Why Youth Baseball Players Should Get Hitting Instruction

Why Youth Baseball Players Should Get Hitting Instruction
By guest author: Chip Lemin

Happy Spring training to all coaches!

I never gave professional hitting instruction for youth baseball players much thought until my child started playing travel baseball. I then noticed that many teams did indeed use paid instructors to help players learn proper fundamentals. After I attended my first lesson, I realized what I thought I knew didn't amount to much in the big picture.I was giving instruction such as, keep your elbow up,and keep your eye on the ball.I don't think too many kids go up to the plate with their eyes closed. I was completely underwhelmed by my knowledge of hitting instruction.

I remember the instructor talked about the grip first. I didn't know about lining up the middle knuckles on each hand when the bat is gripped. He showed us(me included) how these knuckles will end up in this position as the player swings anyway.It was explained that the bat doesn't have to be held in a death grip.The bat should be held as loosely as the batter can tolerate.This helps keep the hands flexible during the swing. He also showed us how to choose the right length and weight of bat for each player. He discussed what a "long swing" was,and how it hurt the player's bat speed.

The instructor took the players through a couple fun drills to show us what he meant. The players have not even taken a swing at a pitch yet,and I had learned a lot. Some players will not like a different approach to hitting. They are comfortable with their current swing. A good instructor will not blow up a kid's swing in the first lesson. They will a take a small part of the swing,and modify it. Then at the next lesson, something else is introduced to help the hitter.Many players are doing a lot right in their swings to begin with. A smart instructor will take care not to overload, or completely change a player's swing right away. A good instructor should give fun "homework" in the form of drills to help the players develop their swings. This gives you the "coach" something concrete to work with. Be sure to take notes so you can use this great information at practice. This will help you to provide variety at practice. Bored players are much harder to motivate.

So don't hesitate to get professional instruction for your players. Most qualified hitting instructors will charge anywhere from 30-75 dollars per hour. It is worth the money when the players and the coaches use the information during practice.It also takes more than one lesson the make a difference. Plan on a series of lessons with no more than one week in between sessions. The less time off the better to enhance muscle memory. So ask around, or get out the phone book, and get some quotes. Then actually go watch some lessons in person. Don't be afraid to interview the instructor to see if you like their style.Do some homework like any other investment to get the best return on your team's hard earned money. Your coaching ability will grow as you learn more about hitting. You don't have to "know it all" ahead of time. Go soak up all the knowledge you can with professional hitting instruction for youth baseball players.

Thanks

Coach Chip

Chip Lemin has been a promoter of youth baseball since they started using aluminum bats. That's a long time. I have witnessed many good people get into coaching without solid coaching skills and it is not fun for them or the kids.Today's newer coaches are also being shortchanged on sportsmanship, like there is none. Visit my site to sign up for a insightful, informational, free coaching e-course at http://www.baseballecourse.com

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

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5 Disturbing Items in Youth Baseball Today

5 Disturbing Items in Youth Baseball Today
By guest author: Allen R.

I love baseball. I played baseball from the age of 5 to the age of 18. I was in organized baseball leagues starting at the age of 8. After a layoff of 11 years, I played in a men's league for another 3 years and I've been an umpire for the past 5 years.

I've seen and experienced a lot during my time in the game. The last few years as an umpire, dad and coach has been eye-opening in regards to youth baseball. Here are 5 things I find disturbing about youth baseball at this time:

1. T-Ball as a "Level" - Yes, everyone does make contact but it does not prepare the player for the reality that they will miss the ball more often than make contact. I believe that it also retards the development of hand-eye coordination. One of the hardest things to do in sports is to hit a round baseball with a round bat while both are in motion. Why not allow children the opportunity to improve this skill as soon as they can? A hitting "T" removes most of that development by placing the ball in a stationary position. The batting "T" is a tool to improve one's swing or reestablish it after a long layoff or offseason - not a division in a youth baseball league.

2. Games Without a Score - This is prevalent throughout the lower levels of all youth sports. It is supposed to foster higher self-esteem in the players since nobody loses (I think this is supposed to make the parents feel better about themselves). In reality, all of the players lose. Keeping score is essential to charting a team's progress. I must admit that in my first year as head coach of my son's baseball team I succumbed to this regulation. This year, while the official line is we are not keeping score, I will keep it. This way I can see how we are progressing. The kids always ask me anyway!

3. Facemasks on helmets - Fortunately, this is not too common - yet. I understand the intent - to protect the player against injury and also alleviate a fear of the ball. While it will help the player now, these are 2 things they will have to deal with down the line when the consequences are much greater. I'd rather a player understand the mechanics of getting out of the way of the pitch (turn away from the ball) when it is traveling at 30 mph or so vs. 65 - 75 mph and higher.

4. Non-throwing rules for catchers - Again, thankfully, I have not run across this many times. There was a league that I umpired games for that forbid the catcher from throwing the ball to third base on a steal. This went hand-in-hand with the restriction on stealing third base only once per inning. This rule was put in place so the catcher wouldn't overthrow the base. Well, how is a catcher supposed to sharpen his accuracy if he cannot throw in a game situation? This was at a 9 year-old level, mind you.

5. Batting through the order each inning - This one I am torn on. The premise is a good one at the younger levels. Each team bats all the way through without regard for the number of outs. While it doesn't reinforce the importance of making proper plays and getting 3 outs quickly, it does keep the game moving at a good pace.

There are more things that bother me about the youth baseball leagues. These are just some of the most egregious.

Allen. R is a technology professional with over 10 years experience. He's been involved with the game of baseball for over 20 years as a player, umpire and manager. He currently resides in New York with his family.

For more helpful tips and articles, please visit http://www.prudentdad.com

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

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Improving Your Baseball Throw

Improving Your Baseball Throw
By guest author: Nancy Kelsey Smith

Without a doubt, one of the most popular of American sports is the game of baseball. It is played by pee wees and little league players, some of whom are not even of school age yet. It is played in high schools and colleges and at the professional level. It is also a popular activity for city and county recreational teams.

Baseball is a game that requires skill, speed, coordination and accuracy. In order to become proficient at this sport (or any other), it is necessary to learn the correct techniques associated with this game and then to put in a sufficient amount of time practicing those techniques.

One of the most important elements of the game of baseball is the art of throwing a ball accurately and with sufficient speed. Nothing can adequately substitute for training and practice but it is helpful to understand the mechanics of good ball throwing. The hand placement is crucial is you want to throw a ball quickly and have it go where you intend it to go. Placing the ball in your dominant hand (your throwing arm) with the first and second fingers griping across the seams and your thumb on the underneath side for support but also griping across the seams on the bottom is the correct placement of the ball. This position may not seem natural at first but after some practice using this technique one can understand how this ball placement allows the ball to travel straighter and faster.

Keeping the ball on the fingertips where it will get the fastest release rather than settling toward the back of the hand will result in a superior throw. The optimum throw involves wrist action as well as hand and arm movement. When preparing to throw, cock the wrist backward so that it becomes a full arm effort when the ball is brought forward rather than just an arm movement only. This will also increase power and speed.

Correct body alignment calls for squaring your body toward the object you are aiming at and then lining up the rest of your body in like manner. As you progress into the throw, your throwing elbow should be at shoulder height and your knuckles pointing skyward. The ideal throw is more of a circular motion than a straight back and forth movement. Again, this may seem unfamiliar and odd if you are not used to throwing this way but with practice it will produce much better results than a simple back to front movement with the ball.

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It's All in Your Attitude in Coaching Youth Baseball

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It's All in Your Attitude in Coaching Youth Baseball
By Chip Lemin

I realize it's fall going on winter, but one can always start thinking about next year and what you are going to do different do become an improved coach.

I would like to give attitude a big plug here because it is so vital not just in youth baseball, it is vital in all areas of your player's lives. You have a responsibility to impart more than just baseball lessons to your players if you are truly serious about helping your players.

As you may already know I'm a big fan of positive attitude from the
coaches as well as the players and parents. I feel there is no place on a youth baseball club for tearing down of players no matter what the perceived importance of the situation.

In the little league world series it was good to hear some coaches go out to on to the field to address their clubs in a tight game and start off the talk with something positive. Maybe the microphone had something to with it, I hope not.

Your team will take on your attitude no matter what. You will never
hurt your effectiveness as coach by being positive, patient, and having some fun out there.

You must be an example to parents and players. It's only a game in the end. No else outside of a few adults on your team will even care how your team does, believe me. You need your players to have positive experiences in youth baseball to enrich their lives. This way they may pass it on if and when they have a chance to coach later.

Here are a few ATTITUDE ideas I would like to share with you. I will sending a few more in the coming weeks. Let's call this letter #1 on ATTITUDE for players and coaches

There are many hallmarks of a well-coached team, disciplined team. They are clearly evident during practice and games. The following items are what makes up a solid team.

Players believe in school.
Players believe in coaches.
Players believe in their teammates
Players and coaches are punctual for practices, games and meetings.
Players dress properly.
Players respect their community

ATTITUDE FROM THE TOP DOWN

Mental attitude plays such a big role in the success of a player. A
player can have great natural talent and ability, but will have a tough time reaching their potential if they do not develop a good positive mental attitude and outlook. The player with the right mental outlook and attitude will make his natural talent come through. What makes up a proper mental attitude?

DETERMINATION

All skill levels of players will benefit from having a strong desire to be the best they can be regardless of how they did this day or any other day. You must have a strong determination, a spirited desire to win, but only by the rules, and without dishonoring this great game. To become very good at this game, you must be wiling to invest long hours in practice perfecting your game, because your best opponents are doing just that very thing.

CONCENTRATION

When you take the field your thoughts should be strictly baseball. You will have to groom your mind to and body to perform a skill though concentration. You and the coaches must always be alert and thinking. For example, when hitting, keep one thought with you, follow the ball to plate and hit it.

RELAXATION

Relaxation is essential in developing skills needed in baseball. Youth baseball is meant to be fun for players as well as coaches. Everyone who relaxes will perform better no matter what the task at hand. Concent ration and relaxation are like peas in a pod, whether it is throwing a ball to a hitter or spearing a line drive at third. You must learn to control your emotions as a player or a coach. By concentrating on what you doing, you will remove fear and tension from your mind. A confident mind and relaxed body are great keys to success on and off the baseball field.

I hope these tips will help you. I used to think and feel being the
loud tough manager was the only way to get results. Over the years
I have learned that I was missing out on some the best parts of
coaching youth baseball, being a chance to be a teacher and a friend. We must have discipline on the team, and it comes from example, not by yelling or tearing down of players. You and your players will have many good memories to share with others. That is what it is all about
By Chip Lemin

http://www.baseballecourse.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chip_Lemin



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