By Chris Moheno
While some may think that baseball hitting simply involves swinging a bat in such a way that it strikes the ball, there is far more to it than that. In fact, this is the most difficult baseball skill to master and without proper baseball training, one can never truly master the art. After all, you have a highly skilled pitcher sending a ball towards you with frightening speed and what you're expected to do, is to strike that ball, which of course is round, with a bat that is also round. To make matters even more demanding, one has to strike the ball squarely in order for it to travel in the direction of your choice.
While many who are unfamiliar with the art of baseball hitting tend to think the primary goal of the hitter is to strike the ball with maximum impact, this is in fact only the secondary goal. First and foremost, to be successful, your primary goal is to be consistent in two fundamental qualities and those are, your swing style must remain the same and you need to swing at every pitch. One thing that all aspiring baseball players need to realize is that no book, no video, and no coach can provide you with a secret shortcut to becoming a great hitter. The only way to achieve success is through unwavering dedication, commitment and of course the willingness to learn from those who have been along the same road themselves.
One of the main challenges faced by baseball coaches is the task of teaching players how to deal with failure, or at least what the player believes to be failure. Because mindset is so important, a coach needs to teach a player that failure is not failure but instead, it's all part of the learning process. As long as a player can accept the fact that their goal should not be to hit the ball hard or to score home runs but rather to see the pitch every time, then they can become successful. The only thing a hitter has 100% control of, is the pitches he swings at and if he can accept this and believe in it, then he can become a great baseball hitter.
Having said all this, players who possess these qualities can then be coached into becoming great hitters, always making solid contact with the ball and this is done by placing emphasis on mechanics. In baseball, good mechanics is an essential part of the coaching for four reasons:
1. It optimizes eye contact with the ball.
2. It enables a shorter swing, allowing more time for decision-making.
3. It teaches maximum swing speed.
4. It creates good balance, which means greater accuracy.
These four aspects that form good mechanics are fundamental and players would be well advised to know that if you're not being taught them, then you need to find a better coach. Furthermore, all four have been listed in order of their importance so it's hardly surprising to see eye contact at the top of the list. After all, when it comes to hitting the ball, it's your eyes that guide your brain and today it is widely accepted that this visual connection, accounts for at least 80% of a players success. By mastering the first step, a hitter is able to follow the ball from the moment it leaves to pitcher's hand until the moment it makes contact with his bat. During this time, the hitter will estimate speed, rotation, etc, in order to best prepare himself to deliver a good hit.
Of course, a short swing, which is listed in second place of the good mechanics, is really common sense. Why? Because a short swing requires less time than a long swing and the more time a hitter has, the more time he has to decide if he is going to swing. Additionally, the hitter also has extra time to focus on the pitch and to best prepare himself, both physically and mentally.
Swing speed, which is the third factor, also makes perfect sense because the faster your bat is traveling; the harder it's going to strike the ball. Contrary to what some may think, a light bat delivers better results than a heavy bat because they afford the batter faster speed and better control. Of course, bat speed does not only depend on the weight of the bat, but rather on a whole combination of factors such as body strength and the ability to use the entire body for baseball hitting.
Lastly but not least, the fourth factor of mechanics taught in all baseball training is balance. If a hitter does not maintain proper balance, he will not be able to control his center and when this happens, optimum control has been lost no matter how hard or how fast a hitter is.
When one considers all the various points which have been discussed in this short article, it's hardly surprising that many believe baseball hitting to be one of the most difficult skills to learn of all sports and a skill that can only ever be mastered with good quality baseball training.
Chris Moheno has a long time passion for sports in general and for baseball coaching more specifically. His goal is to spread the word about effective non-fluff baseball training techniques for both more experienced and young baseball players, to help them perform better during the game. Discover more about baseball training on baseballtrainingsecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Moheno
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible bat speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
Tee Ball Baseball Parents will find the TeeBall Parent Blog to be a valuable source for information, tips, and articles related to teaching your child to play baseball. Being a baseball parent carries with it the duties and responsibilities of starting your child off correctly. Teaching your child to hit, throw, field and run can be a fun and exciting family activitiy. Subcribe to the TeeBall Parent Blog and get a better insight and understanding of how to help your child.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Baseball Instruction - What Your Instructor Absolutely Must Have
By Jack D. Elliott
Finding good baseball instruction can be a challenge when there are hundreds of baseball instructors to choose from. This can be problematic especially when baseball instructors disagree on what is important and you are trying to find the best instructor for you or your son. To help you with this process, we have included some tips that you can use to help find the best baseball instruction for your son.
1. Coaching Experience matters. It is not essential that the baseball instructor be a major league player. Some of the best instructors and coaches are former players who could not make it at the top level. This is because they have a sincere appreciation of what is needed to be a great baseball player. This often translates into better baseball instruction for you or your son. It is better to opt for coaches that have trained high school, college and major league baseball players. You want this assortment so that you know they can filter their knowledge in a way that your son can understand it and be able to take this up to other levels if needed.
2. Be willing to pay top dollar. Top baseball instruction is usually not cheap. For this reason, expect to pay a good amount for this instruction. We recommend you have your son take lessons early in his high school career beginning in the summer before the 9th grade to ensure the proper mechanics and techniques take effect. This will save him time as he does not learn bad habits and will allow him to perform better from the very beginning. Then, periodically over the next few years, you should have him go back and get refresher lessens to continue his progress. This will give your son a chance to keep developing and improving under the baseball instructor's tutelage.
3. Good Rapport with Parents and Kids. This is important because it shows the baseball instructor really cares about the kids he is training. If the instructor has good rapport, this will make it easier for the kids to get into the lessons and end up getting better results. For this reason, look around for recommendations and see if there are any concerns. Also, when asking around, check to see if the kids' play really improved because of their training. After all, this is why the kids are there in the first place.
www.QuickSwingTrainer.com
Stop wasting time and energy trying to research Baseball Instruction. Instead, try visiting http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com to get some solid tips on what to look for in baseball instruction for hitting, pitching and strategy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_D._Elliott
Finding good baseball instruction can be a challenge when there are hundreds of baseball instructors to choose from. This can be problematic especially when baseball instructors disagree on what is important and you are trying to find the best instructor for you or your son. To help you with this process, we have included some tips that you can use to help find the best baseball instruction for your son.
1. Coaching Experience matters. It is not essential that the baseball instructor be a major league player. Some of the best instructors and coaches are former players who could not make it at the top level. This is because they have a sincere appreciation of what is needed to be a great baseball player. This often translates into better baseball instruction for you or your son. It is better to opt for coaches that have trained high school, college and major league baseball players. You want this assortment so that you know they can filter their knowledge in a way that your son can understand it and be able to take this up to other levels if needed.
2. Be willing to pay top dollar. Top baseball instruction is usually not cheap. For this reason, expect to pay a good amount for this instruction. We recommend you have your son take lessons early in his high school career beginning in the summer before the 9th grade to ensure the proper mechanics and techniques take effect. This will save him time as he does not learn bad habits and will allow him to perform better from the very beginning. Then, periodically over the next few years, you should have him go back and get refresher lessens to continue his progress. This will give your son a chance to keep developing and improving under the baseball instructor's tutelage.
3. Good Rapport with Parents and Kids. This is important because it shows the baseball instructor really cares about the kids he is training. If the instructor has good rapport, this will make it easier for the kids to get into the lessons and end up getting better results. For this reason, look around for recommendations and see if there are any concerns. Also, when asking around, check to see if the kids' play really improved because of their training. After all, this is why the kids are there in the first place.
www.QuickSwingTrainer.com
Stop wasting time and energy trying to research Baseball Instruction. Instead, try visiting http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com to get some solid tips on what to look for in baseball instruction for hitting, pitching and strategy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_D._Elliott
Monday, September 28, 2009
Youth Baseball Drills - Start the Kids on the Road to Success Early
By KC Andrus
Why Youth Baseball Drills?
Ahh, the joys of youth baseball. What a wonderful sight to behold, the children out there giving it there all, wearing their emotions on their sleeves and the parents in the stands biting their fingernails, overcome with nervousness. The sights and sounds of a little league game are one of the fondest memories of many children's childhoods and also becomes ingrained in the minds of their parents. Whether you are a parent, coach or player, however, it takes steady practice doing the RIGHT youth baseball drills to make your team a winner.
What Youth Baseball Drills are Effective?
Everyone knows that the most glamorous asset for a baseball player's inventory is his hitting skills, it is also his most valuable. So here are some common problems facing young hitters and some drills to help you improve.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball!
It's the first thing you learn as a baseball player and one of the most important. A good drill to improve this is to have someone stand on a mound and throw a ball and have the player track the ball all the way into the catcher's glove. Very simple and effective.
Hit Line Drives
If you're popping the ball up a lot or hitting way too many choppers, it is always one of two things: your timing is off or your swing is off and your bat path isn't straight to the ball. A good drill to make sure your bat path takes you straight to the ball is to practice hitting sharp line drives off of a tee.
My Timing Is Off
If you're struggling with timing and rhythm within your swing one of the best drills you can do to correct that problem would be soft toss. Have someone kneel on one knee out to the side and softly toss the ball up to you while you focus on timing and hitting the ball up the middle squarely.
What Other Measures Should I Take?
There are various other resources that can help you come up with Youth Baseball Drills and provide fantastic coaching tips. In order to get the best information, you have to sift through all of the misinformation on the internet. This is where I found the best information for me, it provides solid tips and even lets you in on some secrets to maximize hitting potential:
Youth Baseball Drills
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KC_Andrus
Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest for daily post and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball. The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog. Check out the Bat Action Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty. Check out Baseball2u.com/Coachesbest.com for all of your coaching and training equipment needs. Visit the Baseball Dealz Ebay Super Store to purchase top quality baseball training equipment at discount prices.
Why Youth Baseball Drills?
Ahh, the joys of youth baseball. What a wonderful sight to behold, the children out there giving it there all, wearing their emotions on their sleeves and the parents in the stands biting their fingernails, overcome with nervousness. The sights and sounds of a little league game are one of the fondest memories of many children's childhoods and also becomes ingrained in the minds of their parents. Whether you are a parent, coach or player, however, it takes steady practice doing the RIGHT youth baseball drills to make your team a winner.
What Youth Baseball Drills are Effective?
Everyone knows that the most glamorous asset for a baseball player's inventory is his hitting skills, it is also his most valuable. So here are some common problems facing young hitters and some drills to help you improve.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball!
It's the first thing you learn as a baseball player and one of the most important. A good drill to improve this is to have someone stand on a mound and throw a ball and have the player track the ball all the way into the catcher's glove. Very simple and effective.
Hit Line Drives
If you're popping the ball up a lot or hitting way too many choppers, it is always one of two things: your timing is off or your swing is off and your bat path isn't straight to the ball. A good drill to make sure your bat path takes you straight to the ball is to practice hitting sharp line drives off of a tee.
My Timing Is Off
If you're struggling with timing and rhythm within your swing one of the best drills you can do to correct that problem would be soft toss. Have someone kneel on one knee out to the side and softly toss the ball up to you while you focus on timing and hitting the ball up the middle squarely.
What Other Measures Should I Take?
There are various other resources that can help you come up with Youth Baseball Drills and provide fantastic coaching tips. In order to get the best information, you have to sift through all of the misinformation on the internet. This is where I found the best information for me, it provides solid tips and even lets you in on some secrets to maximize hitting potential:
Youth Baseball Drills
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KC_Andrus
Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest for daily post and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball. The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog. Check out the Bat Action Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty. Check out Baseball2u.com/Coachesbest.com for all of your coaching and training equipment needs. Visit the Baseball Dealz Ebay Super Store to purchase top quality baseball training equipment at discount prices.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Coaching Youth Baseball - 3 Simple Basic Steps in Teaching a Young Baseball Beginner to Throw
By Nick Dixon
There are 3 basic steps that every beginning baseball player must be taught when learning to properly throw a baseball. These three steps are simple actions that make learning to throw easier and simple to understand.
The three basic steps in properly throwing a baseball are:
Step 1:
Turn your body before you throw. The body should be turned toward the player's throwing arm. This makes sure that the players shoulders are properly turned, putting the ball on the back side away from the "target" to which we are throwing.
Step 2:
Get both elbows up to a level "T" position. As I said the proper throwing arm position is commonly called the "T" position. Both of the player's elbows should be lifted to a horizontal position at shoulder height. The front elbow should be pointed toward the "target". The back elbow should be equally as high and pointed in the opposite direction from the front elbow.
Step 2:
Take the ball back, up & away. The ball should be lifted to a position that puts the back elbow at a 90 degree angle with the horizontal position of the "bicep" portion of the upper arm. The ball should be positioned in the hand with the ball turned away from the body. This means the ball will be directed away from the player's body. This ball position insures that when the player's shoulders turn during the throwing motion, the ball will be in the correct throwing position when the arm comes forward.
Step 3:
Step toward your target as you begin the throwing motion. Transfer your weight onto the front foot as you throw the ball. Step forward with your back foot as you complete your throw.
Check out the Bat Action Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
Also check out the CoachesBest.com/Baseball2u.com for one of the largest online baseball coaching and training stores.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
There are 3 basic steps that every beginning baseball player must be taught when learning to properly throw a baseball. These three steps are simple actions that make learning to throw easier and simple to understand.
The three basic steps in properly throwing a baseball are:
Step 1:
Turn your body before you throw. The body should be turned toward the player's throwing arm. This makes sure that the players shoulders are properly turned, putting the ball on the back side away from the "target" to which we are throwing.
Step 2:
Get both elbows up to a level "T" position. As I said the proper throwing arm position is commonly called the "T" position. Both of the player's elbows should be lifted to a horizontal position at shoulder height. The front elbow should be pointed toward the "target". The back elbow should be equally as high and pointed in the opposite direction from the front elbow.
Step 2:
Take the ball back, up & away. The ball should be lifted to a position that puts the back elbow at a 90 degree angle with the horizontal position of the "bicep" portion of the upper arm. The ball should be positioned in the hand with the ball turned away from the body. This means the ball will be directed away from the player's body. This ball position insures that when the player's shoulders turn during the throwing motion, the ball will be in the correct throwing position when the arm comes forward.
Step 3:
Step toward your target as you begin the throwing motion. Transfer your weight onto the front foot as you throw the ball. Step forward with your back foot as you complete your throw.
Check out the Bat Action Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
Also check out the CoachesBest.com/Baseball2u.com for one of the largest online baseball coaching and training stores.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
Thursday, September 24, 2009
How to Play Baseball - Teaching Younger Hitters a Good Baseball Swing
By Nate Barnett
I love teaching 11 and 12 year olds how to play baseball. They are still at the age (most of them) where they don't know everything there is about the baseball swing. But, one of the best rewards from teaching youth baseball drills is the excitement on their faces when they figure out for themselves how to crush the baseball.
The first step to teaching youth baseball drills is to understand the part of the swing that will produce the greatest and quickest positive results in a hitter. The faster a coach can reach an athlete and instill some confidence in the skill of hitter, the more receptive he will be for future coaching as he learns how to play baseball better. The single most important first skill to teach a young athlete is the ability to properly manage his balance while hitting a baseball.
Here are a few techniques to include when teaching your athletes how to play baseball offensively.
1. Make sure that the stance of the athlete is wide enough. The "shoulders width" suggestion doesn't hold up when one really understands how weight is shifted. The general rule is to position your hitters with their hips inside their knees, and their knees inside their feet. Once a hitter is in this position, and it is difficult to tell if the formula from the previous sentence is in place, he is too narrow at the base and needs to widen his stance.
2. There must be a legitimate transfer of weight onto the back leg as the hitter prepares himself before the baseball is released. Without the ability of a visual here (though I'll have a complete ebook finished on this topic very soon complete with visuals!), make sure the back knee is roughly above the back shoe. If the back knee has moved to the outside of the back shoe, the weight transfer is too great. This whole process of creating a transfer of weight allows a hitter to create power generating from his backside leg and not only his upper body. I cannot emphasize the importance of this point enough.
3. Once the hitter begins his swing, the back leg which is still housing approximately 60% of the body weight will rotate in what is commonly referred to as the pivot. As the rotation occurs, look to see if the weight and the flex of the back leg is still present. One simple way to tell if this has occurred is see if there is an imaginary vertical line running from inside shoulder through the hip, through the back knee upon finish of the swing.
I do realize this is somewhat technical in nature, however, if fully understood it will make all the difference in the world for the consistency of a young athlete. It's worth learning for sure.
Nate Barnett is owner of BMI Baseball designed to improve the mental game of baseball in athletes. Learn how to help your game by improving the skill of mental baseball
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett
CoachesBest.com
HurricaneTrainer.com
BatAction.com
HandsBackHitter.com
QuickSwingTrainer.com
AdvancedSkillsTee.com
BattingCagesDirect.com
BattingCagesrUs.com
I love teaching 11 and 12 year olds how to play baseball. They are still at the age (most of them) where they don't know everything there is about the baseball swing. But, one of the best rewards from teaching youth baseball drills is the excitement on their faces when they figure out for themselves how to crush the baseball.
The first step to teaching youth baseball drills is to understand the part of the swing that will produce the greatest and quickest positive results in a hitter. The faster a coach can reach an athlete and instill some confidence in the skill of hitter, the more receptive he will be for future coaching as he learns how to play baseball better. The single most important first skill to teach a young athlete is the ability to properly manage his balance while hitting a baseball.
Here are a few techniques to include when teaching your athletes how to play baseball offensively.
1. Make sure that the stance of the athlete is wide enough. The "shoulders width" suggestion doesn't hold up when one really understands how weight is shifted. The general rule is to position your hitters with their hips inside their knees, and their knees inside their feet. Once a hitter is in this position, and it is difficult to tell if the formula from the previous sentence is in place, he is too narrow at the base and needs to widen his stance.
2. There must be a legitimate transfer of weight onto the back leg as the hitter prepares himself before the baseball is released. Without the ability of a visual here (though I'll have a complete ebook finished on this topic very soon complete with visuals!), make sure the back knee is roughly above the back shoe. If the back knee has moved to the outside of the back shoe, the weight transfer is too great. This whole process of creating a transfer of weight allows a hitter to create power generating from his backside leg and not only his upper body. I cannot emphasize the importance of this point enough.
3. Once the hitter begins his swing, the back leg which is still housing approximately 60% of the body weight will rotate in what is commonly referred to as the pivot. As the rotation occurs, look to see if the weight and the flex of the back leg is still present. One simple way to tell if this has occurred is see if there is an imaginary vertical line running from inside shoulder through the hip, through the back knee upon finish of the swing.
I do realize this is somewhat technical in nature, however, if fully understood it will make all the difference in the world for the consistency of a young athlete. It's worth learning for sure.
Nate Barnett is owner of BMI Baseball designed to improve the mental game of baseball in athletes. Learn how to help your game by improving the skill of mental baseball
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett
CoachesBest.com
HurricaneTrainer.com
BatAction.com
HandsBackHitter.com
QuickSwingTrainer.com
AdvancedSkillsTee.com
BattingCagesDirect.com
BattingCagesrUs.com
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Choosing the Right Bat For Your Baseball Swing
www.AdvancedSkillsTee.com
By Nate Barnett
A question I get asked a lot, especially from younger players, is regarding the correct bat weight and length. The reason it's a difficult question to answer is because it's not cut and dry. However, here are a few things to consider as you select a bat that matches your baseball swing.
1. The goal in selecting a bat that is the correct size is to not get sucked into the fallacy that bigger is better. This is not always the case. I was a power hitter during my playing days and always batted in the 3rd or 4th spot in the lineup. The biggest bat I ever used was a 33 inch, 30 ounce bat. Some guys used a 34 inch bat, but that was the exception and not the rule. In fact, we had quite a few hitters through college and into pro ball who used small bats. The reason? Bat speed. If you want a good baseball swing, bat speed is important.
2. While bat speed is valuable, there is a point where too light of a bat is counterproductive. A hitter should want to be swinging the bat instead of the bat swinging the hitter. If the bat swings like a whiffle bat, then it will be tough to maintain bat control while hitting a baseball. This usually happens when swinging a bat where the weight of the bat is far less (minus 9) than the length of the bat.
3. Don't worry so much about if the bat is long enough to cover the entire plate. If a hitter is swinging the correct way on an outside pitch, he will be able to reach the outside part of the plate with most bats. And even if the hitter is having a tough time covering the outer part of the plate because of the bat, chances are that most pitchers at that point will not be able to throw on the outside part of the plate consistently.
4. Lastly, rely on comfortability. Many hitters, even younger ones, can pick up a bat and swing it and can tell if it "fits". It's much like trying on a pair of shoes that are too small. You can tell instantly that they don't fit right, especially if you compare them with a pair of shoes that fit comfortably.
Nate Barnett is owner of BMI Baseball designed to improve the mental game of baseball in athletes. Learn how to help your game by improving your baseball psychology
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible bat speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Wiffle Ball Baseball Teaches Pitching and Hitting Skills and Builds Confidence
www.Hurricanemachine.com
By Mike Schim
The game of wiffle ball is lots of fun, and teaches many skills that are valuable in baseball and softball. Kids play it because it’s fun and can be played anywhere. You can play in your backyard, in the street, in a field, on a baseball diamond, and even the beach. The wiffle ball itself is lightweight and won’t break any windows, and won’t hurt children if a pitch hits them. The wiffle ball bat is lightweight and can be handled by children of nearly any age.
Children that play wiffle ball are actually building their self-confidence. As a pitcher, the wiffle ball will spin, curve, and wiggle in almost any direction. As a hitter, a child gains confidence in swinging the wiffle ball bat and hearing the crack of the bat hitting the ball. All of these confidence-building skills will help when the child plays baseball or softball. You can find books and videos to learn baseball and softball by visiting http://www.2PlayBall.com and you can also learn by doing: so play ball and enjoy the game as you learn more and become better.
Wiffle-ball baseball pitching mechanics and technique:
A pitcher in the game of wiffle ball can throw the ball with spins and curves, depending on the type of pitching grip. 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.
Wiffle-ball baseball hitting mechanics and technique freedom:
A child who is up at bat with a wiffle ball bat can swing the bat much faster that he/she could with a much heavier bat. This new-found baseball swing freedom can increase a child’s confidence and boost batting mechanics and technique.
A right-handed baseball hitter could tryout a left-handed baseball hitting stance. Or, a left-handed baseball hitter could tryout a right-handed baseball hitting stance. A child could become a switch hitter!
Baseball fielding mechanics and technique:
The wiffle ball is not only a tricky ball to hit, it is also very tricky to field. When the wiffle ball is hit in the air, it can spin off the bat and thus fly in a surprising fashion. Once the wiffle ball hits the ground, it will react to any tiny tree branch or pebble on the ground. These quick bounces and direction changes are excellent for practicing fielding techniques for youth baseball players. The child is required to keep their eye on the ball at all times, and they must quickly react to any sudden change in direction. The quick bounce of a wiffle ball hit on the ground will keep a child light on their feet and give them lighting-fast hand reflexes for fielding techniques.
Backyard baseball fun anytime:
A game of wiffle ball builds many skills and coordination for baseball players of all ages. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it can be played anywhere!
About the author: Mike S. has been a baseball fan for nearly 30 years. As a child he enjoyed playing catch with very old, well worn baseball gloves. He now plays ball with friends and teaches his family and kids how to play ball. You can read more of his articles at http://www.2PlayBall.com and he also writes for http://www.TeachMeSports.com Mike hopes that his passion for writing about baseball will help everyone more thoroughly enjoy the game.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Schim
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Basics of Swing Building in Baseball
By John Peter Pero
Build a house or build a swing.it all starts with a good foundation.
You will play as good as you practice!
Writing a single article on something so complex that it causes sleepless nights for the best trained and paid talents in the world is daunting.at least to this coach.
Styles vs. Absolutes
First - I cannot and will not debate hitting styles, though I certainly have my opinion. The reality is that half of the Hall of Fame has an unconventional swing. I will leave this area to you in hopes that you will stay on the straight and narrow and will continue gaining the knowledge it takes to help ALL your players season after season.
Here's a hint
Anything resembling the teachings of Ted Williams or The Mike Schmidt Hitting Study will keep you on the right road.
For every bad swing a hitter practices...it may take three swings to correct!
Here's where I've chosen to start.by making one assumption.
(Be brutally honest with yourself before incorporating the steps below!)
I will assume that your player(s) have a basic working knowledge of good swing mechanics. Players who practice incorrectly not only waste time, but tend to go backwards to the point that it can affect their future success and love of the game. The baseball road is littered with talented players who have been eliminated from the game prematurely when poor youth baseball swing mechanics become overmatched by superior pitching and the improvement of their own teammates.
Let's Get to the Point.And to the Progression
The following are six (6) areas that can simplify this building block process.
many which can be incorporated into a basement, garage or your own backyard.
Mirror Station - Simply put.if a player visually sees what he's doing incorrectly, he will make the adjustments necessary to improve.
I recommend swinging in front of a full-length mirror beginning at 50% power, then 75%, progressing to game speed and maybe even a few swings beyond 100% power.
Be logical about the number of swings depending on the player's age and strength.taking breaks in between. Focus on fewer great swings.less is more!
(yes. take extra precautions when working indoors)
Tee Station - Simply put, you never grow out of hitting off the tee. It is the one station where players can focus on every aspect of the swing.without having to track a moving object. This is critical! Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn said something like, "I do nothing but tee work until January." I wish I could remember the exact quote, but you get the point.
Toss Station - Also known as soft toss or flip drills, this is a basic drill generally done with two players. Balls are hit into a net after being tossed underhand in a short arc and at a 45° angle on the open side of the hitter from a distance of around 6 feet. These consistent tosses (aimed at the hitter's front thigh or hip for straight-away hitting and adjusted for hitting to various areas of the field) incorporate the lessons learned from tee work, adding the skill it takes to hit a moving ball.
This important station allows players to get tons of swings in a short period of time and in a small area.
Hitters get tired quickly when the tosser doesn't allow time between swings. Be patient!
Front Toss & Short Toss - This is another important building block in the progression. A coach or player will sit on a bucket behind a screen and toss pitches from directly in front of the player; usually in a cage or on a baseball field. This can be done from a distance of 15 to 20 feet and then from a 35 foot distance. Pitches should be thrown consistently and to particular zones, allowing the player to duplicate each swing as precisely as possible.
Note #1
Make sure your screen is in place and not in need of repair! Players and coaches should all be cautioned and taught to focus on staying completely behind the protective screen during every pitch.
Note #2
When utilizing short toss drills from shorter distances of 15 to 20 feet, balls should be tossed underhand so that the pitch will come in to the hitter at an angle more resembling that of a live pitch. This eliminates the "loopy" throws which encourage the poor mechanics of an uppercut swing.
Dead BP - (Batting Practice) - Dead batting practice is simply the batting practice you see on every field and at every level. You will see great examples of this when you go to a college or pro game two hours before the first pitch. It is thrown from 55 feet (not the official pitcher-to-hitter distance of 60' 6"), generally from a platform or portable mound. Pitches are thrown straight at around 55 to 65 mph.into particular hitting zones. These consistent pitches are designed for the hitter to repeat his swings over and over with consistency; hitting balls hard and to particular areas of the field.
A ball field and a batting cage with or without a pitching machine is all that is needed.
Live BP - (Batting Practice) - Take dead BP and add the battle of pitcher (coaches or pitchers doing the throwing) versus hitter, preferably in game conditions. In a team practice, I find maximum benefit when all defenders are also playing this as a real game.
The backyard version of live BP incorporates a pitching machine and pitching machine with an autofeeder for single player practices or a batting cage with a live pitcher behind a protective L-Screen.
http://www.baseballtips.com
Baseball tips & youth baseball equipment, training aids & instruction!It's all here for baseball coaching of pitchers & hitters, little league to high school.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Peter_Pero
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible abt speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
Check out our network of baseball blogs:
Blogger (Blogspot) - baseballcoachesdigest
Blogger (Blogspot) - baseballparentguide
Blogger (Blogspot) - baseballhomeworkhelp
Blogger (Blogspot) - batactionbaseballtraining
Blogger (Blogspot) - battingcagebuyingguide
Blogger (Blogspot) - coachesbest
Blogger (Blogspot) - teeballcoachingclinic
Blogger (Blogspot) - hurricanebaseballtrainingmachine
Blogger (Blogspot) - teeballparentsguide
Blogger (Blogspot) - youthbaseballcoachingclinic
Build a house or build a swing.it all starts with a good foundation.
You will play as good as you practice!
Writing a single article on something so complex that it causes sleepless nights for the best trained and paid talents in the world is daunting.at least to this coach.
Styles vs. Absolutes
First - I cannot and will not debate hitting styles, though I certainly have my opinion. The reality is that half of the Hall of Fame has an unconventional swing. I will leave this area to you in hopes that you will stay on the straight and narrow and will continue gaining the knowledge it takes to help ALL your players season after season.
Here's a hint
Anything resembling the teachings of Ted Williams or The Mike Schmidt Hitting Study will keep you on the right road.
For every bad swing a hitter practices...it may take three swings to correct!
Here's where I've chosen to start.by making one assumption.
(Be brutally honest with yourself before incorporating the steps below!)
I will assume that your player(s) have a basic working knowledge of good swing mechanics. Players who practice incorrectly not only waste time, but tend to go backwards to the point that it can affect their future success and love of the game. The baseball road is littered with talented players who have been eliminated from the game prematurely when poor youth baseball swing mechanics become overmatched by superior pitching and the improvement of their own teammates.
Let's Get to the Point.And to the Progression
The following are six (6) areas that can simplify this building block process.
many which can be incorporated into a basement, garage or your own backyard.
Mirror Station - Simply put.if a player visually sees what he's doing incorrectly, he will make the adjustments necessary to improve.
I recommend swinging in front of a full-length mirror beginning at 50% power, then 75%, progressing to game speed and maybe even a few swings beyond 100% power.
Be logical about the number of swings depending on the player's age and strength.taking breaks in between. Focus on fewer great swings.less is more!
(yes. take extra precautions when working indoors)
Tee Station - Simply put, you never grow out of hitting off the tee. It is the one station where players can focus on every aspect of the swing.without having to track a moving object. This is critical! Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn said something like, "I do nothing but tee work until January." I wish I could remember the exact quote, but you get the point.
Toss Station - Also known as soft toss or flip drills, this is a basic drill generally done with two players. Balls are hit into a net after being tossed underhand in a short arc and at a 45° angle on the open side of the hitter from a distance of around 6 feet. These consistent tosses (aimed at the hitter's front thigh or hip for straight-away hitting and adjusted for hitting to various areas of the field) incorporate the lessons learned from tee work, adding the skill it takes to hit a moving ball.
This important station allows players to get tons of swings in a short period of time and in a small area.
Hitters get tired quickly when the tosser doesn't allow time between swings. Be patient!
Front Toss & Short Toss - This is another important building block in the progression. A coach or player will sit on a bucket behind a screen and toss pitches from directly in front of the player; usually in a cage or on a baseball field. This can be done from a distance of 15 to 20 feet and then from a 35 foot distance. Pitches should be thrown consistently and to particular zones, allowing the player to duplicate each swing as precisely as possible.
Note #1
Make sure your screen is in place and not in need of repair! Players and coaches should all be cautioned and taught to focus on staying completely behind the protective screen during every pitch.
Note #2
When utilizing short toss drills from shorter distances of 15 to 20 feet, balls should be tossed underhand so that the pitch will come in to the hitter at an angle more resembling that of a live pitch. This eliminates the "loopy" throws which encourage the poor mechanics of an uppercut swing.
Dead BP - (Batting Practice) - Dead batting practice is simply the batting practice you see on every field and at every level. You will see great examples of this when you go to a college or pro game two hours before the first pitch. It is thrown from 55 feet (not the official pitcher-to-hitter distance of 60' 6"), generally from a platform or portable mound. Pitches are thrown straight at around 55 to 65 mph.into particular hitting zones. These consistent pitches are designed for the hitter to repeat his swings over and over with consistency; hitting balls hard and to particular areas of the field.
A ball field and a batting cage with or without a pitching machine is all that is needed.
Live BP - (Batting Practice) - Take dead BP and add the battle of pitcher (coaches or pitchers doing the throwing) versus hitter, preferably in game conditions. In a team practice, I find maximum benefit when all defenders are also playing this as a real game.
The backyard version of live BP incorporates a pitching machine and pitching machine with an autofeeder for single player practices or a batting cage with a live pitcher behind a protective L-Screen.
http://www.baseballtips.com
Baseball tips & youth baseball equipment, training aids & instruction!It's all here for baseball coaching of pitchers & hitters, little league to high school.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Peter_Pero
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible abt speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
Check out our network of baseball blogs:
Blogger (Blogspot) - baseballcoachesdigest
Blogger (Blogspot) - baseballparentguide
Blogger (Blogspot) - baseballhomeworkhelp
Blogger (Blogspot) - batactionbaseballtraining
Blogger (Blogspot) - battingcagebuyingguide
Blogger (Blogspot) - coachesbest
Blogger (Blogspot) - teeballcoachingclinic
Blogger (Blogspot) - hurricanebaseballtrainingmachine
Blogger (Blogspot) - teeballparentsguide
Blogger (Blogspot) - youthbaseballcoachingclinic
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Baseball Fundamentals - Throwing & Catching
By Brian Schofield
Throwing a Baseball
It sounds so simple yet so many players do this incorrectly at a young age. In my opinion, nothing hampers a young player's love for the game more than if he can't throw the ball correctly. Fundamentally it is a very simple concept, but must be practiced correctly to be mastered. I have been blessed with having 4 girls as my children. They don't quite love baseball like I do but one thing I've tried to really teach them is how to correctly throw and catch a baseball. The first thing I tell them is that they aren't going to hurt me. To demonstrate I start with a softer ball like a wiffle ball or a tennis ball because the theory is how they throw and catch, not what they throw and catch. I want the confidence to be built up, not crushed because a hard ball smashed them in the mouth. Stand a fair distance apart, maybe 15-20 feet and have both players stand facing each other. When it is your turn to throw the ball, make absolutely sure of a couple points.
One, always step with your lead foot and aim it at the person you are throwing. Your front foot should point directly to your target. When practicing this for the first time it is ok to exaggerate the step. Second, make sure the ball is released behind or near the ear of the player throwing the ball. Young players will tend to short arm the throw by holding it too long. When they do this you will notice right away because the throw will have no life on it. A short arm throw eliminates the shoulder from being used and that completely decreases velocity on the ball. I have the players say step, plant and throw until they form a comfortable rhythm. My father was an incredible baseball coach growing up and I believe the difference was he took the time to teach us the simple concepts like throwing and catching a ball which is really what the game is all about, isn't it?
Catching a Baseball
Young players need to be shown the correct way to catch a ball as well. Don't get me wrong, some players will know from day 1 how to do both these things while others won't. Some may show all the ability but haven't been taught the correct fundamental behind it. Young players tend to do two things incorrectly when catching a baseball. One, they box it. I call it boxing the ball when everything thrown to them is met by a boxing motion with the glove always going in a downward motion no matter how low the throw is. Instead of just turning the glove over with the palm up, players will do the opposite and box it no matter where it is. Second, the opposite occurs and they try to catch everything with the palm up. I've seen more kids clocked in the head because of this than you could imagine. This is mastered only through correct repetition and practice. I encourage parents to spend 10 minutes outside showing kids how to correctly throw and catch. If it is done you will avoid the kids being made fun of or teased and they'll stick with it. I'm glad I did and I'm glad that my father took the time to play catch with me.
Brian Schofield is the Sr. writer for BigLeagueSkills.com. Check out their site for more tips on baseball fundamentals
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Schofield
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible abt speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
Throwing a Baseball
It sounds so simple yet so many players do this incorrectly at a young age. In my opinion, nothing hampers a young player's love for the game more than if he can't throw the ball correctly. Fundamentally it is a very simple concept, but must be practiced correctly to be mastered. I have been blessed with having 4 girls as my children. They don't quite love baseball like I do but one thing I've tried to really teach them is how to correctly throw and catch a baseball. The first thing I tell them is that they aren't going to hurt me. To demonstrate I start with a softer ball like a wiffle ball or a tennis ball because the theory is how they throw and catch, not what they throw and catch. I want the confidence to be built up, not crushed because a hard ball smashed them in the mouth. Stand a fair distance apart, maybe 15-20 feet and have both players stand facing each other. When it is your turn to throw the ball, make absolutely sure of a couple points.
One, always step with your lead foot and aim it at the person you are throwing. Your front foot should point directly to your target. When practicing this for the first time it is ok to exaggerate the step. Second, make sure the ball is released behind or near the ear of the player throwing the ball. Young players will tend to short arm the throw by holding it too long. When they do this you will notice right away because the throw will have no life on it. A short arm throw eliminates the shoulder from being used and that completely decreases velocity on the ball. I have the players say step, plant and throw until they form a comfortable rhythm. My father was an incredible baseball coach growing up and I believe the difference was he took the time to teach us the simple concepts like throwing and catching a ball which is really what the game is all about, isn't it?
Catching a Baseball
Young players need to be shown the correct way to catch a ball as well. Don't get me wrong, some players will know from day 1 how to do both these things while others won't. Some may show all the ability but haven't been taught the correct fundamental behind it. Young players tend to do two things incorrectly when catching a baseball. One, they box it. I call it boxing the ball when everything thrown to them is met by a boxing motion with the glove always going in a downward motion no matter how low the throw is. Instead of just turning the glove over with the palm up, players will do the opposite and box it no matter where it is. Second, the opposite occurs and they try to catch everything with the palm up. I've seen more kids clocked in the head because of this than you could imagine. This is mastered only through correct repetition and practice. I encourage parents to spend 10 minutes outside showing kids how to correctly throw and catch. If it is done you will avoid the kids being made fun of or teased and they'll stick with it. I'm glad I did and I'm glad that my father took the time to play catch with me.
Brian Schofield is the Sr. writer for BigLeagueSkills.com. Check out their site for more tips on baseball fundamentals
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Schofield
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible abt speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tips for Tee Ball Coaches & Parents
Youth Baseball: Six Simple Steps To A Perfect Swing Teaches Young Baseball Beginning Players the 6 basic elements of the perfect baseball swing.
Great material for teaching beginners.
Proper instruction and repetitive practice are vital for young players to learn a perfect swing. The instructing coach or parent should make sure to cover each step adequately before preceding to the next step. The parent or coach should always teach and emphasis the correct desired fundamentals. Consideration should be given to the fact that young players learn at different rates and have varying attention spands. Some young players
learn the proper techniques more rapidly than others. However, with proper instruction, practice and a patience instructor , every child can learn and master the skill of hitting. Every child can reach his potential as a player and experience fun and success! Good Luck and Happy Hitting!
Click to Read about the 6 Steps to a Perfect Swing on the Baseball 2Day Coaching Journal.
Coach Nick Dixon
Source - Hit2win.com
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Great material for teaching beginners.
Proper instruction and repetitive practice are vital for young players to learn a perfect swing. The instructing coach or parent should make sure to cover each step adequately before preceding to the next step. The parent or coach should always teach and emphasis the correct desired fundamentals. Consideration should be given to the fact that young players learn at different rates and have varying attention spands. Some young players
learn the proper techniques more rapidly than others. However, with proper instruction, practice and a patience instructor , every child can learn and master the skill of hitting. Every child can reach his potential as a player and experience fun and success! Good Luck and Happy Hitting!
Click to Read about the 6 Steps to a Perfect Swing on the Baseball 2Day Coaching Journal.
Coach Nick Dixon
Source - Hit2win.com
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tee Ball - A Stepping Stone to Baseball
www.BattingCagesDirect.com
By Alex Dumas
Most youth sports involve kids that are on their pre-teens. Teams are composed of kids aged nine and up because they are expected to already know the concept of the sport. Let's take little league baseball for example. Most teams or coaches would opt for older kids not because their bigger or stronger, but rather because they have already undergone the basics of baseball. How were they able to achieve it? Tee ball of course!
Tee ball is typically your baseball for kids aged four to eight. Tee ball contains the basic foundations of how to play softball or baseball with one major difference... it does not require a pitcher. Tee ball uses a batting tee in replace of a pitcher. The ball is placed on top of the tee and the batter simply steps up to the plate and swings at the ball. With a successful hit, the batter needs to run to first base or to whatever base he can reach before the opposing team can get the ball to a baseman. The reason why there is no pitcher is to remove any anxiety or fear that kids may have when a ball is thrown towards them.
Tee ball practice is where kids learn to love and appreciate the game. This is also a perfect chance to acquaint kids with the rules of tee ball and how to properly play it. The batting tee is a lot of help in building a kid's confidence. It is easier to hit a stationary ball than a moving one. There is also a higher degree of difficulty with a pitched ball and kids may lose interest if they can't score a hit. A coach's job, aside from orienting the kids on what tee ball is, is to teach kids defensive tactics as well. Offense is quite simple with just two objectives: hit the ball and get to first base. With defense, kids should know where to position themselves and what to do in various scenarios. Simple drills such as passing the ball from base to base or from an infielder to a baseman or how to tag a runner will familiarize kids with the playing field as well as improve their tactics. It will also build their confidence with their teammates.
This sport may be a kid's game but the support from adults and parents are overwhelming. Who wouldn't be proud to see their kid getting a home run? Tee ball is where the future players of baseball emerge.
For more tips and information about tee ball practice, check out http://www.weplay.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Dumas
BATTING CAGE NETS without FRAMES
Message to Baseball and Softball Parents
Recommended Blogs & Knols
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Understanding the Baseball Swing
By Nate Barnett
If I asked you to give a five minute lecture on hitting mechanics start to finish, could you do it? If the answer is yes, then you've undoubtedly done some research on the baseball swing. If the answer is no, then there is some work to be done, and you'll want to read on, especially if you're in a role where you provide any type of baseball instruction.
Coaches must be continual learners if they are going to stay in this game for long and attract some success. The most dangerous attitude anyone of influence can obtain is an attitude of arrival. Therefore, be a constant learner.
The baseball swing can be broken down into various parts and movements. The key for any good coach or athlete is to understand first what these parts are, and secondly, to understand the sequence of these moving parts throughout the swing. Without getting into depth on the specific parts in this article, my purpose in writing this is to introduce how energy is created within the baseball swing.
Much like other athletic activities the energy created to produce a quick swing comes from the back side of the body. The lower half of the back side of the hitter's body is responsible for generating momentum directed toward the pitch. This movement does not happen automatically, unfortunately. Most hitters begin their swing with the front side of the body or their hands which greatly reduces the speed of the baseball swing.
The two most common and incorrect swing starters are the hands and the front hip. Here are the drawbacks for using those parts to begin the energy creation process.
Hands: The baseball swing is a movement where energy is created from the ground up. The back knee turns first, back hip second, and hands third. While this sequence happens very quickly, it's important that it remain consistent. The reason is because this process creates torque. It is a core body movement that creates a whip action and propels the bat into the zone. If the hitter's hands are responsible for generating power, little power can be generated comparatively.
Front Hip: As explained above, the back side of the body creates energy. Therefore, if the front hip of the hitter begins to rotate at the same time of the back side of the body, momentum begins to move away from the play instead of being directed at hitting the baseball.
Consistent drill work should be focused on minimizing the above two movements. While Little Leaguers can get away with some of these mistakes and have relative success, athletes in high school cannot. Therefore, the best time to correct these incorrect movements is between the ages of 10 and 15.
Nate Barnett is owner of BMI Baseball designed to improve the mental game of baseball in athletes. Learn how to help your game by improving the skill of mental baseball
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett
CoachesBest.com
HurricaneTrainer.com
BatAction.com
HandsBackHitter.com
QuickSwingTrainer.com
AdvancedSkillsTee.com
BattingCagesDirect.com
BattingCagesrUs.com
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Baseball Outfielder's Crow-Hop
By Steven Michael
One of the least understood and incorrectly executed movements is the Crow-Hop. This movement used by outfielders correctly will improve throwing accuracy and strength. So what is a Crow-Hop? Basically, it is a movement the player executes to provide balance and throwing momentum after the catch. The catch can be on ground balls or fly balls - but the player must properly use the Crow-Hop to give him the best chance of making good throws. Balance is the goal and the key to good outfield play.
The Crow-Hop
This next sequence is done in one fluid motion. After catching the ground ball, the outfielder should push off the front knee and replace the front foot with the back foot. The best way to do this is to elevate off the ground, lift the back knee first, then the front knee, and put the back foot down approximately where the front foot was. When done correctly, the back-knee/front-knee lifts and back-foot/front-foot exchange happens quickly. While elevating and replacing, the player should also turn his torso and hips so that his glove shoulder is pointing toward the target. This motion is called the Crow-Hop.
The Crow-Hop is a movement that gets the player best positioned to throw the ball. The outfielder is creating balance, aligning shoulders to the target, and loading up his throwing (back) leg for the throw. Loading the back (throwing-side) leg is a term used to describe the beginning of the throwing motion. Simply put, it means most of the player's weight is on his back leg. Most means more than 50 percent and less than 100 percent. Some instructors like to pinpoint the exact percentage, but my experience with thousands of ballplayers tells me it is a little different for each player. The average weight distribution is about 80-20 back leg to front leg.
Like most sports including baseball, a player must move in one direction to move better to the opposite direction. Both hitters and pitchers do this as well. It's a mechanism for balance and bodily energy. Some players exaggerate the crow-hop by lifting their knees very high, almost like a marching band. Other players drag their back leg in to a bad, or "short", position - and the back leg never gets completely under the body. Neither of these methods is correct.
The proper technique is to lift the knee high enough so the player's back leg supports the body. This creates balance - and good throws. When outfielders get really good at the Crow-Hop technique it looks seamless and smooth.
Caution: Sliding, Cha-Cha, and Gliding
Many players, me included in my youth, try to execute the crow-hop without clearly replacing one foot with the other. They just slide the back foot, leaving it short of replacing the front (glove-side) foot. First hand experience shows that this results in bad balance and poor throws. Once I learned to lift my knees and position my throwing leg underneath my body, my balance and throws were consistently good. Figure 2-6 illustrates the incorrect Sliding Crow-Hop. You can see that the outfielder has not loaded his back leg, is overstretched and off-balance. This throw is highly likely to be a poor one.
A common situation of the Sliding Crow-Hop happens after his back leg has slid short of full balance. The player's brain tells him he is off-balance and he tries to correct it by quickly re-positioning his back (throwing-side) leg. His front leg is still in the air while his back leg is pumping up and down. This makes him look like he is on a pogo stick. He pumps his back leg two or three times to try to get balanced - and all the while his momentum is carrying him forward so that he rarely gets fully balanced.
Another incorrect variation of the crow-hop is what I call the Babe Ruth Cha-Cha. The Babe would move up in the batter's box to swing at a curve ball before it curved. He did this by moving his back foot behind his front, then striding to hit the ball. A lot of slowpitch softball hitters do this too. Again, you see that the player is off-balance. He is also moving parallel to the target, taking his momentum off-target. Arm strain and bad throws surely will result. Many players use the Cha-Cha move to turn their upper bodies to throw. While the move does align the player's shoulders to the target, it also reduces balance and momentum.
The Gliding Crow-Hop looks like a mid-air scissor kick, as if a ballet dancer were fielding the ball. The player's knees do not lift; instead he leaps up, brings both straight legs together, then strides out with his front (glove-side) leg while his throwing leg hits the ground. To most untrained observers, this looks pretty good. But gliding has very high odds of getting the player off-balance. Most times, the player's momentum is moving so fast that he does not allow himself to properly load his back leg for the throw. The Gliding Crow-Hop also never allows the outfielder's back leg to get fully loaded. He is so off-balance that many times he falls forward to the ground after the throw.
I hope this helps players and coaches know the correct and often-used incorrect ways to use the Crow-Hop in the outfield. You will be amazed at the improvement in your fielding and throwing by properly executing this critical movement. Thanks for reading!
Steven E. Michael played seven years of professional baseball in the Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers organizations. He played collegiately at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona earning All-Western Athletic Conference, All-College World Series, and Sporting News All-America honors.
His new book, "How To Play Baseball Outfield: Techniques, Tips, and Drills to Learn the Outfield Position" is available at http://www.stevenemichael.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Michael
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible abt speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
One of the least understood and incorrectly executed movements is the Crow-Hop. This movement used by outfielders correctly will improve throwing accuracy and strength. So what is a Crow-Hop? Basically, it is a movement the player executes to provide balance and throwing momentum after the catch. The catch can be on ground balls or fly balls - but the player must properly use the Crow-Hop to give him the best chance of making good throws. Balance is the goal and the key to good outfield play.
The Crow-Hop
This next sequence is done in one fluid motion. After catching the ground ball, the outfielder should push off the front knee and replace the front foot with the back foot. The best way to do this is to elevate off the ground, lift the back knee first, then the front knee, and put the back foot down approximately where the front foot was. When done correctly, the back-knee/front-knee lifts and back-foot/front-foot exchange happens quickly. While elevating and replacing, the player should also turn his torso and hips so that his glove shoulder is pointing toward the target. This motion is called the Crow-Hop.
The Crow-Hop is a movement that gets the player best positioned to throw the ball. The outfielder is creating balance, aligning shoulders to the target, and loading up his throwing (back) leg for the throw. Loading the back (throwing-side) leg is a term used to describe the beginning of the throwing motion. Simply put, it means most of the player's weight is on his back leg. Most means more than 50 percent and less than 100 percent. Some instructors like to pinpoint the exact percentage, but my experience with thousands of ballplayers tells me it is a little different for each player. The average weight distribution is about 80-20 back leg to front leg.
Like most sports including baseball, a player must move in one direction to move better to the opposite direction. Both hitters and pitchers do this as well. It's a mechanism for balance and bodily energy. Some players exaggerate the crow-hop by lifting their knees very high, almost like a marching band. Other players drag their back leg in to a bad, or "short", position - and the back leg never gets completely under the body. Neither of these methods is correct.
The proper technique is to lift the knee high enough so the player's back leg supports the body. This creates balance - and good throws. When outfielders get really good at the Crow-Hop technique it looks seamless and smooth.
Caution: Sliding, Cha-Cha, and Gliding
Many players, me included in my youth, try to execute the crow-hop without clearly replacing one foot with the other. They just slide the back foot, leaving it short of replacing the front (glove-side) foot. First hand experience shows that this results in bad balance and poor throws. Once I learned to lift my knees and position my throwing leg underneath my body, my balance and throws were consistently good. Figure 2-6 illustrates the incorrect Sliding Crow-Hop. You can see that the outfielder has not loaded his back leg, is overstretched and off-balance. This throw is highly likely to be a poor one.
A common situation of the Sliding Crow-Hop happens after his back leg has slid short of full balance. The player's brain tells him he is off-balance and he tries to correct it by quickly re-positioning his back (throwing-side) leg. His front leg is still in the air while his back leg is pumping up and down. This makes him look like he is on a pogo stick. He pumps his back leg two or three times to try to get balanced - and all the while his momentum is carrying him forward so that he rarely gets fully balanced.
Another incorrect variation of the crow-hop is what I call the Babe Ruth Cha-Cha. The Babe would move up in the batter's box to swing at a curve ball before it curved. He did this by moving his back foot behind his front, then striding to hit the ball. A lot of slowpitch softball hitters do this too. Again, you see that the player is off-balance. He is also moving parallel to the target, taking his momentum off-target. Arm strain and bad throws surely will result. Many players use the Cha-Cha move to turn their upper bodies to throw. While the move does align the player's shoulders to the target, it also reduces balance and momentum.
The Gliding Crow-Hop looks like a mid-air scissor kick, as if a ballet dancer were fielding the ball. The player's knees do not lift; instead he leaps up, brings both straight legs together, then strides out with his front (glove-side) leg while his throwing leg hits the ground. To most untrained observers, this looks pretty good. But gliding has very high odds of getting the player off-balance. Most times, the player's momentum is moving so fast that he does not allow himself to properly load his back leg for the throw. The Gliding Crow-Hop also never allows the outfielder's back leg to get fully loaded. He is so off-balance that many times he falls forward to the ground after the throw.
I hope this helps players and coaches know the correct and often-used incorrect ways to use the Crow-Hop in the outfield. You will be amazed at the improvement in your fielding and throwing by properly executing this critical movement. Thanks for reading!
Steven E. Michael played seven years of professional baseball in the Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers organizations. He played collegiately at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona earning All-Western Athletic Conference, All-College World Series, and Sporting News All-America honors.
His new book, "How To Play Baseball Outfield: Techniques, Tips, and Drills to Learn the Outfield Position" is available at http://www.stevenemichael.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Michael
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible abt speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Tips For Building Batting Cages
By Andy Brock
Backyard batting cages provide a tremendous advantage to baseball hitters of all skill levels. I mean, who wouldn't want to walk out to their back door and take a little batting practice. When deciding to build a cage, there are several things to consider.
The first thing that you want to do is consider how much space you have available in your yard. No matter how much space you have, you can get the most out of any cage with effective hitting drills. Secondly, decide how much money you have to spend. This is really the most important decision as it will drive your planning for which type of frame to use as well as the batting cage net.
Once you have decided how much space you have and settled on your budget, you need to start thinking about what type of frame makes sense for your yard. Frames can be made from galvanized steel pipe, plastic PVC or even treated 4 x 4 posts. Also, keep in mind whether you would like for the structure to be permanent or portable.
Next, think about the batting cage net. Try not to get hung up on how big the cage needs to be. The most important aspect of a net is the gauge not the dimensions. Nets will break down or deteriorate from the effects of the weather and ball abrasion. Think of it this way, the thicker the gauge the longer the net will last. Also, keep in mind the hardware that is needed in order to hang the net which can add up quickly to the overall cost. Parts that may be needed for construction are but not limited to concrete, cables, hooks and clamps.
Another more cost effective option might be to check out batting cage kits that are available from numerous manufacturers and retailers online. There are several to choose from and can provide the biggest bang for you buck. One of the biggest advantages of buying a kit is that many times they are portable and can be taken down in the off season.
Having a batting cage in your backyard is not as a far fetched idea as it once was. Batting cages are more affordable than they ever have been and require less time to assemble. Spend some time planning and you'll enjoy using it for years to come.
This information shows you practical tips for building batting cages. If you have purchased one, learn about ways to maximize your practice time in the batting cage.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Brock
Friday, September 11, 2009
T-Ball Game Rules
By Chris Moheno
T-ball can be an exciting time for parents when their child is old enough to start playing. The game allows children from four to eight years the opportunity to learn new skills, developing themselves for baseball in the future. An important aspect of T-ball is the baseball training techniques that must be utilized in order to give them the proper guidance. Baseball hitting, running to the bases in the right direction, paying attention to where the ball is hit, safety and many other aspects are all taught. So the rules of the game are quite simple, getting children to use their abilities is a little more difficult.
The Equipment Rules: T-ball, Bases, Gloves, Etc.
Since we are talking about young kids, there are many avenues that need to be taken to ensure they avoid injury while playing. For example, the ball itself must have a molded core with a soft center weighing only four or five ounces. Since it is hit off a Tee, there is more of a chance for line drives or bad bounces, which on occasion a child will get hurt but because of the soft outer shell the damage will be more mental then physical. The main goal of learning all of the equipment rules is not only for safety reasons, but also remembering these kids are just starting out. Other rules in this area include:
- Safety helmets are mandatory.
- Bats can only weigh a maximum of 17-20 ounces.
- A bats length can be no more than twenty-five inches to twenty-six inches, along with two and one quarter inches in diameter.
- The baseball glove can be no longer than 12 inches.
- Must use a flexible Tee.
- Bases must be movable.
Playing With More Understanding Rules
Now, something parents or older siblings may want to remember is while coaches are teaching these children about baseball, it's not the only thing happening. Depending on what age they are, the thought of video games, who's watching, what they're doing after a game or practice, and the outside life are all running through their minds while trying to learn the game. So the object is to simply teach the basics of the game and hope that by eight to ten weeks time that part of the game has set in.
When the kids are batting, it all revolves around running the bases properly after the ball the hit and understanding what is foul. Since repetitiveness is such a great teacher, the little things can be taught this way until they are embedded into the player's mind. Also understand that T-ball eliminates outs so each player may bat at least once per inning. However, depending on the rules in the area these children are playing, the coaches will call someone out if it happens, but all batters still get a chance to hit. Offensive game rules include:
- Bases distance are only fifty apart.
- Baselines are imaginary, but used.
- Some T-ball leagues require the player to hit the ball more then ten feet for it to be fair, so an arc line is made in fair territory.
- The ball is hit off of a Tee at all times.
- Batters cannot walk or strikeout.
- There is no stealing.
The Most Important Rule Of All
What you see above are not the only rules for T-ball, but they are the majority. The rest include things like there only being twelve to twenty players allowed on one team with no more than fifteen playing in the field. Understanding the process of innings is another teaching so the rule of every batter going to the plate must happen before the inning can be considered over. Then of course, for time constraints, each game is only four innings long.
Baseball training techniques have to start somewhere and T-ball is the equivalent of educational development. When we are all at a young age there are ways to teach us to properly understand specific situations and utilizing these rules is the way to teach the beginning stages of baseball hitting.
One thing always to remember when a child is playing T-ball is the most important rule of all. Sure there are some rules for baseball hitting, fielding, and even after the game, but none of them top this one. Make sure the children are having fun and the rest will come to them rather easily.
Chris Moheno has a long time passion for sports in general and for baseball coaching more specifically.
His goal is to spread the word about effective non-fluff baseball training techniques for both more experienced and young baseball players, to help them perform better during the game.
Discover more about baseball training on http://www.baseballtrainingsecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Moheno
T-ball can be an exciting time for parents when their child is old enough to start playing. The game allows children from four to eight years the opportunity to learn new skills, developing themselves for baseball in the future. An important aspect of T-ball is the baseball training techniques that must be utilized in order to give them the proper guidance. Baseball hitting, running to the bases in the right direction, paying attention to where the ball is hit, safety and many other aspects are all taught. So the rules of the game are quite simple, getting children to use their abilities is a little more difficult.
The Equipment Rules: T-ball, Bases, Gloves, Etc.
Since we are talking about young kids, there are many avenues that need to be taken to ensure they avoid injury while playing. For example, the ball itself must have a molded core with a soft center weighing only four or five ounces. Since it is hit off a Tee, there is more of a chance for line drives or bad bounces, which on occasion a child will get hurt but because of the soft outer shell the damage will be more mental then physical. The main goal of learning all of the equipment rules is not only for safety reasons, but also remembering these kids are just starting out. Other rules in this area include:
- Safety helmets are mandatory.
- Bats can only weigh a maximum of 17-20 ounces.
- A bats length can be no more than twenty-five inches to twenty-six inches, along with two and one quarter inches in diameter.
- The baseball glove can be no longer than 12 inches.
- Must use a flexible Tee.
- Bases must be movable.
Playing With More Understanding Rules
Now, something parents or older siblings may want to remember is while coaches are teaching these children about baseball, it's not the only thing happening. Depending on what age they are, the thought of video games, who's watching, what they're doing after a game or practice, and the outside life are all running through their minds while trying to learn the game. So the object is to simply teach the basics of the game and hope that by eight to ten weeks time that part of the game has set in.
When the kids are batting, it all revolves around running the bases properly after the ball the hit and understanding what is foul. Since repetitiveness is such a great teacher, the little things can be taught this way until they are embedded into the player's mind. Also understand that T-ball eliminates outs so each player may bat at least once per inning. However, depending on the rules in the area these children are playing, the coaches will call someone out if it happens, but all batters still get a chance to hit. Offensive game rules include:
- Bases distance are only fifty apart.
- Baselines are imaginary, but used.
- Some T-ball leagues require the player to hit the ball more then ten feet for it to be fair, so an arc line is made in fair territory.
- The ball is hit off of a Tee at all times.
- Batters cannot walk or strikeout.
- There is no stealing.
The Most Important Rule Of All
What you see above are not the only rules for T-ball, but they are the majority. The rest include things like there only being twelve to twenty players allowed on one team with no more than fifteen playing in the field. Understanding the process of innings is another teaching so the rule of every batter going to the plate must happen before the inning can be considered over. Then of course, for time constraints, each game is only four innings long.
Baseball training techniques have to start somewhere and T-ball is the equivalent of educational development. When we are all at a young age there are ways to teach us to properly understand specific situations and utilizing these rules is the way to teach the beginning stages of baseball hitting.
One thing always to remember when a child is playing T-ball is the most important rule of all. Sure there are some rules for baseball hitting, fielding, and even after the game, but none of them top this one. Make sure the children are having fun and the rest will come to them rather easily.
Chris Moheno has a long time passion for sports in general and for baseball coaching more specifically.
His goal is to spread the word about effective non-fluff baseball training techniques for both more experienced and young baseball players, to help them perform better during the game.
Discover more about baseball training on http://www.baseballtrainingsecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Moheno
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Performing Baseball Swing Drills
In order for beginners in the game of baseball to understand the main principles of hitting a ball, baseball swing drills are definitely what it takes. Also, there has to be kept in mind that professional coaches assisting their students through the intensive training required for gaining the experience and professionalism of playing the game of baseball are constantly developing baseball swing drills. In order for the player to be able to properly hit the ball, and considering the baseball swing is the essential element of distributing the energy from the back of the body to the front, most professional coaches are focusing on the baseball swing from the start. There has to be paid attention to the fact that, in order to expand the player’s capacity in the game of baseball, baseball swing drills are specially being developed.
An important aspect which has to be taken into consideration is being represented by the fact that specific baseball swing drills which are inducing the psychology of playing baseball in the techniques that each student might present are being developed by most professional baseball coaches. Also, there has to be kept in mind that as they can be done as well at home, outside the training, baseball swing drills can be done during baseball training. The more efficient a player can hit the ball in the game of baseball, as the more baseball swing drills he/she performs. There has to be paid attention to the fact that, in order to remain in touch with the game and in order to improve their skills, there are professionals baseball players who are still executing baseball swing drills during their free time. Continuing to practice can keep him/her up to the standards, even though a player reaches a certain level of professionalism.(ArticlesBase ID #431303)
For more information about Baseball Swing Coaching or about Baseball Hitting Coach or even about Baseball Hitting Coaches, please review these webpages.
An important aspect which has to be taken into consideration is being represented by the fact that specific baseball swing drills which are inducing the psychology of playing baseball in the techniques that each student might present are being developed by most professional baseball coaches. Also, there has to be kept in mind that as they can be done as well at home, outside the training, baseball swing drills can be done during baseball training. The more efficient a player can hit the ball in the game of baseball, as the more baseball swing drills he/she performs. There has to be paid attention to the fact that, in order to remain in touch with the game and in order to improve their skills, there are professionals baseball players who are still executing baseball swing drills during their free time. Continuing to practice can keep him/her up to the standards, even though a player reaches a certain level of professionalism.(ArticlesBase ID #431303)
For more information about Baseball Swing Coaching or about Baseball Hitting Coach or even about Baseball Hitting Coaches, please review these webpages.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
How to Help Your Child Overcome Their Fear of Playing Baseball - Eleven Tips to Perform Better
By Jay Granat
The baseball season for children in towns throughout the country is starting to get into full swing now that Spring has arrived. It can be a wonderful time of the year for the kids and for the parents. However, many kids struggle at baseball because they are terrified of being hit by the ball when they are in the field or when they are batting.
I get a lot of calls at this time of the year from parents who want their kids to become less scared, more comfortable and more confident when they step on the baseball field.
Here are a few tips to help your son or daughter if they are demonstrating a significant fear of being hit by the ball:
1. It is normal to have some fear of a moving object moving toward your body. Explain this to your child, but also tell them that they can learn how to protect themselves and how to manage the situation. Also, tell the kids that once they develop their baseball skills, they will overcome much of their discomfort.
2. Some children are afraid of being hit when they have a catch. If you can, begin playing catch with your child at an early age. If your child is under two or three, you can start by just rolling a ball back and forth to your son or daughter.
3. As your child grows older, you can start to use a sponge ball and begin tossing the ball softly toward your child from a close distance. Use an underhand toss and arch the ball so it gently moves towards your kid. Demonstrate how to catch the ball for your son or child and give them lots of praise as they learn how to receive the ball. Introduce the idea of greeting the ball with soft hands. I encouraged my kids to say "hello ball," as the would catch the ball to add some additional humor and playfulness to the learning process.
4. Use what coaches call the "sandwich technique." Insert a little instruction in between two phrases which praise and encourage them. ("Great job. Now just watch the ball into your hands a little more carefully. Now you are a star.")
5. As your child improves and gains some confidence in his or her catching ability, you can begin to introduce a tennis ball. Then you can move to a soft ball. Introducing your kids to a harder and harder ball in stages will help them to develop their confidence as they develop their skills. Periodically, toss a ball which will gently hit your child on their arm or leg. This will help your son or daughter to feel less scared of the flying object.
6. At age four to six you, you can introduce a glove to the process. Make sure you get a glove which is the right size and shape for your child. Gloves come in a variety of sizes and there are some that are very soft and easy to squeeze and to manage.
7. Begin with a tennis ball and continue to use the underhand toss until your child gets comfortable catching the ball in the glove. Don't introduce a baseball until your child appears confident and ready. You can use a tee ball as intermediate step in the learning process. These balls are not as hard as baseballs.
8. You need to demonstrate the various ways of turning the glove to accommodate the various spots your child will need to catch the ball in. Stand along side your child as show the four or five various positions.
9. If your child throws right handed, begin by tossing the ball to his or her left side. This is generally the easiest way to begin. Once they can catch a dozen balls in a row on this side, you can start tossing to the center of their bodies. Then, you can start tossing a few soft pop ups where they can be taught to catch the ball above their heads. The ball thrown to the right side of a right handed child is a tough catch, since they need to turn the glove as it crosses their body. This is not a natural act for most kids. (Obviously, you need to reverse these guidelines if your child is left handed.) Interestingly, my son is ambidextrous, so it took a little time to sort out which hand we wanted to use to throw the ball. The first glove I bought him was for a lefty. Then at age four, we shifted to a
right handed mitt.
10. When you teach your kid to field ground balls, tell them to open their glove, keep their head down watching the ball and field the ball in the center of their bodies. Begin with soft grounders and gradually increase the speed and vary the kinds of bounces your child experiences.
11. In order to improve your kids throwing skills. Teach them the proper grip. Many coaches teach a two finger grip where the second and third fingers are on the laces and the thumb is at the bottom of the ball. My daughter named it the bunny rabbit grip.
Have the child point his elbow toward their target and encourage him to place the ball behind their ear and step and throw. Begin with a short distance of perhaps four feet and gradually extend the distance. The step and throw gives the idea of weight transfer which is important in many sports.
Keep the encouragement and the compliments coming. Begin with short teaching sessions of perhaps ten minutes and increase them, if your child is enjoying the throwing and catching. He or she will tell you if they are interested in baseball. When my son began playing baseball, he didn't like it very much. Now he can't play enough baseball.
Jay P. Granat, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist and the founder of http://www.stayinthezone.com He has written several books and developed several programs to help people perform to their fullest potential at sports, at work and at school. Dr. Granat, a former university professor, has appeared in The New York Times, Good Morning America, AP, ESPN, Golf Digest, The BBC and The CBC. He can be reached at info@stayinthezone.com. His books include Zone Tennis and Get Into The Zone In Just One Minute. He is also the author of How To Get Into The Zone With Sport Psychology And Self-Hypnosis, How To Lower Your Golf Score With Sport Psychology And Self-Hypnosis, 101 Ways To Break Out Of A Hitting Slump and Bed Time Stories For Young Athletes. Golf Digest named Dr. Granat one of America's Top Ten Mental Gurus. He was recently featured in a documentary film on long distance running. Dr. Granat writes a weekly column for three newspapers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Granat
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible abt speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Coaches & parents don't have to be experts - Baseball hitting tips for everyone
Necessary & helpful hitting Tips
1. Good balance is a key for everything in sport, so mention the term balance to the baseball hitter whenever they seem to be off balance, out of control or taking their eye off ball.
2. As often as possible, perform quality batting tee work, or flip drill work, before batting practice begins. Quality is apparent when the batter hits line drives on the sweet spot of the bat in the direction of where the ball is pitched, or located on the tee. A pitched ball will help the hitter’s timing but drill work, done correctly, will improve the hitter’s fundamentals. In the long run, cutting back on regular batting practice and doing more good drill work will pay off. Using a lighter bat than normal or using aluminum instead of wood will allow the hitter to save energy, and be able to work longer at their fundamentals.
3. When a batter is in the on deck circle and swinging to warm up, teach them to swing the bat to different locations. Most hitters take their practice swings in the exact same groove, time after time and then have trouble hitting balls that are not in their groove. Many hitters also swing a heavy bat when on-deck, which tends to slow the swing and tire the muscles. A few swings with the heavy bat are ok, but using the on deck circle to observe the pitcher and practice swinging to different pitch locations would be better use of the time.
4. The hands of the hitter should be the first area of the body to get tired when swinging. When the player‘s hands begin to weaken, have the hitter take a break or wait for another day to work on their hitting. If another area of the hitter’s body gets tired first, then the hitter’s swing probably need fixing.
5. The following are great baseball swing advice that you can use and tips that will make you sound like you know what you are talking about. See the ball, stay back, use your hands, track the ball to contact, and maintain balance.
Finally, the common saying “if it isn’t broke, there’s nothing to fix” is important to remember. When a player is having success, and in a good groove, let them ride it out, practicing just enough to stay sharp. Often, I have noticed that hitters practice their way out of a good groove. Hitters should save their heavy work load for times when they are struggling.
(ArticlesBase ID #873324)
Former professional baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball hitting lessons advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball
1. Good balance is a key for everything in sport, so mention the term balance to the baseball hitter whenever they seem to be off balance, out of control or taking their eye off ball.
2. As often as possible, perform quality batting tee work, or flip drill work, before batting practice begins. Quality is apparent when the batter hits line drives on the sweet spot of the bat in the direction of where the ball is pitched, or located on the tee. A pitched ball will help the hitter’s timing but drill work, done correctly, will improve the hitter’s fundamentals. In the long run, cutting back on regular batting practice and doing more good drill work will pay off. Using a lighter bat than normal or using aluminum instead of wood will allow the hitter to save energy, and be able to work longer at their fundamentals.
3. When a batter is in the on deck circle and swinging to warm up, teach them to swing the bat to different locations. Most hitters take their practice swings in the exact same groove, time after time and then have trouble hitting balls that are not in their groove. Many hitters also swing a heavy bat when on-deck, which tends to slow the swing and tire the muscles. A few swings with the heavy bat are ok, but using the on deck circle to observe the pitcher and practice swinging to different pitch locations would be better use of the time.
4. The hands of the hitter should be the first area of the body to get tired when swinging. When the player‘s hands begin to weaken, have the hitter take a break or wait for another day to work on their hitting. If another area of the hitter’s body gets tired first, then the hitter’s swing probably need fixing.
5. The following are great baseball swing advice that you can use and tips that will make you sound like you know what you are talking about. See the ball, stay back, use your hands, track the ball to contact, and maintain balance.
Finally, the common saying “if it isn’t broke, there’s nothing to fix” is important to remember. When a player is having success, and in a good groove, let them ride it out, practicing just enough to stay sharp. Often, I have noticed that hitters practice their way out of a good groove. Hitters should save their heavy work load for times when they are struggling.
(ArticlesBase ID #873324)
Former professional baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball hitting lessons advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Tips on Becoming the Baseball Player You Want to Be
By Jaclyn Azuela
If you want to become a baseball player that you want yourself to be, you should know how to set your heart and your goal into it. You need to define a more concrete way of doing things and you will really achieve that goal. You only need to believe not only in yourself but also in what you do. There are a lot of things you can do to become the baseball player that you really wanted to be and here we will mention few.
Before heading out to the field, take time to sit down and relax first. Think about how you want your baseball career be in ten years time. Do you only want this at the moment or do you want it to continue until it becomes your primary career. It really would make a big difference if you want this to be a full time career or you only want this for fun until you are done in your school. You need to make a clear-cut definition of what you really want. It is sometimes necessary to write down the things you want to do for you to be able to think about it more clearly. There are many things you can achieve by clearly defining your goals first. If you want to become a pitcher for that matter then you need to define this.
The next thing you can do is think about what you can do as a pitcher and what the abilities you already have for this position are. If you are not a pitcher to start with, then you will have a hard time to achieve this. Develop your potential. Discover where and what position you really excel. Don't just go into the battle field without even knowing what kind of abilities you have to defeat your opponent, before long, you'd be up against yourself for that matter. You need to know what position you most likely will have success with proper training and practice.
If you already know the best position you can have is the pitcher position then it is time for you to define what you really want as a pitcher. Your hand flexibility and accuracy of pitch are two major things you need to possess. Being a pitcher is a major role and should be played correctly. It is the number one defense of your team. The more accurate your pitch is the better will be your coordination with your catcher. If you have the proper coordination with your catcher, this will become the best defense you got against your opponent. You need to focus and do your own thing once you got to your pitcher's plate. If your fast ball only got 98 mph then make it a hundred but that is only when you still can control the ball. You can't just throw in a ball and let it be just like that. You need to have control over the ball or else you will only end the game in disaster. If you already have the skills then improve them. The only best thing you can do is to train until you master and excel in all that you do.
Always remember that being a pitcher is a key role that you must play well. If not well then make it better. Exceed that of the normal standard and I assure you, you will be the baseball player that you wanted to be in no time at all.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jaclyn_Azuela
If you want to become a baseball player that you want yourself to be, you should know how to set your heart and your goal into it. You need to define a more concrete way of doing things and you will really achieve that goal. You only need to believe not only in yourself but also in what you do. There are a lot of things you can do to become the baseball player that you really wanted to be and here we will mention few.
Before heading out to the field, take time to sit down and relax first. Think about how you want your baseball career be in ten years time. Do you only want this at the moment or do you want it to continue until it becomes your primary career. It really would make a big difference if you want this to be a full time career or you only want this for fun until you are done in your school. You need to make a clear-cut definition of what you really want. It is sometimes necessary to write down the things you want to do for you to be able to think about it more clearly. There are many things you can achieve by clearly defining your goals first. If you want to become a pitcher for that matter then you need to define this.
The next thing you can do is think about what you can do as a pitcher and what the abilities you already have for this position are. If you are not a pitcher to start with, then you will have a hard time to achieve this. Develop your potential. Discover where and what position you really excel. Don't just go into the battle field without even knowing what kind of abilities you have to defeat your opponent, before long, you'd be up against yourself for that matter. You need to know what position you most likely will have success with proper training and practice.
If you already know the best position you can have is the pitcher position then it is time for you to define what you really want as a pitcher. Your hand flexibility and accuracy of pitch are two major things you need to possess. Being a pitcher is a major role and should be played correctly. It is the number one defense of your team. The more accurate your pitch is the better will be your coordination with your catcher. If you have the proper coordination with your catcher, this will become the best defense you got against your opponent. You need to focus and do your own thing once you got to your pitcher's plate. If your fast ball only got 98 mph then make it a hundred but that is only when you still can control the ball. You can't just throw in a ball and let it be just like that. You need to have control over the ball or else you will only end the game in disaster. If you already have the skills then improve them. The only best thing you can do is to train until you master and excel in all that you do.
Always remember that being a pitcher is a key role that you must play well. If not well then make it better. Exceed that of the normal standard and I assure you, you will be the baseball player that you wanted to be in no time at all.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jaclyn_Azuela
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Things to Know Before You Start Coaching Baseball
By Lionel Cruz
There might be a chance that you have thought about volunteering to coach in this season because either you like baseball and would like to teach young kids to play baseball or you would like to spend more time with your own child. You want to be there while he learns the great game of baseball and who better to learn from than his own parent. Maybe the actual baseball league is in the slums right now looking for good coaches to help teach young kids how this game is really played. Normally you would become a coach because you yourself loves the game of baseball, if not because your child has asked you to coach. Maybe you just love working with kids to see them improve. Whatever it may be, this is a good productive way to spend your extra time.
The biggest thing on your mind might be how would you relate to your players, how to get them to like you and how to teach them the skills that you need to play this game. Before you do anything you will need to get to know the parents of the children because the parents do not want to leave their son with a total stranger plus at the same time this will build a better relationship between you and the player as well. You always need to be professional even though it is a baseball game to have fun or no one will ever take you seriously.
Lionel has been writing articles online for nearly 3 years, not only does this author specialize in cooking, religion, and sports, you can also check out his latest website on Batman Party Supplies which has some great tips and ideas for your next party.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lionel_Cruz
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible abt speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
There might be a chance that you have thought about volunteering to coach in this season because either you like baseball and would like to teach young kids to play baseball or you would like to spend more time with your own child. You want to be there while he learns the great game of baseball and who better to learn from than his own parent. Maybe the actual baseball league is in the slums right now looking for good coaches to help teach young kids how this game is really played. Normally you would become a coach because you yourself loves the game of baseball, if not because your child has asked you to coach. Maybe you just love working with kids to see them improve. Whatever it may be, this is a good productive way to spend your extra time.
The biggest thing on your mind might be how would you relate to your players, how to get them to like you and how to teach them the skills that you need to play this game. Before you do anything you will need to get to know the parents of the children because the parents do not want to leave their son with a total stranger plus at the same time this will build a better relationship between you and the player as well. You always need to be professional even though it is a baseball game to have fun or no one will ever take you seriously.
Lionel has been writing articles online for nearly 3 years, not only does this author specialize in cooking, religion, and sports, you can also check out his latest website on Batman Party Supplies which has some great tips and ideas for your next party.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lionel_Cruz
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible abt speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Youth Baseball Hitting - How to Fix Your Baseball Swing
Baseball Dealz Ebay Super Store
Youth Baseball Hitting - How to Fix Your Baseball Swing
By Brian McClure
To hit the ball well takes a lot of practice. Youth baseball is actually easier than for older players because there is only the basics to learn and develop. This makes it easy for as as coaches to improve our youth baseball teams hitting.
We still must do it right. Practice does not always make perfect. The practice must be effective and done correctly or the mind and body will instill the wrong mechanics.
Hitting off the tee - has probably been a lost art. It is however making a comeback in certain circles. I have always started batting practice by hitting off the tee. Yes..all ages. Purpose of the tee is to load the bat and get our weight back. First check that the players hands are in the right place..batting stance should comfortable. Second, Load the bat (Body and hands go slightly back and front foot comes up) Third, short quick swing.
Common mistakes to look for and avoid is the player dropping his hands and and weight back to far which is caused by wrapping the hands around the head. Wrapping the bat and Dropping the hands is usually the youth baseball player trying to hit a hard fly ball. It lengthens the swing and there will difficulty in hitting the ball correctly(popups) if at all, in live pitching.
Soft Toss - My favorite way to practice hitting. A youth baseball coach (or whoever is doing the tossing) can get a lot of control over the ball and watch the mechanics without fear of injury. The most common way I see soft toss done is from the side of the batter. I prefer to use a screen and toss from the front. This better simulates the pitch and the tosser and see the hands, head, and stride better too. Franklin L-Frame Pitching Screen
Work on strike tosses in the middle, inside, and outside... up, down. Toss in a few balls too so the player can work on learning the strike zone also. As you see a lot of work can be done in a short period of time.
If you toss from the side ,it is best to have net to target the balls.
Free Hitting - Turn 'em loose. Pitch or use a pitching machine and let the youth baseball player work on improving his hitting with live pitches without a lot of coaching at this point. Let the player have fun and just hit away. The Tee drill and soft toss is to work on mechanics. Now Focus on the ball and Swing.
These tips and basic batting practice strategy will greatly help your players improve their hitting skills. As a parent you can quickly move your son to the meat of the batting order with these simple batting practice two or three times a week. As coaches we should try and implement some batting practice every practice. The best way is to divide them into groups..some work on tee..move to ..the soft toss..then free hitting and move on to shagging.
Author- Brian McClure Want to learn more about helping your child in youth baseball as a parent or coach? http://www.coaching-youth-baseball.com
See our complete list of Topics and articles on youth baseball here http://www.coaching-youth-baseball.com/topics.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_McClure
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