Five Drills to Do When Hitters Pull Their Head

Five Drills to Do When Hitters Pull Their Head
By Guest Author Jack Perconte

One of the most common hitting problems involves hitters taking their eye off the ball before making contact. Solving this problem is rarely as simple as just telling a hitter to "Keep your eye on the ball" or saying, "See the ball hit the bat." Usually, hitters pull their head and subsequently their eyes off the ball because of an incorrect hip turn or having a long arm swing, failing to use their hands and forearms.

Having said that, there are some good hitting drills that baseball coaches can have their players do that will help ballplayers keep their eye on the ball. Also, by controlling their head throughout the swing, it will help all the other hitting fundamentals, which is an added bonus of these drills.

Head Control Drills that will help hitters keep their eyes on the ball:

1. During batting practice, place an object to the opposite side of home plate from where the hitter stands and a few feet in front of home plate. This object (player's glove, pop can, etc...) should be in line with hitter's eyes at contact with the ball. The object of drill is to have batters keep their eyes on this object after contact is made and until the completion of their swing.

2. Along the same lines and when performing tee, flips or dropped ball drills have the coach, who is standing off to the side, flash a number down with his fingers immediately after contact. The hitter is required to read the number before looking for the hit ball.

3. Behind the hitter flips are great for keeping a hitters head in on the ball. The coach kneels a safe distance behind the hitter where the catcher usually is and the coach flips balls forward into the hitting zone. Hitters watch the ball being released from the coach's hand and swings when the ball reaches the hitting zone. With this ball coming from behind, it will force the hitter to keep their head and eyes on the ball.

4. Writing a decent size number on a few baseballs during batting practice and having hitters try to read the numbers when hitting is also a good drill. This can be extremely challenging, of course, but will make the point of how well hitter's need to watch the ball.

5. It is important to realize that balance comes from the hitter's head. Practicing hitting on a balance beam or similar balancing object, can greatly help hitters keep their eye on the ball, as well as helping all swing fundamentals.

Finally, a habit that I use to incorporate in major league baseball was to watch the ball all the way to the catcher's glove on pitches that I did not swing at. Baseball coaches should teach young hitters to do that also. It will help them keep their eye on the ball when they do swing as well, which is the obvious goal.

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

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Baseball Hitting Tips - Taking a Proper Stride

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Baseball Hitting Tips - Taking a Proper Stride
By Hunter Sendefer

For a young baseball player, one of the most difficult parts of a swing to master is the stride. The stride, however, is one of the most important aspects of the swing because not only does it help with the hitter's timing, but it also helps to generate power. Therefore, it is vital that a baseball coach helps the hitter to isolate each part of the stride and understand what the most important aspects of the stride entail.

For this drill, all that is needed is a bat and a helmet. This is a great way to start off a batting practice because you can coach the player before any balls are thrown. You can then incorporate balls into it once the hitter has mastered the stride, which will allow him or her to see the results of taking a proper stride immediately.

To start this drill, have the hitter line up in his or her batting stance, just like he or she would do in a game. The coach will then go into a windup and throw a simulated pitch. The player will then coil and stride, without completing the swing. He or she is to freeze once the stride has been taken to see where his or her body ends up during this process.

The first thing that you are looking for in this case is a proper distribution of weight. If too much weight has gone forward at this point, the hitter will end up lunging for the ball, which will lead to a weakly hit ball or a swinging strike. The weight will come forward when the hips are turned but during the stride, most of the weight should still be back.

Secondly, you will want to look at the hitter's hands. At this point in the process, the hands should still be back and they should not have dropped. The hands will come through the strike zone as the hips drive through but at this stage, the hands should still be back.

The body should also remain in the same alignment as the original stance. Many players begin bending their knees at this point in the swing, which can throw the body's entire alignment off. This leads to the player swinging through the ball, as he or she cannot readjust to make up for the bent knees.

The player's head should also be at the same height, which goes hand in hand with not bending the knees. In addition, the back should remain in the same alignment, so you are basically attempting to keep the body as still as possible while you take your stride. The more movement that they player has, the more likely he or she is to end up misaligned, which will produce an ineffective swing.

Have your players repeat this drill until they are able to produce the exact stride that you want to see. Have the players step out of the batter's box before each stride and receive a sign from the third base coach. That way, a proper stride will become a part of their routine and can be incorporated into every swing.

The author is a baseball enthusiast and frequent writer for http://www.batting-trainer.com, a website dedicated to providing the best baseball hitting trainers including the revolutionary new tool The Insider Bat For free baseball videos and tips, visit http://www.batting-trainer.com

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

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The Hit and Run Play - How to Execute it Perfectly!

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The "Perfect Hit and Run Play"
By Larry Cicchiello

The responsibility of the batter is to swing at anything. If possible, hit the ball to the opposite side, whether it's toward the second baseman if you are a right-handed hitter or toward the shortstop if you are a left-handed hitter. At the very least, you should try to hit the ball on the ground, because a line drive caught by an infielder will probably kill your inning.

To improve your chances of making contact, some batters swing with their hands only, take no stride and keep the swing extremely simple. (It's amazing how when some hitters do this, they actually hit the ball very well even though they are keeping it quite simple. There may be something to be learned by this. Sometimes less is indeed more.)

By far, the best count to hit and run on is 2-1. It used to be 2-0 or 3-1, which doesn't make any sense at all and has become obsolete. Why should a hitter have to swing at a 2-0 pitch if it is going to be ball three? Why should a hitter have to swing at a 3-1 pitch if it is going to be ball four?

The hit and run play should be strongly considered if there is one out and a weak hitter is on deck. The reason is that if the hitter gets a single and the runner advances from first to third base, the weak hitter does not have to get a hit to get the runner in from third base.

Responsibilities Of The Batter and the Runner:


First of all, the runner breaking from first base must be SURE that the pitcher throws the pitch home.
The runner takes off for second base and either the shortstop or second baseman breaks to cover second base, thinking it's a stolen base attempt.
The runner should look toward the plate after a couple of steps. He should do this because it's very important that he knows whether the ball has been hit in the air, hit on the ground, swung at and missed, gets by the catcher, etc.
The batter MUST swing and try his best to make contact.
If the batter misses the pitch, the runner simply tries to steal second base. If the ball is grounded to an infielder or the pitcher, chances are there won't be a play at second base and the runner simply stays on second base. If it's a ground ball to an infielder, the runner has a chance to make second base safely or at the very least, a very good chance of breaking up the possible double play. If the ball goes through the infield for a hit, the runner can usually go to third base without hesitating.
The only time the runner needs the third base coach is if the ball is hit into right field because he can not turn around while running and watch the play unfold.
The batter's objective is to simply meet the ball and hit it sharply on the ground. If he can "shoot the ball" through the vacated area left by the second baseman or shortstop who are covering second base, that's an added bonus.

Usually, it's better to hit and run with a right-handed batter at the plate. If a righty shoots the ball the other way with the second baseman covering second base, the runner can almost always go to third base because it's a longer throw to third base for the
right fielder.

If a lefty shoots it the other way toward left center field with the shortstop covering second base, the runner probably can not go to third base because it's a very short throw for the left fielder to third base. The speed of the runner is very seldom a factor in determining whether or not to attempt the hit and run.

Something to consider before putting on the hit and run play is you should have a hitter up who is a contact hitter and very seldom swings and misses at pitches. Remember, you're looking for a well hit grounder so if the pitcher is one who throws high heat, you may not want to risk the hit and run against him.

The Best Possible Situation For A Successful Hit And Run:

If you have a contact hitter against a pitcher who strikes out very few batters and the pitcher is a low ball pitcher who gets a lot of ground balls. (You have three very positive things working in your favor.)

Your chance for success is very high in this ideal hit and run situation!

Larry Cicchiello is the successful author of several very user friendly eBooks covering 320 topics on playing or coaching excellent baseball. ANY player, coach or parent who wants to help their child will be fully equipped! Check out some FREE baseball tips on hitting and FREE baseball pitching tips at LarryBaseball.com.

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

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Baseball Coaching Tip: Why batter/baserunners should always run through the bag at first base.

"A True Story That Shows The Importance
of Running Out Everything To First Base."

It was a high school game. The home team was batting, down one run, 3-1, with bases loaded and two outs. The count was 3-2 and runners were moving on the pitch. The batter, who was the home team's #2 hitter, got a fastball on the outter half. He was expecting it and he got "all of it"! He ripped a hard linedrive right at the second baseman's open glove.

The batter seeing the ball go into the fielder's glove immediately slumped in disappointment half way to first. He goes down to his knees with his face in his hands. He was basically "feeling sorry for himself". In the meanwhile he wasn't aware that the ball went through the webbing of the secondbaseman's glove. The secondbaseman had to look behind himself, go get the ball and throw to first for the out. The secondbaseman was quick as a cat so this didn't really take long.

However, the batter has great speed and would have been safe at first. The saddest fact of all is that the two runners moving on the pitch crossed homeplate. They both would have scored and the home team would have won the game if the batter would have just done what his coaches had told him hundreds of times since his Little League days, "Run Everything Out, Don't Assume Anything & Don't Think Until You Know!

Have a great day,
Nick

Outfielder ADD - How to Keep Young Players' Heads in the Game

By Geoff James

I was never a very valuable member of my little league team. I could throw, catch, and even hit a baseball. I was a team player, and my mom always brought great snacks. The outfield, however, turned me into a liability. Put a kid in a classroom and ask him to pay attention to the person ten feet away for half an hour, you have yourself an uphill battle. Put that kid in a field and ask him to pay attention to a person forty yards away, and you may as well be asking him to bat .520.

In trying to hone your players' focus, it is important to remember how they think. Children resent authority but admire role models, operate on an incentives-and-aversions-based motivation system, and tend to be selfish (but influenced by desire to impress peers). Based on this rudimentary understanding of child psychology, you can capitalize on effective methods of improving outfield focus.

First, keep the suggestions positive. This is not to say that you should avoid being mean-spirited-that goes without saying. Instead, keeping suggestions positive means avoiding mention of the behavior you wish to avoid. Asking young players not to cloud gaze during baseball games just puts the idea in their heads. Instead, ask them to try to pay attention, do their best, etcetera.

Second, make the game interesting for them. This can be done without unfairly heaping pressure on their shoulders simply by showing a movie in which an outfielder makes an important play (almost every baseball movie) or perhaps setting up your own version of a golden glove incentive system.

Third, keep your players hydrated and well-fed. There is no better way to ensure distraction than to put thirsty, hungry kids in the outfield. Water and fruit are good choices because the natural sugar will give a cleaner, more sustainable source of energy to the players.

When you put these techniques into practice, you'll be looking at championships in no time. Come to us for all your baseball trophy needs.

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



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Coaching Tips For Young First Year Pitching Prospects

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By Jeff A Heath

A good training rule is always to have the members observe a number of professional baseball games, paying special focus on the style of the pitchers when they wind up and throw. Currently have them note how their legs launch them, and that the throwing arm is really just a means of directing the ball. Kids are not analyzers, and a lot of them will attempt to pitch a baseball using mostly arm strength. This is sure way to injury!

The coach needs to show the young pitcher that the elbow has to lead the hands. The elbow must keep ahead of the hands until just before letting go of the baseball. This takes some practice, however when a child learns to make it happen without forcing it, he is on course to greater command, extra strength, and (most importantly) a safe baseball throwing motion.

Each child which really likes baseball has fantasized on the subject of as being a fantastic pro hurler and hurling the best event. It's actually a kind of widespread American hope for small kids everywhere you go. Even though dreams such as these should never be crushed, it is necessary for sensible grown ups to teach kids exactly how to pitch a baseball using the right form and technique. Without such advice, overly enthusiastic kids are in jeopardy of a genuine risk of causing harm to their throwing arms, elbows, as well as shoulder any time tossing baseballs.

First of all every youngster has to learn before he goes to the pitchers mound to throw a baseball game is the right style. This will give his throws more power and command, it will in addition add a lesser amount of tension on the necessary and susceptible parts of the body. There are 2 big recommendations for baseball pitchers. Initially, it has to be coached to youngsters that effective and safe throwing is actually powered largely by the legs, not necessarily your throwing arm.

A good idea is to impress on the young pitcher that velocity is not the top priority with great baseball pitching, command will be. This will serve a couple of needs. First, it helps you slow him down in order to ingrain the best as well as safe movements outlined previously. Next, its typically easier to build increased speed after control is learned when hurling a baseball compared to coaching control following speed.

Caution: together with this particular step, baseball pitchers need to figure out how to maintain the throwing arm's shoulder in close to their body. One of the biggest hazards is letting the shoulder to flail ahead or perhaps to the outside at the start of the throwing movement. The elbow moving ahead will put strain to the shoulder joint if it is not held close in. Again, this takes repeated practice, specifically for kids for whom baseball pitching is new and whose physiques usually are not yet within their full influence.

Hampton Little League
Every youngster which loves baseball also has fantasized with regards to being a superb professional hurler and putting together a perfect event. It's one of those universal American hopes for small kids everywhere you go. While ambitions like these should never be squashed, its necessary for responsible adults to show youngsters how to pitch a baseball with the right form along with technique. Without having this kind of advice, overly enthusiastic kids are in jeopardy of a genuine threat of doing harm to their arms, elbows, and shoulder any time throwing baseballs.

Learn more about coaching little league players here: http://hamptonlittleleague.net

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

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Little League Digest - 10 Base Running Tips For Little League Baseball Players

By Nick Dixon

There are several important coaching points that need to be remembered when teaching Little League players to run the bases correctly. This article presents 10 coaching points for little league baseball runners related to first baseball.



Coaching Points related to base running at 1st base:

1. The batter must sprint out of the batter's box and take a straight line path toward first base. The batter base runner must "honor" the base running box. The base running box allows the umpire to determine if a base runner is inside the base line. If a runner gets inside the foul line and a throw ball makes contact with the runner, the batter base runner is out. If a ball is a slow roller in the direction of first base, the batter base runner must avoid contact with the ball. Stepping on, contacting or touching the ball in fair territory will result in an out.
2. When a batter hits the ball his approach to first base is determined by the location of the hit ball as it travels into the field. If the ball is a fielded grounder, the base runner will run through the bag at 1st.
3. If the hit ball gets by the infielder, either as a hit or error, the batter base runner should do a "hook" path as he approaches first base to give him a straighter angle to advance to second base if the first base coach sends him.
4. The batter base runner should run hard through the bag when he is attempting to beat a throw to first. The runner should concentrate on running to a spot about 15 feet past the bag. When the runner touches the bag, the runner's foot should land on the front 1/3 of the bag.
5. The batter base runner should always look to the right when he crosses the bag on a close play. This look allows the batter base runner to see if the throw was missed by the first baseman.
6. If the base runner is sent to second, the runner should only contact the inner corner of the base as he makes the turn toward second base.
7. The runner should always run everything out as if the ball is fair. The runner should hustle and assume that all fly balls will be missed.
8. The runner must run out all foul balls because of the "roll back" rule. If a foul ball hits and kicks back into fair territory between home and 1st base or between home and 3rd base, the ball is fair. The ball will be fair as long as the ball does not contact a bat, fence, dugout, or fielder.
9. The batter base runner that sees an errant throw should not immediately advance to second. The runner must listen to his coach. The coach will make sure that the catcher is not trailing the play.
10. Older or advanced runners may be taught to read the firstbaseman's footwork to detect a possible catch ad tag play. If the throw from the fielder pulls the first baseman off the bag, the only possibility for getting the runner out is a tag. If the runner sees the first baseman coming off the bag toward him, he should slide to avoid the tag.

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Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

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

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Hitting Mechanics Tip - Work More - Think Less

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By Nate Barnett

I texted a senior in high school who I work with on hitting mechanics, "How's the swing doing"? After a couple minutes his reply was, "I'm hitting.509 on the year... leading the state in doubles with 10... and 20 RBI's. Pretty good. In my response I asked him how he was able to stay so consistent this season. (His power numbers were inconsistent last season.) His answer was, "I don't know. Just hit everyday and work to the right side." I told him that was an awesome answer because in this case, "I don't know" is exactly where you want to be mid-season! Here's why.

If you are thinking about your hitting mechanics and what is making your body work, you cannot think about how your swing feels at the same time. In baseball, you play multiple games during the week and it's probable that your swing begins to change without you knowing it changed IF there isn't focus placed on repetition and feeling of your swing.

So when I asked him how he was able to keep consistent, his answer let me know that he wasn't spending too much time on how the movements should be (hitting mechanics) instead his focus was on how his swing felt (muscle memory). This is why he didn't really know since he was just hitting daily and working on seeing the ball deep into the strike zone. The key for him will be to remain consistent throughout the remainder of the season.

Awesome!

Nate Barnett is co-owner of The Pitching Academy. You can find The Pitching Academy's articles, blog, and videos on baseball hitting mechanics, pitching mechanics, pitching grips, and more when you visit the website.

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

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Baseball Swing Instruction - How Do You Practice Your Swing?

By Todd Thomas

I believe that how you practice is as important as the act of practicing itself. Good and productive practice is about more than just getting in your reps. If you're just practicing to mindlessly get your reps in, then you are missing out on how valuable practice can be.

Hank Aaron told noted Sports Psychologist, Dr. Tom Hanson, that practice was the single number one secret to success. Imagine that. Practice. But again, making your practice productive is equally important.

What important in making your practice productive is to have a goal for what you want to improve. If you are having an issue with something in your swing, my first question is do you KNOW what that issue is? How can you really improve or fix it if you don't know what it is? Have a knowledgable coach or instructor help you break it down to isolate what you want to work on. It's even better if you are able to identify the issue on your own through your own self awareness.

Once you begin the practice process of striving to improve or fix a fault in your swing, it's important to stay level headed if it's taking time or if you keep doing the same thing or if you are just struggling to get your swing where you want it to be. It does no good to get upset, frustrated, and angry and then give up. Stay level headed and as best you can, be "aware" of what is causing the problem. Be aware of whether what you are doing to improve is actually making you better.

Know where you are now. Know what your goal is and be aware of your progress. If you see improvement, then you know what you are doing is productive for you. If not, you might want to try something else rather than staying with something that is not helping you to improve.

Every time you are going to practice, ask yourself what you goal is for that practice session. If you don't and you just are "getting in your reps", then you're not giving yourself the best opportunity to reach you ultimate potential.

Todd Thomas is a Baseball Coach and Professional Hitting Instructor for Mike Epstein Hitting. Coach Todd's personal hitting website is http://www.HitItHere.net. Coach Todd also enthusiastically endorses http://PlayMyBestBaseball.com as a place where baseball and softball hitters can master the Confidence, Composure, Focus and Consistency of their game so they can reach their full potential.

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

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Baseball Hitting Tips - The Top 11

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

Youth Baseball Coaching Blog: Free Coaching Articles for Our readers

Good Wednesday Morning to you. Here are 4 articles that I recommend.
Have a great day. Nick

Coaching Baseball - Two True Base Running Blunders That Teach a Lesson

We all know the importance of good base running. We know that "solid" base running scores runs and wins games. We also know that poor base running can easily cause a team to lose a game. The following two stories are true stories of base running mistakes that cost the team a win. All the team had to do to win was to have the base runner advance to the next bag. These two stories are great stories that you can tell to your players to teach young players two important rules of base running.


Coaching Baseball - Strategies For Facing Overpowering Pitchers

Every one of us has at one time or another, either as a player or a coach, had to face what is considered the "unhittable" pitcher. You know what I mean, the pitcher that is undefeated because he has an overpowering fastball, nasty curve ball, and a 3 pitch arsenal of potent pitches that intimidates the average team while he is just warming up. Coach Dixon discusses is strategies that can used when your team faces a dominating and overpowering pitcher. The main strategy in this situation is that you must have a "strategy" that you and your kids believe will work. The trick is have several scenarios and plans that you will apply as the game progresses.


Youth Sports Coach - Watch What You Say

Volunteering to coach youth sports can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. It is a privilege to spend time teaching, coaching and mentoring youngsters in one of the most critical stages of their mental and physical development. Many kids do not have positive role models in their life. Many kids do not get the attention and the discipline that they need and desire. The main thing I want to discus today is the importance of thinking before you speak and the fact that your words greatly affect the self esteem of your players.


Coaching Baseball Pitchers - Two Windup Variations Used to Disrupt a Batter's Concentration

There are two simple actions that a pitcher can use to distract or disrupt a batters concentration. The two actions are the "double pump windup" and the "start over" pitch deliveries that are done to change a pitchers regular windup. Both of these actions are used when there are no base runners on base. They both serve as effective ways to disrupt the concentration of opposing batters.

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Coaching Youth Baseball - 25 Common Baseball Terms and the Meaning of Each

Coaching Youth Baseball - 25 Common Baseball Terms and the Meaning of Each
By Nick Dixon

Coaching Little League or Youth Baseball requires a good knowledge of the game. Many good youth baseball coaches have never played the game before. They make it their mission to study and learn the game. This article presents a list of 25 common baseball coaching terms and gives the meaning of each.

There are certain terms and words that every youth baseball coach should know the meaning of. Here are a list of 25 and the meaning of each.

1. Ace -- Best pitcher on the team.
2. Alley -- The two areas of the outfield between the three separate fields; right, center and left fields. Also referred as a "gap."
3. Bang-bang play -- A play in which the base runner reaches about the same times as the ball.
4. Batter in the hole -- The batter after the on-deck hitter.
5. Batter on-deck hitter.-- The next batter in the inning.
6. Can of corn -- An easy fly ball catch made by an out fielder.
7. Caught looking -- When a batter is called out on a third called strike.
8. Cycle -- When a batter hits a single, double, triple and home run in the same game.
9. Dish -- Home plate.
10. Fungo - To hit balls to a defensive player during practice or during the game warmup.
11. Fungo bat - A bat used by the coach to hit balls to defensive players during practice or pregame warm-up.
12. Gap - The two areas of the outfield between the three separate fields; right, center and left fields. Also referred as an "alley."
13. Gapper - A ball hit into one of the two gaps or alleys.
14. Heat -- A good fastball. Also "heater."
15. Hot corner -- Third base.
16. Painting the black -- When a pitch is thrown on the edge of the plate.
17. Pepper -- A game or batting practice exercise where one player bunts brisk grounders and line drives to fielders who are standing in a row about 15 to 20 feet away.
Punch out - The plate umpire uses this motion to call a batter out on a strikeout.
18. RBI - Run Batted In.
19. Ribbie -- Another way of saying RBI.
20. Rubber game -- The deciding game of a 3, 5 or 7 game series.
21. Run-down -- When a base runner gets caught between bases by the fielders.
22. Seeing-eye single -- A weakly hit soft ground ball that finds its way between infielders for a base hit.
23. Southpaw -- A left-handed pitcher.
24. Texas Leaguer -- A weakly hit fly ball that drops between an infielder and outfielder.
25. Utility player -- A player who fills in at many positions.

I hope that this article help you prepare to coach youth baseball. Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest Blog for daily posts and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball.

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The Perfect Baseball Hitting Drill?

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The Perfect Baseball Hitting Drill?
By Jack Perconte

The sign of a good baseball hitting drill is one that forces the correct hitting fundamentals and that over time, causes the correct hitting action when a hitter goes without the drill. With that in mind, some drills are obviously better than others. The drill below does just that. It forces of the correct action and works on all the important hitting fundamentals of staying back, compact swing, weight shift, hips opening and follow through.

Because this drill combines all the correct baseball hitting fundamentals into one drill, it makes teaching hitting easier and quicker, as long as it is performed correctly. It is a little complicated and requires some hitting tools that one does not usually have in the basement, or backyard. The local batting cages though will have the things needed - balls, protective screen, batting cage.

Here is the perfect baseball hitting drill:

1. The hitter stands very close (within six to 10 inches) from a net, facing the pitcher with the net being behind the hitter where the catcher stands. The hitters rear foot and hands should both be this distance away from rear net. Make sure a home plate is set and hitters stand their normal distance from the plate.

2. The coach sets up behind a protective screen with a bucket of balls in front of the hitter, beginning at twelve to fifteen feet away.

3. The coach flips balls to the outer half of the plate - firm underhand flips are best from this distance, trying to keep the ball level with no rise or drop on the flipped ball.

Result you are looking for? Because the ball is on the outer half of the plate, hitters should drive the ball to the opposite field by missing the net on the initial portion of the swing but hitting the net on the follow through.

Note: Hitters may graze the net on way forward and come up a little short of hitting net on follow through and this is acceptable.

Why is this the perfect baseball hitting drill?

1. One of the main fundamentals of hitting is "staying back" - if the hitter jumps forward (lunges or over strides) they will not be able to hit the net on the follow through.

2. Another goal of hitters is to have a compact swing - when a hitter's swing is long, in anyway (upper cutting, casting, dropping barrel behind them) they will be striking the net on the initial portion of their swing.

3. Another objective of a good swing is to have the hands in a power position (palm-up, palm down) at contact. By hitting the ball to the opposite field on this outside pitch, this drill will guarantee that the hitter is in this correct contact position.

4. Another component of the perfect baseball swing is that the hitters' weight transfers while their hips open - missing the net on the way forward will promote weight shift and the only way to hit the net on the follow through, or get close to it, is to open the hips.

5. Another ingredient of good hitting is that hitters' keep their eye on the ball; thus, the reason for working on the outside pitch. It is further recommended that hitters keep their eyes in the direction of where they ball is hit, while trying to hit the net on the follow through as hard as possible.

As hitters begin to perform the drill with some consistency (frequent line drives with back-spin to the opposite field), the coach can begin to back up until eventually doing the drill from regulation, hitting distance.

Is the drill the perfect hitting drill? Maybe not, but if done correctly, it works on all the necessary hitting fundamentals all at once. Finally, I am sure that I have not been the first one to discover this drill, but it is one of my favorites while teaching hitting over the last twenty-two years.

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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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

5 Expert Tips About Baseball Hand Signs

By Stan E Quin

Giving baseball indicators is a crucial part of the game. Here you'll study extra about signs and performs, catcher and pitching hand indicators as well as followers signs.

If you happen to be the coach of a Little League team, of course crucial factor is for you to ensure that the kids are pleased and doing their best. Once you're dealing with youngsters on a Little League team, things are a lot different. That features baseball signs that are used so that players on a workforce can talk effectively with each other without anyone on the opposing group understanding what they're saying. In any case, the most important thing is that these youngsters are going to have enjoyable and never have to spend the whole sport racking their brains attempting to figure out what their teammates are attempting to say to them.

A baseball sign may discuss with anything from a touch of the hat to a slide of the foot. Greater than something it's important to keep issues simple. Just ensure to keep issues simple because even for youngsters ten and over it may be a battle to memorize a bunch of different indicators particularly in the event that they're quite complex. Start off by maintaining to a minimal of ten perhaps twenty indicators, and follow having only some strikes concerned in each signal at the most so that the youngsters can nonetheless have enjoyable and never be spending the entire game racking their mind on which indicators are which.

You want to ensure that issues are actually basic and that you are not going to be complicated the little ones. You should also have different baseball signs for sure gamers, as this can preserve the opposing team guessing even more. This fashion the opposing group shall be more confused and have much less likelihood of figuring out what indicators it is that you're using. When developing with baseball indicators for your Little League team, know that getting the youngsters to review the completely different signs is so important.

The most effective manner is for youths to take the indicators dwelling in order that they can study them like homework. These youngsters are used to homework, so go over it with them within the locker room on the end of the day. Write the different baseball signs that you really want them to be taught on a chunk of paper, and have the youngsters take this residence and examine them at evening before going to bed. Do pop quiz a number of occasions earlier than games to be sure that the kids are on level and are ready to enter the game.

Chances are you'll discover that there are particular children who are finding it tougher to remember these signs. When you could have effective baseball indicators and the players on the workforce know learn how to use and understand them correctly, you'll start winning games. Little League is plenty of enjoyable and the children are going to be happiest when they're working together efficiently and winning. These are a few great ideas on easy methods to get your workforce coming collectively and learning the indicators that may help them to win games.

There may be a lot more to study baseball catcher signs. Read these suggestions on baseball hand signs for an knowledgeable resolution.

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

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Youth Baseball Hitting - How to Fix Your Baseball Swing

Youth Baseball Hitting - How to Fix Your Baseball Swing
By Brian McClure

To hit the ball well takes a lot of practice. Youth baseball is actually easier than for older players because there is only the basics to learn and develop. This makes it easy for as as coaches to improve our youth baseball teams hitting.

We still must do it right. Practice does not always make perfect. The practice must be effective and done correctly or the mind and body will instill the wrong mechanics.

Hitting off the tee - has probably been a lost art. It is however making a comeback in certain circles. I have always started batting practice by hitting off the tee. Yes..all ages. Purpose of the tee is to load the bat and get our weight back. First check that the players hands are in the right place..batting stance should comfortable. Second, Load the bat (Body and hands go slightly back and front foot comes up) Third, short quick swing.

Common mistakes to look for and avoid is the player dropping his hands and and weight back to far which is caused by wrapping the hands around the head. Wrapping the bat and Dropping the hands is usually the youth baseball player trying to hit a hard fly ball. It lengthens the swing and there will difficulty in hitting the ball correctly(popups) if at all, in live pitching.

Soft Toss - My favorite way to practice hitting. A youth baseball coach (or whoever is doing the tossing) can get a lot of control over the ball and watch the mechanics without fear of injury. The most common way I see soft toss done is from the side of the batter. I prefer to use a screen and toss from the front. This better simulates the pitch and the tosser and see the hands, head, and stride better too. Franklin L-Frame Pitching Screen
Work on strike tosses in the middle, inside, and outside... up, down. Toss in a few balls too so the player can work on learning the strike zone also. As you see a lot of work can be done in a short period of time.
If you toss from the side ,it is best to have net to target the balls.

Free Hitting - Turn 'em loose. Pitch or use a pitching machine and let the youth baseball player work on improving his hitting with live pitches without a lot of coaching at this point. Let the player have fun and just hit away. The Tee drill and soft toss is to work on mechanics. Now Focus on the ball and Swing.

These tips and basic batting practice strategy will greatly help your players improve their hitting skills. As a parent you can quickly move your son to the meat of the batting order with these simple batting practice two or three times a week. As coaches we should try and implement some batting practice every practice. The best way is to divide them into groups..some work on tee..move to ..the soft toss..then free hitting and move on to shagging.

Author- Brian McClure Want to learn more about helping your child in youth baseball as a parent or coach? http://www.coaching-youth-baseball.com

See our complete list of Topics and articles on youth baseball here http://www.coaching-youth-baseball.com/topics.html

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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

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Have a great weekend! Happy Hitting!



Coaching Baseball - 4 Things the On-Deck Batter Should Always Do and 4 Things He Should Never Do

Baseball coaching is teaching the big and little details of the game. Every position or location on the field requires a player to observe and to be aware of what is happening. Many young batters on deck often do no pay attention to what is happening. They are often guilty of looking into the crowd or even talking to someone through the fence. On-deck batters that do not closely observe the pitcher and the catcher are missing a greatly opportunity to "scout" the opponent.

Baseball Pitching - Coaching Pitchers to Succeed by Starting With the Basics

The coaching of baseball pitchers does not require a degree in "pitchingtology". There is no such degree to my knowledge. I just made that up. My point here is that coaching baseball pitching is not rocket science. However, having a basic knowledge of the terms and mechanics is a must.


Coaching Baseball - 12 Things That 3rd Base Coaches Should Say to Baserunners

Fewer things in baseball are more embarrassing for a young baseball player than to make a base running mistake that cost his team a run. Some of the most devastating and demoralizing mistakes in baseball are made by baserunners at 3rd base. When a runner gets to third, the team momentum and confidence is increased. The team and the player, and the fans feel like they are going to soon score a run. But, to have that chance of scoring removed by a blunder by the runner or coach can take the momentum completely away from the team.

Coaching Baseball Pitchers - The Use of Visual Anchor Points For Curve-Ball Accuracy

The skill of throwing a good curve ball accurately is a skill that must be taught and coached. Teaching curve ball control and accuracy is vital to a pitcher's success at any level. Here I discuss the method I use to teach and coach our high school pitchers to vary their curve ball location and to accurately control the spot to which the ball will break.


4 Baseball Pitching Drills For Little League Players

Teaching, training and developing young baseball pitchers takes a lot of time, patience, and practice repetition. Many young pitchers need to practice pitching skills daily. To keep the interest level high, it is best to use a variety of drills on alternate days to prevent boredom. Here are 4 baseball pitching drills that can be used to train youth and beginner pitchers.

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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

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