How Baseball Practice Can Make Your Team Perfect

Baseball is primarily a game of skill and therefore the best athlete doesn't always make the best baseball player. This is especially true if they don't have the skills needed to be a complete player. Baseball is a game of pitching, catching, base running, throwing, and hitting. If you want to improve in these areas you must practice, practice, practice. It can be particularly helpful to practice very quickly going from one drill to the other. But you must stay focused on getting the most out of every drill session. If you just go through the motions you're surely develop bad habits. You have to focus on quality practice. Therefore practice as much as you can while seeking quality training sessions. Here is some information and tips for you to keep in mind while you practice. These will surely help you improve your game.

Throwing the ball

Grab the ball with your index finger and middle finger along the seams of the baseball while keeping your thumb underneath it. As you prepare to throw square up your shoulders, move towards a target and throw with a 3/4 arm action.

Fielding the ball

In order to maintain good balance keep your feet spread and get down. You do not want the ball to go down between your legs. You should have your glove in front of you so you can block the ball and see it go into the glove. Then raise the ball up your midsection to throw.

Catching fly balls

In order to catch a fly ball from the outfield you should be striding toward your target and you want to be behind the wall. First of all, you can see the ball and secondly, you can get into your stride to throw to your target. Finally, be sure to catch the ball above the shoulder with your elbow bent. This will help cushion as you catch.

Batting stance

For the most part, you want to balance your stance with your feet shoulder length apart. In order to keep your balance keep your toes pointed inward slightly. You should be looking at the pitcher with your head level.

Pitching

A good pitcher wants to achieve consistent strikes using proper mechanics in order to reduce the chances of an injury. Vary the speed of your pitches and you'll keep the batter confused and off timing. You should learn to find the ball inside, outside, up and down.

Base running

You should always run in a way to give yourself optimum top speed. For example, if you're running for more than one base you need to keep your steps so you hit the base with your right foot as you get less arc and therefore you keep a more consistent stride and don't lose speed towards next base.

These tips are just the beginning when it comes to learning how to improve your baseball game. Practice, practice, and practice is what it takes to become a complete baseball player.

A big part of successful baserunning involves properly reading balls in the dirt. This drill will help your players to learn to properly judge the trajectory of a pitched ball that bounces in the dirt.

Station a baserunner at each base - first, second, and third. Runners should be independent of one another, since the responsibilities for each base differ slightly. Have a coach on the mound, pitching a variety of pitches - mix in balls and strikes, as well as pitches that will bounce.

Any time a pitch is about to bounce, the entire team must yell "Dirt!" This lets you know if everyone is paying attention, and players tend to like the excuse to yell.

Baserunners on first should automatically go if they know the ball is going to bounce - if they wait to see if the catcher has blocked the pitch, they are too late.

Runners on second should read the pitch and decide whether it is safe to go - if the ball gets away from the catcher, they should go, whereas if the catcher blocks the ball, they should stay put.

Similarly, the runner on third should read and react. Take a lead, get a good crow hop as the ball nears the plate, then react to the bounce of the ball.

Emphasize that each base is independent of one another; this is not a game situation in which a runner going from first automatically forces the runner from second. This is a drill to teach the different reactions needed from each base to a pitch in the dirt. Emphasize your runners' lead techniques, making sure that they don't lead too far, or are caught leaning the wrong way... it's not a bad idea to have your coach occasionally make a move to pick off one of the runner, just to keep them honest.

It's also a good idea to keep two catchers for this drill, to avoid tiring one out too much.

Five Tips for the off season to help you be a baseball star

Baseball Training - 5 Tips For Spring Training

Author: Mike Singh

Training for baseball doesn't stop after the season is over. The best time to get ready for the next season is during the off season, not training camps, and not a few weeks before the opening game. It takes time to build muscle strength, coordination and skill. Many of these things can be done at home and even indoors. Here are 5 tips for what you should be doing during your baseball off season this year.
Tips To Start Your Off-Season
* Strength Training - The key to being able to hit a home run comes not only from coordination and skill but from the right muscle build. While it is important to keep in shape it is also important to weight train. Get in a cardio workout but also getting in some toning of the arms, shoulders, legs, and back. While you don't need to look like a professional wrestler, building some muscle tone can really do well to improve your overall game.
* Knowledge Is Power - This old saying is true here in baseball training too. If you are a pitcher, learn how to hold the ball. If you are a catcher, learn the necessary calls and know them well. Develop a new understanding of the game. What plays will improve the team? What skills, then, do you need to have to do just that? Learn through DVD's as well as through just watching successful pitchers, batters and outfielders play.
* Work On Your Stance And Swing - The ball is coming at you. Do you hold your shoulders right? Do you swing at the right angle? Do you follow through as you should? If you don't, now is the time. Learn how to do this through coaching videos or through working with a trainer. But, learn.
* Eat Right - You know that your diet is important. Instead of trying to lose twenty winter pounds in the spring, just don't put them on. Overall your body will be in better shape and you'll be able to work most effectively on those muscles.
* Excellent equipment - No one said you shouldn't use quality equipment like swinging nets, pitching machines and just plan old getting outside and throwing the ball around. Sometimes, the best thing for a player is getting to know his team.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/baseball-articles/baseball-training-5-tips-for-spring-training-15804.html

About the Author:
On http://www.1-stop-baseball.com/ you will find more about softball fastpitch gloves & baseball team uniforms .

Pitching Tips For Your Kid To Pitch Like A Pro!

Every kid that loves baseball has fantasized about being a great pro pitcher and throwing a perfect game. It's one of those universal American dreams of little boys everywhere. While dreams like these should never be quashed, its important for responsible adults to teach kids how to pitch a baseball with the correct form and control. Without such guidance, overly enthusiastic children run a real risk of doing damage to their arms, elbows, and shoulder joints when throwing baseballs.

The first thing ever kid needs to learn before he takes the mound to pitch in a baseball game is the correct form. Not only will this give his pitches more power and control, it will also put less strain on the important and vulnerable parts of the body. There are two big keys for baseball pitchers. First, it must be taught to youngsters that effective and safe pitching is powered mainly by the legs, not the arm.

A good training tip is to have players watch several pro baseball games, paying close attention to the form of the pitchers as they wind up and throw. Have them note how the legs are what propel them, and that the arm is really just a means of directing the ball. Kids arent analyzers, and most of them will attempt to pitch a baseball using all arm strength. This is sure path to injury!

The other crucially important aspect of pitching a baseball that must be taught early is the role of the elbow. The natural tendency, especially in kids, is to simply try to throw the baseball as hard as they can each and every time. Again, this invites injury and can actually rob them of speed on every pitch.

The proper form is to train the elbow to lead the hand. The elbow should stay ahead of hand until just before release of the baseball. This takes some practice, but once a child learns to do it without forcing it, he s on the path to better control, more power, and (most importantly) a safe baseball throwing motion.

Caution: in conjunction with this move, baseball pitchers must learn to keep their throwing arm's shoulder in close to their body. One of the biggest hazards is letting the shoulder jut forward or to the side early in the pitching motion. The elbow moving ahead will put strain on the shoulder joint if it isn't kept close in. Again, this takes repeated practice, especially for kids for whom baseball pitching is new and whose bodies are not yet under their full control.

A good idea is to impress upon the young pitcher that speed isnt the top priority in good baseball pitching, control is. This serves two purposes. First, it will help you slow him down in order to ingrain the proper and safe movements outlined above. Second, its generally easier to build up speed after control is learned when throwing a baseball than it is to learn control after speed.

Base Running Drills

A big part of successful base running involves properly reading balls in the dirt. This drill will help your players learn to properly judge the trajectory of a pitched ball that bounces in the dirt.

Station a baserunner at each base - first, second, and third. Runners should be independent of one another, since the responsibilities for each base differ slightly. Have a coach on the mound, pitching a variety of pitches - mix in balls and strikes, as well as pitches that will bounce.

Any time a pitch is about to bounce, the entire team must yell "Dirt!" This lets you know if everyone is paying attention, and players tend to like the excuse to yell.

Baserunners on first should automatically go if they know the ball is going to bounce - if they wait to see if the catcher has blocked the pitch, they are too late.

Runners on second should read the pitch and decide whether it is safe to go - if the ball gets away from the catcher, they should go, whereas if the catcher blocks the ball, they should stay put.

Similarly, the runner on third should read and react. Take a lead, get a good crow hop as the ball nears the plate, then react to the bounce of the ball.

Emphasize that each base is independent of one another; this is not a game situation in which a runner going from first automatically forces the runner from second. This is a drill to teach the different reactions needed from each base to a pitch in the dirt.

Emphasize your runners' lead techniques, making sure that they don't lead too far, or are caught leaning the wrong way... it's not a bad idea to have your coach occasionally make a move to pick off one of the runners, just to keep them honest.

It's also a good idea to keep two catchers for this drill, to avoid tiring one out too much.

Baseball Tips That Can Make Your Mom A Great Baseball Player

Even as adults, there are some who have great difficulty when it comes to the co-ordination needed for sports like baseball. This is where basic baseball drills or sports drills can help even the most inept adult player. For some of these individuals, having to catch a ball can be a daunting task and considered unpleasant. The reason for this feeling of dread is the lack of basic skills that drills or practice can help improve. While some people just seem to have a phobia about sports in general and being involved even at a basic unorganized level is just to painful a consideration.

The problem with just ignoring basic play is that we end up losing yet another part of the child within us. Further, if we have kids, we tend to shy away from playing things that are uncomfortable for us, thereby possibly passing on our problem to our children. This is a pity as with just a little practice, anyone can go out and enjoy getting involved in a a sport. Practice drills will NOT make us everyday work- a- day people into superstars or national league players, but it will allow us the benefit of being active, being with friends, and being involved without the pain of embarrassment.

A good place to start, as with anything is at the beginning. Get yourself a comfortable baseball glove. Believe it or not, I actually prefer getting my gloves at the local thrift shop. The reason for this is the usually these haven't been abused but have been broken in well enough that they're soft and supple. So they're comfortable and cheap!

Get two and find someone in your family or a friend who just wants to throw a ball around. When starting out, I suggest using a a softball mainly because it's a bigger target to catch. It's also a little heavier and will build up your throwing arm while also being somewhat softer. A softball is just more squishy and is more player friendly especially when the baseball tossing starts to heat up and get faster and harder. No sense in bruising your hand with that fast pitch!

Another good practice drill is batting. Here, I suggest just going to the local batting cage and start out slow. The batting machines can be adjusted to almost any level or ability. Start slow with the goal to just hit or make contact with the ball. The idea here is to increase your eye hand and motion coordination while having a little fun. As you get better, have the speed increased and you'll be batting a thousand as they say in no time.

So don't let inability stand in your way of making some great memories this summer. Get out there and be a part of America's sport...Baseball!

Get Better and Faster Bat Speed

If you're a hitter - baseball, slow pitch, or fastpitch softball, you'll definitely find this to your liking!

As you know, I'm a big proponent of appropriate strength & conditioning as a way of increasing GAME TIME performance. This includes generating maximal bat speed. Unfortunately, science says what most of you are doing in the on-deck circle just prior to stepping to the plate is hindering your bat speed and quickness right when you need it most.

What are most of you doing in the on-deck circle? Swinging some type of heavy implement. Why is this wrong? I've summarized below the results of a study done in 1991 by Dr. Coop Derenne of the University of Hawaii. Results are ranked fastest to slowest by implement used. Bat velocity was measured by use of a photosensing computer timer. Players were college age; game bat weight was 30 oz:

1) Wooden overloaded bat (34 oz)
2) 27 oz underloaded bat
3) Standard 30 oz game bat
4) 25 oz underloaded bat
5) Power swing (adds 32 oz to bat)
6) 23 oz underloaded bat
7) Donut ring (adds 28 oz to bat)

Notice that the WORST item was the standard heavy batting donut. Also, using UNDERload (light) bats produced better readings than heavier implements. Just swinging your game bat with no weight attached produced better readings than any of the heavier tools!

The question you may be asking is WHY? Why, when you grab two or three bats or another heavy device, swing them vigorously, then grab your game bat (which now feels light as a feather) does this slow you down? You feel so much faster with your game bat after this, don't you?

What happens is simple fatigue of the fast twitch muscles you're depending on to perform at your best. At an imperceptible, neuromuscular level, all of this heavy work just before performing actually tires you out! So, right at the time you need to be your fastest, you've just slowed yourself down. It's sort of like a sprinter running a bunch of sprints or laps minutes before a race. Yes, he's warmed up, but he has also depleted too much of his energy, so he cannot perform at his peak.

Notice that the two best times were with weights that were about 10% above & 10% below the game bat weight. Just enough weight (the 34 oz bat) for you to get warmed up and ready, but light enough to not affect swing mechanics. The underload bat (27 oz) is noticeably lighter, allowing for an effective warm-up and priming the body to swing faster - overSPEED training.

Don't confuse this on-deck performance with a regular workout using heavy implements to develop strength and power. During such a workout, you're not appearing at the plate facing perhaps a 90 mph fastball. Tiring the muscles during a workout is the point.

However, this data underscores the fact that bat speed is most effectively developed by a combination of both heavy and light training. DO NOT NEGLECT OVERSPEED/UNDERLOAD TRAINING! If you only train slow and heavy, mechanics will be negatively affected (a real problem with a refined 'power skill' such as hitting) and you'll perform slow as well.

So put down that heavy device in the on-deck circle and go light! Especially when you're facing serious gas! And slow pitch hitters who are not facing 'gas,' you too need to generate maximal bat speed to drive the ball hard/deep.

FYI, you can find 4 oz donuts in our web site store that will fit baseball, softball, and youth bats.

Great Pitching Tips for Kids

Baseball Pitching Tips for Kids

Every kid that loves baseball has fantasized about being a great pro pitcher and throwing a perfect game. It's one of those universal American dreams of little boys everywhere. While dreams like these should never be quashed, its important for responsible adults to teach kids how to pitch a baseball with the correct form and control. Without such guidance, overly enthusiastic children run a real risk of doing damage to their arms, elbows, and shoulder joints when throwing baseballs.

The first thing ever kid needs to learn before he takes the mound to pitch in a baseball game is the correct form. Not only will this give his pitches more power and control, it will also put less strain on the important and vulnerable parts of the body. There are two big keys for baseball pitchers. First, it must be taught to youngsters that effective and safe pitching is powered mainly by the legs, not the arm.

A good training tip is to have players watch several pro baseball games, paying close attention to the form of the pitchers as they wind up and throw. Have them note how the legs are what propel them, and that the arm is really just a means of directing the ball. Kids arent analyzers, and most of them will attempt to pitch a baseball using all arm strength. This is sure path to injury!

The other crucially important aspect of pitching a baseball that must be taught early is the role of the elbow. The natural tendency, especially in kids, is to simply try to throw the baseball as hard as they can each and every time. Again, this invites injury and can actually rob them of speed on every pitch.

The proper form is to train the elbow to lead the hand. The elbow should stay ahead of hand until just before release of the baseball. This takes some practice, but once a child learns to do it without forcing it, he s on the path to better control, more power, and (most importantly) a safe baseball throwing motion.

Caution: in conjunction with this move, baseball pitchers must learn to keep their throwing arm's shoulder in close to their body. One of the biggest hazards is letting the shoulder jut forward or to the side early in the pitching motion. The elbow moving ahead will put strain on the shoulder joint if it isn't kept close in. Again, this takes repeated practice, especially for kids for whom baseball pitching is new and whose bodies are not yet under their full control.

A good idea is to impress upon the young pitcher that speed isnt the top priority in good baseball pitching, control is. This serves two purposes. First, it will help you slow him down in order to ingrain the proper and safe movements outlined above. Second, its generally easier to build up speed after control is learned when throwing a baseball than it is to learn control after speed.

Use the Wiffle Ball to teach Hitting and Pitching Techniques

Pitching Mechanics and technique using the Wiffle Ball

Holding the ball differently will cause the ball to be a curveball, slider, sinker, floater, fastball, or any other kind of pitch. Thanks to the lightweight nature of the wiffle ball, a young player can try different stances and pitching mechanics and techniques. A pitcher can throw side-arm or overhead. The pitcher can even switch and use their non-preferred throwing arm. A right-handed pitcher could try pitching left-handed, and a left-handed pitcher could choose to try being a right-handed pitcher. The simple grip of the ball and the lightweight wiffle ball can allow this experimentation.

Hitting mechanics using the Wiffle Ball

Since a Wiffle Ball Bat is lighter than a childs traditional Bat they are able to swing faster which increases speed. By increasing the bat speed the kid can make contact and hit the ball farther. Kids then have had their confidence built up and allow you to work on their hitting mechicanics. After you have mechanics down take a right handed batter and let them work on hitting left handed. Do the same with the left handed kids. This drill you will want to work on bat to ball contact soft toss drills.


Other Hitting drills using a Golf ball wiffle ball.

Toss the golf ball size wiffle balls to kids to help them keep their eye on the ball.
This makes for a great game with all the kids and helps them keep their eye on the ball. Besides if they can hit a SMALL golf ball size ball then they should hit a baseball.

Bunt Young, Bunt Often

Bunting is a very big part of the game of baseball. And when a bunt is laid down the right way, it is very difficult to defend.

I have always been big on bunting and feel it can be taught at a young age. There are basically two types of bunts: the square bunt and the pivot bunt. My preference is the pivot bunt because the players just pivot and do not have to lift their feet. Once in a playoff game I had a player square bunt and he put down a perfect bunt and beat it out, or we all thought. The only problem was when he lifted his leg and put it down in a different position, it was right on home plate and he was called out.

The best way to teach bunting for the first time is to practice with a soft covered ball or a rag ball which is described in The 59 Minute Baseball Practice video. With the rag balls or a soft covered ball, there is very little danger of getting hurt and the players can actually pitch to each other. Once they seem confident, move on to a hard ball with the coach pitching.

There are many bunting strategies that can be used in a game. My favorite is with less than two out and a runner on third, bunt to the third baseman with the base runner bouncing toward home. When the third baseman releases the ball, the man on third runs home and he must slide. If it is a good bunt and the base runner breaks to home when he should, this is almost unstoppable.

Remember that youth baseball players can practice bunting at a very young age. Seek out your high school coach to teach the proper technique. Also make sure your best bunters get a chance to swing away.


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Why Hitting a Small Ball Leads to Big Results in Baseball!

by Coach John Peter

Why Hitting A Small Ball Leads to Big Results

In all of sports hitting a round ball with a rounded bat is said to be toughest thing to do. It might be true, it might not, but I can tell you that the difference in Major League Baseball between $2 million per year and pumping gas at a Texaco station could be as little as 30 more hits a year. So, it sure is not easy!

Think about that for a second… 500 at bats and 150 hits, and you are hitting .300. 500 at bats and 120 hits, and you are hitting .240 and maybe out of baseball!

So what's my point? THE GAME ELIMINATES US ALL (see the related article of this same title). Some way, some how and some day we are all out of the game. Sometimes it's injury, but more frequently, it's on-field performance. And hitting is the one skill that will keep a position player in the game longest! Whether it is breaking into the starting line-up, the clean-up spot, a travel or High School team, or even a Major League roster, hitters have a way of staying in the game longest! (Remember, there still is a DH for poor-fielding wall-bangers in Big League ball).

Focus Plus Quality Repetitions Equals Success Can you find ways to make better, solid and more frequent contact with the talent you now possess? You bet you can. It's easier than you think and can be done right in your backyard! Hit a small ball…first with a bat, then with a smaller bat, then do it again and again. It's a simple idea. I hope most readers will agree that this makes sense. … But lets dig deeper into how and why this works.

I will tell you that it is a baseball truth that if you learn the proper swing mechanics and then simply do it again and again… You become better…period!

Here's Why It Works 1st - Players of all ages can do this though we will be making some adjustments based on age and skill level. 2nd - Hitting requires timing and balance. This is achieved through repetition of proper swing mechanics done again and again. 3rd - Focus heightens when a player is challenged - a smaller ball perhaps struck with a smaller bat will create an even greater amount of focus. Do this again and again…you will see results almost immediately! 4th - Hitting is fun!

Here's How It Works Your local K Mart or Wal Mart sells golfball sized whiffle balls by the dozen. They also sell broom handles. Get the picture? It stands to reason that if a player can hit a small ball, he certainly can hit a regulation-sized baseball. The same is true with a smaller bat. Start with 2-3 dozen balls and a bat. Throw from 15 to 20 feet depending on the hitter's age and skill level. Even if he struggles in the beginning, watch what happens when he starts connecting. The eyes narrow, the "this is no fun" attitude disappears. In short order, he's taken 50 - 150 swings! This is where progress begins to happen.

Note - If you do this three times or more during the first week especially the day of or the day before a game, you have just raised the hitter's timing and confidence levels tremendously! But if you do it one time only, you or your player may not be motivated enough at this time in the player's development to become a more skilled player or coach. I say this simply because this exercise requires less effort and time than most skill-building exercises that I could possibly invent or teach!

Coaching Tips & Variations For Younger or Less-Skilled Players - Buy what used to be known as a Fat Albert Bat. It's plastic and about 3 times the diameter of a regulation-sized bat. Cost is less than $5.and is available at a K Mart or Wal Mart type store. It's a great way to build confidence. Players get a kick out of how far they can hit the ball too! Eventually, let them advance to their own game bat.

The Soft Toss Drill - This should be a staple for any team. Simply stated, the "pitcher" kneels about 5 - 7 feet diagonally (a 45 degree angle) to the front side of the hitter and tosses underhanded toward the front hip or thigh area in a small-to-no arc path. This is a great way to get alot of swings without all the bad throws that happen when pitching from longer distances. It saves on the pitching arm as well. The batter takes a minimum of 15-25 cuts. Take a break to retrieve balls when the player's swing begins to get sloppy or his breathing becomes labored.

Note: Pitcher must allow time between pitches for the player to get his bat back to the set position. This is extremely important for his timing as too fast will eventually equal lousy swings and may allow bad habits to invade.

Make It A Challenge & Make It A Game - Look for the fun in any drill. Why be bored or feel like you are working when you don't have to. Here's a few quick , fun ideas…

Batting Average Game - Each player (or if one player, each rack of 20 swings) keeps track of how many good hits during each round of 20. Play it in 6 or 9 "innings"

Total Hits Game - Make each round a continuous total. Again play it in "innings"

Training Aids That Use The Small Ball Theory Here is the most requested training tool at Baseball Tips.com. Check it out.

Personal Pitcher This training aid pitches golfball sized whiffle balls consistently at one speed. The player stands between 17 and 22 feet to change the degree of difficulty. It is totally rechargeable and very quick to set up or break down. It is perfect for use where there is no power source, but also can be plugged into a wall socket. Two models for both younger and older players are available. We have packaged both machines so that customers can optionally choose some accessories at a savings. Priced between $189-319.

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About the Author

Coach John Peter, presently aged 50 something, is a lifelong student of the greatest game on earth. After being asked to find a more suitable occupation at age 26, many seasons after donning his first uni at age 7, he has transcended his skills into the much more important role of coach and especially as an instructor! He prides himself as never having charged any player or coach for a single lesson!

Change Up: The Pitch for a Strong Arm's Lifetime

The Pitch for a Strong Arm's Lifetime

I have a vivid recollection of a great coach, John Scolinos of Cal Poly Pomona (CA), teaching our star national team Australian pitcher a change of pace pitch in about one minute. The reason the scene stays with me is because a week later the pitcher beat the World Champion Korean National Team at the under 19 World Championships with that same pitch.

Scolinos told the 18-year-old, "grip the ball with your fastball grip, turn the ball back slightly so that the second pads of your top fingers are touching the ball's seams. When you release the pitch, see your five-year old sister at bat".

Whether pitching to your little sister, a fellow youth player or a professional hitter, the concept of changing speeds among pitches is vital. For example, coaches suggest that the fastball be thrown at three speeds. Normal velocity that may be at 93-96 percent of maximum velocity, a BP fastball that is thrown at a lesser speed inducing the ball to be hit by a weak hitter, a fastball at 97-100% velocity may be thrown when the pitcher is ahead in the count.

The change up should also be used to destroy the hitter's rhythm. The pitch should achieve a 10% velocity decrease, while having the hitter swing at the same arm action and release as the fastball. Pitchers desire that the ball be hit on a place on the bat other than the "sweet spot". If the pitcher can throw a change up that appears to be a fastball, have the hitter swing and hit the ball for a slow grounder, the pitcher has done all that he can.

Another factor that bears on what to teach a young player is that ASMI research regarding pitches shows that the change up produces less stress at the elbow and shoulder than the fastball, curveball and slider. For this reason alone the change up should be the second pitch taught to the youth pitcher. While the change up should not replace the fastball as the pitcher's primary pitch, for reasons of anatomical development of the pitcher and the resultant arm strength, it should in time become the youngster's second pitch.

ASMI/ABF research shows that an average youth pitcher, ages 9 to 14, will pitch 370 game pitches during a spring season. The average amount of pitches per hitter is five. This means that the pitcher will face 74 hitters during the season. If the local rules protect the pitcher by pitch count of approximately 75 pitches per game (our research suggests that at the 75 pitch level and above, there is a 35% increased risk of elbow pain and a 52% increased risk of shoulder pain), then he/she will face 12 hitters per game. The frequent use of the change up reduces stress at the joints and if thrown for strikes, could reduce pitch counts as the hitters’ ground and fly out.

Our experience with young pitchers here in the USA is that the youngster needs a couple of seasons to develop the fastball, then the addition of the change up with a frequency of one of every five pitches allows the change to become part of the pitcher's tool kit as he/she matures.

So pick up the ball and pitch it to your little sister!


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Avoid Strike Outs by Developing a Two-Strike Swing

Some players accept striking out as part of the game. Others find it humiliating. Some take weak swings trying to just make contact or swing at something they can't drive early in the count so they aren't faced with the possibility of striking out.

Developing patience at the plate and reducing the fear of striking out can be facilitated by having confidence that one can still have a successful at bat with two strikes in the count. If this confidence is lacking (or if a player simply needs to reduce his number of strike outs), a player should consider developing a two-strike swing.

While a lot of players shorten their stride and their swing with two strikes (which is good), sometimes a more radical approach is needed. One thing I would suggest, especially for younger players, is to avoid the stride altogether with two strikes. When faced with two strikes, take your stance in the batter's box. Before the pitcher delivers the pitch, take your stride and hold it with the weight back a bit and your hands over the rear foot. Then simply take your swing from this position.

I've seen hitters do this over a course of a year and actually end up hitting better with two strikes on them than early in the count. Makes you wonder if you even need a stride (actually you do to reach your potential as a hitter). Once a player has confidence in his two-strike swing, he should show more patience and take better swings early in the count.


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3rd Base Tasks and Tips

Playing third base, requires the player to change his fielding position depending on the situation the hitter is facing. The following guidelines will enable them to be ready and move quickly to take up a new position on the field, as the situation changes.

Set Position
1 Weight slightly forward, left foot in front three or four inches of the right foot. Knees slightly bent and weight up on the balls of the feet.
2 Glove held waist high.
3 As the pitcher gets ready to release the ball keep your eyes focused on the strike zone.

Ready Position
1 Both hands chest high and out in front of the body.
2 Leaning forward, anticipating the ball being hit in front of you.
3 By bending the knees (as the pitcher releases the ball) the glove should be as close to the ground as possible.

Fielding Ground Balls
1 Field all balls that you can get to, unless the shortstop or left fielder calls you off.
2 Square your shoulders to the base you are throwing to and plant the right foot before throwing.
3 When fielding a bunt or soft hit grounder use your bare hand, spin, then throw the ball with the "side arm motion."

Fielding Line Drives
1 Keep your chest in front of the ball and use two hands to catch it.
2 If it is a hard hit ball, knock it down. You'll have time to make the throw.


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Youth Baseball Practices Don’t Have To Be Long To Be Good

Youth Baseball Practices Don’t Have To Be Long To Be Good

Back in the late 70's an old college professor of mine was fond of saying, "Don't confuse activity with accomplishment." Jump forward about eight years and imagine me observing a coach running practice for his Little League team. At the start of practice most of the 10, 11, and 12 year olds are very enthusiastic. As the practice progresses I notice only two forms of activity taking place. One has the head coach throwing batting practice, with each hitter getting 10 to 15 swings, while each pitcher takes a turn throwing to the assistant coach as the others stand and watch. I, too, stand and watch and I don't know who is more bored, the players or me.

When I saw a member of the board of directors, I commented on how poorly I thought the practice had been run. The board member responded, "If you think you can do a better job, then volunteer to coach." (Me and my big mouth!) But I did just that. And my first practice, though planned differently, ended up being two tedious hours of batting practice and pitchers throwing on the sidelines. Exactly what I had been so critical of myself! After that first practice I told my wife that there must be a better way. Even though I had a master's degree in Physical Education from Arizona State University, baseball was the major sport I was least knowledgeable about.

So, I decided to research alternative practice methods. I observed a variety of teams during practice ranging from seven year olds to college level players. I noticed that the best practices were not necessarily the longest and that the most organized coaches wasted little time. On most of the drills every player was involved. It was amazing the way some coaches integrated fun and learning and how creative some of the drills and games were. I began to use some of these techniques with my team. After a little trial and error I was actually able to run a more effective practice in half the time.

To run a practice like this does take preparation, mostly at the beginning of the season. But coaches need not look at this as a chore. It can be as much fun for you as it is for the players. The youth baseball coach, whether it's Babe Ruth League, Little League, or local Park and Recreation Department, should make a list of drills at the beginning of the year that they are interested in trying. The idea is to be creative. When my oldest son was eight, I began a practice with a simple relay race, consisting of two lines of six players each. To put a baseball theme into the race, I had each player wear their glove and hold two baseballs in it. The learning benefit of this relay race was to teach kids the importance of squeezing the glove. Another year I was teaching players how to bunt. When the team took batting practice, I put one cone 10 feet directly in front of home plate and another cone 10 feet to the left of the plate. Each player gets two bunts before his regular swings. For each bunt that goes between the cones, the player earns two extra swings. This motivated the players to focus when they bunted. And it worked!

If a coach plans five to seven drills of ten to twelve minutes in length for each practice, the players will be more attentive and less bored. Don't worry about players not liking certain drills. About a third through the season they will let you know which ones to weed out.

The youth baseball season is unlike any other season. Fathers sneak out of work early, families rarely eat dinner before 8:30 at night, and the laundry room is active day and night. As parents and coaches, we should make practices more interesting and fun because during a typical little league season players spend as much or more time practicing than in actual games. Be creative and have a great baseball season!


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Simple Tips For Playing Baseball

Simple Tips For Playing Baseball

Playing Baseball

Baseball is a game of skill and for that reason the best athlete is not always the best player. Baseball involves thrilling, pitching, catching, baserunning, fielding, and hitting. If you want to improve in all of these areas and skills then you must practice regularly using drills. Practicing must be fast and include jumping from one drill to the other. A good baseball player must always focus on making the most out of every drill session instead of just going through the motions which can often lead to bad habits. If you want to improve your baseball game focus on top form in as many drill opportunities as you can. Here's some information to help you while work on improving your baseball game.

Throwing the ball

You should grab the baseball with your index finger and middle finger along the long seams of the baseball while keeping your thumb underneath it to provide support. When you throw be sure to square your shoulders with your target and while moving towards the target throw with a 3/4 arm action.

Fielding the Ball

If you keep your feet spread and stay down you'll ensure good balance. You do not want the ball to go between your legs and you always want your glove in front of you so you can block the ball and see it go into your glove.

Catching Fly Balls

If you're out in the outfield you'll want to be striding towards your target and you'll want to be behind the ball. You need to be able to see the ball and you need to be able to quickly get your stride to throw to your target. Finally, be sure to catch the ball above the shoulder with your elbow bent. This will help cushion when catching.

Batting Stance

When batting your stance should consist of your feet shoulder length apart with your toes pointed inward slightly. This stance will help you keep your balance. Be sure to look at the pitcher with your head level.

Base Running

Always run in a way to give yourself the best chance for top speed. For example, if you plan on running more than one base try to time your steps so you hit the base with your right foot as you get less arc and stay consistently striding without losing speed towards the next base.

Pitching

Good pitchers focus on making consistent strikes with proper mechanics. Proper mechanics will reduce the chances of an injury. If you vary the speed of your pitch the batters will remain confused and their timing will be off.

These tips for improving your baseball are just beginning. It is important that you practice on all of these skills if you want to become a well-rounded baseball player.
About Author:
Robert Michael is a writer for http://www.faubaseball.com which is an excellent place to find baseball links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.faubaseball.com