By Alex Dumas
A friend of mine once said "Give a kid a bat and he'll run around hitting anything in sight including himself. Teach a kid how to bat and he may turn into another Babe Ruth." Coaching beginner baseball is not a walk in the park. Yes, you would be dealing mostly with kids but kids have different personalities too. Also, do not discount the fact that some older generations would want to try their hand on baseball too, probably because they did not have a chance when they were younger.
Let us focus more on kids. Sad to say, there are kids who shun away from baseball because they did not have the opportunity to enjoy the real fun in baseball. Coaches for beginners should be very understanding since most kids lack the emotional stability of most adults. Their emotional capacity and limited understanding should be properly addressed by the coach. If a coach fails to do this, the baseball world would lose another potential player. Always remember that each kid has potential. It is up to the coach to learn what this potential is, bring it out, and hone it to its limits.
The first thing that coaches usually deal with is fear. Most kids fear baseball because, well let's face it, your initial reaction to a ball thrown at you is to evade or protect yourself. Baseball does not involve much physical contact compare to other youth sports like basketball or football. A coach should be able to teach and guide a young one to turn fear into determination. A young player, when coached properly, would see a ball as a target and not as a weapon. My friend showed a Japanese samurai cutting a thrown apple in half to his young squad and everybody was applauding. But he was keen to add that a baseball bat is not a sword but a tool used to prevent a ball from hitting them. A coach should also be kind and exhibit lots of patience. This is no different from a parent teaching his child to read or write. Come to think of it, a coach for baseball beginners should be similar to a loving and caring parent. Their degree of strictness should be surpassed by their degree of support and passion to develop a child into a young baseball player. Showing these traits to baseball beginners would further encourage them to do well and add up to their development. The satisfaction of being able to coach someone and turn him into a great baseball player is beyond description.
For more tips and information about coaching beginner baseball, check out http://www.weplay.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Dumas
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tee Ball - A Stepping Stone to Baseball
By Alex Dumas
Most youth sports involve kids that are on their pre-teens. Teams are composed of kids aged nine and up because they are expected to already know the concept of the sport. Let's take little league baseball for example. Most teams or coaches would opt for older kids not because their bigger or stronger, but rather because they have already undergone the basics of baseball. How were they able to achieve it? Tee ball of course!
Tee ball is typically your baseball for kids aged four to eight. Tee ball contains the basic foundations of how to play softball or baseball with one major difference... it does not require a pitcher. Tee ball uses a batting tee in replace of a pitcher. The ball is placed on top of the tee and the batter simply steps up to the plate and swings at the ball. With a successful hit, the batter needs to run to first base or to whatever base he can reach before the opposing team can get the ball to a baseman. The reason why there is no pitcher is to remove any anxiety or fear that kids may have when a ball is thrown towards them.
Tee ball practice is where kids learn to love and appreciate the game. This is also a perfect chance to acquaint kids with the rules of tee ball and how to properly play it. The batting tee is a lot of help in building a kid's confidence. It is easier to hit a stationary ball than a moving one. There is also a higher degree of difficulty with a pitched ball and kids may lose interest if they can't score a hit. A coach's job, aside from orienting the kids on what tee ball is, is to teach kids defensive tactics as well. Offense is quite simple with just two objectives: hit the ball and get to first base. With defense, kids should know where to position themselves and what to do in various scenarios. Simple drills such as passing the ball from base to base or from an infielder to a baseman or how to tag a runner will familiarize kids with the playing field as well as improve their tactics. It will also build their confidence with their teammates.
This sport may be a kid's game but the support from adults and parents are overwhelming. Who wouldn't be proud to see their kid getting a home run? Tee ball is where the future players of baseball emerge.
For more tips and information about tee ball practice, check out http://www.weplay.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Dumas
Most youth sports involve kids that are on their pre-teens. Teams are composed of kids aged nine and up because they are expected to already know the concept of the sport. Let's take little league baseball for example. Most teams or coaches would opt for older kids not because their bigger or stronger, but rather because they have already undergone the basics of baseball. How were they able to achieve it? Tee ball of course!
Tee ball is typically your baseball for kids aged four to eight. Tee ball contains the basic foundations of how to play softball or baseball with one major difference... it does not require a pitcher. Tee ball uses a batting tee in replace of a pitcher. The ball is placed on top of the tee and the batter simply steps up to the plate and swings at the ball. With a successful hit, the batter needs to run to first base or to whatever base he can reach before the opposing team can get the ball to a baseman. The reason why there is no pitcher is to remove any anxiety or fear that kids may have when a ball is thrown towards them.
Tee ball practice is where kids learn to love and appreciate the game. This is also a perfect chance to acquaint kids with the rules of tee ball and how to properly play it. The batting tee is a lot of help in building a kid's confidence. It is easier to hit a stationary ball than a moving one. There is also a higher degree of difficulty with a pitched ball and kids may lose interest if they can't score a hit. A coach's job, aside from orienting the kids on what tee ball is, is to teach kids defensive tactics as well. Offense is quite simple with just two objectives: hit the ball and get to first base. With defense, kids should know where to position themselves and what to do in various scenarios. Simple drills such as passing the ball from base to base or from an infielder to a baseman or how to tag a runner will familiarize kids with the playing field as well as improve their tactics. It will also build their confidence with their teammates.
This sport may be a kid's game but the support from adults and parents are overwhelming. Who wouldn't be proud to see their kid getting a home run? Tee ball is where the future players of baseball emerge.
For more tips and information about tee ball practice, check out http://www.weplay.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Dumas
Sunday, June 28, 2009
How to Select a Baseball Bat
By Mark Alter
Only a baseball player knows the value of his bat. There are stories of players who love their bats so much that they even sleep with them. They spend lots of time to keep their bats in ready-to-fight condition. It is important, therefore, to be very careful while selecting a proper bat.
Aluminum vs. wood bats
Baseball bats are made of two materials-wood and aluminum or aluminum alloy. It needs hardly to be mentioned that a wooden bat is heavier than an aluminum bat even if the aluminum is of cheaper quality. It is not easy to give a hard and effective swing or generate speed with a wooden bat. Wooden bats cannot wield the kind of power that the aluminum bats do.
Length, weight and drop
A good maple baseball bat is one whose length, weight and drop allow you to swing it comfortably. If you feel inconvenient handling it after a few swings, don't go for it. The lighter the bat, the more speed you can generate with it. A difference of mere one or two ounces in weight can make a huge difference in the swing.
A thumb rule to select a proper bat is to hold it by its handle and extend your arm so that you form an L with your body. Count 10 while you hold the bat at your shoulder level. If you feel tired, this bat is not for you.
Another important factor is the 'feel' of the bat, which is a matter of individual choice. There are people who rip off the leather on the handle and replace it with a thin plastic tape. The idea is to make the handle as thin as possible. There are others who do exactly the opposite and make the handle much thicker than the original. They feel comfortable with the thicker handle.
If you are looking for custom baseball bats, you can visit http://www.xbats.com The XBATs baseball bats are the finest bats chosen by the most discriminating Major Leaguer to the serious youth and amateur players.
Mark Alter, the author of this article, writes about the advantages of selecting a proper baseball bat. Want to know more about wooden bats and baseball bat? Still lots of things remain to explore.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Alter
Only a baseball player knows the value of his bat. There are stories of players who love their bats so much that they even sleep with them. They spend lots of time to keep their bats in ready-to-fight condition. It is important, therefore, to be very careful while selecting a proper bat.
Aluminum vs. wood bats
Baseball bats are made of two materials-wood and aluminum or aluminum alloy. It needs hardly to be mentioned that a wooden bat is heavier than an aluminum bat even if the aluminum is of cheaper quality. It is not easy to give a hard and effective swing or generate speed with a wooden bat. Wooden bats cannot wield the kind of power that the aluminum bats do.
Length, weight and drop
A good maple baseball bat is one whose length, weight and drop allow you to swing it comfortably. If you feel inconvenient handling it after a few swings, don't go for it. The lighter the bat, the more speed you can generate with it. A difference of mere one or two ounces in weight can make a huge difference in the swing.
A thumb rule to select a proper bat is to hold it by its handle and extend your arm so that you form an L with your body. Count 10 while you hold the bat at your shoulder level. If you feel tired, this bat is not for you.
Another important factor is the 'feel' of the bat, which is a matter of individual choice. There are people who rip off the leather on the handle and replace it with a thin plastic tape. The idea is to make the handle as thin as possible. There are others who do exactly the opposite and make the handle much thicker than the original. They feel comfortable with the thicker handle.
If you are looking for custom baseball bats, you can visit http://www.xbats.com The XBATs baseball bats are the finest bats chosen by the most discriminating Major Leaguer to the serious youth and amateur players.
Mark Alter, the author of this article, writes about the advantages of selecting a proper baseball bat. Want to know more about wooden bats and baseball bat? Still lots of things remain to explore.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Alter
Saturday, June 27, 2009
2010 Easton Baseball Bats
By R. Nelson
The 2010 Easton bats are essentially the same models as in 2009. They have made a few wise modifications by adding stiff handle versions to their best selling bats. Last year their composite bats were called the Stealth/Synergy IMX this year they're called the Stealth/Synergy Speed bats but they're essentially the same bats. The minor modifications include a slightly lower swing weight and stiff handle option on their Stealth Speed two-piece bat compared to the 2009 Stealth IMX and a stiff handle version of the hybrid SV12. For 2010 they're putting their marketing efforts behind the handle flex rating of their baseball bats. Each of their best selling bats are accompanied with a number, the higher the number on the bat the stiffer the handle. This continues Easton's efforts to be the leader in communicating detailed information about their baseball bats. They tell us the handle flex rating, swingweight (MOI) and hitting area for all of their bats. This is extremely helpful in selecting a bat and makes me wonder why the other manufacturers ignore or gloss over it. Don't forget to check out the My Bat Recommendations section for my recommendations on bats segmented by material and price.
Here's Easton's 2010 line-up:
Easton Composite Bats
Easton Stealth Speed 75 and 95: 100% composite, two-piece end-loaded bat. The Speed 75 is the flex handle version that is essentially identical to the 2009 Stealth IMX, except that it is slightly less end-loaded this year (swing weight rating of 80 versus 90 in 2009). The Speed 95 is the new stiff handle version of this Easton bat design. It is exactly the same as the Speed 75 except it has a stiff handle. The handle is stiffer than the Synergy Speed bat. Easton's two-piece composite bats are by far the most popular composite bats on the market. Both the Stealth and Synergy Speed Adult -3 models retail for $399 a $20 increase from the 2009 models.
Easton Synergy Speed 90: 100% composite, one-piece end-loaded bat (80 rating) with a stiff handle (90 rating). This bat is identical to the 2009 Easton Synergy IMX. Eastonclaims this design provides increased balance and bat control through the hitting zone versus the Stealth model. The Synergy Speed 90 is aimed directly at the heart of Louisville's one-piece, stiff handle philosophy. This design is far less popular than the Stealth Speed/IMX design. If you like this bat you should look for the 2009 model. It's priced around $259 or $140 less than the identical 2010 model.
Easton Hybrid Bats
Easton SV12 65 and 90: Two-piece bat with a 100% composite handle, 100% alloy barrel and low swing weight rating of 70. The SV12 65 (yellow letters/handle) is identical to the 2009 model and has more handle flex than the Stealth Speed 75. The SV12 90 (red letters/handle) is a new stiff handle version of the SV12 bat. It has the same handle stiffness as the Synergy Speed 90. Once again Easton was wise to offer a stiff handle version of this bat. The stiff handle version was much more popular on teams swinging Easton bats in the 2009 College World Series than the flex handle model. I believe the stiff version will become a good seller for Easton. The Adult -3 models retail for $299 which is $50 less than last year's price. If you like the flex handle option you can purchase the 2009 model (yellow barrel) for less money. It's the same bat!
Easton Alloy Bats
Easton V12: One-piece, 100% alloy bat with the stiffest handle (100) and lowest swingweight (60) of any Easton bat. A solid choice for anyone who prefers an alloy bat with a stiff handle. The Adult -3 model retails for $199 which is a reasonable price.
Again, By far Easton does the best job of communicating detailed information about their bats making it easy to find an Easton bat with the characteristics you desire. Very, very smart marketing by the Easton people.
Take a look at other bat reviews at Making a Clickable Link The Baseball Bat Reviews Blog
http://baseballbatreviewsblog.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Nelson
The 2010 Easton bats are essentially the same models as in 2009. They have made a few wise modifications by adding stiff handle versions to their best selling bats. Last year their composite bats were called the Stealth/Synergy IMX this year they're called the Stealth/Synergy Speed bats but they're essentially the same bats. The minor modifications include a slightly lower swing weight and stiff handle option on their Stealth Speed two-piece bat compared to the 2009 Stealth IMX and a stiff handle version of the hybrid SV12. For 2010 they're putting their marketing efforts behind the handle flex rating of their baseball bats. Each of their best selling bats are accompanied with a number, the higher the number on the bat the stiffer the handle. This continues Easton's efforts to be the leader in communicating detailed information about their baseball bats. They tell us the handle flex rating, swingweight (MOI) and hitting area for all of their bats. This is extremely helpful in selecting a bat and makes me wonder why the other manufacturers ignore or gloss over it. Don't forget to check out the My Bat Recommendations section for my recommendations on bats segmented by material and price.
Here's Easton's 2010 line-up:
Easton Composite Bats
Easton Stealth Speed 75 and 95: 100% composite, two-piece end-loaded bat. The Speed 75 is the flex handle version that is essentially identical to the 2009 Stealth IMX, except that it is slightly less end-loaded this year (swing weight rating of 80 versus 90 in 2009). The Speed 95 is the new stiff handle version of this Easton bat design. It is exactly the same as the Speed 75 except it has a stiff handle. The handle is stiffer than the Synergy Speed bat. Easton's two-piece composite bats are by far the most popular composite bats on the market. Both the Stealth and Synergy Speed Adult -3 models retail for $399 a $20 increase from the 2009 models.
Easton Synergy Speed 90: 100% composite, one-piece end-loaded bat (80 rating) with a stiff handle (90 rating). This bat is identical to the 2009 Easton Synergy IMX. Eastonclaims this design provides increased balance and bat control through the hitting zone versus the Stealth model. The Synergy Speed 90 is aimed directly at the heart of Louisville's one-piece, stiff handle philosophy. This design is far less popular than the Stealth Speed/IMX design. If you like this bat you should look for the 2009 model. It's priced around $259 or $140 less than the identical 2010 model.
Easton Hybrid Bats
Easton SV12 65 and 90: Two-piece bat with a 100% composite handle, 100% alloy barrel and low swing weight rating of 70. The SV12 65 (yellow letters/handle) is identical to the 2009 model and has more handle flex than the Stealth Speed 75. The SV12 90 (red letters/handle) is a new stiff handle version of the SV12 bat. It has the same handle stiffness as the Synergy Speed 90. Once again Easton was wise to offer a stiff handle version of this bat. The stiff handle version was much more popular on teams swinging Easton bats in the 2009 College World Series than the flex handle model. I believe the stiff version will become a good seller for Easton. The Adult -3 models retail for $299 which is $50 less than last year's price. If you like the flex handle option you can purchase the 2009 model (yellow barrel) for less money. It's the same bat!
Easton Alloy Bats
Easton V12: One-piece, 100% alloy bat with the stiffest handle (100) and lowest swingweight (60) of any Easton bat. A solid choice for anyone who prefers an alloy bat with a stiff handle. The Adult -3 model retails for $199 which is a reasonable price.
Again, By far Easton does the best job of communicating detailed information about their bats making it easy to find an Easton bat with the characteristics you desire. Very, very smart marketing by the Easton people.
Take a look at other bat reviews at Making a Clickable Link The Baseball Bat Reviews Blog
http://baseballbatreviewsblog.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Nelson
Friday, June 26, 2009
Increase Your Speed
By Jeffrey Paluseo
If your hip flexors are too tight then I know that you are not running at your top speed, you're not swinging your bat as fast as you can, and you are not throwing with the highest velocity possible. In a game like baseball that relies so heavily on how hard you throw, tight hip flexors must be addressed if you want to continue to play at a high level and reach your dream.
So many parents, coaches and scouts will tell the player that they need to get stronger, which maybe the case; however getting stronger will not fix the problem of tight hip flexors. The only thing that will happen is that the player will get stronger and their hips will get even tighter. This will ultimate limit the players playing ability, and could end up injuring them.
So why does this happen you ask? Why do our hip flexors get so tight? Well our hip flexors get tight because we sit so often. As a result of us sitting so much or even being in a crouched ready position (like baseball fielding position) the muscles in the back of our legs (glutes and hamstrings) do not activate or fire properly. Once a muscle gets tight an opposing muscle tries to help out and do the job of the muscle that is not functioning properly, which leads to more fatigue. If this continues long enough an overuse injury generally occurs. How do I fix my tight Hip Flexors to increase my Speed? The first place to start is with a proper warm-up. I like to recommend that the player starts with some striders (a jog or sprint of about 90 feet) at about 60 -70% effort. After completing your striders then perform a dynamic warm-up to prepare your body for the movements of the game of baseball. Once this has been completed, I would do some foam rolling of the hip and stretching.
Foam Rolling the Glutes, Foam Rolling the TFL, and Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch Perform the stretch on both sides of your body, holding the stretch for about 30 seconds. Here is a great piece of advice if you still feel tight, stretch again. You can do this stretch as much as you would like, so get after it. Hey parents this one is not just for your ball player, since at least 92% of all people will have some sort of back pain in their life; this would be a great idea for you to do as well. Don't wait until you are in pain to start stretching. The result of having tight hip flexors puts undue stress on the back; it simply changes the natural mechanics of your back.
Here is the great news about loosening you hip flexors; by loosening those hips all of a sudden you instantly got stronger. Why because now you are able to activate the glutes and hamstrings. As a result, you are now swinging harder and driving the ball, stealing more bases, making plays that before you could only hope to do; and throwing it by hitters. All of this can be accomplished simply by loosening your hip flexors. Is it worth the effort? I'll let you be the judge.
Jeff Paluseo
Owner and founder of Sports Fitness Solutions. He played professional hockey , was the Head strength and conditioning coach for the Houston Astros double A affiliate the Corpus Christi Hooks and the Head Strength and conditioning Coach for Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. Check out his website at http://www.sports-fitness-solutions.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Paluseo
If your hip flexors are too tight then I know that you are not running at your top speed, you're not swinging your bat as fast as you can, and you are not throwing with the highest velocity possible. In a game like baseball that relies so heavily on how hard you throw, tight hip flexors must be addressed if you want to continue to play at a high level and reach your dream.
So many parents, coaches and scouts will tell the player that they need to get stronger, which maybe the case; however getting stronger will not fix the problem of tight hip flexors. The only thing that will happen is that the player will get stronger and their hips will get even tighter. This will ultimate limit the players playing ability, and could end up injuring them.
So why does this happen you ask? Why do our hip flexors get so tight? Well our hip flexors get tight because we sit so often. As a result of us sitting so much or even being in a crouched ready position (like baseball fielding position) the muscles in the back of our legs (glutes and hamstrings) do not activate or fire properly. Once a muscle gets tight an opposing muscle tries to help out and do the job of the muscle that is not functioning properly, which leads to more fatigue. If this continues long enough an overuse injury generally occurs. How do I fix my tight Hip Flexors to increase my Speed? The first place to start is with a proper warm-up. I like to recommend that the player starts with some striders (a jog or sprint of about 90 feet) at about 60 -70% effort. After completing your striders then perform a dynamic warm-up to prepare your body for the movements of the game of baseball. Once this has been completed, I would do some foam rolling of the hip and stretching.
Foam Rolling the Glutes, Foam Rolling the TFL, and Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch Perform the stretch on both sides of your body, holding the stretch for about 30 seconds. Here is a great piece of advice if you still feel tight, stretch again. You can do this stretch as much as you would like, so get after it. Hey parents this one is not just for your ball player, since at least 92% of all people will have some sort of back pain in their life; this would be a great idea for you to do as well. Don't wait until you are in pain to start stretching. The result of having tight hip flexors puts undue stress on the back; it simply changes the natural mechanics of your back.
Here is the great news about loosening you hip flexors; by loosening those hips all of a sudden you instantly got stronger. Why because now you are able to activate the glutes and hamstrings. As a result, you are now swinging harder and driving the ball, stealing more bases, making plays that before you could only hope to do; and throwing it by hitters. All of this can be accomplished simply by loosening your hip flexors. Is it worth the effort? I'll let you be the judge.
Jeff Paluseo
Owner and founder of Sports Fitness Solutions. He played professional hockey , was the Head strength and conditioning coach for the Houston Astros double A affiliate the Corpus Christi Hooks and the Head Strength and conditioning Coach for Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. Check out his website at http://www.sports-fitness-solutions.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Paluseo
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Pitching - Mental Aspect
By John DiNicola
Pitching is a very trying and challenging position as well as the most important part of the game. A game cannot be played without a pitcher and a play cannot happen without a pitcher for that matter. This brings a large spotlight to the position. At all times, all eyes will be on the pitcher. There is no way to hide. Thus when things go wrong, it will be the pitcher and the pitcher alone when standing on the mound. It can be a very lonely place. No matter the circumstances, the pitcher will either be the hero or the goat.
A major part in succeeding in such a demanding position is how the pitcher is made up mentally and how they handle the trials and tribulations that come with being front and center at all times. This brings about pressure. The good ones deal with the pressure but the great ones THRIVE on the pressure. The question is, how do you handle adversity on the mound? How do you handle success on the mound?
In every game things will go wrong. From bad calls by the umpire to not being able to throw strikes to the other team getting multiple hits off of the pitcher, there are ways to handle each situation. Your successful pitchers have ways of shaking it off and moving on as if nothing happened, you're not so successful pitchers will dwell on the negatives and succumb to the adversity.
However having success on the mound can present challenges in itself. A lot of pitchers will be cruising through a game or have a good start to the season and start to lose focus. They will deviate from their plan that made them successful in the first place and take a downward path. Believe it or not, success may be harder to deal with than adversity because it is not stressed enough.
Notice the great pitchers over time. What has been one key thing that has gone along with their greatness? Consistency, from their workout routines to their approaches on the mound to the way they react to adversity, they are always consistent in the way they go about their overall game.
To learn more on the mental make up of a pitcher, please visit http://www.easypitching.com
I coached high school baseball for 12 years and had success with teaching young pitchers the basic skills of throwing a baseball. I feel if a pitcher can have proper grip on a baseball and have proper throwing techniques this will take care of his velocity and control. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_R_Di_Nicola |
Monday, June 22, 2009
2010 Louisville Baseball Bat Reviews
By Robert Nelson
Louisville has a long and respected history in the baseball bat industry, but they've falling behind in the composite segment of the market. They're 2009 entry into the high end composite category, the Triton, was met with a tepid reception. For 2010 they've changed ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to their line-up except for cosmetics. They didn't even make an attempt to fool us into believing they made any changes. The verbiage for their 2010 bats is identical to the verbiage for their 2009 bats. They even changed the name of their second tier composite bat for the third year in a row without changing anything about the bat. This is extremely disappointing from what most consider the holy grail of baseball bat manufacturers. On a positive note they have adjusted their pricing policy to align the price (except for the EXO) to the material of the bat.
Here's the breakdown of the Louisville line-up:
Louisville Composite Bats
- TPX Triton - A 3-piece bat made with 100% composite material with Louisville's stiff handle and a balanced design. The 2010 Triton is the exact same bat as the 2009 model except for a putrid blue/yellow color change that makes it look cheap. This bat has by far the largest barrel I've seen on a baseball bat. As I've stated in the past, it would be in Louisville's best interest to either call this a multi-piece bat or stick to a true 1-piece design. Instead they continue to market it as a three-piece bat bonded together as a one-piece bat. I've hit with the Triton and seen high school kids use it in games and it seems to be a quality bat, but it just hasn't caught fire. You will rarely see it in a high school games and almost never in College. Even on a College teams using Louisville bats the players choose the Exogrid, Omaha or H2 (in that order) and not the Triton. The retail price remains at $399.99 for the Adult -3 model. If you like this bat you'll save about $100 by picking up the 2009 model on the discount rack (and have a bat that looks good). I recommend the Easton Speed for experienced players who want a 100% composite bat.
- TPX Dynasty Composite - This 100% 7C composite, one-piece bat has the Louisville stiff handle and a balanced design. This bat is the same bat as the 2009 Omaha Comp and 2008 Catalyst. Louisville seems to be playing musical chairs with the name of this bat and decided the old Dynasty name would make sense for 2010. I believe this bat is an excellent second tier composite bat choice for two reasons. First, it has a great price at $259 for the Adult -3 model. Second, it has a proven track record being a Catalyst/Omaha Comp. An excellent choice for those looking for a lower priced composite bat.
Louisville Hybrid Bats:
- H2: The 2010 model is the exact same bat as in 2009 but with one major difference, they've adjusted the price to what a hybrid bat should be! Do you believe in miracles? It looks like the H2 did not sell well in 2009 and they were forced to price it correctly. It's a two piece bat that bonds the pieces together to make the claim that it's a one piece bat (we've already covered this). The 100% composite handle is Louisville's stiffest which is saying something. The barrel is a 100% ST+20 alloy barrel and a balanced swing weight design. The Adult -3 model retails for $299 in 2010 $70 less than its retail price in 2009. You can also find the 2009 model for even less.
- Exogrid: The EXO continues to chug along! It's been one of Louisville's best selling bats and the 2010 model is identical to the 2008 and 2009 models. Clearly their going to milk this golden goose for as long as possible because it continues to retail for an amazing $369. In my opinion this bat is closer to a 100% alloy bat then a hybrid but with the carbon sleeve cut into the handle it's in the hybrid category. I believe the price of this bat is way too high and I can't recommend it when for an additional $30 I can get the 100% composite Triton. Don't get me wrong, it's a good bat but I just can't recommend pulling the trigger at $369. If you love this bat find the 2008 or 2009 model. It's the same bat and will cost you a lot less money. As mentioned no change to the design it's still a one piece, 100% alloy bat with some metal cut out of the handle and replaced with composite material. It comes with Louisville's stiff handle and a balanced design. As mentioned earlier, most players on College teams who use Louisville bats swing the Exogrid.
Louisville Alloy Bats
- TPX Omaha: The Omaha also continues to chug along. It' a one -piece, 100% alloy bat with the Louisville stiff handle and a balanced design.. The 2010 is the same bat as the 2009 model and is priced at a reasonable $199.99 for the Adult -3 model. It's a great choice for those who are not looking to break the bank to purchase a baseball bat. Many players on College teams with Louisville contracts prefer to use the Omaha instead of the Triton or H2.
- Omaha XT Stiff: This bat has apparently been out since last year but I've not seen it anywhere except on the Louisville website. I don't know if it's a hybrid or an alloy all Louisville says is it has ST+20 alloy and extra stiff composite reinforced transition. Seem odd to call this bat the Omaha Stiff when all Louisville bats are known for their stiff handles and the H2 has the stiffest handle of all.
Louisville makes quality bats but they need to decide if they're going to jump into the multi-piece bat market or not. If you're coming out with a multi-piece design tell me it's a multi-piece design and why that makes sense. Don't tell me it's bonded to be a one piece bat.
See more at Making a Clickable Link The Baseball Bat Reviews Blog
Friday, June 19, 2009
Topic: Hitting Tip: Use a Wooden Bat In Batting Practice
Wood bats have smaller sweet spots than metal and composite bats. Using a wood bat in BP will make the sweet spot on your metal/composite bat seem huge. You can purchase both youth and adult wood bats with varied weight/length ratios. A few onces heavier than the game bat is good to build up muscles related to bat swing. I usually recommend taking half BP with wood then the last half with metal/composite. You can get a good wood bat for under $50... give it a try!
Coach Bob
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
How to Hit For Power in Baseball
By Joe Brockhoff
Hitting for power has always been associated with the big strong player. But in our research, we have discovered it is not so much the size of the player, but rather the strength of his hands.
If strength needs to be improved, it is in the hands and wrists. The ability to use the body is also imperative. Big guys and little guys can hit for distance if they incorporate body action in their strokes. This means they have learned to use their hips first, and hands last, with a powerful snapping action.
It is imperative that the batter develops a quick pivot and quick hands. Many young players never develop power because they are taught to just "meet the ball." It's a common phrase in baseball. As a result, many hitters stop their hands on contact and they never hit through the ball.
A hitter must be aggressive. Hitting is controlled aggression, while maintaining balance and control.
Another problem young hitters have comes from watching baseball on TV. They let the top hand go too soon. My suggestion-finish with both hands. This will further incorporate hitting through the ball.
Add to this the problem that many players are taught baseball hitting drills by getting their hands out over the plate on contact. Some times this is as a result of being taught incorrectly to get extension over the plate. Extension does not occur on contact, but rather after contact. When hitters try to extend on contact, it is like sawing wood, using too much arms and shoulders. This method will not power the ball.
In order to learn how to hit for power in baseball the hitter has to get his hands out in front of the body to contact the ball, with the top hand over the bat, and the bottom hand under the bat. The top hand is then like a hammer on contact.
Using the hands like this will increase bat speed at least 30-40% more than the arm swing.
How to hit for power in baseball comes down to :
1. A strong body
2. Quick hips
3. Especially quick hands, out front on contact
4. Hitting through the ball
5. Being aggressive
Former Tulane Hall of Fame Baseball Coach, Joe Brockhoff, fully explains his baseball hitting drills with the Super 8 Hitting System, completely demonstrated with videos and baseball hitting tips to help you hit with more power and raise your batting average.
http://www.learnbaseballhitting.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Brockhoff
Hitting for power has always been associated with the big strong player. But in our research, we have discovered it is not so much the size of the player, but rather the strength of his hands.
If strength needs to be improved, it is in the hands and wrists. The ability to use the body is also imperative. Big guys and little guys can hit for distance if they incorporate body action in their strokes. This means they have learned to use their hips first, and hands last, with a powerful snapping action.
It is imperative that the batter develops a quick pivot and quick hands. Many young players never develop power because they are taught to just "meet the ball." It's a common phrase in baseball. As a result, many hitters stop their hands on contact and they never hit through the ball.
A hitter must be aggressive. Hitting is controlled aggression, while maintaining balance and control.
Another problem young hitters have comes from watching baseball on TV. They let the top hand go too soon. My suggestion-finish with both hands. This will further incorporate hitting through the ball.
Add to this the problem that many players are taught baseball hitting drills by getting their hands out over the plate on contact. Some times this is as a result of being taught incorrectly to get extension over the plate. Extension does not occur on contact, but rather after contact. When hitters try to extend on contact, it is like sawing wood, using too much arms and shoulders. This method will not power the ball.
In order to learn how to hit for power in baseball the hitter has to get his hands out in front of the body to contact the ball, with the top hand over the bat, and the bottom hand under the bat. The top hand is then like a hammer on contact.
Using the hands like this will increase bat speed at least 30-40% more than the arm swing.
How to hit for power in baseball comes down to :
1. A strong body
2. Quick hips
3. Especially quick hands, out front on contact
4. Hitting through the ball
5. Being aggressive
Former Tulane Hall of Fame Baseball Coach, Joe Brockhoff, fully explains his baseball hitting drills with the Super 8 Hitting System, completely demonstrated with videos and baseball hitting tips to help you hit with more power and raise your batting average.
http://www.learnbaseballhitting.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Brockhoff
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Travel Sports - Boomers Gone Bad
By William Hazelgrove
Used to be you just played baseball or soccer of football. There was Little League and Pony League and the Majors but after that you played for a school. If you are a parent then you know what has come to fill in the gap for the passionate sport parent who doesn't get enough time with their child. The Travel Sports. Question. What cost about two thousand dollars, sucks up half the year, and puts you in the same league with every man who did not get his fill of high school or college sports or worse yet believed he was overlooked as a possible major league contender?These overgrown athletes can find succor in the twisted halls of Travel Sports.
I love spending time with my kids and I coached for seven years, but the fun, the joy of a child playing sports was sucked right out when we entered the realm of Travel Baseball. Suddenly there was no joy in Mudville. Win or lose the games had become deadly serious. Parents agonized over defeats and critiqued the wins. Coaches screamed and hollered over calls and boys of twelve were reduced to tears after coaches benched them for an error or a loss where the boys shamed themselves. Its all so overblown and out of line that we have to wonder who started this madness of sham professional athletics for boys and girls.
The boomers. Only the boomers could generate the kind of entitlement that would translate to grown men wearing custom made uniforms and traveling thousands of miles to have twelve years old play a game I used to play in the streets. Oh I know...times change. Yes Yes Yes...everyone plays travel now. So what. It still is absurd. And here is the worst thing--that kind of major league competition does not produce games where kids can learn. It produces neurotic parents juiced on winning at any cost and children who learn less about the game and more about parents funneling every bit of sublimated stress into a game that should be on par with playing catch in the backyard.
But we live in a time when everything is overblown. So it is not surprising that kids sports are the latest casualty of the generation that produced helicopter parents and the self satisfying mantra of hope I die before I get old and then became the most over the top obnoxious old people on the planet. So to everyone who is fuming I know nothing of the joys of organized travel sports and the excellence that can come from intense competition and the bonding that occurs when groups of parents and their children travel thousands of miles together to arrive at some field in some distant city--I say,as my father told me long ago when I lost in Little League--it is only a game. Lighten up guys.
William Hazelgrove's highly praised first three novels Ripples,(Pantonne) LJ highly recommended, ALA Editors Choice, Tobacco Sticks, (Bantam, Best Novels of the Nineties Doris Lesher, Starred Review PW, LJ highly recommended) and Mica Highways, (Bantam,) covered the scope of a coming of age, a courtroom drama set in Virginia in the forties, and a mystery set in the South. William Hazelgrove is the Hemingway writer in residence for the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park. He has written reviews and features for USA TODAY and been the subject of stories in the NY Times, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, and NPR'S All Things Considered..
More information can be gathered at http://www.billhazelgrove.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Hazelgrove
Used to be you just played baseball or soccer of football. There was Little League and Pony League and the Majors but after that you played for a school. If you are a parent then you know what has come to fill in the gap for the passionate sport parent who doesn't get enough time with their child. The Travel Sports. Question. What cost about two thousand dollars, sucks up half the year, and puts you in the same league with every man who did not get his fill of high school or college sports or worse yet believed he was overlooked as a possible major league contender?These overgrown athletes can find succor in the twisted halls of Travel Sports.
I love spending time with my kids and I coached for seven years, but the fun, the joy of a child playing sports was sucked right out when we entered the realm of Travel Baseball. Suddenly there was no joy in Mudville. Win or lose the games had become deadly serious. Parents agonized over defeats and critiqued the wins. Coaches screamed and hollered over calls and boys of twelve were reduced to tears after coaches benched them for an error or a loss where the boys shamed themselves. Its all so overblown and out of line that we have to wonder who started this madness of sham professional athletics for boys and girls.
The boomers. Only the boomers could generate the kind of entitlement that would translate to grown men wearing custom made uniforms and traveling thousands of miles to have twelve years old play a game I used to play in the streets. Oh I know...times change. Yes Yes Yes...everyone plays travel now. So what. It still is absurd. And here is the worst thing--that kind of major league competition does not produce games where kids can learn. It produces neurotic parents juiced on winning at any cost and children who learn less about the game and more about parents funneling every bit of sublimated stress into a game that should be on par with playing catch in the backyard.
But we live in a time when everything is overblown. So it is not surprising that kids sports are the latest casualty of the generation that produced helicopter parents and the self satisfying mantra of hope I die before I get old and then became the most over the top obnoxious old people on the planet. So to everyone who is fuming I know nothing of the joys of organized travel sports and the excellence that can come from intense competition and the bonding that occurs when groups of parents and their children travel thousands of miles together to arrive at some field in some distant city--I say,as my father told me long ago when I lost in Little League--it is only a game. Lighten up guys.
William Hazelgrove's highly praised first three novels Ripples,(Pantonne) LJ highly recommended, ALA Editors Choice, Tobacco Sticks, (Bantam, Best Novels of the Nineties Doris Lesher, Starred Review PW, LJ highly recommended) and Mica Highways, (Bantam,) covered the scope of a coming of age, a courtroom drama set in Virginia in the forties, and a mystery set in the South. William Hazelgrove is the Hemingway writer in residence for the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park. He has written reviews and features for USA TODAY and been the subject of stories in the NY Times, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, and NPR'S All Things Considered..
More information can be gathered at http://www.billhazelgrove.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Hazelgrove
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Great Baseball Hitting Drills For Keeping The Head Closed
By Joe Brockhoff
It is very easy to get into the habit of pulling off the ball. This is especially true for power hitters. Have you ever seen a power hitter hit a home run and thereafter, he can't couch the ball? What happened? The home run took him out of himself. So as he pivots, he is also pivoting his head.
First of all, hitters should never take a 100% stroke. Doing this invites pulling off the ball. For efficiency, the stroke should be no more than 95%, saving 5% for command. As coaches, we sometimes go too far in the other direction by telling them to "just meet the ball." And now they start to aim the bat, which is not good either.
Hitting is a controlled explosion. Continue to be aggressive, with a 95% stroke. So what do we advise? The hitter is pulling off because he's rotating his complete body when he hits. He must focus on his head rotating in the opposite direction to the hips. As the hips rotate to the pitcher, the head should rotate to the ball.
Here are three baseball hitting drills for this:
DRILL #1
Place a pile-on or glove across from the hitter just outside the batter's box in front of home plate (45% angle). After the hitter makes contact, he looks into the pile-on area. This keeps the head inside.
DRILL #2 (with pitching machine or live pitcher)
Hitter assumes his stance, with no bat. To simulate holding a bat, his top hand grabs the thumb of his bottom hand. Coach stands in back of the hitter and holds his head on both sides . The hitter takes batless strokes at the pitched ball, while coach restricts the head to keep it on the ball as it enters the hit zone.
DRILL #3 (Full Take)
The hitter will coil, stride, and read the pitch to the catcher. This keeps the head independent and disciplines it to stay with the ball. Note: This head discipline should carry over to his regular hitting, in the "full take", a pitch that is an obvious ball.
Coaching Points. The hitter should not go to the point where his head is pushing against the back shoulder. This locks up the back shoulder and restricts his extension. The head swivels. It should never tilt while reading the pitch. This causes the body to tilt also and the eyes to look on a vertical plane. Eyes must stay basically horizontal for best vision and body control.
Former Tulane Hall of Fame Baseball Coach, Joe Brockhoff, fully explains his baseball hitting drills with the Super 8 Hitting System, completely demonstrated with videos and hitting drills to help you hit with more power and raise your batting average.These techniques are fully explained in our baseball hitting instruction web site for the "Super 8 Hitting System", including batting aids and a series of baseball hitting videos, which demonstrates many baseball hitting drills. http://www.LearnBaseballHitting.com/lcp.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Brockhoff
It is very easy to get into the habit of pulling off the ball. This is especially true for power hitters. Have you ever seen a power hitter hit a home run and thereafter, he can't couch the ball? What happened? The home run took him out of himself. So as he pivots, he is also pivoting his head.
First of all, hitters should never take a 100% stroke. Doing this invites pulling off the ball. For efficiency, the stroke should be no more than 95%, saving 5% for command. As coaches, we sometimes go too far in the other direction by telling them to "just meet the ball." And now they start to aim the bat, which is not good either.
Hitting is a controlled explosion. Continue to be aggressive, with a 95% stroke. So what do we advise? The hitter is pulling off because he's rotating his complete body when he hits. He must focus on his head rotating in the opposite direction to the hips. As the hips rotate to the pitcher, the head should rotate to the ball.
Here are three baseball hitting drills for this:
DRILL #1
Place a pile-on or glove across from the hitter just outside the batter's box in front of home plate (45% angle). After the hitter makes contact, he looks into the pile-on area. This keeps the head inside.
DRILL #2 (with pitching machine or live pitcher)
Hitter assumes his stance, with no bat. To simulate holding a bat, his top hand grabs the thumb of his bottom hand. Coach stands in back of the hitter and holds his head on both sides . The hitter takes batless strokes at the pitched ball, while coach restricts the head to keep it on the ball as it enters the hit zone.
DRILL #3 (Full Take)
The hitter will coil, stride, and read the pitch to the catcher. This keeps the head independent and disciplines it to stay with the ball. Note: This head discipline should carry over to his regular hitting, in the "full take", a pitch that is an obvious ball.
Coaching Points. The hitter should not go to the point where his head is pushing against the back shoulder. This locks up the back shoulder and restricts his extension. The head swivels. It should never tilt while reading the pitch. This causes the body to tilt also and the eyes to look on a vertical plane. Eyes must stay basically horizontal for best vision and body control.
Former Tulane Hall of Fame Baseball Coach, Joe Brockhoff, fully explains his baseball hitting drills with the Super 8 Hitting System, completely demonstrated with videos and hitting drills to help you hit with more power and raise your batting average.These techniques are fully explained in our baseball hitting instruction web site for the "Super 8 Hitting System", including batting aids and a series of baseball hitting videos, which demonstrates many baseball hitting drills. http://www.LearnBaseballHitting.com/lcp.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Brockhoff
Monday, June 1, 2009
New Forum For Youth Baseball Coaches & Parents
Hello faithful readers. I hope you enjoying another great spring season of youth baseball.
I wanted you to know that I've created a new forum called "Youth Baseball 24/7".
You can visit the forum but going to http://www.youthbaseball247.com/ or by using this short cut... http://youthbaseball247.com/forum/index.php
If your one of the first 50 people to join the forum y0u have a chance to win a gift card for Dicks Sporting Goods... details here:
http://youthbaseball247.com/forum/index.php?topic=10.0
I hope you will join the new forum and contribute your thoughts and ideas.
Thanks,
Coach Bob
I wanted you to know that I've created a new forum called "Youth Baseball 24/7".
You can visit the forum but going to http://www.youthbaseball247.com/ or by using this short cut... http://youthbaseball247.com/forum/index.php
If your one of the first 50 people to join the forum y0u have a chance to win a gift card for Dicks Sporting Goods... details here:
http://youthbaseball247.com/forum/index.php?topic=10.0
I hope you will join the new forum and contribute your thoughts and ideas.
Thanks,
Coach Bob
How to Be a Three Hundred Hitter
By Jay Granat
This Single Tip Can Turn Your Child Into an All Star in No Time
This Single Tip Can Turn Your Child Into an All Star in No Time
Believe it or not this tip has nothing to do with grip, mechanics, balance, head position, weight transfer, open stance, closed stance, hitting to the opposite field,watching the ball, knowing the strike zone, hitting in the cage, bat speed, following through, or where your elbow is when you get into the box.
This tip is a vital thing for parents, coaches and young players to understand and remember the night before the game, the day of the game, in the dugout, in the on deck circle and in the batter's box.
Every week, parents contact me because their son or daughter is in a hitting slump.
Now, I have dozens of interventions which I use to help baseball players to break out of hitting slumps and to start to drive the ball with confidence, conviction, focus and optimism.
I work closely with a number of hitting coaches and we make sure the player is mechanically and physically sound.
One tip that I have told many parents and coaches over the years is very simple but it is exceedingly important. Realize that many kids and parents who seek out my help are struggling with their relationship with their child around their sport. In this case, it is baseball. And specifically, it is about hitting with more consistency, especially in pressure packed situations.
So, here is the tip: Your child needs to know on a deep and sincere level that that you love them whether they hit two hundred or whether they hit four hundred." Once your child believes this and feels this kind of unconditional love, he or she is set up to perform better at the plate. Make sure you communicate this message to your young player consistently and frequently. This will build confidence. It will help your child to relax and allow him to have fun at the plate and at the game.
Give it a try now.
Dr. Jay Granat has recently released 101 Ways To Break Out Of A Hitting Slump With Sport Psychology and Self-Hypnosis. http://www.stayinthezone.com/baseball.htm He is also the Founder of http://www.StayInTheZone.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Granat
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