This video shows one approach to coaching tee ball hitters. Hope you enjoy.
Have a great weekend!
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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.
Showing posts with label tee ball tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tee ball tips. Show all posts
Friday, July 26, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Monday, October 10, 2011
Youth Baseball Digest - 11 Simple Batting Terms Every Tee Ball and Little League Coach Should Know
Youth Baseball Digest - 11 Simple Batting Terms Every Tee Ball and Little League Coach Should Know
By guet author: Nick Dixon
1. Grip - The first thing every young player must be taught is how to properly grip the bat. The bat is gripped with the "knocking knuckles" on the top and bottom hands aligned perfectly in a straight line with each other. The purpose of this grip is to place the bat handle in the fingers away from the palms of the hands. This grip allows the hands to be move quicker and to have maximum control of the bat. Tension is a batters worst enemy when it comes having a quality swing. Gripping the bat improperly often causes tension throughout the body. A relaxed grip on the bat allows the batter to react with better bat speed and hand quickness. Feeling relaxed at the plate is a key to a batters confidence.
2. Stance - A batters stance is how a batter initially stands in the batter's box to look out at the pitcher. A batter's stance is the position of the hands and feet prior to the start of the swing. The feet should be shoulder width apart with toes pointing toward the plate. The feet should be square to the plate. Square to the plate means that they are an equal distance from the plate. The stance also refers to the position of the hands and the angle of the bat. The hands should be no more that several inches from the shoulder. The stance should comfortable and should allow the batter to look at the pitcher with ease.
3. Stride - The term refers to the batters weight shift or step prior to the swing. The stride should be short and only about three to four inches if the front foot moves. Many batters simply pick the front foot up and replace it without moving it forward. If a step is taken, it should be a little step forward with the toes pointing toward the pitcher. It is important to teach young players that they must stride to get ready to hit. They do not stride to hit, but rather, they should stride to get ready to hit. The batters stride foot should be set before the pitchers front foot lands.
4. Hip Turn - Hip turn refers to the process of a batter generating power by driving the hips through a power rotation. Only pitches over the middle and inside 3rds of the plate allow a batter to get full hip turn. The closer the pitch is to the batter, the more hip turn is needed to properly hit the ball. Pitches on the outer part of the plate require little hip turn to hit. The hitter will rotate his hips open farther on an inside pitch than an outside pitch. The batter should rotate the hips on a level plane. Player should not lean forward over the plate or lean back away from the plate. The batter's back foot must pivot in order to have good hip rotation.
5. Balance - A batter must have good balance to be successful. Balance refers to proper weight distribution prior, during the swing, and at the finish of the swing. Good balance allows the hitter to have more control at the plate. Good balance begins with even weight distribution with a proper stance. The batters ability to control the body during the stride is the key to good balance.
6. Bat Speed - The speed of the bat during a swing. The bat the batter used must be the correct length and weight for a batter to generate optimum bat speed.
7. Squash the Bug - This term refers to the pivot the back foot during the baseball swing. This foot action allows the hips to open up or turn.
8. Shoe Laces to Pitcher - The best back foot action is not a squashing action with downward pressure. The best motion is to turn the back foot with the shoelaces toward the pitcher. This turn should be performed with a "light-weight" pivoting motion with little downward pressure. The batter pushes off from the ball of his rear foot to shift weight to the front side. Putting downward pressure on the ball of the back foot as it pivots and the hips rotate tends to constrict the quickness and power swing.
9. Trigger - Load - Both have the same meaning. Batters must learn to trigger or load to get ready to hit. The loading or triggering process is a batter's final movement of the body and hands to the optimum bat launching position to get ready for the swing. Different batters use different movement as a triggering mechanism. Many batters turn the front knee and should slightly inward. Other batters simply take the hands slightly up and back to what they call their launch position. The loading or triggering action should be a very slight movement.
10. A, B, C Baseball Swing - The "A, B, to C baseball swing" means a baseball swing that is not fundamentally correct. The term describes a swing that is not compact and not direct to the ball. The batter sweeps the bat in a slow long arch.
11. A to C Swing - Used to refer to a sort compact swing that take the bat from the "A" launch position directed to the "C" or contact position. The perfect baseball swing is a short compact "A to C" Swing.
For more articles on coaching baseball visit the Youth Baseball Digest, Little League Digest and the Baseball Coaching Digest.
The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
===========================
Thanks to our sponsors:
www.BatAction.com
---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here
By guet author: Nick Dixon
1. Grip - The first thing every young player must be taught is how to properly grip the bat. The bat is gripped with the "knocking knuckles" on the top and bottom hands aligned perfectly in a straight line with each other. The purpose of this grip is to place the bat handle in the fingers away from the palms of the hands. This grip allows the hands to be move quicker and to have maximum control of the bat. Tension is a batters worst enemy when it comes having a quality swing. Gripping the bat improperly often causes tension throughout the body. A relaxed grip on the bat allows the batter to react with better bat speed and hand quickness. Feeling relaxed at the plate is a key to a batters confidence.
2. Stance - A batters stance is how a batter initially stands in the batter's box to look out at the pitcher. A batter's stance is the position of the hands and feet prior to the start of the swing. The feet should be shoulder width apart with toes pointing toward the plate. The feet should be square to the plate. Square to the plate means that they are an equal distance from the plate. The stance also refers to the position of the hands and the angle of the bat. The hands should be no more that several inches from the shoulder. The stance should comfortable and should allow the batter to look at the pitcher with ease.
3. Stride - The term refers to the batters weight shift or step prior to the swing. The stride should be short and only about three to four inches if the front foot moves. Many batters simply pick the front foot up and replace it without moving it forward. If a step is taken, it should be a little step forward with the toes pointing toward the pitcher. It is important to teach young players that they must stride to get ready to hit. They do not stride to hit, but rather, they should stride to get ready to hit. The batters stride foot should be set before the pitchers front foot lands.
4. Hip Turn - Hip turn refers to the process of a batter generating power by driving the hips through a power rotation. Only pitches over the middle and inside 3rds of the plate allow a batter to get full hip turn. The closer the pitch is to the batter, the more hip turn is needed to properly hit the ball. Pitches on the outer part of the plate require little hip turn to hit. The hitter will rotate his hips open farther on an inside pitch than an outside pitch. The batter should rotate the hips on a level plane. Player should not lean forward over the plate or lean back away from the plate. The batter's back foot must pivot in order to have good hip rotation.
5. Balance - A batter must have good balance to be successful. Balance refers to proper weight distribution prior, during the swing, and at the finish of the swing. Good balance allows the hitter to have more control at the plate. Good balance begins with even weight distribution with a proper stance. The batters ability to control the body during the stride is the key to good balance.
6. Bat Speed - The speed of the bat during a swing. The bat the batter used must be the correct length and weight for a batter to generate optimum bat speed.
7. Squash the Bug - This term refers to the pivot the back foot during the baseball swing. This foot action allows the hips to open up or turn.
8. Shoe Laces to Pitcher - The best back foot action is not a squashing action with downward pressure. The best motion is to turn the back foot with the shoelaces toward the pitcher. This turn should be performed with a "light-weight" pivoting motion with little downward pressure. The batter pushes off from the ball of his rear foot to shift weight to the front side. Putting downward pressure on the ball of the back foot as it pivots and the hips rotate tends to constrict the quickness and power swing.
9. Trigger - Load - Both have the same meaning. Batters must learn to trigger or load to get ready to hit. The loading or triggering process is a batter's final movement of the body and hands to the optimum bat launching position to get ready for the swing. Different batters use different movement as a triggering mechanism. Many batters turn the front knee and should slightly inward. Other batters simply take the hands slightly up and back to what they call their launch position. The loading or triggering action should be a very slight movement.
10. A, B, C Baseball Swing - The "A, B, to C baseball swing" means a baseball swing that is not fundamentally correct. The term describes a swing that is not compact and not direct to the ball. The batter sweeps the bat in a slow long arch.
11. A to C Swing - Used to refer to a sort compact swing that take the bat from the "A" launch position directed to the "C" or contact position. The perfect baseball swing is a short compact "A to C" Swing.
For more articles on coaching baseball visit the Youth Baseball Digest, Little League Digest and the Baseball Coaching Digest.
The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
===========================
Thanks to our sponsors:
www.BatAction.com
---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Who Invented the T-Ball Game?
Who Invented the T-Ball Game?
By guest author: Chris Moheno
For those who are somewhat unsure as to what the term T-Ball denotes. It is not baseball as a rule. However, it is a unique type of sport. It is directly taken from baseball and is an introduction to youngsters as a fun means to go about learning baseball skills.
The baseball coaching of T-Ball involves teaching young boys and girls baseball as part of the regular teaching regimen overall. Kids have a great deal of fun learning T-ball while picking up all the general things that are associated with the game of baseball. It is also a very effective way for children who are too young to play in actual baseball to be able to learn baseball skills for a lifetime and to face many of the very same challenges that baseball poses.
The generic name is T-Ball but the trademark name is officially registered as Tee Ball. This is just one of the many interesting facts that give this fascinating sport broad appeal. Nevertheless, amid the many curiosities that do surround T-Ball, one that does stand out is exactly who was the person or persons that invented the T-Ball game? Who is the actual father to this game?
The game's origins date back to the 1940s and the 1950s. However, numerous people claim that they were the inventors of it. Who are the people and or places that claim to be the beginning of T-Ball? One of the first of these in mention is no other than Albion, Michigan, that states that the sport was in creation there exclusively in 1956. However, there is also another town that lays claim to this as well and that town is no other than Starkville, Mississippi. Starkville, Mississippi says that their town is where Tee Ball was born in 1961. In addition, Claude Lewis, who was the director of Warner Robins, put together a t-ball league of his own back in 1958. Claude Lewis was with the Georgia Recreation Department and he was the designed the rulebooks for this new game.
So who did actually invent the T-Ball game? As it was stated here, many take credit, apparently, for this specific honor, but to say who exactly is the inventor is something that must first be examined up close. A person cannot even begin to attempt to make an assumption as to who it was specifically from the evidence here. Therefore all one can do is present the main contenders and draw a personal conclusion from there.
However, before that can be explored further, a little more about Tee Ball needs to be talked about as a sport upfront. It is very interesting, offers young children so much from a baseball perspective, and gives them something that they will always have with them. One of the differences between t-ball and baseball is obvious and that is that there is usually not the presence of a pitcher. A pitcher is required only for defense purposes. However, part of baseball coaching for some t-ball clubs, adult coaches do employ baseball pitching to some of its boy and girl players by pitching them balls so they can try to get a hit before using the tee. This approach helps those who need it the most to develop better batting ability.
Even though the T-Ball coaching is different from the sport of baseball in a number of ways, the overall objective of t-ball and baseball are pretty much the same in that both train players to be the best that they can be. Baseball pitching in t-ball involves the usage of a tee that is set on top of the home plate to suit the height of the specific batter. Some of the rules that govern t-ball also vary from that of baseball and the playing field is smaller too.
Now back to who invented the t-ball game? The trademark for Tee Ball was originally in registration with the United States government in the early 1970s by a man by the name of Dr. Dayton Hobbs. Dr. Hobbs openly credited the United States Navy for being responsible for the introduction of t-ball overseas. Dr. Hobbs was a man who had been coaching baseball for kids since the 1950s. It is said that he was the one who created t-ball baseball and promoted the game. This promotion brought interest in the game that only grew and grew over time. Was Dr. Hobbs the sole creator of t-ball? One can only guess.
The t-ball game's connection with Albion, Michigan, is also said to have been created by Coach Jerry Sacharski who came up with the game in the summer of 1956 for youngsters between the ages of six and eight to play. T-Ball was called by the locals in Albion as Pee Wee Baseball and was employed by the coach to teach boys the basics of regular baseball such as batting, pitching, and the like. Did Coach Sacharski invent t-ball? Again, only one can guess.
The claim for t-ball credit is also claimed by the town of Starkville, Mississippi. Another man by the name of John Zareas, 75, also attests to being the father of tee ball. He also had a book published in 1965, which is all about tee ball rules for youngsters in 1965. Are any of these also valid claims? It is still anyone's guess.
Thank God that they did create such a great form of baseball that is not really baseball. Because kids love it and that is what counts the most.
Besides this fact, it is not just a sport per se; it is also lasting preparation methods from a baseball coaching and a baseball hitting perspective for youngsters as well.
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
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1669562
===============
Thanks to our sponsors:
Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.
The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!
By guest author: Chris Moheno
For those who are somewhat unsure as to what the term T-Ball denotes. It is not baseball as a rule. However, it is a unique type of sport. It is directly taken from baseball and is an introduction to youngsters as a fun means to go about learning baseball skills.
The baseball coaching of T-Ball involves teaching young boys and girls baseball as part of the regular teaching regimen overall. Kids have a great deal of fun learning T-ball while picking up all the general things that are associated with the game of baseball. It is also a very effective way for children who are too young to play in actual baseball to be able to learn baseball skills for a lifetime and to face many of the very same challenges that baseball poses.
The generic name is T-Ball but the trademark name is officially registered as Tee Ball. This is just one of the many interesting facts that give this fascinating sport broad appeal. Nevertheless, amid the many curiosities that do surround T-Ball, one that does stand out is exactly who was the person or persons that invented the T-Ball game? Who is the actual father to this game?
The game's origins date back to the 1940s and the 1950s. However, numerous people claim that they were the inventors of it. Who are the people and or places that claim to be the beginning of T-Ball? One of the first of these in mention is no other than Albion, Michigan, that states that the sport was in creation there exclusively in 1956. However, there is also another town that lays claim to this as well and that town is no other than Starkville, Mississippi. Starkville, Mississippi says that their town is where Tee Ball was born in 1961. In addition, Claude Lewis, who was the director of Warner Robins, put together a t-ball league of his own back in 1958. Claude Lewis was with the Georgia Recreation Department and he was the designed the rulebooks for this new game.
So who did actually invent the T-Ball game? As it was stated here, many take credit, apparently, for this specific honor, but to say who exactly is the inventor is something that must first be examined up close. A person cannot even begin to attempt to make an assumption as to who it was specifically from the evidence here. Therefore all one can do is present the main contenders and draw a personal conclusion from there.
However, before that can be explored further, a little more about Tee Ball needs to be talked about as a sport upfront. It is very interesting, offers young children so much from a baseball perspective, and gives them something that they will always have with them. One of the differences between t-ball and baseball is obvious and that is that there is usually not the presence of a pitcher. A pitcher is required only for defense purposes. However, part of baseball coaching for some t-ball clubs, adult coaches do employ baseball pitching to some of its boy and girl players by pitching them balls so they can try to get a hit before using the tee. This approach helps those who need it the most to develop better batting ability.
Even though the T-Ball coaching is different from the sport of baseball in a number of ways, the overall objective of t-ball and baseball are pretty much the same in that both train players to be the best that they can be. Baseball pitching in t-ball involves the usage of a tee that is set on top of the home plate to suit the height of the specific batter. Some of the rules that govern t-ball also vary from that of baseball and the playing field is smaller too.
Now back to who invented the t-ball game? The trademark for Tee Ball was originally in registration with the United States government in the early 1970s by a man by the name of Dr. Dayton Hobbs. Dr. Hobbs openly credited the United States Navy for being responsible for the introduction of t-ball overseas. Dr. Hobbs was a man who had been coaching baseball for kids since the 1950s. It is said that he was the one who created t-ball baseball and promoted the game. This promotion brought interest in the game that only grew and grew over time. Was Dr. Hobbs the sole creator of t-ball? One can only guess.
The t-ball game's connection with Albion, Michigan, is also said to have been created by Coach Jerry Sacharski who came up with the game in the summer of 1956 for youngsters between the ages of six and eight to play. T-Ball was called by the locals in Albion as Pee Wee Baseball and was employed by the coach to teach boys the basics of regular baseball such as batting, pitching, and the like. Did Coach Sacharski invent t-ball? Again, only one can guess.
The claim for t-ball credit is also claimed by the town of Starkville, Mississippi. Another man by the name of John Zareas, 75, also attests to being the father of tee ball. He also had a book published in 1965, which is all about tee ball rules for youngsters in 1965. Are any of these also valid claims? It is still anyone's guess.
Thank God that they did create such a great form of baseball that is not really baseball. Because kids love it and that is what counts the most.
Besides this fact, it is not just a sport per se; it is also lasting preparation methods from a baseball coaching and a baseball hitting perspective for youngsters as well.
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
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1669562
===============
Thanks to our sponsors:
Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.
The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
What You Need to Become a Great Baseball Player
What You Need to Become a Great Baseball Player
By Guest Author Jack Perconte
I am not sure that I can write anything about how to become a great baseball player that you do not already know or that is not stating the obvious. Having played major league baseball though, I will discuss some of the ingredients that I believe helped me make it to the major leagues. I will not go so far to say that I was a great baseball player, but I believe I reached my potential using the attributes listed below.
First of all, it is important that a player develops a "Love of the Game." This may not happen at a young age but develops somewhere along the way. Many young athletes are like I was, where they are in love with all sports at a young age and developed a love of baseball when greater success came at baseball. Love of the game often leads to the next ingredient, which is necessary to become a great baseball player - a never give up attitude.
I often tell people that if all the current major league players quit playing baseball when they were told, at sometime in their life, that they were not good enough, there would be a whole set of different major league players. Just like in every aspect of life, a never give up attitude is essential to make it to the top. I always had the thought process that no one would make the decision when I would hang up the spikes but me.
The next ingredient that is necessary to reach potential is focus. Players, who stay focused on the goal, have the edge when it comes to competition. Many talented players play to prove something, where as the great players play with the idea of constantly "improving." Obviously, the players with this latter attitude are the ones who usually go the furthest. Even though there were times that I lacked confidence when playing, I remained focused so that, in the end, I reached my goal of becoming a major league player.
All of the mentioned ingredients allow players to have the next ingredient necessary for development into a great baseball player - a solid work ethic. Baseball, not unlike many sports but maybe even more so, requires fundamentals that need to be repeated over and over. It has often been stated that, "hitting a baseball may be the hardest thing to do in sports," so great fundamentals are needed. Pitching and fielding a baseball are equally tough, so players must combine the dedication and motivation into a great work ethic if they hope to have success. One thing that I am proud of was the work ethic I applied to playing baseball, and even to the point of over-working, which became detrimental to good performance at times.
The next ingredient is similar to focus but is an added characteristic of great players. Great baseball players have the ability to "calm the mind." Many players have talent and qualities to be good baseball players but lack the ability to tune out distractions, which come either during games or in their everyday lives. Many a great athlete had their career end because of off the field distractions that did not allow them to keep a clear mind during play. Many players become distracted easily and lack the intense mental focus necessary to excel under game pressure. When I first made it to the big leagues, I had a difficult time believing it was still just a baseball game. This led to a lack of a calm mind, leading to many misplays and wasted at-bats. Eventually, I overcame this and was able to keep the mind calm and play baseball like in the "back yard" when growing up.
All of the above ingredients lead to confidence. All great athletes play with self-confidence in their abilities, believing they belong where they are at the top level of sport. The intense pressure packed game moments or the major league atmosphere does not overwhelm them. As mentioned earlier about a calm mind, it took me a while to gain the confidence necessary to be a somewhat successful major league player. Playing with confidence leads to a long successful career for many, whereas a lack of confidence often leads to an abbreviated career.
Finally, there is another ingredient that leads to greatness and that is the overall physical attributes that players are genetically given. This is not to say that all of the other ingredients are not necessary to become great, but players who are more physically gifted than most, obviously have a higher athletic ceiling than those less gifted. When they apply the above characteristics with their physical abilities, a great baseball player is the result.
Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball playing lessons, books and advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball
Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his positive parenting advice and books can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte
----------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to Our Sponsor: Nedco Sports - BatAction Hitting Machines
www.BatAction.com
---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
---BatActionMachine on Ebay.com
---BatAction Machine Video Clips
---BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here
BatAction Demo Videos on Youtube
Check out these video demos of some of the most popular baseball training products on today's market. Click below and see the Advanced Skills Tee, Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer, and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine.
--Video of the Advanced Skills Tee is used by a college hitter during a hitting drill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30Ti00ZaOk
--Baseball Batting Tee - The Advanced Skills Tee - Baseball Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkvPoPWa7NU
--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Youth Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dFE150AKDs
--Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer - Demo Tape Shows How the Machine Loads, and Operates During Use. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwoJ8Vh1nU
--Derek Jeter Hurricane Batting Machine - Baseball Backyard Batting Trainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtxZk74y1L4
--Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - The Backyard Basketball Goal for Baseball Players http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJBn9VS9WDI
--Youth Baseball Batting Trainer - Hitting Drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ0JjILe73k
By Guest Author Jack Perconte
I am not sure that I can write anything about how to become a great baseball player that you do not already know or that is not stating the obvious. Having played major league baseball though, I will discuss some of the ingredients that I believe helped me make it to the major leagues. I will not go so far to say that I was a great baseball player, but I believe I reached my potential using the attributes listed below.
First of all, it is important that a player develops a "Love of the Game." This may not happen at a young age but develops somewhere along the way. Many young athletes are like I was, where they are in love with all sports at a young age and developed a love of baseball when greater success came at baseball. Love of the game often leads to the next ingredient, which is necessary to become a great baseball player - a never give up attitude.
I often tell people that if all the current major league players quit playing baseball when they were told, at sometime in their life, that they were not good enough, there would be a whole set of different major league players. Just like in every aspect of life, a never give up attitude is essential to make it to the top. I always had the thought process that no one would make the decision when I would hang up the spikes but me.
The next ingredient that is necessary to reach potential is focus. Players, who stay focused on the goal, have the edge when it comes to competition. Many talented players play to prove something, where as the great players play with the idea of constantly "improving." Obviously, the players with this latter attitude are the ones who usually go the furthest. Even though there were times that I lacked confidence when playing, I remained focused so that, in the end, I reached my goal of becoming a major league player.
All of the mentioned ingredients allow players to have the next ingredient necessary for development into a great baseball player - a solid work ethic. Baseball, not unlike many sports but maybe even more so, requires fundamentals that need to be repeated over and over. It has often been stated that, "hitting a baseball may be the hardest thing to do in sports," so great fundamentals are needed. Pitching and fielding a baseball are equally tough, so players must combine the dedication and motivation into a great work ethic if they hope to have success. One thing that I am proud of was the work ethic I applied to playing baseball, and even to the point of over-working, which became detrimental to good performance at times.
The next ingredient is similar to focus but is an added characteristic of great players. Great baseball players have the ability to "calm the mind." Many players have talent and qualities to be good baseball players but lack the ability to tune out distractions, which come either during games or in their everyday lives. Many a great athlete had their career end because of off the field distractions that did not allow them to keep a clear mind during play. Many players become distracted easily and lack the intense mental focus necessary to excel under game pressure. When I first made it to the big leagues, I had a difficult time believing it was still just a baseball game. This led to a lack of a calm mind, leading to many misplays and wasted at-bats. Eventually, I overcame this and was able to keep the mind calm and play baseball like in the "back yard" when growing up.
All of the above ingredients lead to confidence. All great athletes play with self-confidence in their abilities, believing they belong where they are at the top level of sport. The intense pressure packed game moments or the major league atmosphere does not overwhelm them. As mentioned earlier about a calm mind, it took me a while to gain the confidence necessary to be a somewhat successful major league player. Playing with confidence leads to a long successful career for many, whereas a lack of confidence often leads to an abbreviated career.
Finally, there is another ingredient that leads to greatness and that is the overall physical attributes that players are genetically given. This is not to say that all of the other ingredients are not necessary to become great, but players who are more physically gifted than most, obviously have a higher athletic ceiling than those less gifted. When they apply the above characteristics with their physical abilities, a great baseball player is the result.
Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball playing lessons, books and advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball
Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his positive parenting advice and books can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte
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Thursday, July 22, 2010
Just Beginning Youth Sports? Two Questions to Consider
Just Beginning Youth Sports? Two Questions to Consider
By Guest Author Greg A. Marshall
If you are the coach of a youth team (or planning to be one), you should share these thoughts with the parents on your team. You may want to prepare a handout with your coaching philosophies and distribute them at your pre-season team meeting.
Before a parent signs a up a child to participate in a youth sports activity, the parent must answer a couple of questions about the child's role in the activity as well as his own
A. Make sure your child is ready for Youth Sports.
Obviously, this is the most fundamental element of whether you and your child enjoy the youth sports experience. Many children play sports simply because their parents want them to play. Children WANT to please their parents, so naturally they will usually do what their parents wish whether they want to or not.
Ask yourself:
1."Does my child even WANT to play an organized sport?"
2. Is he/she physically/mentally ready for an organized sport?
If the answer to either of these questions is no, it is better to wait until next year, simply because of the level of interest and safety concerns.
B. Assuming your child is ready and wants to play, what must you, as a parent do to help get them ready to play?
Long before the first practice, spend some time in preparation. Begin by making the experience a fun and learning one. The best way is to begin teaching without the child even realizing that he or she is being taught - so it doesn't become "work." For example, to get ready for the baseball season, indulge in the pure enjoyment of "having a catch" with your child. This is great fun for you and your child, and will lay the foundation for many enjoyable hours later on. In "having a catch," you are teaching the proper way to catch and throw the ball. As your child's skill level improves, you (and they) will begin making more difficult throws and catches.
In addition to "having a catch," playing "wiffle ball" is a great (and inexpensive) way to begin developing batting skills. Developing the hand/eye skills necessary for batting is vital to success and satisfaction. Take a moment at the outset to demonstrate the proper grip, batting stance and swing. Don't allow yourself to become frustrated if it takes awhile for your child to grasp the concepts you present. That is the surest way to kill the desire to learn.
Whatever you do, give lots of praise and encouragement when warranted. The surest way to speed up the learning process is to praise when your young player gives solid effort and executes a procedure well. They will work extra hard to earn more praise. If they struggle, take a break, get a treat, and come back later. Sometimes a little time off does wonders.
Greg A. Marshall is the creator of Teeball-To-A-Tee.com, a unique website offering excellent teaching and coaching tools for coaches and parents of very young baseball enthusiasts. The resources on the website are designed for the parent or prospective youth coach who is overwhelmed at the prospect of starting from scratch. The website and materials offered are full of practical advice to help youth coaches from the very first day of practice. http://www.teeball-to-a-tee.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_A._Marshall
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By Guest Author Greg A. Marshall
If you are the coach of a youth team (or planning to be one), you should share these thoughts with the parents on your team. You may want to prepare a handout with your coaching philosophies and distribute them at your pre-season team meeting.
Before a parent signs a up a child to participate in a youth sports activity, the parent must answer a couple of questions about the child's role in the activity as well as his own
A. Make sure your child is ready for Youth Sports.
Obviously, this is the most fundamental element of whether you and your child enjoy the youth sports experience. Many children play sports simply because their parents want them to play. Children WANT to please their parents, so naturally they will usually do what their parents wish whether they want to or not.
Ask yourself:
1."Does my child even WANT to play an organized sport?"
2. Is he/she physically/mentally ready for an organized sport?
If the answer to either of these questions is no, it is better to wait until next year, simply because of the level of interest and safety concerns.
B. Assuming your child is ready and wants to play, what must you, as a parent do to help get them ready to play?
Long before the first practice, spend some time in preparation. Begin by making the experience a fun and learning one. The best way is to begin teaching without the child even realizing that he or she is being taught - so it doesn't become "work." For example, to get ready for the baseball season, indulge in the pure enjoyment of "having a catch" with your child. This is great fun for you and your child, and will lay the foundation for many enjoyable hours later on. In "having a catch," you are teaching the proper way to catch and throw the ball. As your child's skill level improves, you (and they) will begin making more difficult throws and catches.
In addition to "having a catch," playing "wiffle ball" is a great (and inexpensive) way to begin developing batting skills. Developing the hand/eye skills necessary for batting is vital to success and satisfaction. Take a moment at the outset to demonstrate the proper grip, batting stance and swing. Don't allow yourself to become frustrated if it takes awhile for your child to grasp the concepts you present. That is the surest way to kill the desire to learn.
Whatever you do, give lots of praise and encouragement when warranted. The surest way to speed up the learning process is to praise when your young player gives solid effort and executes a procedure well. They will work extra hard to earn more praise. If they struggle, take a break, get a treat, and come back later. Sometimes a little time off does wonders.
Greg A. Marshall is the creator of Teeball-To-A-Tee.com, a unique website offering excellent teaching and coaching tools for coaches and parents of very young baseball enthusiasts. The resources on the website are designed for the parent or prospective youth coach who is overwhelmed at the prospect of starting from scratch. The website and materials offered are full of practical advice to help youth coaches from the very first day of practice. http://www.teeball-to-a-tee.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_A._Marshall
================================================================
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Monday, July 19, 2010
Competitive Baseball Teams - When to Start Playing at That Level
Competitive Baseball Teams - When to Start Playing Travel Ball
By Guest Author Tom Read
A World Series for tee ball, really? Every summer my home town hosts a world series for tee ball teams. I do not think tee ball is the age to start playing travel baseball. So when is the best time to leave the comfort of recreational baseball and move on to competitive baseball? You know the cost, the time commitment, and the pressure is going to greatly increase. When should you and your son make that leap?
You are only going to become better by playing better competition. So why not jump to a competitive team at the first chance? Well, first off, the cost is going to go through the roof. Competitive teams travel a lot. And that right there is a big cost. The price to play in these tournaments is also very expensive. And a lot of teams have paid coaches. That comes from you. Most teams have fund raisers, but they are no fun and usually do not cover a third of the cost. Competitive baseball is a financial drain.
Next is time commitment. After investing all this money, the team wants to perform well, and that means practice, practice, and more practice. Maybe year around. Recreational teams practice once a week, maybe twice. Competitive teams three or four time a week, maybe more. If the weather is bad, recreational teams cancel practice. Competitive teams find an indoor facility. More practice time, and more cost.
The last big concern, and this should be your biggest concern, is the increase pressure on your son to perform. It starts with tryouts. Players are put thru certain drills, and then some make the team and some get cut. It is a pressure cooker for a young boy. Recreational teams usually have playing time rules. Not so much with competitive teams. Everybody will get some playing time, but it is no way equal. Remember, they want to win. So if your son makes the team, then there is always the pressure to play well, or be riding the bench.
If your son is good enough, then at some point he will need to play competitive ball to get better. When depends on you and your son. Consider the above three points before deciding. Talk it over with your son.
My rule of thumb is not before ten, and at least by thirteen if you hope to play high school baseball.
After my many years of coaching, watching and traveling to out of town baseball games, I decided to share my baseball tips and stories that I have learned and experienced along the way. To check out more articles that I have written, please visit my website at http://baseballknowledge.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Read
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By Guest Author Tom Read
A World Series for tee ball, really? Every summer my home town hosts a world series for tee ball teams. I do not think tee ball is the age to start playing travel baseball. So when is the best time to leave the comfort of recreational baseball and move on to competitive baseball? You know the cost, the time commitment, and the pressure is going to greatly increase. When should you and your son make that leap?
You are only going to become better by playing better competition. So why not jump to a competitive team at the first chance? Well, first off, the cost is going to go through the roof. Competitive teams travel a lot. And that right there is a big cost. The price to play in these tournaments is also very expensive. And a lot of teams have paid coaches. That comes from you. Most teams have fund raisers, but they are no fun and usually do not cover a third of the cost. Competitive baseball is a financial drain.
Next is time commitment. After investing all this money, the team wants to perform well, and that means practice, practice, and more practice. Maybe year around. Recreational teams practice once a week, maybe twice. Competitive teams three or four time a week, maybe more. If the weather is bad, recreational teams cancel practice. Competitive teams find an indoor facility. More practice time, and more cost.
The last big concern, and this should be your biggest concern, is the increase pressure on your son to perform. It starts with tryouts. Players are put thru certain drills, and then some make the team and some get cut. It is a pressure cooker for a young boy. Recreational teams usually have playing time rules. Not so much with competitive teams. Everybody will get some playing time, but it is no way equal. Remember, they want to win. So if your son makes the team, then there is always the pressure to play well, or be riding the bench.
If your son is good enough, then at some point he will need to play competitive ball to get better. When depends on you and your son. Consider the above three points before deciding. Talk it over with your son.
My rule of thumb is not before ten, and at least by thirteen if you hope to play high school baseball.
After my many years of coaching, watching and traveling to out of town baseball games, I decided to share my baseball tips and stories that I have learned and experienced along the way. To check out more articles that I have written, please visit my website at http://baseballknowledge.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Read
=====================================================
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Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Teaching Your Son or Daughter the Game of Baseball - Tips For Baseball Coaches and Baseball Dads
Teaching Your Child the Game of Baseball - Tips For Baseball Parents
By Guest Author John Peter
For those who "coach your son" (or those players who are coached by Dear Old Dad), lend me your ears. Here are some quick and easy thoughts to answer the common problems that surround coaching your own kid.
1st & Foremost
Help him become the best player that He wants to be. When it becomes more about You, the coach, the player's Dad . . . rethink immediately because you just became ONE OF THEM! You know the guy who's son plays shortstop and pitches, he bats 3rd . . . always . . . and probably shouldn't . . . yes, there are worse things to be than a pushy baseball Dad . . . so the good news is . . . it's curable! But seriously . . . think about this . . .
2nd
Consider the reality of the above and understand that you probably would treat discipline and talk to your own boy differently than you will with the other 12 kids on your team. So when you need to discipline ANY of your team attempt to do this "evenly" and with the same methods. This may take practice as well as having a pre-season discussion with your boy, as he knows Dad and just may attempt to take advantage (I know . . . not my boy!). REVISIT #1 . . . lol. Along with this thought is the idea of playing time and position play. On all teams there are weak links and positions you just cannot find a player to fill. It's a common problem especially at the younger level up to around age 13.
Here's my own experience. I have coached my son through many levels, from Tee Ball on up. One year we didn't have a catcher, so he played catcher a lot when not pitching. At the next level, a player I counted on for a lot of pitching left a hole at short and yet another season, a hole at 2nd. My first reaction each year was the same . . . teach my son the essentials of these positions . . . as long as he understood that he would be helping the team, and me as well. Confiding in him how I was proud of him to make the sacrifice didn't hurt either.
3rd
Is it easy? Not every day. Know this now! Why should it always have to be easy? Very few things that are important to two people are always easy. Know that you are each other's favorite coach and favorite player. Nothing is more important than that!
Here's the Downside:
Your boy won't progress quite as quickly in what you may see as his "natural position."
Here's the Upside:
Until approximately age 14 he doesn't have a natural position. He has ability and interest in his "natural position" and he has Dad hoping he will play and excel at his "natural position." But unless any boy gets experience all over the field, he may not truly find that "natural position."
My son had as much fun as a catcher throughout his 11-12-13 years as any time I ever saw him play another position . . . for whatever his reasons were. His experience there was due to his team's needs. It ended up allowing him to learn and do something he never really thought much about or had much interest in. It also helped me out of a jam because he got good at it. And yes, he enjoyed it! It also helped our pitchers because he improved where they could count on him . . . and now, as an older player, it allowed him to understand the game infinitely better, now that he is developing into a pitcher and a solid middle infielder.
Ultimately, all it took was he and I initially discussing it (I asked for and frankly needed his help - I truly believe that kids like to help), and secondly I spent time working with him at home, one-on-one, and at the park, which gave us time for just he and I! That time is worth it just by itself. . . the added benefit is that it was time spent at a baseball field!
Under the category of "never say never," my son's High School asked him to play shortstop on the JV summer team a few years ago. He regarded it as quite an honor, as he was only an 8th grader in a school of 2,000 students. Although he certainly had, and has, a lot of learning to do at such a complex position...I think he was extremely happy that he was at least forced out of his "natural position" earlier in his career and could call on past game experiences. It certainly made for a more confident and enjoyable transition!
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Peter
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Monday, May 3, 2010
Perk Up Your Baseball Skills
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Perk Up Your Baseball Skills
By Connor R Sullivan
We live in times where sports have become more than just a game for physical activity. It has reached a professional level which, with the media's intervention, brought an entertaining aspect to it. Now the players are not merely the players, but they have elevated to celebrity level. It is important to note how fame brings along many great responsibilities. Whether it is a league game or any international tournament, winning is the major facet of the sport. After soccer, the most popular types of sports are the bat and ball games. Among them, baseball enjoys the top spot. It is a score oriented game in which the hitter responds to the ball thrown at him. To easily train baseball players, using pitching machines within batting cages can be quite useful.
There are different ways in which a ball could be pitched. Some variations could be added to the pitches such as a curve ball, in which you give a downward spin to the ball, thus making it difficult to play. It is a pitch which has a reduced pace in it. As a result, the batter is caught off guard and responds to this ball in a haphazard manner. A slider is one method of throwing balls. It is like the curve ball; however it is a medium pacer closer to a cutter. The selection of pitch is of critical importance in the game of basketball. The fielding, however further supports the gaming tactics.
There needs to be an adequate co-ordination between the pitcher and the catcher sitting behind the hitter. The catcher signals the pitcher for the type of pitch to throw. If his partner disagrees, he signals for a different one. In other words, the catcher should be aware of the upcoming pitch. The fielding team's placement could be changed according to the employed pitch. If the runner is placed on the third base, the infielders have an option to move closer to the home plate.
Baseball is basically a bat and ball contest between two teams comprising of nine players each. Both the teams take turns to be the defending team and the batting team. The defending team along with their fieldsmen prevents its opponents from scoring runs by trying to grab chances to get the hitters out. Players of the opposing team take turns to hit the ball thrown by the pitcher. As there is a strong need for game tactics from the defending team, there is also a need to have a game plan from the strikers end.
The hitter needs to have a strong arm to tackle any pitch. He has to make a forceful twist and then keep his balance in order to do the hitting and running without sparing seconds. It is of vital importance for the runner to occupy second base and then wait for a suitable hit so that he can make a run for it. This creates a gap between the infields allowing the hitter ample space to position his stroke. The lineup of players is a part of common gaming strategy. The choice of a right handed batsman against a left-handed pitcher and vice versa proves to be successful.
To sum it all up, baseball does not just test your physical endurance but also your mind. Whether you are the pitcher or the hitter, you would always be considering different options in your minds before finally executing them.
Connor Sullivan has recently researched and purchased several pitching machines online from a reputable source. He also ordered several batting cages online from a reputable source to donate to his high school.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connor_R_Sullivan
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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Mental Training Tips to Improve Baseball Performance
Mental Training Tips to Improve Baseball Performance
By Luke Woodard
If you or your kid have played baseball long enough, I'm sure you have heard the phrase "mental toughness". In fact, you probably have heard those words used plenty of times in other sports and even outside of sports. But what exactly is it and how can you improve your mental toughness? We've all witnessed the guys who strike out, throw their helmet, and are obviously angry for the rest of the game. In the field, they make an error on an easy ground ball. Then, next time their up, with a chance to win the game, they swing at bad pitches and hit fly out to end the game.
Compared that to someone who is considered "mentally tough". Yes, he strikes out the first and he appears angry for a while, although he doesn't throw his helmet. As soon as he steps on the field to play defense, it appears that he has washed it away and he has. He makes a good play on the same ground ball, and when it comes time for him to hit again with a chance to win the game, he hits a line drive base hit up the middle.
So what is so different about these two example? It wasn't the amount of time they worked on their swing, the work they put into their fielding, or that one was better than the other physically. The difference was that the second example was better mentally. So if the mental aspect plays such a large role, how can you improve it? Here are some simple tips to getting better mentally.
1 - Clear the mind
Yogi Berra also said "I can't think and hit at the same time". While he may not have been the brightest fellow around, he was definitely on to the mental aspect of the game. When you step on the field, whether pitching, hitting, fielding or running, you have to totally clear you mind. I found that repeating to myself "ball, ball, ball, ball.." helps me focus. A game is NOT the time to think about mechanics. Tell yourself your mechanics are perfect and think only about the ball.
2 - Flush it
We've all seen it happen and probably it's happened to you. A player makes an error in the field, which leads to a second error because their mind was still on the last play. They then come up to bat and strike out. What where they thinking about? They were still thinking on the previous inning and the errors they made. When something doesn't go the way you want it too, take a second to think through what happened and how to fix it so you can work on it later and "flush it down the toilet". Re-focus on the task at hand with a clear mind.
3 - Think Positive
Especially if you're in a slump, or not having success on the mound, it is so easy to go to "Don't strike out this time" or "Whatever you do, don't walk this guy." Guess what, you're probably going to do what you are telling yourself not to do. Instead walk up to the plate saying to yourself "my mechanics are perfect, I know I WILL hit this guy hard" or on the mound "I have all my stuff today, this guy has no shot, and I am in control."
4 - Relax
You have to remember that you are playing baseball here and that failure is going to happen. We are all humans and any human will make tons of mistakes. The key is not to worry about mistake or anything else. To relax when you are feeling stressed, breath deep, and don't be afraid to take a mental "vacation". For me, I find that whistling any random tune helps me relax tremendously. Also, take deep breaths pushing your stomach out helps relaxation as well. This also provides your body with more oxygen, which is essential in anything athletic.
5 - Visualize
Take time everyday to visualize yourself succeeding on the baseball field. Visualize yourself with the perfect mechanics just absolutely drilling that curve ball the other way or yourself on the mound throwing your dirty change-up for strike three. Visualization can happen a number of ways. You can see yourself from the outside or see things through your eyes. You can do it pretty much anywhere, and you'll be amazed out how much this can help you prepare for when you are actually playing. Just remember to see yourself doing the right thing, just like you practice your swing the right way.
I hope this helps. The mental side of baseball is often overlooked and is such an important part of success on the field.
If you found this helpful, here is an awesome program that goes much deeper than this article:
Mental training for baseball
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luke_Woodard
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The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!
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Friday, April 16, 2010
T Ball Ready Position - Coaching Ready Position in T Ball
T Ball Ready Position - Coaching Ready Position in T Ball
By Brian McClure
In coaching t ball probably the first thing to do is teach the Ready position. You cant do nothing if your not ready so..What is the Ready Position?
1. Feet spread a little wider than shoulders
This gives balance and ability to move any direction
2. Balance on the balls of your feet:not the heels.
Sometimes when the kids are getting a little disinterested I may state (loudly of course) On Your Toes! This will wake them up and get them in position
3. Butt Down!
Most important..if your butt is down the knees bend and the hands go down with them. This gives balance.
4. Hands in Front
Two hands(I like to have kids (the first few practices) practice a few ground balls catching them in front without a glove to get them used to catching with two hands and then try it with the glove on.
5.Eyes on the Ball
Cant catch what you cant see. Catch the ball in front with two hands Safety too. If there is a bad hop your hands will move to protect and catch. How do I Coach and teach the ready position? Lets keep it simple.. It would be best to have the kids divided into at least 2 groups. This gives the most repetition and is the most efficient use of time. It will also keep them from getting bored to quickly. Pretty much every drill in t ball should be done in groups for these reasons.
1. READY! Spread your feet a little, get your butt down, hands out in front.
2. Toss a few ground balls without gloves
3. Ground balls with gloves
4. GET IN FRONT OF THE BALL! Now lets get them moving. Remember Eyes on the Ball? Toss a few balls to either side of the player and get them to move in front of the ball. (Some coaches like to use the belly button for this but I still like using the eyes and it has been effective for my coaching)
5. CHARGE! With this command you should toss some slow rollers and get the players moving in to the ball. It will happen I guarantee you.
A Special Note for Parents: I started working with my latest T baller during winter in the house. Showed him relaxed(which was hands on knees) and then Ready. We would practice this just a few times. I would say Relax! and he would go in to the relaxed position..I would say Ready! and hands come up and butt goes down. Then we would catch some tennis balls without a glove..then we would do a few with the glove. You will have to help them a few times with this but if you do this a few times a week...When the weather is nice enough to go outside you can do the above drills. At that first practice when Coach states Everybody Ready! You will be very proud. The Ready Position is the beginning of coaching youth baseball.
Author- Brian McClure
http://www.coaching-youth-baseball.com/
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_McClure
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Monday, March 8, 2010
Baseball Skills For the Beginning Player
Hurricane Baseball Batting Trainer
Baseball Skills For the Beginning Player
By Ethan D Orman
If your child is serious about becoming a better baseball player, then he will need to devote some extra time to develop his skills. One of the most important areas to focus on is hitting. Since most kids don't get enough time at bat during team practice, any amount of extra time with the bat should yield results. But if your child really wants to make a run for the Hall of Fame, make sure that the extra time focuses on technique and bat speed.
Begin by making sure that your child is using the correct sized bat. We spend time making sure we have the right fit for shoes and gloves, but we sometimes ignore the size of the bat. Since bat speed is critical to successful hitting, a bat that is too heavy will slow down your slugger. Have your child hold the bat out away from his body, parallel to the ground. If he can't hold it for 15 seconds, or his arms start to wobble, then the bat is probably too heavy.
You should also focus on position at the plate. If your child stands too close or too far from the plate, then it will hinder his ability to make a strong connection with the ball. This is why it is important to practice swinging at a plate. If you are using a field that doesn't have a home plate, bring one with you, even if it is made of paper. This will allow your child to develop a consistent feel for proper foot positioning and distance from the plate.
Bat speed is a key to good hitting. A simple exercise to help young hitters is to add a donut to your child's regular bat. Have him swing at eight pitches with the loaded bat, and then remove the donut and have him swing at eight more pitches. Two or three sets of this a week should help your player build up his bat speed, resulting in better hitting.
Your child will also want to improve his vision. Players are often told to keep their eye on the ball, and there are some excellent drills to help them do just that. First, soft toss some plastic golf balls to your little leaguer. The small ball will force him to focus on his target all the way through contact. You can then switch to larger whiffle balls, which will help instill confidence with a larger target. A fun twist on this is to use different colored balls. Have your child call out the color of the ball when he swings. This will help him stay focused on the ball throughout the entire swing.
When trying to become a better hitter, nothing is more important that time at the plate. Repetition will help your little slugger develop a better feel for his swing and making contact with the ball. But by adding in the above drills, your player will hone different parts of his swing that will lead to more success at the plate, and just possibly the Major Leagues.
Ethan has been an online writer for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in sports, finance, and product reviews, you can also check out his latest website on T069120 Epson Ink which reviews and lists the best T069120 Epson Cartridge for your Epson printer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ethan_D_Orman
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Thursday, February 25, 2010
How to Hit a Baseball
www.BatAction.com
Article Title: How to Hit a Baseball
By Chris Moheno
There is a science to the sport of baseball, especially in the batters box. It really is more than just standing up there and hoping to hit the ball. A player can either research baseball hitting information on their own or seek out professional baseball training. Either way, learning is the companion of success.
There are several principles involved with hitting a baseball successfully and consistently. Once these principles are learned and memorized, practice is the key. Ever wonder how the MLB players hit a 98 mph fastball? Lots and lots of baseball batting training.
So take these basics and practice them until they become second nature. Everything should feel natural and comfortable. Now let's take a look at the elements of baseball hitting.
1. Select the proper bat. Bats come in different lengths and weights. Then there is what is called "bat drop". This is the difference between the length and the weight. For instance, a bat that is 29" long and weighs 18 ounces has a drop of -11. This means that it feels lighter and is easier to swing. The higher the drop number, the better (and more expensive) the bat. Selection is made based on the batters height and weight.
2. Develop a hitting approach. This is also known as plate discipline and is extremely important as the player gets older. The batter needs to be able to distinguish what is a "hittable" pitch and what is not. Simply going to the plate and swinging away works for very young players as it helps allay the fear of being hit, but older players need discipline. A good start is to watch the ball from the pitcher's hand all the way to the plate, or preferably, to your bat. Adjust your strike zone as the strike count develops. A smaller zone for 0 strikes, a bit larger for 1 strike and larger still for 2 strikes.
3. Develop a good bat grip. Not tense yet firm. Not loose yet relaxed. When you grab the bat, it is important to stay relaxed in your whole body, starting with the hands on the bat. The hands should be positioned so that the top knuckles of the lower hand line up somewhere between the middle and top knuckles of the upper hand. Anywhere in that area that is comfortable is workable. The idea is to keep the bat out of the palm and closer to the fingers for more control. This also helps keep the grip relaxed, helps avoid "bat drag" resulting from tension and increases bat speed/reaction time.
4. Take note of how you stand in the batters box. Always remember the three B's: Be comfortable, be confident and be balanced. All three are necessary for hitting success. Make sure you can cover the plate and your strike zone(s) completely. Find the right depth in the box, too. You will want to be able to get on top of a fastball as well as time the breaking pitches. Most important of all is to be perfectly balanced with the hands at the top of the strike zone.
5. Learn to "pick up the ball" as it is released by the pitcher. Watch his arm until the ball is released, then pick up the ball as it travels towards you. After a little practice, you will learn to distinguish the type of pitch that is coming and that goes a long way towards hitting the baseball. Baseball training focuses on this aspect of hitting mechanics.
6. Take your stride before you swing the bat. As the ball travels towards you, take your step (stride) and keep the weight on the back leg. As you begin to take the swing, bring the weight forward and use the momentum for power.
7. As the swing starts and your weight comes forward, pivot the back foot and keep the front as planted as you can. The hips will begin to open up and work with the legs to add the power to the swing. Arms and hands should be brought through close to the body. This helps with bat speed and accuracy. The head should be picking up the ball the entire time it is in flight.
If you practice these basics of baseball hitting, you will see a difference at the cages as well as on the field. Your batting average will soar and you will hit the ball consistently. Baseball training is the way to go for baseball hitting success!
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
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
One Word That Will Make You Sound Like a Baseball
www.HandsBackHitter.com
Article Title: One Word That Will Make You Sound Like a Baseball Expert - 5 Tips For Hitting, Pitching & Fielding
By Jack Perconte
Not everyone knows the finer details of the game of baseball and, of course, many do not care to be baseball coaches or experts. Everyone has there own interests and that is fine. However, that does not mean you cannot say helpful things to young ballplayers. Using this one word will make one sound like a baseball expert and sound like you really know the game of baseball. As a baseball instructor over the past 21 years there is one word that I believe I have said more than any other word. This word is revealed below. If you would like a hint, think of the first thing that you teach your dog to do?
You guessed it - stay. Using the word "stay" with most any baseball term gives instant, "expert" credibility to the one saying it. Following are the terms good coaches often use when talking to players about the three key skill components in baseball - hitting, pitching and fielding. People, who use these terms with the magic word "stay," will sound like a knowledgeable, baseball expert.
Hitting Tips:
1. Stay back - good hitters do not jump at the ball, they let it come to them.
2. Stay inside - good hitters do not reach for balls, they try to hit the side closest to them on all pitches.
3. Stay behind - when good hitters swing, they rotate, transfer their weight and throw their bat at the ball while keeping their head back over their rear hip.
4. Stay balanced - good hitters swing the bat at 100% speed, but make it look like they are not working hard at all.
5. Stay ready - good hitters always expect the next pitch to be "their pitch."
6. Stay focused - good hitters concentrate on just watching the baseball from the pitcher's release to the hitting zone and tune out all other thoughts.
Pitching Tips:
1. Stay balanced - good pitchers throw at maximum speeds but make it look effortless.
2. Stay direct - good pitchers keep great direction, stepping on direct line towards home plate with their delivery.
3. Stay on top - good pitchers keep their fingers on top of ball on backswing and at release.
4. Stay behind - good pitchers do not rush themselves, allowing their arm time to come around.
5. Stay focused - good pitchers remain focused on their target, and tune out any distractions.
Fielding Tips:
1. Stay ready - good fielders "want" and expect the ball to be hit their way.
2. Stay down - good fielders approach ground balls low to the ground and keep their glove below the hop initially.
3. Stay smooth - good fielders make fielding look effortless, moving through the ball with grace.
4. Stay focused - good fielders keep their concentration on the ball, ready for any hop.
5. Stay balanced - good fielders have great footwork when fielding, always remaining under control.
You may have noticed that there are two terms used with our word "stay" that applies to every fundamental tip and those are balanced and focus. Everything in sport requires great balance and focus. So, when you are not sure what to say to your athlete, you can never go wrong with saying, "stay balanced" and "stay focused" as long as they are said in a positive, affirmative manner.
Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball playing lessons, books and advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his positive parenting advice and books can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Baseball Batting Techniques - Finding Some Help in Improving Your Baseball Skills
Backyard Baseball Batting Machine by Nedco Sports
By Carolyn Anderson
Baseball is indeed one of the favorite sports we want to watch and play as well. If you have the interest to learn baseball, either as a sport or just for fun, then you can actually learn some baseball batting techniques that can improve your skills.
Learning these techniques can also be good for your children if you want to train them and help them learn to play baseball at a young age. Of course, the younger your kids are trained in any sport, the better they can become when they grow up especially if they like the sport.
Of course, the basic skills that one should learn if he wants to play baseball is batting the ball and catching. Although, it is also important to learn about pitching as well as other defense skills you need to learn about the sport. Indeed, batting is an essential skill of every baseball player and, of course, becoming a good baseball hitter makes you one good baseball player too. So for some baseball batting techniques that you may find useful in improving your game, here are some of them.
Learn the proper batting technique. The key to master baseball batting is to master the basics. Of course, you have to make sure you are gripping the bat correctly. One of the most commonly used gripping technique that players use in playing baseball is holding the bat such that the middle knuckles of your hands are lined up. This technique gives better control than gripping the bat tightly with both palms.
To master your baseball batting techniques, it is also important to consider your stance. This allows you to have good balance and of course allows you to hit the ball properly. To maintain a good stance, your knees should be slightly bent, and your weight rested on the balls of your feet and your waist slightly bent forward.
Another important thing to master is your swing. Your lower body should control your swing and your weight should transfer from the balls of your feet to the front foot. You should also keep your hands within the flight of the ball so you can hit it better. You should also keep head movements at a minimal.
Aside from these baseball batting techniques, keep in mind some important tips to help you master hitting the ball. Be positive. Think that you can hit the ball even before you step into the batter's box. Clear your mind from any distraction and concentrate on hitting the ball. It helps also not to be in a hurry. You can always wait for a good pitch.
To help you improve your batting skills, it would help to find someone who is an experienced baseball player to watch you when you practice your batting so that you will know what needs to be improved and corrected. You can also practice your batting with several hitting drills that will truly improve your skills before getting into the real battle.
Carolyn Anderson loves to play sports including softball. For a step-by-step training manual to help you master baseball skills like hitting, check out Parker Training System Manual. Also check out The Super 8 Hitting System, a comprehensive digital course on how to hit a baseball.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Anderson
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