By Thomas E Wilson
Whoever claims that you can not make improvements to your base-running speed is certainly wrong! Despite the fact that each player has a maximum potential speed, barely anybody actually gets to that. There is a bunch of room to improve, and it is crucial to do just that! Speed is an extremely critical aspect scouts look for while watching players. Granted, you'll find exceptions to the rule, nevertheless usually you need to have at least average speed to get a chance at reaching the major leagues. Don't worry if you've got below average speed though, as there are a lot of ways to improve.
1. Good Mechanics: This is the most significant aspect to improving your baseball "speed." The best part about this is you don't actually have to run faster! You merely need to find out the way to run correctly. Proper body angle while running, lifting the knees high enough for the perfect stride, as well as swinging the arms high enough with the ideal angle at the elbow joint are all items you should work on when improving your running mechanics. It would take way to long to discuss how you can do each one of these things in just one paragraph, but you can find lots of training books and DVDs available that are specifically dedicated to good running technique.
2. Reaction Time: Reaction time is the stretch of time between the cue to run and when you actually start running. A baseball example of reaction time is the amount of time it takes for you to react when the ball is hit, or a base-runner stealing on a pitcher's first movement. The simplest way to improve reaction time is to just practice getting balls hit to you in various locations and then reacting to them and fielding them. There are also reaction balls out on the marketplace that will bounce in random directions and you have to react in time to catch it. You don't need to have very good reaction time to succeed in baseball, however if you don't you at least have to make up for it by superb positioning. For example if you're a shortstop and you know what kind of pitch the pitcher is going to throw, you want to get yourself in a great position where the ball will likely come before the hitter even hits the ball!
3. Base-running Skill: You may be capable of running fast, but how fast can you run the bases? Do you hit the inside corner of the bag as you round a base? If you do not, you will be making yourself take a longer loop in the direction of the next bag likely increasing the distance you will have to run from around 90 feet to 100 feet or more! Simple errors like this are enough to make the difference between being safe or being out. Also being a smart base-runner can make a huge difference! A smart base-runner can easily turn a single into a double simply because he knows if each outfielder's arm is good, poor, or average.
4. Fitness: Most likely there is some area for improvement in your overall fitness level. By exercising on a regular basis and focusing some of your baseball workouts on cardio exercises like running on the treadmill or using a stationary bike, your speed will improve over time.
Are you interested in improving your base-running speed or any other aspect of your game? If so, make sure to check out www.BestBaseballWorkouts.com for more information as well as tons of great products to take your game to the next level! With this information, you're baseball workouts will be more effective than ever!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_E_Wilson
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Can One Player Carry A Baseball Team?
By Jim Bain
Anybody who seriously follows baseball, at one time or another, has heard the sports announcers remark something like, "If he gets hot, he can carry the team" or "When he's in the zone he can carry the load for the bullpen" or something similar. Is it possible for one player to carry a team?
In my opinion, yes and no, which probably has you shaking your head and thinking "Surprise, another yes and no answer." Well, for starters, are the sports announcers correct in what they're saying, one man can carry the entire team, and if they are, why are they correct?
Or are they just searching for something to say in order to fill the gap between commercial announcements, which is very difficult to believe, and are just blowing smoke knowing nobody will bother to challenge their statement? Let's look at some possibilities of the scenario and you venture your opinion as to whether the experts are in fact, experts.
As a reality check we must establish a few guidelines which to follow to establish a bit of creditability to this investigation.
1. One player can not hit for the other 8 players.
2. One player can not field for the other 8 players.
3. One player can not throw for the other 8 players.
4. One player can not catch for the other 8 players.
I must say, although we're only scratching the surface of the subject, thus far the sports announcers appear slanted a little towards the stupid side and this entire article seems to be a waste of time, and would be if it were not for one intangible.
One player can greatly affect the Emotional Health of a baseball team. There are many intangibles in baseball, as well as other sports, which exert a direct force, positive or negative on a team. Momentum, the Big MO, as they call it, is an example of such an intangible.
For instance, a team who is experiencing a dry spell of having runners scampering all over the base paths every inning, but fail to ever get the hit to drive them in can be quickly deflated, and for all practical purposes be defeated in the top of the first, by having a bases loaded situation and not be able to score 1 run.
On the other hand, should a player become hot, be in the zone, seeing the ball well, whatever or however you want to say it, drives a bases clearing double into the outfield gap, this changes the Entire Team.
A pitcher, veteran or rookie, who takes the mound and consistently pitches into the late innings, with many complete games and a low ERA, will change the attitude and confidence of the Entire Team when it's his day to pitch.
So can one player carry a team? Absolutely, by instilling confidence and energy into the team which would not be there if his efforts weren't present.
Can one player carry a team? Absolutely not, as it takes team work to win a baseball game at any level of competition.
Perhaps my "yes" and "no" answer makes a little bit more sense now.
Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on running baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain
Anybody who seriously follows baseball, at one time or another, has heard the sports announcers remark something like, "If he gets hot, he can carry the team" or "When he's in the zone he can carry the load for the bullpen" or something similar. Is it possible for one player to carry a team?
In my opinion, yes and no, which probably has you shaking your head and thinking "Surprise, another yes and no answer." Well, for starters, are the sports announcers correct in what they're saying, one man can carry the entire team, and if they are, why are they correct?
Or are they just searching for something to say in order to fill the gap between commercial announcements, which is very difficult to believe, and are just blowing smoke knowing nobody will bother to challenge their statement? Let's look at some possibilities of the scenario and you venture your opinion as to whether the experts are in fact, experts.
As a reality check we must establish a few guidelines which to follow to establish a bit of creditability to this investigation.
1. One player can not hit for the other 8 players.
2. One player can not field for the other 8 players.
3. One player can not throw for the other 8 players.
4. One player can not catch for the other 8 players.
I must say, although we're only scratching the surface of the subject, thus far the sports announcers appear slanted a little towards the stupid side and this entire article seems to be a waste of time, and would be if it were not for one intangible.
One player can greatly affect the Emotional Health of a baseball team. There are many intangibles in baseball, as well as other sports, which exert a direct force, positive or negative on a team. Momentum, the Big MO, as they call it, is an example of such an intangible.
For instance, a team who is experiencing a dry spell of having runners scampering all over the base paths every inning, but fail to ever get the hit to drive them in can be quickly deflated, and for all practical purposes be defeated in the top of the first, by having a bases loaded situation and not be able to score 1 run.
On the other hand, should a player become hot, be in the zone, seeing the ball well, whatever or however you want to say it, drives a bases clearing double into the outfield gap, this changes the Entire Team.
A pitcher, veteran or rookie, who takes the mound and consistently pitches into the late innings, with many complete games and a low ERA, will change the attitude and confidence of the Entire Team when it's his day to pitch.
So can one player carry a team? Absolutely, by instilling confidence and energy into the team which would not be there if his efforts weren't present.
Can one player carry a team? Absolutely not, as it takes team work to win a baseball game at any level of competition.
Perhaps my "yes" and "no" answer makes a little bit more sense now.
Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on running baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain
Monday, August 22, 2011
Pitching Inside
By Jim Bain
Should the names Bob Gibson, Don Drysdale or Sandy Koufax immediately ring a familiar bell, you'll understand the importance of the issue of pitching inside. For those who must ponder these names, and hundreds of others, or have only seen them in print as Hall of Fame pitchers, this article may prove rather eye opening.
Home plate measures 17" across at the front and widest part, then tapers back to the familiar point. The plate is colored white, with the white portion of the plate ringed with a black edge, which is where the saying "the pitch caught the black" originated. This measurement has remained constant for a 100 years or so, since it's official design and shape was officially adopted by major league baseball, and I wanted to re-establish the fact that nothing physical has changed before continuing.
From a pitcher's perspective, that entire plate area represents the strike zone, but is not necessarily where they want to locate their pitches. I'm not saying you don't have to throw strikes over the plate, of course you do, but the Strike - Ball count is a huge determining factor of whether you want to locate the ball over the white, or black, part of the plate.
Pitching strategy from pee wee league to major league level, teaches and stresses the pitcher learn to get the batter out on "your pitch", and your pitch is not a strike. "Your pitch" is a ball located 2" to 3" off the plate, any more unless the batter is totally fooled by a breaking ball, is too far and won't normally entice a swing.
The idea is to get a batter to swing at a pitch he either can not reach, thus striking out, or can barely reach, which will induce a nubber off the end of bat resulting in a weak ground ball to the infield. Batters, even at the major league level, experience difficulty not swinging at Close pitches with a two strike count, and usually 2" off the plate appears too close to take.
Alright, where is this leading? It's leading to the issue pitchers 20 years ago could claim and pitch to a Home Plate measuring 21" to 23" wide, while pitchers of today throw at a Home plate 19" to 20" wide. That additional 2" can easily be the difference between becoming a 20 game winner, at the major league level, or a wash out from the minor leagues.
Why the difference? Because pitchers of today are afraid to pitch inside, losing not only the additional 2" of plate, but suffering a huge tactical disadvantage. As a hitter, if I know the pitcher will not throw a pitch inside on my hands, I can move closer to the plate, which allows me to make solid contact with the pitch 2" off the plate, instead of swinging and missing.
Why are pitchers afraid to throw inside? Because major league hitters have become whiners and cry babies and have forced an environment if a pitcher throws inside, he's trying to hit the batter. I'm not saying this is 100% untrue, but I'll venture 97% untrue. You must remember these pitchers, for the most part, have pin point control and consistently locate balls 2" off the outside part of the plate, why not the same control on the inside?
The claim that every pitch inside is intended to hit the batter is nonsense. Twenty years ago batters were accidentally hit as they are today, but pitchers like Bob Gibson, didn't try to hide the fact he was throwing at you, but there were reasons for pitching "far" inside.
1. If a hitter stood too close to the plate, he'd squeeze the strike zone on the pitcher, making it smaller and gaining an advantage over the pitcher. The pitcher threw Inside in order to move the batter back off the plate and regain, what he considered, his additional 2".
2. If a hitter took an extraordinary amount of time or effort digging in at the plate, sending the signal to the pitcher he was preparing to tee off on a pitch. The pitcher simply loosen him up and forced him out of his dug in position, by throwing inside.
3. The inside pitch was occasionally used as a "display pitch." Much like a pitcher who has difficulty throwing a curve ball, he still throws the pitch, not really intending to throw it for a strike, in order to put the fear or question in the hitter's mind he may have to try and hit a curve ball.
4. There is of course the final reason. Call it Pay Back, Restitution or a Penalty for embarrassing the pitcher or showboating. For instance, if a batter hit a home run, dropped his bat and gingerly ran around the bases, it was considered " no harm...no foul."
However, if the batter stood at home plate admiring his home run, slowly trotted around the bases or smiled at the pitcher as he rounded the bases...he'd better be prepared to take a pitch to the ribs the next time he batted. There was a respect issue there.
We've actually covered a lot of ground here, from history to strategy to purposes of pitching inside to hitters. Although I'd never condone, nor teach the action of purposely hitting a batter, I do believe in the pitcher throwing inside. It's part of the pitching zone, it's a tactical advantage and it's an excellent pitching strategy. If you don't teach your pitchers the intent and advantage of pitching inside, you're doing them a great disservice.
Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on running baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain
Should the names Bob Gibson, Don Drysdale or Sandy Koufax immediately ring a familiar bell, you'll understand the importance of the issue of pitching inside. For those who must ponder these names, and hundreds of others, or have only seen them in print as Hall of Fame pitchers, this article may prove rather eye opening.
Home plate measures 17" across at the front and widest part, then tapers back to the familiar point. The plate is colored white, with the white portion of the plate ringed with a black edge, which is where the saying "the pitch caught the black" originated. This measurement has remained constant for a 100 years or so, since it's official design and shape was officially adopted by major league baseball, and I wanted to re-establish the fact that nothing physical has changed before continuing.
From a pitcher's perspective, that entire plate area represents the strike zone, but is not necessarily where they want to locate their pitches. I'm not saying you don't have to throw strikes over the plate, of course you do, but the Strike - Ball count is a huge determining factor of whether you want to locate the ball over the white, or black, part of the plate.
Pitching strategy from pee wee league to major league level, teaches and stresses the pitcher learn to get the batter out on "your pitch", and your pitch is not a strike. "Your pitch" is a ball located 2" to 3" off the plate, any more unless the batter is totally fooled by a breaking ball, is too far and won't normally entice a swing.
The idea is to get a batter to swing at a pitch he either can not reach, thus striking out, or can barely reach, which will induce a nubber off the end of bat resulting in a weak ground ball to the infield. Batters, even at the major league level, experience difficulty not swinging at Close pitches with a two strike count, and usually 2" off the plate appears too close to take.
Alright, where is this leading? It's leading to the issue pitchers 20 years ago could claim and pitch to a Home Plate measuring 21" to 23" wide, while pitchers of today throw at a Home plate 19" to 20" wide. That additional 2" can easily be the difference between becoming a 20 game winner, at the major league level, or a wash out from the minor leagues.
Why the difference? Because pitchers of today are afraid to pitch inside, losing not only the additional 2" of plate, but suffering a huge tactical disadvantage. As a hitter, if I know the pitcher will not throw a pitch inside on my hands, I can move closer to the plate, which allows me to make solid contact with the pitch 2" off the plate, instead of swinging and missing.
Why are pitchers afraid to throw inside? Because major league hitters have become whiners and cry babies and have forced an environment if a pitcher throws inside, he's trying to hit the batter. I'm not saying this is 100% untrue, but I'll venture 97% untrue. You must remember these pitchers, for the most part, have pin point control and consistently locate balls 2" off the outside part of the plate, why not the same control on the inside?
The claim that every pitch inside is intended to hit the batter is nonsense. Twenty years ago batters were accidentally hit as they are today, but pitchers like Bob Gibson, didn't try to hide the fact he was throwing at you, but there were reasons for pitching "far" inside.
1. If a hitter stood too close to the plate, he'd squeeze the strike zone on the pitcher, making it smaller and gaining an advantage over the pitcher. The pitcher threw Inside in order to move the batter back off the plate and regain, what he considered, his additional 2".
2. If a hitter took an extraordinary amount of time or effort digging in at the plate, sending the signal to the pitcher he was preparing to tee off on a pitch. The pitcher simply loosen him up and forced him out of his dug in position, by throwing inside.
3. The inside pitch was occasionally used as a "display pitch." Much like a pitcher who has difficulty throwing a curve ball, he still throws the pitch, not really intending to throw it for a strike, in order to put the fear or question in the hitter's mind he may have to try and hit a curve ball.
4. There is of course the final reason. Call it Pay Back, Restitution or a Penalty for embarrassing the pitcher or showboating. For instance, if a batter hit a home run, dropped his bat and gingerly ran around the bases, it was considered " no harm...no foul."
However, if the batter stood at home plate admiring his home run, slowly trotted around the bases or smiled at the pitcher as he rounded the bases...he'd better be prepared to take a pitch to the ribs the next time he batted. There was a respect issue there.
We've actually covered a lot of ground here, from history to strategy to purposes of pitching inside to hitters. Although I'd never condone, nor teach the action of purposely hitting a batter, I do believe in the pitcher throwing inside. It's part of the pitching zone, it's a tactical advantage and it's an excellent pitching strategy. If you don't teach your pitchers the intent and advantage of pitching inside, you're doing them a great disservice.
Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on running baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain
Thursday, August 18, 2011
How to Be Number One on Your Baseball Team
By Jim Bain
It was recently suggested to me that I write an article on "How to be number one on your baseball team." My first thought on the request was "What an odd question," and initially dismissed the idea as quite silly. However, the question, and more possibly the motive for such a question, continued to gnaw at me until I decided to take a crack at answering the question.
Since it wasn't specified, the first issue I had to isolate was "number one at what?" The number one pitcher, hitter, fielder, cheerleader, or what? This was quite a cumbersome and rather confusing task, as I could write page after page of instructions and advise on any one of a 100 subjects related to a baseball team.
Thank God for computers and the delete key, because I nearly wore mine out writing and rewriting ideas which would pop into my head, meander around and eventually lead to a dead end. This simple little article was quickly becoming a monumental task, one which at the time, I was failing miserably at.
The problem with answering how to become number one on your baseball team is, there is no One answer, but rather a combination of many skills and talents both physical and emotional involved.
Baseball is an Individual game, played in a team environment. Confused? For example, you, the individual, wants to succeed at getting a base hit. By succeeding as an individual and getting the base hit, you drive home the winning run, which makes the team successful.
In my opinion, this unique mixture of achievement and goals results in the only answer possible for becoming number one on the team... Don't try to become number one, is the only way to become number one. I've confused you again. Allow me to explain.
Being the number one player on a team, any team, can not be something accomplished by learning any certain skills. Sure, you can develop into the Ace pitcher on the team and be voted to the All-Star team, but that doesn't make you number one on the team. Neither does being the clean up hitter, who has achieved remarkable numbers at home runs, RBIs and slugging percentage, still not considered the number one player.
Again in my humble opinion, I believe the following two things about players:
1. There is the player who strives as an individual to succeed, and by doing so the team succeeds...
2. There is the player who strives to succeed in order for the team to succeed.
What's the difference?
1.The #2 player is happy about grounding out to the second baseman, because he moved a runner to third base.
2. As the second baseman, he makes a fantastic fielding play which starts a game ending double play and high fives the shortstop for making a strong throw to first base.
3. He hits a walk off home run, but seeks out the timid 9th place hitter who walked in front of him allowing a winning home run instead of a game tying home run.
How can you tell the difference between the two types of players, both great team mates? You normally can't, because the difference is in the heart of the player and that produces an aura of its own, which produces a number one player on the team.
My advise on how to become the number one player on the team... work your guts out practicing and play with your heart.
Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on running youth baseball drill on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain
It was recently suggested to me that I write an article on "How to be number one on your baseball team." My first thought on the request was "What an odd question," and initially dismissed the idea as quite silly. However, the question, and more possibly the motive for such a question, continued to gnaw at me until I decided to take a crack at answering the question.
Since it wasn't specified, the first issue I had to isolate was "number one at what?" The number one pitcher, hitter, fielder, cheerleader, or what? This was quite a cumbersome and rather confusing task, as I could write page after page of instructions and advise on any one of a 100 subjects related to a baseball team.
Thank God for computers and the delete key, because I nearly wore mine out writing and rewriting ideas which would pop into my head, meander around and eventually lead to a dead end. This simple little article was quickly becoming a monumental task, one which at the time, I was failing miserably at.
The problem with answering how to become number one on your baseball team is, there is no One answer, but rather a combination of many skills and talents both physical and emotional involved.
Baseball is an Individual game, played in a team environment. Confused? For example, you, the individual, wants to succeed at getting a base hit. By succeeding as an individual and getting the base hit, you drive home the winning run, which makes the team successful.
In my opinion, this unique mixture of achievement and goals results in the only answer possible for becoming number one on the team... Don't try to become number one, is the only way to become number one. I've confused you again. Allow me to explain.
Being the number one player on a team, any team, can not be something accomplished by learning any certain skills. Sure, you can develop into the Ace pitcher on the team and be voted to the All-Star team, but that doesn't make you number one on the team. Neither does being the clean up hitter, who has achieved remarkable numbers at home runs, RBIs and slugging percentage, still not considered the number one player.
Again in my humble opinion, I believe the following two things about players:
1. There is the player who strives as an individual to succeed, and by doing so the team succeeds...
2. There is the player who strives to succeed in order for the team to succeed.
What's the difference?
1.The #2 player is happy about grounding out to the second baseman, because he moved a runner to third base.
2. As the second baseman, he makes a fantastic fielding play which starts a game ending double play and high fives the shortstop for making a strong throw to first base.
3. He hits a walk off home run, but seeks out the timid 9th place hitter who walked in front of him allowing a winning home run instead of a game tying home run.
How can you tell the difference between the two types of players, both great team mates? You normally can't, because the difference is in the heart of the player and that produces an aura of its own, which produces a number one player on the team.
My advise on how to become the number one player on the team... work your guts out practicing and play with your heart.
Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on running youth baseball drill on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Losing - A Coach's Art Of Survival Booklet
By Jim Bain
"You can't win them all," or "You'll get 'em next time," or a hundred other phrases meant to make a loser feel better, are for all practical purposes, similar to throwing gasoline on a fire. One must learn not all words, just like not all liquids, are appropriate for all situations, and after experiencing a crushing defeat, silence is usually the most appreciated sound.
Losing is a fact of life, no different than walking, talking and breathing, it's just that we are acutely aware of when we lose, as it's not an automatic response. It's just like getting the air knocked out of you by a fall, suddenly you're acutely aware you are not breathing.
We seem to forget that out of a 162 game schedule, a MLB Championship team usually wins no more than ten to fifteen games more than it loses, and it's a huge deal if a team wins 100 games, which means they lost 62 times.
It's how we handle defeat which determines how we proceed forward, positively or negatively. I'm not going to begin spinning out positive motivation tips or hip hip hurray slogans, as I am not convinced of their actual benefit in the long run, and besides, every defeat must be handled differently, because every defeat is different and as a Coach, you must learn how to handle all situations.
Which do you consider the worse? Losing a ball game by an 8-0 score, totally dominated from start to finish, or trailing 8-0 and clawing your way back to tie the score, only to lose 9-8 in extra innings. Hard decision and because they both ended in defeat, they both suck, but they must be handled in two distinctly different methods.
Let's review the 8-0 loss. In my opinion, the "On any given day" scenario would be the best way for you, as a coach, to address the team, but keep in mind there is no cookie cutter speech which addresses everything which may be going through the players' minds.
If this was a team you have played before, the emotions will be different than against a new and unknown opponent, but there are also sub-plots within the main plot. Has your team traditionally dominated this team, only to have the tables turned, which can be quite humiliating regardless it's self induced. Has this team always dominated your team and this is just another exercise in futility for your players which was not totally unexpected?
It's important a coach analyze the situation and address it with his players. No, this is not a life or death situation and in the overall scheme of life, is quite insignificant. But at this particular moment, this could be a very momentous experience for one or all of your players, which should be defused.
When people snicker at me for taking defeat so seriously, I recall the Rick Ankiel, tragedy, or could have been tragedy. Here was a major league pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals, with dominating speed and control, who threw several wide pitches in an important ball game and after that ONE ball game, he could never pitch again.
I never talk about ranting or raving at a team because they lost a ball game, as that is completely asinine and you shouldn't be coaching if that's your style. I'm talking about the debriefing, shall we say, after a loss, particularly a tough loss.
The situation of coming back from sure defeat and the possibility of winning the game, only to fall short in extra innings, holds a whole lot of different issues than the 8-0 thumping. This was an emotional roller coaster for the players which ended in a crash.
I suggest nothing but praise for players despite their possible feelings of falling short. The issue of never quitting should be praised while the defeat is minimized, for instance the never quitting will result in many victories down the road vs. this one loss.
Do I stress after game talks being essential no matter the situation? YES! Yes, I do and I stress players more than team, because they will eventually go to different teams, must be taught how to honorably lose just as well as honorably win. This is a lesson they will take with them throughout their entire life.
Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on running baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain
"You can't win them all," or "You'll get 'em next time," or a hundred other phrases meant to make a loser feel better, are for all practical purposes, similar to throwing gasoline on a fire. One must learn not all words, just like not all liquids, are appropriate for all situations, and after experiencing a crushing defeat, silence is usually the most appreciated sound.
Losing is a fact of life, no different than walking, talking and breathing, it's just that we are acutely aware of when we lose, as it's not an automatic response. It's just like getting the air knocked out of you by a fall, suddenly you're acutely aware you are not breathing.
We seem to forget that out of a 162 game schedule, a MLB Championship team usually wins no more than ten to fifteen games more than it loses, and it's a huge deal if a team wins 100 games, which means they lost 62 times.
It's how we handle defeat which determines how we proceed forward, positively or negatively. I'm not going to begin spinning out positive motivation tips or hip hip hurray slogans, as I am not convinced of their actual benefit in the long run, and besides, every defeat must be handled differently, because every defeat is different and as a Coach, you must learn how to handle all situations.
Which do you consider the worse? Losing a ball game by an 8-0 score, totally dominated from start to finish, or trailing 8-0 and clawing your way back to tie the score, only to lose 9-8 in extra innings. Hard decision and because they both ended in defeat, they both suck, but they must be handled in two distinctly different methods.
Let's review the 8-0 loss. In my opinion, the "On any given day" scenario would be the best way for you, as a coach, to address the team, but keep in mind there is no cookie cutter speech which addresses everything which may be going through the players' minds.
If this was a team you have played before, the emotions will be different than against a new and unknown opponent, but there are also sub-plots within the main plot. Has your team traditionally dominated this team, only to have the tables turned, which can be quite humiliating regardless it's self induced. Has this team always dominated your team and this is just another exercise in futility for your players which was not totally unexpected?
It's important a coach analyze the situation and address it with his players. No, this is not a life or death situation and in the overall scheme of life, is quite insignificant. But at this particular moment, this could be a very momentous experience for one or all of your players, which should be defused.
When people snicker at me for taking defeat so seriously, I recall the Rick Ankiel, tragedy, or could have been tragedy. Here was a major league pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals, with dominating speed and control, who threw several wide pitches in an important ball game and after that ONE ball game, he could never pitch again.
I never talk about ranting or raving at a team because they lost a ball game, as that is completely asinine and you shouldn't be coaching if that's your style. I'm talking about the debriefing, shall we say, after a loss, particularly a tough loss.
The situation of coming back from sure defeat and the possibility of winning the game, only to fall short in extra innings, holds a whole lot of different issues than the 8-0 thumping. This was an emotional roller coaster for the players which ended in a crash.
I suggest nothing but praise for players despite their possible feelings of falling short. The issue of never quitting should be praised while the defeat is minimized, for instance the never quitting will result in many victories down the road vs. this one loss.
Do I stress after game talks being essential no matter the situation? YES! Yes, I do and I stress players more than team, because they will eventually go to different teams, must be taught how to honorably lose just as well as honorably win. This is a lesson they will take with them throughout their entire life.
Jim Bain, former Minor league baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth, shares his advice on running baseball drills on his exciting info packed website: http://www.learn-youth-baseball-coaching.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Bain
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Real Hitting Tips For Baseball Players
By Jeffery A Wise
Hitting tips are meant to help baseball players. And while there are many different tips, some are more effective than others. In order for any hitting tip to work, you have to commit to it and practice it often. Even if you're hitting a.300, don't stop practicing your hitting because practice is sure to make you better and better.
The hitting tips listed here are the most common and the most helpful for baseball players. First, you have to be a confident hitter. If you have doubts about your skills and capabilities, you are more likely to fail and get more strikes than hits. Trust that you can and will get the job done.
You also have to be familiar with the strike zone. If you know this area you will be able to judge whether a pitch is a strike or a ball. This will lessen your chances of striking out.
Baseball is as much mental as it is physical. So, you must be prepared mentally while you're at bat. Ignore what's going on around you and just focus on the pitcher and what he's throwing.
You must have a consistent, smooth swing every time you swing the bat. You also need a good batting stance. If you don't feel balanced and comfortable, you will not be able to hit the ball.
Recognize each pitch and practice adjusting to changes. If you are able to recognize the difference between a curveball and a fastball, you will be better prepared for the swing.
Every baseball player has a hitting slump occasionally. Learn how to shake the slumps and get back in the game physically and mentally. A slump isn't the end of the world, but how you react to slumps determines how quickly you get out of them.
Situational hitting is necessary to learn. Before you even step up to the plate, you need to have a goal and know what your mission is. Do you need to move a runner over? How many outs are there? If you have any questions about what you should do, talk to a coach.
Remember that no matter where you are in the line-up, every position is important for winning games. You have been put where you are because of your strengths. Trust your coaches and just focus on helping your team win.
Lastly, take care of your body on and off the ball field. To be the best player you can be, you need to eat healthy and exercise. Of course, you also need to have fun.
Think about each of these hitting tips and practice them as often as you can. If you need help in any area, ask a coach, teammate or parent.
Remember that the reason to practice your hitting tips is to give you skills and talent to become the baseball player you want to be. Find out why you need Baseball Bats that are comfortable in your hands.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffery_A_Wise
Hitting tips are meant to help baseball players. And while there are many different tips, some are more effective than others. In order for any hitting tip to work, you have to commit to it and practice it often. Even if you're hitting a.300, don't stop practicing your hitting because practice is sure to make you better and better.
The hitting tips listed here are the most common and the most helpful for baseball players. First, you have to be a confident hitter. If you have doubts about your skills and capabilities, you are more likely to fail and get more strikes than hits. Trust that you can and will get the job done.
You also have to be familiar with the strike zone. If you know this area you will be able to judge whether a pitch is a strike or a ball. This will lessen your chances of striking out.
Baseball is as much mental as it is physical. So, you must be prepared mentally while you're at bat. Ignore what's going on around you and just focus on the pitcher and what he's throwing.
You must have a consistent, smooth swing every time you swing the bat. You also need a good batting stance. If you don't feel balanced and comfortable, you will not be able to hit the ball.
Recognize each pitch and practice adjusting to changes. If you are able to recognize the difference between a curveball and a fastball, you will be better prepared for the swing.
Every baseball player has a hitting slump occasionally. Learn how to shake the slumps and get back in the game physically and mentally. A slump isn't the end of the world, but how you react to slumps determines how quickly you get out of them.
Situational hitting is necessary to learn. Before you even step up to the plate, you need to have a goal and know what your mission is. Do you need to move a runner over? How many outs are there? If you have any questions about what you should do, talk to a coach.
Remember that no matter where you are in the line-up, every position is important for winning games. You have been put where you are because of your strengths. Trust your coaches and just focus on helping your team win.
Lastly, take care of your body on and off the ball field. To be the best player you can be, you need to eat healthy and exercise. Of course, you also need to have fun.
Think about each of these hitting tips and practice them as often as you can. If you need help in any area, ask a coach, teammate or parent.
Remember that the reason to practice your hitting tips is to give you skills and talent to become the baseball player you want to be. Find out why you need Baseball Bats that are comfortable in your hands.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffery_A_Wise
Saturday, August 6, 2011
4 Steps to Selecting the Perfect BBCOR Bat for the 2012 Season
By Ryan M Davis
4 Steps to help you select the perfect BBCOR Baseball Bat
Step 1: Set a Budget.
Establishing a BBCOR Baseball Bat budget is a good idea as BBCOR bats can be expensive and market conditions may increase prices. BBCOR bats will vary considerably in price from $49.99 to $399.99 with the average BBCOR bat falling in the $199.99- $299.99 price range. BBCOR prices may skyrocket to $450-$500 as demand for popular models will exceed supply. Manufacturers and Retailers are anticipating extended backorders on popular BBCOR models. Having a bat budget can be helpful in an unpredictable market.
Step 2: Select a Design
BBCOR Bats will come in a variety of designs and determining the right design early will help narrow the pool of products to consider for purchase. Popular designs include aluminum alloy, composite, hybrid (alloy & composite) and wood. Each bat design will have pros and cons, so be selective and choice the bat that will benefit your personal strengths and style of hitting. The most common BBCOR design will be a one-piece alloy. Alloy designs will provide the largest pool of bats to choose from and will be the most competitively priced.As a general rule of thumb, one-piece alloy bat designs will be more affordable, while hybrid and composite BBCOR baseball bats will be more expensive.
Step 3 Select a Manufacture
Selecting a manufacture can be difficult as there are many great choices. To simplify the overwhelming selection of BBCOR bats to choose from select a few manufacturers that you know or like. Industry leaders such as Easton, Louisville Slugger, DeMarini and Anderson will provide a great starting point when selecting the perfect bat.
Step 4: Select the Proper Size
All high school and college players have to swing a minus or drop 3. This means the difference between the length of the bat and the weight will be 3. For example, a 32" bat will be 29oz. and a 33" will be 30oz. A standard bat size guide is a good starting point to help determine proper bat sizing. The bat size guide suggest bat lengths based on a players height and weight. Other factors to consider would be player strength, body type, experience, and personal preference.The most common sizes for high school and college players will be 32" and 33"
Be prepared when selecting your BBCOR Bat this season. There are a handful of designs and manufactures to choose from at drastically different prices. Setting a budget, selecting a design, choosing a manufacture and selecting the proper size will help you select the perfect BBCOR bat for the 2012 season.
About The Author: Ryan Davis is a baseball enthusiast and self proclaimed bat guru. His website at http://www.bbcorbats.com/ offers in-depth bbcor bat reviews, news, price comparisons, videos, products and podcast. Ryan's Free Podcast is jam packed with insightful bbcor baseball related information. Subscribe for FREE at http://www.bbcorbats.com/bbcor_bats_podcast.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_M_Davis
4 Steps to help you select the perfect BBCOR Baseball Bat
Step 1: Set a Budget.
Establishing a BBCOR Baseball Bat budget is a good idea as BBCOR bats can be expensive and market conditions may increase prices. BBCOR bats will vary considerably in price from $49.99 to $399.99 with the average BBCOR bat falling in the $199.99- $299.99 price range. BBCOR prices may skyrocket to $450-$500 as demand for popular models will exceed supply. Manufacturers and Retailers are anticipating extended backorders on popular BBCOR models. Having a bat budget can be helpful in an unpredictable market.
Step 2: Select a Design
BBCOR Bats will come in a variety of designs and determining the right design early will help narrow the pool of products to consider for purchase. Popular designs include aluminum alloy, composite, hybrid (alloy & composite) and wood. Each bat design will have pros and cons, so be selective and choice the bat that will benefit your personal strengths and style of hitting. The most common BBCOR design will be a one-piece alloy. Alloy designs will provide the largest pool of bats to choose from and will be the most competitively priced.As a general rule of thumb, one-piece alloy bat designs will be more affordable, while hybrid and composite BBCOR baseball bats will be more expensive.
Step 3 Select a Manufacture
Selecting a manufacture can be difficult as there are many great choices. To simplify the overwhelming selection of BBCOR bats to choose from select a few manufacturers that you know or like. Industry leaders such as Easton, Louisville Slugger, DeMarini and Anderson will provide a great starting point when selecting the perfect bat.
Step 4: Select the Proper Size
All high school and college players have to swing a minus or drop 3. This means the difference between the length of the bat and the weight will be 3. For example, a 32" bat will be 29oz. and a 33" will be 30oz. A standard bat size guide is a good starting point to help determine proper bat sizing. The bat size guide suggest bat lengths based on a players height and weight. Other factors to consider would be player strength, body type, experience, and personal preference.The most common sizes for high school and college players will be 32" and 33"
Be prepared when selecting your BBCOR Bat this season. There are a handful of designs and manufactures to choose from at drastically different prices. Setting a budget, selecting a design, choosing a manufacture and selecting the proper size will help you select the perfect BBCOR bat for the 2012 season.
About The Author: Ryan Davis is a baseball enthusiast and self proclaimed bat guru. His website at http://www.bbcorbats.com/ offers in-depth bbcor bat reviews, news, price comparisons, videos, products and podcast. Ryan's Free Podcast is jam packed with insightful bbcor baseball related information. Subscribe for FREE at http://www.bbcorbats.com/bbcor_bats_podcast.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_M_Davis
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Baseball Equipment Tips: Caring for Your Baseball Glove
By Damien Moczynski
The spring and summer months mean many of you will be out playing the game of baseball again this year, and because baseball has recently become so specialized, with various summer leagues, clinics and tournaments, many of you will be kept busy playing this great pastime all summer long. However, when you're not on the field playing, it's very important that you take certain steps to ensure your baseball glove will continue to serve you well. A new glove can be very expensive if you have to replace it-sometimes well over $100-and what's even worse, a glove not cared for properly can pose a number of safety hazards. To help you avoid this, in this article we will provide a few basic tips for keeping your baseball glove in tip-top condition, including tips on how it should be stored when it's not in use.
Caring for Your Baseball Glove: A Few Tips
Your glove is by far the most important piece of baseball gear you own, and unless you care for it properly, it may let you down in the field. No baseball player wants that to happen, so to avoid this scenario, try following the few basic tips listed below-tips that are sure to keep your glove in the very best condition:
• Baseball gloves are, for the most part, made of leather, so you need to care for it just as if it were a fancy leather coat. Direct heat and wet conditions can seriously damage leather in a very short amount of time, so when you're not wearing your glove, or rather, when you're not at the field, always store it somewhere cool and dry, such as your bedroom or a cool closet. Never leave your glove where it can become too hot such as a garage or the trunk of a car.
• If your baseball glove does happen to get wet, don't panic. Just grab a clean dry towel to soak up any excess water, and leave it to dry once again in a cool, dry place. It may take a bit longer to completely dry out this way, but this method is much better for the leather. NEVER try to dry your glove in an oven or with any other heat source, including blow dryers and space heaters.
• Don't over-oil your glove! This is a mistake made by far too many baseball players, and one that can easily be avoided. Oiling your glove about once a week is usually sufficient for conditioning the leather. Also, be sure that the oil you apply has been approved for use on your glove type.
• Check the laces. Over the course of a few practices or games, it is not uncommon for some of the laces on your glove to work their way loose. Before participating in any baseball-related activity, use a glove repair kit to ensure all the laces are tight and secure.
By following these very basic glove-care tips you can preserve the life of the glove and avoid any unwanted mishaps on the field.
http://www.bearears.com
For more information on this topic & more about baseball, go to http://www.bearears.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damien_Moczynski
The spring and summer months mean many of you will be out playing the game of baseball again this year, and because baseball has recently become so specialized, with various summer leagues, clinics and tournaments, many of you will be kept busy playing this great pastime all summer long. However, when you're not on the field playing, it's very important that you take certain steps to ensure your baseball glove will continue to serve you well. A new glove can be very expensive if you have to replace it-sometimes well over $100-and what's even worse, a glove not cared for properly can pose a number of safety hazards. To help you avoid this, in this article we will provide a few basic tips for keeping your baseball glove in tip-top condition, including tips on how it should be stored when it's not in use.
Caring for Your Baseball Glove: A Few Tips
Your glove is by far the most important piece of baseball gear you own, and unless you care for it properly, it may let you down in the field. No baseball player wants that to happen, so to avoid this scenario, try following the few basic tips listed below-tips that are sure to keep your glove in the very best condition:
• Baseball gloves are, for the most part, made of leather, so you need to care for it just as if it were a fancy leather coat. Direct heat and wet conditions can seriously damage leather in a very short amount of time, so when you're not wearing your glove, or rather, when you're not at the field, always store it somewhere cool and dry, such as your bedroom or a cool closet. Never leave your glove where it can become too hot such as a garage or the trunk of a car.
• If your baseball glove does happen to get wet, don't panic. Just grab a clean dry towel to soak up any excess water, and leave it to dry once again in a cool, dry place. It may take a bit longer to completely dry out this way, but this method is much better for the leather. NEVER try to dry your glove in an oven or with any other heat source, including blow dryers and space heaters.
• Don't over-oil your glove! This is a mistake made by far too many baseball players, and one that can easily be avoided. Oiling your glove about once a week is usually sufficient for conditioning the leather. Also, be sure that the oil you apply has been approved for use on your glove type.
• Check the laces. Over the course of a few practices or games, it is not uncommon for some of the laces on your glove to work their way loose. Before participating in any baseball-related activity, use a glove repair kit to ensure all the laces are tight and secure.
By following these very basic glove-care tips you can preserve the life of the glove and avoid any unwanted mishaps on the field.
http://www.bearears.com
For more information on this topic & more about baseball, go to http://www.bearears.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damien_Moczynski
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Important Baseball Skills Honed During Baseball Practice
By Louis Liem
Anyone who aspires to play baseball satisfactorily - either at amateur or professional levels, or for recreational purposes - should give all their mind and heart to mastering baseball skills. There are at least four fundamental baseball skills: batting, pitching, catching, and running. While some players can specialize in mastering one or two of these skills, it is important for them to realize that for a more fulfilling baseball experience, they should be adept in all four skills, and learn how to recognize situations where each of these baseball skills apply, in baseball practice and in real games.
The most important of the four baseball skills is hitting, as this action is the one that gets the baseball team a potential score (home run). Hitting the ball hard and accurately could be difficult for some to develop, for during formal baseball practice, many players rarely get hold of the bat for them to practice their hitting. Therefore, a good advice for aspiring hitters is to practice their batting during their spare time.
Here is some advice for players wanting to improve their hitting:
1.Players should hold the baseball bat with their fingers and not with their palms.
2.The left and right knuckles - the hand portions used for knocking a door should be vertically aligned together.
3.When preparing to bat, players should not squeeze the bat tightly; they should hold on sufficiently and keep the hand muscles relaxed, but not too relaxed as to make them lose control of the bat. When they swing, they will feel that their grip steadily tightens.
In hitting, stance is also important: know where to stand, maintain feet at shoulder width or more apart, bend knees slightly, and focus weight not on heels, but on the balls and the back of the feet. When preparing to hit: keep feet a shoulder width apart, bend knees slightly, shift more weight to back feet, then tighten your grip. When the ball flies in the air, keep your eye on the ball. Then once you decide to hit, you hit. Do not hit baseballs indiscriminately. Hitting and missing will get you an automatic strike; not hitting will get you either a strike or a "ball".
While hitting may be one of the valuable baseball skills, there are other baseball skills that ensure a team's success in the game. Pitching should be done through the "four-seam grip": use only three fingers - thumb, middle, and index; index and middle finger on one side of the ball, and the thumb on the other side; not squeezing the ball, and retaining some space between hand and ball. Baseball should be released by flicking the wrist (not the arms).
While hitting, start with your glove side in front of your target; keep feet a shoulder width apart, shift weight to back leg; move you arm toward the target, flick the wrist, then continue movement of arm down and across body and follow with throwing leg. Catching could be done by applying plenty of hand-eye alertness through properly anticipating the ball. Running should be done in coordination with catching if you are a catcher; or done with all your might if you are on for a home run. All of these baseball skills could be honed with plenty of regard for proper form, dedication, and baseball practice.
What does one need to be a great baseball player? Good baseball training, knowledge and talent. The first two are available on BaseballSquare.com. Just one click away!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louis_Liem
Anyone who aspires to play baseball satisfactorily - either at amateur or professional levels, or for recreational purposes - should give all their mind and heart to mastering baseball skills. There are at least four fundamental baseball skills: batting, pitching, catching, and running. While some players can specialize in mastering one or two of these skills, it is important for them to realize that for a more fulfilling baseball experience, they should be adept in all four skills, and learn how to recognize situations where each of these baseball skills apply, in baseball practice and in real games.
The most important of the four baseball skills is hitting, as this action is the one that gets the baseball team a potential score (home run). Hitting the ball hard and accurately could be difficult for some to develop, for during formal baseball practice, many players rarely get hold of the bat for them to practice their hitting. Therefore, a good advice for aspiring hitters is to practice their batting during their spare time.
Here is some advice for players wanting to improve their hitting:
1.Players should hold the baseball bat with their fingers and not with their palms.
2.The left and right knuckles - the hand portions used for knocking a door should be vertically aligned together.
3.When preparing to bat, players should not squeeze the bat tightly; they should hold on sufficiently and keep the hand muscles relaxed, but not too relaxed as to make them lose control of the bat. When they swing, they will feel that their grip steadily tightens.
In hitting, stance is also important: know where to stand, maintain feet at shoulder width or more apart, bend knees slightly, and focus weight not on heels, but on the balls and the back of the feet. When preparing to hit: keep feet a shoulder width apart, bend knees slightly, shift more weight to back feet, then tighten your grip. When the ball flies in the air, keep your eye on the ball. Then once you decide to hit, you hit. Do not hit baseballs indiscriminately. Hitting and missing will get you an automatic strike; not hitting will get you either a strike or a "ball".
While hitting may be one of the valuable baseball skills, there are other baseball skills that ensure a team's success in the game. Pitching should be done through the "four-seam grip": use only three fingers - thumb, middle, and index; index and middle finger on one side of the ball, and the thumb on the other side; not squeezing the ball, and retaining some space between hand and ball. Baseball should be released by flicking the wrist (not the arms).
While hitting, start with your glove side in front of your target; keep feet a shoulder width apart, shift weight to back leg; move you arm toward the target, flick the wrist, then continue movement of arm down and across body and follow with throwing leg. Catching could be done by applying plenty of hand-eye alertness through properly anticipating the ball. Running should be done in coordination with catching if you are a catcher; or done with all your might if you are on for a home run. All of these baseball skills could be honed with plenty of regard for proper form, dedication, and baseball practice.
What does one need to be a great baseball player? Good baseball training, knowledge and talent. The first two are available on BaseballSquare.com. Just one click away!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louis_Liem
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