Baseball Coaching Digest - The Swing Looks Perfect But the Batter Always Hits a Weak Ground Ball

Baseball Coaching Digest - The Swing Looks Perfect But the Batter Always Hits a Weak Ground Ball
By guest author: Nick Dixon


We have all seen this scenario. The batter has above average bat speed, above average hitting skill and is always extremely aggressive at the plate, but is simply not getting on base. The swing looks great but weak or poor contact is made. The batter is in a serious hitting slump. The only pitch the batter seems able to hit hard is the fast ball on the inner part of the plate. It seems like every other ball he makes contact with is a ground ball weakly hit back to the pitcher. And when it hits it hard, it is a "worm-burner" back to the pitcher. This article offers reasons and corrections for this hitting flaw.

What causes this hitting flaw?

The answer to this question is one word, "timing". The batter is not being patience enough. The batter is attacking the baseball too quick or too soon. The bat is not making good solid contact with the baseball because the bat is already through the POWER ZONE before the ball gets there. When the batter attacks the pitch too soon, the bat has passed through the "level plane" and has started to move upward when it contacts the ball.

Many young batters and overly aggressive or impatience older batters, want to attack the ball as soon as possible. They often attack it too it early before the ball reaches the plate. No matter how hard the swing is, the batter is only making contact with the top edge or third of the baseball. This contact at the very top of the ball is forcing the ball hard downward off the bat, thus creating a "hard worm burner" back to the pitcher.

How is this batting flaw be corrected?

You may have heard a coach in the past say, "Let the Ball Get In". What this means is that the batter should let the ball get inside the front foot. The only pitch a batter should attack before it gets inside the front foot is the fast ball on the inner third of the plate. Every other pitch must be allowed to get inside the foot before the batter attacks it.

Letting the ball get in allows the bat to make contact when the bat is on a level plane. The best way to correct the flaw is to do a front toss drill and making sure that the batter waits until the ball gets inside the front foot before attacking it. Patience and timing are the two important things batters must learn to use at the plate. Having these two traits are the key to hitting line drives for base hits.

I hope that you found this article to be useful and informative. You may find other articles like it at the Baseball Coaching Digest and the Youth Baseball Digest. I thank you for taking the time to read it. Have a great day. Nick

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.

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Executing A Delay Steal Properly

Executing A Delay Steal Properly
By Jim Bain

The Delay Steal is not usually a type of steal you can utilize successfully against a well coached team. However, even the best teams are subject to mental lapses and that's when you capitalize on it.

What is a delayed steal? Perhaps a better name for this type of steal would have been surprise steal.
It's a steal which occurs in an unusual fashion and time. Great! What does that mean?

Let's assume the opposing team's 300 lb. catcher has just drawn a walk. Would you seriously consider him a base stealing threat? Of course not. But, what if that 300 lb runner, who absolutely nobody paid any attention, suddenly took off for second base. There would be a moment of hesitation, disbelief, of what was happening. This moment may be all he needs to steal the base.

That's why a delay steal can, at times, be very effective.

A delay steal is usually attempted with only a runner on first, but does not exclude other runner being on base, especially third base.

The base runner Must be very observant of the other team's actions in between pitches. This means watching them the entire game, not just when you're on base.

Remember I said delay stealing is hard to do against a well coached team? It's because the players are always aware of what's happening on the field of play. The shortstop will take a couple of steps toward the pitcher to protect from an over throw from the catcher.
The second baseman will glance at the base runner, while the catcher and first baseman watch the runner out of the corner of their eye. All eyes are upon the base runner, there's no chance for a successful delay steal.

However, let's take a look at another scenario.

The pitcher is struggling to find the strike zone. The catcher, as they will do a lot, will fire the ball back to the pitcher, as if wanting to wake him up and correct his wildness.

The second baseman and shortstop turn their backs to the pitcher and return to their normal fielding position after moving forward with the pitch.

Everyone is either pre-occupied, frustrated or otherwise not paying attention. This is when you strike.

Confident the infielders will not change their in between pitch routine, you decide to steal. Take your normal lead off, then secondary lead off. This time instead of scurrying back to first base after the pitch, you stay at your secondary lead position.

***You must be an actor at this point. Do nothing, jerk or move towards second base, which would draw the catcher's attention.***

As the catcher releases the ball, make sure he's throwing back to the pitcher, you take off for second base. You already have a good secondary lead, your cross step has you directly in line with second base and at full speed.

The entire infield must immediately wake up and move when they realize you're stealing. 99% of the time, if you've analyzed the situation correctly, there won't even be a throw to second.

The pitcher will not be in a good throwing position when he receives the ball. The shortstop and second baseman will be out of position and unable to cover the base for a throw ahead of you. Unless you trip and fall, you have just stolen second base.

Sounds easy...it's not, but there's definitely a time and a situation which will call for using a delay steal.

Jim Bain - Former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth. Visit his exciting info packed website: http://www.Learn-Youth-Baseball-Coaching.com

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Baseball Coaching Digest: Defending the First and Third Early Break Play

Baseball Coaching Digest: Defending the First and Third Early Break Play
By: Nick Dixon

One of the plays that teams will run with runners at first and third base is to have the first base runner early break. This article outlines this play and the best ways to defend against it.

You have seen the play ran over and over. There are base runners on first base and third base. The runner at first base break early before the pitcher even begins his motion. The pitcher steps off, throws the ball to the second baseman the runner breaks back toward first base. The second baseman throws the ball to the first baseman. The runner at third, who has been creeping slowly down the line, breaks for home, when the second baseman releases the ball. The first baseman catches the ball, turns to throw to the plate, the ball arrives late, the third base runner scores. How do you stop this play?

To know defend this play you must first know why the offense runs it and what their goals are. The offensive team's goals in order of priority are:

1.Score the runner at third with a late throw to the plate. If your pitcher throws the ball to the middle infielder, the runner at third will in most cases break for home when the ball leaves the middle infielders hand. The offense knows that the first baseman must catch the ball, turn, and throw. In most cases, that process takes too long. The throw home will always be late.
2.Score the runner at third with a balk. - Another goal of the early breaking runner at first base is to force the pitcher to balk. This action would move both runners and score the run.
3.Get both runners into scoring position without a threat of the first base runner being thrown out. The offensive team knows that the defense will not contest the early breaking runner, so they use this tactic as a safe way to steal second and to get both runners into scoring position.

What should the defensive team do to stop the play and to prevent a run form scoring?

Here are the three recommended actions and the results each causes:

1.Give the base up uncontested. This is the safest method if you feel that your pitcher can get the batter out at the plate. Of course if there are no outs or one out, you may not want to let the runner move to second base without action.

2.Run a cut play with the pitcher throwing the ball to the second baseman. The second base man will charge toward third base. He will catch the ball throw from the pitcher and immediately throw the ball to the third baseman or run at the third base runner in an attempt to catch him off a bag and to get him out.

3.Pitcher throws the ball to the second baseman, after checking the runner at third base. The second baseman will not throw the ball to the first baseman but will rather, keep his shoulders turned in a position allowing a throw to the plate, and slowly walk the runner back to first base. There is no throw made thus the runner at third base does not have the opportunity to break to home.

4.The Pitcher full arm fakes to second base and immediately throws to the third baseman. In many cases, the runner at third base will "bite" on the full arm fake to second base and will come off a few steps toward home. This movement toward home is often enough to allow the pitcher to pick him off third or to catch him off third with an opportunity to get an out in a run down situation.


I hope that this article is helpful and informative. Thanks for taking the time to read it. Have a great day, Nick.


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Baseball College Recruiting: 10 Facts Baseball Players, Coaches, and Parents Need to Know

Baseball College Recruiting: 10 Facts Baseball Players, Coaches, and Parents Need to Know
By guest author: Kenny Buford

Although many of the colleges want you to believe you have to be the top of the top for baseball college recruiting, that isn't always so. In fact, many times colleges are assuming that they are not looking at the top 5% because those student athletes may already be spoken for.

Some things to remember:

1. Grades count. Sure, athletic ability is important, but do you have the grades to get into the college admissions office and catch their eye even without your sports ability? You should have grades that support you as a well-rounded student, not just an image of a ball player alone.

2. Do you know what a college coach values in a player? Is it the same as a high school coach or a teen-level coach? What do you bring to the coach that is different from the myriad of other players your age and ability that makes you a step above? Can you bring the values to the team that your coach is looking for?

3. What is your motivation? Not just "are you motivated" but what motivates you? Is it fame, money or a passion for the game? Do you work at your game based upon only your motivation? Do you have many motivators for your game? This is important; because parents, students and coaches will need to understand the motivators.

4. Are you motivated? As a verb, do you have it? Do you have what it takes to look into adversity and tough times and still shine? This is going to be important to be able to display to prospective colleges and future coaches as this may be a tie breaker trait.

5. Don't wait until the last minute. Some students start as early as their freshman year in marketing themselves to colleges. If you are a senior and haven't started, don't let that discourage you, but do get moving on that! Market yourself as early as you can as a true athlete, because every moment you are no exposing your abilities, your peers are.

6. Do you, or do you plan to, meet the core requirements of entering college? If you are a great player, it's important to have pretty good grades and decent SAT scores. There are a myriad of Internet sites that can help you make sure you are not lagging, and your guidance office should be able to help you. Again, it's never too early to start working on your sports collegiate career.

7. Know the reality. According to statistics, less than 15% of high school baseball players will play college baseball. Just know your realities so if you don't make the team, you are not devastated. It's as important to know the realities of the situations as well as how to best get into a situation. Never enter any situation blind to both sides.

8. Look at the bigger picture. You may want to play ball but you may also want to have a certain climate, social life and academic schedule that fits your desires. Look at more than just the team; because you are more than just a ball player.

9. Do you have what it takes? It's more than just the above. There is also something called "Luck and Timing". Absolutely realize that you have to have both in addition to all the things you can control. Realize that a little of this is going to be out of your control.

10. Finances: not everyone is going to be playing ball on scholarship, or at least on full scholarship. Decide if the cost is worth the sport participation. If you are reading this, the answer probably is "yes, of course it is" but realize an injury or a sudden lack of passion means you still have the finances to deal with but none of the glory of the sport. Really weigh your financial realities.

All of this is meant to get you thinking - be it a parent or a player. Even a coach reading this needs to understand that you are going to be looking at some kids who have the research down pat and can impress you, but some other youth will be just as impressive deep down, but you may have to scratch the surface a bit. Not everyone knows the ins and outs of impressing a coach and a college but may be an exceptional player, student and person under it all. It's everyone's responsibility to learn as much as possible and do what they can to ensure the best options for all involved.

Kenny Buford spent years playing baseball at the college level. Today, he coaches 3 youth development teams and shares his extensive coaching knowledge on his blog, you can visit him here: http://www.baseball-tutorials.com/

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Chicago White Sox Academy Hitting Drills - Hands at Launch

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Focusing on the Process, Rather Than the Outcome

Focusing on the Process, Rather Than the Outcome
By Guest Author Andy Pohl

Baseball is a game of inches and the outcome is often determined by factors well outside the player's-and coach's-control.

Take for example a close playoff game my high school team played in the spring: Down by one run in the seventh inning with nobody out and the leadoff man aboard, I elected to let the batter swing away, rather than bunt to get the tying run in scoring position.

A bit of a gamble probably, especially considering the fact that the on-deck hitter had been swinging a really hot bat, but I just went with my gut instinct. The kid ended up hitting a ground ball base hit through the right side, making me look like a genius coach.

However, the truth of the matter is if that ground ball was hit a few feet to the left, it would have been a routine double-play ball, we lose the game, and my coaching decision would have been severely questioned.

So much in baseball is left to chance-an umpire's call on a close pitch or play at the bases, a bad hop in the infield, a seeing eye single with the game on the line. Knowing this reality, it is critical for amateur coaches to focus on the process, rather than the outcome.

Just as a team can play well and win, a team can also play well and lose, or, just as easily, play poorly and win. Focusing on how the team played the game rather than the score enables players to focus on aspects within their immediate control. This philosophy is consistent with what we focus on at DNA Sports-playing the game the right way.

Instead of telling your players the importance of winning today in your pre-game speech, stress the importance of making the routine play, throwing strikes, making the fundamental throw, being smart on the bases, putting the ball in play, and hustling on every play. These aspects of the game are well within your players' control.

Do this for seven innings and your team is almost guaranteed to be competitive, which, as a coach, is all you can ask for.

Andy Pohl - Co-Founder, DNA Sports

DNA Sports specializes in personalized baseball and softball skill programs, college recruiting education and preparation, and coaching clinics. Learn more: http://www.dnasportsonline.com

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High School Baseball Playoffs Are the Ultimate For Me!

High School Baseball Playoffs
By Guest Author:Larry Cicchiello

I traveled about 30 miles strictly because the atmosphere of a great baseball playoff game is incomparable. At least to me it is. I went to see one of the finest pitchers around facing a team that is loaded with outstanding hitters. What a surprising outcome. I prayed that this outstanding game would be rained out yesterday because I had an umpiring assignment and would not be able to see it. My prayers were answered and this game was postponed until today and I will be able to watch it!

I am really looking forward to watching this game, which starts at 3:00. I go to my favorite deli, Anthony's Deli in Harrison, New York and order a wedge. It is about about 1:45 and I still have plenty of time to attend this matchup between Suffern High School and Mamaroneck High School. At the deli, I see Steve, a fellow umpire and tell him that I'm going to this game, will be sitting under a tree in the shade, eating a fabulous wedge and watching this classic matchup. I asked him what could be better than this. Steve smiled and shook his head and replied, "Larry, nothing is better." Steve asked me to call him on his cell to give him updates.

The fabulous hitting Mamaroneck team against a very good hitting Suffern team who has the incomparable Robbie Aviles on the hill. Incomparable as in an 0.24 ERA for the year! Are you kidding me? One-quarter of a run per seven innings! It comes as no surprise that he is expected to go high in the MLB draft next week.

Okay, so I make my trip of about 45 minutes and arrive at the park. (Told my wife Wendy that I would drive half way across the country to see this game.) She shook her head, almost insinuating that there is something seriously wrong with me. She very obviously does not share my passion for the game.

I arrive about 2:30 for 3:00 start. I have to get there early to make sure I get to put my chair in one of the best locations at the park to view the game. I enjoy my wedge from Anthony's and wait about ten minutes for the much anticipated first pitch from Robbie.

It is now show time and I'm really up for this game and so are the three hundred or so in attendance. (Very good crowd considering it's a 3:00 start on a work day.) Robbie retires the first Mamaroneck batter. He then walks the number two hitter. His pitching coach visits him on the mound and that sends up a red flag. There is no sense in having a mound visit with this guy on the hill. After about a minute or two passes, it is getting clear to all that something may be very wrong here. Another minute passes and it's now clear that something is definitely wrong. Robbie is removed from the game. Must be an injury, right? Yes it is. Found out later that it was either a groin pull or hamstring problem.

My thoughts are that I traveled to see this classic confrontation and I only got to see Robbie face two batters. What a letdown for me and I'm quite sure many others. Right fielder Nick Kulbaba is summoned to the mound. He warms up for about fifteen minutes because he's allowed as long as he wants because the pitcher was removed due to an injury.

During his warmups I start to think of how each team will react to this sudden change in plans. I don't have the answer as to which team it will help. Will the Suffern team who just lost their ace start to hang their heads? Will the Mamaroneck team benefit? I honestly don't have the answer. But I do know that logic tells me that I would rather face anybody other than Robbie. With all due respect, Robbie is in a class by himself and that's why sometimes a couple of dozen scouts are in attendance.

Okay, we resume play and Nick calmly strikes out two batters to end the top of the first inning. Nick continues to breeze along and does NOT allow a hit until the sixth inning! Not bad, huh? Suffern scores single runs in the first, fourth and bottom of the sixth and lead 3-0 going into the seventh and final inning.

About the fifth inning, I told a fellow I met at the game to not count out Mamaroneck. These guys can hit! Well so much for my predictions. The Mamaroneck bats never got going. Suffern gets a two out hit to knock in their third run in the bottom of the sixth and that one had to sting. At 2-0 you're still in the game. At 3-0 in the last inning, I think you have to be thinking that maybe this is not your day.

In the top of the seventh with one out, Mamaroneck gets a ray of hope with a bunt single. That is only their second hit off Nick. But nothing materializes and they lose 3-0. My thoughts after the game are that I tip my hat to Nick. He came into the game with one out in the first inning and he was lights out and pitched himself a gem. I'll never forget how fabulous he was and hope he never does either. Brilliant performance! And I'm not really bothered that I couldn't watch Robbie, except for only the two batters he faced. Hey...Nick pitched a two hit shutout against the two time defending New York State champions and it doesn't get much better than that.

And Mamaroneck is a perennial power house and their outstanding achievements should never be overlooked either. I've watched them many times as their home field is only fifteen minutes from my home and the reason I attend is to watch great baseball. You would be very hard pressed to find a better program and their coaching staff is second to none.

After the game, in the parking lot, I met up with the three umpires who were assigned this very important game. I asked the plate umpire what made Nick so dominant. He simply told me that Nick had a good well located fast ball, good curve ball and he mixed in about five or six changeups. That's pitching isn't it?

No I didn't get to see Robbie but this truly was a great game. Hats off to both teams and thanks for a great afternoon at the park. What a pleasure! To me, this is the best deal on earth. NO charge to park my car. NO charge for tickets. Completely FREE to watch these two outstanding heavyweights square off.

No losers in this one. Only one winner but no losers!

Larry is the successful author of several very user friendly eBooks and CD's covering 320 topics on playing or coaching excellent baseball. ANY player, coach or parent who wants to help their child will be fully equipped! Check out some FREE baseball tips on hitting and FREE baseball pitching tips at LarryBaseball.com.

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

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