Checklist of Things to Learn before the Season

Hitting

Learn the basics and good fundamentals. Learn selection; know the pitcher's tendencies; know where to each pitch, depending on its location. Learn how to set up the pitcher. Learn to attack the pitch, be aggressive but in control, and "pop" the ball. Learn to hit to the opposite field. Learn to execute a hit and . Learn patience at the plate.

Bunting

Be able to execute

a sacrifice. a down the lines and a push through the seam. a squeeze. a bunt for a base hit. a slap bunt. a fake slap.

Lefties:

Perfect the one-handed bunt for a hit. (Another advanced skill from the left side is to be able to judge the pitch and toss the bat at the ball. This can be done and is used by some Japanese players.)

Baserunning

Learn to cut the bases. Be able to execute getting a good jump on lead-offs. Be able to do a head-first . Perfect a fade-away slide. Learn to do an avoidance slide, where the only part of you they can tag is your fingers, which should be on the bag by then. Be able to do a delay steal. Perfect your dive-backs to be able to take a big jump off the bag. Work on going first to third on a bunt and run. Learn when to take the extra base, to pick up the ball while running, and be ready to turn on the speed to take the extra base. Learn the proper technique of running to increase your speed on the bases.

Catching

Be able to block the ball. Have first and third plays. Be able to call the game. Learn the proper spin on the ball. Perfect the pick-offs move. Perfect the pitch-outs. Perfect the throw on steals. Perfect the intentional walks.

Footwork:

Learn to pop the ball back to the pitcher on all pitches—this sets up pick-offs on second base. Perfect the footwork for pick-offs and pitchouts.

Outfield Play

Learn proper technique, fielding ground balls. Learn proper technique on flies with runners on base (circling the ball). Learn to climb the fence to keep the ball from going over it for a . Learn the slide /dive catch. Learn the shoestring catch. Be able to catch the ball over the shoulder and head. Learn to drop back and then run in to catch the ball, getting momentum behind the throw. Perfect lining the body up to the throw. Perfect picking up the ball with the hand. Learn to play the fence when the ball is on the ground. Perfect the spin on the ball when throwing.

Infield skills

Be able to do cat hops to be quick on your feet. Execute the relays. Be able to bare-hand the ball with a closed glove. Be able to throw on the run. Perfect the quick tags. Be fluent on the pivots. Take lots of grounders. Be able to do different types of throws. Be able to catch the pop-ups by the fence. Learn to talk to the pitcher and your teammates to encourage and fire them up. Be able to dive for a ball, jump up and throw the runner . Turn the toes in slightly while in a defensive stance, to be quicker. Learn opposition when throwing.

Pitchers

Perfect your control—HIT YOUR SPOTS. Be able to do all pitchouts. Be confident on intentional walks. Perfect your best pitches, and perfect your worst pitches even more. Have a . Be able to always maintain your composure. Establish "the look" of confidence. Learn to work well with your catcher and your fielders.

Slapping

Learn to perfect the footwork and hand positioning and find one that works for you. Be able to bunt off of a slap run or slap. Be able to read the defense so that you know whether to bunt, slap down the line at third on the ground, go over the third baseman's head, power up over the outfielders who are drawn in, or slap to the SS.

Mental Toughness

Be positive 100% of the time, be able to "step out of the box" if the nerves come, regain the composure and get "back into the box". Never show fear in the eyes—look for fear in your opponents' eyes. Always be confident. Always hustle. Always be a team player. Always be coachable. Never have any doubts. Write key phrases on things—write on your glove, visor, locker, etc. If you can believe it, you can achieve it.

Pre-Season Training

Be strong—legs, core, arms, heart. Have a healthy diet. Drink lots of water. Work on muscle endurance. Work on speed. Work on baserunning techniques. Work on mental toughness. Work on agility. Work on fundamentals.

Use this as a checklist for each player, to make sure that they are all prepared for the season.