Pulaski “No-One Outworks, -Prepares, Out-Classes a Red Raider”

As a member of the Pulaski Baseball Team, you are expected to strive for excellence in everything you do on and off the field. “Do right even when no one is looking.” As a program, we will focus on doing everything with class, as we proudly represent our team, our families, our community and our school. The smallest details will not be overlooked as we prepare for the biggest moments. Success in our program will be defined by giving your best. If you can answer yes to the question, “Do you want the program & yourself to be the best it can be?” If so, how can we go wrong? The Pulaski baseball family will help each other out, care about each other, and be each other’s biggest fan. At the end of the season and all is said & done, we will be judged as a whole.

Keep your thoughts positive Because your thoughts become YOUR WORDS Keep your words positive Because your words become YOUR BEHAVIOR Keep your behavior positive Because your behavior becomes YOUR HABITS Keep your habits positive Because your habits become YOUR VALUES Keep your values positive Because your values become YOUR DESTINY --Gandhi PULASKI BASEBALL WILL BE FUN! 1. Competition will be part of our every day. Players will be put in competitive situations in which their skills will be tested, worked on and mastered. 2. Pressure will not faze us. Players will be put into high intensity situations where their skills levels and moxy will have to shine through in the toughest moments. 3. Pushing yourself to your limits until you know what your limits are. We will strive to get better in every little thing we do, improving skill levels in any and all areas. 4. Experiencing camaraderie that is only felt when being a part of a team that is unselfish and willing to do what is best for the team above all else. 5. Working through and overcoming adverse situations! All players will deal with adversity head-on and not flinch in the face of it.

Pulaski Baseball Mission Statement:

Provide a great baseball experience for children of every ability & experience level. Measure of our success as a program=Kids are enthusiastic to come back & play next ​ year! We can teach them the what’s of the game easily, but the “why” will define our success. ​ ​ ​ ​ Be part of every kids why. Help stoke that fire inside & the love for the game.

Pulaski Line-up for Success

10 Things it Takes NO Talent to Accomplish ​ 1. Mental Toughness: No hanging heads, we will pick each other up! We will bounce back ​ from disappointment and rise to the top when the chips are down. We will never throw a helmet or put on a show! 2. Hustle! We will onto the field between every . Every ground ball, every routine ​ flyball will be run out 100%. Make an and we go all out to get it. 3. Attitude: Compete, bring your best to the table each & every moment. Practice like you ​ play! We will do all the little things like it is the first time we have learned it. Respect all, fear none! 4. Coachability: Eye focus, listening and doing as the coaches instruct--1st time! ​ 5. Be Prepared: Mentally, physically, and emotionally. Be on time, have all gear, get ​ proper sleep, take care of body with proper nutrition, be a student of the game. 6. Class: Behave in a manner to be proud of. Respect & treat others as you wish to be ​ treated. Leave things better than we find things, be a good sport in victory & defeat, use manner--please & thank you, shake hands firmly while looking them in the eye. 7. Extra Effort: Want more on the field & in life. Take extra BP, doing extra credit work, ​ volunteer to help out, go above & beyond! 8. Passion & Energy: Love the game! Do the little things right and big things will happen! ​ 9. Pride: Be accountable for your actions & be a stand up person! Represent your family, ​ team, community & yourself in a manner to be proud of. Demonstrate sportsmanship in good times & bad. . 10. Unselfishness: Be willing to do whatever is best for the team. Understand what it ​ means to be a good teammate.

If everyone/everything in this line-up hits a , we will succeed as a team on the field & in life. This line-up requires no talent, simply team & individual character! ​ ​

Top 10 Don’t Do’s in Pulaski Baseball

1. Say: “Watch for the or change” We should always be looking ​ & adjust to off-speed, plus this puts us in a defensive frame of mind & we want our kids to be confident & focused on putting a good swing on every . 2. Say: “Throw Strikes” The proper thing to do is be positive & encouraging. If you ​ give any advice, keep it to one thing, too much information is confusing. Fundamentals in pitching should be taught in practice. Come game time, it is time to compete and put our practice into action. 3. Make Excuses: “The Umpires Lost the Game for Us”: We teach taking ​ responsibility for our play & actions & focus on every game & situation as teachable moment to get better as a team, player & person. 4. Scream at our Players: Motivate them, teach them & encourage them to do ​ their best! Strong coaching is fine if you have taught it, practiced it & is a team expectation. If you do raise your voice, find that player before they leave and finish with a positive interaction & explain the constructive criticism. . 5. Blame a Player for a Loss: This can destroy a player & a team! Be the coach & ​ talk about things that we can do to improve our game. Focus on things you can do as a coach to help them as players get better. 6. Ride Umpires & Behave Inappropriately: Pulaski teams will do everything with ​ class & treat everyone involved with the game with the utmost respect. Fans & players will follow your lead. Shake the ’s hand at the end of the game as classy & sportsmanlike as you do the other team, no matter the result of the game. 7. Dress Inappropriately: Proper clothing should be worn at all times including ​ footwear. Wear Pulaski attire & have athletic shoes, never sandals. 8. During Warm-ups say: “Save your energy” We teach to properly warm-up the ​ body & prepare for competition. We want to develop players that are not afraid of hard work. Now, after a game & between games, proper rest is important. 9. Tolerate Player Misbehavior: Throwing bats or helmets, swearing, not listening ​ to the coach, not hustling. It is expected that players run in after an inning & run out between . Hustle at all times! Every ground ball is run out full speed even if out has been secured. Practice it, preach it, demand it & follow through immediately when misbehavior occurs. This is the one time that a player is immediately disciplined--sit the bench. 10. Deviate from Our Mission as a Program. Developing fine young men while ​ participating in a great team sport. Winning a game will never take precedent over doing the right thing! Sportsmanship, integrity, accountability, family, trust, hard-work, character, friendship, and team will be what we hang our hat on.

Practice Expectations 1. Have a Practice Plan-Be Prepared (4 Phases): 1. Dynamic warm-up & strength, speed ​ & flexibility training (develop athletes), 2. Throwing practice routine, 3. Skill development (offensive/defensive drills & stations), 4. Game situational breakdowns. ● Refer & Use Sample Practices 2. Have a Practice Focus/Purpose: At beginning of practice, let the players know the goal ​ of the day. Choose 2-3 things to concentrate on, not 10. 3. Maximize your Time: Utilize all coaches focusing on small group work of 3-4 players so ​ players get repetitions. No more days of 1 guy hitting, 1 guy pitching & everyone else standing around or 1 line of 10 players waiting for a fly ball. 4. Attention to Detail: Teach the correct techniques, then work it & demand it. Don’t ​ accept anything less than their best. Practice like you expect them to play. If you wouldn’t do it in a game, don’t do it. Example: field a ground ball and throw a knuckle ball to the first base. 5. Develop Confident, Self-thinkers. Teach them the game. Ask them questions, put ​ them through situations, don’t give them all the answers, make them think it out. 6. Bring it-Work Hard: Practice should be harder than games. Create that work ethic now. ​ 7. Start Practice as Team: Come up with things to do until entire team gets there. Play ​ , flip or create a game or focus. Once team arrives, begin speed & athletic development program, followed by our concentrated throwing routine, etc. 8. Develop Complete Players: Have players work on the skills for all positions. We want a ​ team where every players has skills. 9. Develop & : Practice these skills as a group. Allow kids to try, ​ encourage them, get them excited about trying. 10. Repetition is Better than Talking: Teach, show & do. Time is precious, plus kids will ​ lose focus, so keep it brief & get them doing

** Always consider safety as you set things up! Kids should always be wearing helmets when there is any type of hitting going on. Think things through.

. **Keep things fun! Refer to our Pulaski definition of FUN. Compete, high tempo, limited standing around, coaching in a respectful manner, and developing relationships and trust.

AT THE END OF THE YEAR: OUR GOAL IS THAT EVERY KID ON OUR TEAMS, IN ​ ​ OUR PROGRAM, LOVE BASEBALL & WANT MORE BASEBALL & COME OUT NEXT YEAR!

Speed & Athletic Development

**Start of Every Practice**

*Start every practice with a warm-up run

Basic Dynamic Stretch (Flexibilty & Strengthening) 1. Forward Walking Lunge with Rotation 2. Backward Lunge with Extension 3. Elbow to Instep 4. Side Lunges 5. Side Shuffle with Arm Swings 6. Inchworms

Speed Training (When hitter drops the bat, you become a sprinter) 1. Walking/Marching High Knee (Blade the arms & dorsal flex foot) 2. Running High Knee 3. Quick Skips/A-Skips (Blade arms, knee ½ way up & dorsal flex 4. B-Skips (High Knee) 5. Backward Quick Skips 6. Backward High Knee Skips 7. High Knee Butt Kicks 8. Walking RDL’s 9. Extended Leg B-Skips 10.Quick Feet Carioka 11.Carioka Cross-over 12. Leg Hops 13.Sprints (Sprint start variations: From: ground, sprinter’s stance, falling,)

Warm-up Variety: Don’t be afraid to add your own stuff to this to change things up. ​ Examples: Relay Races, 4 Cone Drill, Agility Ladders, Reaction Drills

Base Stealing (Older Levels: Have work on their stretch & steal off pitcher) ​ Stance: Athletic position with weight on balls of feet, slightly open right foot, hands ​ neutral & relaxed. Breaks: Left knee punch is primary focus, exaggerated first step, gain lots of ground in ​ 1st three steps, drive left arm across & right arm slotted & take off with chest up, chin up & eyes up (Any Break or Steal Attempt should be all out--100%)

Core & Strength Training Ideas (Choose at least 1 from each category & fit into practice--after warm-up or at end)

Upper Body (Do 2 Sets of 8-12 repetitions) Scap Push-ups: Arms stay straight, lower spine toward the ground, body stays straight ​ Regular Push-ups: Allow to do on knees if bad form. Hands under shoulders, body straight ​ Burpes: Squat to ground, hands to ground, kick legs out to push-up position, jump back up to ​ squat position, & jump to sky. (Can do a push-up when down if you like) Push-up/Knee-up: Regular push-up, but bring 1 knee up after completing one. ​ Medicine Ball Throws: Standing or sitting, throw for distance--don’t play . Can do it from a ​ square position or in hitters position & work on rotation. Partner Push-up High Fives: Do push-ups head to head & do a cross high five after each. ​ Lower Body Body Squat: Feet shoulder width apart, butt back, knees behind toes, chest up, heels on ​ ground Jump Squats: Touch the ground both hands each time, jump high both arms up, land & go ​ again. Lunge Jumps: Great low lunge, jump & switch which leg is forward. ​ Loaded Long Jumps: Not for speed, long jump for distance, load up and repeat (6-12 jumps) ​ Side Lunges: Toes always point forward, but goes back, chest tall, arms out in front. ​ Core/Abdominal Scissors: Both legs off the ground, keep both straight & go up one at a time ​ Planks: Hands under the shoulders & body locked in perfectly straight--no butts in air ​ Plank Combos: Front plank to 1-arm side plank to front to other side (don’t touch ground) ​ Leg Raises: Hands under butt & raise both legs at same time--don’t touch ground. ​ Bicycles: Hand behind head & touch opposite elbow to opposite knee as doing the bike ​ Elbow, Elbow, Up, Up, Jack, Jack: Start in push, go down to each elbow, come up & do ​ jumping jack with your feet in push-up position Partner Sit-ups: Hook feet, both go down & both meet at the top, exchange med ball or high ​ Partner Throw Downs: 1 partner on ground holding standing partners ankles, bring both legs ​ straight up to partner’s chest & he will throw down toward ground, don’t the ground. Partner Twists: Medicine ball needed. Sit back to back & exchange ball. (Switch directions) ​ Running: (Make into baseball related please--don’t just run to run) ​ 1. Stealing 2nd or 3rd: Timed or vs. a ​ 2. Beat it Out: Combines fielding & running. Coach hits the ball in & runner takes off ​ as soon as hit. Cross the base, break-down look over right shoulder 3. 1st to 3rd: Hit to outfielder & runner is picking up 3rd base coach for decision. Use ​ pitcher 4. 2nd to home: Same as above. Use pitcher to get lead & jump. ​ 5. In-the-park relay: 2 teams. 1 start at 2nd base the other at home. Teammate takes off ​ after the person in front of them crosses face. **Recommend to time kids running to 1st base, 1st to 2nd & 1st to 3rd. Use the warm-up for speed training. Otherwise run with a baseball purpose. Pulaski Baseball Concentrated Throwing & Catching *75% of errors in baseball are throwing errors-perfect practice makes perfect!

1. Wrist Flips-Glove under elbow 2. 2-Knees (5-6 yards apart--upper body focus) 3. 1-Knee (8 yards apart--upper body focus extend & reach) 4. 1-Knee (10 yards apart) 5. Stand 2 Feet Square (12 yards apart) Upper Body Rotate & Throw 6. Rock Back & Throw (Opposite shoulder to target) Lower Body Focus 7. Rock forward & back & throw Lower Body Focus 8. Right/Left Throw & Follow (Body follows 2-3 steps) 9. Right/Left Shuffle & Follow (Body follows 2-3 steps) 10. Ball in Glove Fielding Position: Right/Left & Throw & Follow 11. Ball in Glove Fielding Position: Right/Left Shuffle, Throw & Follow 12. Rapid Catch/Rapid Fire (10-15 Seconds Only) 13. Forward & Backward Throwing Off Wrong Foot 14. Crow Hop Long Toss *30 Seconds Each or 5-6 Throws & Move On--Snap & Hustle to Each New One. ​ *All catching is done with both hands working on receiving the ball in the middle of the body. ​

Add challenges, you can make it a competition. No balls hit the ground, x number of throws timed, etc. We want them to be focused & create urgency & pressure. Pressure throws in the game will become second nature--create an atmosphere that this is throwing & catching practice--not just warming up.

Can Add: 1. Moving to a Forehand & Backhand Ground Ball to Throw 2. Dive (Both Ways) to Pop-up to Throw 3. Football Throwing (Smaller-Youth Balls) ● 1 Knee ● Square Shoulders ● Wrong Shoulder ● Forward & Backward ● 3 Step Drop (Can add patterns for fun & athleticism

Basic Mechanics (Emphasize these things as you do “Concentrated Throwing” 1. Grip: Every kid should know how to find 4 seams (fingers across the horseshoe) 2. Fingers on Top of the Ball 3. Separation to Power L: Smooth & Rhythmical (Small circle, thumb down & finger up) 4. Power L: Show ball to shortstop, never to 2nd base (stresses shoulder & elbow) 5. Elbow shoulder height 6. Opposite elbow slots into side with glove hand up. Extend arm & reach toward target 7. Drive off back leg, rotate, & follow through to target bringing back leg through. Fielding Mechanics

Pre-Pitch Thinking: ● As pitcher is taking sign, defender should be thinking ahead: how many outs, where to go with the ball, what base to cover & where to back up. If on top of things, he would know the , what type of hitter is up & what kind of speed he has, so he could anticipate where the hit may go & how quick to get rid of it. ​

Pre-Pitch Movement: As the pitcher starts delivery & knee goes up, player should be moving forward slightly. 2 Methods: (Small Steps & light on feet) 1. Right-Left Hop: Small hop landing on the balls of the feet. 2. Right-Left Ready: (Great for younger ages)

Ready Position (What it looks like) ​ ● Thumbs are up (light and loose) with elbows out & hands in front with weight on the balls of the feet. Butt is up & chest is over the knees. Throwing Hand & Glove should be able to touch the ground without have to bend over extra. Fielder should be in ready position when ball crosses the zone smooth & under control.

Fielding the Ball: ● Create your triangle, feet are squared up, and keep your butt up. Back is at 45 degree angle with throwing hand on top of glove hand at 2:00. Loosen your arms and use wrists always keeping the eyes behind the ball. Final approach to the ball should be right/left field the ball to right/left throw.

Throwing the Ball ● Upon fielding the ball, bring it into the mid-section to chest. Naturally turn the body by replacing the glove with right foot & bringing the ball into the throwing position (power L). Hands separate with thumbs going to down & fingers up. Make the throw & follow it.

Charging the Ball ● Round the ball slightly if you can, field off or just outside glove foot, & throw off wrong foot getting rid of the ball quickly.

Back Hand ● Field the ball in front, with throwing foot behind you so you can plant & throw. Keep fingertips to the ground with quiet forward movement.

Forehand ● Keep ball in fielding zone & finger tips to the ground. Glide hop to get feet in proper throwing position Fielding Drills

#1 Monkey in the Middle: 3 players 20 yards apart. Player in the middle is the fielder. His ​ partners both have a ball. 1 player rolls him the ball, he fields & throws back. As soon as he throws the ball, the other player should have already rolled another grounder his way. He turns around fields the ball & throws back to that partner. Great conditioner. Do for 30 seconds & see how many quality repetitions he can get in--make it a competition.

#2 Posture Shuffle Box Drill: Individual Footwork Drill. Fielder will reach in front, go to center & ​ throwing position while making a ¼ turn glide. Never leaves fielding posture. Don’t hop!

#3 Diving Posture Drill: Start with ball in glove & in full layed out diving position. Pop up in ​ posture, shuffle & throw. Both sides ​ ​

#4 Kneeling Backhand Drill: Start on left knee with right leg back & turned to side of ​ backhand. Field ball out in front, finger tips down. Do fielding only, then add throw.

#5 Rounding Slow Roller: Set up 4 cones. Fielder starts behind the furthest cone as three ​ cones make a triangle with the last one 5 yard in front. Fielder goes outside the point of triangle to round the ball & complete by right/left field the ball & then right/left throw the ball.

#6 Short Hops (on 2 knees): Partner is 10 yards away & throw a short hop to center, backhand ​ & forehand. 5 each side all in a row. Teach the fielding arc or fielding zone.

#7 Star Drill: Equal number of players at 3 bases. 3 players at home plate with a ball, 3 players ​ at 3rd base & 3 players at 1st base. Player at home plate will roll the ball to player at 3rd base, player at third will throw to 1st base. Player at 1st will catch the ball & run to home. Follow your throw. Make it a competition--see how many you can make in 1-2 minutes or how many in a row you can get before an error. Great conditioner! After 3rd base move to SS, then to 2B.

# 8 4-Corner Drill: 1. Basic: Start at home--throw to 1st to 2nd to 3rd back to home (turn back ​ to throw going this direction) 2. Reverse: Go home to 3rd to 2nd to 1st back to home 3. Add ​ ​ ​ Tag: to each throw (straddle back & go both ways) 4. Coaches Call: Same as above but coach ​ ​ ​ yells out the bag while ball is in air. (On the first 3, can add player communication by calling out bag)

#9 1st Step Reaction Drill: Player is in the middle of 2 coaches to side with a tennis ball. ​ ​ Coach 1 is to Right & Coach 2 is to Left. Take pre-pitch steps & have a coach yell out #1 & drop. Player crosses over & must get to the ball on first bounce. Can add a 3 coach in front as well.

#10 Right-Left Field & Repeat: Use 3 balls in a spread out in a position that will progress to the ​ right & a 4th one that the player will field & make the throw to first.

When taking an infield. If you have 2 coaches to hit please do. If 3 coaches have one hit ​ as 2 do infield. I love to add runners to infield to make it real time.

Pulaski Pitching

Philosophy: Best pitch in baseball is a first pitch strike! Less is more, keep it simple. The ​ ​ less movement you have in your delivery the better. Work to get weak contact early in the count, by pounding the zone & keeping the batters off balance.

Pitch Selection Philosophy: Throwing strikes & getting ahead in counts is the key to success. ​ I like calling the pitches for the catcher & teach him the game by talking about my selection between innings & after games. When calling pitches, watch the batter. If is behind the fastball, don’t give him a break by throwing off-speed. If a hitter pulls a fastball, look to mix it up. If at older levels, i like starting out their best hitters with a curveball for a strike. When ahead with 2 strikes, throw something off the plate. I like a high fastball off the plate, also bouncing a curveball if you got the catcher to handle it. Constantly work with pitchers & catcher talking, practicing & using this.

Wind-up Terms & Technique ● Setup: Both feet facing straight toward home plate, hand in glove at chest or chin height ​ ● Rocker Step: Take a small sideways step approximately 6 inches with the glove side ​ foot ● Balance Position: The throwing arm side foot then goes up parallel with the pitching ​ rubber & the glove side leg comes up near waist level in a slightly closed position. ● Hands Break: With the thumbs facing down at the moment the hands break & the knee ​ ​ up in the air begins to break downward. ● Landing Position or Flex T Position: The arm will end up in a comfortable throwing ​ position with the hand facing shortstop & fingers on top of the baseball. While the arm is in motion the knee up in the air breaks straight down, the out & lands with the foot slightly closed. The glove arm slots into the side of the non-throwing side of the chest with the glove ending up near the chest. Stride length should be 4-6 short of your height. ● Follow Through: The waist turns toward home, creating a whipping motion wi the arm. ​ The back leg comes up toward the sky with the arm passing the left knee after releasing the ball. The front leg braces everything with the pitching motion.

Stretch Terms & Technique ● Set-up: Start with the back foot parallel to the pitching rubber inside the rubber. ​ Throwing hand behind the body or hanging down in a relax manner in front of the body with the glove at the chest. Front leg is stepped out in front leaning in to take the sign, ball in glove. ● Stretch: After taking the sign, the feet should come to shoulder width or slightly closer, ​ throwing hand in the glove at chest or chin height.

● Knee Lift or Step: Depending on the runner’s speed or if there is a runner on 1st ​ or 2nd will determine which one to use. Slide step simply means front foot goes straight toward home without a lift of the knee. ● Landing Position or Flex T & Follow Through: Same as Wind-up ​

3 Pitching Forms/Drills (Main focus for technique) ​ 1. Flex T Drill: Start facing your partner 20-25 feet away with feet shoulder width apart & ​ facing squared up. Feet do not move. Glove hand chest height. Break the hands with thumbs going down & fingers up. Turn the upper body sideways & get into Flex T position with the arms. Check to see if hand is facing the shortstop. Look at partner, rotate upper body, slot glove elbow into side with glove at chest level & throw to partner. 2. Landing Position Drill: Start in landing position 30-40 feet away from partner. Pinch ​ your shoulders/scapula together 3 times, then step with front foot & throw. Back foot does not come forward, it only pivots. Throwing hand should pass between knee & ankle with the glove hand slotted into side & glove at chest level. 3. Stretch Position: Start approximately 45-60 feet away from partner. Lift the glove side ​ knee & hold for 3 seconds. Follow proper upper body mechanics in form 1 & 2 & follow through completely with the back leg coming up & over with the pitching hand finishing at knee level or lower & the glove hand finishing at chest level or slightly below.

Other Drills: 1. Bucket Drill: Teaches how to brace up over the front leg once pitch is made to ​ encourage a correct follow through. Pitcher partners up 35-55 feet away. Kneel on dominant leg with the top of the foot on a 10 gallon bucket. Plant foot/front foot is out in front with foot at a 45 degree angle slightly in front of knee. Pitcher rotates shoulder toward his target, bringing his arm back with his hand on top of the baseball using a good circular arm motion to the Flex T position. Throw the ball & pop up and over the bent stride leg making sure to bend waist and finish throwing elbow past opposite knee Back leg on top of bucket finish up, over & through. 2. Towel Drill: Do with partner that is 2-3 feet away from the stride landing spot of partner. ​ Do entire motion & mechanics, reach & smack his glove with the towel. Can use weighted ball or object in glove hand to focus on slotting of elbow as well. 3. Dry Work: 1. Repeat leg lift 3 times, 2. Push-off & get to 85% of height of athlete ​ (measure out & have visual) foot lands on line at 45 degrees, 3. Deliver pitch & check hand in between knee & ankle, 4. Back leg comes up & over. 4. Medicine ball slams: Ball over head, stride to target, engage core, slam ball & bring leg ​ up & over. 5. Bull Pens: Pitching to catchers. Always work on locating pitches. Repeat a location 2-3 ​ times in a row. Biggest pitches a pitcher will make in a game is from the stretch--work it! ​ ​ 6. Long Toss: Builds arm strength. No arc on the ball. Use good throwing mechanics & ​ gradually progress. 30’ to 45’ to 60’ to 75’ to 90 (more older groups & 3-5 throws at each distance & no more)

Pulaski’s Running Game (When you drop the bat, you become a smart, aggressive, sprinter)

Running Game Goal: TO SCORE RUNS! Runs win games, not hits ​ ● For every run we score, our opponents must score 2 to beat us. ● We want to score runs with 2 hits or less by “taking the extra base!” ​ ● Score as quickly as possible

Plan of Action 1. Create the aggressive, smart attitude everyday, every practice every game in what you say & do in practice. 2. Create “happenings” that disrupt the defense resulting in errors, mentals mistake, errant throws. You make them play faster than what they are comfortable with. 3. Create a “fast catch” pace by being aggressive, smart, self-sufficient players. 4. Force a minimum of 3 players to handle the ball. 5. Steal bases: Fact: Odds are 27:1 of 3 hit innings ​ ​ * Examples: , ball in dirt, overthrows, lazy defense, tagging up & any ​ ​ ​ opening 6. Reach 2nd base with no outs and 3rd base with less than 2 outs

Prerequisites to Play Fast Aggressive Baseball 1. Score first 2. Keep it close (3 runs or less allows us to play our style of baseball)

Basics 1. Study pitchers. They all have tendencies. Starts when pitchers are warming up. 2. First runners on base. Make them make a pick-off attempt. 3. Know counts & look for breaking balls 4. “BOSO” BALL OUTS SITUATION, OPPORTUNITY (Baserunner initiates communication) 5. Always slide! 6. Always know the # of outs, the sign & location of outfielders.

Home to 1st Base: ● Run hard all the time until you get through the bag on any type of hit or play. ● Take a peak after 4-5 steps to see if it went through so you can round the bag ● DO NOT JUMP, CATAPULT, SLIDE or any other unnecessary move to get there quicker.

● Run through the base hitting the center, front part of base--only slide to avoid a tag ● After running through bag peak over right shoulder for an over throw.

Technique 1. Stance ● Athletic position with weight on the balls of the feet in a balanced manner. ● Right foot should be slightly open & staggered with chest up ● Hands relaxed and inside elbows in a neutral position. (Rt hand could be up by chest) 2. Leads from 1st base (Be sure pitcher is on the rubber) ● Left, Right, Shuffle, Shuffle with feet under hips. ● Never cross your feet, keep your eyes on the pitcher & avoid hopping/jumping. ● 10’=, 11’ Average, 12’=Aggressive, 13’=Dangerous (show kids how far that is) ● Dive Back: Cross over step & dive for back corner of the bag with right hand. ​ ​ ​

3. Take Off/Breaks ● Left knee punch with cross over step, drive left arm across & slot right arm down ● Exaggerated first step gaining as much ground as you can in first 3 steps ● Chest up, chin up, eyes up focused on target

4. Reads ​ ● RHP: Back Foot thru to front foot. Can not come to first without picking up back foot. It is not wrong though to look at the entire pitcher & even focus on front shoulder. Eyes on P ● LHP: Once front foot crosses the mound he has to go home. If stealing & you get caught, sprint as fast as you can to 2nd base & make them make two perfect throws.

BALL IN THE DIRT: ● Read flight from mound to plate ● Make read from the end of a good secondary lead ● Retreat if ball in or off glove & advance is separation off chest. (must be prepared to take that extra base by putting yourself in the proper position every pitch)

From 2nd Base (Be sure pitcher is on the rubber) Leads: (Same as first base step & a dive) ● 15’ (5 steps), Creep to 18’ if MIF is not a threat. Secondary is 24’ ● 2 outs: Take lead 2-3’ behind baseline so to get better angle rounding 3rd base. Pre-Pitch Routine: ● Shuffle off pitcher looks, momentum before pitcher delivers. No shuffles if MIF a threat. Shuffle back on looks & sometime great way to get a stolen base & build momentum. ● Never look at , that is 3rd base coach’s job--you react off of the pitcher. Breaks: ● Shuffle momentum before leg lift, when taking crossover step continue to read pitcher. Reads off the bat: Ground ball: Beat the ball to your left, retreat on ball in front of you. ​

Fly Ball: Over head to Right Field: Initially retreat to 2nd then read, Overhead to Left Field: ​ Stretch the lead & read. Initial move is not final, read the play. “Halfway on a flyball” means only as as far as you can get back if play is made on you. Line Drive: Glove Height or Lower=Retreat, Glove Height or Higher=Read & React ​

From 3rd Base (Be sure pitcher is on the rubber) Leads: ● Barely in foul territory & walk 2-4 feet to get a solid secondary lead, always retreat in fair territory. Read ball in dirt & get good jump to score on past ball or ball that gets away Breaks “In” on the ground (attack the plate & score!), “back” if in the air. 2 exceptions: 1. If the ball is hit in front of the plate-stay & 2. Coach say “SEE IT THROUGH” or if he points to his eyes (same thing) 11 Signs of a Good Baserunner 1. Being able to go 1st to 3rd on a base hit to the outfield 2. Reading a line drive while on 2nd base & being able to score on single 3. Running hard all the time! 4. Knowing how & when to break up plays by sliding hard 5. Not missing any signs put on by the coach 6. Being able to read & anticipate pitched balls in the dirt advancing when possible 7. Knowing your speed & understanding when to take a chance. 8. Not making making the first or third out at 3rd base 9. Not getting doubled up on a line drive in the infield 10. Always running hard through home, especially with two outs. If a teammate tries to stretch a single into a & is out before you cross home the run does not count 11. Getting good secondary leads so you can try to get an extra base whenever possible.

Good Team Starts in the . The entire team needs to pay attention to the following: ​ ● Pitcher: Patterns, body language, grips, glove, scouting report. ● Catcher: Set up, signs, stance, body language, energy tendencies, arm ● Defense: Holding runners, body language, verbals, signs, abilities. ● Opposing Coaches: Signs, verbals, body language, tendencies, scouting report ● Make Baserunning a Priority! Create success & confidence--turn it into an advantage!

Drills/Practices to improve baserunning abilities ● Live reads on pitchers: Taking a lead, getting breaks, diving back ● Any reactionary drill you can create! ● Make reads of balls in the dirt--practice it. (Good for catcher & runners)

● Constant focus on developing athletes, speed & strength. 1. Running thru 1st breaking down & looking over the right shoulder 2. Round 1st & reading hit in front of them. Listen to 1st base coach, use instincts. 3. Legging out a double (Find 3rd base coach if potential for more) 4. Going 1st to 3rd, pick up coach when ball is behind you & make read if in front 5. Legging out a , pick up 3rd base coach ½ way to 2nd. 6. Practice making reads on whether to go ½ way or . At 3rd base always back on a ball in the air.

Pulaski Hitting

Intro: Hitting is a skill no different than shooting a basketball, striking a golf ball & running. To perform a skill properly one must have:

1. Proper bodily movements 2. Put them in the right sequence/order 3. Have confidence after continuous practice

Mental Strength:

1. Failure: All great hitters are able to deal with failure appropriately. 2. Failure is relative. Most hitters view anything less than a hit as a failure. Ex. The young hitter hanging their head after a line drive out or swinging & missing strike 1. 3. We define success as a Quality-At-Bat (QAB) 4. We want our hitters to focus on the process not the result.

Philosophy: To develop a productive swing, which results in Quality-At-Bats ​ What is a Productive Swing: A swing in maximizing bat speed through contact while consistently being ​ ​ “on-time.”

Definition of a Quality-At-Bat (QAB’s): An at-bat which achieves a positive result. Results may include ​ ​ HBP, Walk, Hit, Sac Fly, Sac , Advancing a runner, Forcing a pitcher to throw over 6 pitches & a hard hit line drive or grounder & obviously any type of hit.

Goals of the Hitter:

1. Maximize Bat Speed Through the Contact Zone: A. Put a good swing on the ball and B. Think ​ ​ ​ ​ Swing (Yes, Yes, Yes, Decide: Not to swing) 2. Increase the Frequency of Optimal Contact: on the bat just below midline of ball. 3. Be on Time: Balanced & Stable Contact Position

Know the Situations & Counts:

2-0: One Pitch/One Spot ​ 2-1: Your Pitch Only ​

3-1: Sit Back, Extend Zone, Stay Short, Other Way ​ 3-0: Automatic Take (Every coach should use this but have a green light sign) ​ Ahead in Count: Go to your strength ​ Behind in Count: Think fastball, Adjust, Stay back & short ​ Plate Coverage: Command the outside half. Outside Pitch-start of swing, Inside Pitch-end of swing ​

1. STANCE – Balance throughout swing! ​ ​ ​ ● Grip: Knocking knuckles, both pointer fingers should point away from body (not opposite) Knob of bat toward catcher ● Weight on balls of feet. ● Knees inside feet in a wide & stable position. ● Relaxed: Looking to create rhythm & comfort ● Create a Routine: Ex. Step out to get sign, step in, take deep ​ breathe, look , one practice swing, & ready.

2. LOAD (Preparation to swing – Prerequisite to swing) ●​ ​ Launch Position – A position of strength ● Decision Position? (Think Swing) YES, YES, YES, until NO ​ ​ Two Parts: A. Front knee to back shoulder – stride to ball (50% height of player) B. Topside Turn -These two movements work together as opposite forces to produce torque and maintain balance. Ex: A boxer preparing to deliver the knockout punch.

3. STRIDE & SEPARATE – Time to take action ● Front foot go​ es forward head will come slightly ● Hands go back slightly (never more than a baseball behind shoulder) Don’t want lead arm locked out or straight or a greatly turned upper body. ● Elbow parallel to shoulder & knob of bat toward catcher ● Controlled slow to front foot down-control body

4. SWING – Uncoiling of the Topside ​ ​ ● Hands inside ball--”Slot the Elbow” ● Hands close to body = More Power/ Better Contact ● Lead Hand “Leads” & Top Hand Follows Rotational and Directional TEMPO: SLOW to EXPLODE! CONTACT POSITION: Optimal Contact Position ​ ● Stiff front leg. ● Back knee drive (Back knee push front heel down) ● Palm up/palm down

● Head Still: “Eyes Behind the Ball” ● Head over back knee & hip on contact

5. TIMING--Hitting is timing, Pitching is interrupting timing. (Start on Deck) ​ ​ ​ ●​ Use live arms when possible when hitting ● Load starts when pitcher lifts front knee ● Stress Confidence & Letting Ball Come into Your Contact Zone

5 Set-up Absolutes 1. Back foot perpendicular to batters box (Prefer Square Stance--Avoid Closed or Open) 2. Pressure on the inside part of feet 3. Both eyes level/steady: (Not a bad idea to find out dominant eye. If right handed hitter is right eye dominant they have to focus and turn head even more) 4. Good posture, ● Athletic position, stand tall and upright. Chin slightly over toes (front view) 5. Small movements to create tempo

HITTING DRILLS: (Every Player Should Know: 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 15, 16) ​ Drill #1: “DRY” STANCE/LOAD/STRIDE/SEPARATE--NO SWING Coaching points:

● Slow and controlled small movements ● Check back foot is perpendicular to batters box ● Good posture ● Knees inside feet ● Knocking knuckles lined up ● Loose grip on bat ● Good rhythm slow shift of weight from foot to foot

1. Coach says “Load” and all players load weight to back side by compressing hips and ​ ​ loading weight against inside of back leg. DO 5X ● Check that they don’t over load by letting back knee go over or outside back foot. ● No movement in hands: “stay quiet” 2. Coach says “Stride” 5X ​ ​ ● Ride the back leg forward to center. ● Stride forward ● Land soft on front foot ● Land centered and square ● Hands go to launch position (shoulder level, outside rear shoulder but not beyond

back elbow) ● Hands stay back as stride forward ● Fire lower body, pull back upper body ● Like stretching rubber band between hands and front foot ● Walk away from hands slightly 3. Get them to feel the stretch between the lower half and upper. 2 halves work in opposite directions of each other to create tension and torque. 4. Players need to understand the swing is 2 separate movements not a single movement. DRILL #2: STRIDE/SEPARATE & REPEAT ● Stance ● Load ● Stride separate with no swing (Can pause & do self-check) ● Next time swing--no pause ● Soft Landing on Front Foot with Heel Up ● Heel comes down, slot elbow, drive back knee into front straight leg, rotate hips & swing.

DRILL #3: FEET TOGETHER STRIDE/SEPARATE & HIT *Best drill to teach feel and fix many flaws in players swings ● Start with feet together ● Resist forward momentum of body ● Pull upper body back as lower body goes forward ● Feel the load on the inside part of back knee & back hip socket ● Land soft with front foot Slow to Explode ​ ● Back knee, belly button, and stride at same time ● Continuous motion DRILL #4: FORCED HAND MOVEMENT ● Start hands in middle of body ● Narrow stance ● Hands against stride motion ● One fluid motion finish swing with hands and swing DRILL #5: FRONT KNEE UP & STRIDE ● Hands & feet separate together ● Front foot down ● Back knee fires ● Hit

Drill #6: GOLFER ● Sway back & forth very relaxed and smooth ● Bat is actually in the golfing position in front of body ● Whenever feeling nice rhythm, load & swing (no right or wrong # of sways) ● Finish in balance

Drill #7 Post Stride ● Stance ● Load ● Stride/separate & hold ● Soft landing front foot with heel up ● Heel comes down, slot elbow, rotate & swing

Drill #8: “Take” or “Hit” Tee ​ ● Partner/coach says hit or take ● Give command at mid stride before front foot plant ● Watch they don’t lunge forward ● Stay centered and balanced

Drill #9 Hip Rotation ● Place box or pail behind back foot ● No squish the bug ● Back knee first movement in lower body rotation ● Box keeps back heel from kicking out ● Don’t let hips slide forward into front leg ● Pull back knee under head

Drill #10 Control Tempo ● Front under hand toss ● Fake toss 1 time & then hit next one (hitter knows it is coming) ● Alternate Repeat x 10

Drill #11 Random Fake toss ● Same as above but random fake soft toss no tempo

Drill #12 Change up toss ​ ● Slow arching under hand front toss ● Resist forward movement

● If player lunges forward slow the toss even more so they stay in launch position

Drill #13: “Hit” or “Take” Soft toss overhand (No arc on ball: shorter distance) ​ ● Coach says hit or take when ball is half-way to hitter

Drill #14: Walk Thru (Happy Gilmore)

● Start 2 steps behind tee ● Step with dominate foot cross in front of body at 45 degrees toward ball ● Feet come together in a slow rhythm & swing ● Be sure front foot stays behind the tee

Drill #15: Plane of Ball (Hits home getting that bat on plane) ​ ● Start in follow through position ● Bring bat over the ball on tee ● Swing through hitting the ball ● After hit, swing bat through again & hit top of tee

DRILL #16: 45 Degree Pitch (Great to Keep Kids from Rolling Over/Pulling Ball) ​ ​ ● Pitch comes from 45 degree angle & pitcher aims for middle to outside ● Difficult to do inside, but a great outside drill

Bunting Techniques : ● Rotate & pivot back foot toward the pitcher similar to your normal swing ● Eyes behind the bat ● Keep the knob of the bat slightly lower than the barrel & never let it go above ● Put the top hand behind the barrel of the bat starting at chest height ● Bend knees to the level of the ball taking the bat with your bending ● If the ball is above the chest pull the bat back. ● Imagine catching the ball with the bat

Runner on 1st: Bunt toward 1st basemen ​ Runner on 2nd or 1st & 2nd: Bunt toward third basemen ​ ​ Bunting for a Hit: (Placement is more important than element of surprise) ​ Right Handed hitter (Assume normal hitting position & basic bunting technique) ​ ● When the pitchers momentum and arm are starting to come to home plate, set your bat angle & get your feet in the correct position.

● Point barrel of the bat at 2nd baseman to set angle of bat so bunt goes down 3rd baseline ● Take your right foot & drop it back so your stance is now closed off toward the pitcher. This gets feet in a strong position to start your run to first base. ● Try to put the ball near the 3rd baseline. If foul two more strikes, if to pitcher out. Left Handed Hitter (Assume normal hitting position & basic bunting technique) ​ ● Left foot a little closer to plate, opening up stance & better angle toward 1st base. ● Make sure not to step out of box with the left foot as it is an out if contact is made. Pulaski Catchers

Mental Strength 1. Love the Position & Own it: Take pride in your Game! 2. React Positively to Adversity: Never put head down or negative body language! 3. Must have Outstanding Concentration Skills: Always in the game! 4. Quarterback of the Baseball Team--True Leader! 5. Hustle/Hustle/Hustle--Do whatever it takes to succeed & get the job done!

3 Types of Stances: Signal, Comfort & Jockey Signal ● Knees point to pitchers shoulders, practice sign stance & test if can be seen

Comfort (Receiving/Endurance) ● Weight on inside of feet, shoulder width apart--tension free ● Knees comfortably inside of the feet ● Target low, fingers at the pitcher ● Arms extended, flexed, elbow stays outside of the knees ● Hip are below shoulders

Jockey (Running/Blocking) ● Slightly raise the tail ● Throwing hand in loose fist behind glove on transition

Receiving the Ball Philosophy ● Work with the Umpire to Expand Plate ● More strikes are lost than found

Action ● Relax fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder--Quiet Target, Quiet Hand ● Keep hand outside of the ball & stick the pitch ● Beat the ball to the spot & stick to the plate ● Catch with midline of the body, eyes up with guys on base

Drills: (Can use for framing as well)

#1: Bare Hand Rapid Fire: Catch golf ball--10 in a row (Catch, frame, drop) #2: Glove Rapid Fire: --10 in a row (Catch, frame, drop) #3 Shadow Drill: 2 Catcher’s face each other & imitate each other #4 Both Hand on Ground: React to pitch & catch #5 Switch: Catcher starts in an exaggerated position & adjusts & catches #6 : Catch pitchers #7 Low pitch: Forehand & backhand Blocking Philosophy ● Catcher must think not (There is no wild pitch, your job to block it) ● Keep runner out of & keep force in order ● Block all balls & develop pitchers confidence

Action ● Glove to ground burying the glove deep perpendicular to the ground ● Take away ground--keep moving forward working for a short hop ● See ball to the chest & turn ball back to the plate, ● Lead with knees & shoulder keeping right shoulder just outside the ball ● Get wide, get big with shoulders on top

Drills (Don’t Kill Them) #1 Dry Blocks: Middle, Left, Right #2 Continuous 1 way. (3 at a time to once side) #3 Glove First, Body Follows #4 Sit & Get: Block it & go get it to make throw.

Throwing Philosophy ● Accurate, consistent, quick while making a quality catch all the time. ● Get ball back to pitcher quickly & consistently

Action ● Work with the ball keeping the butt beneath the ball ● Glove pushes shoulder closed ● Break hands at the mid-line of the body while keeping the hands above the letters ● Think: Quick & Short (find 4 seams) ● Roll thumb under the ball with hand facing between backstop & 1st base dugout. ● Initiate throw when front foot hits the ground ● Footwork: 1. Jump switch, 2. Jab step, & 3. Rocker step

Drills #1 ¼ Eagle Dry: Ball in Glove Feet Only no Throw #2 ¼ Eagle Start with Ball in Glove & Throw

#3 Catch & Throw #4 Knee Throws: Upper Body Focus #5 Live Throw to all Bases

Pop-ups: ● Remove mask, find ball, then throw mask down away from area ● Turn back to the plate. Catch ball with two hands out in front

Tagging at the Plate: ● Be square to throw in front of the plate ● Give runner outside of plate only ● Once ball is caught, jab step with left foot so toes point at the runner ● Bring the back of the glove & right knee toward the runner securing ball with both hands ● Throw up 1st base line, drop to 2 knees & sweep tag or dive ● Be prepared to run up & meet a late throw to make play on trail runner.

Fielding Bunts ● Explode to the ball ● Field with 2 hands if time allows ● Shuffle feet to gain ground toward the target ● Circle bunts in middle & down 1st base line ● Turn back to 1st base on bunts down 3rd base line. Keep arm slot up & step toward target

Bunt Drills #1 Coach Rolls from Behind: Set up & make strong fundamental Throw #2 Do or Die: No time to use two hands or set up #3 Three ball drill: 1st base, Middle, 3rd base. Make one play, hustle back & make the next.

Framing Pitches ● Use subtle wrist action avoiding jerking the glove ● Catch pitch in framework of shoulders swaying to the side of the pitch with your ankles ● Hand stays still & shoulders square to the pitcher ● Catch pitch out in front & ball facing the ● Not all pitches should be frame, know the difference or lose credibility with the ump

Wild Pitch/Pass Ball ● Sprint to the right of the ball ● Slide or 2 knee slide ● While sliding bring the glove & hand together scooping up the ball.

● Practice throwing from different angles as well as a backhand flip from 3rd base line

Pulaski Outfield Play

Mental Approach: 1. Have an Enthusiasm to play ANY of the 3 outfield positions 2. Aggressiveness to EVERY ball. 3. Know the game situation--Score, Outs, Runners on Base 4. Study & know the hitters 5. Hustle on & off the field 6. Be ready to communicate (use your voice loudly) 7. Call off infielders whenever you can (use common sense if they are camping)

Stances ● Feet: Balls of feet & get pre-pitch movement toward the plate. Right/Left Hop ● Legs/Body: Knees bent slightly for balance, glove or hands either in front of the body in relaxed position inside the elbows or on inside of thighs. (Never hand on knees) ● Legs/Cross Over Step: Whatever direction the ball is hit. Open & pivot with the playside foot while the other foot crosses over.

Fielding Ground Balls Without anyone on base ● Breakdown body, open glove, field ball in front of you like an infielder, can use knee.

Runners on base ● Field ball slightly outside of glove hand side foot (non-dominant foot forward) ● Glove acts like a shovel, concentrate, be aggressive, but stay under control. Round or slightly curve a ball away from you to gain the proper momentum and angle to your throw.

Fielding Fly Balls Without anyone on base ● Catch the ball at it’s highest point, use two hands when possible & catch baseball.

Runners on base

● Catch ball at it’s highest point & stay behind the ball allowing momentum to take you toward your target. Catch ball toward your throwing side (quicker to receive & release)

Throwing ● Find four seams (fingers across horseshoe) with thumb underneath. As hands separate from glove use a bigger circle than an infielder to get fingers on top of the ball. ● Use Crow Hop: Grounder--Field on outside or left foot, right foot comes across to left & throw. Fly Ball--Ball in front/stay behind the ball. Catch with left foot forward & go right-left throw. A big pronounced hop is not needed, get power off back leg & be quick to release Outfielders Goal: Keep the ball in front of you, communicate, hit the cut, go hard for every ball, back up correct base, take a good first step, & allow no free bases.

How to save a base: ● Attack the ball keeping the body under control ● Take a good angle/route to the ball ● Use good fielding footwork ● Throw to cut-off man to throwing glove shoulder or to the proper base

Phase 1: Pre-Pitch Routine Consists of on-field decision making & mental preparation that takes place before the pitch ● Communicate outs, wind, sun, situations, room near fence, etc. ● Anticipate where the ball will be hit & base to throw to ● Visualize ball being hit to you “Positive Self-Talk” Be Confident! ● Use proper pre-pitch movement & body positioning

Phase 2: Jump & Angle/Route to the Ball Consists of reaction that occurs once the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand ● Watch the location & timing of the swing. ● Take good 1st step & get that good angle to the ball ● Get behind the ball with the body facing the throwing location. ● Communicate & be vocal!

Phase 3: Maintain Body Posture Throughout Catch Fly Ball: Body behind the ball, glove foot forward, glove fingers up & throwing hand by glove if ​ possible. Crossover step & throw.

Ground Ball: Regular ground ball--field like an infielder, crossover step & throw. ​ ​ Do or Die Situation Throw--field ball outside glove foot, field left, crossover right & throw left. ​

Phase 4: Finish Possibly the most important phase in teaching fundamentals, where the most errors typically occur ● Throw to or through the cut-off man-shoulder height to glove hand ● Anticipate where the cut off will go before the actual throw ● Get over the front foot & walk through the throw or follow it. ● React positively to mistakes & finish the play (hustle & complete play no matter what)

Outfield Drill Package

#1 Cut-off Monkey in the Middle: 3 person drill. Player in the middle is the cut-off & outfielders ​ hit them on glove side shoulder & he returns throw to them & it keeps going. Variation: After ​ ​ cut-off person throws ball to OF, pause, put ball over head or on glove side foot before throw.

#2 Crow Hop Ground Ball Throws: Roll or hit ground balls to OF & make throw to base or ​ cut-off using proper left-right-left footwork

#3 Regular Ground Ball: Field ball like an infielder & make throw. ​

#4 Open & Run: Coach points a direction, OF opens with drop step, crossover & run back to ​ ball

#5 Reaction Open & Run: Coach doesn’t point simply throws the ball high in one direction ​

#6 Wrong Shoulder Drill: Coach points a direction player takes off & throw over other ​ shoulder. OF should turn away from where the ball was hit.

#7 Snake Drill: Coach points 1 direction, catch that ball, coach throws another over the other ​ shoulder & you can do a third if you like.

#8 Gap Drill: Ball is hit in gap, OF slightly circles the ball to make throw to 2nd base. ​

#9 Tweener Ball: Coach can throw or hit a ball between RF & CF or RF & 2nd. Call: “I GOT IT” ​ ​

#10 Fence Communication: 1. Got room, 2. Find it, 3. Fence (Start without ball, add ball) ​

#11 Step Back: Player misreads & takes one step back. Coach toss ball Rt/Lt/Center Dive ​

#12 Dive Drill: Go from knees to do head first to avoid injury. Practice the feet first slide catch. ​

#13 Ball off the fence or in corner: Grab ball with bare hand off the fence if possible, move ​ feet into position as picking up the ball & make strong shuffle throw to cut-off. Down the line, try to cut the ball off before it gets to the corner.

#14 No Look Go Get: Ball is crushed. Take off full speed, without seeing ball entire time. Once ​ at top speed locate ball & make catch.

#15 Game Situations: Put runner on 3rd. Hit flyball & try to throw out runner at home. Put ​ runner on second & try to score on single. Put runner on 1st & go to 3rd. ** Love this one, as real stuff!**

Pulaski Baseball Levels of Development

T-BALL

Terminology:

Batter’s Box, Home Plate, 1st Base, 2nd Base, 3rd Base, Pitcher’s Mound, Tee, Name of All Positions & Where to Line up, Ball, Strike, , Manner’s

Team/Team Expectations:

How to hustle on/off field, How to run bases, Positions, How to sit on bench, Ready fielding position, how to hold bat & stand behind the ball on a tee, basic throwing position & mechanics, how to lead off a base. Learn elements of strengthening & speed exercises st Practice: Run on/off field. Run bases (through 1 )​ , Teach all positions ​ ​ COACH PITCH

Terminology: Dugout, Batter’s Box, Home Plate, Pitcher’s Mound, Tee, Know Name of All Positions, Foul Ball, Strike, Ball, Strike Zone, Force out, , , Flyball, Hitting: “Stride-Separate” ​ ​ Player/Team Expectations: How to hustle on/off field, How to run bases, Know how to field & throw correctly, Back-ups, Dugout behavior, Sliding, Base coaches, Moving when ball is hit, Get lead runner out, Force out vs. Tag out, Taking a good swing with proper mechanics, Pre-pitch movement, Proper base running, Tempo of practice & game the same, Sportsmanship & Manner

MACHINE PITCH

Terminology: Cutoff, Tag up, Double play, Long toss, Quick toss, Stealing base, Past ball, Relay, Crow hop, Time- out, Position names Player/Team Expectations Hustle on/off field, How to run bases with coaches, Pre-pitch movement & fielding position, Back-ups, Dugout behavior, Sliding, Base coaches, Moving when ball is hit, Get lead runner out, Force out vs. Tag out, position duties, Practice like game & correct tempo, Tagging up, Teaching position duties, Running bases on ground balls: Ex. In front of you when on 2nd base=stay. Crow hop, Catching fly balls, Hitting cut-offs, Taking proper swing.

PEE WEE

Terminology: Pitching rubber, 4 Seam, 2 Seam, Bunt, Squeeze, Tag up, Double play, Long toss, Quick toss, Stealing Base, Past ball vs. Wild Pitch, Relay, Crow hop, Framing pitch, Delayed steal Player/Team: Hustle on/off field, How to run bases, Positions, Pre-Pitch Movement to Ready position, Back-ups, Sliding, Base coaches, Moving when ball is hit, Position duties, Signs from coaches, Stealing, Delayed st rd steal, 1 ​ and 3 ​ Situation, Bunt situations ​ ​ Practice: Getting ball to pitcher, Call time & keeping heads up, Run & Steal bases, Base coaches, take ​ st rd signs 1 foot out of box, Practice situations: 1 ​ & 3 ,​ Bunt Coverage, In between pop ups, Doubles ​ ​ scrimmage, PFP’s (Pitchers Fielding Practice) Backing up throws back to pitcher, Double Play Turns, Importance of Bat Speed & Arm Pitching Speed, Catch Fly Balls, Bunt, Crow Hop

LITTLE LEAGUE

Terminology: Sacrifice, 4 Seam, 2 Seam, Straight Change, Circle Change, , Slide step, Infield Fly, . QAB (Quality-At-Bat), Introduce Wind-up vs. Stretch Player/Team Expectations: (Coaches choice if you want your kids to call pitches) Hustle on/off field, Pre-pitch movement/Ready position, Back-ups, Sliding, Base coaches, Moving when st rd ball is hit, Position responsibilities, Signs from coaches, Stealing, Delayed steal, 1 ​ and 3 ​ Situation, Bunt ​ ​ Situations, Infield Fly, Tagging up on a fly ball. st rd Practice: Run & Steal bases, Base coaches, Take signs 1 foot out of box, Practice situations: 1 ​ & 3 ​ & ​ ​ ​ Bunt Coverage, In between pop ups, Doubles scrimmage, PFP’s, Looking runners back, Know where to go with ball at all times, Know other team & how to position yourself according to who is up. Understand pitch selection as a hitter & pitcher. Know counts & when in your favor

PONY

Terminology: Sac Fly, Sac Bunt, Suicide Squeeze, 4 Seam, 2 Seam, Straight Change, Circle Change, Knuckleball, Curve Ball, , Slide step, Infield Fly, Hit and Run. Infield/Outfield communications, Stretch, Pick-off moves, QAB (Quality-At-Bats), Player/Team Expectations: Hustle on/off field, Pre-pitch movement & ready position, Back-ups, Sliding, Finding Base coaches, st rd Moving when ball is hit, Position duties, Signs from coaches, Stealing, Delayed steal, 1 ​ and 3 ​ Situation, ​ ​ Bunt Situations, Infield Fly, Turn double plays, Build bat speed, arm speed & foot speed. st rd Practice: Practice situations, (1 ​ & 3 ​), Bunts, In between pop ups, PFP’s, Looking runners back, ​ ​ ​ Leading off, Stealing (watch front heel), Stealing vs lefties (one step back), All Strategies of Game

Practice Plan #1 (Outside on Field) Defensive Emphasis

Word of the Day: Confidence

Kids Arrive Early: ● Play: Pepper or Flip

Warm-up: Jog Pole to Pole ​

Speed & Strength Program (10 minutes) ● Print routine in coaches book

Baserunning (10 minutes) ● : Run through 1st peak over right shoulder & break down ● Single: Round 1st ● Double (Leg out a double & slide) ● Double/Triple: Find 3rd base coach: either stand at second or slide at 3rd

Concentrated Throwing (10 minutes) ● Print routine in coaches book

Fielding Stations (30 minutes--10 each) 1. Infield Drills 2. Outfield Drills 3. Pitchers & Catcher

Game Situations (30 minutes) 1. Bunt Defense (7 minutes) ● Use live pitcher with coach bunting & player runs or with players bunting 2. 1st & 3rd Situations (7 minutes) ● If you don’t want to use live runner, make sure outfield is backing up every play 3. Finish with 3-2 count game (15 minutes) ● Split teams up, depending on # of players maybe you only have 5 on a team so cover infield spots only & any hit in OF is a double.

Team Talk # 1 Talk about at least 1 thing learned in practice today. # 2 Word of the day: Confidence=What does it mean, what does it look like, why is it important ​

Outside Practice Plan #2 Offensive Emphasis

Word of the Day: Adversity

Kids Arrive Early: ● Play: Pepper or Flip

Warm-up: Jog Pole to Pole ​

Speed & Strength Program (10 minutes) ● Print routine in coaches book

Concentrated Throwing (10 minutes) ● Print routine in coaches book ● Add Monkey in Middle Relay Drill at End

Baserunning (10 minutes) ● Stealing 2nd with slide vs. Air (Pitcher & Catcher get ready) ● Stealing 2nd vs. Catcher, Pitcher & Defense ● Stealing 3rd vs. Catcher, Pitcher & Defense ● Stealing home (Pitcher goes through motion & coaches puts ball on fence)

Hitting Stations (30 minutes--Approx. 7 minutes each) 1. Toss Hit (Toss & Decide) 2. Tee Work (2 Different: Post Stride & Happy Gilmore) 3. Bunting: (For Sacrifice & For Hit)

4. 45 Degree Angle Drill (Opposite Field Focus)

Game Situations (30 minutes) ● Infield practice with runners (10 minutes) ● Tee Game or Coaches Pitch Game (Get players moving & involved)

Team Talk # 1 Talk about at least 1 thing learned in practice today. # 2 Word of the day: Adversity=What does it mean, what does it look like, what is the best way ​ to handle it.

Indoor Practice Plan (90 minutes)

Word of the Day: Manners

Kids Arrive Early: ● Play: Pepper or Flip

Warm-up: Do 2 laps around the gym ​

Speed & Strength Program (10 minutes) ● Print routine in coaches book

Concentrated Throwing (15 minutes) ● Print routine in coaches book ● Add “Monkey in Middle” Ground Balls

Pitchers & Catchers (10 minutes) ​ ​ ● Focus on fundamental drills for each ● Pitchers Towel Drill & Power Leg Push-off ● Catchers work on Framing & Blocking

Baserunning (10 minutes) ● Work on secondary leads from 1st & getting jump/read on ball in the dirt ● Work on Run Downs or Pickle: 2 Groups

Hitting Stations (30 minutes--Approx. 7 minutes each)

1. Toss Hit (1. Toss & Decide & 2. Toss Hit with a Bounce) 2. Tee Work (2-4 Different: Post Stride, Happy Gilmore, Stride & Separate, & Plane of Ball) 3. Bunting: (For Sacrifice & For Hit) 4. Coach Pitch from 30’ working on timing of stride & separate. Watch pitches they take as well as the ones they swing at (are hands back)

Game Situations (10 minutes) ● Fun hitting game: “ Last Man Standing” 1 swing or strike. Hit hard stay in, Pop it up or hit it weak or swing & miss=OUT

Team Talk # 1 Talk about at least 1 thing learned in practice today. # 2 Word of the day: Manners=What does it mean, what does it look like & why is it important ​