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The Baseball Coaching Digest's blog is your online source to free baseball articles, free baseball drills, and free baseball tips. Our daily posts can help your plan baseball practice, improve your baseball drills, and help make your baseball workouts run smoother. Our daily post and archives provide your with hundreds of recommended baseball coaching posts. Make sure to bookmark this site for future visits. Have a great day and good luck to your team!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Why is Tendonitis Such a Danger For Baseball Pitchers?

By Joshua Tucker

Read through baseball sports news, blogs, fantasy baseball sites, etc, and if you aren't already aware of how dangerous pitching is to baseball players, you quickly will.

Why exactly is Tendonitis such a problem for Baseball Pitchers?

Managing a pitcher and how active he is major strategy in baseball, especially in Major League Baseball.

Every day I see news reports of various pitchers getting benched, being placed on the injured list, and sent off to surgery and weeks and months of recovery.

It's too bad. All that could be avoided.

Tendonitis is an occupational hazard for major league baseball pitchers, and young men that work hard to join the ranks of a big league team.

Most of this kind of injury shows up in the arm anywhere from shoulder to fingers. Watch a pitcher throw a few times, it's no surprise. Even then pitching efficiently and effortlessly, there is A LOT of force, torque, internal movement of tendons, and muscle contraction happening over and over.

Over time after hundreds or thousands of throws, after muscles firing powerfully and pulling forcefully on their tendons, the muscles get set tighter and tighter. This starts a long Downward Spiral of increasing tightness, then increasing pain and tightness.

Whether a tendon gets irritated or actually has some micro tear to the tissue, the body kicks in an Inflammation process. This enhances the Downward Spiral by making things hurt more, which makes muscles get tighter....which makes things hurt more.

If treated the usual way, injury comes and goes, players lose time and stats to time resting and recovering from surgery. Look at all the players that have had surgery. How many of them are back to 100%, months or years later? How many of them aren't still dealing with tendonitis issues?

Tendonitis can end careers. It is a serious threat to a pitcher and his career. Whether it is Tennis Elbow, Wrist Tendonitis, a problem in the hand, Shoulder Cuff Tendonitis, or something similar, teams work hard to keep their pitchers healthy and able to play.

The problem really isn't pitching.

The problem is that the pitchers aren't doing the RIGHT self care to keep their bodies happy and healthy, as opposed to their bodies getting slowly more and more unhappy, until the pain is enough to stop them from pitching.

Rest, anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen, corticosteroid shots, and splints and braces really are not preventative measures. They just don't work. Want proof? Watch sports news for a while.

Tendonitis is a threat to baseball pitchers because it is a natural result of how they use their bodies, how their bodies naturally respond to that kind of ongoing stress, and because pitchers don't do the right kind of self care that successfully reverses the first two factors.

Joshua Tucker, B.A, C.M.T is The Tendonitis Expert. He educates, leads workshops, and trains individuals how to ELIMINATE their Tendonitis related issues like Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel, Plantar Fasciitis, and Wrist Tendonitis. Joshua says "When you have tried all the usual options and they have failed, it's still not to late to become pain free. It's also never too early to start."

For more of the RIGHT information about how to Eliminate your Tendonitis, no matter how bad it is or how long you've had it, visit http://www.TendonitisExpert.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Tucker
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Monday, October 5, 2009

Baseball Training - An Off-Season Plan For Hitters

By John Peter Pero

1st Things First!

Commit to having a plan. With a plan, you have direction.

With direction, you get more done in less time and are more apt to get results.which makes you want stick with your plan.and repeat it even more.which gets you better quicker.get it?

But.what do I plan?

My summary is to always work on your weak points.but let's mix the fun stuff in as well. It's off season, you know it's important, but this is supposed to be fun. right!

Here's a great idea for this time of year:

Try to hit at a home training station with a batting tee or (for more fun) with a soft toss machine and get into a batting cage as often as you can during the cold and off-season months.

Better yet.use your plan to decide what to practice & how to accomplish your goals (again.one of your goals is to accomplish more with less time).

It is a game that we are playing.it's the game you chose, so why not make up your own practice rules!

Here's some examples & ideas:

Divide everything you do into 10 swings with a purpose.


Round 1 - Begin with hitting to the opposite field.count your successes.out of 10 (this might simulate driving in runners on base)
Round 2 - Take 10 swings up the middle - just for focusing on a target.count your successes.out of 10
Rounds 3, 4 etc. examples Make it up. play games best out of 10. Some examples: * Hitting a long fly ball to score a runner from 3B (how many runs can you drive in. out of 10) * # of hard hit balls. out of 10 * # of ground balls. out of 10 * # of sac bunts. out of 10 * # of clean base hits. all out of 10 swings

Lather, Rinse & Repeat

And, of course, you can have a 2nd round on any of these ideas to see how you improve. Keep your own "scorecard" on a clipboard complete with dates and your results. Add a buddy and compete against each other.make it 9 innings (9 specific "tests" or a World Series best of 7) where the winner of each test chooses the next test.

I'm just making up these examples as I am writing, you do the same.

Just note that the most important points are:


Get a plan (one that is fun.so you will want to do it regularly).
Use these games as practice tools.
Compete with yourself or other players.or even Dad.
Make up your own games.and compete, whether it's against yourself, your Dad or a teammate. Just do it right or not at all.

Remember to plan your work and work your plan.In other words, stay focused! It's true in school, business, baseball and life in general.

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

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Sunday, October 4, 2009

Baseball Electronic Scorebook - Getting Your Scorebook to Keep Up With the Game

By Ilse Hagen

Whether you are a coach or a manager of a baseball team or you're simply a big fan of the sport, it would help to have some form of record keeping system to help you keep track of your favorite teams and players. Each time that you watch baseball electronic scorebook devices allow you to be able to record every important detail that you need to manage your players or simply identify trends in case you want to bet on a particular team.

Going electronic

There are two types of baseball scorebooks: manual and electronic. The former comes in the form of notebooks that have stat sheets. The stat sheets contain fields such as batting positions, innings, games and records for every player. Each player also has stat sheets where you can record batting averages and pictorial scoring. You can also customize them according to your preferences.

On the other hand, when it comes to baseball electronic scorebook devices are more popular choices. They are just like the manual and portable scorebooks in what they contain except that an electronic scorebook is a form of software. It has an extensive database that record the whole team's history along with each player's game. It also provides more extensive team and roster information.

Electronic scorebooks can take down schedules, stats for every opponent that the team is scheduled to play and each opposing team's player information. An electronic scorebook is mostly used by managers and team coaches to keep track of their players and strategize on the best way to play an opposing team.

The good thing about using a baseball electronic scorebook is you can access diverse and comprehensive information in one software. Because of the large database, you have every kind of pertinent data that you will need to analyze your team's performance.

Important buying tips

More information on Baseball Electronic Scorebooks is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

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

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Friday, October 2, 2009

Two Myths Concerning Baseball Batting Cages

By: Nick Dixon

Two Batting Cage Myths that are simply not true are (1) A Cage must be long for it to be usable for all ages and (2) A batter must see 75 miles per hour pitches to receive maximum benefit from cage work. Coach Dixon discusses how many buyers are mistaken or misled in buying or building a new baseball batting cage. Two Batting Cage Myths that are simply not true:

1. Batting Cage Myth Number One - A Cage must be long for it to be usable for all ages.

This is simply not true. Players of all ages, even the high school and collegiate levels can benefit from batting practice in cages that are 35 to 50 feet in length. A cage does not have to be 70 feet long for it to beneficial to advanced players. The reason for this is that long-toss, front-toss and various other batting practice drills can be performed at distances under the regular pitching distances. When batters take swings at pitches thrown at 35 feet, the batter is seeing and reacting to pitches that simulate higher speeds at the normal pitching distance. The player must perform the swing with the proper trigger, separate, and load actions. All of these elements of the swing must be done at the same speed, rhythm, and timing as under normal game hitting.

2. Batting Cage Myth Number Two - A batter must see 75 miles per hour pitches to receive maximum benefit.

Most hitters at all levels of play including high school, college, and pros would rather see and hit live arm pitches at 45 miles per hour at 30 feet than pitches thrown by a machine at 75 miles per hour. Live-arm batting practice is batting practice thrown by a person not a machine. We must remember that advanced batters benefit most from seeing pitches thrown by a person. The batter must pick-up the pitcher arm-slot, the pitcher release point and time the speed of the pitch thrown. When a person is throwing batting practice the speed and location of every pitch can be changed. It is also a fact that many people are not adept at throwing strikes at longer distances. However, most people can throw an accurate pitch for a strike from 30and 40 feet distances. The batter gets more work in because more pitches are hittable. Not as much time and effort is wasted by with bad pitches out of the strike zone. The shorter distance makes the workout more efficient.

What does this all mean to you as a buyer?

You do not have to buy a 70 feet long cage with an expensive pitching machine to get incredible benefits from owning a batting cage. The 70 foot long batting cage is great for team or institutions because it can be divided into two 35 feet mini batting cages that allow two batters to work at a time. So there is a benefit to owning a longer cage if you are buying it for a school or team use. But, for the average home user, a 45 to 55 feet cage is suitable for all drills, batting practice, and applications that you will need for your player to be successful through the high school level. In my opinion, many people become discouraged from buying a cage because they feel they must buy a 70 feet cage with a $2000 pitching machine. They feel they must spend $3000 to $5000. This is not true. You can get all the practice they need by buying a net and frame with an investment under $800. If at some time later you decide to purchase a machine, you can always do so. I think it is important to realize that the system you buy will be used for a variety of batting drills. The function of the net is safety, ball containment, and practice efficiency. The batting net is no better than the parent or coach that dedicates time for its use. If you use it, you will experience incredible results. It will be a wise investment. Kids can not use the cage without parental or adult supervision and participation.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clKxAYojbg8

The BatAction Hitting Machine and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine are two of the absolute best batting trainers available today. This compact and self-contained hitting machines allow players to take full speed batting practice swings in indoors or outdoors with little space required. The high speed ball movement drills that these machines feature is known for developing incredible batting skill, bat speed and batter confidence.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Baseball Infield Play: Want More Twin Killings This Year? Here's How!



By Chip Lemin

Double plays are one of the sweetest things to witness on the diamond in my opinion. They also do not happen by accident,unless it is the line drive double play,which hardly counts as a real Twin Killing. The positioning of your middle infielders is very important in being ready for a double play.Foot work is overlooked by many new coaches. Your players must stay low when delivering the ball to the turn man. These are a few of the things that need to be taught to your players and then practiced over and over. Don't hesitate to have them walk through the play several times before going full speed.

Begin the double play with a throw that is near the player's hands so the transfer is quick and flawless. If the player is late is late getting to the bag, they may have to lead the shortstop with your throw, which means the player may have to take something off of the velocity of the throw.

When a ball is hit to your right, an underhand toss may work since you are usually close enough to the shortstop. Footwork again is key, after fielding the ball, pivot on your right foot, present a clear look of the ball by moving your glove away, and deliver the ball. When you use an underhand toss, be sure to follow through on your pitch, which means let your momentum to carry you towards your target after you you release the ball. This ensures a smooth delivery of the ball by staying balanced.

On a ball that is hit just slightly to your left, you can use a backhanded toss, with your left foot slightly behind your right foot. This toss, like the underhand toss should be started and finished out of an athletic crouching position. There no need or time to stand up and toss the ball. Don't ever be in such a hurry that you fail to use proper footwork and rush your throws. One out is always better than none, and a wild throw to second is a rally starter.

We have a ball hit to your left, taking you away from second base, field the ball and plant your left foot. Then pivot to the right, keeping your right foot slightly behind your left foot, and without taking any steps, quickly pull ball all to your ear, and make an accurate throw to the shortstop.

This ball is also delivered out of a crouching position, without a big wind up. To complete double plays there is not time for the necessary movements, such as extra steps, and long arm movements. The actions must appear seamless and fluid. This is accomplished by a lot of practice to achieve timing between infielders.

Mental preparedness at middle infield positions will reduce physical errors by helping you may sound decisions with the ball. Your players must make sure of the first at second. This is nothing new, but it is true today. Your pitchers must also be included in practicing the twin killing. There will be just as many chances for the double play from the mound as anywhere else. The pitcher must be taught to take their time and lead the shortstop with the throw.

Turning a double play the standard way is a thing of beauty. There is much more to discuss about technique.We will cover more on this subject coming up soon. Footwork and proper catching throwing technique are just as important as a strong arm. If you want more Twin Killings this year, plan on practicing them the right way,and do it often. Perfect practice makes perfect plays.

Thanks Coach Chip

Chip Lemin has been a promoter of youth baseball since they started using aluminum bats. That's a long time. I have witnessed many good people get into coaching without solid coaching skills and it is not fun for them or the kids.Today's newer coaches are also being shortchanged on sportsmanship, like there is none. Visit my site to sign up for a insightful, informational, free coaching e-course at http://www.baseballecourse.com

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

The BatAction Hitting Machine and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine are two of the absolute best batting trainers available today. This compact and self-contained hitting machines allow players to take full speed batting practice swings in indoors or outdoors with little space required. The high speed ball movement drills that these machines feature is known for developing incredible batting skill, bat speed and batter confidence.