Tip of the Month
Today is Thursday, July 03 2008 page was opened at 07:10PM
July's TIP
Characteristics of a Winning Hitter Part 2
- Does not fear getting hit by a pitch
- Does not fear striking out
- Is not concerned with statistics
- Understands failure is part of the game
- Remains positive at all times
- Never questions or begs the umpire
- Reacts in a mature way when not successful
- Has a consistant routine each at bat
- Adjusts mentally to game situations
- While aggressive, remains relaxed
- Clears his mind and focuses only on the pitch
June's TIP
Characteristics of a Winning Hitter Part 1
- Looks and acts confident
- Believes he or she can hit any pitch
- Has an aggressive approach at the plate
- Learns by swinging the bat
- Loads early and strides to see
- Attacks fastball strikes early in the count
- Believes every pitch will be a strike
- Thinks fastball and then reacts to off speed
- Refuses to let the fastball get by
- Is mentally and physically tough
May's TIP
Form an A. This is how you get an "A" in hitting at BATTER UP... We do NOT allow the back elbow up. It is bad advice if your coach is telling you to have your back elbow up. "A is how we describe the position of the forearms and elbows in a down, relaxed position when preparing to hit.
April'S TIP
If I can get players to do 4 things every day ... watch their production go up!!!
- Get up to the plate with confidence.
- Have an attainable goal and that is to hit the ball hard! We can NOT control getting a hit! That cannot be our goal. My goal must be to hit the ball hard. Hit the ball hard consistently ... and you will get your hits! Getting a hit is 99% of everybody's goal, so if my goal is to only get a hit ... I'm in trouble. Hit the ball hard ... you win!
- Hit the ball properly. Properly is to attack the inside part of the baseball. My new analogy is? if Barry Bonds swings as hard as he can swing and it doesn't leave the yard there has to be a reason ? sometimes he is on the outside of the ball, which creates a hook type spin on the ball, and more often than not will create a hard ground ball.
- Help my team win TODAY? today is the only day that counts.
Too many players let their mind get in the way of their ability!
Everybody knows baseball is 90% mental ...
So why do we work on that part of the game less than 10% of the time!?
MARCH'S TIP
The Eyes Have it - the ability to concentrate on the pitcher's release point (arm slot) will give the hitter the confidence he needs to stand in the batter's box and hit. Many young hitters demonstrate fear because they don't see the ball well at the release point. They pickit up much later. You will often see this manifested in the way they flinch or "step in the bucket".
Understanding that the eye is similar to a camera will help. The eye is like a camera in that it must focus on an object or clarity will be lost. So it would be premature to concentrate on the pitcher's arm slot too early, the hitter would be looking at a background, nothing tangible.
Our suggestion is to focus on the letter of the pitcher's cap as he starts his delivery until his front foot lands. At that point switch your gaze to just above the pitcher's throwing shoulder. The ball is going to come out of that area and with practice and concentration the hitter will be able to see the ball at the release point.
Practice this during every batting practice. It will take time to develop but it is one of the keys to successful hitting.
FEBRUARY'S TIP
"Champions are made in the OFF season"
All great athletes work out in the off-season. Most championship caliber athletes work out/exercise EVERY day. They not only work on their specific skill but on their physical and mental development.
Every athletic endeavor and sport requires speed and agility, More importantly, the development of quickness of feet will enhance the athletes overall performance.
TIP:
EACH day speed and agility drills must be done. A vigorous workout will make muscles stronger and longer and INCREASE speed and agility. These exercises will also improve range of motion which will increase velocity.
Cone Jumps:- Jump over cones (sideways) for 30 seconds. Take a 30 second break
- Jump over cones (front/back) for 30 seconds, Repeat two times.
- Do the same exercises, this time on your toes.
Hang:
Hang from a bar/fence twice each day. Gravity pulls can be rehabilitating to our body. You are being compressed each day. Your vertebrae are being pressed and your feet bear the burden of your body weight. By "hanging" each day you will balance gravity's crunch. EACH morning and evening, grab hold of a bar, fence, or door sill, and hang for 20-30 seconds.
JANUARY's TIP
Resolutions for a successful 2005
Whether you are a coach, parent, or player, here are a few "Self Help" thoughts to begin the New Year. These may be applied to baseball, business, or life in general.
- Set specific, realistic goals. Write them down, consider the sacrifices that need to be made to achieve them and follow an action plan to carry them out. "It is better to risk and miss than to aim too low and hit."
- Set daily priorities. Your action plan will tell you what to do but to ensure they get done put your priorities in order. Make a list in the order of their importance.
- Practice keeping a positive attitude every day. Eliminate negativity from your life. Your attitude determines your future.
- Turn off the Television once in a while.
- Associate with successful people. Seek out people of honesty, integrity, and achievement.
- Live a life based on values. Practice honesty, trust, determination, patience, personal responsibility, integrity, persistence, and a willingness to work. Success is built on positive values.
- Do at least one thing every day to improve yourself.
- Practice your faith.
- Never quit, never give up, never give in.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
DECEMBER's TIP
Caring for your glove
"Only a poor carpenter blames his tools, but..."
For many, this year's baseball season is complete. This is an important time to clean and prepare your glove and other "tools" for next year. Proper maintenance of equipment will better prepare YOU for next baseball season.
During the season, you should keep your glove (or mitt) clean and use a conditioning cloth after each game. Make sure it is always dry and if damp, air dry it. Be sure to keep it away from damp areas and excessive cold. Throughout the season, condition the pocket, hinge, and base of the web...these areas can become dry and affect your ability to "pick" the ball. Do NOT over condition! Lastly, check the laces and keep them tied and replace any defective ones.
At the end of the season, condition your glove with a very small amount of conditioner. Use a cloth and wipe the entire glove (in between fingers, etc.). You do not want the glove to become brittle or hard for the coming season. Place a ball well into the pocket and tie or wrap the glove in a cloth bag. Be sure to store the glove in a dry area so it will be able to "work" next season.
We suggest using a Nokona glove conditioner...
NOVEMBER's TIP
Pitching is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.
Our good friends at BASEBALL EXCELLENCE have compiled the seven steps of pitching mechanics. None of this material is new or original, but has been organized for you in a logical order. Hopefully, the phrases will help you teach and/or recall proper pitching mechanics and the sequence for good pitching. NOTE: The SwingAway hitting machine is an excellent tool for pitching practice as it provides a plate, strike zone, and rebound net!
Pitcher's Super Seven:
- Small Step Back: "Rocker Step" with head over the pivot foot. Balance!
- Balance Point: As a pitcher gets to the position with the leg up he must be balanced before he goes forward.
- Lead Leg Down: The leg should go down and glide not swing around. Head over belly button.
- Good Direction to the Plate: Lead elbow, shoulder, hip, leg and foot should all glide toward the plate in the closed position.
- Lands in the Locked Position: Land flat footed with front elbow high, pointing to the catcher. (closed position) Throwing elbow high and 90 degrees.
- Explosive Hip Action: Square to the hitter with explosive turn.
- Smooth Follow Through: Good extension on the downward plane.
OCTOBER's TIP
"The Load"
Getting ready to hit by incorporating the proper "load" position.
To gain maximum power, a player must integrate momentum into the swing at the same time balance and proper eye focus must be maintained.
- Assume your stance incorporating the athletic position with 50/50 weight distribution. The majority of your weight should be placed on the inside of each foot.
- As the pitcher begins their motion (shows you their hip pocket), you show them your hip pocket. Shift your weight back so that 60% is on the inside of your back foot. The hands will naturally move back slightly with the rest of your upper body.
- At this 60/40 position, the player should remain balanced and the eyes remain focused on the pitchers release point. The head should remain level.
This simple hitting necessity can be practiced anytime. The key is to not overload the rear leg. Placing too much weight back will result in an off-balance swing. Keep the ratio at 60/40. This will ensure the required balance.
SEPTEMBER's TIP
Here are a few tips for coaches as they move forward into the season:
- Count the hops - When hitting grounders have your infielders count the hops as the ball approaches. This will force them to concentrate on the ball. Count the hops silently and call the number out to the coach.
- Hit ground balls during batting practice. A wonderful time saver and you will find your infielders get many more ground balls this way.
- When you hit ground balls to your players hit routine fungos, not hard smashes. It is important they work on technique and not have to develop fear of ground ball fungos.
- Look at the brim of their cap as they field the ball. It should be pointing at the ground as the ball enters their glove. If not, they can easily lose sight of the ball.
AUG's TIP
In The Dugout - A Hitter's Pre-Game Preparation. A hitter must compliment his mental approach with his physical assets. In the dugout he prepares mentally for the battle.
- He mentally reviews the signs.
- He reviews game situations he may have to face; sacrifice bunt, moving the runner from second to third, no out hitting, scoring a runner from third base with less than two outs.)
- He mentally assesses the pitcher(s) he may face.
He must watch the opposing pitcher warm up.
- Where is his release point; over the top, three-quarter?
- Is it consistent with each pitch?
- How consistently is he throwing strikes and with what pitches?
Hitters who tak these responsibilities seriously will create a competative edge.
JULY'S TIP
The Grip - Many young ball players have never been taught the fundamentals of gripping a bat, so be careful not to assume they know the proper techniques. It's common for inexperienced players to set the bat in the palms of their hands, resulting in a locked wrist when swinging. Instead, they should rest the bat handle across the calluses, just below the finger joints.
Be sure that the knuckles are aligned properly. When young players first grab a baseball bat, many naturally align the big knuckles with the middle knuckles. This is a power grip used to drive the ball deep.
A grip with the middle knuckles aligned seems to ensure better control, even though it may seem awkward at first. More big-league hitters utilize this grip than most people realize -- It's one of the best kept secrets in baseball.
JUNE'S TIP
Outfield Tips- When playing at an unfamiliar diamond for the first time it is a good idea to walk the entire outfield looking for things that might affect ground balls, such as holes or other potential surprises. Arrive early and do this before your stretch, form run and throw routine.
Any which way the wind blows - Before the first pitch of every inning simply pick a few blades of grass and throw them into the air. This will help you judge wind direction and speed, and may help you get a break on fly balls. Also check the sun each time.
Outfield Mentality - Instill in your outfielders the mentality that everything hit into the air will be caught. Teach them how to read the ball off the bat and work hard on instilling a desire to succeed and giving 100% effort.
MAY'S TIP
How to Ger Hit - or, How to get out of the way of an inside pitch. We feel there are two important things hitters should learn at an early age. One is to learn how to see the ball out of the pitcher's hand and the other is to learn the correct way to get hit. Many times a young hitter will back up as an inside pitch comes too close or he will step back with his stride foot. (Stepping in the bucket)
If he backs up, the front of his body becomes vulnerable- face, neck, chest, etc. If a player is going to get hit, the correct way is to protect those vital parts. To do this he must pivot on his front foot, turn his body inward, tuck his head and lower his bat.
This exposes only the meaty parts of his body to the pitch. The bat head is lowered so that the ball won't hit it and cause a foul ball. This should be practiced on a regular basis.
We suggest using tennis balls to hit the players.
APRIL'S TIP
Take Your Time - It is our observation that many young, inexperienced hitters don't take enough time during their turn at bat. Suggestion: develop a routine that takes from 10 to 12 seconds. Adjust your gloves; tap the clay off your spikes, whatever is natural for you. This has a two-fold purpose. This gives you time to consider the situation and what you want to accomplish with this at bat and it makes the pitcher wait. It has been theorized that anything over 10 seconds and the pitcher has a tendency to lose his concentration and rhythm. You should develop this routine at batting practice. Take your time there as well. Don't let the BP pitcher shotgun pitches to you. Have a plan. What part of your game needs improvement; your balance, stride, etc? Don't just go up there hacking without an idea of what you want to accomplish.
MARCH'S TIP
The Eyes Have it - the ability to concentrate on the pitcher's release point (arm slot) will give the hitter the confidence he needs to stand in the batter's box and hit. Many young hitters demonstrate fear because they don't see the ball well at the release point. They pickit up much later. You will often see this manifested in the way they flinch or "step in the bucket".
Understanding that the eye is similar to a camera will help. The eye is like a camera in that it must focus on an object or clarity will be lost. So it would be premature to concentrate on the pitcher's arm slot too early, the hitter would be looking at a background, nothing tangible.
Our suggestion is to focus on the letter of the pitcher's cap as he starts his delivery until his front foot lands. At that point switch your gaze to just above the pitcher's throwing shoulder. The ball is going to come out of that area and with practice and concentration the hitter will be able to see the ball at the release point.
Practice this during every batting practice. It will take time to develop but it is one of the keys to successful hitting.
FEBRUARY'S TIP
"Champions are made in the OFF season"
All great athletes work out in the off-season. Most championship caliber athletes work out/exercise EVERY day. They not only work on their specific skill but on their physical and mental development.
Every athletic endeavor and sport requires speed and agility, More importantly, the development of quickness of feet will enhance the athletes overall performance.
TIP:
EACH day speed and agility drills must be done. A vigorous workout will make muscles stronger and longer and INCREASE speed and agility. These exercises will also improve range of motion which will increase velocity.
Cone Jumps:- Jump over cones (sideways) for 30 seconds. Take a 30 second break
- Jump over cones (front/back) for 30 seconds, Repeat two times.
- Do the same exercises, this time on your toes.
Hang:
Hang from a bar/fence twice each day. Gravity pulls can be rehabilitating to our body. You are being compressed each day. Your vertebrae are being pressed and your feet bear the burden of your body weight. By "hanging" each day you will balance gravity's crunch. EACH morning and evening, grab hold of a bar, fence, or door sill, and hang for 20-30 seconds.
JANUARY'S TIP
01/01/04- Resolutions for a successful 2004.
Whether you are a coach, parent or player, here are a few ?Self Help? thoughts to begin the New Year. These may be applied to baseball, business or life in general.
1. Set specific, realistic goals. Write them down, consider the sacrifices that need to be made to achieve them and follow an action plan to carry them out. ?It is better to risk and miss than to aim too low and hit.?
2. Set daily priorities. Your action plan will tell you what to do but to ensure they get done put you priorities in order. Make a list in the order of their importance.
3. Practice keeping a positive attitude every day. Eliminate negativity from your life. Your attitudes determine your future.
4. Turn off the Television once in a while.
5. Associate with successful people. Seek out people of honesty, integrity and achievement.
6. Live a life based on values. Practice honesty, trust, determination, patience, personal responsibility, integrity, persistence, and a willingness to work. Success is built on positive values.
7. Do at least one thing every day to improve yourself.
8. Practice your faith.
9. Never quit, never give up, never give in.
Looking forward to seeing new and currents clients this upcoming Year. Coach Yennie and Staff...
DECEMBER's TIP
"Catch the Ball with Two Hands!" NOT!
Since we were little kids we had that axiom drilled into us. But the reality is that it is not an effective coaching phrase. There are many baseball plays that require fielding the ball with one hand instead of two. In many instances it's better to say, "Catch the ball with one hand!"
When you catch the ball with one hand you have more 'reach'. Try it. Hold both of your arms straight out in front of your body and reach. Now put only one arm out and reach. See how much more range you have?
The plays better made with one hand include:
- All catches at first base
- Ground balls going to your left
- The backhand
- Receiving a thrown ball in a rundown
- Slow roller
- Any fly ball where you have to run down left or right
- Fly balls where you have to 'lay out' or dive
- Tag plays
Two hand plays include:
- Routine ground balls in front of you
- Receiving a throw as the pivot on a double play *
- A routine fly ball in front of you (Although I wouldn't say anything to a player who caught it with one hand)
- A routine fly ball with a runner ready to advance *
- Receiving a thrown ball as the cutoff or relay man *
* - The reason for having both hands close together on these plays is so that you will be quicker taking the ball out of your glove.
NOVEMBER's TIP
Message from Coach Yennie
For years, the greatest SECRET and Story NEVER told is that there is a major formula for success! It is HW=LTS. This formula stands for HARDWORK = Long Term Success. No matter what the skill is, what the curriculum is, or what the job it...The most successful are ALWAYS the people and students who work the hardest. We passionately believe that "Champions" are made in the off-season and it is young players whose solid work eithic takes them to the next level! If you really want to play, you really have to work...Ichiro and Edgar Martinez and Jerry Rice and Tiger Woods work 8-10 hours a day in their off-seasons. As Muhammed Ali once said, "It's not the time in the ring that wins the firght, but the work at 4:30am with no one watching that makes me a champion!" It is "Cool to go to School" and learn life's lessons and rules. If you want to succeed you must put school and education #1 and sports #2...But, you can do both. How? Work hard and smart...instead of TV, video games, and "hanging", Take that time to be really cool and work harder on academics and baseball! There really is NO SECRET to SUCCESS other than HARD WORK, passion, and perseverance...so get to it!
OCTOBER’s TIP
LEARN FROM YOUR FAILURES
The game of baseball is based on failure and anyone who plays it experiences failure many times. Rod Carew is in the hall of fame and he made 7000 outs. Coaches who teach kids should understand that fact and learn not to be so “results” oriented. Instead, teach them how to learn and improve from those times when success eludes them. Tell them they are not going to win every game and they are not going to get a hit every time and the umpire is not going to make a call that goes their way every time.
We have all seen coaches who go “bananas” when a player strikes out. I have seen coaches give the “take” sign on a 3-1 or even a 3-2 pitch to a young player in the bottom of the order. I wonder if those coaches are helping players develop and go on to the next level?
Wouldn’t it be better if the coach let the players swing the bat? In fact, wouldn’t it be better if the coach instilled in his players to be aggressive at the plate?
We feel one of the best learning experiences is during a game when a player lets a fastball go by that was a good pitch to hit. He quite often will swing at a bad pitch in that at-bat, usually on the next pitch. If he fails, we use that as a teaching opportunity. We ask him at what pitch he should have swung and he thinks about it and usually comes up with the right answer. He has learned something from his failed attempt.
Keep in mind that many of the players’ mishaps are because of something you hadn’t got around to teaching them. Treat a failure as an opportunity, not a disaster. Have patience and keep an even temperament when your players are not successful
SEPTEMBER'S TIP
Improving in the Off-season
Now is the time to set up some goals for your players to accomplish in the off-season. When you make a schedule for them to follow keep in mind you do not want to make it boring for them. Change or alternate activities, especially strength and weight lifting exercises. This is doubly important if you are not able to work with you players as a team and have to give them a schedule to work on individually. Here are suggested goals:
- Get Stronger
- Gain Speed
- Improve Technique
- Improve Mechanics
Activities might include:
- Strength training - Tailor this to the age group. Lifting must be supervised.
- Arm care exercises - flexible tubing and/or light dumbbells.
- Running Drills - Form Running, Power Ladder Drills, Sprint Work, etc. In extremely cold weather climates players can work indoors on techniques by coordinating their arms and legs in marching fashion, pumping arms in sitting and kneeling positions and vertical jumping.
- Medicine ball work.
- Mechanics work in front of a mirror.
- 2x4 Drill for pitchers.
- Hitting drills including dry swings, tee work, ZipNhit, using a SwingAway, etc.
- Throwing a rubber ball against a wall and fielding it.
Desire and imagination are a coach and player's only limitations. It is important for players to maintain and improve their athleticism and athletic rhythm. Playing another sport in the off-season can be beneficial.
AUGUST'S TIP
If you are not sure whether a play will be close or not "ALWAYS" S-L-I-D-E!!
When practicing, slide on grass (damp outfield grass is best) or in a sand pit, without spikes or shoes. It is safest to work on sliding with a coach or adult that understands sliding.
- Always run full speed when practicing sliding. If you hesitate or run slowly, you increase the chance for injury.
- Always start the slide with plenty of space between yourself and the base to avoid jamming a leg, knee, or ankle.
- Before practicing at full speed, sit on the ground in the sliding position. "Memorize" the feel of it. This will make it easier and safer to practice as well as speed up the learning process.
Sliding Technique:
- Run full speed, drop straight down kicking one leg forward and tucking the other...drop on your rear not on your side and do not lunge.
- Keep a slight bend in the front knee and left heel.
- Throw your hands up in the air and keep them off the ground...many players keep pebbles/gloves in their hands to keep hands off the ground.
- Lean back, relax, and S-L-I-D-E
HINTS:
- Avoid the head first slide, especially at home
- Only slide at first base to avoid a tag
JULY'S TIP
Dear Coaches:
Your team's success depends on your ability to "educate and motivate"! Every successful coach is a great "teacher of the game". Here are key teaching "points" that are actually the "Cardinal Rights or the DO's" of pitchers, hitters, and base runners. Every player must know these by heart!
"Cardinal "DO's" of a Pitcher" - Pitchers should always:
- Work ahead in the count! Hit your "spots". Make the hitter swing the bat.
- Get the "lead-off" out! Never walk a "lead-off hitter".
- Remember - "You do not allow 0-2 hits".
- Remember - "You do not allow 2-Out walks".
- Remember - Make something happen "Early in the Count". You never go 3-Ball count on any hitter.
- Remember - You should never allow Back-to-Back walks.
"Cardinal "DO's" of the Hitter" - Hitters should always:
- Get the Sign.
- Get the "Bunt Down"
- Swing at anything close when you have 2 strikes. Never take a "Third Called Strike". If it's close enough to call a "Strike", it is close enough to hit!
- Remember that you are to never "Look Back" at the umpire after a called strike!
- Remember to never chase a "Bad Pitch" on a 3-0 (green light), or a 3-1 count.
"Cardinal "DO's" of the Baserunner" - Baserunners should always:
- Hustle! Hustle! Hustle!
- Get the sign.
- Pick up the 3rd base coach half way to second on a hit ball.
- Anticipate the "dirt ball". Make something happen! The 3rd base Coach's job is to stop you. It's your job to "Start Yourself"! Never run through a stop sign!
- Execute the proper slide. Slide away from the defender.
- Get a proper lead! Use a two-out lead at 2nd with 2 outs. Take your 3rd base lead in foul territory.
These are just a few of the "DO's" of the game. I am sure that you know others as well.
Great players expect to work!
Great players expect to win!
JUNE'S TIP
BASE RUNNING TIPS
Good base running is just for fast guys, right? Wrong. You don't have to possess great speed to be a good base runner. Good base running comes under the category of paying attention to details. Many games are won and lost on the base paths. Speed is nice, but not a mandatory talent for competent base running. A good base runner should know his limitations and should be aggressive within those limits. He should exercse good judgment and keep foolish mistakes to a minimum. Base runners should know the game situation and what their run represents. They should not be satisfied with one base and should always think a base ahead. A base runner should be aware while he is on base, of game-related details:
- How many outs?
- Is there a runner ahead of me?
- Where are the outfielders? (Cue: "Find the outfielders.")
- Where are the infielders? (Playing in, double play depth, standard positioning.)
- What is the score?
- What kind of move does the pitcher have?
- Is the infield dirt hard or soft?
- Does the pitcher have a tendency to throw his curve in the dirt? (Cue: "Read the ball in the dirt")
- Does this team use special or trick defensive plays?
- Did the coach give me a sign?
- Does their catcher have a good arm and is he accurate?
Practice your leads, sliding, rounding bases, taking the extra base, hit and runs, stealing, 2 out leads, breaking up a doubl eplay and diving back to bases. Don't underestimate the importance of good base running.
MAY'S TIP
The Fear of being hit by a pitch can be overcome
Many players are afraid of being hit with a pitched ball and that fear leads to bad hitting habits and uneasiness at the plate. You must overcome the fear or you cannot concentrate on hitting. Understanding the situation will help you to focus on the ball and not dwell on being hit.
Being hit only hurts for a little while:Most young players are afraid because they've never been hit. The imagined hit is much more painful than the actual one. Most times a batter is hit in an area with "padding" and the pain is minimal.
Pitchers don't often hit batters nor try to:Rarely is a player seriously hurt by a pitched ball, especially at the youth level. Most young pitchers cannot throw it hard enough to cause injury and definitely are not trying to hit you and allow you a "free trip" to first base.
If you have good hitting techniques, you can get out of the way: If you keep your EYES on the ball it is very hard to get hit by it, especially in the head...why? Your head is the most flexible part of the body and easiest to move. Also, always turn your back to the ball and duck if you are not sure of a pitch.
APRIL'S TIP
THROWER'S CHECKLIST
Throwing - Proper throwing mechanics throughout the long toss workout is very important. Throw the ball with a limited arc. Do not throw as if you are throwing "uphill". If the distance becomes challenging, use a crow hop. If you can't reach a certain distance, one-hop the ball. Poor mechanics add stress to the arm. Good mechanics strengthen it. It's early in the season for most. Start the season by teaching your players good throwing mechanics.
Grip - Check to see if the grip is a 4-seam fastball grip and the ball is not choked back into the palm. From the time the player catches the ball to the time his arm is in the cocked position, he should have the ball in a 4-seam grip. (He should practice that every time he plays catch until it becomes second nature).
Feet - Throwing starts with the feet. Usually when a player makes a throwing error, it is because he didn't have his feet set properly. the anklebone of his throwing-side foot should be pointed at the target (closed). The lead foot should land slightly closed and pointing at the target.
Arms - Both arms should be aligned with the head and shoulders.(When pitching, arms would be aligned with second base.)
Elbow - Elbow should be shoulder high whether you are using the arm action of a pitcher,outfielder,catcher, or infielder. Your elbow should be at shoulder height the instant you bring your arm forward.
Lead Arm - The lead arm should be shoulder high also and aligned properly. The lead elbow should be pointed at the target.(This is unique to the player. The main point is that the lead arm is shoulder high and closed to the target).
Extension - The ball is released out in front of the head and not beside the head. Get the chest out over the front leg. The fingers remain on top of the ball and do not flop off to the side. The arm snaps to full extention.
Follow Through - Finish the throw with a smooth fluid motion and the head out over the landing foot.
MARCH's TIP
Warm-up & Stretching to Create a Better Player
Spring is almost here and that means the start of baseball and softball season. Proper warm-ups and stretching before practice and games cannot be ignored regardless of the level of play or the age of the players. This is often neglected particularly in youth baseball and softball leagues because practice time on crowded fields is so limited that many coaches immediately begin practice without much warm-up & stretching time.
Young children generally need to learn proper fundamentals so they will not get hurt while playing the sport. Older children need to learn proper techniques so that they don't hurt themselves while playing.
Young adults require more fitness and training and are generally subject to the same type of injuries as adult athletes. Those participating in highly competitive programs will definitely benefit from both preseason and in-season training. They will require more extensive and longer warm up and stretching.
In planning fitness programs for baseball and softball players it should be remembered that these sports stress quickness and skill rather than strength and endurance. Minimum pre-practice warm ups should include stretching and mild jogging as well as gradually increased throwing intensity. Pitchers should thoroughly warm up and not throw hard until they are well warmed up.
Tips For warm-up & Stretching:
The aims of stretching are to gently lengthen muscles before and after any form of exercise, and to improve tissue elasticity / flexibility. If done correctly, stretching will help prevent injuries and increase athletic performance.
Warm-up
WHY?
- to increase heat throughout the body
- to reduce risk of tearing or straining muscles by increasing their suppleness
HOW?
- 2-3 minute jog, to raise a light sweat (like around the field)
Stretching
WHY?
- to increase flexibility and freedom of movement
- to reduce muscle tension
- to reduce the risk of muscle and tendon injuries
HOW?
- hold stretch for 10-30sec - DO NOT BOUNCE
- repeat each stretch 2-3 times
- stretch gently and slowly, keep breathing
- stretch to the point of tension - NEVER PAIN
- select the major muscle groups used in your sport and stretch them through their full range of movement
- This Should take around 10-15 minutes.
FEBRUARY'S TIP
WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS TO GET READY FOR THIS SEASON??
Great! Then, practice success mentally! The methodology is simple and enjoyable. To practice, simply visualize performing skills in which you want to excel. Focus on the perfection of mechanics, perfect timing, power, agressiveness or anything that you desire and you will enhance your skills even when not physically performing. However, when possible, perform at least part of the physical motions related to the skill while mentally practicing. Learn the feel of your muscles performing actions, such as swinging a bat, pitching windup and delivery, fielding and/or running the bases. This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions. The creative side of the mind is an awesome power. Use HEAD GAMES to visualize success and I promise that when the season starts your skills and performance will be better.
JANUARY'S TIP
01/01/03- Resolutions for a successful 2003.
Whether you are a coach, parent or player, here are a few ?Self Help? thoughts to begin the New Year. These may be applied to baseball, business or life in general.
1. Set specific, realistic goals. Write them down, consider the sacrifices that need to be made to achieve them and follow an action plan to carry them out. ?It is better to risk and miss than to aim too low and hit.?
2. Set daily priorities. Your action plan will tell you what to do but to ensure they get done put you priorities in order. Make a list in the order of their importance.
3. Practice keeping a positive attitude every day. Eliminate negativity from your life. Your attitudes determine your future.
4. Turn off the Television once in a while.
5. Associate with successful people. Seek out people of honesty, integrity and achievement.
6. Live a life based on values. Practice honesty, trust, determination, patience, personal responsibility, integrity, persistence, and a willingness to work. Success is built on positive values.
7. Do at least one thing every day to improve yourself.
8. Practice your faith.
9. Never quit, never give up, never give in.
Looking forward to seeing new and currents clients this upcoming Year. Coach Yennie and Staff...
DECEMBER'S TIP
Christmas time is here and what a great time to buy that new bat for your child for the upcoming season. What weight and what length should I get? Choosing the correct bat size isn't easy. There is no hard and fast rule about how to figure it out. The first thing I check out before I give hitting lessons is the bat weight and length the child is currently using. In most cases they are swinging a bat that is to heavy or to long for them, which leads to many common hitting problems wrapping, hitching, and slow bat speed. Below is the guide I recommend for bat size by age, which follows most of your local league rules also. Have a great Christmas, and remember you can always call me on any questions you may have about baseball.
| Age | Weight Min. | Weight Max. | Length Min. | Length Max. | Barrel Size
|
|---|
| 6-7 | 17 Ounces | 19 Ounces | 24 inches | 28 inches | 2 ¼
|
| 8 | 18 Ounces | 20 Ounces | 26 inches | 29 inches | 2 ¼
|
| 9 | 19 Ounces | 21 Ounces | 28 inches | 30 inches | 2 ¼
|
| 10 | 19 Ounces | 21 Ounces | 28 inches | 30 inches | 2 ¼
|
| 11 | 20 Ounces | 22 Ounces | 28 inches | 30 inches | 2 ¼ or 2 3/4
|
| 12 | 21 Ounces | 23 Ounces | 29 inches | 31 inches | 2 ¼ or 2 ¾
|
| 13-14 | 22 Ounces | 24 Ounces | 30 inches | 32 inches | 2 3/4
|
NOVEMBER'S TIP
When first teaching your child how to catch a ball use a softer ball. From my experience they are
always a little fearful at first because of the hardness and speed of the ball coming at them.... My suggestion is to start out with a tennis ball and teach them to catch first without a glove, which enforces the use of 2 hands. After mastering that let them use there glove. Also remember to teach finger tips up on balls thrown above the waste and finger tips down on balls thrown below the waist. When catching a ball always position your body so that the ball is directly in front of you, and not off to either side. All these techniques can be practiced in a relatively small area.
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