All Pro Baseball

Receiving

Proper receiving technique is a skill that should not be overlooked.Proper fundamentals will not only enhance each player ’s catching ability but will allow an efficient transition to throwing.We advocate two-handed catching for both younger and older players.While players advance in catching skill as they age,the speed of the game also increases,making the two-handed catch critical.The proper sized glove, broken in correctly,is extremely important.Examine each player ’s glove to make sure it fits properly and that he can control and squeeze it.

Fear of the ball is common for younger players.Indications of fear include:backing up as the ball arrives or turning the head as the ball approaches the glove.Using softer balls and tennis balls is beneficial when players are first learning to catch and scared of getting hit with a baseball.With time and success through repetition,players learn proper receiving fundamentals.

Remember this important note:When receiving,always expect a bad throw.Players receiving a throw should always expect a bad throw and be ready to move their feet to get into a good receiving position so they can catch and throw the ball efficiently.

Fundamentals

A. Start in an athletic position,with the knees flexed and weight on the balls of the feet.The body is balanced and ready to react in any direction.(picture 3-1)

B. Extend the arms out,slightly flexed in front of the chest.(picture 3-2)

C. Position the glove at vertical to 1 o ’clock,using both hands by lining up the thumb of the throwing hand with the thumb of the glove hand.The glove should be just below eye level,so players can see the ball enter the glove.v

D. Expect a bad throw by always being ready to move the feet in order to catch with two hands in the center of the body.

3-1:Athletic receiving position

3-2:Arm position

E. Receive the ball in the glove ’s pocket.As soon as the ball hits the pocket,reach in with the throwing hand, readying the grip and exchange to throwing.(pictures 3-3 to 3-6 )

3-3:Pocket catch

3-4:Secure ball

3-5:Find grip

3-6:Throwing position

F. Use one-handed catches on throws outside the body.(picture 3-7)

G. For throws below the waist,turn the glove over,fingers down,and line up both hands in a pinkie-near-pinkie alignment.When catching low throws players should bend at the knees and waist.(picture 3-8)

3-7:One-handed catch

3-8:Low throw position

Drills

1.Receiving Position Dry Drill:Line up all players.On the verbal command,"Target," players get into the receiving position.On verbal command "low throw" players get into a pinkie-near-pinkie alignment.

Check each player ’s position.Physically make adjustments where needed.(pictures 3-9 &3-10) Recommended are ages 6-10.

3-9:Target position

3-10:Low throw position

2. Body Position:Players should attempt to catch the ball in the center of their body by moving their feet. While warming up and playing catch,monitor players to receive all throws in the center of their body. This is where their habits will be formed.
Recommended ages 8-16

3. Glove Position:For more repetitions per player,divide players into as many lines as there are coaches.One at a time start a player in the receiving position.Coaches throw balls above waist,then below waist.Concentrate on proper glove position.This drill will provide lots of repetitions in a short time.
Recommended ages 6-12.

4. Quick Feet:Follow same set-up as Drill 3.Coaches throw balls slightly to players 'right,then left.Concentrate on foot movement to catch the ball in front of the body,with two hands.
Recommended ages 7-12.

5. Reaction Drill:Follow same set-up as Drills 3 and 4.Coaches throw balls in all directions and heights.Enforce catching the ball in front of body with proper two-handed glove position. This is a good drill to use before a game.
Recommended ages 8-16.

Note: on Drills 3, 4 and 5 The coach ’s distance from player and the speed and difficulty of the throw depends on the age and ability of the player. Remember to challenge the player while still allowing him to perform the fundamental correctly. Having success will build confidence and reinforce the proper fundamental position.

Know Your Hitting Zone

As players develop their swing over the years, they will eventually know where they hit the ball the best. They may be a low-ball hitter or a high-ball hitter. They may best hit the ball in the middle-to-away portion of the plate. Or maybe they are best at hitting the ball when it is in the middle-to-inside portion of the plate. The best approach is to expect the ball down the middle of the plate. Any pitch that is in the center or two-thirds middle of the plate is a pitch you want to swing at. The hitter’s hands and timing have easy adjustments from this approach if the ball is slightly inside or slightly outside. These are the easiest pitches to hit consistently. This will also give the hitter an aggressive mentality. The worst thing you can do as a hitter is take three strikes without lifting the bat off your shoulder. That gives you no chance for a hit. The second worst thing you can do is take strikes that are in the middle of the plate, leaving yourself one swing to hit a pitcher’s pitch. You hear coaches talking about zoning a pitch. That means swinging if the pitch is in a specific location. That takes time to develop because young hitters are still developing their pitch recognition. Well, youth league hitters who are trying to develop their zone, down the middle should be their zone. Any pitch that is on the corners should be a more difficult pitch to hit. So those are the pitches that are out of your “zone.” Your “hitting zone” is the middle two-thirds of the plate.

Expert Advice on Your Hitting Approach
"The worst thing you can do as a hitter is go to home plate and take three strikes without lifting the bat off your shoulder. Attempt to hit the ball back up the middle with a line drive or a hard ground ball."

Hitting The Ball Back Up The Middle

What is your hitting approach? Even at a young age, hitters should have a plan for where they want to hit the ball. Ideally, we want to hit the ball where it is thrown on the plate. Inside pitch, we pull. A ball down the middle, we hit back up the middle. An outside pitch, we hit to the opposite field. This is a well known fact but not an easy feat to accomplish, especially for most hitters under 12 years of age. Hitting the ball where it’s pitched takes years for hitters to accomplish, and very few hitters perfect this approach. But, there is one approach that all hitters should strive to perfect before they are ready or able to hit the ball consistently where it is pitched. That approach is to hit the ball back up the middle. Doing so will help the hitter’s alignments, balance and swing path to the ball. It goes hand in hand with where we want the baseball. In general, hitters who constantly pull are very susceptible to the pitch away, and hitters who only hit the ball to the opposite fieldare susceptible to the inside pitch.

As well as trying to hit the ball back up the middle, all hitters should attempt to hit line drives and hard ground balls. It is well documented that line drives give you the best chance for a hit, followed by hard ground balls and then fly balls.

Batter's Thought Process
A hitter's mentality should be hit, hit, hit not take, take, take.Anticipate every pitch to be a strike and be prepared to swing at every pitch. Learn to stop on pitches outside the strike zone. That way, a hitter is always prepared to swing the bat. Expect to hit that first pitch in your zone. Taking a strike in your zone just to do so will only put the hitter in the hole. Prepare to swing, and address the pitched ball. If it's a bad pitch, take it.A good hitter should maintain an aggressive approach, especially when ahead in the count 2-0 or 3-1. This is the time the hitter has an advantage because the pitcher needs to throw a strike. Expect to hit those pitches in your zone and don’t look for a walk.

Major League Hitting Coach Joe Lefebvre on Better Strike Zone Discipline:
"Go to your zone up until two strikes. Not the strike zone, your zone,
which is where you make the most consistently hard contact.
No matter where you see the ball in space go to your zone first then react off of it."
The best hitters "hit to take." They start their swing mentally by anticipating their
pitch in their zone on every pitch while addressing the ball physically with their weight shift
and their hands stopping their swing on balls."

Watch The Opposing Pitcher

This is where players first prepare to hit. They need to watch the opposing pitcher as much as possible.Watch him warm up before the game in the bullpen. Watch his warm-up pitches before each inning. Ideally, hitters should attempt to watch every pitch in the game. At the very least, the on-deck batter should be observing the pitcher’s release point.Also recognizing the pitchers speed, control and what types of pitchers are being thrown. Figure out what pitches are being thrown for strikes and decide on a plan against that particular pitcher.

On-Deck Preparation

This is where a hitter gets prepared both mentally and physically. Once on deck, focused concentration begins. The player must believe he can hit the pitcher and look forward to getting into the batter’s box. Make sure the muscles are warm and ready to swing the bat. Take some swings on deck as if they were actually facing the pitcher. After the hitter feels ready physically, players should concentrate on timing the pitcher’s fastball. Work on timing the load and stride to the delivery of the pitch. Find your rhythm versus that pitcher to create timing. If there is not an on-deck circle, the same preparation can be done without a bat near the dugout. Leave the ondeck circle confident, relaxed and be prepared to hit the first pitch.

San Francisco Giant Rich Aurilia on Mental Preparation:
"The moment right before I get into the batter’s box is a very important time for me.
I try to envision the situation I will be in and try to come up with a way to either get on base,
move a runner over, drive in a run from third, and a number of other things.
This is the time to prepare for your at bat. I also try to remember how the pitcher on the
mound pitched me in the previous at bats. Odds are if a pitcher has had a certain way with
you, he will continue that way until you beat him."

Drills

1. Inside Pitch: Place the hitter at the tee as if the ball is coming down the middle (picture 6-27). Now have the player move the tee to the inside corner by placing the tee more toward the pitcher and putting it in line with the inside corner (picture 6-28). The size of the player will determine how far in front they move the batting tee. Moving the ball farther out front simulates where an inside pitch must be struck. The player works on hitting the ball by striding the same as if the pitch was down the middle. The swing path to the ball must now bring the hands in closer along the body more to get the sweet spot of the bat on the ball. The adjustment to hit the inside pitch is made by the hands and by hitting the ball out in front of the hitting zone more than on a pitch down the middle.
Recommended ages 11-16.

6-27

6-28

Staying alert and knowing the situation prior to every pitch makes baserunning easier. That means baserunners should survey the defensive positioning of each player, know the number of outs and try to follow the ball at all times. If the ball is hit behind the baserunner, he should immediately look for the coach. Baserunners should never assume anything and run hard on all hit balls until the umpire makes his call. Runners should always think aggressively, trying to turn a single into a double or a double into a triple. By running hard, extra bases can be taken if the defense makes a mistake. Tag up on all foul balls with less than two outs.

Practicing baserunning technique is important, but simulating game situations in practice
is imperative to baserunning success. That way, players will have experience in any given
situation and know how to react. Speed doesn’t necessarily make a good baserunner.
Being prepared before every pitch and good judgment on when to be aggressive will lead to good baserunning skills. Getting a good jump on batted balls can be learned and developed through practice.

As a coach, give players the freedom to succeed on the bases by giving them the freedom to fail. If runners are ridiculed for baserunning mistakes, they will run the bases with a safety-first attitude, never reaching their potential. Take pressure off baserunners by allowing them to be aggressive and understanding their decision-making abilities.

FUNDAMENTALS

A. Running Through First Base

1. Once the ball is hit, find where the ball is going. If the infielder has a play, run in a straight line on
the foul side of the first-base line.
2. Keep focused on the first baseman to be ready to avoid a tag in case the throw is errant.
3. Run hard through first base, focusing on touching the middle to front-third of the base with either foot. The only time a runner should slide or dive into first base is when avoiding a tag. (picture 10-1)

10-1

4. After touching the bag, look into foul territory in case there was a bad throw and advancing to second is possible.
5. If safe, turn into foul territory to return to first base. Never turn into the field to retreat to first base.
6. A few strides past first base, slow down to gain body control in case of a bad throw necessitating a quick change of direction. This is done by widening the feet beyond shoulders’ width and taking short, choppy steps to enhance deceleration. Deceleration should never occur until past first base.

B. Rounding Bases

1. Banana turn: Once the ball has gone through the infield, veer into foul territory to create a better angle to advance to second base. The bag is touched on the inside corner with either foot. Be careful not to get too wide in trying to create the
angle. It should be just enough to maintain full speed and turn the corner without a wide swing to the next base. (picture 10-2 and 10-3)

10-2: Foot position

10-3: Inside corner

2. Point turn: If the runner knows immediately that he is going to advance multiple bases, start the turn right away. This eliminates going straight up the line and then veering out, which is slower than picking a spot to cut the angle and running directly there. This holds true for all bases and is the quickest way to circle the bases.
3. After the base is touched, how far the runner
advances on a turn is determined by where the ball is on the field. The farther the ball from the runner, the bigger the turn. An aggressive runner advances as far as possible toward the next base while still being able to retreat safely. The completion of a turn should be made with a shuffle breakdown to gain control while focusing on the play. The shuffle breakdown, puts the baserunner in position to advance or retreat. (picture 10-4)

10-4: Break down position

C. Primary Lead

1. Before taking a lead, get the signs from the coach.
2. Find the ball and know the game situation – the number of outs, the score and strengths and weaknesses of the defense. Reviewing these facts before taking a lead will lead to good judgment on the bases.
3. Before the pitcher comes set, establish a lead off the back corner of the base. Use controlled side-to-side steps, never crossover steps, and watch the pitcher at all times. (picture 10-5)

10-5: Primary lead

4. Distance is measured with the number of steps taken, so steps must be controlled and consistent in length. Each individual will have a different distance for what is a good, safe lead. This can be determined in practice.
5. Depending on how quick or slow the pitcher’s move to first is, runners can adjust their lead.

D. Diving Back to Base

1. When a pick-off attempt is made, retreat to the base with a push-off and crossover of the right foot and a forceful thrust off the left leg. Stay low on the dive, which is made with the right arm extending to the back corner of the base, farthest away from the fielder. Never leave contact with the base until positive the
infielder no longer has the ball.
(pictures 10-6 through 10-8)

10-6: Dive back

10-7: Stay low on dive

10-8: Dive to back corner of base

E. Secondary Lead

1. In leagues where leads are not permitted: Once the ball crosses the plate, a couple of shuffles are taken toward the next base, anticipating an errant throw from the catcher. This routine will help players stay focused on the ball moving into the hitting zone, and be ready to advance on a ball in the dirt or a hit. Even though a primary lead is not allowed, it’s still important for runners to go over the game situation before the ball is pitched.
2. When leads are permitted: Once the pitcher commits to home, 2 to 3 shuffles are taken toward the next base. The shuffles should be done in a controlled manner, always keeping the weight balanced underneath the legs. Time the shuffles so the right foot is down just as the ball enters the hitting zone. If the ball is hit, advance smoothly toward the next base. If the ball is not hit, a hard crossover step is made
with the right leg to start the retreat back to the base. A good secondary lead puts the runner as far off the base as possible without allowing a catcher to pick him off. Using the crossover step and breaking back to the base at least two steps will deter the catcher
from attempting a pickoff.

Lead off hitter Tony Womack on baserunning:
“An effective base runner has instincts just like a base stealer.
The only difference could be the physical ability of the players that don’t
have that outburst of speed. If one understands the mental side of running the bases, their physical limitations will be overlooked by the
sharpness of their decision making. The decision making and the
mindset of the players on the bases will allow them to take
advantage of weaknesses of the opposition”.

If you are coaching at any level and you want your team to be successful, then you need to learn more about pitching. It’s plain and simple. Your pitchers are going to influence the game more than any other players on the field. As you have seen on television or in you own leagues, there are many different styles of pitchers: hard-throwers and soft-throwers, breaking-ball pitchers and fastball pitchers, command-and-location pitchers and power pitchers. So do not let a preconceived notion determine whether a player can pitch or not. At least give them a chance in practice—they just might surprise you. And be aware, most of your players are going to want to pitch.

How do I choose my pitchers? And what do I do to get them better? Find out in your first practice or two who wants to pitch. Once you determine that, give them a chance to pitch and develop in practice. Whether you hold separate pitching practice or you keep all the pitchers for the last half-hour and let them throw to a catcher, you need to begin to determine who your pitchers will be right away.

Develop at least four to six pitchers on your team. You will need them throughout the season. Plus, if you are in Little League, there is a pitch count total that will not allow you to pitch the same players over and over again.

Once you have established your potential pitchers, individual time should be spent with them to teach them the aspects of pitching. It is not always easy to work individually with your pitchers at practice, especially if you have limited help coaching. If you do not have enough coaches to work this into your practice before games start, then set time aside before or after practice to work with pitchers. There are at least three different pitching activities you should focus on in practices:

1. Performing dry drills to benefit the pitching delivery.
2. Throwing bullpens (to a catcher) at least once a week.
3. Throwing to live hitters, either for a scrimmage or for batting practice.

If it is for batting practice, remember this is really pitching practice and the hitters will not benefit as much. Good pitching makes the game a lot more enjoyable for all participants.

Selecting Your Pitchers and Building Confidence

In a perfect world, we want our pitchers to have good arm strength, an accurate arm and the ability to locate the baseball within the strike zone. We want our pitchers to handle the spotlight and pressure that goes with being on that mound. Ideally, we also want a good, sound delivery to keep the arm healthy. This will allow pitchers to get the most out of their arm and will also help with locating the baseball. But we are not playing in a perfect world and that’s where your coaching can have an impact. If your players show decent arm strength or the ability to throw strikes, you have something to work with. So help polish the pitchers’ delivery mechanics, give them a simple philosophy to guide them, and build confidence and self-esteem by encouraging them. Show them you believe in their ability to pitch.

Develop the Fastball

Encourage pitchers to develop the fastball and strive to command it on both sides of the plate. Many young pitchers are throwing too many off-speed and trick pitches in an attempt to get hitters out. They may be effective at times in getting young hitters out, but it is not helping the pitcher develop his fastball, which he will definitely need as he progresses and competes at higher levels of baseball. The only way to develop the fastball is to use the fastball. Long toss and improving the delivery will also help enhance a pitcher’s arm strength. But if the pitcher is not utilizing the fastball, he is unlikely to develop his arm to his maximum potential.

Locate the Fastball

Not all good pitchers are blessed with a dominating arm. There are manyMajor League pitchers who dominate a game by locating their fastball. Greg Maddux is a classic example of how good a pitcher can be by using and locating the fastball. Do not let pitchers get preoccupied with velocity, although velocity is something we strive to develop over time through improving the delivery and using the fastball.

The best pitch a pitcher has is Strike One. Getting ahead of the hitter will enhance your pitcher’s success. Every year studies show a hitter hits for a lower average when he is behind in the count. Commanding the baseball, especially the fastball is something all pitchers and coaches should strive to achieve. Locating the fastball to the inside corner and outside corner, as well as up in the zone and down in the zone, should be a focus throughout the season.

Changing Speeds

Changing speeds is next on the progression. Of all the off-speed pitches a pitcher can throw, the change-up is our choice for young pitchers. The change is thrown just like the fastball but gripped differently. It is less stressful on the arm and easier to repeat with the fastball than a curveball or slider. Although the curveball and slider are safe pitches to throw for older players, the potential for injury increases with these pitches for a few reasons.

1. Most of the players’ deliveries are not sound and consistent at the younger ages.
2. Breaking balls often are not taught correctly, resulting in a player turning and twisting the arm incorrectly. This is where an injury is more likely.
3. Breaking balls are not as easy to repeat for strikes, which are always at a premium for the youth league pitcher.

The change-up is an overlooked pitch by many because it is not as glamorous as the breaking balls. But it is a pitch that will disrupt a hitter’s timing that is safe and easier to repeat. The pitcher will use it his whole pitching career.

DIRECTION DRILLS FOR BULLPEN WORK

Direction Line Drill: One of the best teaching tools is simply a straight line in the dirt. When pitchers are working on the side, or even pitching in the game, draw a line in the dirt from the arch of the power foot, straight toward home plate. The pitcher should land on the line or within two inches to the glove side of the line. If the pitcher is not within that area, he needs to improve his line to home plate. If a pitcher does not get open enough and is throwing across their body, it can hider their performance. It’s more stressful on the arm. It is harder to finish the pitch out in front, and make it more difficult to locate the fastball to the outside corner consistently. Drill shows pitchers where they are stepping on the pitch. (pictures 8-16 to 8-18) Recommended ages 8-16.

8-16

8-17

8-18

Direction Drill: Pitchers begins in the stretch position with a baseball in their throwing hand. Take the glove off and tuck the lead arm behind the pitcher’s back. On the verbal command, throw, pitcher lifts leg and delivers a pitch to the catcher. If the pitcher does not move the lead-arm shoulder directly toward home plate, the pitcher’s stride will not be in a straight line to home plate. This drill teaches players to keep their front shoulder in when throwing the pitch home. Good drill for pitchers who fly open with their shoulders early. (pictures 8-19 & 8-20) Recommended ages 10-16.

8-19

8-20

Make the catching position a priority on your team. The catcher and pitcher will influence the pace and quality of the game more than any other players on the field. The catcher should have leadership qualities, be able to communicate with players on the field and should not be afraid to get dirty behind the plate. Look for a fearless blocker who possesses a strong arm to stop would be base stealers. A catcher should poses quick feet to come out of his crouch position to throw to bases. Attempt to develop at least two or three capable catchers. The catching position is often overlooked during practice. As a coach, you should take the time to train your catchers at the numerous skills needed to have success at this position. If you cannot create individual time for these two or three players during the regular practice, set aside 20 minutes with your catchers before or after practice. Be prepared and have a routine so the drills can run smoothly. We recommend following the “Catchers Drills and Practice Routine” at the conclusion of this section.

FUNDAMENTALS

A. Receiving Pitches

1. Feet are at least shoulder-width apart, for good balance.
2. Weight should be evenly distributed on the insides of feet with the right foot slightly open.
3. Knees are bent keeping the back side and body low.
4. Arms should be slightly bent and relaxed. The elbows point slightly outward and are above the knees. Elbow is never inside the knees when giving a target.
5. Glove is extended out in front. Give the target early.
(picture 9-1)
6. With runners on base, the throwing hand is cupped with thumb inside fingers and behind mitt. (picture 9-2) With no one on base, the throwing hand can be placed behind the back or for protection on foul tips if the player is strong enough to catch with one hand. (picture 9-3)
7. Turn the glove left slightly before the pitcher’s release. This will help catch inside pitches and prevent getting handcuffed.
8. For depth, set up as close as possible to the hitter, adjusting position depending on where the hitter is standing in the batter’s box.
9. For location, set up down the middle of the plate unless the count is 0-2. Then set up on either corner.

9-1: Target

9-2: Runners on base

9-3: No runners on base

10. Receive pitches with soft hands never fully extending the arm and locking the elbow.
11. Receive pitches with the wrist turned toward the strike zone, or bring all pitches smoothly toward the chest to make all pitches
appear to be strikes.
12. On low pitches that could be called strikes, receive the ball palm down and bring the ball up.
13. On low pitches out of the strike zone, catch the ball palm up. (picture 9-4)

9-4: Low pitch

All-star catcher Mike Lieberthal on receiving pitches:
“Having soft hands will help in framing pitches.
Always let the ball come to you, so your legs can stay under you
and you can maintain balance while receiving”.

B. Giving Signs

1. Set up is the same as receiving pitches except for the following exceptions.
2. Knees are closed up slightly to keep baserunners on first and third, and base coaches from getting a view of the signs being given.
3. Glove is draped over the left knee to block view of signs from third base coach and runner at third.
4. Hand position giving signs is directly between the legs. The fingers and hand should not be to low where they can be seen under the legs from the sides or from behind the catcher. (picture 9-5)

9-5: Giving signs

C. Blocking Balls in the Dirt

1. Balls inside the body frame (picture 9-6):

9-6: Blocking position

Drop forward to both knees with weight slightly forward.
Keep shoulders rounded and chin tucked down.
Drop the mitt to the ground between the knees to block the hole between the legs. The glove pocket is facing the pitcher.
Tuck throwing hand behind the mitt and keep palm forward.
Attempt to block the ball in the center of the body with the chest.
The upper body is relaxed and not tense.

2. Balls outside the body frame (move in half-circle motion):

Take jab step outward with near foot and drop knee.
(picture -7)
Drop trailing knee to the ground and drag.
Turn near shoulder toward infield so chest is facing the plate.
Keep shoulders rounded, and chin tucked.
Drop the mitt to the ground between the knees keeping the wrist flexed and the pocket facing the pitcher.
Tuck throwing hand behind the mitt and keep palm forward.
Attempt to block the ball in the center of the body with the chest.
The upper body is relaxed and not tense. (picture 9-8)

9-7: Jab step with near foot

9-8: Smoother the ball

Mike Lieberthal on blocking pitches:
“Stay relaxed as possible with the upper body.
This will prevent the ball from rolling far away after it is blocked.
Staying soft will absorb the pitch”.

Baseball Fundamentals Will Make a Difference in Performance

In essence, proper body positions are proper fundamentals. Getting players into better positions for hitting throwing and fielding gives players a better chance for success. But getting them to do so is not always as easy as it sounds. Once we identify a flaw and decide on how to best communicate our instruction, it is up to the player to make the adjustment.

Coaches cannot control a player’s athletic ability and hand-eye coordination.A player’s aptitude and desire to improve will also enter into the equation, but improving a player’s fundamental position can make a big impact on that player’s potential for success. Let’s use a golf analogy to clarify this point. On the course, a playing partner notices a fundamental flaw in your swing and gives you a tip. The playing partner is trying to correct your body alignment and/or body position before or during your swing. But once you have been given the instruction, it’s up to you to apply the information. It’s up to you, your aptitude and your athletic ability and hand-eye coordination to perform and constantly repeat these positions.A coach can’t control the outcome, but he can certainly help tremendously in the process. This is why it is very important what information we choose to give the player, how we present it and, most important, how we carry it through.

During this “coaching” process, simple and consistent suggestions will be easier for the player to understand and apply. Even with that being said, it will take more than just words to help your players make adjustments and eventually carry those changes into the games. Some adjustments will take longer than others. Stay patient, consistent and supportive, and over time your teaching will pay off.

Remember, these young men and women are still developing physically and mentally. The human element of coaching should always be in the forefront of everything you do with your player. The fact is, helping them get into better body positions (fundamentally sound positions) to perform each skill will improve their performance. It will take a lot of repetition, support and positive reinforcement along the way.

Expert Advice on Helping Players Make Adjustments
It is very important what information we choose to give a player,
how we present it and, most important, how we carry the instruction through.

Utilizing Drills

Drills are the lifeline of developing baseball fundamentals and are used throughout a player’s career. When teaching the drills in this book, the coach should conduct the drill or sell his point with enthusiasm and conviction. The organization and attitude of the coach set the stage for the instruction.When explaining the drills and instructing your players, show patience. A misunderstood drill is very difficult to perform. Be sure to emphasize the importance and purpose of the drill so players are aware of that purpose. As a coach you must believe in what you are teaching and get your players to believe in it as well. If the drill’s explanation is poor or not set up properly, it will add to the confusion, and will become a waste of time. As drills are learned and repeated at practice, the drill should become more efficient and effective.

Effective Communication

Below is a teaching progression designed to pass along knowledge of the proper fundamentals so that players will understand instruction. And, most importantly, it will give them the best chance to eventually perform these fundamentals in game action.

1. Explain the Proper Fundamentals of the AreaYou Are Teaching.
Don’t assume players know the correct way to throw, catch, hit or field. Take some time to explain the key fundamentals. Psychologists say we only retain about 15 percent of what we hear, and we are talking to young people who have a limited attention span. So keep words precise, direct and to a minimum. Also understand that people interpret things differently. If you explain how to throw a baseball to 10 different people in the same group, you possibly could have 10 different interpretations. Take the time to explain it but keep the words to a minimum. Utilize Step 2 as a staple when coaching a particular fundamental.

2. Physically Demonstrate the Proper Fundamentals of the AreaYou Are Teaching.
This visual demonstration speaks much louder than words. Now players can physically see the proper position as you explain it. You don’t have to wonder if they were listening to you or if their interpretation was different. After verbal instructions and a physical demonstration, the next step is to put the player into the proper fundamentally sound position.

3. Put Players Into Non-Reaction Drills, Called Dry Drills.
Dry drills allow players to perform fundamentals correctly. The athlete is in a position to get a feeling for the fundamental without the bat or ball. Physically help the players into these positions, because players won’t always be able to copy the demonstration perfectly. Whether it’s the proper batting stance or a ground ball fielding position, help the player get into the position.

Make adjustments as each player demonstrates the position back to you. This is a step that is too often skipped.We tell players how to do something correctly and we demonstrate how to do it, but then we expect them to do it correctly and they have never or only briefly experienced what it’s like to be in the proper position. If a player cannot not feel the position, it is much more difficult to repeat the position. How can we expect them to perform that position not only in a dry drill but also at game speed?

Dry drills allow players to feel the correct body position. They build muscle memory from performing the fundamental correctly. The more they do it correctly, the more natural the habit will become. After players can perform the correct fundamentals in the dry drill, they are ready to progress to the next stage. But not before they can repeat the dry drills consistently.

Remember this: If we were to explain and demonstrate how to field a ground ball and then put that player on the field and started hitting ground balls at game speed to the player, how often is that player going to get into the proper fielding position? Not very often. Unless that player has already mastered the fielding position in the past.
Here are two reasons why: First, the player has not been in the correct position often enough to expect muscle memory to put them into the new position consistently. Instead, they most often will field the ball with their old habits (old muscle memory). Second, it’s much more difficult to change muscle memory at game speed. It is very difficult to think about proper positioning when concentration has to be on reacting to and catching or hitting a moving ball.

4. Put Players Into Controlled Reaction Drills.
This is where coaches should spend the most time. Coaches will end up rolling numerous balls to players and setting up tees and soft-toss for hitting.
In these drills, players are reacting to the moving ball, but at a distance and speed where they can perform the fundamental correctly. In this environment the game is slowed down just enough for the player to get a feel for what they are doing right or wrong. It also is easier for the coach to see and to suggest a correction if needed. Remember the old saying: Practice makes perfect. It should be: Perfect practice makes perfect. If players are practicing poor fundamental positions that will be the position they take into the games. They will never develop the correct muscle memory. For example, if hitters only work on live batting practice and they are stepping in the bucket and swinging with an uppercut, that’s exactly what they’ll do in the game. They will not be able to hit correctly. Our point is, we want players to build the muscle memory that is fundamentally correct for fielding, hitting or throwing – all the skills needed on the baseball field. This is why controlled reaction drills are so effective in developing and maintaining players’ skills.

The first key is putting them in drills where they perform the fundamentals properly. The second key is the next step.

5. Performing Skills Correctly with Many Repetitions is the Quickest Way to Develop Muscle Memory for Success.
The more repetitions a player can get, the faster he will develop the muscle memory for that skill. Muscle memory is a result of teaching the muscles how to perform a specific activity and repeating that activity until it can be done freely without methodical thought. This is the ultimate goal in developing correct fundamental positions to hit, field and throw. Players can then compete during a game without clouding concentration by thinking about how to perform the skill.

Remember there are productive repetitions and unproductive repetitions. This is why the quality of the repetitions is of the utmost importance. We perform these repetitions for proper mechanics, so we want them done correctly. For instance, if a batter who is developing his swing mechanics gets 20 swings against pitches from the mound or 50 swings from soft-toss, which will make his swing mechanics better faster? The more fundamentally sound swing is easier to repeat and coach in soft-toss because the drill is slowed down enough for the player to have success and focus on mechanics. The player isn’t worrying about velocity or pitch location as much. Instead, they should be concentrating on the proper fundamentals for a good swing. And they will get 30 more reps in, over the same amount of time.

Use time efficiently and use controlled reaction drills where players can get in many repetitions of a fundamentally sound baseball skill.

Expert Advice on Explaining the Proper Fundamentals
Don’t assume players know the correct way to throw,
catch, hit or field. Take some time to explain
the key fundamentals. But, keep words precise,
direct and to a minimum. More importantly,
physically demonstrate the fundamental positions.

6. Game-Speed Practice.
Even with all the benefits of dry drills and controlled reaction drills, it is still necessary to put players in a game atmosphere. They need to experience the game of baseball at the speed they will be playing. This is true even if players are not yet proficient at all the fundamental positions and drills. As a coach you will need to hit pop-flies, hit ground balls from home plate, throw live batting practice and have players pitch live batting practice. Run scrimmages in which players run bases and have decisions to make on their own.

Judging the speed and reading the hops on a batted ball, timing a live pitch, recognizing a ball from a strike – players need to be exposed to all these skills.You will find out that your best players will need to practice more at game speed to be challenged.

7. Mix Game-Speed Practices With Dry and Controlled Reaction Drills.
Understanding what your players can perform and what their needs are will help you determine what drills will benefit them the most. For the majority of players there is a balance. For instance, don’t spend an entire practice at game speed ignoring the fundamentals. On the other hand, don’t spend an entire practice doing drills where players can’t experience the game in its proper setting. So, although there is a balance in teaching, developing and perfecting a player’s skills, all players are different. You must evaluate and decide what drills and practice plans best fit the development of your players.

You will find that once your players are fairly consistent on the fundamental positions, they will need less time performing dry drills. Controlled reaction drills, along with game-speed drills, will benefit them more. Most of the time your better players will also fall into this category.

Early in the season it is safe to say you should spend more time on dry drills and controlled reaction drills so players can understand and get a feel for the fundamentals you are striving to perfect. But as the season progresses and players’ skills improve, the majority of players should be able to repeat most of the key positions in dry drills. If this is true they will then need to practice their skills at a faster speed, which could mean a challenging controlled reaction drill or working at game speed.

There will be some players who still need dry drill repetition for different skills, such as throwing, all year long. Individual traits, strengths and weaknesses will need to be developed as well. It will still be very effective to utilize dry drills even late in the season for your better players if you see they are getting away from their good fundamental positions. Dry drills will still be best when a player has a difficult time making an adjustment in a particular skill. Remember, if a player is failing at a skill slow it down to the point the player can have some success and build the proper muscle memory for that skill. Over time the player will develop and improve.

Expert Advice on Teaching Progression
Use dry drills to build correct muscle memory and to help change bad habits and
body positions. Progress to controlled reaction drills for continued execution
of sound mechanics and lots of repetition. Finally, practice at game speed so
players can experience the game at the speed at which they must compete.

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