will dramatically improve a batter's hand action. The batter will no longer swing to contact, but snap at the point of contact, yielding a remarkable and measurable improvement in speed and contact-ability.

Hi. I'm Coach Joe Brockoff, a Division I Head Baseball Coach for Tulane University for more than 19 years, and former minor league player for the New York Yankees. Over the years, I've taught thousands of baseball players how to increase batting speed and improve their overall performance on the field. In fact, my proven training system has sent 45 baseball players to the pros.

As a coach committed to continuous improvement, I share my baseball drills, tips, and techniques here so that you will, in turn, inspire and motivate young players to improve their game. I hope you'll visit my web site, the Super 8 Baseball Hitting System at http://www.learnbaseballhitting.com/super-8-hitting-system.html?gclid=CIKf96-17qICFUsJ2godDWdXaw to watch some of my free instructional videos.

Learn more about the Visualizing the Target baseball hitting drill and other proven methods for improving batting speed by visiting my Super 8 Hitting System - http://www.learnbaseballhitting.com/ bestselling baseball training web site and instructional video package, which includes many free youth baseball drills and tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Brockoff

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Baseball Hitting Tips - The Top 11
By Guest Author Jeffery A Wise

How many articles have you read that contain the top 10 baseball hitting tips? There are actually dozens of hitting tips but I'm going to go over the top 11. It's time to rev things up and give you some high level tips that will help you immediately.

Baseball is a thinking man's game so you really need to read these tips and think about them before running out to the field and trying them out. You should also visualize yourself putting these tips to action and then you're ready to hit.

Be a confident hitter. Every time you go up to bat you should have the confidence that you can hit any ball in the strike zone. Be patient and always be ready to attack the ball.

Know your mission. Every time you go up to bat you need a mission. Is there a runner on third base that you need to get home? Is there a runner on second base with no one out that you need to get over to third? Be mentally prepared for your mission.

Know the strike zone. Be patient and disciplined and wait for a good pitch to hit in the strike zone. If you do that the pitchers will be less likely to throw you anything out of the strike zone that you might otherwise chase.

Have consistent hitting preparation. Whether you're on the bench waiting for your turn to hit or on deck, always have good mental preparation. Check the pitcher out and see how he pitches and look to see what kind of pitches he's throwing. Look at where all the fielders are positioned and understand the best you can the kind of calls the umpire is making.

Find a comfortable hitting stance. The key is to be as comfortable as possible in the batters box. Find foot positioning that is right for you. If you are uncomfortable in the box then it will mess with your head and your other mechanics will be off.

Strive for a consistent swing. Whether the ball is pitched outside or inside, be sure to keep the same smooth swing. You may need to adjust your timing or what part of the zone you swing at, but never change your swing.

Shake slumps quickly. Nobody likes to be in a hitting slump but even the pros have them every now and then. Avoid the mental slumps by never doubting yourself at the plate. If you're striking out a lot it's because you're swinging at bad pitches. Try and be more selective.

Hitting zones. Know the different types of hitting zones and master them, whether it's the back of the plate, middle of the plate or front half of the plate.

There's more to hitting than just home runs. Try to be a consistent hitter and hit to all fields. This will make the defense play you honestly. There are many other things to do in hitting than home runs. Hit and run, bunts, opposite field hitting and more.

The final two tips I have are to recognize each pitch that is thrown and remember that each spot in the lineup has a purpose, whether it's leadoff, cleanup or the number 9 spot.

Jeffery A Wise invites you to learn the proven system of baseball hitting tips so that you can learn how to hit a baseball better. Start learning today at http://www.baseballhittingtipsonline.com by reading our information and downloading our free report.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffery_A_Wise



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Little League Mayhem?

Little League Mayhem?
By Guest Author Will G. Stone

For many of us, summer means spending time outdoors. If you have kids, then it may mean Little League Baseball. I am a firm believer in kids taking part in sports and recreation because it gets them out from in front of the TV and computer and gets them active! A day at the ball park can be a very enjoyable time! Who doesn't love snacking on popcorn and rooting on the kids?

A growing problem at many events is parents who do not know their boundaries. You know the type: they think that they are God's gift to the sport and that the coaches have no idea what they are talking about. They also feel the need to bombard their child and other players with "tips" and "pointers" during the game. Admit it, it drives us all crazy. It is annoying and ruins an otherwise pleasant outing. What can you do about this?

The first thing is to be an example by knowing your boundaries. Honor the authority figures of the event. We teach our children to respect authority, right? We must set the example by allowing the coaches and umpires to do their job. Sure, we may not agree with everything they do, but no one wants to hear our constant criticism either. Come to grips with the fact that you have no control over the game, eat popcorn, and relax.

The second thing we can do is to let our kids have their time. Baseball is a game. It is meant to be fun! Kids cannot have fun when they are receiving "tips" and criticism from many people during the game. This makes them nervous and is counterproductive. Let the kids be kids! Let them play and make mistakes. After all, the outcome of the game is not life or death! Let them enjoy the experience.

The third thing is to boldly confront those around you who do not follow these guidelines. I am not talking about an argument. Speak to the "offending" parent/fan and remind them that it is only a game and to relax. Let them know that they are causing many people not to enjoy themselves by their constant outbursts.

The fourth thing is to love and support your kid's coach. They are spending lots of time with your kid and they may be a very positive influence in their life. Be encouraging and be sure to say thank you every now and then.

Last, but not least, praise your kid! Whether they win or lose, be there to support them. The kid usually knows if they played well or not, so be positive. Take them to their favorite restaurant or surprise them with a treat. Hug them and let them know that you love them and you are proud of them. One more thing: the summertime heat can be miserable. Stay properly hydrated. I hope you and your family enjoy our national pastime! Have a great summer! God bless you.

Will Stone is a former college/semi-pro basketball player who is now involved in the health and fitness industry. He professes Jesus Christ as Lord and is passionate about helping others live healthier lives. Visit his website: http://www.fitwithwill.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_G._Stone

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Free Baseball Batting Drill - Batting Trainer

Drill: “Step-In-And-Hit” Baseball Batting Drill

Helps correct the “Stepping Out” hitting flaw.

Objective: This drill emphasizes “stepping into” the ball to generate power and bat speed. This is an excellent drill to help young hitters eliminate the bad habit of “stepping out” during the swing.

Procedure: The batter starts the drill by standing farther away from the machine than normal. This starting position allows the batter to take two steps inward before swinging the bat.

The batter will step first with the back foot and then with the front foot. When the front foot “lands” the batter attacks the ball.

The drill may be performed with a still or moving ball. The batter should take the time to set and observe all body movement before and after each swing. It is sometimes good to have the batter freeze after the swing to see if the proper finish position is reached after each swing.

The batter should make sure to make contact with the ball component and not the shaft.

Recommended Number of Swings: 10 Swings

Coaching Point: The “Step-In-And-Hit” drill is a drill that every coach and parent should be familiar with and know about. At young levels of play we often see a batter “step-out”. The batter may have a fear of being hit. This drill works great in helping break this bad habit.

Coaching Point: If you observe a batter that is popping the ball up or missing the ball completely, chances are good that the batter is “flying open” or “losing the front-side” during the swing. The batter should use a closed stance and make a special effort to keep the toes, knees, belly button, and shoulders square to the plate until contact is made with the ball.

Coaching Point: If you observe a batter that is hitting everything into the dirt with a weak ground ball, chances are good that the batter is attacking the ball too soon. The batter should never have to reach or move the back foot to make contact with the ball. The batter should allow the ball to “come-inside” the batters front foot before attacking the ball to insure that proper contact can be made. This attack timing allows the batter to use the front legs as leverage to generate maximum power. The bat makes contact with the ball on a level plane rather than after the bat starts “arching upward”. This level contact allows the batter to hit line drives.


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Baseball Tips - Catchers and Catching

Baseball Tips - Catchers and Catching
By Guest Author Chico Reese
Every so often I get a request from a parent who tells me that their child is a catcher and that they would like me to help their child "learn some catching things", or "give them some catching tips" or something along those lines. Sometimes I know the player and have seen him catch before. Sometimes I've heard that the player catches. Sometimes the parent says that the child catches and thinks he'd be a lot better with a little help. This last one can be a little scary because I've been told this by parents and once I start working with the player I immediately realize that he has never caught before, or only caught a few times...probably just batting practice a few times.

When I get a request like this from parents, here's what I do:

I first assess what the player has really done or what he can really do. This is important, mainly from a safety point of view. Inexperienced catchers, especially young ones just starting out, can easily get injured by the baseball. So I really try to figure out what I'm dealing with, no matter what mom or dad has told me.

I'll also just talk to the young catcher and try to find out how much he's caught so far in his little career, what he likes about catching and what he doesn't like. You can kind of tell if a player has a real interest in catching or if his parents decided it was a position that he should like. I actually had a nine year old flat-out tell me that he hated baseball. He liked football and golf. He said his dad ( who was the coach) made him play. Catchers need to be motivated kids who truly like, or at young ages, don't mind being a catcher.

I find out more of what I need to know by simply watching how the player reacts to me throwing the ball at him. A young player with very little experience or none at all will almost always have more fear of getting hit by the ball than a catcher who has "been there, done that." This will stand out in his actions when you actually start throwing some balls in the dirt at him, even real slow pitches.

I have the player get the catching gear on and then I get a few baseballs and tell him that I'm going to throw some balls in the dirt and that I want him to block them. Of course, I'm not going to just start whipping balls at him, I'm just looking at the reaction he has when he thinks a ball is coming at him in the dirt.

I have him get down in his stance and I motion like I'm going to just whip one at him in the dirt. I do a full pitching motion, like I'm going to throw the ball. However, I don't release it. What happens next is that you'll most likely get all of the answers that you need to determine where the player is at as far as catching ability and what you should do next to help him improve. True, he might be able to stand up and throw the ball to second base well, but that in itself is not proof that a kid has caught a lot.

Observe the player carefully and note things like the following:


After the player gets the equipment on, does he look like he's used to wearing it, or is he fidgeting with it, pulling at it and trying to figure out how to wear it? Does it appear that it feels "weird" to him? A catcher that is used to wearing this stuff usually will just throw it on in a few minutes and be done with it.
When the player gets down is his receiving stance, does he look relaxed, comfortable and stable? Is it basically a correct stance? Or does he look clumsy and uncomfortable and not sure how he wants to squat? A catcher that has done a good deal of catching will normally get right down in a stance that you can tell is natural to him and feels O.K., even if you think it's not an exactly correct stance.
When you are winding up, does the player appear ready, still relaxed and focused? Or, does the player appear pretty nervous, maybe a little scared at this point? Young catchers with experience at this point usually have a look of anticipation and focus. They are concentrating on your release and the ball, not worrying about getting hit by the ball. Most of the time it is easy to see the difference.
When you actually do the fake throw, does the catcher flinch, turn his head, bring his non-glove hand around to protect himself, even though you haven't even thrown the ball yet? If he does, he's probably relatively new at this and should be taught how to do things correctly, mainly to protect himself. Young catchers with innings under their belts won't flinch too much at the point when you are about to throw the ball. They are calm, stable on their feet and are focused. They are anticipating the ball and how to catch it or block it. They are not overly concerned with getting hit by the ball.

If the player that you are assessing appears like he does indeed have some of the "experience" qualities mentioned above and just needs work to improve, you're in good shape. Focus on fundamentals and repeat, repeat and repeat. That's what separates good catchers from mediocre ones.

BUT, if you see all of the signs of a "newbie", what do you do? Where do you start from here? How do you get the young catcher "catching?"

We'll look at this in a future article.

Chico Reese has been closely involved in youth baseball, softball and High School Baseball over the last twelve years and enjoys working with young catchers.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chico_Reese

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Little League Baseball Drills - Coaching Your Team to Success

Little League Baseball Practice Drills - Coaching Your Team to Success
By Guest Author Jack Perconte

It is easy for little league baseball coaches to get overwhelmed with all the baseball drills available at their disposal. Using too many drills can lead to confusion and the feeling that players are getting a little taste of everything but not enough of one thing. To prevent this from happening, little league baseball coaches should choose three or four drills in the areas of hitting, fielding and throwing and stick with them until players have mastered the drills, or until the players become totally bored with the same baseball drills.

Some drills are difficult for young players because they may not have the skill level or strength necessary to perform them. It is important that little league coaches pick baseball drills that are challenging but achievable for the little league ball player. Coaches should pay strict attention that the prescribed drills are done as correctly as possible. It is also advised that little league coaches explain clearly why the drills are necessary and the results that will eventually occur when players stick with the drills.

Following are 3 little league baseball team drills that I would recommend for each of the areas of hitting, fielding and throwing.

Little League Hitting Drills

1. Place an object to the opposite side of home plate that a hitter stands and a couple of feet forward of home. Have hitters see that object after contact and before looking to see where their ball was hit.
2. Alternate fast pitch and slow pitches throughout batting practice. Overtime, this method will help hitters understand that they must stay back, see the ball but also be quick and maintain the same swing on all pitches.
3. Play an occasional team intra-squad game using the batting tee. Hopefully, this use of the tee will emphasize the importance of using it and spur more practice with the batting tee.

Little League Fielding Drills

1. Have the first baseman raise a number up with their non-glove hand after a fielder catches the ground ball. The fielder of the ball is required to yell the flashed number out as they are preparing to throw. This fielding drill will help players concentrate on the target and begin to eliminate throwing errors.
2. Take infield practice using any extra players as base runners so fielders get a better sense of the time they have to throw batters out at first. Runners should be allowed to advance on errors and overthrows. This will also give players a chance to run the bases more. Of course, runners should wear helmets.
3. Work on drills for calling fly balls and pop ups as often as possible, requiring players to yell and not whisper when calling for balls. Learning how to communicate on the ball field is essential for winning games. Teaching players which position takes priority on balls that are called for by two different players is also essential to avoiding injuries.

Little League Throwing Drills
1. Having relay throwing drills is a great way to teach throwing accuracy under pressure. Additionally, players will learn how to catch the ball and turn correctly when performing relays, which can help teams win games.
2. Around the horn throwing (4 corners) seeing how long group can keep ball going without missing. Players can learn inside turns, double play turns and throws after tag plays, etc...
3. Line up players in outfield with a base runner tagging up from third and work on long toss by having fielder throw the ball home on caught fly balls. Have a cut off man in line is also helpful. Once again, this is a multi-purpose drill because other players are working on base running at the same time.

As mentioned, there are numerous baseball drills for the little league coaches to use. Above are just a few that I like because they often involve more than one player at a time and have a competitive factor in them, which makes them more fun and challenging to the little league player.

Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball playing lessons, books and advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball
Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his positive parenting advice and books can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte

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Little League Baseball Drills - Coaching Your Team to Success

Little League Baseball Practice Drills - Coaching Your Team to Success
By Guest Author Jack Perconte

It is easy for little league baseball coaches to get overwhelmed with all the baseball drills available at their disposal. Using too many drills can lead to confusion and the feeling that players are getting a little taste of everything but not enough of one thing. To prevent this from happening, little league baseball coaches should choose three or four drills in the areas of hitting, fielding and throwing and stick with them until players have mastered the drills, or until the players become totally bored with the same baseball drills.

Some drills are difficult for young players because they may not have the skill level or strength necessary to perform them. It is important that little league coaches pick baseball drills that are challenging but achievable for the little league ball player. Coaches should pay strict attention that the prescribed drills are done as correctly as possible. It is also advised that little league coaches explain clearly why the drills are necessary and the results that will eventually occur when players stick with the drills.

Following are 3 little league baseball team drills that I would recommend for each of the areas of hitting, fielding and throwing.

Little League Hitting Drills

1. Place an object to the opposite side of home plate that a hitter stands and a couple of feet forward of home. Have hitters see that object after contact and before looking to see where their ball was hit.
2. Alternate fast pitch and slow pitches throughout batting practice. Overtime, this method will help hitters understand that they must stay back, see the ball but also be quick and maintain the same swing on all pitches.
3. Play an occasional team intra-squad game using the batting tee. Hopefully, this use of the tee will emphasize the importance of using it and spur more practice with the batting tee.

Little League Fielding Drills

1. Have the first baseman raise a number up with their non-glove hand after a fielder catches the ground ball. The fielder of the ball is required to yell the flashed number out as they are preparing to throw. This fielding drill will help players concentrate on the target and begin to eliminate throwing errors.
2. Take infield practice using any extra players as base runners so fielders get a better sense of the time they have to throw batters out at first. Runners should be allowed to advance on errors and overthrows. This will also give players a chance to run the bases more. Of course, runners should wear helmets.
3. Work on drills for calling fly balls and pop ups as often as possible, requiring players to yell and not whisper when calling for balls. Learning how to communicate on the ball field is essential for winning games. Teaching players which position takes priority on balls that are called for by two different players is also essential to avoiding injuries.

Little League Throwing Drills
1. Having relay throwing drills is a great way to teach throwing accuracy under pressure. Additionally, players will learn how to catch the ball and turn correctly when performing relays, which can help teams win games.
2. Around the horn throwing (4 corners) seeing how long group can keep ball going without missing. Players can learn inside turns, double play turns and throws after tag plays, etc...
3. Line up players in outfield with a base runner tagging up from third and work on long toss by having fielder throw the ball home on caught fly balls. Have a cut off man in line is also helpful. Once again, this is a multi-purpose drill because other players are working on base running at the same time.

As mentioned, there are numerous baseball drills for the little league coaches to use. Above are just a few that I like because they often involve more than one player at a time and have a competitive factor in them, which makes them more fun and challenging to the little league player.

Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball playing lessons, books and advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball
Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his positive parenting advice and books can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte

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How to Hit Better in Baseball Immediately

How Hit a Baseball Better
By Guest Author Jeffery A Wise
Every baseball player serious about the sport desires to become the best hitter they can be. Even major leaguers always seek to improve their hitting. You should also want to learn how to hit better in baseball.

Players, parents and coaches should all be interested in learning the secrets to hitting better. Parents can encourage their children and give pointers. Coaches have a huge impact on teacher their players the hitting skills they need. If the following skills are practiced regularly, players' hitting abilities are sure to improve.

The basics include hitting mechanics, confidence and the right timing. Let's touch on hitting mechanics first. If we don't go over the mechanics of baseball hitting then we are doing a disservice to ourselves. Remember, even professionals work on basic mechanics every day. They get to the ballpark early to practice hitting and fielding. Those basic mechanics are:

-Stand shoulder width in the batter's box for maximum balance and bend slightly at the knees and waist while holding your bat in a vertical position six to eight inches away from your chest.
-Wait for the ball and keep your shoulder and hips closed until it's time to swing.
-Always have your head pointed towards the pitcher and keep your eyes on the ball at all times.
-Try to have a smooth and consistent swing no matter where the ball is pitched.
-Make sure you follow through with your swing

Confidence is most important while hitting. Remain in control, be selective and hit your pitch. Don't swing at the first pitch for a while to get the feel of the pitcher. If your at-bat goes all wrong, don't let it get you down. Even if you have no hits in three at-bats, the next at-bat might be the one to win the game or sustain a rally for your team. Stay calm and in the game.

When referring to right timing, it's not about the timing of your swing. Instead, it's the reality that sometimes the hits fall for you and sometimes they don't. You can have all your mechanics and confidence down to a science, but sometimes you hit it right at a fielder or you hit the ball foul by one-half inch. That's part of the game everyone goes through. If it wasn't, then everybody would hit.750 or better.

To learn how to hit better in baseball, begin working on these tips immediately and regularly. Never give up. Be sure of yourself and always be ready to attack the ball. These tips will help you be the best baseball hitter you can be.

Jeffery A Wise invites you to learn the proven system of how to hit a baseball so that you can learn how to hit a baseball better. Start learning today by reading our information, watching our videos and participating in our blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffery_A_Wise

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Appropriately Handling Winning and Losing in Youth Playoff Games

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Appropriately Handling Winning and Losing in Youth Playoff Games
By Guest Author Dave Rosene

Winning and losing graciously; that should be the goal of every adult coaching in a youth league.

If coaches place too much emphasis on the results of playoff games, it can cause damages in players' confidence as they proceed in their baseball careers if they fail in clutch situations or their team loses. Some of them eventually quit playing because of the pressure initiated by the adult coaches guided by their desire to win.

It is imperative that coaches stress sportsmanship and playing hard and smart, and applaud players' effort no matter what the outcome. They should place no more importance on playoff games and continually concentrate on teaching baseball strategies and situations, execution, and skill development.

It is a hard task because people that watch kids' games want their sides to win, but if it is established in the preseason that winning is a byproduct of good play, then the coaches will have an easier time conveying that to the players and to the adults who think that winning and losing are the be-all end-all.

With losing, youth players get upset with losses for a variety of reasons. A majority of players are embarrassed because their friends or players on the other teams will make fun of them, or they feel like they let down their parents, relatives or even the coaches.

As stated before, coaches must stress that the goals of the team and the league is learning baseball strategies, executing the strategies, improving individual skills, teamwork, and competing and playing as hard as possible. If this is emphasized when practice starts, the results can be played down as the season progresses because you have established a learning and development philosophy.

Difficult? Yes, because parents can be unreasonable. Impossible? No, if you stick to the program.

ABOUT DNA SPORTS
DNA Sports' goal is to make sure all athletes are given the chance to succeed. Through the promotion of teamwork and sportsmanship our team clinics and private training clinics maximize an athlete's social, emotional, and physical talents. All of our clinics teach both fundamentals as well as detailed position skills like pitching and behind the plate catching. We have worked with over 1000 players-over 200 of which have gone on to play at the collegiate level and beyond.

To learn more, visit our website: http://www.dnasportsonline.com.

Dave Rosene - Co-Founder, DNA Sports

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Rosene



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How to Hit a Baseball

How to Hit a Baseball demonstrates the key elements of the proper swing. This...

How to Hit a Baseball demonstrates the key elements of the proper swing. This is proper instruction for a baseball player, based on how hitting is actually done, not on folk wisdom.

Bob Caswell has worked as a hitting instructor for professional teams, college teams and leagues, and has coached amateurs at all levels. He's providing some great baseball hitting tips to help you succeed.


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Youth Baseball: Focusing on We, Not Me

Coaching Youth Player in Focusing on We, Not Me
By Guest Author Dave Rosene

Have you ever heard youth coaches tell their players, "Do this for me." or "I really need a hit or strikeout." or "I want to beat that team."?

Notice "I" or "me." Is their any mention of "team"?

I have heard variations of these quotes too many times, and it disturbs baseball people who watch youth games that a lot of youth coaches care about winning and not about teaching the game correctly.

This type of coach sends two dubious messages: the players are playing to please you; and you only care about the immediate result and not the development of the whole player, including playing as a good teammate.

Youth players are easily swayed, and when they hear "I" from coaches over and over again, they can start feeling pressure to succeed-a pressure that's intensified because it comes from an adult. The players also start to think of themselves first, instead of the team first.

"Me" is displayed in subtle and obvious displays. Coaches who espouse sportsmanship and teamplay teach their players in practice the rules, the strategies and the fundamentals of baseball. Players that go outside those parameters get punished appropriately in a way that it is still a team function. When players have to do pushups, or crunches, run sprints or 'poles' or a lap or two, the rest of the team would cheer or push to succeed until the exercises are completed. Then the coach explains that is a sign of team unity, that you don't practice without everyone, but you take away practice time when you break team rules, and the punishment will be more excessive if it happens again. If a player is really team-oriented it won't happen because he either hates punishment or he feels bad that he let his team down. Coaches can discover what players need to be a better teammates. In games individual infractions manifests itself in throwing equipment, doing things against team philosophy, or temper tantrums, and should be addressed immediately, with appropriate punishment at practice the next day.

Remember, team sports mean playing for each other, 'we' not me. Me never works!

Dave Rosene - Co-Founder, DNA Sports

DNA Sports' goal is to make sure all athletes are given the chance to succeed. Through the promotion of teamwork and sportsmanship our team clinics and private training clinics maximize an athlete's social, emotional, and physical talents. All of our clinics teach both fundamentals as well as detailed position skills like pitching and behind the plate catching. We have worked with over 1000 players-over 200 of which have gone on to play at the collegiate level and beyond.

To learn more, visit our website: http://www.dnasportsonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Rosene
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Baseball Hitting Instructional Videos - Hit To Middle Drill

This video is from ShapeFit.com's baseball training video series. The video provides basic tips on proper baseball hitting fundamentals. Whether you are a parent who is excited about getting your youngster or youngsters started out in t-ball, a teenager trying to improve your skills or even a college or professional player, these hitting basics hold true regardless of what skill level you are at.