Advanced Hitting Drills

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By Jack Perconte

There are numerous hitting drills and all have specific purposes. Good hitting drills address a specific area of a hitter's fundamentals. When hitters have practiced basic hitting drills for a time they may be ready for more advance hitting drills. Additionally, these drills can serve to break up the monotony of performing the same drills over and over.

Some drills will actually address a few different fundamental areas at the same time, making them even more valuable. One such drill is the back knee pickup drill that I have written about before. This drill where the hitter swings, picks up the back foot and allows the knee to rotate towards the pitcher is a good multi-use drill that works on using the front side and keeping a firm front side without collapsing the lower half on the swing. It also serves to have hitters transfer their weight and maintain leverage through their swing. This is only a drill and is not the way a hitter will hit in a game, but a drill that reinforces the correct fundamentals for hitters who have specific hitting deficiencies. This drill helps hitters who "step out" with their stride and for those who open their hips or front shoulder too early.

Other advanced hitting drills include the following:

1. The self flip drill is very valuable for advanced hitters. It will force hitters to develop quick hands and strong forearms. To perform this drill the hitter will hold the ball with their top hand as their lower hand grips the bat. The hitter flips the ball up no higher than eye level into the hitting zone. At this time, the hitter will grab the bat with both hands and hit the ball. Obviously, the goal is to hit line drives and in the direction of where the ball was flipped, (middle, inside or outside). Hitters will notice that very quick hands are necessary to hit the ball consistently solid.

2. Another advanced hitting drill is to have the hitter stand a foot or so away from a net, where the hitter is facing away from the net. The goal is to swing and miss the net with the bat going forward, but to hit the net slightly on the follow through with the bat. This drill will reinforce a compact swing and "staying back" at the same time. Hitters should keep their head in throughout the entire swing and not pull their front shoulder out in order to hit the net on the follow through. Once again, this is another drill for advanced hitters only. This drill can be done with a ball on the batting tee or with flip drills for even better results.

3. The two ball flip drill is another advanced hitting drill that is very good for teaching hitters to wait on the ball and to develop a quick, compact swing. Hitters will need the assistance of a coach to flip balls from behind a protective screen for this drill. The coach will hold two balls in the same hand at once and flip the balls into the hitting zone. When the ball approaches the hitter, the coach yells out which ball they want the hitter to hit, either high/low, or even inside/ outside. Obviously, because the hitter does not know which ball to hit until the last moment, they cannot cheat with their swing too early or they will hit the wrong one or miss altogether.

These are a few advanced hitting drills that will help advanced hitters. Many more like these are contained in my hitting book.

Former major league 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 Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - and one of his videos can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsIt0TIsHmQ
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Happy Thanksgiving to Our Baseball Digest Blog Readers

Happy Thanksgiving to Our Baseball Digest Blog Readers

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Baseball Swing Mechanics Tip - A Different Two-Strike Approach

By Nate Barnett

I might have a slightly different approach for hitting a baseball with two strikes than most coaches, especially at the younger level. The short of it is that I work with hitters in being offensive producers, since that is their job in the first place when they step into the box. Having said this, a hitter obviously gets three chances to produce something valuable for his team each and every at bat.

Because of this offensive thinking, I do not want my athletes shrinking into a defensive position while being on offense and limiting their production potential with two strikes. Just make contact with your baseball swing, or put the ball in play, etc. are all examples of defensive thinking. Few would argue that the just put the ball into play and make contact advice would rarely be given to a hitter outside of the two strike scenario. Because of this, I would much rather take a highly aggressive hitter who swings and misses on his third strike than a hitter who changes his approach into a defensive mindset. That defensive mindset is more damaging in the long run than an aggressive hitter who can be taught to focus that energy more constructively with some sound baseball instruction.

Having said that, there is great value in shifting the focus of what to do with a pitch later in the count. Because of a higher percent chance of an off speed or outside pitch being thrown later in the count, working on taking the ball the other way would be appropriate. Therefore in your baseball drills work on molding aggressive hitters which if they go down, they go down playing the game hard.

Nate Barnett is owner of BMI Baseball designed to improve the mental game of baseball in athletes. Come download a free ebook on dealing with failure in baseball.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett

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The 3 R's of Pitching

By Rick Harig

Realize the basic premise that the pitcher has the advantage. This is the foundation for a successful pitcher. Hitting a baseball is said to be the hardest thing to do in all of sport. The pitcher needs to remember that. "If the swing by a right-hand batter is seven milliseconds (.007) too late, the squarely hit ball will sail foul past first base." - Robert Adair, a Yale physicist who has studied the science of baseball, referring to a 90mph fastball.

Recognize when you, as the pitcher, lose your focus. How do you avoid a big inning? You avoid it by recognizing that you have been taken out of your game and only then can you adjust and refocus to the task at hand. Many pitching plans include some avoidance of "the big inning". It is easy to talk about, but after one of these "big innings" takes place, the pitcher usually only understands it when reflecting back on it after the game and on the chaos that surrounded him while it was going on. The pitcher needs a thought-stopping cue from himself to help recognize that he has lost his focus. It is important to do this so he can pitch in the present and not in the past. The thought stopping cue could be as simple as "STOP", or "play in the now".

Refocus to the task at hand. Once the pitcher "snaps out of it" and concentrates on the present, then he can pitch to his potential and win the situation. The pitcher who analyzes and frets on how all those guys got on base will not be able to refocus into the present to do the job. A routine or mental cue can help with focus. The pitcher needs to let it flow and let the right side of the brain take over. He can only do this if the mind in clear and free of distracting thoughts. Here is an example of how a pitcher can get back into the now by letting his left brain guide him and set his right brain up for the actual pitch. Use the dirt circle of the mound as the positive / negative ground. Whenever he catches himself being negative he goes into the grass. At that time, he can tell himself anything he wants, he can worry about all the runners, the errors and walks that got them there, whatever he wants. However, the second he gets back onto the dirt he is positive and ready to get the next guy out! A routine like this combined with some proper breathing can get the pitcher to stay in a positive, non-distracting mode. Hopefully he spends most of his time in the dirt and stays in the now.

Every pitcher needs a plan. There is not one pitcher in the history of baseball that has gone through his career, let alone a season, or even a game, without adversity. No matter how good a pitcher is he will face dilemmas in games that he needs to have a plan for. It is too easy to say, "Be a bulldog, go get them". Sure successful pitchers have bulldog characteristics and competitive success models built in that they do not even know about, but there is no need to analyze that. It is the pitcher's past experiences, successes, and failures that have given him those built in characteristics. It is the future challenges that the pitcher will face as he progresses to higher levels of competition in his career that he needs the above to help advance his success rate.

Rick Harig
Copyright 2009
Cognitive Advantage Program
http://www.play-in-the-now.com

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10 Ways to Maintain a Good Parent-Coach Relationship

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By Jack Perconte

Most negative experiences in athletics involve tension between coaches and parents of athletes. Most of the time, kids are very content with playing, having fun and being around their friends. Usually, players become discontented only after mom or dad have started grumbling about the way the coach is treating their child with playing time or position played. Once a parent has put this negative attitude in the player's mind they become a "grumbling" player towards the coach. This unhappy attitude can be prevented if parents and coaches develop a good relationship, especially at the beginning of the season. Here is how:

Suggestions for a successful parent-coach relationship:

1. Give team parents background information about all the coaches, especially about playing and/or coaching experience related to the game. (This should not have to be mentioned but be honest about backgrounds.)

2. Express philosophy of coaching. The three ultimate objectives are winning, player development and fun. Specifically state where coaches stand on these three objectives. I suggest a 30, 30, 30 split on these objectives and applying the remaining 10 percent for the area most needed. This 10 percent will be determined by the competitiveness of the team and the league.

3. Explain your goals for the team and for the individuals for the upcoming season. I believe it is alright to play to win even at a young level, as long as it is kept in perspective. Remember, developing skills and having fun are always an objective. Dealing with winning and losing will create many teaching moments that will be important for kids to learn.

4. Discuss your philosophy about playing time and positions played. Let everyone know how you plan to run the team. For example, will players have to earn their position on the field or will you rotate the players? Give parents a chance to ask questions, and make sure your answers are clearly understood. Be sure to recognize and discuss the objectives of the league and level at which the team is playing.

5. Coaches should listen and discuss the parent's objectives for their own kids and for the team. Parents who have obvious different objectives than the coach may have to look for another team for their kid if they cannot come to an agreement.

6. Discuss when and how the coaches can be approached during the season so there are no public confrontations. Set up a system where discussions are held away from the players, other parents and the crowds. There will be issues that arise from time to time, but let parents know that disagreements will be handled in a civil way away from the players.

7. Discuss coaching policies when players miss practices or games, so everybody is treated the same and all are clear about the policy.

8. Effective communication is the key to averting problems - make sure parents inform their kids about the coaches' philosophies.

9. As mentioned, troubles begin when parents start to grumble at home to the players about the coach. Insist to the parents that they approach you before getting upset and expressing that displeasure at home.

10. Most issues arise because the parent does not think the coach is being fair. It is important that the coach fulfill his or her philosophy that was initially expressed. Changing philosophy in the middle of the season will create problems. If a coach feels a philosophy change is totally necessary, they must discuss possible change with all parents first.

Finally, coaches should be role models and teachers to their players. It is easier to help players develop their skills and enjoy the game when the parents understand the reasoning behind the coaches' philosophies.

Former major league 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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte

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Baseball Throwing Part Eight - Specialty Throws

By Dick Birmingham

There are all kinds of specialty throws for infielders that have absolutely nothing to do with lining up and warming up.

To give you an example of a specialty throw lets look at first baseman giving the ball to a pitcher covering the base. It is an important play.

This has to be taught and it has to be worked on.

As far as the underhand throw is concerned, I feel that the whole hand should be behind the ball and that he should give it to him so that the ball is going rise up into the pitcher's face. You will lead him with the throw he needs to follow with a couple of quick steps. He needs to follow that throw instead of just flat-footed because a lot of times those big hitting first basemen, they will get flat-footed and will flip and go way up. If he is on top, I think it has to be a different type throw. It is almost like a middle infielder. He has to get the ball up here and he has to flip it.

I think those types of throws have to be worked on. I have seen a lot of great combinations but to me the success of the double play is the lead thrower. That is the most important part of the double play.

There are certain techniques that are going to help you. For example, that second baseman has to pop that hip to the hand up and flip the ball.

There are certain mechanics involved that are going to dictate what type of throw it is going to be. It is going to be a good throw or it is going to be a bad throw.

I personally believe that the hand has to be straight up and down. It has to be that kind of a throw. If it is off a little bit like this, or if it is down here you are asking for trouble.

It is a very quick throw but it is a specialty throw that has to be worked on all the time. Over and over again.

I’m going to finish by talking about outfielders.

Outfielders have to understand that they are a vital unit in the total defense scheme. They have to take a lot of pride in their defense. I don't think outfielders take as much pride in their defense as they should.

One thing is the throwing technique. Outfielders have to throw with a long arm. A lot of them don't understand the crow hop, the reason you crow hop is to give the arm time to lengthen out so that you can get in the proper throwing position and make strong accurate throws.

A drill that I like is to start off with outfielders is to have them hop three times then throw.

Then after they are doing that a while, then on a straight line or a slightly downward plane you can cut it down to two hops. Then you can cut it down to one hop and then you are in business.

In that process you need to really think about where their striding foot is landing. Because they have to hit that cutoff man. That is so important in the game of baseball that needs to be worked on and talked about constantly. A few guys in here have outfielders that never miss their cutoff man, hit him every time.

Baseball also is a game of catch. It really is a game of catch and you have to prepare your people to catch it and throw it. And, if they do that job real well, it is going to make you look like a much better coach. You will be developing your players and you will win more games.

To learn more baseball coaching tips for developing your players with baseball throwing drills and proper baseball throwing technique visit the Dick Birmingham Sports Championship Baseball Drill Book at http://www.BaseballDrillBook.com

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Preparing Your Baseball Team Mentally For the Big Game

By Bob Hines

An all star or travel team's mental state is a major contributing factor of whether or not they reach their goals. Whether the opponent is weak or strong if your team believes they can win they will be up for the game. Coaches sometimes mistakenly try to pump their team up for a big game. I believe players (and coaches) should treat each game the same. Provided that you prepared them physically through solid practice... If they believe they are good enough to be successful that is all the game prep they need.

When coaches tell players that they have to "play the best game they can in order to win" that's when teams usually get into trouble. When players try to push it past what they are able to do... that's when you start to see the mistakes. Good teams lose because most players don't react well to pressure from parents and coaches. Kids will "check out" when you put it in their minds that they have to perform flawlessly to succeed... that they have to play the best game possible.

So what to do? Keep it light but focused. Reinforce that they are a good team. Tell that player who's struggling at the plate that "you know he's trying hard... relax, have fun and the hits will come". If you've practiced and prepared your team for the big game then they are ready. After that the two "C's" are the most important factors to success.. Concentration & Confidence. So before the big game lighten things up with a fun team activity and think of creative ways to bring out the two "C's". Then rest assured you are giving them the best prep you can.

Coach Bob

Visit Coach Bob's Youth Baseball Blog @ http://youthbaseballblog.blogspot.com

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Baseball Tips on Hitting - Are You Getting Jammed Inside Too Often?

By Larry Cicchiello

If you feel that too many pitchers are "getting in your kitchen" too often and jamming you inside, there may be several reasons why. We will look at a few possible reasons, starting out with the possible easier fixes first:

1. Make sure you are not standing too close to the plate and make sure you don't have a bat that's too heavy or too long. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of a bat being too light but never err on the side of having a bat that's too heavy.

2. Keep your hands inside the path of the baseball. Keeping your hands inside the baseball is one of the better baseball tips on hitting. Getting your hands too far away from the body will encourage you to get "jammed" in on your fists and the handle of the bat.

3. Make sure you are not straightening out your front arm too quickly. This will cause you to push your hands outside and create a slightly longer route to the baseball. "Always take the shortest route to granny's house."

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4. Keep the back of your bottom hand facing the pitcher when starting your swing. You will be quicker to the ball and have a better chance of getting the good part of the bat on the ball. Only at contact should one palm be facing up and the other palm facing down.

5. Use more "hands" when swinging and less arms. A very common baseball hitting problem with youngsters who feel they need to "muscle" the ball to hit it hard. It actually slows up their swing and will increase the chance of being jammed on the pitch. The hands are the main event and not the arms. There is no substitute for having quick hands.

Larry Cicchiello is the author of "Excellent Baseball Coaching: 30 Seconds Away." His site offers many FREE baseball tips on hitting, baseball pitching tips, baseball coaching drills, baseball fielding tips, etc. You will be FULLY EQUIPPED! You can visit his website at http://www.larrybaseball.com/

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Pitching Grips - Wrist and Forearm Angles

By Dan Gazaway

Before a pitcher even thinks about throwing any off speed pitch like a curveball, he must understand the basic mechanics of throwing a fastball. You have to understand that at the release of any pitch the ball should be released out in front of the landing foot. As a pitcher, you are also only as strong as your weakest link. That is why it is imperative to work on your strength, flexibility, pitching mechanics and nutrition to handle the workload of throwing a variety of pitches as each one is unique as it pertains to release of the baseball.

Once a pitcher can grasp the basic fundamentals of pitching mechanics and can apply them; learning how to throw any pitch is easier than you may think. It is necessary to have movement, change of speed and control to be a success on the mound.

Success with any pitch has a lot to do with your wrist and forearm angle from pulling the pitch from you glove to release of the baseball. The latest research, done by Tom House and The National Pitching Association in San Diego California, reveals that the wrist and forearm snap straight at the release point on all pitches. There are only two exceptions: the split-finger fastball and the forkball grips. All other pitches that are thrown, the thumb and middle finger split the baseball in half.

Curveball release: Wrist and forearm angle are in a "karate chop".
Fastball release: Palm facing the catcher at release. Circle change release: Circle is thrown at the catcher.

The Pitching Academy is Owned and operated by Dan Gazaway in Utah. Coach Gazaway has been offering pitching instruction since 2000 and will continue to offer the most current information about pitching available today. Dan Gazaway offers a pitching mechanics [http://www.thepitchingacademy.net/Pitching-Products/Pitching-Mechanics-DVD/Detailed-product-flyer.html] DVD on his site as well as two information products that include an e-book about pitching workouts The site offers a pitching blog and many informative articles about Baseball Pitching.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Gazaway

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3 Rotational Hitting Drills to Make Your Swing Automatic

By Rob Bucher

Searching for some rotational hitting drills?

Honing your rotational baseball swing and ingraining it into muscle memory can be accomplished by using drills.

Drills should be used for learning about your deficiencies and strengthening them through repetitive swings.



Once you have a swing which is replicated every time you rip at the ball , you can then continue to pin point problem areas and and tweak them until your swing becomes automatic.

Let me share with you three drills my players use to expand their abilities to hit the baseball properly. Even those these may seem dull and routine, they need to worked daily to keep the correct movements drilled into your muscle memory.


Body separation - This drill can be monotonous be very effective in learning how to build up and release your bodies natural kinetic energy. Get into an athletic batting stance and take pretend your striding into a pitch. As you stride turn your front shoulder in one or two inches while pushing your hands back. Repeat it over and over until it becomes second nature.

Contact - One drill you should be using is what I would call the contact drill. You need a old tire or a punching bag. What you want to accomplish is learning what it feels like to make contact with the ball at the right position. So you swing into the tire or bag until and make them meet at a ninety degree angle.
Double ball drill - We have found in order to promote the correct plane of the barrel to ball contact using two balls on a tee can help promote and upwards swing after contact. The object is to use one of the new tees where one ball can be placed in front of the other and slightly higher. As you swing make contact with the first ball working your way up to the second.

These tips really just scratch the surface of what you want to accomplish using rotational hitting drills. In order to maximize practice you should chunk down different areas of the swing until your become efficient in all aspects.

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Coaching Baseball Pitchers - Multi-Purpose Baseball Pitching Drills to Improve Control

By Nick Dixon

Learning correct baseball pitching mechanics are the first step in the making of a pitcher. Once proper mechanics are mastered these two drills can be used to hone skill, increase concentration, build confidence, and improve control. Here are two drills that can bed used to help improve a pitchers control. The two drills are "Pitch Tracking" and the "20 X 4" Pitching Drill.

"Pitch Tracking"

Great Drill for Hitters, Catchers, and Pitchers!

The pitcher is throwing to a catcher as he normally would in pitching practice or bull-pen work. The pitcher is throwing at his normal pitching distance. The purpose of the drill is to increase a pitcher's level of concentration, to work a catcher, and to allow one batter or two batters learn to "track" every pitch.

Variation #1: One Batter - Right or Left handed

C --------------------------------------- P

B

Variation #2: Two Batters - One Right and One Left handed

B

C --------------------------------------- P

B

Variation #1 - One batter is standing in and tracking every pitch from the pitcher's hand to the catcher's mitt. The batter does not have a bat. The batter will assume his regular stance and imagine that he is holding a bat. The batter will "track" or watch the first three pitches out of the pitcher's hand until they hit the catcher's mitt, making sure to keep his head down and eyes on the ball all of the way. The batter must have a batting helmet on. The next steps to the drill are explained in the second paragraph below.

Variation #2 - Two batters are standing in the batter's box without bats. Each batter will assume his regular stance and imagine that he is holding a bat. The batters will "track" or watch the first three pitches out of the pitcher's hand until they hit the catcher's mitt, making sure to keep his head down and his eyes on the ball all of the way. The batters must have a batting helmet on. The next steps to the drill are explained in the paragraph below.

Next the batters will swing away with their "imaginary" bats. The batters will read the location of each pitch the pitcher throws and hit the ball where it is pitched. When two batters are tracking, they will do opposites. One will pull a pitch in a location that his tracking partner will hit to the opposite field.

The coach can call out a count such as 2-0, 3-1, 1-2, and 0-2 to allow the batters, pitchers, and catchers certain mind-sets in different situations.

Note: If your hitters are too young to perform this drill, have a coach to stand in. The coach may wish to wear a helmet and wear a glove for protection. This is a tough drill, but it is great for developing concentration. Make sure all batters wear helmets and other proper protective equipment.

Coaching Point: The hitters do not hold a bat. The batters will swing a "invisible" bat. They must attack and hit every pitch according to its location. This drill is great for teaching hitters to see spin and to teach them to see a pitchers release point.

"20 X 4" Pitching Drill

Improves Control & Concentration

This drill is a pitching drill in which the young pitcher works at a smooth, rather fast pace, but only throws 50-60% of normal speed. The pitcher should not be allowed to throw full speed. The objective of the drill is to teach concentration and develop great control. The pitcher has to throw 20 strikes before 4 balls are thrown. The pitcher should be allowed to perform the drill at a shorter distance at first. After several practices, the pitcher should be able to move to the regular pitching distance within. If 4 balls are thrown before 20 strikes, the pitcher must restart. Care should be taken to not overwork the pitcher. Keeping the distance short, emphasizing accuracy not speed, and making sure the pitcher is properly stretched and warmed-up should prevent any chance of arm injury.

With younger players you may want to make the drill a 10-3 drill. 10 strikes must be thrown before 3 balls or the drill is restarted.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon

Baseball Pitching Tips - Being Unpredictable is a Must!

By Larry Cicchiello

Let's switch sports to football, but just for a second. I thoroughly enjoy it when a quarterback throws a "bomb" for a touchdown on first down. The reason for the successful "bomb" is usually that it was unpredictable and most likely the defense was looking for a running play. I think you now know where we're going with this.

As a baseball pitcher, you too better be unpredictable, especially when facing the better hitters! Try not to get into patterns where hitters know what pitch you are going to throw next.

A very common problem with many pitchers is that they throw a first pitch fastball to most hitters. If a weak hitter is up, a first pitch fast ball is actually recommended. Just proceed with caution if a good hitter is up.

Let's say you are pitching and the first three batters in a game you start off with first pitch fast balls. If you throw a first pitch fastball to their number four hitter, you really have no right to be upset if he hits a bomb off you. No right to be upset whatsoever because you were predictable.

Good hitters look for patterns like this. They are constantly looking to gain any advantage and that's one of the reasons they are good hitters. Good hitters talk about opposing pitcher's tendencies constantly while on the bench. As a pitcher, you want them to be talking about how you will throw any pitch on any count and how unpredictable you are. Pitchers must mix in an occasional breaking ball on the first pitch to keep hitters honest.

Being unpredictable is not just limited to throwing a breaking ball or an off speed pitch on the first pitch to a hitter. You can also be unpredictable when the count is 2-0 or 3-1 to a good hitter. With the count in the hitter's favor at 2-0 or 3-1, you can practically see the smoke coming out of the good hitter's ears as he's "digging in" for your fast ball. What a perfect time to go off speed.

Batting averages on 2-0 or 3-1 off speed pitches are extremely low!

Larry Cicchiello is the author of "Excellent Baseball Coaching: 30 Seconds Away." His site offers many FREE baseball tips on hitting, baseball pitching tips, baseball coaching drills, baseball fielding tips, etc. You will be FULLY EQUIPPED!

You can visit his website at http://www.larrybaseball.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Cicchiello

Linear Vs Rotational Hitting Debate Ends Here

By Rob Bucher

On one side of the fence you have linear mechanics and on the other side rotational mechanics. Both advocates think their hitting system is better than the other.

But a really simple way to end the argument is to watch what the mechanics the best players in the game are using.

Are they linear hitters or rotational hitters? Anyone who has studied the swings of the greatest players dating back to the time of Babe Ruth understand the best hitters in game are using a mixture of both mechanics.

Primarily most hitters use 95% rotational mechanic and around 5% linear mechanics.The only linear characteristic they use in when they transfer their weight from the front side to the back. Most elite hitters in college and professional ranks rotate into the baseball. This goes without debate.

All you have to do is study their swings to see how they're generating power and having more success than the average player. The problem which is causing many players to not reach their maximum potential boils down to poor hitting instruction.

Many coaches to this day use phrases like throw your hands at the ball or hit the top half of the baseball. Which leads to a loss in power and performance at the plate. When have you ever seen a professional player swing down on a baseball?

Never, unless you count a handful of Japanese players who have had some success in the Major Leagues.

The thought process behind liner vs rotational hitting ends when you begin proper swing analysis of the best players in the game.

Want to learn the proper mechanics to hitting a baseball?

Click here Better Hitting Mechanics.

Because your current mechanics are zapping your power at the plate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Bucher

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Baseball Base Running - When Not to Slide Into Second Base

By Larry Cicchiello

If you are a runner on first base and a ground ball is headed to the second baseman, make a quick observation as to where the second baseman is going to field the ball. If he is going to go to his left to field the grounder, it would be very wise for you NOT to slide into second base. If you slide, you are opening up a throwing lane for the second baseman to his shortstop. A much better choice is avoid sliding and run slightly to the right side of the baseline. It's a very easy and intelligent play that unfortunately, not too many base runners put to good use. By not sliding and running on the right side of the base line, there is a very good chance that when the second baseman fields the grounder, he will look toward second base and see you and not be able to see his shortstop. A simple thing like this can create chaos for the team in the field. One possibility is that the second baseman will not even attempt to get the force out and you will now be in scoring position at second base. Another possibility is that if the second baseman does attempt the throw to second base, he will alter his throw because he has to either get it over you or around you. He could very well throw the ball away and you may now have two runners on with less than two outs, rather than having one runner on and possibly two outs. It creates an entirely different scenario and this simple technique can lead to a big inning and a big inning can have a major impact on the outcome of a baseball game. Most people in attendance at the game, including players and coaches, won't even notice what happened because it is a very good play that very few are aware of.

Another time to at least consider NOT sliding into second base is if you are on first base and a pickoff throw gets away from the first baseman. When the pickoff throw gets away, immediately look over your right shoulder and make a very quick determination as to where you think the first baseman will pick up the ball.

If you think the ball will be fielded far enough away that you can possibly go to third base, you do NOT want to slide into second base and waste time getting up from sliding and then consider going to third base.

These are two very good baseball base running tips that unfortunately, not too many know about.

Larry Cicchiello is the author of the very informative book "Excellent Baseball Coaching: 30 Seconds Away." He is unique in that his site offers visitors several FREE TIPS that are straight from his book. His book includes many baseball tips on hitting, baseball pitching tips, baseball fielding tips, baseball base running tips, baseball coaching drills and more. Your baseball "help desk" will be open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year and very user friendly. You will be FULLY EQUIPPED as a manager, coach, player at any level or a parent who wants to help their child improve or overcome any baseball struggles.

You can visit his website at http://www.larrybaseball.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Cicchiello



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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.

From the Baseball Coaching Digest: Mandatory Pitch Counts in High School?

www.BaseballCoachingDigest.com

By Nate Barnett

I was recently given an article from a local newspaper dated, March 26, 2008. The feature article in the sports section that day was titled, Too much, too soon? The article examined a local high school pitcher, who in 2001 ruined his arm after throwing well over 400 pitches in a five game stretch early in the season. He sued the school district claiming that his coach was "negligent in letting him throw so many pitches in such a short period." The lawsuit failed as the court ruled in favor of the school district. Since the lawsuit, the pitcher has expressed great interest in having the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association implement maximum pitch counts at the high school level.

While I have sympathy for this former athlete's arm injury, I do not think for a minute it would be wise to implement a blanket policy that would put a cap on the amount of pitches a given pitcher may throw in a game. The results of such a policy would have drastic impact on how the game of baseball is played. Instead, coaches need to understand how to promote and build their players' arm strength through proper baseball instruction, and athletes need to advocate for themselves regarding high pitch counts early in the season. Here are a couple things to work on from an athlete's stand point.

1. In the NW it is particularly important that pitchers are building arm strength throughout the winter months. There are many ways of doing this from arm strengthening exercises like lifting and tubing work, to playing long toss with a buddy. Unfortunately, many pitchers come into the season with an out of shape pitching arm. Being ill-prepared is just begging for an arm injury.

2. Pitches can become more effective in keeping their pitch counts down by throwing more strikes early in the count. A greater emphasis needs to be placed on developing and using the fastball more frequently. Change grips, change locations, and change speeds. There is more that can be done with a fastball than many pitchers understand. Because of this lack of understanding, too much reliance is placed on throwing curve balls.

3. Proper pitching instruction is necessary to make sure the body is generating the power and velocity rather than the pitching arm doing all of the work. There is much to be said about the connection of bad pitching mechanics and arm injuries.

Nate Barnett is owner of the The Pitching Academy, a pitching information website designed to improve your on the mound performance as a pitcher. Download a FREE copy of the pitching workouts ebook The Pitching Academy contains information, products, training, free articles, and more on pitching, pitching drills, pitching mechanics, and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett

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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.

From the Baseball Coaching Digest: Hitting Did You Knows

www.HandsBackHitter.com

By Todd Thomas

Did you know...

...a baseball and/or softball bat is one of the few retail products of significant value that comes with no directions on how to use it?

...hitting is at the very least 50% from the neck up and very few hitters are taught the mental side of the hitting equation?

...most hitters and coaches will say on average that a player's mental game of confidence, focus, and composure make up 80% of how they perform in game situations over and above their mechanics. Yet, those same people will readily admit that they spend 2% or less of their time practicing their mental game while practicing 98% on the other 20% of the game. Hmmm???

...there are only TWO hitting techniques? A hitter either comes forward or stays back. If he weight-shifts forward (continuously moves his vertical plane forward out over the top of the front foot)as he swings, the hitter is linear. Rotational hitters also weight-shift, but once they reach the balance point in their stride, they rotate around a stationary axis as they swing. Simply put, hitters that "stay back" are rotational. A hitter CANNOT stay back and be considered linear.

...good hitting mechanics incorporate BOTH linear and rotational movements? A "hybrid" swing is nothing new. Good swings have always been "hybrid".

...that despite all the talk of what "linear" hitting is and what linear hitting isn't, it barely resembles what it was 25 years ago?

...there is no such thing as the one "perfect swing?" The perfect swing is the adjustments a hitter makes to the pitch each different pitch they see. As a result, the "perfect swing" constantly changes!

...that parents and too often even coaches are confusing young hitters by telling them when they are in the batter's box to get their elbow up or down? Having the elbow "up" or "down" is a "style" issue—NOT a mechanics issue?

...the major league average bat speed is 78 mph?

...that bat "speed" and bat "quickness are two distinctly different things?" Bat speed measures bat velocity or the actual speed of the bat; bat quickness measures the time lapse from launch-to-contact. If a hitter has good bat quickness (major league average is .16 seconds), they will have high bat velocity. However, a hitter can have high bat velocity and NOT have good bat quickness. Good bat quickness is a product of good torque in the swing.

...to get the "same" performance/production from a wood bat that hitters get from aluminum, the wood bat should be two inches longer and two ounces heavier?

...there is no "proper" batting stance? It's different for each hitter and is a product of the hitter's "style"—not his technique.

..."no stride" hitting can make it easier for a hitter to focus on the pitch better because of less body/head movement?

...that Rogers Hornsby when asked what he did during the winter when there wasn't baseball said..."I stare out the window and wait for spring." Don't we all!

Now you know...if you didn't already.

Todd Thomas is a Baseball Coach and Professional Hitting Instructor for Mike Epstein Hitting. Coach Todd's personal hitting website is http://www.HitItHere.net . Coach Todd also enthusiastically endorses http://PlayMyBestBaseball.com as a place where baseball and softball hitters can master the Confidence, Composure, Focus and Consistency of their game so they can reach their full potential.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Todd_Thomas

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Jugs Baseball Training Aids

By Eugene Rischall

Jugs has many different types of baseball training aids that will greatly improve your baseball and softball game. They can be used by adults, high school, and little leagues. Jugs has baseball training aids to help improve hitting, pitching, and fielding.

Jugs baseball pitching machines are very popular. Jugs Softball Pitching Machine has a speed range of as low as 15 mph to 60 mph. Will pitch fastballs, slowpitch, risers, and dropballs. Jugs 101 Baseball Pitching Machine throws 30 mph to as high as 90 mph. Pitch selection and speed are dial-a-pitch. The Combination Pitching Machine throws as low as 20 mph and as high as 104 mph. Throws fastball, curveball, and slider. Jugs also has the Curveball, Super Softball, Jr. Pitching, Lite-Flite, and MVP pitching machines. Whatever your need, Jugs has the right pitching machine for you. Ball feeders for your pitching machine include 18 Ball Baseball, 14 Ball Softball, 18 Ball Baseball-Lite Flite, and 14 Ball Softball-Lite Flite. Types of balls available for your feeders are dimpled, seamed, lite-flite, softie, bulldog, small-ball and pearl.

Accessories are very valuable baseball training aids. Hitting tees are perfect for T-Ball batting practice. The 5-point hitting tee can be used for both baseball and softball. Included is a Tee Drill Book. Jugs has a portable generator to work with your baseball pitching machines. New hitting stick is a 30 inch, 16 oz. bat. Good for eye coordination. Will help you get quick hands and a quick bat. Small-instant protectice screen is 6 ft. high and 4 ft. wide.

Protective screens include quick-snap which are easy to assemble. Has a durable thickness of #4000 twine protection. They include L-shaped pitchers screens, square protective screen for basemen, softball screen, and Jugs lite-flite/slowpitch screen.

Jugs fixed-frame protective screens has double-thick netting of 240 lb.-breaking breaking strength, twisted polyethlene. The L-shaped, softball, square screen w/sock net, square fungo and short toss protective screens all come with a 1 year guarantee.

Netting comes with 4 different breaking strengths, 119lb., 191lb., 381lb,. and 691lb. Backyard , youth leagues, and high school use 119, 191, and 381lb. breaking strength. Colleges use 191, 381, and 691lb. breaking strength. Professional uses 691lb. breaking strength. They are all made with dura-tech netting.

Jugs has batting cage frame sets for all standard size Jugs nets. All sets come with ground sleeves, crossbars, and uprights. Instructions are quick and easy. They are made with industrial-gauge galvanized steel. 5 year guarantee on all Jugs batting cage frames.

Jugs also has different complete packages that are very valuable baseball training aids.

I hope this article will help you when trying to find the right training aid that will improve your baseball and softball game.

Author-Eugene Rischall, Owner, Baseball Training Emporium
http://www.baseballtrainingemporium.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugene_Rischall


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The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, 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, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Baseball Coaching Tips - Protect the Runner From What?

www.HandsBackHitter.com

By Larry Cicchiello

A base runner breaks for second base for a stolen base attempt. The batter swings at the pitch and quite often an announcer will say that the batter swung to protect the runner. Was the runner in some type of danger and needed protection? No. The runner is simply trying to steal a base.

Forget about protecting the runner and a much better option for the batter is to help the runner instead.


Square around as if to bunt even though you have no intention of bunting.
Place the bat at approximately the eye level of the catcher.
At the last second, pull the bat away and do not attempt the bunt.
This will slightly block the vision of the catcher when he tries to catch the ball and also will prevent him from aggressively jumping out of his stance and gaining momentum toward the base he's throwing to.
Catchers don't like this because they can't make their normal throw that they practice all the time.
It disrupts their timing as well as their footwork.
Usually, there's a good chance the catcher's throw will not be a good one.

It's a very effective play and one of the smartest baseball coaching tips you will learn. Very few players know about it and that's why it is not done often.

Please note well that this should be used at advanced levels of play ONLY.

It should not be used by young players that are just starting out and learning to play baseball.

There is a huge difference between baseball coaching tips for young players and baseball coaching tips for players at the high school level of play and beyond.

Eight to ten year old players compared to players that are fifteen years old and up should be coached accordingly.

Please don't ever forget that.

Larry Cicchiello is the author of "Excellent Baseball Coaching: 30 Seconds Away." His site offers many FREE baseball tips on hitting, baseball pitching tips, baseball coaching drills, etc. You will be FULLY EQUIPPED!

You can visit his website at http://www.larrybaseball.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Cicchiello

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