By Jack Perconte
Throwing a baseball with accuracy and speed is obviously a necessity for ballplayers to continue to move up the baseball ladder. It is almost incomprehensible that kids who are fourteen years old and in high school are expected to play at the same distances that major league baseball players do, but that is the case. High school dimensions are the same ninety feet between the bases and sixty feet between home and the pitcher's mound. Those are formidable distances for players, especially for those who have not had their growth spurt yet. The good news is that players can improve their arm strength and accuracy with good mechanics and practice. Players who want to improve their throwing should adhere to the following fundamentals and practice until perfecting them. It is also necessary to throw (correctly) for anywhere between six and nine months out of the year. Generally, as kids get closer to high school, more throwing is advised with at least a couple of days a week of quality throwing. Getting the proper amount of rest between throwing sessions is also important.
3 Absolutes of Throwing for Speed and Accuracy
1. Direction - most kids know how to stand at home plate so having them go to their hitting position before throwing should come easy. This complete turn of the body will point the front shoulder directly at the target with feet parallel to each other. Without this correct set-up position, the thrower's ability to reach maximum speed and accuracy are already compromised. A noted with hitting position, a complete ninety degree turn of the thrower's foot of the same side as his throwing arm is necessary to get to correct starting position.
2. Direction 2 - Players must step directly at the target. Without this direct step the thrower's hips will not function correctly causing a lack of accuracy and power. The length of the step will be determined by the distance of the throw and will come naturally, with the key being the direction. Drawing a direct line from the lead foot towards the target or setting down a couple of objects for the player to step in between are good practice drills to reinforce the correct step. An indirect step is the most common area of break down in a player's throwing fundamentals.
3. Follow through - it is necessary that throwers allow their arm to travel the complete path so the body can alleviate some of the stress of the arm action on the shoulder and to prevent aiming the ball. This is done by the players throwing arm finishing at his opposite side hip, thigh or knee and by having his rear leg come up and forward as they throw. Like hitting, this weight transfer puts power into the throw.
Sounds simple enough but like anything, "The difference between doing something totally correct and almost correct, is the difference between success and failure." (Author of quote is unknown.) Long distance throwing can also develop arm strength but the 3 above fundamentals must be followed for "long toss" to be beneficial.
Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball hitting lessons advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseballJack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his parenting blog can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Best Tips For Breaking in a Baseball Glove
By Peter V. John
Ah, the smell and feel of a new leather baseball glove. There is nothing like the promise of a new glove. With proper care, you can expect your new glove to feel like your own hand. The two most important things to do is to soften the leather and form a pocket in the palm of the glove to catch balls. To do this, you need to break it in properly. Here are some tips for bringing your glove up to speed.
Use it! - The best way to form the "pocket" in any new glove is to use it. An average of 100 catches per day, for two weeks, can do wonders to a new glove. If you don't have someone to play catch with, a batting cage pitching machine is a good substitute.
Oil it - But not too much. Neat's-foot oil is the premier oil to use on a baseball glove, although there are any number of other oils out there to use. Whatever oil, cream or foam you choose, apply it sparingly with a cloth and rub it in well. Let the glove sit for 24 hours before wiping it off and do not reapply anything for two weeks afterward.
Do not bake it - Some old wives' tales suggested oiling gloves and then baking them in a conventional or microwave oven. All this will do is harden and eventually crack the leather. So don't do it!
Do not soak it - in water or even in oil. Soaking the glove in water will only lead to cracking and hardening. Likewise, soaking it in oil will do nothing but waste the oil and could shorten the life of the glove.
Help that pocket along - Shove a ball into the glove, then wrap the glove tightly with a rubber band or belt each night. This helps form a pocket in the palm of the glove to trap a ball better.
Give it time - Don't expect your glove to soften up overnight. Especially if your glove is made of full-grain, instead of top-grain, leather, it will feel stiff for awhile. Be patient and use these tips and your glove will be good to go well before that first game.
Vinci has manufactured high-quality baseball gloves and equipment since 1997. Find first baseman mitts, catcher's mitts and more. Vinci softball and baseball gloves are the highest in quality, durability, style and performance. They are made from only the best US steer hide and kip leathers. When you wear a Vinci, you are part of our family.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_V._John
Ah, the smell and feel of a new leather baseball glove. There is nothing like the promise of a new glove. With proper care, you can expect your new glove to feel like your own hand. The two most important things to do is to soften the leather and form a pocket in the palm of the glove to catch balls. To do this, you need to break it in properly. Here are some tips for bringing your glove up to speed.
Use it! - The best way to form the "pocket" in any new glove is to use it. An average of 100 catches per day, for two weeks, can do wonders to a new glove. If you don't have someone to play catch with, a batting cage pitching machine is a good substitute.
Oil it - But not too much. Neat's-foot oil is the premier oil to use on a baseball glove, although there are any number of other oils out there to use. Whatever oil, cream or foam you choose, apply it sparingly with a cloth and rub it in well. Let the glove sit for 24 hours before wiping it off and do not reapply anything for two weeks afterward.
Do not bake it - Some old wives' tales suggested oiling gloves and then baking them in a conventional or microwave oven. All this will do is harden and eventually crack the leather. So don't do it!
Do not soak it - in water or even in oil. Soaking the glove in water will only lead to cracking and hardening. Likewise, soaking it in oil will do nothing but waste the oil and could shorten the life of the glove.
Help that pocket along - Shove a ball into the glove, then wrap the glove tightly with a rubber band or belt each night. This helps form a pocket in the palm of the glove to trap a ball better.
Give it time - Don't expect your glove to soften up overnight. Especially if your glove is made of full-grain, instead of top-grain, leather, it will feel stiff for awhile. Be patient and use these tips and your glove will be good to go well before that first game.
Vinci has manufactured high-quality baseball gloves and equipment since 1997. Find first baseman mitts, catcher's mitts and more. Vinci softball and baseball gloves are the highest in quality, durability, style and performance. They are made from only the best US steer hide and kip leathers. When you wear a Vinci, you are part of our family.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_V._John
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Pitching and Playing Other Positions on the Field
By Dan Gazaway
It is important through little league that pitchers play other positions aside from just merely pitching. This allows them to obtain other skills other than throwing. They will get the opportunity to work on fielding and developing good hand eye coordination. It is important however to consider the obstacles that can effect a pitchers arm if coaches, parents are not carefully monitoring their pitchers when they play other positions.
After Little League, a pitcher should stay more focused on just pitching because it requires a great deal of dedication and focus to become an above average pitcher. Most coaches in the collegiate level and above will not use pitchers for other positions for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons being too many opportunities for arm injuries out on the field due to overthrowing.
One of the growing concerns many people have when youth pitchers play other positions is the increased throwing pitchers participate in during the week. I know it is not healthy for a pitcher to throw 6 innings in one game and play shortstop the next game of a double header. This is too much throwing. If a pitcher has pitched a lot they should have a low number of swings and a low number of throws on the field that same day.
It is also dangerous for coaches to have their pitchers play long toss with the team the day after they have pitched in a game; particularly when that same pitcher started the game. This happens too frequently in youth Baseball and is a contributor to increased arm injuries with our youth.
Another concern that I have is youth pitchers pitching for several teams at one time. One team will start them on Tuesday and another team may use that same pitcher on Thursday on that very same week. This is too much throwing for anyone, let alone a youth pitcher who is still developing his arm. Although Baseball is highly competitive and coaches want to win, it is important that health comes before winning; or at least it should.
Learn more effective baseball drills at The Pitching Academy. It is imperative that a pitcher learns pitching mechanics and the correct drills to support those movements.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Gazaway
It is important through little league that pitchers play other positions aside from just merely pitching. This allows them to obtain other skills other than throwing. They will get the opportunity to work on fielding and developing good hand eye coordination. It is important however to consider the obstacles that can effect a pitchers arm if coaches, parents are not carefully monitoring their pitchers when they play other positions.
After Little League, a pitcher should stay more focused on just pitching because it requires a great deal of dedication and focus to become an above average pitcher. Most coaches in the collegiate level and above will not use pitchers for other positions for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons being too many opportunities for arm injuries out on the field due to overthrowing.
One of the growing concerns many people have when youth pitchers play other positions is the increased throwing pitchers participate in during the week. I know it is not healthy for a pitcher to throw 6 innings in one game and play shortstop the next game of a double header. This is too much throwing. If a pitcher has pitched a lot they should have a low number of swings and a low number of throws on the field that same day.
It is also dangerous for coaches to have their pitchers play long toss with the team the day after they have pitched in a game; particularly when that same pitcher started the game. This happens too frequently in youth Baseball and is a contributor to increased arm injuries with our youth.
Another concern that I have is youth pitchers pitching for several teams at one time. One team will start them on Tuesday and another team may use that same pitcher on Thursday on that very same week. This is too much throwing for anyone, let alone a youth pitcher who is still developing his arm. Although Baseball is highly competitive and coaches want to win, it is important that health comes before winning; or at least it should.
Learn more effective baseball drills at The Pitching Academy. It is imperative that a pitcher learns pitching mechanics and the correct drills to support those movements.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Gazaway
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Youth Baseball Drills - Start the Kids on the Road to Success Early
By KC Andrus
Why Youth Baseball Drills?
Ahh, the joys of youth baseball. What a wonderful sight to behold, the children out there giving it there all, wearing their emotions on their sleeves and the parents in the stands biting their fingernails, overcome with nervousness. The sights and sounds of a little league game are one of the fondest memories of many children's childhoods and also becomes ingrained in the minds of their parents. Whether you are a parent, coach or player, however, it takes steady practice doing the RIGHT youth baseball drills to make your team a winner.
What Youth Baseball Drills are Effective?
Everyone knows that the most glamorous asset for a baseball player's inventory is his hitting skills, it is also his most valuable. So here are some common problems facing young hitters and some drills to help you improve.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball!
It's the first thing you learn as a baseball player and one of the most important. A good drill to improve this is to have someone stand on a mound and throw a ball and have the player track the ball all the way into the catcher's glove. Very simple and effective.
Hit Line Drives
If you're popping the ball up a lot or hitting way too many choppers, it is always one of two things: your timing is off or your swing is off and your bat path isn't straight to the ball. A good drill to make sure your bat path takes you straight to the ball is to practice hitting sharp line drives off of a tee.
My Timing Is Off
If you're struggling with timing and rhythm within your swing one of the best drills you can do to correct that problem would be soft toss. Have someone kneel on one knee out to the side and softly toss the ball up to you while you focus on timing and hitting the ball up the middle squarely.
What Other Measures Should I Take?
There are various other resources that can help you come up with Youth Baseball Drills and provide fantastic coaching tips. In order to get the best information, you have to sift through all of the misinformation on the internet. This is where I found the best information for me, it provides solid tips and even lets you in on some secrets to maximize hitting potential:
Youth Baseball Drills
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KC_Andrus
Why Youth Baseball Drills?
Ahh, the joys of youth baseball. What a wonderful sight to behold, the children out there giving it there all, wearing their emotions on their sleeves and the parents in the stands biting their fingernails, overcome with nervousness. The sights and sounds of a little league game are one of the fondest memories of many children's childhoods and also becomes ingrained in the minds of their parents. Whether you are a parent, coach or player, however, it takes steady practice doing the RIGHT youth baseball drills to make your team a winner.
What Youth Baseball Drills are Effective?
Everyone knows that the most glamorous asset for a baseball player's inventory is his hitting skills, it is also his most valuable. So here are some common problems facing young hitters and some drills to help you improve.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball!
It's the first thing you learn as a baseball player and one of the most important. A good drill to improve this is to have someone stand on a mound and throw a ball and have the player track the ball all the way into the catcher's glove. Very simple and effective.
Hit Line Drives
If you're popping the ball up a lot or hitting way too many choppers, it is always one of two things: your timing is off or your swing is off and your bat path isn't straight to the ball. A good drill to make sure your bat path takes you straight to the ball is to practice hitting sharp line drives off of a tee.
My Timing Is Off
If you're struggling with timing and rhythm within your swing one of the best drills you can do to correct that problem would be soft toss. Have someone kneel on one knee out to the side and softly toss the ball up to you while you focus on timing and hitting the ball up the middle squarely.
What Other Measures Should I Take?
There are various other resources that can help you come up with Youth Baseball Drills and provide fantastic coaching tips. In order to get the best information, you have to sift through all of the misinformation on the internet. This is where I found the best information for me, it provides solid tips and even lets you in on some secrets to maximize hitting potential:
Youth Baseball Drills
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KC_Andrus
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