tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11559706246939774842024-02-07T05:56:16.427-05:00Baseball ConceptsMy Baseball Philosophy, Strategy, Technique, Mental Toughness, and Team Building ConceptsClick On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-37197786332510257102009-06-17T17:22:00.003-04:002009-06-17T17:23:57.722-04:00Stay TunedI wanted to let everyone know that I am sorry I haven't posted in a while. End of the year school stuff and sick kids have made it hard to find time to write. I will be back posting again soon. Please bear with me!Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-9664341928630842442009-06-06T23:21:00.007-04:002009-06-06T23:32:52.687-04:00Is Lidge OK?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtv7lRheAW37-SJB11xsyD1RaDmb972I030loXuNzGVuvYlu7olCnAJTNIS8VOzL_MfJ7KU3iqHxEGfVTsQ3M7DqRcP1rser-YDC0vtSCi0i_9Gj4wYrIv6A6xgsbMZVc0Eo8AF7uZf70/s1600-h/lidge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344422739251063922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 113px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtv7lRheAW37-SJB11xsyD1RaDmb972I030loXuNzGVuvYlu7olCnAJTNIS8VOzL_MfJ7KU3iqHxEGfVTsQ3M7DqRcP1rser-YDC0vtSCi0i_9Gj4wYrIv6A6xgsbMZVc0Eo8AF7uZf70/s400/lidge.jpg" border="0" /></a> Just curious how the rest of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Phillies</span> fans are feeling about Brad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lidge</span> and the 5 blown saves so far. As for me I am OK with him struggling a bit. I heard him interviewed today and he was talking about how he felt physically good but was frustrated with his performance.<br /><div>I feel good as long as he is healthy. In <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Major</span> League baseball scouting is obviously a huge deal. I think they have the book on him a little more this year and I believe he will make the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">necessary</span> adjustments by play-off time. He is a smart player and I believe last years <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lidge</span> will surface sometime soon.</div><br /><div>To go along with that idea, I am concerned with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Phillies</span> staff as a whole. <em></em>I know they are winning but they need to get consistent pitching from both the starters and the pen to repeat. Hitting the crap out of the ball will win games now but come play-off time it's the pitching the dominates.</div><br /><div>I know this is all premature as we still have a long way to go. I have the up most faith in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Phillies</span> (been a while since you could say that) players and coaches and look for them repeat. Yeah I know, I am a homer and it certainly affected my judgment in that last <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">statement</span>.</div><br /><div>I am throwing the question out to you now. Is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Lidge</span> OK?</div>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-4411394561912279572009-06-04T17:58:00.000-04:002009-06-05T22:06:49.023-04:00The Art Of Communication: Part 2 Pre-Pitch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YcCauNAVNCXXxwqxDVvO8TLbA-WFssc6ma3rQ8mLHkh1WxnT_vWRYJd0U61LNTS-ok_m8mObfGp6sFB4-4XTOXn7TIVjZFy6lNPcDs4csc07tQiGEqqiGLpwh5ncKJdsZ6fkoSkL5b0/s1600-h/widge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344026821273642578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YcCauNAVNCXXxwqxDVvO8TLbA-WFssc6ma3rQ8mLHkh1WxnT_vWRYJd0U61LNTS-ok_m8mObfGp6sFB4-4XTOXn7TIVjZFy6lNPcDs4csc07tQiGEqqiGLpwh5ncKJdsZ6fkoSkL5b0/s400/widge.jpg" border="0" /></a> In part 2 we will discuss pre-pitch communication. It is vital to your teams success that you communicate things before they happen. We want our players to talk to one another before each new batter. We want our players reminded of what to do before they have to do it. We want a constant stream of communication flowing around a ball club at all times.<br /><br />I want to give you examples of a few of the the pre-pitch communication that's goes on with our team. I will not cover everything in this post but should hit a few ideas to give the jist. Again what you decide to communicate is your decision but this is what we do.<br /><br />Before each new batter the catcher will start the communication process by stepping out in front of home plate, with his helmet off, and make his calls. It is extremely important to me that the catcher step out in front of the plate and command the field. Some players will try and half you know what it from behind the plate without capturing every ones attention. Must be a general here!<br /><br />At this point the catcher will go through whatever calls are necessary for that particular situation. Basically, what he is communicating here is how many outs and what the infield with do with the ball. He may also at this point say some encouraging words or make first and third calls.<br /><br />Some examples of situational calls may sound like this. Let's say bases are loaded with one out and corners up. Our catcher in this situation would step in front of home plate and say, " One out, pitcher you and me, third base you and me, first base you and me, spin in the middle, on your bellies keep it in!"<br /><br />While he is communicating his process, the infielders are also communicating their processes. The pitcher, third, and first baseman are communicating, "me and you" back to the catcher and the middle infielders are communicating, "me and you" with each other. Infielders are also communicating with the outfielders at this point reminding them about outs and possibly things such as balls into second or whatever that situation might call for.<br /><br />Another example would be runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs. The catcher would step out and communicate, "No outs, spin the middle, third base which ever way it takes you, pitcher spin it, on your bellies." On your bellies simply means to get off your feet if necessary and keep ground balls in the infield.<br /><br />Our infielders would be communicating for example: Our shortstop would be reminding the pitcher that ball back to him to spin the double play at second. A simple you and me call will do the trick. The entire infield will be reminding each other be ready I'll be coming to you. Again we usually will give a you and me call with a thumb and little finger shake between us.<br /><br />Another example of communication would be anytime a left handed batter comes to their plate. Our catcher and first baseman will tell the pitcher, "Ball right side gotta get over." Because the likely hood that a pitcher will have to cover first goes up with a left handed hitter we remind him to do so. Truth is eventually your entire team will do same and in fact, you'll begin to hear parents making the same calls from the stand. It becomes habit for everyone!<br /><br /><em><strong>In Conclusion</strong></em><br /><br />There is not enough time to go through every situation in baseball but the point remains the same. The more you get your players talking and communicating situations there better they will handle them and make plays. The more of a complete ball player they will become and the more their confidence grows.<br /><br />This can be accomplished through constant repetition on a daily basis. Set up a practice routines where communication is must and your players will eventually know no other way. I will post a drill later on that we use to accomplish most of our communication habits.Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-22379771760545275682009-06-02T00:34:00.004-04:002009-06-02T00:40:44.896-04:00It's Official! I Am Old!I will finish the next parts soon on the Art Of Communication. Tonight I blew out my hammy in an over 35 softball game. Spent half the night in the emergency room and can't even walk to the bathroom right now. It's tough getting older, I mean I have never even pulled a muscle before that I can remember. Anyway talk to you all soon. By the way keep yourself in shape!!!Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-8377404852161431882009-05-30T20:38:00.005-04:002009-05-30T21:06:05.752-04:00Four Changes That Would Improve Youth Baseball<div>I have a few people who like to give me a hard time if I do not put a post up for them to read each day. So while I am working on Part 2 of The Art Of Communication I will give you another question you can comment on. This is yet another passage from Bob Cluck's <em>Think Better Baseball: Secrets From Major League Coaches And Players For Mastering The Mental Game.<br /></em><br />He suggests that four changes would improve youth baseball.<br /><br /><em><strong>The 4 Changes</strong></em></div><br /><div><strong><em></em></strong> </div><br /><div>1. Using a pitching machine below the major league level.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>2. Do away with All-Star teams. Instead, play a month longer for all of the kids. Then we don't have to tell 90 percent of the kids in June, "You're not good enough, see you next year."</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>3. Give rewards for attitudes, not athletic ability. Have an "all-attitude team" instead of an All-Star team. Reward nice kids who are team players and improve the most because they listen to coaches.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>4. Rotate positions in games so every player gets to play his favorite position. This way, players would learn to play baseball with a better understanding of game situations, coaches would be responsible for teaching baseball to all their kids, and players would enjoy the experience so much more.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>When I read this I knew it would be a controversial topic so have at it everyone. Leave a comment and make your argument. I am very curious to hear all your responses.</div>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-26532244450457126462009-05-29T21:39:00.001-04:002009-05-29T22:41:54.304-04:00The Art of Communication: Part One An Introduction<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQIKFMX0j55lqRfd7XNMYyVSgaeOjXXrxZTANA9HQXF2xtoRMkBEtzMJODiAKQ1YrihMEw5r2dBdLVbQ-ui2rbNLo4o9V58b6FIrSFWvSczuk-YymWZnOPDzQQuegEKfSa2Fpf2yAC-U/s1600-h/communication.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341006414507937026" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 145px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQIKFMX0j55lqRfd7XNMYyVSgaeOjXXrxZTANA9HQXF2xtoRMkBEtzMJODiAKQ1YrihMEw5r2dBdLVbQ-ui2rbNLo4o9V58b6FIrSFWvSczuk-YymWZnOPDzQQuegEKfSa2Fpf2yAC-U/s400/communication.jpg" border="0" /></a>Number three on my list of things I want to establish in my program behind trust and processes is communication. Now in implementing communication you have to build processes for it so I guess it all ties together.<br /><br />I believe very strongly in team building. I believe coaches should put the majority of their time in building team related concepts. I do believe you can make players better and that is important but over the course of the two and a half months you spend with them there is only so far you will take them.<br /><br />However, you can build the team aspect much further in that short period of time. One of these team aspects that is critical to us is the art of communication. We want everything verbally communicated before it happens. Then we want strong verbal communication while it is happening. The combination of these two concepts can elevate a teams play as quick as anything !<br /><br />In part one I am going to explain why it is important to communicate as a team.<br /><br /><strong><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pre</span>-Pitch Communication</em></strong><br /><br />As I said earlier we want everything verbally communicated before each batter. Even though players should know where to be without being reminded communicating this way does four things to improve your ball club.<br /><br />First, it's a check and balance system like the government only it works much better. It reminds players what they need to do. They are either saying what to do to someone else or someone is saying it to them.<br /><br />Second, when mistakes happen. A ball is kicked, a batter is hit, whatever the case may be, they have a process they must follow before the next hitter. It actually does help the eye rolling, dirt kicking, feel bad for me type behaviors.<br /><br />If they are not communicating because they are feeling bad or being a baby then you have grounds to take them out of the game. Your not even sitting them because they blew the ground ball but because they didn't follow protocol.<br /><br />Instead of all that nonsense and self-defeating behavior they have a job to do! Because they are talking more, your players will also do a better job of picking each other up after mistakes!<br /><br />Third, because players are communicating they get a sense of playing the game the right way. Their knowledge of the game goes way up. They begin to think about what they are going to do with the ball before it is hit to them. They have to because they need to communicate it before the pitchers first pitch.<br /><br />When they know what they are going to do with the ball then their confidence level goes way up. If they are indecisive about what they are gonna do then the chance of them fielding the ball goes down.<br /><br />This is what you will begin to see in your players. They will begin to build an air about themselves. They will take pride in themselves and their ball club because they are playing the game the right way. They will know it, feel it, and most importantly learn to love it.<br /><br />Fourth, it is extremely intimidating to opposing teams. All teams constantly watch their opponent. You know whether or not the opposing team is any good by the way they take infield/outfield.<br /><br />Communicate and let them hear you communicate. Let them see you have your act together. Baseball is as mental a sport as anything on earth. As human beings were are always judging those around us. This is no more true then in baseball. Let them hear you play the game the right way and put a chink in their armour.<br /><br /><strong><em>After The Ball Is Hit Communication</em></strong><br /><br />Once the ball is put in play it is essential that you can communicate where to go with the ball. This usually falls mainly on the catcher but other players need be involved as well. What this allows you to do is eliminate runs.<br /><br />The catcher communicating where to go with the ball stops you from throwing the ball around and giving up free bases. Free bases will kill your ball club as quick as anything. Even though we want to be aggressive on defense there are many times we need to just concede the run and stop other base runners from moving up.<br /><br />Another serious part of communication is between the players themselves. We do not want balls dropping between players because they are unsure of who has it or if they will get run into. We don't want players missing balls near fences because they are worried about getting hurt.<br /><br />We can eliminate those situations if we can communicate effectively so the player catching the ball can focus only on the ball without any other fear factors going through their mind.<br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>In conclusion</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />By verbally communicating we will be able to eliminate runs. It has never been our goal to shut teams out only to eliminate as many runs as possible. We were very successful in doing just that and it led to some great baseball.<br /><br />In part two we will discuss the system we used for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pre</span>-pitch communication. I will give examples of how we called everything and how we practiced it.<br /><br />In part three we will cover after the ball is hit communication.Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-22245948633494877052009-05-28T18:35:00.018-04:002009-05-30T20:38:31.546-04:00Why Players Can't Throw AnymoreThis is another passage from <em>Bob Cluck's book Think Better Baseball: Secrets From Major League Coaches And Players For Mastering The Mental Game.</em> This is a great read to get you thinking. I do encourage you check it out.<br /><br />This passage is entitled <em>Why Players Can't Throw Anymore</em>. Basically what he is saying is, although there are more guy's throwing 90 MPH the average high school players ability to throw has gone downhill. He credits the decline with kids throwing ability to batting cages.<br /><br />His point is that because of all the batting cages of today's world that players don't throw enough so they don't develop their throwing arm. He gives an example of the way it used to be to illustrate his point.<br /><br />"Three kids went to the park with one or two baseballs. Player one was the shagger, player two was the hitter, and player three was the pitcher. The pitcher threw a pitch, the hitter hit it, and the player way out by the fence caught it and threw it all the way back to the pitcher if he could."<br /><br />- Bob Cluck Major League Coach and Scout<br /><br />Basically what he was saying is a lot more fielding and throwing by players improving their throwing. He is saying that in today's world of batting cages players are not throwing nearly as much. He also goes on to add that to much emphasis is being placed on hitting and not enough on throwing and fielding.<br /><br />Before I open it up to your opinion let me throw in my two cents. I am not one of those guys who always talks about how the past is better then the present. I am not a back in my day we did things better kinda of baseball guy.<br /><br />I do have to agree with his idea however. Now I am 37 years old so I don't know way back when so I will base my belief on what seems to make sense to me. I do believe players play more organized baseball now then at any other time in history. But somehow I do suspect they throw less. I do believe the batting cage plays a role in this.<br /><br />I will also add this to strengthen the idea of not enough throwing. I think our country, as I have mentioned before, has become so organized and at such an early age that players aren't throwing enough. Think about it, even though they play more organized baseball everything is so controlled that the players really don't throw all that much.<br /><br />There are so many hitting aids out there that do not require throwing and most batting practice is thrown by a coach. Is that a possible reason in the decline of throwing? I think it makes logical sense. Combine the batting cages with today's organized practices and players are throwing less. Thus it naturally effects their throwing ability.<br /><br />Which brings me back to my original question: Has players throwing ability declined? Truth is I don't know the answer. I can guess but for sure I can't be absolute. The logic makes sense!<br /><br />What do you think?Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-44443885406623741252009-05-26T20:49:00.009-04:002009-05-26T21:16:48.605-04:00Are You An RBI Man?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23XuFvMYKoJC5C6-YES4JxjlFOOiNnf5fkKV287jooMkX7mXeQ8J56m0XYPw2i2VBCvI9_vSEZhan7JCAQmDfpfy57xmf9RPACfDjMJBeltB7MDG-wJLLj0dRhHmcvpP94wsCkQGxbcM/s1600-h/ryanhoward.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340305595524185666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 107px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23XuFvMYKoJC5C6-YES4JxjlFOOiNnf5fkKV287jooMkX7mXeQ8J56m0XYPw2i2VBCvI9_vSEZhan7JCAQmDfpfy57xmf9RPACfDjMJBeltB7MDG-wJLLj0dRhHmcvpP94wsCkQGxbcM/s400/ryanhoward.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was recently re-reading the book <em>Think Better Baseball: Secrets from major league coaches and players for mastering the mental game</em>. It was written by Bob Cluck was a major league coach and scout. He wrote a short passage entitled: Are You an RBI man?<br /><br /><div></div><div>In this passage he is asking a great question regarding a hitters mindset in RBI situations. The question is should guys go out of the strike zone in RBI situations to drive in the runs? The hitters he is talking about is your middle of the line-up guys. He is not referring to your 7,8,9 hitters.</div><br /><div></div><div>He is basically saying they should go out of the zone in order to drive in runs. He uses guys like Jason Giambi, Barry Bonds, and Ted Williams as examples of hitters who would not stray away from the strike zone but would instead take their walk and leave it to the next guy.</div><br /><div></div><div>He asked the question is this being selfish or showing respect to their teammates? He then mentions hitters such as Edgar Martinez, Manny Ramirez, and Juan Gonzalez as hitters who will consistently go outside the strike zone if necessary to drive in runs. After all, they are getting paid big bucks to drive in runs not walk.</div><br /><div></div><div>The questions is who is right? My personally opinion is I would prefer my RBI's Guy's to expand their zone, as long as it is a pitch they can put a good swing on, to be as aggressive as possible to drive in runs. Certain players in your line-up have a knack for it and to me it is in your advantage if you they are more aggressive to drive in runs.</div><br /><div></div><div>I am curious what our readers philosophies are on this question. This is something I talk to my hitters about. We have certain guys in our line-up who are coached to be more aggressive in those situations and others who should continue to look for the ball in certain zones they are waiting for.</div>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-22684046678141460422009-05-26T16:30:00.021-04:002009-05-26T21:03:07.173-04:00Which Pitching Guru Is The Best<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIvanlD1P7xGWzsZYc2RfSmBHroQsLGlPt2Z9WseB0QkxhJdiSaCaWFEi0dVjliTV8tyTAbv_F83flfwM-2HgmutAUth4yepbKOrNPuI0AxpX8TIyu19_hNLMXtXYxtZ4KfSALhMRUbs/s1600-h/guru.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340258726065162418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 97px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIvanlD1P7xGWzsZYc2RfSmBHroQsLGlPt2Z9WseB0QkxhJdiSaCaWFEi0dVjliTV8tyTAbv_F83flfwM-2HgmutAUth4yepbKOrNPuI0AxpX8TIyu19_hNLMXtXYxtZ4KfSALhMRUbs/s400/guru.jpg" border="0" /></a> I recently read a comment made about my post on Teaching Youth Players To Throw. The post made reference to me being way off mark. I also mentioned Tom House and how I like Dick Mills philosophy on pitching in my comment. The comment he made was Dick Mills has changed his pitching philosophy over the years and wrecked his sons arm.<br /><br />I thought rather then comment back I would just write a post. Let me start by saying I am not offended or upset by his comments. I want this blog to be an expression of our ideas and philosophies. I encourage everyone whether you agree or disagree on anything to write a comment. It is how we develop our own beliefs. My response is this.<br /><br />Over the years I have come to realize a few things that have helped me teach players to be successful. The first and foremost is the fact that all players are different. I believe all players have a natural ability and the key is to use what they have and improve it.<br /><br />For example, I can remember when the drop and drive was the way everyone should pitch. Then it was tall and fall. One instructor says hold a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">curveball</span> this way and another instructor says his way. I have heard guys preach about arm angles like everyone should throw from the same slot.<br /><br />I have researched guys who preach straight arm glove hand while others are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">adamant</span> about it being bent. Some tell you to pull the glove back and others say take your chest to the glove. I won't but I could go on and on about every single little detail of pitching and all the different philosophies.<br /><br />My take on the whole thing is this. I don't believe there is one right way. I know some of you are believers in certain systems but to fit every player into one box is easier to teach but not the most effective. I'll say it again I have learned that lesson the hard way.<br /><br />For the few differences I mentioned above there are pitchers who threw in the major league all-star game using that approach. Pitchers who pitched in world series using different styles. Baseball has become such a buy my system sport it's left the players heads spinning. It has left them confused and screwed up. We are doing them a disservice. Let me explain further.<br /><br />Players can now play organized ball year round. They play their season, summer ball, fall ball, then spend the winter with their instructor. Sounds like a great way for a kid to really develop. It absolutely is if it is done right. However, very rarely is it done right!<br /><br />Instead what happens is every coach wants to put his stamp on the player. The poor kid, who wants to please everyone, is left changing his fundamentals and approach every 3 months until he gets to the point where he can't get comfortable. If you think that's not happening and causing problems then you are fooling yourself.<br /><br />Last point, my friend who played in the big leagues for over 10 years was struggling one day with his hitting. We were talking and he said he couldn't hit the ball the other way. I was dumbfounded. The reason is when he was in high school I was so jealous of the way he could drive the ball into right center.<br /><br />When I asked him why he couldn't hit he response was, I can't remember how to hit. He had gone from high school, to college, to rookie ball, to single A, AA,AAA, and to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bigs</span>. Every stop a hitting coach teaching his philosophy. I am not implying that any of these coaches were not good baseball guys. Nor am I implying that they weren't experts at teaching hitting. I am just saying change is good but too much change and you aren't comfortable anymore.<br /><br />A went to a game one day when he was playing the Yankees on Yogi Berra day at Yankee stadium. It was an awesome experience. Yogi Berra came back to the Bronx Zoo after a long absence. Don Larsen threw out the first pitch to Yogi in honor of their perfect game in the World Series.<br /><br />David Cone pitched for the Yanks that day. He threw a perfect game! Can you imagine being the pitcher that day and throwing a perfect game! What made it even more amazing is that he was able to do it with a drop and drive motion. The so called wrong way at the time. There is no right and wrong way in my mind so long as you hit a few base fundamentals.<br /><br />Baseball has become about pay money for my new system. They make outrages claims like gain 10-15 MPH on your fastball in two weeks. Parents are so eager to hand over their money to these carnies. I tell you what for just $500 I'll guess your weight and hook you up with the bearded woman.<br /><br />If you are going to pay someone to work with your kid, I am not against that by the way, just make sure he is in it for the right reasons. If they start making big promises stop writing the checks. You want a guy who is there to be honest and teach your kid, not sell his system.<br /><br />What I like about Dick Mills is his philosophy on keeping it simple and getting away from pitching drills. As far as mechanics go I don't subscribe to one school of thought anymore but rather take what the pitcher brings to me and try to develop it from what he naturally does. If he stays tall fine. If he drops and drives fine. If he is three quarter arm slot fine.<br /><br />I will simply work to develop base concepts and his mindset. What I totally agree with Mills is the fact that pitching drills have made pitchers robotic. I also agree that some drills are so awkward it retards pitching rather then help it. I believe they are overused and over coached.<br /><br />I disagree with him on throwing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">flatground</span>. It is the only pitching drill I will use but I do use it to get comfortable from the wind up and stretch more so then a breakdown drill. Flat ground goes against his belief of explosive movements. I have no scientific research to say why it is effective. I can tell you however, I believe in it. It has worked well for us over the years.<br /><br /><strong><em>In Conclusion</em></strong><br /><br />Every pitching coach out there including Tom House and Dick Mills have changed their philosophies over the years. Some will claim it's the nature of progression while others will say it is to sell a new book. To me I don't know and I don't care. The base concepts will never change!<br /><br />Also, for every pitching coach out there, there is a pitcher who has a tremendous success and a pitcher that hurt his arm in that system. It all depends on who is telling the story or should I say selling their approach on which they highlight.<br /><br />I think all the pitching gurus make valid points but to say one way is better then another all depends on who you are working with. Keep the comments coming! I appreciate it!Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-41677100148560859792009-05-25T21:23:00.011-04:002009-05-25T23:08:31.876-04:00The Process Of Playing Catch Effectiviely<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZNhpMUUznj0jC1P5JEOfwsxJTROBW9rw2z2aAqa3nlnf8B27C4Zk62fJy6hcYJRV0IyonGi2xb3O2sLyt8hmfpbhJHrDzC8yKUROq0aEtmewgGlcEZaU4lDgph0JCmjoRG9u3kzXBok/s1600-h/playingcatch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339959913081234450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 145px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 108px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZNhpMUUznj0jC1P5JEOfwsxJTROBW9rw2z2aAqa3nlnf8B27C4Zk62fJy6hcYJRV0IyonGi2xb3O2sLyt8hmfpbhJHrDzC8yKUROq0aEtmewgGlcEZaU4lDgph0JCmjoRG9u3kzXBok/s400/playingcatch.jpg" border="0" /></a> If you haven't been able to figure it out by now I am a bit of a control freak. But, I am a self admitted control freak. Truth is I am more of a process freak then a control freak. I believe in every ounce of my being that everything has to have a process or things will not get accomplished the way they could.<br /><br />I stated in earlier posts having processes builds comfort and confidence into players. Again process is simply the way we go about our business. It is little routines we follow for everything we do. It's not focusing on the end result but instead how we got there.<br /><br />Playing catch is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">certainly</span> no different. Growing up I used to always say "having a catch" but I played for a coach who thought that was taboo and taught us to say "playing catch". To this day I have to say play catch. That might seem like a bit of useless knowledge but it illustrates how if you do things over and over the same way on a daily basis, they become part of you!<br /><br />Most teams when they get ready to practice will send their players to the outfield for a stretch and to play catch. Players will throw the ball back and forth talking about Suzy from science class and how pretty she looked today. Although, they are getting the arm stretched some and loosened up it always seemed like a waste of 15 minutes to me.<br /><br />If we have 15 minutes we do not want to waste it. There is no way to cover every little aspect that we would like to over the course of everyday practice. We might be able to fit in throwing pick-offs one day and maybe relays another but to include everything everyday is very difficult if not impossible.<br /><br />We are not going to waste 15 minute so we want every throw to have a purpose. We set up our throwing routine with the following process: (I will not cover it in the post but we also throw pick-offs everyday as part of our flatground routine)<br /><br />Players are broken into three categories. Infielders, outfielders, and catchers. They may all play catch down the outfield line or set-up in various parts of the field.<br /><br />The first thing all our players must do when playing catch is show their hands to the ball. They will always show both palms to the player throwing to them. The hands will be shown in front of the chest and all players are instructed to hit their partner center mass.<br /><br />This gives them a clear idea of what they are trying to accomplish. Second, when you are on defense you should always be showing your hands to the ball whether it is a ground ball, double play feed, cut-off, etc... Show your hands to the ball and respect the game for how it is supposed to be played.<br /><br /><strong><em>Infielders Throwing Process</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />1. Play catch for 10 throws at a very short distance approximately 30ft.<br /><br />2. Play quick catch for 10 throws a piece at 45ft. Quick catch is simply catch and throw the ball as quick as possible to your partner 10 times.<br /><br />What we are looking for here is that the players are learning to move their bodies before they catch ball in order to be quick back out with the throw.<br /><br />Second, that they are learning to catch with their throwing hand up by the glove so the instant it hits the glove they are pulling it back out. Players will learn to not close the glove very much to make it even quicker.<br /><br />Third it forces them to make good feeds to one another in order for them to get into that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">rhythm</span> so they are quick. Repeated <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">repetitions</span> everyday allow them to get extremely good at this critical skill.<br /><br />3. 5 x Short Relay Throws at 60ft. Short relays is practicing a short relay throw to a partner. Yes we practice relay throws with just two people playing catch. This is how we do it.<br /><br />First, the player with the ball will turn his back to his partner and hold up his hands like he is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">receiving</span> a throw from an outfielder. He will then make his appropriate footwork pretending he is receiving the throw and relay it to his partner.<br /><br />Second, his partner will then work on his footwork as he is receiving an actual relay throw. He will use his footwork, catch the ball, and fake a relay throw. Each player is working on both receiving and throwing a relay throw. It is broken into two parts and allows them to focus on one aspect at a time learning this skill.<br /><br />I am not going to spend a lot of time in this post talking about how to make relay throws but a short relay throw to us means this: This is a right handed player we are using as an example. He will make a short step to the ball with his right foot as he catches and quickly get it back out.<br /><br />This is a relay throw from an outfielder to an infielder who is throwing to second or possibly third. It is not a long throw so we want to cut down the distant of the throw from the outfielder by stepping to it and being quick.<br /><br />4. 5 x Long Relay Throws at 90 ft. Again same as short relay throws as far as what the players are doing with one exception. This is a throw from an outfielder to infielder who has to relay to the plate. It is a longer throw which will require more strength.<br /><br />The footwork here will be the right foot moves to towards home plate as he catches the ball and the throw will come out a slower because it is a longer throw requiring the player to use his body to help the throw.<br /><br />5. Finally from here will throw out until the players feel loose or they have run out of time.<br /><br /><strong><em>Outfield Throwing Process</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />1. Players will make 10 throws at 30ft showing their hands to the ball and hitting the partner center mass.<br /><br />2. Play quick catch for 10 throws at 45 ft. This is an important skill for outfielders as well.<br /><br />3. Ground ball charge play x 5. The outfielders will be approximately 60 to 70 ft apart. One outfielder will roll 5 ground balls to his partner. His partner will treat each of these ground balls as a charge play do or die type situation.<br /><br />He will practice fielding and throwing imagining he is throwing out a runner at the plate. After 5 reps they switch assignments.<br /><br />4. Fly ball do or die x 5 at 90 -100 ft. Same drill as before except now the ball is being thrown in the air and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">outfielder</span> must get behind it and through it to make a throw back to his partner. After 5 they switch assignments.<br /><br />5. From here they will throw out until loose or times runs out.<br /><br /><strong><em>Catcher Throw Process</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />1. Players will make 10 throws at 30ft to loosen up. Same rules apply show hands hit partner center mass.<br /><br /><div>2. Play quick for 10 throws at 45ft. We know how important this is for catchers to develop.</div><br /><div>3. T-Work x 10 throws at 60 - 90 ft. The catchers will draw or create a T on the ground they are standing on. They squat down so they are sitting on the top of the T and the line running straight down the center of their body. The will work on popping up and getting their body in the right spot using the T as a guideline. They are not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">receiving</span> a throw before they pop up. They are pretending they just caught the pitch and then pop up from there.</div><br /><div>4. Using the same principle as #3 they will make 5 snap throws to first. Obviously the must turn sideways when setting in their crouch before the throw.</div><br /><div>5. Using the same principle as #3 they will make 3 throws on an inside pitch to 3rd base and 3 throws on an outside pitch to 3rd base.</div><br /><div>6. From here they will throw out until loose or times runs out.</div><br /><div><strong><em>In Conclusion</em></strong></div><p>The idea here is simple. Don't waste time at practice! If you are going to play catch then lets get something out of it. Let's give our players clear ideas to focus on and they will become better players.</p><p>We do not have time as coaches to work all of these skills everyday if we try and do it during team time. So work them in during catch time. They are the skills I believe are important to us. You can be creative and use your own philosophy as to how you want to set-it up or what skills you want to practice. Just don't waste that time!</p><p>One more thought here. If at times I want to change things up for the catchers and infielders for couple of days I will set up four cones around the infield like they were the four bases. I will set up a set of four at 40ft, 65ft, 90ft, 120ft. Then I will split the players even at all the cones.</p><p>Then throwing to their left they must go around the horn 5 times without missing a ball. If there are 3 players to a cone they will keep alternating in order. Once they make it 5 times they will have to do it going to the right.</p><p>Once they have completed 40ft, they go to 60ft, and so on until they have completed the challenge as a group. We will use that as our sole warm-up. They will not go to the outfield and flip the ball back and forth without any real direction. It is amazing how good they can be when they are focused on a tasked. Another note here: This is a great teachable moment drill because as players mess up you can instruct them on to how to handle it as a team. I.E. pick up your teammates!</p><p>The distances I used were for high school players. It goes without saying (although I am about to) you can adjust them for younger players. Best of Luck!<br /></p>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-36079239876944240442009-05-23T19:12:00.017-04:002009-05-23T23:04:54.011-04:00Is Youth The Baseball In America Focusing On Properly Developing Players<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVbdcFm_mM4VoxHj5CCPcSYO457krWWto171q9tlUciDbhjeUtPwfyjmgVFrxDW62cAl1dhaOSu9QNUmm73jam3Sj-xigYNTU2y9-5sU-g8ETi49v8gzoogV97z_SxuuH5RPvmrCcL-U/s1600-h/f531284958e110d4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339170271049837490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 83px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVbdcFm_mM4VoxHj5CCPcSYO457krWWto171q9tlUciDbhjeUtPwfyjmgVFrxDW62cAl1dhaOSu9QNUmm73jam3Sj-xigYNTU2y9-5sU-g8ETi49v8gzoogV97z_SxuuH5RPvmrCcL-U/s400/f531284958e110d4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>While I am working on some other posts I thought I would throw this questions out there. The reason I ask is because I have had a number of people approach me about youth baseball. I am talking about ages 5 - 14. My oldest kids are 4 years old so I am not immersed into youth baseball/softball just yet.<br /><br />Everything I hear though seems to be very negative. I shouldn't say everything because I have people who tell me the good stuff as well but it does fall much more on the negative. It really made me start thinking if as a country we are developing our kids the right way.<br /><br />I am reserving judgment here because like I said I have no first hand knowledge of what our kids are doing at that level on a daily basis. I am not on a witch hunt nor am I looking to bash youth baseball. I am simply asking your opinion. To be honest I am hoping to hear that's things are going well but I am asking for an honest evaluation whether it is positive or negative.</div><div><br />What I am looking for here is for our players, parents, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">coaches</span> in youth baseball to give their opinions about what they see. I would also like it if you would vote on the poll on this page about youth baseball.<br /><br />I am going to write a series of articles on what I believe should be taught in youth baseball. My hope is I can help some of the players, parents, and coaches focus on the things that are most important to our players. I look forward to your responses!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong><em>Special Note:</em></strong> <em>I am adding this after I have already posted this for about two hours now. After reading it again I am very concerned that it is coming off like I am questioning parents and coaches. That is not at all what I am doing here. I am simply trying to fill in my curiosity about some things I have heard. </em></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>I respect people who volunteer their time and trust me you can easily find people who don't like some of the decisions I have made. I am in the business of trying to be helpful with this blog. </em></div>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-74784237572277836742009-05-23T16:59:00.067-04:002009-05-25T02:48:11.913-04:00Teaching Youth Players To Throw<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie26BoKFIza0lNTgGmDmbCKFhOnZU1JM6M_X7-hMxFbHz5WKQgclhTf8K668sW0B9V-sBRRQS9e_AHrQ7MWRf3b5flD2bTFt888uAb-8NctSErht9b2k-jLn7vo_jDLjDaE8gyFcy9ovc/s1600-h/ballbackwards.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339416733654621154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie26BoKFIza0lNTgGmDmbCKFhOnZU1JM6M_X7-hMxFbHz5WKQgclhTf8K668sW0B9V-sBRRQS9e_AHrQ7MWRf3b5flD2bTFt888uAb-8NctSErht9b2k-jLn7vo_jDLjDaE8gyFcy9ovc/s400/ballbackwards.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was watching some youth players playing catch last night. They were probably 8 or 9 years old. As I watched them throw it brought me back to when I was coaching high baseball and I was always shocked at how so many of our players threw the baseball with unsound mechanics.<br /><br />The three biggest mistakes, that are correctable at the lower levels, are not turning the ball backwards before they throw it, not staying sideways as long as possible, and not finishing with the glove up near the chest. These three areas are going to have everything to do with how hard and accurate players can throw as they mature physically.<br /><br />By the time these players get to high school they have made so many throws using that same motion it is almost impossible to change it. Trying to change it often does much more harm then good. I have learned that the hard way as well.<br /><br />I know there is a ton of information out there about throwing and pitching. There are many different approaches available for you to try. Most of these approaches will have the same base philosophy but then they will add their own spin to it.<br /><br />I caution everyone not to get so caught up in the 900 different ways to teach every single little detail about pitching for instant. It is confusing to players and only makes it harder. Instead, what I believe is to get your players to understand the three base concepts above until they can master those areas. Once they have done that and you want to build from there that is your choice.<br /><br />As you can tell I am putting throwing and pitching together because it's the same base concepts that are important. I really believe throwing is such an under emphasized skill. Coaches spend time with pitchers but very rarely spend enough time with entire team on throwing the baseball.<br /><br />We have won State Championships because other teams could not make throws when it counted most. Soon I will write a post called <em>The Process Of Playing Catch Effectively</em> where I will outline what I believe in.<br /><br />The skill of throwing a baseball must be an emphasis in your program. It allows your defense to play at it's best and your team will develop many more players who will turn into quality pitchers. Let's take a look at three critical skill concepts.<br /><br /><strong><strong>Throwing Skill Concept #1: Turn the ball backwards</strong><br /></strong><br />Let's use a right hand pitcher as an example. As he breaks his hands and takes his arm back, his hand and the ball should turn backwards. A general rule of thumb here is a right hand pitcher should have the ball pointed at the shortstop and a left hand pitcher at the second baseman.<br /><br />Having said that's a general rule of thumb I would only check to see that he is getting it turned backwards to at least that far. I would not mess with him if he is turning it back a little more then that. Below is a picture of Pedro Martinez turning the ball back.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGz1dD3HktgiIJfYz0eJhIKltWUkTl9qBqL_x6xBPgA4xHFWnF0PONdmaPCKULU4orCSDQZNRJMPs7WqORyHE2yKy3N3AtYUDV0f_OOGJGp3Q-atxit3vWy6YxO-yxxdgj4S7gGYeRcQg/s1600-h/pointtheballback.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339418641980865730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGz1dD3HktgiIJfYz0eJhIKltWUkTl9qBqL_x6xBPgA4xHFWnF0PONdmaPCKULU4orCSDQZNRJMPs7WqORyHE2yKy3N3AtYUDV0f_OOGJGp3Q-atxit3vWy6YxO-yxxdgj4S7gGYeRcQg/s400/pointtheballback.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />If you look at the ball in the picture you will see that it is clearly pointing backwards. Pedro Martinez is very small for a major league pitcher but he has developed great arm speed and throws the ball in the mid 90's in his prime. No doubt god given ability has a lot to do with that but so does a proper throwing motion.</p><p>A lot of times this small detail goes unnoticed in young players and will become the way they throw the rest of their lives. They are costing themselves velocity. I have had numerous players during my coaching career who have come to me throwing without turning the ball backwards. They all left still throwing incorrectly because we were unsuccessful in changing it. It is almost impossible to change by the time you are 16,17, and 18 years old! </p><p><strong><em>Throwing Skill Concept #2: Stay sideways as long as you can</em></strong> </p><p>The second problem I see with youth players in their throwing mechanics is they open up to soon. The front shoulder and hip fly open way to soon. When this happens it slows down your velocity and puts added stress on the throwing shoulder.</p><p>What we would like to have happen is when our hands break (ball is removed from the glove) and we start towards the target we are throwing to, we want to be sideways as long as possible before we rotate. You may of heard of this as late hip rotation.</p><p>Stay sideways as long as you can is a much easier for the player to visualize then interpreting late hip rotation. In fact even easier is showing them video and pictures to get the idea. Below is a picture of Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Maddux</span> who stays sideways as long as anybody.<br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStS_YbBpnRfz3UmRI1nIlImMoCYaXVaeI3yULhW3QZ2EtDeEXKr-TnpRrzPtMg5arBDWTPbYTtKoUykOc6TVEtrh2x9hfDrztqT705PqpA854BdvKMbxfBLIZ4JJD6OsAf0bBKDZJzkI/s1600-h/mad-dog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339486226658455746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStS_YbBpnRfz3UmRI1nIlImMoCYaXVaeI3yULhW3QZ2EtDeEXKr-TnpRrzPtMg5arBDWTPbYTtKoUykOc6TVEtrh2x9hfDrztqT705PqpA854BdvKMbxfBLIZ4JJD6OsAf0bBKDZJzkI/s400/mad-dog.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRWxBJfwV25807iMDC9TJEvj-GZLNFDTyw0MJEWorYmhUbgyiyGB4Jm-lWtBCCRPJy03ciu9gwY72hMS1Y2bBAsS3Izy5awK8sTiQJ5MecM93LbaMWg-vcQ1nGX7EqIkSvrTq0vMuXz0/s1600-h/gremaddux.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339486655197898098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRWxBJfwV25807iMDC9TJEvj-GZLNFDTyw0MJEWorYmhUbgyiyGB4Jm-lWtBCCRPJy03ciu9gwY72hMS1Y2bBAsS3Izy5awK8sTiQJ5MecM93LbaMWg-vcQ1nGX7EqIkSvrTq0vMuXz0/s400/gremaddux.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />As you can see the first picture is of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Maddux</span> pitching with the Braves. Notice how sideways his body still is as his front foot is about to hit the ground. In the second picture when he is with the Cubs his front foot has already planted in the ground and you can see how sideways his body still is. </p><p>This means he will have great late hip rotation maximizing his velocity and minimizing the stress on his arm. Greg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Maddux</span> has pitched for a long time and is one of the greatest in the game. One reason he has done so well is his durability. I believe his ability to stay sideways is a major reason why!</p><p><strong><em>Throwing Skill Concept #3: Glove finishes some where near the chest</em></strong></p><p>As players are throwing the ball the glove hand should be pulled back to their chest. What you will see from a lot of of players is the glove flying out to the side and their arm dangling down as they release the ball. This is a sure sign that they are flying open with their front shoulder.</p><p>The picture below of Pedro Martinez shows where the glove should be located when you throw the ball.<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBBVPkzQfI8EpqOSySb7C_FrcZoth8qc7HBLmFIcAUWDZvg3o_b59rEwUe5fmnRb_8xR8BzI0H7LvB-Dqy7gFVoJ2-fD5BzHD9uUiimp8jVlZ2uGZJF6LTQzfkwpt9iZYGqDfO4fuVt0/s1600-h/pedroglove.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339490177994151954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBBVPkzQfI8EpqOSySb7C_FrcZoth8qc7HBLmFIcAUWDZvg3o_b59rEwUe5fmnRb_8xR8BzI0H7LvB-Dqy7gFVoJ2-fD5BzHD9uUiimp8jVlZ2uGZJF6LTQzfkwpt9iZYGqDfO4fuVt0/s400/pedroglove.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />You can see Pedro has pulled the glove back into the chest which helps keep him closed and aligned with home plate. One thing you must be aware when teaching young players however, is check to make sure they do not put the glove on their chest during the entire throw. Their glove hand should come out in a normal throwing motion and then pulled back to the chest.</p><p>There are different debates here as to whether the glove hand should be extended straight out or kept bent. Again I wouldn't spend my time worrying about it so long as it goes out then back to the chest. Also, Pedro's glove is pinned to his chest. I wouldn't get overly critical about making it pin like his does. Just get the idea and in the vicinity of the chest.</p><p>If you watch major league baseball you will see not all the pitchers finish with the glove in the same spot but they do finish somewhere near the chest.</p><p><strong>In Conclusion</strong></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Throwing is the main skill in baseball. I don't believe it is emphasized or practice enough however. I also believe that is true for all levels not just youth baseball. You can gain a huge advantage over your opponents by not overlooking the skill that most do.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">There is very little difference between throwing and pitching the mechanics are very similar. If you can get players to focus and master those three concepts then they have a great chance to be an outstanding thrower whether it is in the field or on the mound.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">One final note here. Some of you may be thinking you didn't mention arm swing. Should the players break their hands and go straight back or should they make that long C motion where they take their thumb to their thigh and their fingers to the sky.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">I use to coach that long C motion because that is what I was always taught. But then I began researching on my own taping major league pitchers. What I found is some make a long C and some take it straight back. The straight back guys seem to have great control throwing that way.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">When Roger Clemens was a younger and dominating for the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sox</span> he was a long C motion guy. In the middle of his career he changed to a much shorter take back. He was very successful both ways. So I ask you which is right? I am sure you have an opinion but I challenge you to study for yourself. Not from a book or coaching video where they are selling their point but from your own watching.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Alot</span> of what you believe you will find many major <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">leaguers</span> do not do. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Alot</span> of what you think are fundamental truths will be questioned. Don't over coach <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">unnecessary</span> details that confuse and make players uncomfortable. Instead focus on the major points because the rest is mainly style. Best of Luck!<br /><br /></span></p>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-90962694937488595042009-05-22T19:55:00.022-04:002009-05-22T22:11:55.360-04:00Who Should Call Pitches: The Pitcher/Catcher or The Coach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLvQ8_hvCdRoJgDPEWCXuOTKh3lWGIzWmRxUAQpXcMEyymqSgLwxc5IxBTJntE1xGKk5xYXAVNWVd1J4qQwAUDezrwJf5liPoVeVmBI4sZfssKhlRGknUwt77PAOnkABZl3jvvhBj7yg/s1600-h/coachphone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338828408979988482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 101px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLvQ8_hvCdRoJgDPEWCXuOTKh3lWGIzWmRxUAQpXcMEyymqSgLwxc5IxBTJntE1xGKk5xYXAVNWVd1J4qQwAUDezrwJf5liPoVeVmBI4sZfssKhlRGknUwt77PAOnkABZl3jvvhBj7yg/s400/coachphone.jpg" border="0" /></a> I recently <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">received</span> a comment about who should call pitches during the game. Should the catcher and pitcher work together or should the coach make the calls. I have to admit this is something I have debated over the years. With exception of two seasons I have always called the pitches. Having said that our best year was one of the season I turned the pitch selection over to the catcher with the pitchers help.<br /><br /><div>Let's take a moment and go through the positives from both respective sides of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">argument</span>!</div><br /><div><strong><em>The Coach Should Call The Pitches Argument:</em></strong></div><br /><div>1) As I coach I kept records of opposing hitters. Both in games we played against them and any game we scouted. If they were 2,3, or 4 year starters then we had every at bat from every year. Each at bat had the following information: </div><br /><div>1) What hand pitcher was throwing</div><br /><div>2) Where they hit the ball</div><br /><div>3) What the count was</div><br /><div>4) What pitch they hit</div><br /><div>5) Finally, was the pitcher in the stretch or wind-up</div><br /><div>From this information we would position fielders and make pitch selections based on previous results. We would also try and balance past information with what we were seeing that day.</div><br /><div>2) What I like about this approach is it simplifies the game for the pitcher and catcher. Their focus stays on throwing, catching, and knowing situations so they know where to go with the ball. I don't want extra burden on these players if there is no need. Here's why!</div><br /><div>I am a strong believer in keeping things very simple and competing by being assignment sound, technique sound, and out <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">executing</span> the other team. I believe even at the professional levels of baseball, basketball, and football they make it to complicated and it effects their performance. Do a few things and do them extremely well. Ala Vince Lombardi and the Packer Sweep play.</div><br /><div>3) You could argue that if we have all this information then the pitcher and catcher could have it as a tool to set-up hitters. Yes they can, but it breaks my philosophy of keeping them focused on a few important components to their success. Plus we might have 2 to 3 different pitchers throw in a game who would all have to be able to learn and process all this information in an extremely short period of time. </div><br /><div><strong><em>The Pitcher/Catcher Should Call The Pitches Argument:</em></strong></div><br /><div>The advantages of the pitcher/catcher calling the game are as follows:</div><br /><div>1) He has a good vantage point of where the hitters are in the box in relation the plate. He also has a view of the batters front side. Is he opening up, is he cutting himself off, etc...</div><br /><div>2) It allows them to be more of a thinking mans pitcher/catcher. It allows them to think about setting up hitters and thinking 2 pitches a head. Would lead to them learning more about the game.</div><br /><div>3) Allowing the pitcher to have final say will mean he will throw the pitch he is most confident in for that pitch. Which is better: Having the pitcher throw the right pitch at the right time with half confidence or throwing maybe not the right pitch but being confident in it?</div><br /><strong><em>My Philosophy and Approach<br /></em></strong><br /><div>After scrolling up and reading the two sides I realize I wrote more on the coaches side then the pitcher/catcher side. This does not mean I do not think the 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">advantages</span> listed for the pitcher/catcher aren't valid. Truth is they are very valid and none more then answering the question in number 3.</div><br /><div>The questions still becomes which is better. There are great arguments for both sides. I think both sides are a sound <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">philosophy</span> and something you could build your pitching program around. But, I have one question I have to ask here. Why do we have to choose?</div><br /><div>Let me explain. I have always found both sides to be compelling arguments so I thought to myself is there a way to blend together these two approaches where you could <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">capitalize</span> on the strengths of each. Here's what I believe in.</div><br /><div>With the information I keep available I believe I should call the pitches. But I believe I should call them with the help of the pitcher and catcher. Their input from pitch to pitch, batter to batter, and inning to inning is invaluable.</div><br /><div>Here's how I believe it should be done. First, I make the pitch selection based on the information I have available. That information does not only include the information I have on the scouting report but the constant feedback I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">getting</span> from the pitcher and catcher.</div><br /><div>Second, the catcher is taught hand signals which he can relay to me on where the batter is in the box. Mainly, how close he is to the plate because I can see front to back of the box. </div><br /><div>Next, you need to talk with the catcher after each inning and get his report on the pitchers stuff. How is the fastball, is the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">curve ball</span> sharp, is the ball moving, etc... Let's face it pitchers lie so you need an honest catcher.</div><br /><div>Third, allow the pitcher to shake you off but under the following rule. If he shakes you then you will call a different pitch. If he shakes and gets the pitch call again then he must throw that pitch. </div><div></div><div>This allows the pitcher to have some say in pitch selection and gives you the opportunity to answer the question in #3 based on the feel of the game. Don't forget to consult the pitcher on what he is feeling most confident with that day!</div><br /><div>Why say we will always throw what the coach says regardless of how the pitcher feels. Why say the pitcher is always right and can throw whatever he feels most confident with. Why not have the ability to allow that particular moment in the game to decide which you think is best. </div><br /><div>I really think this is the best approach to having a system that allows you to be successful. It allows input from all the important parties and still allows the coach to be in control of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">decision</span> making. This might mean he decides to make the decision or he decides to allow the pitcher to make the decision.</div><br /><div><strong><em>In Conclusion</em></strong></div><br /><div>I have been a coach who has called every pitch in a season and not allowed the pitchers to throw anything but what I called. I have coached seasons where I left the pitch selection up to the pitcher and catcher. Truth is I have been fortunate enough to be successful both ways.</div><br /><div>However, I don't feel <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">completely</span> satisfied either way. I feel I should call the pitches and allow the pitcher a chance to shake. Truth is in most cases I will send in a different pitch if he shakes. If I do not then I coach him to take that as a sign that he must get committed to that pitch before he throws it. </div><br /><div>It could work the other way as well. You could allow the pitcher to call the game and have signs where you can call a pitch when you wanted to. I don't like that approach as much but it's not to say it isn't a sound philosophy. </div><br /><div>I look forward to hearing your comments and ideas!</div><div></div>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-13821335604971017432009-05-21T16:29:00.020-04:002009-05-21T23:46:56.930-04:00Baseball As A Profession<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjY0RryAO6F8s6JfJfZbgnHzlKsRhpPfOTzpSd9oB6oPoh83OyHuQQU0fFiVPVlQp1Rfos9fohdF0VipfU1_gbb8yQgTuJpu36gz02q8sDNlK-jHhgrq_VxNKgJMHh4612QurVI_ooTU/s1600-h/moneyball.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338467810389450802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 113px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjY0RryAO6F8s6JfJfZbgnHzlKsRhpPfOTzpSd9oB6oPoh83OyHuQQU0fFiVPVlQp1Rfos9fohdF0VipfU1_gbb8yQgTuJpu36gz02q8sDNlK-jHhgrq_VxNKgJMHh4612QurVI_ooTU/s400/moneyball.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was invited to speak at a Career Day for 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> grade students in my school district. The students were given a chance to vote on professions they would like to learn about on Career Day. Baseball finished in the Top 10 so I will be attending as the guest speaker. It got me thinking however, about how many kids would like to have a career in baseball. I am also wondering if they even know what careers there are in baseball.<br /><br />When you hear "Baseball As A Profession" we all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">immediately</span> think of being a professional baseball player. Certainly that is a way to make baseball your profession and if I might add a pretty lucrative one at that! I also believe very strongly that if that is your dream then take your shot! Why Not! Why not lay it on the line and chase your dream. I mean somebody has to make it. I know the odds and they are astronomical. That doesn't stop the same people that are telling kids it's impossible from playing the lottery.<br /><br />Now you and I both know that the odds of playing professional baseball are better then winning the lottery. The biggest difference is you have some control over whether or not you make it to the big leagues. I say some because there are so many factors that are out of your control that could kill the dream. Having said that, you control your work ethic, physical conditioning, skill level, knowledge of the game, and mental toughness. If you seriously set up a plan and stick with it who knows what might happen.<br /><br />If you are trading your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">academic</span> work ethic for only a baseball work ethic then that is worse then playing the lottery. You need to prepare for a career while you are preparing to play pro ball. Is it tough? Yes! Is there enough time in the day for both? Barely! Will you have to sacrifice some things in your life? Yes! Is it worth it? It is if that is your true dream!<br /><br />I'll end our professional baseball discussion with this thought in mind. You only live once and you are certainly only young once. If you have a dream you are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">committed</span> to then you had better chase it or it will haunt you the rest of your life. You will always wonder, "what if?" If you give it your best and it doesn't work out then you can live with that especially, if you have a solid education to fall back on.<br /><br />Baseball as a profession however, does not have to just mean playing professionally. There are other avenues to stay close to the game. I am sure there are many more then I will even mention here. The first one that comes to mind would be coaching. Now if we are talking about earning a living through baseball then obviously it has to be paid coaching.<br /><br />I mentioned earlier about learning the game to take your shot at pro ball. If you seriously give it your best effort then if playing doesn't work out you should have a solid base to start a coaching career. If you want to coach full time then you are going to have to do it at the college level. If you have any intention of coaching at the major league level then you need to play major league baseball or have a long minor league career. They almost always hire former players.<br /><br />I will tell you a great <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">game plan</span> if you want to become a college baseball coach. First, become a good player and play in college. It doesn't have to be division 1 just find a school that fits your needs. Second, get good grades because you will need this after you graduate. Third, after graduation find a job as a graduate assistant. You will get a free masters degree, a couple thousand dollars in a stipend, and you will be coaching baseball.<br /><br />By doing this you begin to make contacts. Also, almost all college job posting want a coach with a masters degree and previous college coaching experience. By being a graduate assistant you fill all the qualifications. This is why I said earlier get good grades so you can get accepted into a masters program to become a graduate assistant.<br /><br />From here on it's a matter of doing a quality job coaching and working your way to the job you want. Networking is also very important. The more friends you make the more job <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">opportunities</span> that become available. Be prepared however, those first few years could be a lot of moving from school to school as you climb the ladder.<br /><br />Another full time or part time baseball profession is instruction. We live in a world that has become about organized sports. We start kids playing organized ball by the age of 5. Parents are willing to spend money on instruction year round in an effort to give their kid an edge.<br /><br />You can find jobs some full time and some part time working in instructional facilities. They are popping up all over the place. If you are a real go getter you could start your own. Gone are the days of kids getting together and playing their own games. Now they can play and practice organized ball year round.<br /><br />Other opportunities to make baseball a profession would be to become a high school coach. It's not full time but it is a paid position. Usually the coach is also a teacher or has a job with flexibility to allow him to be on time. Again it's not a full time gig but a part-time option.<br /><br />If you enjoy watching and evaluating players then becoming a scout is also a great option. Being a scout is like any other profession. You start out making little money and working hard. But, if are good and can spot talent then you can move your way up the food chain. The higher you move up the more money you can make.<br /><br />Being a scout would <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">probably</span> start as a part time job but has the opportunity to become full time. Think about it for a minute, you are getting paid to go watch baseball games. Not a bad deal because if you love baseball that much you would have went for free and offered your opinion anyway!<br /><br />How about becoming an umpire? Although this doesn't interest me in the least bit it is a baseball profession which could be part-time or full-time. You can umpire from Little League all the way to the big leagues and you get paid to do it at all levels.<br /><br />A friend of mine just started umpiring Babe Ruth Games. He makes something like $50 a game. He does about 7 games a week. That totals an extra $1400 a month in season. Major League umpires are making 6 figures and all other levels somewhere in between.<br /><br />There are other ways as well such as sports writing, athletic training, strength and conditioning coaches, equipment managers, and front office type <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">personnel</span>. Maybe selling or manufacturing baseball equipment. Selling and manufacturing is really pushing the idea of baseball as a profession but I guess it depends what your definition and interests are.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">In Conclusion</span></em></strong><br /><br />If you are serious about making baseball a profession there are plenty of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">opportunities</span> out there for you to choose from. All of us baseball nuts growing up will always choose to be a Major League player first. I say go get it! Swing for the fence you might just hit a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">home run</span>!<br /><br />If you are smart however, as you are working on becoming a professional ball player also be preparing for what you will do if it doesn't happen. That's not negative thinking it's being proactive and intelligent. Never put all your eggs in one basket because if that basket falls you'll have nothing left to eat! Best of Luck!Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-44543040611384392572009-05-20T11:40:00.024-04:002009-05-22T10:29:49.025-04:00Turning The Pitcher Around On The First Pitch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDT9pzw6n1DnIBlR3yX5oYV1LMwC73sPT3Lyt78NcKVIBkbF0ujV4vUIFSEcVT6fH_7HPFXE-m5W5h4C4eVMrvixzrau_cqERn9WBomK1aBB99LvmK3PmklnDPsiNG7ddjPbE2EtVW0uY/s1600-h/pitcherturnover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338089554430310722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDT9pzw6n1DnIBlR3yX5oYV1LMwC73sPT3Lyt78NcKVIBkbF0ujV4vUIFSEcVT6fH_7HPFXE-m5W5h4C4eVMrvixzrau_cqERn9WBomK1aBB99LvmK3PmklnDPsiNG7ddjPbE2EtVW0uY/s320/pitcherturnover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Turning the pitcher around on the first pitch simply means, swing as hard as you can at that first pitch. There is nothing complicated here. We are simply gonna try and turn the pitcher around on the first pitch. We want to rattle his cage! We are going to take a shot at knocking his confidence down on the first pitch of the game.<br /><br />Think about it from a pitchers perspective. You are confident you are going to throw well. You had a great pre-game pen. Your excited and focused! You throw that first pitch of the game and the lead-off man, who usually is up there to set the table, stands all over it.<br /><br />What does that do to a pitchers mentality? What does it do to his confidence? It is more mentally demoralizing giving up a shot on the 1st pitch of the game then it is on the 4th pitch? Should it be? No. Is it? Yes!<br /><br />On a number of occasions we have sent our lead off hitter to the plate with the following instruction: Swing as hard as you possibly can at the first pitch. Forget about our approach on count hitting and swing at the first pitch. Think fastball and let it go as hard as you can!<br /><br />We told our lead-off to forget about reading spin or anything. Just swing hard! If the pitcher starts you out with a curveball or change-up and you are way out in front of it we don't care. You are simply gearing up for a fastball and swinging out of your socks.</div><br /><br />Often times we will combine this with our 604 Team Hitting Concept. What it does is help mask the concept of working the pitcher. Truth is on some occasions it works and sometimes it doesn't. It is no different then anything else in life. I am a strong believer however, that the risk is definitely worth the reward.<br /><br />Is there the possibility that the batter will make an out on a bad pitch because he is looking to be so aggressive? Of course there is but it is worth the risk in hopes you might turn the pitcher around. One out versus a shell shocked pitcher is a trade I will gamble on any day!<br /><br />The majority of the time we put this on our hitter fouled of the first pitch. He would take such a hard cut he would lose mechanics slightly and just miss. A few times our hitters recognized the pitch as being not even close and took it. There were also a few times where we hammered the first pitch both for hits and outs.<br /><br />The most notable turning the pitching around on the first pitch came in the 2006 State Championship game. As I noted in another post we did not hit the ball extremely well that year. I moved our top hitter into the lead off spot for that game. The first pitch of the game he sent it over the left field fence. Talk about a tone setter that was it. It was the start we had dreamed of and jump started us to the championship.<br /><br /><em><strong>In Conclusion</strong></em><br /><br />I believe it is well worth it to take a shot now and then at turning around the pitcher on the first pitch. If your are facing a dominant pitcher then taking a shot is in your best interest. The worse thing that can happen is your hitter makes an out. If the pitcher is that dominant then the odds were he was going to make an out anyway.<br /><br />What most likely happens is the hitter will swing and miss or foul off the pitch. In this case it's 0-1 and your still hitting so not a big deal. But there are times when the baseball gods are smiling down on you and the ball finds the sweet spot on the bat and changes the game almost before it even started! Best of Luck!Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-74861148654847197262009-05-19T11:34:00.049-04:002009-05-20T02:12:43.006-04:00The 604 Team Hitting Concept<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEbJmXPRqggzU6CC8lTEvmWn2TEl5QjzYGWb3kD3jaiSXa4BQYkNLbihyphenhyphenppNn88n_n20uQQ5AazJIp4sPpTO0rTHlE9KQVNWj_Agmdpq-qCXBv8DjdXwi9mU0xDzQiLH4UCQRfwLsH20/s1600-h/clemons.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337716876599361938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 92px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEbJmXPRqggzU6CC8lTEvmWn2TEl5QjzYGWb3kD3jaiSXa4BQYkNLbihyphenhyphenppNn88n_n20uQQ5AazJIp4sPpTO0rTHlE9KQVNWj_Agmdpq-qCXBv8DjdXwi9mU0xDzQiLH4UCQRfwLsH20/s400/clemons.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The 604 is based on the idea that opposing pitchers are going to be in for a very long day. The picture to the right is a visual cue as to the frustration we want to build up inside the opposing pitcher. We want to build exhaustion into the opposing pitcher until he makes some mistakes and cooks his own goose much like the Supreme Court was doing to Roger Clemens.<br /><br />In 2006 our ball club was up and down throughout the first two thirds of the season. The biggest problem we were having was our inability to hit the ball consistently. In fact, as a team we were hitting well below .300 heading into the last 7 regular season games of the year. We needed to find ourselves and have something to hang our hat on at the plate as we prepared for the State Tournament.<br /><br />Out of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">necessity</span> the 604 was born. I am not claiming to have invented this idea because teams have been using similar systems for as long as the game has been around. I am simply stating the way we changed our approach at the plate and changed our fortune on the field.<br /><br />Let me first give you the reasons why we made a change to our approach at the plate. We were struggling scoring runs. We could not get enough guys on and when we did we couldn't get them in. As each inning went by I could see our team pressing more and more. It was like they were playing in quick sand. Our players would begin feeling increasing amounts of pressure as the game would move along if they did not score. The harder they pressed the deeper they sank.<br /><br />You could see it on their faces and in their body language. We had two glaring problems staring us in the face. One, at best we were an average hitting ball club. We had a few hitters who were solid and others who still needed work. Second, the few hitters we had really began to press because they felt like they had to hit if we had any chance at winning. This only made things harder on them.<br /><br />So the question became how do we relax our players and at the same time give ourselves the best chance to score runs. We had always been a very aggressive hitting program but we needed a new gameplan. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">game plan</span> we came up with was the 604. The concept was to drive the pitchers pitch count up to 60 pitches by the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> inning. It has always been my belief that once a pitcher gets to 60 pitches he begins to tire. If he is a horse and can throw 7 strong innings then the concept still works because your hitters will see a lot of pitches and make adjustments. </div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;">We wanted one of three things happen:</span><strong><em><br /></em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">#1 - To get to the other teams bullpen<br /><br />#2 - To fatigue the opposing pitcher and catch him before they took him out<br /><br />#3 - If #1 or #2 didn't work then we would have confidence facing him late in the game because we have seen his arsenal. By that time we may have picked up him tipping pitches as well.<br /><br /></span></em></strong>We knew this would not be easy but we convinced the players how our season would change with this new approach. They were looking for answers and had trust in our program so it was not a hard sell. Now we had to figure out the process by which we would drive up pitch counts and change our players mindsets.<br /><br /><strong><em>The 604 Team Hitting Concept Rules:<br /><br />Rule #1: Take a strike unless it was an RBI situation. If there was a runner on second or third you would hit with an aggressive approach.<br /><br />Rule #2: No <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">curveballs</span> until you had 2 strikes. If it was an RBI situation then no curve balls until 1 strike and then you could be aggressive and hit a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">curveball</span> up.<br /><br />Rule #3: 3-1 was a take pitch unless it was an RBI situation.<br /><br />Rule #4: Once the opposing pitcher gets to 60 pitches we open back up to our aggressive approach. It will stay that way the rest of the game regardless if they change pitchers or not.<br /></em></strong><br />That's it's, 4 rules! I realize it isn't a new and earth shattering idea but we set it up in the following manner. I told our team that we would focus on scoring runs in the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span>, 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span>, and 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span> inning. I even told them I didn't expect them to score in the first 4 innings so there was no reason for them to worry if there were zero's across the board at that point. If we scored runs early it was gravy to us.<br /><br />We assigned a clicker to one of our players in the dugout and had him track the opposing teams pitcher. We told our players their main goal was to drive the opposing pitchers pitch count to 60 by the fourth inning. It was our goal if we could get there after three innings but we felt just as well if it took us into the fourth inning to reach that point. In 8 of the 12 games we played that year in the 604 we reached 60 pitches by the end of the third inning. In the remaining 4 we reached 60 in the beginning to middle of the fourth inning.<br /><br />Here is the effect it had on our 06 team. We went on to finish the year with 12 consecutive wins including a State Championship. To see the turnaround in our confidence and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">demeanor</span> was awesome to watch. I was very fortunate to have great kids who bought into everything without much hesitation. If I came up with something new for them they just went and did it the best they could.<br /><br />Here's why we were able to accomplish that dream. First, our players became much more relaxed. I mean it was night and day in their body <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">language</span> from before. I mentioned earlier that they would press harder and harder each inning and it would only make things worse. These guys were so focused on that dam pitch counter that the scoreboard didn't even seem to exist until the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> inning.<br /><br />Second, we were able to fatigue, remove, and adjust to the opposing pitcher. It took some time to get to them but our players bought into the idea we would win late. When opposing teams jumped on us early it was our players who kept saying we will get em at 60. Truth is I did very little coaching at that point because they were simply following a process we had set up and worked on.<br /><br />I can remember playing a rival school who was getting the better of us. It was like the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">nd</span> or 3rd game we were running the 604. I was in the third base coaching box scratching my head when I heard our player with the pitch counter begin to call out the pitch count. We had a batter in the box and the kid takes the first pitch for a ball. I hear someone yell 60! Then the next pitch is a ball and I hear 61! At that point the rest of our players caught on and you could just see and feel their spirit change. It was awesome!<br /><br />We went on to score 4 runs in that inning and won the game. The players were completely sold at that point on what we were doing. They had a process they could follow and it built confidence in themselves and the team. They truly believed by the end of any game they would give themselves a chance to win.<br /><br />Let me give you one more example. We played in the State Semi-Finals that year for the right to play for a State Championship. The team we were playing was much more talented then we were. Their pitcher was a hard throwing, bomb hitting stud who was about 6'4. Their shortstop was a great player who was hitting somewhere in the neighborhood of .650. Truthfully, I questioned that in my mind before the game but then the kid went 4 for 4 against us and I quickly realized how legit he was.<br /><br />The game began and their Big pitcher hit a pair of 2 run <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">home runs</span> out of a ball park with professional dimensions. They backed that up with 10 other hits by the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span> inning and a solid pitching performance to go with it. We more then had our hands full at this point. When all of a sudden the pitch counter hit 60.<br /><br />We huddle before the bottom of the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">th</span> inning. I told our team to turn around and look at the scoreboard. It read 6 -0 with 12 hits to 2 I think. I told our kid to show the counter to our players. Once they saw the pitch count was over 60 a bounce came back in their step. They began saying things like "it's our time" and "these are our innings".<br /><br />I told them we were playing a good game even though, if you were there, it felt like we were getting killed. I said they have 12 hits and a pair of 2 run homers but the score is only 6-0. I told them they made a mistake by leaving us in this game. As big a part as the 604 was to our season so was throwing strikes and fielding the ball. We weren't dominate strikeout pitchers and flashy fielders but we didn't walk people or kick the ball around. We had done both very well up to this point.<br /><br />Fairytale story we come back and score 7 runs in the next two innings and won the game. In fact, to make it even more of a storybook season we won our final 4 playoffs games in our final at bat. It was an exciting run and was largely due to the 604.<br /><br />A final note here was also how our players began to battle at the plate. We were routinely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">sending</span> hitters to plate for 7 and 8 pitch at bats. I mean players who hadn't battled earlier in the year were fouling off pitches and making life miserable for opposing pitchers. Their swings hadn't changed one bit but their attitude and approach had. It really became a contest at times to see who could see the most pitches in an at bat. Our players would foul off a 2-2 pitch and our bench was going crazy. I know <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">alot</span> of that was the personality of our players and we had some personalities but if you give the players <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">something</span> to believe in they would grab hold.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">In Conclusion<br /></span></em></strong><br />The 604 is a sound concept allowing teams to be successful. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">In order</span> for it to work the players must buy in and run it right. They must truly go to school on the opposing pitcher watching and learning everything they can on each pitch. In the end if the pitcher is throwing well and in the game still what you have done is create a study guide for your hitters to use when they take their finals in the last 3 innings.<br /><br />Like I said earlier this is not new concept in coaching baseball. Nor do I believe you should play this way all the time. In fact, I coached over 200 games and only ran the 604 in about 5% -7% of those games. I do believe when I come back to coaching that percentage will go up but it will not be a full time philosophy.<br /><br />If your team is struggling at the plate and you need something to break it up then give the 604 a try. It may be what turns your season around. Best of Luck!</div>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-44306501447566437192009-05-17T22:47:00.008-04:002009-05-19T15:19:50.739-04:00Pitching: How To Prepare In Your Pre-Game Bull Pen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReHS5odnFnnFmPgFtEUXyvhLvpgDTrhXWvMA5l0FdO8_ly8TkaTeA4mp4wBvwCdEU6Lddnq-H4fKBYZ8ANEIY-D7c14nXwI3G3QgxaORinwooQEm68YBsyoW26eH9QRMVdZWOrG9_2To/s1600-h/hammels.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337349608359815746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReHS5odnFnnFmPgFtEUXyvhLvpgDTrhXWvMA5l0FdO8_ly8TkaTeA4mp4wBvwCdEU6Lddnq-H4fKBYZ8ANEIY-D7c14nXwI3G3QgxaORinwooQEm68YBsyoW26eH9QRMVdZWOrG9_2To/s400/hammels.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The most important player on the field to any ball club is the player who starts every play. There is not a coach alive who wouldn't take the top pitcher over the top hitter if given the choice. 60 feet 6 inches away stands a young man who has the ability to dictate the outcome of the game. Although I am dramatizing the art of pitching it does not change the fact that he is the dealer in this card game.<br /><br />Just Deal! That is a phrase I have uttered over and over to our pitching staff. It is phrase that simply means: clear your head, know your location, and let it go. Just deal baby! I think we can all agree that we want our pitchers to deal. We want them confident and in charge. We want them to believe in their stuff. We want them ready to start dealing on the first pitch.<br /><br />I was always concerned as a coach with my starting pitcher in the 1st and 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span></span> innings. I was also always concerned with our pitcher the inning after we scored. Especially if we had a long inning scoring multiple runs. The concept we are going to discuss however will only deal with the first inning and the pregame pen.<br /><br />If he is not ready to go at the start then the first inning has a chance to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">disastrous</span>. How many times have you seen a pitcher struggle through the first inning before settling down and throwing a great game. It is always a good sign of mental toughness when you can get off to a bad start and continue to stay focused while battling back. It is a skill we talk about at great length to our pitchers. My goal however, is not to have to use that skill because we want to get off to a good start.<br /><br />The best defense to making sure the game goes as planned is to be prepared mentally and physically before you throw that first pitch. I want to focus more on the physical part of building confidence in this post today. This is a skill that can be practiced and repeated if both the coach and player buy in.<br /><br />I have written in previous articles that the two biggest things I believe in as a coach are trust and building processes. They go hand in hand. When you build processes I believe that players will trust themselves and their ability more. That's exactly what we do with our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pre</span></span>-game pen. We build and follow a process to prepare ourselves. It is very similar to the process we throw our pens in practice. This allows our pitchers to become very comfortable in their job.<br /><br />I have seen opposing pitchers routinely go to the pen when we play without any rhyme or reason to what they are trying to accomplish. Some throw for maybe 5 minutes and then go sit for 20 minutes until they hit the mound. I have seen others throw a pen and never work once out of the stretch. We played a State Championship game one year and the opposing teams pitcher played catch with his catcher for about 10 minutes and his catcher never once squatted down for him to throw a pitch.<br /><br />This kid was a stud pitcher too! In fact he did a great job of holding us down. We managed a couple of early runs before he was ready and another late when he started to tire. Those runs won us a State Championship. Would the outcome have been different had the player prepared a different way? There is no way to know the answer to that question but I believe the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pre</span></span>-game pen is crucial to a pitchers success.<br /><br />You need to adjust your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pre</span></span>-game pen for each pitcher based on their personal ability. Here is a base sample of the process we used with our pitchers. We use a 6 step approach to physically prepare our pitchers. For this example we will use a 4 o'clock starting time for the game.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Step #1<br /></span></em></strong><br />We will have our pitcher stretch and play catch with the team. Depending on whether we are home or away will determine what time the pitcher is throwing. Usually the time frame is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">between</span> 3:25 - 3:35. Our pitcher and catcher will play catch until the pitcher feels loose. We want him to get loose but we don't want him throwing his out arm in warm-ups. He will have plenty of opportunity in the pen to build himself up to game speed.<br /><br />Once he is loose both he and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">catcher</span> will head to the dugout. Pitcher and catcher will both dress in full uniform for the pen. Our players warm up in t-shirts then put their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">jersey</span> on right before the game. We want our pitcher to throw his pregame pen in his jersey. I know this seems like such a small detail but throwing in a t-shirt and throwing in a jersey have a slight difference in feel. Always remember, it is the little details that decide big games.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Step #2</span></em></strong><br /><br />The next step is we have our pitcher head to the outfield and run a pole or two depending on the pitcher to loosen up the body and get the heart, muscles, and blood flowing. We want the pitcher to have this done by 3:40. While this is happening we want our catcher to finish gearing up and have two game balls and a plate if <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">necessary</span>.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Step #3<br /></span></em></strong><br />The pitcher, catcher, and a coach will head over to the pen. The pitcher will stretch and warm-up the muscles in his arms using tubing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">attached</span> to a fence. This should take place from 3:40-3:45. At 3:45 we want to begin throwing our pen so all this work needs to be completed by then. A special note: if possible send a coach to the pen with the pitcher and catcher. Players focus and work better when a coach is present.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Step #4<br /></span></em></strong><br />We begin our throwing with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">flatground</span></span>. In <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">flatground</span></span> the catcher sits behind the plate like he always does and the pitcher will go through his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">flatground</span></span> routine at 40 feet. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Flatground</span></span> is not thrown from the mound it is thrown from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">flatground</span>. Our flat ground routine is based off of the follow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">sequences</span>. Again depending on the pitcher may vary this slightly but this is the base routine.<br /><br />We start in the wind-Up and we are throwing at 50% velocity. I want our pitchers to begin to develop feel and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">rhythm</span> as they get loose here. Also, we have hitters in the box whenever possible for the pitcher to throw to and get a sense of game feel. AA stands for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">armside</span></span> away. Rather then use inside/outside we use <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">armside</span></span> meaning the pitchers <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">armside</span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">armside</span></span> away. This way it doesn't matter which hand pitcher is throwing or what side the batter is standing on.<br /><br />Again, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">flatground</span></span> is simply for finding our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">rhythm</span>, tempo, timing, location, and feel for grips and spin. We always start <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">armside</span></span> away because it's the longest stretch on the pitchers arm.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Wind-Up<br /></span></em></strong><br />3 x 4 Seam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">FB</span></span> AA<br />3 x 4 Seam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">FB</span></span> A<br /><br />2 x CH AA<br />2 x CH A<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em><strong>Stretch<br /></strong></em></span><br />3 x 2 Seam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">FB</span></span> AA<br />3 x 2 Seam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">FB</span></span> A<br /><br />2 x CB For A Strike<br />2 x CB Down In the Zone (Imagine the catcher turned his glove over and set it on the ground)<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Step # 5<br /></span></em></strong><br />Step 5 is nothing more then throwing a short pen. Our pitcher moves back onto the mound and our catcher will move up just in front of home plate. From here we will throw 5 fastballs at 75% velocity for a strike. All I want for our pitcher here is to get comfortable from the mound (provided you have one but we will follow this routine regardless). We will throw 5 fastballs to the catchers glove. We are just looking to throw strikes and build a little feel and confidence. Throwing short pen is a great confidence booster because it is easy!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Step #6</span></em></strong><br /><br />Our catcher moves back behind the plate and we begin throwing a regular length pen. We want our pitcher to start out throwing at about 90% velocity and this will build to the final pitch. Our last three pitches in the the pen will be an air it out finish. The routine is as follows.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Wind-Up<br /></span></em></strong><br />3 x 4 Seam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">FB</span></span> AA<br />3 x 4 Seam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">FB</span></span> A<br /><br />3 x CH AA<br />3 x CH A<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><em>Stretch (We should be up 100% velocity at this point)</em></strong><br /></span><br /></span>3 x 2 Seam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">FB</span></span> AA<br />3 x 2 Seam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">FB</span></span> A<br /><br />3 x CB For A Strike<br />3 x CB Down In The Zone<br /><br />We will finish with 3 air it out fastballs. We want the pitcher to throw hard and be less concerned with location other then to throw a strike. This may not make a lot of sense considering we preach location but we want our pitcher to end with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">mindset</span> that when I have to I am coming right at you with confidence! From here our pitcher will go to the dugout towel off and hit the field.<br /><br />It should be noted here that I have in the past experimented with pitchers finishing there bull pens throwing sequences. Meaning changing pitch selection and location on consecutive pitches. An example would be going <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">FB</span></span> A to CH AA to CB for a strike to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">FB</span></span> AA. Truth is I have never seen it make more difference then using a building block process. I believe in building the pitchers confidence through our process by giving him a routine that he will be successful throwing. This ensures he will take the mound with optimal confidence.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><em><strong>In Conclusion</strong><br /></em></span><br /></span>I believe very strongly in our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">pre</span></span>-game process for pitchers. These are the same drills they throw in practice everyday. It allows them to get very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">efficient</span> at hitting locations at a high percentage. When game day comes they are simply repeating a process they work on everyday. This is a huge confidence builder and in the end confidence is the key!<br /><br />The second thing I like about this routine is that the pitcher is not sitting around thinking too much. He is active and in charge of preparing to pitch. This helps keep his<br />nerves in check (as much as possible) and allows his natural ability to shine through. It allows him to start the first inning in a proper mental and physical state.<br /><br />The third and final phase goes back to confidence again. The pitcher on the mound knows he has prepared for the game. He takes pride in his preparation and will begin to build an underlying confidence because he knows deep down he has put in the time to be successful. When players are on the field they know deep down how much they have prepared for this moment. They can lie with their words but deep down in the heart they know how much they truly deserve success. Once again this little detail could be the biggest difference in the game. Best of luck!</div>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-66275949377773803112009-05-15T12:07:00.001-04:002009-05-19T03:20:35.163-04:00The Advantages Of Hitting With Wood Bats During BP<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BjQRQbKJDIl2hKOA3SzZRdH7r5yOHsbnzh9zxYs3pzlGg8YFOLMeLWemzC5JiAbch-qE2gEQFaoUCQ7p5AfmHy0Y_OOVvUKPPGYhEDzzua2Uyi1twiIWt-gPKMmtAUK7edEoCX9nCTE/s1600-h/woodenbats.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336961303545760882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 110px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 93px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BjQRQbKJDIl2hKOA3SzZRdH7r5yOHsbnzh9zxYs3pzlGg8YFOLMeLWemzC5JiAbch-qE2gEQFaoUCQ7p5AfmHy0Y_OOVvUKPPGYhEDzzua2Uyi1twiIWt-gPKMmtAUK7edEoCX9nCTE/s400/woodenbats.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I want to discuss the advantages of using wood bats during <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BP</span> sessions. We are going to assume that money is not an issue. I know the day and age we live in but for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">arguments</span> sake you all have unlimited budgets here. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OK</span>, let's get back to the idea of using wooden bats.<br /><br />I am a big believer that players swings are affected by using aluminum bats growing up. The reason I say that is because players don't use their bodies in general as well as they could. They leave a lot of power on their lower half because they don't load and unload properly from the waist down.<br /><br />The biggest reason is the fact they don't have to with the aluminum bats. They can be arm swingers and still get the ball out of the infield and even into the gaps. I don't see a lot of players anymore who truly drive the ball on an consistent basis. With the space age technology we send our hitters to the plate with, you would think the ball would be jumping off their bats.<br /><br />I really don't see that happening as much as you would think. I am not saying that there are not hitters who hit with their lower <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">halves</span> but at least in my observations I don't see it enough. The reason I believe is because kids hit with aluminum bats all their life now and they can be arm swingers and get away with it.<br /><br />I know when you use a wooden bat it takes much more skill and technique to hit. First, if you expect to drive the ball you need to incorporate your lower half. Second, you need to hit the ball on the sweet spot. You can't cap it and have it fall in. You certainly can't get handcuffed and expect to get anything out of it swinging with half your body. In fact, I believe our hitters would do a much better job staying inside the ball and being quicker to the ball with a wood bat. If we could combine that swing with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">aluminum</span> bat then players would have the best of both worlds.<br /><br />An interesting note you probably have never notice is how many players look to be in the right position when they finish but are not there at contact. I have seen a lot of players on film, my own and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">opponents</span>, who hit with no lower half but afterwards turn the back foot and pivot the hips. At fast motion it appears to a point that they are doing it right. When in reality they are simply finishing with style to keep the coaches off their backs.<br /><br />I have had fundamentally unsound hitters have good years because we can cheat the fundamentals with the aluminum bat. I have coached kids on how to take their bad swing and use the aluminum bat to their benefit. If you start messing with a players swing in the middle of the year you are asking for trouble. A kid who is comfortable and confident with a mediocre swing will have more success then a player who is working hard trying to change a flaw in his swing in the middle of the season.<br /><br />The cool thing about this idea is the fact I believe hitters would better self-correct. I think they would naturally begin to make changes in order to have success. If you break enough bats you begin to make changes naturally. With <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">aluminum</span> bats I see players <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">continually</span> make the same mistakes over and over without ever making an adjustment. Getting jammed with an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">aluminum</span> bat compared to a wooden bat just aren't the same thing.<br /><br />Hitting a ball in the gap for a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">triple</span> with an aluminum bat and flying out to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">center fielder</span> with a wooden bat with the exact same swing sends a clear message to the player. The message is simple: If I am going to drive the ball I need to load up correctly! I need to load with both the upper and lower body! I need to stay inside the ball and be quick taking my hands straight to the ball! I better get full extension after contact!<br /><br />Is this going to make everyone on your team a good hitter? No! As long as there is baseball there will be good hitters and bad hitters. That will never change but I am completely convinced that every hitter in your program will improve. That every hitter in your program will hit the ball a little harder and be a little more consistent. And that hitters on your team will begin to naturally make some changes to help their success!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">In Conclusion</span></em></strong><br /><br />I have never been a position where <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">financially</span> I could outfit the entire team to follow my own advice. Once I return to coaching this will be one of the first things I institute into our practice plan. I have worked with individual players who used this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">philosophy</span> and seen tremendous results which is why I decided to write this post. I can remember when I first started coaching not allowing players to hit with anything other then the bat they would use in the game. At least the same <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">specifications</span> anyway. I can see now without question the advantage of the wood bat in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">BP</span>.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">benefits</span> are all there for us so it should be a no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">brainer</span> in my opinion. It only takes a small improvement in order for you to get an edge on your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">competition</span> and this is an easy way to get it. Your players will quickly see the advantages and begin to help themselves. Plus all players love to hit with wood some times because it makes us feel like major <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">leaguers</span>. There has never been a baseball player who hasn't dreamed of being in the show!!! Best of luck!</div>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-81720163785734145752009-05-14T19:22:00.006-04:002009-05-21T16:27:49.262-04:00Effectively Using Video During Baseball Season<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEKnymiBnHQnzNRm3Pf42eLv3_i8GCsFXIM7iDRnV4ZyukIR_VamIegWqKdOMjhRAk5hGgEmqUyzZGfO3uypA7vw9yPwm34BmUZg6aKVvooaC47KJT88NOOASRV7rYppduBOz128iYCw/s1600-h/videocamera.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335872401119803970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 132px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 102px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEKnymiBnHQnzNRm3Pf42eLv3_i8GCsFXIM7iDRnV4ZyukIR_VamIegWqKdOMjhRAk5hGgEmqUyzZGfO3uypA7vw9yPwm34BmUZg6aKVvooaC47KJT88NOOASRV7rYppduBOz128iYCw/s400/videocamera.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The following post has to do with in-season coaching not out of season coaching:<br /><br />Using video to teach players can be an invauble resource for both players and coaches. It is one of my favorite tools and I have used it quite extensively in my coaching career. However, I caution coaches to use it in the right way. I unfortunately had to learn the hard way. Sometimes as coaches we can be so motivated, hard working, and well meaning that we actually do more harm then good!<br /><br />I have effectively used video to make players better. I believe I have also used video ineffectively and made them worse. Players are visual learners and in fact most of us learn better if we can see someone do it either live or on video. The message the teacher is trying to convey is much easier for the player to understand. It just seems to make more sense that way. It really isn't that hard to mimic someone else if we have a clear picture in our minds of what we are trying to do.<br /><br />Although, I read and research alot of information on learning it nevers really hits home with me until I experiment myself to see what philosophy I believe in. Almost every belief I have has come from reading and researching all the information out there I can find then trying out different ways and seeing what works best. If you can find a book where one author says one thing then you will definetly find another book by an author who says the opposite. They always have solid research and information that sells their point.<br /><br />If you are like me and you read 5 different books on the subject you will come up with 3 or 4 different philosophies. They all sound great. They all make perfect sense. But which one do you follow? Which one should you use? My best answer is, I don't know! Instead what I do is read all of it and then try it out. If what I am doing first is working then I stay with it. If it isn't, I go onto the next one. I will continue this cycle until I get what I want. The funny part is you often find the answers your looking for when you think there is nothing left to do.<br /><br />Let me give you an example of how I came up with my philosophy on the use of video tape. Our season in 2005 was a magical year for us. We accomplished every goal we had set for ourselves. We finished the year number 1, won a state championship, won the diamond classic tournament, I mean life was good. I was so proud of what our ball club accomplished. We were a good team but routinely beat teams who were as good as us and better.<br /><br />It would be great if I could say the entire year was sunshine and rainbows but it wasn't. In fact, early in the season we were not playing well. Our pitchers in particular were not throwing up to their capabilities. I couldn't figure out why. I had taught them every phase of pitching and we drilled on an everyday basis. I had two TV's set up in the locker room each hooked up with a vcr. I had tape of them side by side from a week ago to today. I had tape from last year, comparing it and breaking down each component of pitching.<br /><br />We would look at how to improve each flaw. They were hard workers would stay late and watch film to improve their mechanics. I had pictures of major leaguers at certain points in their delivery hung around the room. I showed them books and read from them. I mean every pitcher on our staff could have given a clinic on pitching including technique, drills, grips, pitch selection, and video analysis. I mean these kids were smart and well informed.<br /><br />Yet, we couldn't get anybody out. We were inconsistent in throwing strikes and spent the majority of the time throwing from behind in the count. If we didn't walk them, they would mash it. It was the most frustrating time of my coaching career. For the first time I didn't feel confident I had an answer to fix the problem. I was so upset I called the pitchers over one day and reamed them about not doing their jobs. That I had nothing left to teach them or rep them on. I was so frustrated I even thought for a minute that they just didn't care!<br /><br />After I calmed down I knew that wasn't the truth but I was angry at myself for not being able to identify the problem and fix it. I went home and poured through every book I owned and that's a pretty big bookshelf. I found absolutely nothing to help us. I mean I was already doing all the things that I had picked up from different coaches I respected. Guys I believed were much smarter then me. I fell asleep still conflicted about the answer.<br /><br />The next day I drug myself into school. I mean I had the look of a beaten man. I went into my 2nd period class and totally didn't want to be there. I saw two students in the back of the gym fooling around and dancing. Normally I would have jumped right on them but I just didn't have the energy so instead I just sat quietly waiting for them to finish so we could start class. Usually, the peer pressure from the class to stop will do the trick.<br /><br />I watched the first student do some fancy dance from an MTV video. It was really good and it was complicated as hell. The other student with him, without trying to sound to mean, was dumber then a box of rocks. I had him in health class the year before and he was a terrible student who was lucky to pull a D in my class. Within 5 minutes this student memorized the entire dance. This kid couldn't memorize a simple defintion in class and he memorized this complicated dance in less then 5 minutes. I mean it was so good the entire class was just watching the two of them put on a show. I spent most of the period in aw!<br /><br />I sat in my office after class thinking how did some 13 year kid just teach another 13 year old, who is not very smart so I thought, this skill? I went to practice that day thinking about the two of them. When I got to practice I decided to make three changes with our pitchers.<br /><br />First, I called them over and told them we were done doing anymore pitching drills. Second, I told them we were going to pitch and play with tempo. I wanted them to stand on the mound, get the ball back from the catcher, and almost imediately throw the next pitch. I spoke with our catcher about getting the ball back quickly and I turned the pitch calling over to him so we could get the sign to the pitcher quicker. It helped that I had complete confidence in my catcher.<br /><br />Third, I stopped all video watching except I went back and got a film of a stud pitcher we had two years before. I put it in the VCR and would let it roll. No comments, no corections, just let the video roll. I just wanted them to get a visual picture in their mind of a pitcher with good mechanics having sucess.<br /><br />The pitchers knew the kid on the tape and knew how good he was. Fundamentally he was very sound and they like to watch him throw. So they would watch the film and joke about how nasty he was. We never said a word about technique just watched him throw.<br /><br />The first two things tempo and pitching drills are for another post but the third(video) was based on the fact that our pitchers had become to technical, to robotic, and to critical of themselves. The video was a big part of that. They wanted to be perfect and pretty but truth is that's not what I believe in as a coach. I want feel, tempo, timing, and rythym. Breaking down the video so much was defeating what I wanted. It wasn't the players fault it was mine. To me pitching is an art not a science!<br /><br />After watching those two boys in class I began remembering the dance class I had to take in college. I had to learn a dance called the Dublaska(I know this is spelled wrong) Polka. I was given a book with pictures and the steps. I tried hard to learn that dance but I just didn't get it. The teacher would explain to me the steps and would break it down into small parts for me to learn.<br /><br />I was awful! I just didn't get it! Finally, she gave me a copy of the dance perform on stage by some traveling dance company. I watched the tape every night before bed and honestly didn't even practice that much, I just watched it over and over. When it came time for me to perfrom the dance I did pretty well. I just mimiced what I watched over and over on the tape. I wanted our players to do the same thing so to speak.<br /><br />I didn't want every pitcher trying to copy the same guy however, so I taped major league pitchers who I thought they were most like. I just rolled the tapes and would tell certain pitchers you throw alot like this guy I want you to watch him.<br /><br />Point here is we went on to have the best season I ever coached and the pitching staff ended the year with the lowest ERA of any staff I had ever coached. The funny thing here is they were not the most talented pitching staff I had worked with. The reason we were so successful was all because I shut up!<br /><br />The pitchers had a good idea of the right mechanics and getting all those thoughts out of the head was the difference. I took it a step further and wouldn't even tell the pitchers who was throwing that day. They would look at the line-up 30 minutes before the game to see if there name was on there. I didn't want them having all night and all day to start filling their heads with technical nonsense. They checked the list and if they were pitching they immediately went out and went through their pregame process. They didn't have a lot of opportunity to sit around and think.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">In Conclusion</span></em></strong><br /></span><br />Alot of you might be thinking a lot of those ideas are a little to extreme. I want you to know I agree with you. I do not go that extreme when I coach. It was good for that year but although it is what a lot of my philosophy is, is not totally what I do now.<br /><br />First, I do teach pitchers the proper mechanics of pitching but I do not go overboard picking apart every little detail. Instead, I will check a few critcal points in the delivery from time to time. I will not make any change unless it is absolutely neccessary or something very small.<br /><br />I will use a pitching drill but truth is, it is not a breakdown drill but rather based more on feel and rythym then technique. I want them to get comfortable with their delivery and grips. I want them to focus more on location then technique.<br /><br />Also, I will show them film of themselves pitching but I am very careful to limit how much they watch and what the emphasis is on. In most cases I will only show them if they are struggling and not getting what we are trying to do. If all else has failed I will go back to it. If they are throwing well I will not show them.<br /><br />I believe whole heartedly that players are better able to mimic other players then to learn through constant instructions. I think it is in their advantage if you can put together tape of a player who is similar to them and make suggestions as they watch it. You will begin to see them naturally evolve into what you want.<br /><br />An arguement someone may make about this, is the fact that what players think they are doing and what they actually do are two different things. If you are thinking that I completely agree with you. That's why I am saying put a visual picture in their head and not repeated instructions. They have a much better chance to imitate that video in their head then to listen to our commands.<br /><br />The video is an invaulble teaching tool and you need to use it to your advantage. Just be smart enough to realize when your pitchers are becoming to mechanical and remember a pitcher with rythym and feel has a better chance to be successful. Be careful to coach but not overcoach or you will learn the hard way like I did. I was fortunate enough that two knuckleheads in my class taught me a valuable lesson!<br /><br />The final note here is I am talking about in season practice. If I were working with a player out of season. I would show them more film and break it down for them. I might do a couple of pitching drills to help get them in the right spots. If they are out of season and being very technical and a little robotic that's fine. They are not throwing to hitters and compromising their success. However, if we are within a month of the season I am not going to fill his head with 10 different things to work on. If so he is headed for self-destruction. Best of luck!Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-42338336207198497852009-05-13T09:41:00.003-04:002009-05-19T03:17:50.134-04:00What It Is The Correct Size Glove For Baseball Players?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9KW5hbyW0DdxqsvzkkIR3cKifBvf6fhC9mf4-6CzDU6EgH4YeCFKVHi4ye6AwR5XGZ_alnco5ENcifRIEv7p-BPkb9exM031rK8ToXEim-4IKWdi-Gfxktli8KMZRg2QQLmRIBG14_c/s1600-h/gloves.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335508275585795682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 87px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9KW5hbyW0DdxqsvzkkIR3cKifBvf6fhC9mf4-6CzDU6EgH4YeCFKVHi4ye6AwR5XGZ_alnco5ENcifRIEv7p-BPkb9exM031rK8ToXEim-4IKWdi-Gfxktli8KMZRg2QQLmRIBG14_c/s400/gloves.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Glove selection can be a critical choice that determines a players success. We all know the most important thing is the player wearing the glove. The glove isn't going to change whether or not a player can catch. However, I do think glove selection is a very important detail. I am not going to argue which glove company is better then another. Not unless they send me some free gloves and let me put them to the test anyway. By the way any glove companies who want their gloves reviewed I would be happy to do it on this blog. What I am going to argue is what is the right glove size?<br /><br />Have seen a trend happening over the last 10 years or so at the high school level that I do not agree with. Mainly what I am talking about here is the size of infielders gloves. Specifically I am talking about shortstop, third base, and second base. Before I get to that however, I want to review my beliefs on glove size for the other positions.<br /><br />I will start at first base. Let me first say that if your are going to play first base make sure you wear a first basemans mitt. The advantage of wearing the glove is the fact that it is design to pick balls out of the dirt. A skill any first baseman worth his salt needs to perfect. Here is my advice. Find a rule book for your league. Then buy the biggest glove you are legally allowed to wear. The advantages of having the biggest glove you can have are three fold.<br /><br />First you have a bigger target to scoop balls out of the dirt with. Picking balls is about the players skill but the bigger glove only makes him better. Think of it this way. The golfers on the PGA tour have the best swings in the world yet they still use the drivers with the biggest sweet spot to improve their game. That's what I want on my first baseman. A glove with a big sweet spot!<br /><br />Second, as a first baseman you need to be able to catch poorly thrown balls left, right, and over your head. The bigger glove allows you to get to balls you wouldn't catch with a smaller glove. Equipment is our best friend so let's take advantage of it!<br /><br />Third, it gives you that little extra reach on balls in the hole and down the line. As a first baseman catching the ball is more important then being quick out of the glove with it. I am not saying first baseman do not need to have good ball skills. They need to be quick on both double play feeds and relay throws. But there first main responsibility is to catch poorly thrown balls and ground balls. Let's face it anyone can catch a good throw across the infield whether it's a big or small glove.<br /><br />As far as the relay throws go, you should be catching the ball in the bottom of the web on your index fingers bottom knuckle. If you catch the ball properly the size of the glove will not make a difference. Bottom line, bigger is better in this situation!<br /><br />Outfield gloves in opinion are the exact same philosophy. Use the biggest glove you are legally allowed. Using anything smaller makes absolutely no sense. You need to get to every ball you possibly can reach. Again think of it this way, if you were trying to scoop turtles out of a pond would you rather use a net with a 4 foot pole or one with an 8 foot pole?<br /><br />Once you get the biggest glove allowed there is another trick you can use to make the glove another half inch to an inch bigger. Put your little finger and ring finger in the little finger hole. Then put your index finger in the ring finger hole. Take you index finger and either put it in the middle finger hole or keep it out of the glove. Your thumb of course stays in the thumb hole.<br /><br />By doing this two things happen in your favor as a fielder. First, this slides the glove up your hand slightly making the glove even bigger. Second it also creates a softer pocket for you to catch the ball in. It will feel weird at first but give it some time and you will love it. A big glove worn properly will give you the edge you might need.<br /><br />Finally, in the outfield you need to be able to make charge plays on do or die situations. Having a big glove might make it a little harder to find the ball but like anything if you practice the play enough you will learn to do it. Plus in the outfield the charge play is not as quick as turning a double play. Although you need to field the ball and get it out as quick as possible, you have time as you gather your feet. It is not a take the ball out the split second it hits the glove type play. Go big or go home!<br /><br />This bring us to our middle infielders and third basemans. I mentioned earlier about a trend I have seen over the last 10 years at the high school level that I completely disagree with about glove selection. The trend I have seen is infielders going to small with their gloves. I have seen a lot of 11.00 inch gloves roaming the infield. It is simply to small of a glove to play those positions. You are giving the advantage back to the offense.<br /><br />Here is what I believe in. Shortstops and second basemans should use 11.50 - 11.75 inch gloves. Preferably to me it should be 11.75. At third base players should use a 11.75 - 12.00 inch glove. Again preferably to me 12.00 inches. The reason being you are giving away inches. Alright a half inch to an inch. Last time I checked baseball was a game of inches. I want those inches on my side.<br /><br />Now I know players are going to argue that the smaller the glove the better they can find the ball and the quicker they get the ball in and out. My scientific response, bull****! What they are really telling you is I feel comfortable with this glove because I play with it everyday. I feel uncomfortable with a bigger glove because I am not use to it. It is human nature that when you make a change you feel uncomfortable. It is also human nature to fight change even if it is good for you!<br /><br />If we were talking about going from an 11.00 -11.25 inch glove to a 13.00 inch glove I would agree with them. I have been an infielder all my life and you need that feel to do your job. But we are not talking about adding 2 inches to your glove. Bottom line is this, the bigger the glove the more balls you can get to. Over the course of a season we might be talking about only 4 or 5 extra balls you can reach. But those 4 or 5 balls could determine the outcome of your season. Why not take advantage of it!<br /><br />Let's go back to the idea that the smaller the glove the quicker you find the ball and get it back out. If you are any good as an infielder when you catch the ball and have to be quick getting it back out, you don't catch the ball in the middle of the web. Instead we learn to catch the ball in the bottom of the web where our index finger connects to our hand. We don't even close the glove. It hits right there and at a fraction of a second later we are pulling it back out. It doesn't matter what size glove you use, you will be catching and pulling from the same spot.<br /><br />If you can agree with that then you can understand having a glove 11.75 inches is in your favor. Personally I did throw in 11.50 earlier in the post but I think that is too small as well. However, if I can get a player to go from 11.00 - 11.50 I'll take it as a start because at least I am gaining a half an inch.<br /><br />At third base you need to be 11.75 - 12.00 inch. You need to be able to cover both the hole and the line. You have little time to run over and field those balls. In a lot of cases it's a step and a dive. Take the bigger glove and get to more balls. It really is that simple. If you the practice with the glove it will not be hard to find the ball. These are still not huge gloves that the balls disappear in. Third baseman need to be quick in and out of the glove but not quite as quick as the middle infielders so the added length is well worth it.<br /><br />I have had the opportunity to be in major league locker rooms and see the gloves the infielders wear. They are not going extra small. They want the reach because they understand what it can do for them, their career, and the team. I remember Cal Ripkin Jr. using one of the biggest gloves of any shortstop. My guess is it was the biggest but I don't know for sure. I also read in a chapter in his book about his manager Earl Weaver telling him to use the bigger glove so he could get to more balls. It is not rocket science here. Can you imagine the bus ride home after losing the State Championship because the last out tipped off your shortstops 11.00 inch glove?<br /><br />I have had players play with gloves that small. I understand mom and dad paid $300.00 for that glove and they aren't buying another one. As a parent I get it. But if you are player reading this and you are buying a new glove don't go small. Go with the a glove that gives you both feel and the range. Use your equipment to your advantage!<br /><br />Finally, we will end with the catchers mitt. I am not an expert on the catchers mitt because I have never caught. Common sense makes me believe that you should choose a mitt much like an infielders glove. Don't go huge and don't go small. Get a glove that's both big enough and gives you the feel you want. I realize that basically tells you nothing. Since I can not give any better advice on the catchers mitt I went to my catching coach Bullet. Bullet was an outstanding high school catcher who caught Division 1 baseball and spent some time playing minor league ball. Here is his belief on selecting, wearing, and taking care of a catchers mitt.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Bullet Says:<br /><br />"A Catcher’s mitt like any glove are very similar to an infielder’s glove except by size, I always used a 32.5 Wilson a2403 which is the Pudge version! The reason I say they are a lot like infield gloves is because they should be small for transfer and also to frame the ball better because you have more control of a smaller glove. The stitches should be kept tight at all times so that there is no give in the glove so you can frame better, and you never keep your catcher’s mitt in your bag with the rest of your gear, it is your baby I called it my girl you don’t treat her wrong! Last but not least your whole hand should never go all the way into your glove, once your knuckles are in your are far enough and have the glove in the proper position. And never lay the glove on it's back, always leave it face down and open they way you want it when you catch a ball!"<br /><br />Coach Bullet(Oehler)<br />Pennsville High School Baseball<br /></span><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong><br /><span style="color:#333333;">In Conclusion</span><br /><span style="color:#333333;"></span><br /><span style="color:#333333;">Baseball is your trade and your glove is your tool. Select the right tool for the job and you will be more efficient. Forgot what looks cool or what your friends are wearing. Instead, use common sense and make the right choice. I am sure there are players and coaches who may have other opinions and I would love to hear from you. Your comments and questions are greatly welcomed on this site. It is the only way we can all learn and develop as coaches and players!</span>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-91215934644709610352009-05-11T11:49:00.001-04:002009-05-19T03:22:30.715-04:00Optimizing Peak Performance Using A Process Versus Product Approach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbzLE9ZSQ6fnZUbT9AizDxKiyZvcd4LTgVMYC4kaUaewf_2lT1B2ZhLCCrNEFWcHTKg_W4sl1lbTacM_05z6eUcb0nttzlSnRbPT3sLA46ZVChtqhTpSNC8EiCrWDgF7ptyKS61I030I/s1600-h/wizardofwestwood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335087788604637698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 88px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbzLE9ZSQ6fnZUbT9AizDxKiyZvcd4LTgVMYC4kaUaewf_2lT1B2ZhLCCrNEFWcHTKg_W4sl1lbTacM_05z6eUcb0nttzlSnRbPT3sLA46ZVChtqhTpSNC8EiCrWDgF7ptyKS61I030I/s400/wizardofwestwood.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />John Wooden the "Wizard of Westwood". A coach who put his mark on the coaching fraternity that will never be equaled. He spent 40 seasons as a Head Coach and finished with a record of 885-203. That's a winning percentage of .813! He spent 27 years roaming the sidelines at UCLA and finished 620-147. Including 10 National Championships and 19 Conference Championships.<br /><br />During that time he won 7 consecutive National Championships, won 38 consecutive tournament games, and 88 consecutive games. Not to mention went undefeated four times during that stretch. His success has been documented and unparalleled. It's insane and will never be duplicated.<br /><br />I first began my coaching career as a 20 year old college student coaching JV basketball. I was totally addicted right away. I read, listened, went to clinics, watched coaching tapes, I mean I studied every offense and defense there was available. I studied every technique until I could talk about it like I came up with it. Over 5 or 6 years I saw improvement in our players and in our team but not as much as I would have liked.<br /><br />I took over that 6th year as the Head Baseball Coach as well. Using the same basic approach I focused on teaching our players the game and techniques. We had a good season too losing late in the South Jersey Championship game. I went into that off season wanting to improve as a coach but reading more about techniques and team defense etc... wasn't going to be productive enough. So I began pouring through everything I could find about the coaches I respected the most. I wanted to know how they taught their teams concepts like mental toughness, approach to the game, and their philosophy of coaching.<br /><br />One of those coaches was John Wooden. Coach Wooden has written a lot of books and has a lot of coaching philosophies and beliefs. He is most famous for the his Pyramid of Success. One day I was reading his stuff and I came across a concept he referred to as Process versus Product. I light went of in my head when I began to read it. I could immediately see the benefits of this approach. I could immediately see how to adapt it to baseball. I know for a fact, that it led us to the success we had.<br /><br />The Process versus Product concept as it applies to coaching and playing is not complicated. Process is the way you do things and product is the end result. An example would be a batter. The process is whether or not it was a good at bat. While the product is the end result of a hit, walk, strikeout etc... If your goal as a coach is to build teams who play consistent and at peak performance a majority of the time then you must have a philosophy that is process oriented.<br /><br />If your a competitive coach or player (which you probably are if your taken the time to read this)then your also probably a Type A personality who deep down believes you can will yourself to victory. The Refuse to Lose mentality which sells T-shirts and bumper stickers but doesn't win games. Wanting to win and winning are two completely different things. The game of baseball is a great reminder to the truth of that statement. Making a great pitch does ensure you will get the batter out. Hitting the ball on the screws does not mean you will get a hit.<br /><br />When I came back to take over the High School program in my hometown I began laying the foundation for a process oriented ball club. I broke it down into 6 phases in order to teach the players effectively.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Phase #1: Educate<br />Phase #2: Control/Can't Control<br />Phase #3: Build Processes<br />Phase #4: Simulate Game Situations<br />Phase #5: Self Evaluation<br />Phase #6: Reward<br /></span></em></strong><br />I took these 6 phases and began hammering them home every single day until it became routine for our players. Until it was a way of life for them. I wanted them to not even know how to play the game any other way. By the end of our first season the players had bought in and we took off. Over the next 6 seasons we captured 6 consecutive South Jersey Championships and 4 State Championships. In 2005 the team won both the Diamond Classic (An invitational tournament harder to win the a State Championship) and the Courier Cup as the number 1 team in South Jersey. For a small group 1 team like Pennsville it was quite an accomplishment for our boys.<br /><br />Here is a breakdown of the 6 phases:<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Phase #1: Educate</span></em></strong><br /></span><br />The first thing we did was educate the players on the concept of Process versus Product. I explained to them exactly what Process meant and exactly what product meant. I told them process is the small details and how we prepare before each pitch. How process was knowing exactly what to do in each situation they would be in. It was a game plan on how to get ready for the next pitch. I then explained how Product was the end result, nothing more nothing less.<br /><br />What I had seen in my players in the past were guys who went 0-4 and were hanging their heads while guys who went 3-4 were grinning ear to ear. Never mind the fact that the 3-4 player had two Texas's leaguers and a slow roller for an infield hit. Also, did a poor job of working the count and spent most of the day in the hole. Meanwhile, the 0-4 player had 4 great at bats. His approach was sound, worked the count to his benefit, and hit the ball hard 3 times.<br /><br />I wanted the players to understand that it is the approach that we base our confidence on not the end result. It is not an easy task for anyone, let alone a 16 year kid, to buy into this concept. But it can and should be done! I spoke to them about this concept daily. I am sure I got to the point where they were like, "here we go again!" but that's how important it is.<br /><br />We all know how efficient fighter pilots are when they fly. We know how successful our pilots are in the heat of battle when they are in a dog fight. I began studying how they were trained and found an underlying theme to their consistency. Although, just like baseball, there is a feel and an instinct in their game there is also a process for everything they do. It is the processes they follow that allow them to fly with confidence and know what to do in every given situation.<br /><br />We think we are nervous in a tight ball game, what do you think they feel in a dog fight at Mach 5 where the product is live or die! But yet they perform at peak performance at an unbelievably high percentage of the time because they follow the processes set up for them. Even when they are nervous or scared their bodies take over and run the processes for them because they know no other way. They have been trained to do exactly that! This builds confidence in anyone and at the end of the day confidence is what determines success and failure.<br /><br />In most cases enemy fighters are beat before they even match-up with one of our pilots. The same thing holds true on the ball field. Some teams are beat before the game even starts because they don't have an underlying confidence in how to handle them self. They don't have a process!<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Phase #2: Can Control/Can't Control<br /></span></em></strong><br /></span>The second thing I would do is have the players make two lists of things we could control and things we could not control. I put them on poster boards and hung them up in the locker room. Once the list were made I explain to them that everything on the can't control poster board was out of our control so we are not going to worry about it. We are not going to spend anytime talking about it or working on it.<br /><br />Then I explained you can not base your self-confidence on things you can't control in life or especially the game of the baseball. You can not control whether or not you get a hit but you can control whether or not you have a good at bat. This is what we would base our self-confidence on. If we could control it then we would base our self-confidence off of those factors. If our Process was good then we felt good regardless of the Product.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Phase #3: Build Processes<br /></span></em></strong><br />The next thing we did was study the Can Control board. We took every single detail we could control and built a process for how we would handle that part of the game. We wanted every detailed covered. For example we had a process for how we prepared for games if they were home and if they were away. Take away games for example: I knew in order to win a State Championship you had to go on the road. I didn't want to leave how we prepared on away games to chance.<br /><br />We would arrive in the locker for away games. Dress, gather our equipment, and board the bus. The varsity players were required to sit in the front of the bus were I could talk with them about the game plan. The further the players are away from the Head Coach the more they will fool around and less prepared they are for the game! When the bus departed players were allowed to relax and talk until the bus left Pennsville.<br /><br />Once the bus cross out of Pennsville the players were required to stop talking and begin playing the game in their mind. To focus on their job at hand. I am sure some did much better then others. Point here is the players all settled down into a relaxed state. When we would get to a point approximately 15 minutes away we would turn on a CD player with a premade CD of 4 to 5 songs that were our game day songs. We always ended the ride by listening to Eminem's "Lose Yourself"! By the time we got to that song we had the bounce in our step when we walked off the bus. More importantly, we were in a frame of mind to get after it.<br /><br />In 2005, the most decorated team I coached, they took to that process better then any other team I had. They were ready when we walked off the bus every time! They sang the songs and believed in them. I know it might seem a little softballish but it was a coordinated, focused effort of preparing. In fact, the only day I didn't ride the bus to a game, was the day our bid for 7 consecutive South Jersey Championships ended. That's not a knock at my assistant coaches. I know they will read this and think what the hell!<br /><br />It wasn't their fault and I am not implying that it was. It was my deal and it still haunts from time to time that I wasn't on the bus. My wife gave birth to our fourth child that day and I got to the game in the 3rd inning. I mean I was never going to miss the birth of my daughter but I wish I could have been with my guys from the locker room to the field. Truth is, I could have rode the bus and maybe we still would have lost. But deep down I still feel bad for not being there with them.<br /><br />We had a process for hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching, situations, bus rides, you name it our players had a game plan of how they would handle it. Again this leaves nothing to chance and puts you in control of how you perform. I do not believe you can control whether you win or lose but I do believe you can control how you play. I almost never even talked about winning or losing and even the few times I did it was emotions getting the better of me. You can't control it so don't focus on it. Instead build processes for what you can control so you are consistent in your play. You and I both know if your process is consistently good you will win the majority of the time!<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Phase # 4: Simulate Game Situations</span></em></strong><br /><br />I will not go into how I believe you should simulate game situations in this post but I do want to make the point of how critical it is to your ball club. If we expect players to make plays, know what to do with the ball in any given situation, make reads on the base paths, then we need to give them those situations everyday in practice. If we think as coaches they will know what to do without repping it everyday then we are leaving games to chance.<br /><br />Casinos run games of chance and the house almost always wins. The odds are in their favor. As a coach I don't want to be the gambler I want to be the house! In order to swing the odds in your favor then you must rep every situation. Build a process for it, teach it to your players, and then put them in situations in practice so they can rep the process. This allows them to feel more comfortable in the games and dramatically improves their success rate.<br /><br />For example, we had an On Deck Approach. We built a process for how our hitters should approach their plate appearances from the dugout, to the on deck circle, to the batters box. They would study the pitcher from the dugout. 2 batters away from on deck circle put batting gloves on, get your helmet, and bat. 1 batter away from the on deck circle we are studying pitcher and must know the situation of the game. As soon as the batter finishes his plate appearance you are ready to walk right out to the on deck circle. We never used a weight for the bat. Instead they would time the pitcher taking swings on each pitch he threw. Seeing on each game speed swing a ball in that we turn on. Then a ball away we drive into the gap. Two strike approach staying inside the ball. We had 3 or 4 hits on the pitcher before we every got in the box.<br /><br />Once in the box we had a process of how we would handle the pitcher but that's for another post. Point being, when games were tight and players were nervous they had a sequence to follow that always prepared them to have their body ready. It's no different then the fighter pilots in the sky. Well except that whole death thing! If we expect players to commit these processes to unconscious memory then we had better train them that way in practice everyday and give them the reps they need.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Phase #5: Self Evaluation</span></em></strong><br /><br />Self evaluation is one the best teaching tools out there. What we did was create a Players Grade Book. It was broken down into different process areas: Hitting, fielding (we had a special set for the catchers), Pitching, Base Running, and Head. Each of these areas were broken down in 5 or 6 sub categories. An example would be:<br /><br />Hitting<br />1. Studying Pitcher<br />2. On Deck Approach<br />etc...<br /><br />They were processes that went with that skill. After each practice or game the players would grab their notebooks and grade themselves on a scale of 1 to 3. 3 being the best. They would go through and grade themselves on about 25 areas, 20 if they were not a pitcher. It would take the players 2 or 3 minutes to fill it out and then put it back in their notebook before they left. I would check them once a week. I was really only checking to see if they had done them.<br /><br />Regardless of what grade they gave themselves it forced them to think about all the important concepts in playing the game. They had to think did I do this or not. They can lie with the grade they give themselves but they can't lie to themselves about what they actually did. Again, this forces them to self evaluate their game.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Phase #6: Reward<br /></span></em></strong><br />As a coach you must reward the players when their process is good. Especially, when their process is good but they haven't got much in the score book to show for it. You don't need to make a big deal about the guy who had 3 hits. He already feels good. Instead make a big deal about the player who went 0-4 but had a great process and quality at bats.<br /><br />One example of how we did this was with an award called Greenie Board. Greenie Board was a poster board hung on the wall. It was green by the way. After practice and games players who had quality at bats signed the board. I had tons of players who would not get a hit in the game but still sign the board. The board was based on process and quality at bats. At the end of the year who ever had the most signatures took it home with them.<br /><br />Some of you may be thinking at this point why the word Greenie Board? Naval aviators when they train to be fighter pilots are graded on how well they land planes on the aircraft carriers. Their process is graded and the top scores are put up on what is called the Greenie Board. It seemed only fitting to name our hitting award after them.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">In Conclusion</span></em></strong><br /><br />All the great businesses, infantries, teams, you name it, have a process of how they handle their business. It is a blue print for success that allows them to not only be successful but repeat it over and over. Training any other way is simply foolish in my eyes. It is not only a skill that will allow your players to be great on the field but it is something they can use in their everyday life. It takes the guess work out and allows your natural ability to shine.<br /><br />Playing great is still about instinct, timing, rhythm, and tempo. Having a process allows you to be focused and prepared so those traits can surface and you can play to your potential. Best of luck!Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-73461313549443144882009-05-10T01:21:00.002-04:002009-05-19T03:24:58.234-04:00Building Trust In Your Baseball Team<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirXdNOC7zGSQfYL8RdMCbtd7za0ZudgPP3Ezq3HpqW7oosh5q7Ihcpo_578FXLShdUoFTU6D6Nlt5RnXFgY2ufAbStW0JBKXmO_bvri910fo4H3qrtrFQXg1OTZFl35IRVxz1XeA9N_E/s1600-h/trusthat.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334221652579422338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirXdNOC7zGSQfYL8RdMCbtd7za0ZudgPP3Ezq3HpqW7oosh5q7Ihcpo_578FXLShdUoFTU6D6Nlt5RnXFgY2ufAbStW0JBKXmO_bvri910fo4H3qrtrFQXg1OTZFl35IRVxz1XeA9N_E/s320/trusthat.bmp" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#000000;">Building trust in your baseball team is the number one fundamental skill any quality program must have in my opinion. Without trust your program will never reach it's full potential. You can teach throwing, hitting, and catching till the cows come home but, if you haven't built trust in your program you are never going to sustain consistency. Without trust, adversity will rip your ball club apart at every seam.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">On the flip side, once trust is instill in your program you will be able to handle the bad times in your season. You will have the power to play a bad stretch of baseball (which happens to everyone) and have a team that will continue to play hard. A team that will not start pointing fingers and making excuses.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Instead, you will find young kids showing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">character</span> well beyond their years. They will stay together. They will believe in each other and the program. The will know that the ship will right itself. This belief is what actually makes or breaks your season. It is not just about having good players. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Most teams play a schedule that consists of a few teams that they are better <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">then and</span> a few teams they are not as talented as. But the majority of the schedule is against opponents that are very similar in ability. Trust is what <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">separates</span> those teams over the course of a season.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Trust is also what allows you to beat better ball clubs who don't possess the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">necessary</span> resolve it takes to compete everyday. When things get tough and it's late in the game players are either going to trust in what they are doing or they are not. The more the pressure builds the more it will show. What do you want your players thinking?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Obviously, this is a very important mindset to me as a coach. It is the first thing I talk about on the first day of practice. I make sure that we are talking and working on it everyday throughout the season. I believe it is what we did best in our program but we didn't leave it to chance. We lived it everyday!</span><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">What is TRUST?<br /></span></em></strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;">To me TRUST as it relates to a baseball teams is broken down into 3 areas: </span><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">1) Player to Player<br />2) Player To Coach<br />3) Coach to Player<br /></span><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Building these 3 trust areas is critical to a programs success. They are all areas which you can teach and give opportunities to your guys to grow as a player, teammate, and person.<br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Most people hear the word trust and they think about if you can tell someone a secret and they won't tell anyone. Or their boyfriend or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">girlfriend</span> won't cheat on them. Part of our trust definition is exactly that, but it does go much deeper.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Trust to us also means that we trust you will be there everyday. You are not going to miss practice. You are not going to get in trouble off the field. That you are going to pay attention to the details when coach is talking. Bottom line that you are going to handle your responsibility like a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">professional</span> and we don't ever have to worry about you.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I am like most coaches. I have a few rules and truth is they are the same rules that every coach probably uses. </span><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">1. Be on time<br /><br />2. Make eye contact<br /><br />3. Maximum effort<br /><br />4. Represent our team on and off the field in a positive manner<br /><br />5. Take care of business in the classroom: Both behavior and schoolwork<br /><br /></span></em></strong><span style="color:#000000;">Nothing earth shattering here with the rules. A big part of our trust package relates <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">around</span> these rules. The difference between programs is not the rules they have but rather the enforcement of these rules. I always wanted our players to do those five things not because they were rules, but because it was the right way to do things.<br /><br />Rules are made to be broken so maybe we would all be better using the "Law of Attraction" and calling them "Rights" instead. I didn't want them thinking, "don't do this because it is against the rules and I will get in trouble." I wanted them thinking, "do this because it's the right way to do it!"<br /><br />Teaching kids is more effective in the long run then punishing kids but sometimes the line between the two is blurry. Always work to teach them the right approach to the game and life. But when all else fails disciplining your players to help ingrain the right way is a must! </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><em>The Rules For Building The 3 Trust </em></strong><strong><em>Areas</em><span style="color:#cc0000;"></strong></span><br /></span><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Rule #1: Talk A Good Game</span></em></strong><br /><p>I believe the first stage of building anything starts with talk. I know the old saying, "Talk is cheap." I actually say that quite a bit when I am coaching. But, if you are going to build something you need to have a clear picture of what it is you want build.</p><p>More importantly then that, you have to be able to be a wordsmith and paint a picture for your players. They need to understand, just as well as you do, what you want to build and how you will go about building it. Just throwing out a coaching cliche like, "We have to trust one another!" won't get it done.</p><p>You need to explain to them how trust helps them as a player and a team. How trusting yourself will allow you to reach peak performance and then teach them how to do. How trust builds confidence and allows you to overcome adversity and win games when your down.</p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><em>Rule #2: Same Rules</em></strong></span></p><p>Once, you have painted that picture of what you are building you need to back it up. If players are going to trust you and one another, then they all must follow the same set of rules. Whether it is a starter or the last kid on the bench the same rules apply. </p><p>If you are gonna bust an average player for not running out a pop up then you better be busting your star for the same thing! If you bench your 9 hitter because he was a problem in school then you better bench your number 1 pitcher if he does the same thing.</p><p>If you allow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">players to</span> follow different rules then you are creating a situation where players will begin to build animosity towards you and more importantly one another. Clicks will then begin to form and your season is lost! Trust is formed when everything in your program is consistent.</p><p><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Rule #3: Know The Game</span></em></strong></p><p>If you want to build trust between players and coaches then you need to know the game. You have to be able to speak confidently and have answers for everything. You have to be a coach that the players respect(whether they like you or not) because you are in control. Even when you don't have answers you need to seem like you've got it all figured out.</p><p>You are organized. You understand techniques and team play. You can motivate and keep everyone going in the same direction. You have a infrastructure inside the program that the players lean on. If the players have confidence in you as a coach their trust level goes way up. If not, they have no trust in the team.</p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><em><strong>Rule #4: Live It Everyday</strong></em></span></p><p>Come up with ideas that foster the idea of trust. I am not talking about a guy falling backwards with another playing catching him. Their are a lot of trust game ideas like that. I am not saying they don't work, I just don't think it has any lasting effect and plus I really don't think they work! </p><p>I have always used the same 3 tools because they have always worked for me. These are actual physical ideas that they live every day. Be creative here! I am sure there are a lot of cool ideas you can come up with to hammer home the point of trust. </p><p>The first thing I always do is come up with a saying that I think is important for the team that season. Not something general like Play Hard. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Something</span> specific for that team. Once I have decided what the saying will be, I will break it down to three letters.</p><p>For example: One season we used the letters S.S.B. which stood for Steadiness in Small Bites. I felt it was important that season to take that attitude so that's what I used. Another year I used O.N.E. which stood for Ownership Not Excuses. It has to be a message that you want to hammer home to that years team.</p><p>In 2002 we won a State Championship. In 2003 we returned almost every member of the 02 team. My biggest fear was that success would go to our head and we would lose sight of what got us a state championship. That season I used the letters A.M.F. which stood for Assumption is the Mother of all Failure. I wanted a daily reminder to them to not assume anything.</p><p>Once I settle on the saying and the letters I would tell the team what it meant and why it was important. Then they would be instructed that no one outside of our program was allowed to know what the letters meant until our season was over. These letters were special to us and I wanted them to trust each other that no one would give them away.</p><p>I guess it is like a little secret society type deal but our kids took pride in it. I took these letters and put them on the back of a T-shirt that every player wore under their uniforms. When we took infield and outfield we took the field in those T-Shirts. Everywhere we went on a daily basis our players were being asked what the letters stood for. Our players had to tell them we can't tell you it's for us.</p><p>Every player on our team was asked over and over. Opposing players, coaches, umpires, fans, and the media. Our local paper wrote stories about it. The kids were not allowed to tell parents, relatives, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">girlfriends</span>, nobody! It grew into such a special thing for these players. Everyone would spend all season trying to guess what they were.</p><p>I went to scout a rival team and a number of my players were at the game as well. While their team was playing on the field against another school their student section sitting in the bleachers began chanting the letters on the back of our shirts across the field. None of our players had the shirt on. They knew what the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">initials</span> were and they weren't even players!</p><p>The first year I did this at the high school level was 2002. We had just won the State Championship. We ran out piled up on the mound, received the trophy, talked to the media, hugged and kissed family, I mean it took some time. Finally when I gathered all my stuff and walk out behind the dugout towards the bus there was all of our fans, players parents, and family. I mean a crowd of people who weren't about to let me leave until I told them what the letters stood for since our season was over. The cool thing is we won 4 State Championships in 5 years and every year the fans and media waited for me to come out and tell them. </p><p>The second thing I will do is write every players name down on a 3 x 5 card and put it in their locker. I tell them this is your name. Then I put a box by the door they walk out to head to the field. On the box are the words "check your name at the door".</p><p>This done because I teach them you must set aside your ego and play for the team. This is a way to physically remind them of this concept everyday. However, this is also another trust building exercise. The reason being they must all put their name in the box and they must all pick them up after practice and put them back into their locker.</p><p>If at the end of the night when I close up any names are left in the box the team will run. I don't mean a little running I mean a lot. Something they absolutely do not want to do. Here's why. You go out and practice for three hours or more. Your tired when you come in, maybe your in a hurry that day and you run out and forget your name. So the next day we run and run and run.</p><p>Here's what begins to happen however. Players begin checking the box before they leave to see if any player has left his name tag in there. If a player has left and their name tag is still in the box the other players would take it and put it in their locker for them. They always did this so I wouldn't know. I knew! And it is exactly what I wanted. Players looking out for one another and building trust.</p><p>Yes I know taking out the name tag saves your own backside but to the player who left it your a godsend. We ran one time and haven't run since. Players began focusing on these little details and trust was building. I listened to a conversation between two players who didn't know I was there. The first player said "did you know you forgot to put your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">name tag</span> back in your locker." The second player said "yes". The first player responded "you must have been worried!" The second player said, "Nah, I knew someone would get it for me". That's the trust factor I was looking for!</p><p>The final thing I believe in is disciplining everyone for one players mistakes. If we have a player let's say who gets in trouble in school we all run for it. I do this for a specific reason. One, it puts pressure on the players to think of the team before themselves because their mistakes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">affect</span> everyone. </p><p>Think about it this way. If I mess up and have to run that's one thing. But, if I mess up and everyone has to run for it that's another. I need to think about my choices and how they affect the team. I mean that's the exact attitude you are trying to build on the field.</p><p>It is not the only thing I am trying to build with it however. I have run teams quite a bit when needed because of players breaking rules or because the team's effort is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">sub par</span>. The attitude and atmosphere I am trying to build is different then most however. </p><p>I put the team through the ringer so to speak and so the team begins to build trust with another by not messing up number 1. But also I want our players to back the player who messed up. I will always tell the players your out here running you mind as well make it as enjoyable as you can. There is no point in being mad because it isn't going to change the fact that you are running.</p><p>I am easily angered but once you have paid your debt we move forward no grudges. I wanted the players to stay together and trust everyone had each others back even if it was against me. I didn't want them falling apart at the seams because something bad happened. If it happens in practice it will show up on the field. If you know the teams got your back then you can make a mistake during the game and bounce right back. Your team will trust each other and handle adversity. That's what champions are made from.</p><p><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">In Conclusion</span></em></strong></p><p>Trust is the foundation from which all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">successful</span> programs are build on. You must as a coach take time everyday to work on it. Even if it is just a little thing here or there. Constantly teach it and come up with creative ways to illustrate your message. If you can build a team that trusts you will be successful.<span style="color:#000000;"></p></span>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-34756781554590952252009-05-08T08:55:00.001-04:002009-05-19T03:26:00.014-04:00Why high school baseball coaches should mange their teams like big league clubs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7wIc4xVJxogcFSP7KEVJmQakukBLmViKYiv7f-tdwtsubmGaZDcJ0c4-OvO_l67OHRicY8PWXc9ZPc4G2pip-hA93o5XD0uOqB4I27bzF5jTUMyb4V6mOsb_0r6ZrZY7TijaSAlw0HY/s1600-h/charlie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334218120105346034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7wIc4xVJxogcFSP7KEVJmQakukBLmViKYiv7f-tdwtsubmGaZDcJ0c4-OvO_l67OHRicY8PWXc9ZPc4G2pip-hA93o5XD0uOqB4I27bzF5jTUMyb4V6mOsb_0r6ZrZY7TijaSAlw0HY/s320/charlie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In this post we are going to explore my idea that high school baseball teams would benefit greatly by setting up their ball club much like major league managers do. It is my belief that it is important for players to have a defined role on a team.<br /><br />As coaches we all think to ourselves "yeah our players have roles" and of course they do. But, how often do you train them both mentally and physically to perform their specific role so they are at peak performance? How often do you have conversations with them about their role on the team and what they can do to make the ball club better? Are you able to get players 10-14 to be as excited about their job as 1-9 are?<br /><br />There is a reason why major league clubs all run the same way. The reason is, it's the most effective way to play the game. They have specific players who have specific jobs. These players train both mentally and physically to be great at their role on the team.<br /><br />Some players may play 9 innings while others may only have one at bat or pitch to one hitter. They have a clear and defined job description of what they will be asked to do on a daily basis. This preparation allows the players to get comfortable and gain confidence so they can perform at peak performance more often.<br /><br />Most high school teams do not operate in this fashion. I realize it is high baseball and not the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pro's</span></span>. I also understand you cannot run it exactly the same way because of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">personnel</span>. In high school more often then not your top pitchers are also some of your better hitters and defensive players.<br /><br />I know it has been that way for me most of the time. But it doesn't change the concept that if you can fit guys into certain roles and prepare them in that way, your team will be more consistent. There are 5 important concepts I believe strongly can help your ball club if you can work it out.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Concept #1: Setting Up Your Pitching Rotation<br /><br /></span></em></strong>It is my belief that you are much better off if you can set-up your pitching rotation in the following way. First you must identify your top 5 pitchers. For the most part 5 pitchers will get you through the entire season. There may be a situation here or there that requires a 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span></span> pitcher but 5 pitchers will handle the load.<br /><br />After you identify the top 5 you need to narrow that list down to your top 3 pitchers. Obviously, your best pitcher becomes your number 1. Then you must make a decision between the other two players on who will be the number 2 and who will be the closer. Once you have established your number 1, your number 2, and your closer then it's time to choose from the remaining two pitchers who will be the number 3. The fifth pitcher then becomes your fourth starter if needed and a middle relief guy.<br /><br />I have seen so many teams lose because they don't adopt this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">philosophy</span>. Their number 1 throws a great game only to be lifted in the 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span></span> or 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span></span> for a guy who is not prepared and blows the lead. I know it is in every teams best interest to always have one of your top pitchers available to come in and close out every game. Especially if that pitcher is trained for that situation.<br /><br />This pitcher needs to be a guy who practices a great deal from the stretch. Let's face it, a lot of high school pitchers don't feel as comfortable from the stretch as they do the wind-up. So why not have a guy that focuses on that situation. A guy that prepares all season to throw under pressure at the end of games.<br /><br />This also has another huge side effect. It allows you to get your starters out of the game after 80 - 90 pitches allowing them to stay fresh and healthy at the end of the year. It also saves them innings so they could start more games. Pitchers wear down when they do not get adequate rest. You <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">certainly</span> don't want a tired pitcher heading into the post season.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><em>Concept 2: The Pinch Hitter</em></strong></span><br /><br />I cannot stress enough the importance of having a guy on the bench whose total mindset is to hit late in the game in an important at bat that could decide the game. We all have players on the bench that we will bring into the game to hit if some one is a weak hitter or struggling that day. But how many high school teams have a guy who is totally committed to that role.<br /><br />What I am talking about is a guy who knows his job is to sit on the bench and study the pitcher. If they have a guy in the pen he is on him too. He is mentally preparing himself for that at bat in the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span></span>, 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span></span>, or 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span></span> inning that is going to determine the outcome of the game.<br /><br />As coaches to often we focus on the 1-5 hitters when in reality they need the least amount of help. After all that's why they are batting 1-5. It's 6-10 or 14 that most likely will determine the success of our season. Your 3 hole hitter is hitting .450 with 15 extra base hits and coaches are going around talking about how they coached that kid. Anybody could probably coach that kid and most likely he isn't going to be the deciding factor on how many games you win.<br /><br />Let me give you an example. I coached a kid who in his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">sophomore</span> and junior season went 20-2 on the mound. 10-0 in the play-offs and was the winning pitcher in 2 State Championship games. He also hit close to .450 over those two seasons and had 16 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">home runs</span>. He was awesome!<br /><br />I could make a video and say I coached this player and I would look like a genius. Everyone would rush out to see what I did for this young man to make him so great. I'll give you the secret for free right now! First I got a pencil, second I wrote his name on the line-up card, third I shook his hand at the end of the game.<br /><br />I have a lot of self-confidence about my self as a coach but I am not so ego minded that I believe I made that kid a great player. I believe I played a small role in helping him but he was the player he was because him and his dad worked year round on becoming that player. Plus by the time he was in High School he was maturing physically and had a great baseball body.<br /><br />What I can tell you is we didn't win back to back State Championships those two years simply because of him. He was the lead dog no doubt about it. The other 4 hitters in that top 5 did their job as well. In the end the biggest difference between us and the other teams were 6-14. In fact, our best hitter I have ever seen in a play-off stretch was our 8 hitter. He carried us on his back through the post season that first year.<br /><br />I know I got a little of topic about the pinch hitter but this all plays into the fact that the pinch hitter could be the guy who determines your season. If you haven't prepare a hitter for that job then you are not playing at peak performance.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Concept #3: Defensive Replacements</span></em></strong><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br />Again this goes to the same idea that I have said in the first two concepts. If you have a weak defensive player you had better prepare a player behind him you can use late in games with a lead. If not you are tempting fate and eventually will get burned.<br /><br />Same premise here. Give the player a role. Talk to him about it. Let him train all season so he gets comfortable with entering the game late when all the pressure is mounting. Just firing a player out there because he is a good defensive player without mentally getting him right is just too risky for me.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Concept #4: The Pinch Runner<br /><br /></span></em></strong>I will not spend much time here. Instead, I will only make the point that we all have them and use them but how much time do you spend coaching that player for that role. I know I am being repetitive here but this guy is going to be on the base paths when it counts most. Don't leave it to chance.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Concept #5: The Pinch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Bunter</span></span></span></em></strong><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br />This is a concept that is always overlooked. Sure we have guys on the bench that we believe are decent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">bunters</span></span> and in the heat of the game will throw them in there in a big spot to bunt. But how well do we prepare them mentally to handle that role??? Do we have a guy that throughout the year we are trying to find an at bat every game where he can get a bunt down? Probably not but we will throw him in there in the top of the 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span></span> in a State Championship game and expect him to get it down.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">In Conclusion</span></em></strong><br /><br />There are two main ideas I like about managing your high school team like the major leagues. One, it allows players to have a clear idea of what they will have to do during a game. This allows them to fully <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">prepare</span> for their job. It allows them to learn to control their emotions so they can play at peak performance more often.<br /><br />Second, it allows more players to be involved in the outcome of the game. The more players who will be involved in the final outcome of the game, the more players you will have preparing in practice. All players practice but not all players prepare. The more players who are involved the better your practices will be. There is not a coach alive who doesn't understand your team plays the way they practice! Best of luck!</div>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155970624693977484.post-91514314487580236042009-05-07T10:18:00.001-04:002009-05-19T03:26:51.270-04:00Why High School and Youth Baseball Coaches Have A Bigger Impact On Success Then Any Other Sport!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7oQl0hzCKwL2550Q1mtqAAyMx7G8S8H6PQJy3j_wdjjdqv3A-r8CJF3BJ2OM1Js74Hi6jwprYgK9yVKz7dILXGb1fBJ7a6nEQGDBRPMZp3ESX4Wq5XSb4YwAH8imj7QqTWlzJNUqPX0/s1600-h/trudellpic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334221470588765986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7oQl0hzCKwL2550Q1mtqAAyMx7G8S8H6PQJy3j_wdjjdqv3A-r8CJF3BJ2OM1Js74Hi6jwprYgK9yVKz7dILXGb1fBJ7a6nEQGDBRPMZp3ESX4Wq5XSb4YwAH8imj7QqTWlzJNUqPX0/s320/trudellpic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I want my first post on this site to be something that helps get us motivated to "Get After It!" To build players and teams that play to their potential! I believe a baseball coach has more of an influence on the teams overall play then any other coach has in any other sport.<br /><br />If you are a baseball coach then this has to immediately get you excited about the job you do. There are so many ways we can get ahead of the other teams if we will take advantage of our opportunities. If you can't get excited about that concept then your in the wrong sport!<br /><br />I know football, basketball, soccer coaches etc... who read this are gonna argue differently. I have coach basketball and football for a long time and I am not trying to imply that coaches don't make a difference in those sports. The fact is coaches make a difference in every sport. My point is in baseball you have the opportunity to affect your team a little more then other sports. Here are 3 reasons why!<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Reason # 1</span></em><br /></strong></span>Baseball is not a game based on athleticism. The more athletic you are certainly helps your ability to play the game but it is not the number one most important thing a player or team has to have in order to play well. In football and basketball let's say, the bigger, stronger, and faster teams almost always win. Yes, I know fundamental skill is extremely important in the outcome but those sports feature the athletic players.<br /><br />In baseball, fundamental skill and knowledge of the game out weigh physical athletic ability. Since you can coach fundamentals and teach them the finer points of the game, you have a bigger influence on the outcome. This allows you to compete against teams that have far superior athletes.<br /><br />Baseball is a game where the most talented teams get beat more often then you will see in other sports. It's a game where you have to show up everyday and play the game the right way or you get beat. Because you play more games then most sports it is hard not to have days where you lose your focus and get beat by a lesser team.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Reason #2<br /></span></em></strong>As a baseball coach you can not put your best 9 on the field everyday. You have to pick and choose when to play your best team. In football your best quarterback throws the ball in every game(barring injury of course). In baseball you must choose when and where to throw your pitchers.<br /><br />Coaches have difficult decisions deciding who will throw when and how many innings to best use their staff within the framework of the pitching rules. With bad weather and invitational tournaments this only complicates the entire decision making process. In the other sports for the most part you always put your best on the field.<br /><br />Baseball games are usually predicated on the pitching match-ups. If the top team throws their number 3 pitcher and the third place team throws their number 1, then odds of the lesser team winning goes way up. This again goes back to the idea that better teams get beat more often in baseball then any other sport. Coaches choice of pitching match-ups is critical to a teams success.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Reason #3<br /></span></em></strong>Baseball is such a specialized sport that few coaches take advantage of teaching all the little things that determine the outcomes of games. Every position on the field has it's own skill set and techniques. Some players are starters and some off the bench. They must be handled differently as far as their approach to the game.<br /><br />Think of it this way. Playing right field is different then playing left field. Playing third is different then playing second. Being a starting pitcher and being a short relief guy are two completely different mindsets. This is true of every position on the field.<br /><br />I know some of you are thinking right now that is true of all sports. My response, Absolutely! Here is the difference however. In football you have anywhere from 4 to 8 paid coaches. Each assigned a different position to teach the players. In basketball you do not need many coaches because you only play a few players.<br /><br />In baseball, you are lucky, at least where I live to have two paid varsity coaches. At my school we have one varsity, one JV, and freshman coach on staff. We have been lucky to have a few people volunteer who know the game to help us out. My first year as a Head Coach in 1998 I was the only coach. In 1999 I coached a Junior College team by myself.<br /><br />Most baseball teams do not have a full staff of coaches. If a head coach can be creative in how he will train his players he can gain a huge advantages over his competition. In college you have infielders, outfielders, catchers, and pitchers. That's what they work on everyday. It is much easier to design practice that way.<br /><br />In High School and at the youth levels it doesn't work that way. Your pitcher is also your shortstop. Your second baseman plays right when a certain pitcher throws. You understand the point I am trying to make here. Designing a practice plan that takes all these factors into consideration is nearly impossible.<br /><br />Because of these factors most teams are never prepared to play at their full potential. I am not pointing fingers here because I have sent teams on the field that could have been prepared better. Each year I experiment and research to find every way in which I can out prepare my competition.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">In Conclusion</span></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#333333;">All coaches in all sports have a huge impact on both the players and the outcomes of the games. I believe very strongly that high school and youth baseball coaches can affect outcomes with greater influence then any other sport. </span><span style="color:#333333;">Because of the nature of the job, a lot of important information for the players go overlooked. At some point in a big game this is usually where the downfall begins. To me coaching baseball is an exciting and challenging job where I feel I can make the biggest difference if I can prepare my team correctly!</span></div>Click On Profilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12477364345427620077noreply@blogger.com1