OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL

18.7

STIX

BASEBALL

Olentangy Braves Baseball Championship Program

O.C.C. Championships 2001 * 2006 * 2007 * 2011 * 2012 * 2015 * 2016 * 2017 District Championships 1965 * 2005 * 2006 * 2012 * 2016 * 2018 Regional Championships 2006 State Runner-Up 2006 RYAN LUCAS – CEO of Olentangy Baseball [email protected] 614-446-0907 (cell)

• 133-64 overall record (7 years) • Off-Season Workouts (Summer, Fall, Winter) • 3 OCC Championships (2015, 2016, 2017) • Summer Field Rentals • 2 District Championships (2016, 2018) • Varsity, Freshman Field Care • 2 District Runner-Ups (2014, 2017) Facility Enhancements • 2015, 16, 17 OCC COACH OF YEAR • 2017 CENTRAL DISTRICT D1 COACH OF YEAR • Social Media, Media in season RESPONSIBILITITIES • Youth Programs • Head Varsity Coach • STIX, Braves Little League, Shanahan, etc. • Diamond Club Booster Organization • Camps (Fall, Winter, Summer) • Oversee Coaching Staff / Parents and 50+ High School Players • Central District Board Officer

MY LEADERSHIP STATEMENT

My job as a leader is to do everything I possibly can to help each player reach their full potential and whatever it takes for our team to reach its potential. As someone who cares about people I want to be able to help each player contribute his best to the team. OLENTANGY BASEBALL CULTURAL ROAD MAP

WHAT WE BELIEVE HOW WE BELIEVE OUTCOME WE ACHIEVE

EFFORT / ATTITUDE / Consistent focus on the details A fully developed PREPARATION Relentless commitment to the BACKBONE Play Hard & Together PROCESS with a positive attitude Relationships drive process

“THIS PITCH” Play with self and game awareness Competitive Spirit and Toughness MENTALITY (Be Locked In) Handle Adversity

“ALL IN” MENTALITY Be accountable to the TEAM An unbreakable bond FAMILY Work to earn TRUST everyday We are more than just baseball!! THE BACKBONE of OLENTANGY BASEBALL

TEAM OFFENSE BALANCED TEAM TEAM DEFENSE - Run Production Mindset (7+) - 100% To and From Position - 15 QAB’s (One BIG Inning per Game) - Play with FUNDAMENTALS - Situational Execution - Prevent the BIG Inning - Minimize Free Bases HITTING - Communicate (All 9 play as 1) - Get a Good Pitch (Hunt FBs in the zone) - Hard Contact PITCHING CATCHERS - Be in Control (Hit ball where pitched) - WIN!! - Run the Show!! - Pitch ahead & Command the FB - Fundamentals BASE RUNNING - Pound the Bottom of the Zone and Receive Well - Game Awareness - Control the Running Game - Shut down the - Advance on all balls in the dirt - Pitch to Strengths running game! - Put Yourself in Scoring Positions (180’s) INFIELD DEFENSE OUTFIELD DEFENSE BUNTING - Pre-Pitch Ready - Pre-Pitch Ready - Get a Good Pitch Weight Room and - Gloves Out & Down - Get Behind the Ball - Maintain Bat Angle Conditioning During - Master catching & - Master catching & - See the Ball Down the season throwing throwing UNBREAKABLE BOND!!! YOU ARE EITHER IN OR OUT!!!

SUCCESS

Summer Team & Coaches College Coaches & Decisions

Parents & Playing Time PBR / Other Braves Girlfriends / Work Baseball Diamond Club

Social Media Jealousy / Adversity Drama / Gossip FAILING OUR KIDS WHO WE ARE … RELATIONSHIPS ARE EVERYTHING!!! Are you in? For us to achieve as a program, team, and individuals everyone must be in. This core belief is that you are 100% committed to everything we do as a program. You believe in and follow the leadership of the program. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to help us be successful? Are you mature enough to be authentic in all conversations with your team and handle all constructive comments from the staff or teammates? You are either in or out? It is all or nothing. You have to believe that we are all in this together and want the same thing. Part of being “in” is the belief that the only way an individual can achieve the ultimate success is to be part of something bigger than themselves. If you are “in” then we expect you to rise to the challenge every day. We expect you to physically and mentally compete each and every day. We expect you to push yourself and your teammates. We expect you to always be 100% loyal to our baseball program. We expect that you will never do anything to go against our core values and do anything to hurt the team. Are you in? Attitude of Champions The philosophy of our baseball program will be based in the premise that each member believes that our collective success is more important than his individual glory. We will be able to achieve our specific team goals only if we are able to combine our individual strengths and work as a team.

In order to reach our potential we must be disciplined to excel in the team aspects of the game. We must be more dedicated than our opponents. We must be more fundamentally sound than our opponents. We must be in better condition. Most importantly, we must be tougher, physically and mentally than anyone we play.

“Players Play, Tough Players Win Championships”

OLENTANGY BASEBALL EVERY MORNING IN AFRICA, A GAZELLE WAKES UP, IT KNOWS IT MUST OUTRUN THE FASTEST LION OR IT WILL BE KILLED. EVERY MORNING IN AFRICA, A LION WAKES UP, IT KNOWS IT MUST RUN FASTER THAN THE SLOWEST GAZELLE, OR IT WILL STARVE. IT DOESN’T MATTER WHETHER YOU’RE THE

LION OR A

GAZELLE WHEN THE SUN COMES UP, YOU’D BETTER BE RUNNING. Important Considerations 1. Academic information (core classes, test scores, G.P.A., unusual talents) RECRUITING 2. Ability level in baseball (where can he play) 3. Financial need situation 4. Geographic considerations (distance from home) 5. Amount of contact from colleges (mail, phone, in-preseason, offer of attendance at camp, etc.) 6. Connections (parent’s alma mater, coach’s alma mater, coach’s contact, attendance at camp, etc.) 7. Competition (the lower level your player can play at, the more players are available at that level; coach and player have to have a game plan) 8. Exposure (camps, summer ball, school season, scouting services, etc.) 9. Develop a player package to mail out 10. Constantly evaluate where your player fits in according to the above factors.

Academic Information 1. Core classes – start early in high school 2. Test scores – have students take these tests (ACT/SAT) early, then take them again to improve. 3. G.P.A. 2018 DISTRICT CHAMPIONS 4. Get a realistic picture of what types of schools your player can qualify for 5. Academic interests

Baseball Ability 1. Try to determine level of potential 2. Any skill or size limitations 3. Genuine interest level in playing in college 4. Get some opinions Competition A player who is not receiving DIV. I recruiting needs to realize smaller schools recruit numbers. You can really help your player become more than a number by working for him. Make sure that once you have determined level (review considerations) that you get your player evaluated by schools he is interested in attending and that have an interest in him.

Exposure Someone has to see your players play Send out game, scrimmage, and practice schedules RECRUITING Call coaches to encourage them to attend Summer team schedule Scouting services – get players names on scouting services Do not depend on post-season all-star games. They are good, but only a one-shot deal. Take your players on unofficial visits to schools in the summer, fall, winter (easy to do in Ohio) Take players to schools that allow tryouts (NAIA, Jucos) Contact schools playing in area to stop by while in town

Player Package Put together information packets on team or individuals Be complete – academics Include schedules of playing dates Phone numbers – best time to reach coach and family College interests – major, location, alumni known, etc. Request a response to determine interest

Constant Evaluation Stay organized in the recruiting process and make sure your player is on the minds of some schools. Be able to read when recruiting or interest is changing If your player is improving, he may need new exposure to a different level. The NCAA Eligibility Center verifies the academic and amateur status of all student-athletes who wish to compete in Division I or II athletics. College-bound student-athletes who want to practice, compete and receive athletically related financial aid during their first year at a Division I or II school need to meet the following requirements: Graduate from high school. Complete a minimum of 16 core courses for Division I or 14 core courses for Division II. After August 1, 2013, student-athletes who wish to compete at Division II institutions must complete 16 core courses. Earn a minimum required grade-point average in core courses. Earn a qualifying test score on either the ACT or SAT. Request final amateurism certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center. For Division I student-athletes who will enroll in August 2016 and later, the requirements to compete in the first year will change. In addition to the above standards, prospects must: Earn at least a 2.3 grade-point average in core courses. Meet an increased sliding-scale standard (for example, an SAT score of 1,000 requires a 2.5 high school core course GPA) Successfully complete 10 of the 16 total required core courses before the start of their senior year in high school. Seven of the 10 courses must be successfully completed in English, math and science. Prospects that earn at least a 2.0 GPA but not a 2.3 GPA and meet the current sliding scale standard (for example, an SAT score of 1,000 requires a 2.025 high school core course GPA) will be eligible for practice in the first term and athletically related financial aid the entire year, but not competition. Freshmen who are academically successful in the first term will earn the ability to continue to practice for the remainder of the year. Division III college and universities set their own admission standards. The NCAA does not set initial eligibility requirements in Division III. College Baseball Recruiting Tips College baseball recruiting is very competitive. If you want to make it to the college level, you will have to compete with thousands of other high school baseball players from around the country to get a scholarship or make a team. To make it to the college level, you need to make sure college coaches know about you and your talents. If you are a blue-chip player, that will happen automatically. Let’s face it; a kid throwing a 95 mile per hour fastball doesn’t need to make sure coaches know about him. Believe me, they will know his name. For everyone else, you need to do a little work to make sure your name gets out there among college coaches. Here are some tips you will want to keep in mind when it comes to college baseball recruiting: Start contacting coaches early (sophomore season is not to early) Talk with your high school coach to see what he thinks about your college potential. Decide on what geographic location of colleges you are interested in playing for. Develop your athletic resume. Attend the best baseball showcase camps. Play upper level travel baseball and/or legion baseball. Attend games at various division levels (Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, Junior College etc.) and see what level is right for you. Check on colleges that offer “select camps” to get even more exposure. Check their web sites. Market and promote yourself the right way to college coaches. If sending DVD’s make them short. Throwing, Fielding and Hitting from different angles. No game tape. **** Make sure you your grades are good and you take your ACT/SAT tests as soon as you can. All of these tips are certainly important and can help you with your goal of reaching the college level. However, the most critical college baseball recruiting tip is by far tip #9. Why? College coaches at all levels need talented baseball players. Most of these coaches don’t have huge recruiting budgets, so they have to rely on other ways of finding talented baseball players. Therefore, marketing and promoting your talents to college baseball coaches is not only good for you, it’s a great deal for college coaches. College baseball recruiting is very competitive, but you can come out on top. If you are not currently being recruited, or if you are receiving just a little recruiting attention, you need to spend some time marketing and promoting yourself to college coaches. It will take some effort on your part, but it will pay off richly by allowing you to play the sport you love at the college level. Baseball Recruiting Guidelines *** Baseball players are evaluated by five tools (1) Strength / Throwing Ability (Arm Speed, Exchange, Release, Throwing Accuracy, etc.) (2) Range / Fielding Ability (Body Control, Double Play Skills, Footwork, Quickness, etc.) (3) Speed / Base Running Ability (Footwork, Overall Speed, Quickness, etc.) (4) Hitting for Power and (5) Hitting for Average (Balance, Bat Speed, Explosion, Hitting to All Fields, Length of Swing, Power, etc.) On the mound here are common fundamentals evaluated: (Arm Speed, Balance, Each Pitch thrown for Consistent Strikes, Movement of Pitches, Overall Mechanics, Velocity, etc.) *** Here are additional factors evaluated by college coaches throughout the recruiting process: Athletically: -Accolades and Awards -Athletic Data (60 Time, Velocity, Pop Times, etc.) -Athletic History in High School and College (if applicable) -Feedback/Interest from coaches and contact thus far with college coaches -Height and Weight -Recruiting Guidelines (See Below per Division) -Statistics -Travel Team -Video (mainly area in which your five tools are evaluated) Baseball Recruiting Guidelines

Academically:

-Actual Grades in Individual Classes (Transcript Overview) -Class Load (AP and Honors courses) -Class Rank -Extracurriculars -GPA -SAT/ACT scores -Subject Test Scores *** Here is additional information broken down by division level to read through to help understand the evaluation process and additional guidelines to how each level recruits student-athletes: Division I: The typical Division I baseball player is ‘polished’ and seems to already have all the tools necessary to be successful as a freshman. As opposed to the Division II baseball player, the typical DI player needs far less development, if any. The position players possess at least 4 of the 5 measurable tools. The pitchers display a command of at least 3 pitches with high velocities. On average, they have the ability to throw many innings, and most often they are only used on the mound and rarely as position players. Most DI players come from large high schools. Many of these programs are considered the best in their area or in the state. In addition, most DI players have been awarded accolades such as All-Area, All-County, or All-State early in their high school career. Lastly, most DI programs identify prospects their freshman and sophomore years, many of these recruits verbally commit junior year, and these programs mainly wrap up recruiting by the early signing period senior year. Pitchers: -Over 1 strikeout per Inning Pitched -ERA below 2.50 -Velocity: As low at 84 MPH consistently and ranging to 95+ (Verified by a neutral source) -2 Additional pitches thrown to spots consistently Catchers: -Height: 6'1” -Weight: 200 lbs. -Pop Time: 1.95 and below consistently (Verified by a neutral source) Middle Infielders: -Height: 6'1” -Weight: 190 lbs. -60 Yard Dash: 6.8 or below (Verified by a neutral source) -Home to 1st: Right-Handed Hitter: 4.2 or below Left-Handed Hitter: 4.1 -Velocity from the INF: 85+ MPH (Verified by a neutral source) Corner Infielders: -Height: 6’2” -Weight: 200 lbs. -Power Numbers: 8+ HR, 30+RBI Outfielders: -Height: 6'1" -Weight: 190 lbs. -60 Yard Dash: 6.6 (Verified by a neutral source) -Home to 1st: Right-Handed Hitter: 4.1 or below Left-Handed Hitter: 4.0 -Velocity from the OF: 87+ MPH (Verified by a neutral source) Statistic to Keep in Mind: There are over 500,000 student-athletes across the country that play high school baseball and less than 2% of them will play at the Division I level. If a student-athlete has not been in communication back and forth with division one level programs at the start of junior year, they must be open to attending a college at the Division II, Division III, NAIA, or Junior College levels. Division II:

Pitchers: -Averaging about 1K per inning pitched -ERA below 3.00 -Velocity: As low at 82 MPH consistently -1 Additional pitch thrown to spots consistently Catchers: -Height: 6'0’’ -Weight: 180 lbs. -Pop Time: 2.0 or below Middle Infielders: -Height: 6’0’’ -Weight: 180 lbs. -60 Yard Dash: 6.9 or below -Home to 1st: Right-Handed Hitter: 4.3 or below Left-Handed Hitter: 4.2 -Velocity from the INF: Low 80’s MPH from SS Corner Infielders: -Height: 6’0” -Weight: 180 lbs. -Power Numbers: 4+ HR, 20+RBI Outfielders: -Height: 5'11’’ -Weight: 180 lbs. -60 Yard Dash: 6.8 or below -Home to 1st: Right-Handed Hitter: 4.2 or below Left-Handed Hitter: 4.1 -Velocity from the OF: 82-86 MPH Division III: Pitchers: -1 or less than 1 K per Inning Pitched -ERA below 4.00 -Velocity: As low at 80 MPH consistently -1 Additional pitch thrown for strikes consistently Catchers: -Height: 5’10” -Weight: 170 lbs. -Pop Time: 2.1 or below Middle Infielders: -Height: 5’10” -Weight: 165 lbs. -60 Yard Dash: 7.1 or below -Home to 1st: Right-Handed Hitter: 4.4 or below Left-Handed Hitter: 4.3 -Velocity from the INF: Upper 70’s MPH from SS Corner Infielders: -Height: 5’11” -Weight: 170 lbs. -Power Numbers: 2+ HR, 20+RBI Outfielders: -Height: 5’10” -Weight: 170 lbs. -60 Yard Dash: 7.0 or below -Home to 1st: Right-Handed Hitter: 4.3 or below Left-Handed Hitter: 4.2 -Velocity from the OF: 78+ MPH NAIA: The discrepancies in characteristics are very severe when it comes to NAIA baseball. Most compete at a division two level. The most selective NAIA programs are best compared to a low DI level program. The least selective are competing at a low DIII level. Junior College Baseball: Similar to the NAIA level there are many discrepancies in characteristics between the top level programs and the least selective programs. The most selective junior colleges in the country recruit mid to upper level DI student-athletes. Lower level JUCO programs recruit low level DIII players.

OFF-SEASON PLAYER DEVELOPMENT • Summer • Championship Tuesday (HS games, Program practices) • Travel Teams (HS and lower level players join teams … program teams use field) • Facility Enhancements • Field Care + Rentals • Braves Olentangy Community Camp • Fall • 2-3 days per week – Hit, Long-Toss, Condition • Weight Room • Field Care • Facility Enhancements • Fall Ball Camp • Winter • 3-4 days per week – Hit Inside, Condition + Agilities, Weight Room, Throw and Pitching Development (4 man workouts) • Hitting League • Holiday Camp SPRING EVENTS • 4 Scrimmages, 27 Varsity Games + Tournament • Spring Trip with Varsity players, parents, diamond club • Recognize youth teams and alumni at home games • After top of 1st inning • Throw out 1st pitch – sponsors, donors, administration, etc. • Charity Event • Senior Night Ceremony • Last home game of season • Ceremony prior to game, Cookout after game • Watch JV and Freshman games when possible • District All-Star Game, All-Ohio Series at OSU • Central District board events FALLEN 15 CHARITY EVENT OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL GAME DAY GOALS

Varsity Offensive Defensive #1 Win 20+ Games #1 Understand an abide by #1 100% to and from position #2 Win O.C.C. Championship Olentangy At Bat Philosophy #2 0 errors #3 Compete every game #2 Score 7 runs per game #3 Give up 3 or less runs per #4 Strive to be the best TEAM #3 Average 15 hits per game game every day #4 Advance to the next base on #4 Do not allow a BIG Inning in #5 Be loyal, dedicated and all balls in the dirt any game committed to the Olentangy #5 Average 1 BIG Inning every #5 Always pick up last outs Glove Baseball Program game (15 QAB’s per game) and Hat #6 Improve baseball education #6 Advanced runners on all #6 Always are in right spot #7 Never be outworked as a batted balls TEAM!! #7 3 balls outs per game or 2016 OCC & DISTRICT CHAMPIONS #8 Promote and Develop Team less Chemistry #8 Never leave a runner at 3rd #9 Play our best baseball in May #9 Execute all sacrifice bunts and June – Huntington Park!!! #10 Never miss a signal #11 Never get picked off base OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL DEFENSE

We accept differences in batters on offense, but on defense WE will field balls all the same way. There are no exceptions to this because fundamentally we are going to be very sound. In the infield all the players will have the same pre-pitch ready and attack ground balls the same.

INFIELDERS (Visualize Situations before they happen) Pre-pitch ready = Start upright and extend glove palm up. It should stay this way on all balls hit directly at us. We then go heel-toe-heel-toe. We want to extend the glove palm up as the ball approaches and throwing 4 inches on top (Clam Position). Move to the right of the ball so you can pick the correct hop and position your body so you field the ball in the middle of your body. Weight should be on the balls of your feet and chest out over knees. You should field the ball by picking it off the ground with two , proper footwork should be right-left, right-left, moving through baseball, not back on heels. Charging rule = hits on the dirt, charge it … hits on the grass play it straight up. YOU SHOULD MOVE WITH THE COUNT & LEARN FROM FOUL BALLS!!! OUTFIELDERS (Visualize Situations before they happen). Pre-pitch ready = Almost all outfielders stand closed and as the ball enters the hitting zone you must move your throwing shoulder foot so it is parallel to the other foot. This will allow you to go get balls in all directions easier. Any ball in the air should be caught! Take great angles on balls hit in the gap & hit the cut off man!!!

YOU SHOULD MOVE WITH THE COUNT & LEARN FROM FOUL BALLS!!! OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL DEFENSE

Defensive Order of Importance 1st Baseman Power Hitting Fielding Arm Speed 2nd Baseman Fielding Speed Arm Hitting Power 3rd Baseman Hitting Power Fielding Arm Speed Shortstop Fielding Arm Speed Hitting Power Catcher Fielding Arm Hitting Power Speed Pitcher Velocity Movement Control Breaking Left Fielder Power Hitting Fielding Arm Speed Center Fielder Fielding Hitting Speed Arm Power Right Fielder Power Arm Fielding Hitting Speed PITCH COUNT

DAILY REST REST REST REST

LEVEL LIMIT 0 DAYS 1 DAY 2 DAYS 3 DAYS

7-12 125 Pitches 1-30 Pitches 31-50 Pitches 51-75 Pitches 76 + OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PITCHING PROGRAM DAY 1- MOUND WORK DYNAMIC STRETCH (1/4 OF COURT OR 20 FEET) Frankenstein Walk WARM-UP THROWING (1 MINUTE PER DRILL) Backward Walk Two Knee Drill (Facing Position & Side Position)- on two knees facing partner, rotate Field Goal Kick ab region and throw to target Butt Kicks One-Knee Drill- on back knee, stride leg out and slightly closed foot, the pitcher Knew Hugs throws ending in a standing position, trying to keep drag line with front of plate Leg Cradles Crossover- Cross feet, lift front knee to back shoulder and throw World’s Greatest Stretch Step and Crossover- Back foot behind front foot and lift to back shoulder and throw 1,2,3 Balance Point Drill- knee to back shoulder in dynamic balance 3 times and feel BANDS FOR SCAPULA (1 SET OF 25 EACH) rd Over-the-Head Arm Extension from Stride Position the back knee start moving forward as you come to balance point, after 3 balance Side Extensions from Stride Position position throw and check drag line Diagonal Extensions Hip or Chair Drill- starting from the stride leg landing position, come to Flex-T and Forward Flies throw, forming a straight line from back foot to release point, make sure you clear Backward Flies head, keep chest up, shoulders parallel to ground Internal ( Height) Rotation Throw-To-Knee Drill- starting upright, throw to kneeling position on back knee External Rotation Towel Drill- this drill is designed for the pitcher to work on straight lines and to get Elevated (Shoulder Height) Internal Rotation properly over the stride leg and rotate the last, pitchers should work in pairs, a Elevated External Rotation partner with glove should add the stride length plus 5 feet and hold his glove to hip Reverse Throwing level, the pitcher should find a point of origin and work through pitching motion with Forward Throwing Motion a towel in the throwing hand, the pitcher should work on hitting his partners glove MOUND WORK that is at the hip level height Session 1- 30 pitches (15 windup, 15 stretch, 30 FB) Session 2- 45 pitches (15 windup, 30 stretch, 35 FB, 10 OS) 20 MINUTE RUN / STATIC STRETCH Session 3- 60 pitches (30 windup, 30 stretch, 40 FB, 20 OS) OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PITCHING PROGRAM DAY 2- RECOVERY DYNAMIC STRETCH ROTATIONAL & JOINT INTEGRITY (2 SETS, 30 SECONDS EACH DRILL) WARM-UP THROWING BOSU Circles (clockwise & counter clockwise) BOSU Knee-Lifts & Stride (right & left legs) SCAPULA EXERCISES WITH DUMBELL (2 SETS, 10 SECONDS Medicine Ball Overhand Throw EACH DRILL) Medicine Ball Overhead Toss Arm Circles (small, medium, large- forward, backward- Medicine Ball Scoop Toss (right & left) palms-straight, palms-out, palms-out with heavy balls), Medicine Ball w/ Rotation (right & left) Throwing Arm Circles (softball style forward and backward Medicine Ball Lateral Lunge w/ Rotation (right & left) with heavy balls), Forward Raise (straight, palm-in, and Medicine Ball Wood-chops (right & left in kneeling lunge position) palm-out), 45 degree Forward Raise (straight, palm-in, Medicine Ball Rotate and Slam (Left & Right Side) palm-out), Lateral Raise (straight, palm-in, palm-out , LOWER LIFTS (2 SETS, 30 SECONDS EACH DRILL) Scarecrow, Empty Can, Internal Rotation, External Rotation, Squat Jumps Reverse Fly, Reachback Wall Squats (hold squat against wall) Squat Thrust Knees to Chest (explode knees to chest) ABDOMINAL EXERCISES (3 SETS, 25 REPS EACH DRILL) Mountain Climber (pushup position alternate knees to chest) Swim Kicks (locked knees) Donkey Kicks (from kneeling pushup position, left leg back and reaches out & alternate) Leg Lift (toes to ceiling) Calf Jumps, Vertical, Lateral R & L (quick & high jumps using only calfs) Knee-Up (knees to chest) (3 SETS, 15 SECONDS EACH DRILL) (rotating outstretched hands side to side) Jump Rope Double, Left Leg, Right Leg Windshield Wipers (rotating opposite knees to floor) UPPER LIFTS (3 SETS, 15 REPS EACH DRILL) Knee-Up & Twist (left & right side) Standard Pushup Front Plank (, on hands extended above shoulders, and Diamond Pushup toes, vary by lifting leg in air) Pronated Pushup Side Planks (on right/left side and lifting resting leg in air) Supinated Pushup 20-MINUTE RUN / STATIC STRETCH OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PITCHING PROGRAM DAY 3 – BUILD UP DYNAMIC STRETCHING WARM-UP THROWING

LONG TOSS THROWING- will throw for 10 minutes or to PITCHERS FIELDING PRACTICE (PFP) fatigue. First 5 minutes we want to use heavy ball, keep arm Fielding bunts down 1st and 3rd base lines, come backers to first and nice and loose, work way back to 300 feet if possible using st arcing throws (think of a mortar). After 5 minutes we want to double plays, covering 1 base on ground ball hit to right side (J drill) bring the throws in using a regulation ball and line drive (think of a bullet) throws that are close to head high. Concentrate on ABDOMINAL EXERCISES finishing throw by swiping fingers to ground and stepping behind front leg, keeping hip closed, to throw. 20 MINUTE RUN OR SPRINT WORK FLAT GROUND THROWING Throw 30 pitches (10 FB, 10 BB, 10OS) in sequence from 45 feet at 75-80% velocity STATIC STRETCH

HOLDING RUNNERS & PICKOFFS (WITH OR WITHOUT BALL) On any occasion its necessary to vary looks, so a pitcher should practice no looks, 1 looks, 2 looks, head nods, going to first on way up and on way down, and when engaged with rubber before stretch Step off, Step off toward 3rd base, pivot to first, on way up/on way down pivot, 3 second hold/step off or pivot, inside move to 2nd, outside move to 2nd, NO MOVES to 3rd except fake to draw bunt attempt OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PITCHING PROGRAM DAY 4 – GAME DAY PREP

DYNAMIC STRETCHING HOLDING RUNNERS & PICKOFFS (WITH OR WITHOUT BALL) On any occasion its necessary to vary looks, so a pitcher should practice no BANDS FOR SCAPULA looks, 1 looks, 2 looks, head nods, going to first on way up and on way down, and when engaged with rubber before stretch WARM-UP THROWING Step off, Step off toward 3rd base, pivot to first, on way up/on way down pivot, 3 second hold/step off or pivot, inside move to 2nd, outside move to 2nd, NO LONG TOSS THROWING- team will throw for 20 MOVES to 3rd except fake to draw bunt attempt minutes or to fatigue. First 10 minutes we want to use heavy ball, keep arm nice and loose, work way back to PITCHERS FIELDING PRACTICE (PFP) 300 feet if possible using arcing throws. After 10 Fielding bunts down 1st and 3rd base lines, come backers to first and double minutes we want to bring the throws in using a plays, covering 1st base on ground ball hit to right side (J drill) regulation ball and line drive throws that are close to head high. Concentrate on finishing throw by swiping ROTATIONAL & JOINT INTEGRITY fingers to ground and stepping behind front leg, keeping hip closed, and throw. 20 MINUTE RUN OR SPRINT WORK

FLAT GROUND THROWING STATIC STRETCH Throw 45 pitches (15 FB, 15 BB, 15 OS) in sequence from 45 feet at 75-80% velocity OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PITCHING PROGRAM

MECHANICAL FOUNDATIONS: Most of pitching mechanics are “signature” toward the individual, but here are the absolutes for throwing more consistently and harder.

#1 - Remain in an athletic position at all times, keep belly button between balls of feet #2 - Lift/Thrust- get a maximum leg lift from front leg while at the same time taking front hip toward target #3 - Stride as far and fast as you can, 6-7 feet from rubber #4 - Opposite/Equal - glove side should “mirror” throwing arm at foot strike #5 - Hip/Shoulder Separation- 40-60 degrees separation from front hip to back shoulder delaying shoulder rotation until head and spine move forward 80 percent of foot strike #6 - Stack/Track- keep head and spine vertical, shoulders square up to target #7 - Keep glove over landing foot #8 - Release the ball ahead of the landing foot, make sure drag foot is in line with spine and head and middle of rubber and home plate, let follow through happen OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PITCHING PROGRAM

GRIPS AND PITCHES:

Fastballs- Pitchers should throw at least two types of fastballs; The 4-seam fastball should be thrown inside as it tends to rise in toward the hands, additionally it typically has more velocity on the pitch; The 2-seam fastball should be thrown on the outer part of the plate because it tends to sink and has more movement, think palm to target

Changeups- Pitchers have the option of throwing any type of changeup they feel comfortable with, think thumb to target Circle Change- thumb and index finger form circle, help in tips of fingers like a fastball

Pitchfork Change- index and ring fingers on the outside of ball, middle finger on top, thumb on bottom or where comfortable, pinky not touching

Three finger change- three big fingers on top, thumb on bottom or where comfortable, pinky on side

Palm ball- Fingers are spread across the baseball, in tips like a fastball and in comfortable position

Curveball- The biggest thing about this pitch is that the fingers need to be on top of the baseball and the thumb should be on bottom, forming the letter “C” with the hand. Also, the wrist angle changes with this pitch as the palm should be facing the pitcher and the delivery of the pitch should be a “karate chop” action OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PITCHING

PLAYERS GOALS #1 Win #2 No walks to a lead-off hitter in the inning #3 4 to 1 K/BB ratio Double Double #4 ERA of 3.00 or better Wave Wave Wave Wave #5 15 pitches per inning Zone Zone Zone Zone #6 5+ innings each start #7 No 0-2 Base hits #8 Give defense a chance to get lead-off hitter out each inning Dead #9 Pitch ahead in the count Zone #10 Be ready to pitch every 4th day (starter) (STAY OUT OF ) COACHES GOALS #1 No down time due to injury (Follow Pre-Game Routine) #2 Not to remove a pitcher because of fatigue #3 Pitcher in game gives team best chance to win OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PITCHING Everyone is a pitcher in our program until we tell them they aren’t

The Preliminaries

Relaxation – Breathing is the key to effective control!!! (after you get sign) Ball in Glove to start Placement on the Rubber – Angles, Angles, Angles (rhp = right part of rubber, lhp = left part of rubber)

The Pitching Motion

The Rocker Step – The enemy of control (short step straight back, not to the side … think physics!!!) The Pivot Foot – The key to everything good that happens to a pitcher (foot parallel with rubber) The Plate Side Leg Lift – Smooth and controlled (Belt high – heel over toe on lift) Lift to Balance – The second enemy to control!!! (weight on back leg) The Chin – The most important element (Chin to Glove, lead glove follows chin) The Path to the Plate – Creating direction (toe/foot and chin straight line to target) “you are a professional target hitter” The Landing Point – Glide out as far as you can with toe/foot and chin pointing to target Release Point – Extend out and look for consistency (arm and glove mimic each other) Follow Through – Finish and Stay loose (shoulder on target) OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PITCHING ROUTINE

OFF DAY BREAKDOWN

DAY 1 DAY 3 1 – Daily Pre-Throwing Routine 1 – Daily Pre-Throwing Routine 2 - Short Toss up to 120 Feet 2 – Long Toss up to 180 Feet 3 – 10 minute run 3 – Light Bull Pen 2 sets @ 65% 4 – Weights 4 – 25 minute run on warning track

DAY 2 DAY 4 1 – Daily Pre-Throwing Routine 1 – Daily Pre-Throwing Routine 2 – Long Toss up to 180 Feet (10 mins) 2 – Short Toss up to 120 feet 3 – Delivery Drills 45 Feet 3 – 12 poles 4 – 60 Yard sprints – 20 total OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL GAME DAY PITCHING

WARM UP TO THROW POST GAME 35-40 BEFORE START OF GAME

2 poles (Light Jog) #1 - 10 Poles non-stop #2 - Ice for 15 minutes WARM UP THROWING #3 - Warm shower Toss back to a distance of 120 feet – 15 throws

BULL PEN *** Jump Rope # of Pitches Description 8 (80%) 1st 4 away, 2nd 4 In 6 Alternate Full & Stretch 6 Spin Curveball – 40 feet (catcher move) 4 Throw Curveball – 40 feet (catcher move)

FULL DELIVERY SETS = 32 Pitches Total (1 set vs. Right Hand Hitter, 1 set vs. Left Hand Hitter) 1 Set = 16 pitches 8 Fastballs 4 Curveballs 4 Change ups

Finish up 5 minutes before Game Time OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PFP’S

• Pitcher covering 1B (groundball to their left for 1B to field – take an angle up the baseline) • Grounders back to Pitcher and throw to 1B • Grounders back to Pitcher and throw to 2B for double play • Field bunts at all angles and throw to 1B • Field bunts straight back to him and throw to 2B or 3B (do or die) • Field fly balls around home plate or foul territory

• Picks to 1B, 2B, 3B (go over all situations and play calls) • Practice Run Down situations • Practice backing up 3B and Home Plate OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PITCHING Winning by Minimizing Free Bases

1. How do we define a free base 2. Breaking down Free Bases Walk Walks Errors The biggest of all free bases (45%) Stolen Bases Allowed National Average = 3.74 Wild Pitches Best in the Nation = - 1.82 Hit by Pitches Walk can be practiced and controlled Passed Balls Bullpen structure Balks Emphasize first pitch strikes Trail Runner Advancing 75%-80% of Walks come from 1-0 count Breakdown on FPS (First Pitch Strike) 52% Take 16% Foul 16% Out 9 % Swing and Miss 1% Error Only 6% chance to give up a hit OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL PITCHING Winning by Minimizing Free Bases Errors (2nd largest at 17%) Encourage pitchers to work with pace Spend a lot of time on PFP Heavy emphasis on catching and throwing with the team. Stolen Bases Allowed (3rd largest at 13%) Involves Pitchers, Catchers and Infielders Pitchers need to be quick to the plate 1.3 is ideal Pick offs and changing pace to minimize attempts Hit By Pitch (4th largest at 12%) Eliminate wrong side or sloppy off speed HBP Practice throwing inside Wild Pitches (5th largest at 9%) Sloppy pitching causes wild pitches Eliminate the bounced fastball Passed Balls (6th largest at 2.5%) Don’t cross up signs Balks (7th largest at 1.5%) Must have poise and discipline OLENTANGY BRAVES CATCHING – WIN the bottom of the zone! Who we are!!! - Run the Show - Fundamentals and Receive Well - Shut down the running game! - Be vocal - Manage everything! SIGNAL GIVING STANCE 2013 2019 Toes at 10 and 2 o’clock Luke Hartline Max Caron (Tri-C) Butt rests 2014 Back upright Joe McGuinness (Bowling Green) (r) elbow into side, hand in grown, thumb on cup 2015 Glove shields 3B and rests on knee Joe McGuinness/Nate Monastra Use index for FB, last three for change & index and pinky for curve 2016 (basic calls – we have our own that changes every season) KYP Nate Monastra (Xavier) 2017 DRILLS Lucas Hassinger Practice giving signs (vs. guy on 2nd base) and setup 2018 Lucas Hassinger OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL CATCHING

RECEIVING STANCE Arms length away from batter Flatfooted, weight on balls of feet, toes pointed toward bases Walk into stance with lead leg at late as possible Be in rhythm, be relaxed and move to get rhythm Butt gets up, back becomes flat Knees inside of feet Elbows outside the knees & glove elbow slightly bent and relaxed Throwing hand behind glove & thumbs together Glove index finger should be at 1 o’clock Relaxed wrist Flexible Hips (stretching very important)

DRILLS Setup and hold stance, 3 sets of 45 seconds, walk up each side of plate OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL CATCHING RECEIVING & CATCHING Catch ball with bent arm, let ball travel When catching ball, ball is absorbed or brought back slightly, bare hand behind glove, thumbs together Catch inside pitches by thumb up and outside of ball, outside pitches by extending wrist and thumb down, bare hand should stay in place on pitches on inside and outside of plate to prevent shoulder turns Hold any strikes or pitches down middle of plate Return any “balls” immediately, do not show up or trick umpire Catch low ball out and closer to plate High ball deep and closer to self Body sway toward inside & outside pitch, beat pitch to spot, nose, belly, & glove in alignment When swaying, one knee up, one knee down slightly To steal the low pitch = get closer to batter

DRILLS Stick drill, stick moves around to spots and catcher sways, moves, and turns glove to those spots Tennis ball drill, bare hand Angle drill- catch and hold inside and outside pitches, low and high pitches Rapid fire drill- 4 sets of 8 balls as quick as catcher can Ping Pong Balls or Small Golf Balls Drill – rapid fire and need to receive smaller objects Frisbee Drill – receiving low pitches OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL CATCHING BLOCKING The job is to stop the ball, not catch it, then recover quickly Drop to knees with toes pointed outward and exhale (knees close to ground) Roll forward with hips (4 inches) Chest over ball, sunk into hips Elbows come back and chest is angled forward Glove plugs the hole, bare hand behind glove Chin is tucked, shoulders roll forward to create gap between chest & protector On balls to (r) or (l), curl around ball pointing to plate, outside shoulder turned in and kick out lead leg Recover quickly to feet, stay low and scoop ball in with both hands

DRILLS 6 ball warm- line up 6 balls in pattern, moving forward and angling, drop and recover Already down- 10 balls per set, block, and recover (middle, right, left) No hands- block with chest and recover- 10 balls per set (m, r, l) *** use chin to touch ball (keeps head down) Rapid fire- block and recover fast as catcher can- 5 balls per set Circle drill- keep blocked balls in circle around plate (Hoola Hoops) Block, recover, and scoop Reaction- either frame pitch or down to block Ball in dirt drill with JUGS machine OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL CATCHING

BACKSTOP & WILD PITCHES Peel mask & toss aside Controlled slide (L) knee on ground, ® knee extended, stay to the right of baseball (glove side) Bare hand ball and snap throw

DRILLS Practice to backstop Slides and throws OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL CATCHING

THROWING Be quick, 2.0 seconds or faster to 2nd base 4 seam grip Stay low, transfer ball at chest Short arc (goal post), fingers on top, elbow shoulder high, pull glove down to side of body Right foot jabs “short” to base, left foot follows Throw through bag, finish chest over knee

DRILLS Hands together and separate Throw from “goal post” Two knees, transfer and throw with feeds One knee, transfer and throw with feeds Transfer & step with feeds Quick toss- 60 seconds, many as can, to 1st, 2nd and 3rd Long toss- from 60 feet to 130 feet Ball in dirt drill with JUGS machine 3 Mini Fields with base runners = 3 coaches, 3 catchers, IF, OF as base runners OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL CATCHING

FIELDING BUNTS & POPUPS

Bunts- Approach ball low, go “around” with ball on right and get direction going to base, scoop with 2 hands, shuffle and throw

Fly Balls- On contact, take off and hold mask, stay low and find ball immediately, turn around facing backstop, get rid of mask, stay behind ball as it curve back toward infield, be vocal and call for “ball”

DRILLS Scoop Drill Coach behind catcher Fungo fly balls Machine fly balls OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL CATCHING

BLOCKING THE PLATE Set up in front of plate 6 to 12 inches, inside line taking inner 2/3 of plate, give runner outer 1/3, left foot and shin lined up, bend knees, stay low, expect bad throw, square up to throw, apply tag with two hands and show umpire.

DRILLS Throws from outfield or infield Practice during pre-game OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL INFIELD

Pre-Pitch Ready = Start upright and extend glove palm up. It should stay this way on all balls hit directly at us. We then go heel-toe-heel-toe. We want to extend the glove palm up as the ball approaches and throwing hand 4 inches on top (Clam Position). Move to the right of the ball so you can pick the correct hop and position your body so you field the ball in the middle of your body. Weight should be on the balls of your feet and chest out over knees. You should field the ball by picking it off the ground with two hands, proper footwork should be right-left, right-left, moving through baseball, not back on heels. Our rule with tags = don’t reach, let it come to you and make an aggressive tag. Charging rule = hits on the dirt, charge it … hits on the grass play it straight up. OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL INFIELD DRILLS

• Individual work (footwork & fundamentals) • Short hops, forehand, backhand, attack • Four Corner drill (flips, footwork & turn throws) • Ground balls to each position • Work on positioning for relay throws • Work on receiving and tagging • Each position work on ground balls going both directions, charging, deep with throws • Fielding bunts and coverages • Pitcher Pick Offs at all positions • Defensive Play Calls • Situations • “Baerga Drill” with tennis balls • Fly balls in IF, Foul territory • Run Downs • 1st and 3rd Situations (leave early) OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL INFIELD DRILLS

Middle Infield Drill - Square Drill • Footwork drill • 4 Infielders stand in a square and flip ball to each other

Double Play Drill - Create chaos by practicing faster than the game is played (two coaches with fungo) - Turn as many DP’s in 3 minutes - Start with the 5-4-3, as soon as they start the turn goes into 6-4-3, 1-6-3, 4-6-3, 1-2-3, 3-6-1 - Pitchers need to get on and off the field as quickly as possible - Two players at every position Corner Drills - Catch it with your face (head behind glove) - It’s not an “egg”. Catch it! Make it pop and catch it clean. - Coach with Corner IF’s = toss balls to glove different directions, in the dirt - Hit balls to them with standing on 1B and 3B - Coach and Catcher throws balls to corners = work on tags, picks off dirt OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL OUTFIELD

Pre-Pitch Ready = Almost all outfielders stand closed and as the ball enters the hitting zone you must move your throwing shoulder foot so it is parallel to the other foot. This will allow you to go get balls in all directions easier.

- Best athletes, High skill level, Strong arms, Not afraid to make the big play

- Read ball off bat (anticipation), First step back with quick change of direction

- Great angles … nothing touches the fence

- Catch everything with a hump in it

- Catch the ball in front of you, not behind your head

- Momentum should be going forward into crow hop

- Throw ahead of runners, know all situations before pitch is thrown

- Don’t miss a cut off man, Back up all throws, COMMUNICATION!!! OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL OUTFIELD DRILLS

• Footwork and Receiving Drills • Long Tossing • Relay Drills • Wheel Drill • Communication Drill • Circle Drill • Reps off JUGS machine (stand in different spots, go different directions) • Reps off Fungo from Coach • Fence Drill • Situation Drill • Do or Die Drill • Levels depending situation (A, B, C, D “Do or Die”) OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL OFFENSE

Caden Kaiser – Class of 2019 Berto Carselle – Class of 2017

Nate Monastra – Class of 2016 Logan Ketron – Class of 2019 Cameron Kaiser – Class of 2017 OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL OFFENSE Fundamental Tips for the Young Player To The Young Baseball Player,

This hitting booklet is designed to be most beneficial to those young athletes who love the game of BASEBALL, and are serious about working hard and making a commitment to develop their hitting abilities to be the best that they can be. We expect that by the time you become an elite member of the OLENTANGY BRAVES VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM, you will have put many long, yet enjoyable hours into the improvement of your skills. There is a saying that goes:

WITHOUT DREAMS, THERE IS NO REASON TO WORK HARD WITHOUT HARD WORK, THERE IS NO REASON TO DREAM.

In order to achieve your individual DREAMS as a baseball player, you must not only play the game, but also set aside time and have the discipline and desire to work on the game. This is what separates the players that never reach their full abilities and those that become CHAMPIONS!!!

On the next several slides you will find information about break down drills, and teaching points to help you become a balanced hitter. Throughout your career in our Baseball Program we will challenge you to work hard, expect you to work hard, and assist you in finding opportunities to work hard. By reading this booklet and utilizing the information in it to become better, you have already taking the first steps to becoming a champion as a person and a baseball player. *** Use plate as reference point - Set up tee in front of home plate for contact points - Back tip of plate should split your body

HITTING STATIONS & TEACHING POINTS

Week One Stance / Balance Bat out on fingers, Proper grip (knuckles), loose & grip, athletic position – level body segments, weight on balls of feet, proper alignment – feet, balance throughout swing (back hip & knee through ball), post-stride stance

Balance Board Tee – Post Stride Using a 1x4x4 board and wiffle balls – players will stand on board with the balls of feet on ground and heels on board while hitting ball off tee. Emphasis: proper alignment, back heel off ground and maintain balance throughout swing – Focus on lower body Regular Tee – Post Stride Using the proper grip & wiffle balls – set up tee in front of a home plate. Emphasis: Proper grip, lower body mechanics … back to middle weight transfer, hitting against firm front side, driving back hip and knee thru ball.

Back Knee Toss – Post Stride Using wiffle balls – soft toss to hitter … Place a batting tee (pull out top part of tee) on the floor between hitters legs. Player will drive back knee thru the ball while making contact with the tee. Emphasis: back hip thru ball, staying centered, head down at contact, not sitting in swing and balance throughout – pivot up and forward to ball … not spin or cast out with back foot (put cone behind back heel)

Hip-Pop Tee – Post Stride Using wiffle balls & fungo bat – Set tee on a chair or crate … Place bat behind hips with bat head sticking out. Emphasis: lower body mechanics … drive back hip and knee thru ball, back foot pivot to ball, staying behind ball, rotate on axis while maintaining balance. Make sure bat stays behind hips and not back & back shoulder doesn’t , which would incorrectly pull front shoulder out.

Toe Touch Toss – Start in Post Stride Using wiffle balls & swift stick. Player will get into stance and take front toe and touch back toe and then stride to ball. Coach will toss ball when stride foot is down. Emphasis: proper alignment and balance throughout.

Cage/Soft Toss Using baseballs – Coach will soft toss to player in cage from angle. Emphasis: lower body movements thru ball. Week Two

Stride-Separate / Weight Transfer Focus on stride to balance (comfort thing), stride distance, soft quiet step (testing the water), getting to proper launch position, loading into power position, back to middle weight transfer into swing, getting to and thru the ball with the back side driving against firm front side.

Flamingo Toss Using wiffle balls – player will lift front leg up loading back side into flamingo position and rest bat on shoulder … Coach will give a command to stride (player will lift bat and get to launch position) and then swing. Emphasis: weight transfer back to middle, stride/separate into power position and maintain balance throughout swing.

Balance Ball Tee Using wiffle balls and a 5 ft. piece string … tie string to wiffle ball using a slip knot … Player will put string around waist with ball dangling between legs two inches off floor. Player will stride, checking midline before hitting ball off tee … object is to keep ball centered and if you lunge, ball moves to front side. Or – Coach will say stride … player strides & coach says swing. Emphasis: staying centered, stride to balance, stride to distance and maintain balance throughout swing.

1-2-3 Tee/Toss Using wiffle ball and proper grip … Coach will give 3 commands. 1 – player will stride/separate, 2 – player will start swing with back knee and hand, 3 – player will release barrel and finish swing. Emphasis: stride/separate, back foot trigger, proper extension into palm up/palm down position and a balance follow through. Walk Thru Tee Using wiffle balls – Put a piece of tape on floor 3-4 feet behind the pivot foot in normal stance (where your back foot would normally be) – for point of reference. Player will get in stance, step with back leg crossing front leg and getting stride foot down to normal alignment with tee. Emphasis: proper alignment, linear movement, balance, getting to proper launch position and top hand driving to and thru ball.

Stride/Separate Toss Using wiffle balls – Player will start in pre-stride stance and then will stride / separate 3 times … On the third time coach will check position. Coach will then toss ball once player is in launce position and stride foot is down. Emphasis: rhythm without drifting, strong front side, getting hands to launch position, maintain balance throughout.

Cage/Under Hand Flips Using baseballs – Coach will soft toss underhand behind screen to play in cage. Emphasis: putting the upper/lower body mechanics together with a goal of hitting ball to back of cage. Week Three

Upper Body Focus on getting hands to proper launching position, path of swing, staying inside the ball, barrel above hands, elbows in slow and getting maximum extension.

One Knee Soft Toss Using wiffle balls – Player will take a knee (right hand/right knee; left hand/left knee) with front leg extended at 45 degrees & foot closed … isolating the lower body. Emphasis: swinging from elbows, not shoulders … relaxed wrist and forearms, launch position, knob down and forward to ball, bat head above hands and get proper extension.

Golf Ball Toss Use swift stick & golf wiffle balls – Coach will soft toss to player. Emphasis – muscle memory, training with smaller sweet spot. Younger players can use their own bat if needed.

Bat Rac Toss or Towell/Foam Drill Using own bat, piece or foam or towel under armpit and wiffle balls – at contact, the bat end should be vertical preventing rolling over too soon. Emphasis: avoid early shoulder release, rolling over too early, staying closed and not pulling off ball, palm up/palm down contact. Chair Drill/Toss Using a chair or bucket and wiffle balls – Player will sit on outer half of chair with front leg extended at 45 degrees taking away the lower body. Emphasis: relaxed wrist and forearms, launch position, knob down and to the ball, bat head above hands and proper extension, recognize where hands are.

Knob Hit Tee Using proper grip and wiffle balls – Set tee on crate or bucket bellow button height. Player will measure up to tee for proper distance … Player will start in a post stride stance (wide base) with the back foot and knee triggered at 45 degrees - this will clear the path for hands. Lower body does not move after getting into stance and player will take the knob of the bat to the ball extending from elbows until they jab the ball with the knob. Emphasis: proper grip, hand linear and staying inside ball, relaxed wrist and forearms, swinging from elbows, bat head up until contact with knob. MAKE SURE THEY DO NOT RELEASE THE BARRELL.

Cage/Self Fungo Coach will work with each hitter in cage. Player will toss ball up to self and hit into cage. For younger players who cannot do this drill, have them work outside the cage on a tee. Review 1-3 weeks. Emphasis: approach with hands to ball. Week Four

Top/Bottom Hand Focus on launch position, palm up/palm down contact, lead with bottom hand, drive thru with top hand, both hands taking a path inside the ball, bat head up, lower body clears path for hands.

Top/Bottom Hand Toss Using wiffle balls – coach will soft toss. Players will start hands in launch position (ball in top hand) simulating a swing by taking bottom hand first while catching ball … followed by a top hand throw. Emphasis: linear path of swing, top hand punch, palm up, elbow in slot and getting extension out front. Bottom hand pull, palm down, front shoulder in and getting extension out front.

Extension Tee Using proper grip and wiffle balls – Set up batting tees one in front of the other at the same height. Player will hit both balls off the tees, concentrating on keeping the bat on plane toward the pitcher and driving through both balls. A player with a “circular” swing or who pulls off the ball will hit the back ball, but miss the front ball. Both balls should go in straight line. Emphasis: palm up/palm down, proper extension and staying longer in zone with eyes replacing ball.

Wall Drills Use a wall, curtain or side of batting cage – (1) player will get in stance facing wall … placing knob of bat over belly button extended to wall … take hands back to launch position and take dry swings. (2) player will get in stance facing away from wall … place back foot six inches from wall … take hand back to launch position and take dry swings focusing on not losing top hand. Emphasis: Wall Drill (1) staying inside the ball, not casting around ball. Wall Drill (2) not losing top hand getting a loop to swing. Top/Bottom Hand Tee Using wiffle balls and small wood or heavy bat – set two batting tees with home plate. One for top hand (above waist in zone) and one for bottom hand (below waist in zone). Players will use one hand while swinging. Emphasis: linear path of swing, top hand punch, palm up, elbow in slot and getting extension out front. Bottom hand pull, palm down, front shoulder in and getting extension out front.

High Low Tee Using wiffle balls – Set up two batting tees, one in front of the other. Set back tee 2-4 inches higher than front tee. Player will swing over back ball while hitting front ball off tee. Emphasis: strong top hand, forward and down thru movement, riding top hand to contact and maximum extension.

Cage/Heave Ball Use and old bat – do not let players use their own bats. Hitters will hit slightly deflated soccer, basketball or volleyball off tee. Emphasis: strong at point of contact, palm up/palm down, driving thru ball at impact. Don’t let players quit on contact. Week Five

Contact Points Focus on hitting ball where it is pitched, pitch recognition, hitting inside pitch out front of front hip, hitting middle pitch out front just off front hip, hitting outside pitch out in front of back hip, staying inside the ball.

Inside/Outside Tee Using wiffle balls – Set up diagonal for reference … Hit inside pitch to pull side and outside pitch to opposite field. Emphasis: contact points, hands inside ball, back knee and toe to ball and getting proper extension. Inside pitch reaction … hit off front hip. Outside pitch-see longer (work late), be patient, hit off back hip.

Inside/Outside Soft Toss Using wiffle balls – set up diagonal for reference … Hit inside pitch to pull side and outside pitch to opposite field. Emphasis: contact points, hands inside ball, back knee and toe to ball and getting proper extension. Inside pitch reaction … hit off front hip. Outside pitch-see longer (work late), be patient, hit off back hip.

Contact Point Toss Using proper grip and wiffle balls – set up diagonal across plate with cones … coaches will call out contact points and toss ball from angle. Inside pitch-drive to pull side, middle pitch-drive gap to gap, outside pitch-drive to opposite field. Emphasis: Same as above Sandwich Throw Using wiffle balls – Set up 3 targets about 10 feet away from wall simulating all three fields. Player will straighten hands out with thumbs up, and sandwich the ball in between hands. Player will get in a stance, on command player will stride/separate into launch position. Coach will give command to fire hands and player will push ball toward called target. Emphasis: path to ball, linear movement inside ball, hips powering hands and backside thru ball in direction of field the player is hitting to.

Inside/Outside Double Tee Command Using wiffle balls – set up tees for an inside and outside pitch. Coach will give command to stride/separate … when stride foot is down, coach will call “inside or outside” Emphasis: same as station 1-3.

Cage/Contact Point Toss Using baseballs – set up diagonal across home plate with cones. Coaches will toss ball under hand and call out contact points to hit from behind screen. Emphasis: same as stations 1-3. Week Six

Competition Drills / Bunting

Bunting Session: Focus on sacrifice bunt Emphasis: plate coverage, front of box, get turned early, square hips and shoulders, proper bat angle, bat head top of strike zone, flexed elbows and knees, play catch with barrel and bunt top half of ball. BUNT STRIKES

***NEW = Lacrosse Stick Drill

Point Game: Using wiffle balls – Coaches will throw from approx. 30 feet. Players will get 10 swings. Players gets three points for line drive, two points for hard ground ball, one point for hard hit ball, and zero for anything else.

Red/Green Ball: Using swiftstik and red/green wiffle balls – coaches will toss a red and green ball stacked on top of each other simultaneously and call out color of ball for player to hit. Player will get 10 tosses and receive one point for hitting the correct ball called. Tee Competition: Using wiffle balls – set up tees for each group and tape a square section in middle of screen or wall. Players will get 10 swings. One point will be awarded for each ball hit in square and five points for hitting 1 colored ball in square.

Badminton Birdie Competition: Using Badminton Birdies – coach will sling birdie under hand on a straight line (not a slow pitch arc) to the hitting from 20 feet. Be sure hitters don’t lunge at pitch as it flutters. Emphasis: staying back and simulating an off speed pitch. Players will get 10 tosses and score best out of 10.

Cage/Situation Hitting: Using baseballs – Coach will throw over hand from approx. 30 feet from behind screen. Players will lay down a bunt, hit ball to opposite field (hit and run) and successfully get down a squeeze. Score one point for each. Ball Toss Progression Drills

Skinny: Coach sits on bucket and makes underhand toss, player has feet together and goes into post stride on the swing.

Overhand: Coach sits on bucket and makes overhand toss, player is in regular stride and goes into post stride on the swing.

Oppo Ground Ball: Coach makes underhand toss, player is in regular stride and has to hit whatever pitch is throw oppo on the ground.

Open Stance: Coach makes underhand toss, player starts in open stance and post stride (takes no step) on the swing.

No Stride: Coach makes overhand toss, player starts in post stride (takes no step) on the swing. Backside hip / knee driving through the zone.

Multiple Stride: Coach makes overhand toss, players starts in regular stride and takes three small strides or taps into post stride on the swing. Ball Toss Progression Drills

High Ball: Coach underhand toss, player starts in regular stride and goes to post stride on swing but has to hit ball at the top of the strike zone.

Font Load: Coach underhand or overhand tosses, player starts in post stride but all his weight on front foot.

Closed Stance: Coach underhand toss, player starts in closed stance in post stride.

Bounce Drill: Coach sits on bucket and tosses ball into ground, player starts in regular stride and goes to post stride on bounce of ball.

Net Drill: Coach stands up and underhand toss, player starts in regular stride and sticks bat out touching net (wall drill). On the toss, the player goes into post stride on the swing but focusing on being short to long through the swing. Tee Progression Drills

Regular Tee: Player sets tee up in front of the plate (center), regular stride and goes into post stride on the swing focusing on driving the ball up the middle.

High Tee: Player sets tee up in front of the plate (center but high), regular stride and goes into post stride on the swing focusing on driving the ball up the middle with the pitch being at the top of the strike zone.

Two Tee Out to In: Player sets two tees up (one in inner 1/3rd – set tee low, one on outer 1/3rd – set tee high) regular stride and goes into post stride on the swing hitting the first ball (outer 1/3rd) oppo and the second ball (inner 1/3rd) pull.

Two Tee In to Out: Player sets two tees up (one in inner 1/3rd – set tee low, one on outer 1/3rd – set tee high) regular stride and goes into post stride on the swing hitting the first ball (inner 1/3rd) pull and the second ball (outer 1/3rd) oppo. OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL SAMPLE INSIDE HITTING

HITTING STATIONS – (ROTATE STATIONS EVERY 4 MINS. – LIVE 13 PITCH RULE) *** Set up = Tees, Wiffle Balls, Cage area baseballs, Machine TBA = set to curve ball from righty)

Post Stride Post Stride Regular Regular Regular Regular (2) Regular (2) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Back Knee Toe TouchRegular In 1/3 Out 1/3 Extension One Knee High/Low Toss Toss Tee Tee Tee Tee Tee

9 10 Larkin Drill with Coach Live with coach (3 bunts, 2 H & R, 10 regular) X 2 Bunting Drills (LAX Stick) HITTING FUNDAMENTALS and TIPS FOR CORRECTIONS

1. MENTAL ∙ Fear of being hit by the ball A hitter, in most cases, subconsciously lets the weight get on his heels or finds himself stepping “in the bucket” away from the pitch. Curve balls back him off the plate with ease.

CORRECTION: Let the hitter know this is a normal fear, and all intelligent hitters should have this concern. However, that fear cannot dominate his approach to hitting. The fear must be surfaced and realized. The hitter must realize that he will not have success if fear is involved with his hitting. The question he needs to deal with is simply this: “Would I rather strike out or get hit by the ball?” If he would rather get hit, progress can be made. All physical corrections to this fault are useless unless he makes the mental commitment. Once this is made, corrections such as the following can be presented.

∙ Stride toward the pitch ∙ Keep the weight off your heels and on the balls of your feet. ∙ Play soft toss, short toss, hitting off a tee.

STEPPING IN THE BUCKET ∙ The hitter strides away from the pitch. These result in weight getting on the heels; hips and shoulders open too quickly, and using the body to help “drive” the ball becomes impossible.

CORRECTION: 1) Place a bat directly behind the hitter’s heels. This reminds the hitter to step at the pitcher. 2) Close the stance inwards, keep shoulders, hips and even front foot in slightly. 3) Keep weight on the balls of feet. 4) Practice hitting the outside pitch to right field.

OVERSTRIDING – the hitter strides too long causing weight to be shifted on the front foot and causing body imbalance. The hitter is left to hit with nothing but arms and hands.

CORRECTION: 1) Lengthen the hitter’s stance. 2) Shorten the stride. 3) Practice no stride soft toss. 4) Place a rope ankle to ankle. 5) Inward rotation helps keeps weight on the backside. LOCKING FEET ∙ Feet remain stationary and do not pivot body causing poor hip action and rhythm.

CORRECTION: 1) Place bat behind back and work Tees 2) Stride with slightly open foot 3) Open stance slightly

LEGS

∙ LEG DIPPER = Hitter bends too much during the swing. Legs dipping down to plan of the ball initiate swing. This results in a longer bat arc, an upper cut path to the ball.

CORRECTION: 1) Stand tall on backside 2) Bat arc needs to be straight at ball 3) Keep front shoulder down ∙ LEG JUMPER = Hitter literally jumps at the ball causing poor body mechanics and off balance swing. It is a combination of over striding and lunging with the body.

CORRECTION: 1) No Stride Drills 2) Inward rotation 3) Lengthen stance

∙ STIFF FRONT LEG = Hitter strides onto stiff front leg prior to swing. Often results in lunging and hitter pulling off the pitch and not hitting through the ball.

CORRECTION: 1) Stride onto soft big toe 2) Transfer weight through the ball instead of leaving it all on the backside. BODY

∙ LUNGER = The hitter lets the upper half of his body drive forward ahead of the lower half. Become more of an arm swinger because of a lack of rotation of the hips.

CORRECTION: 1) Concentrate on hitting from the backside 2) Stand tall and keep head still 3) Widen stance 4) Inward rotation

HIPS

∙ STIFF HIPS = Hitter swings the bat with all arms and no body, as hips remain stationary.

CORRECTION: 1) Bat behind back and work off tee 2) Rotate belly button to where ball is hit 3) Make sure you rotate off of back foot 4) Inward rotation cocks hips and get them ready to explode ∙ IMBALANCE PLANE OF HIPS = Hitters hips do not rotate on a level plane with the ball.

CORRECTION: 1) Keep shoulders level through swing 2) Practice bat behind back as with hips

SHOULDERS

∙ DIPPER = Hitter’s back shoulder drops down as bat is take to ball.

CORRECTION: 1) Aim front shoulder at the ball 2) Practice hitting with one knee on floor during soft toss 3) High tee drills

∙ FLYING SHOULDER = Hitter’s front shoulder pulls out to early causing sweeping of the bat path, which affects eye contact and plate coverage.

CORRECTION: 1) Aim front shoulder at the ball 2) Inward rotation which loads the front shoulder Work on hitting the ball to opposite field ARMS

∙ STRAIGHT FRONT ARM = Hitter lets front arm gets straight prior to and during the swing.

CORRECTION: 1) Inward rotation with hips and shoulders only 2) Keep front shoulder in longer 3) Short bat leads elbow drills 4) Move hands closer to body

HANDS

∙ BAT WRAPPER = Hitter allows barrel of the bat to wrap around his head prior to swing, which causes a longer path to the ball.

CORRECTION: 1) Lay bat on back shoulder and start to ball this way 2) Have bat pointed out over the back shoulder HITTING SLUMPS

1) Remember each at bat is a new beginning 2) Concentrate on tee work 3) Relax 4) Work on hitting the ball up the middle or in opposite direction 5) Get on base any way you can – bunt for hit, sac. Bunt (see ball) OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL BASE RUNNING Good base running is a commitment. We must improve in this area to get to where we want to be this season. 90% of all base running is on your own and common sense, but you must be thinking ahead all the time to be successful.

OUT OF THE BOX On a ball that you know is hit on the ground you need to come out of the box and 10 to 15 feet down the line peek to see if it was fielded. If it was, run hard through the bag and then look over your right shoulder to find the ball. On a ball that gets through to the outfield, start to bow your running path to catch the inside of the bag. The idea is to create the best angle to advance to 2nd base. Think double!!!

LEADS *** We want to have a stolen base lead every time. 1st Base = We will have both heels on the bag looking at the 3rd base coach for signs and listening to the 1st base coach for instructions. Our first step will be with our left foot (always keeping your eye on the pitcher) proceeded with a shuffle, shuffle. Vs RHP we want to get to 10 feet, and against a LHP we are at 9 feet. Against a lefty, we will sway on our left leg back to the bag as the foot goes up. Once they go to the plate we get our secondary. You should be at the back of the bag on your lead, and your right foot should be slightly turned open. We will advance to second base on any pitch delivered in the dirt. A GOOD SECONDARY IS A MUST. ANTICIPATE THE BALL IN THE DIRT ON EVERY PITCH. OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL BASE RUNNING Volt Leads - All about timing, After pitchers breath – shuffle and gone! (as soon as pitcher locks eyes on plate) - UCLA timing = U C L A (count) and gone (watch pitcher & get timing – better opportunity at 2nd base)

Delay Steal - Catcher throws from knees (recognize, extend lead on pitch, gone on catcher’s motion)

CUE VS. RHP Right heel, Must lift to pick Feet closer together – Pick Body lean toward home plate – Pitch Focus on right heel through to font side

CUE VS. LHP Unnatural leg and toe kick (watch left foot toe – goes up = throwing over, stays down = going to the plate) Lead leg swing Head and eyes Pivot leg bend Hands Vs. LHP with nothing on we will pick up our Left foot when he does his Right. There should also be a weight shift by base runner back to the bag. OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL BASE RUNNING

2nd Base = At 2nd base we are going to get a short (15 foot) deep lead (3 steps back, 3 steps over). As the pitcher comes set we are then going to start to move in towards the baseline and widen the lead. We still want to create a good angle to score on a hit. We tag on anything deep (see #’s) especially to deep center or right field. Terminology from 3rd base coach = 180 on a base hit or colors (red, green or yellow) Call pitches for batter. Flash hands open for curve ball, close hands for breaking ball, Nothing for fast ball Groundball advancement No Out = Groundball rule in effect – to your left = advance to third, to your right = stay 1 Out = Make sure ball goes through on your right. Slow groundballs where fielder comes in then you advance. 2 Outs = Run hard around third and expect to score. Be aware of where the ball is.

3rd Base = Short lead in foul territory. On delivery we will start moving toward home plate (three step lead) and our right foot should hit the ground as soon as the ball gets into the hitting zone. Stealing Home = Landmark is front edge of plate. We are going on pitcher’s first move. Suicide Squeeze = be ready to run Safety Squeeze = Make sure ball gets down, read trajectory. OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL CAMP OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL CAMP INFORMATION

CAMPS To Do List: • Confirm Dates/Times/Location Braves Program Camp (June) • Brochure – Local Level • Social Media Fall Ball Camp (October) • Confirm Staff • Confirm Player Staff Holiday Camp (December) • Donations (Shirts, Food, Prizes) • Shirt Design Spring Clinic (March) • Create Itinerary • Staff Payment, Donations, etc. • Camp Equipment • Take Pictures • Develop Youth Program • Have Fun and Enjoy the Week!!! OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL DIAMOND CLUB BOOSTERS 501 (c)

A non-profit all volunteer organization established to support the players, coaching staff, and all aspects of the Olentangy Baseball Program. The Club provides a venue for all who are interested to help in creating the best environment possible for all the student-athletes within the baseball program. Members of the Club gather socially and work collectively as volunteers to provide support and resources.

If you are an Olentangy Braves baseball parent, past player, friend of the program, or an interested community business this club is for you.

Our goal is to give the student-athletes in the Olentangy Baseball Program the support they need to succeed both on and off the field.

We meet the second Thursday every month at 6:15 p.m. in room 1259 at Olentangy High School.

FUNDRAISING INFO ON THE NEXT SLIDES OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL DIAMOND CLUB BOOSTERS 501 (c)

August - Booster Bash - 50/50 Raffle at Football Games - Field Rental (Adult League)

September - Concessions at Volleyball games - Field Rental (Adult League) - Fall Ball Camp (late Sept/early Oct)

October - Field Rental (Adult League – Playoffs) - Golf Outing / 5K Race at Columbus Zoo

November - Raffle OSU/Michigan Tickets - Sub Sale for OSU/Michigan Game OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL DIAMOND CLUB BOOSTERS 501 (c)

December - Parent’s Night Out Event - Holiday Baseball Camp (3 day) - Concessions at Basketball games

January - Mattress Sale (last Saturday in January) - Chocolate Sale - Concessions at Basketball games

February - OYAA Clinic / Braves Little League Clinic

March - Player Package (reimbursement) - Youth Program Clinics - Watch varsity practice, meet with coaches for Q & A afterwards OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL DIAMOND CLUB BOOSTERS 501 (c)

April - Spring season concession (Varsity, JV, Freshman Games) - Fallen 15 Charity Softball game (all money donated to charity)

May - Field Rentals (late May)

June - Field Rentals (weekend tournaments, adult league, program teams during week days) - Program Braves Camp

July - Field Rentals

Fundraising throughout the year - Banner and Scoreboard advertisements - Donations (Go Fund Me) - Alumni Pavers OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL VARSITY SPRING TRIPS 2015 – Myrtle Beach, SC 2016 – Atlanta, GA

2018 – Myrtle Beach, SC 2019 – Pigeon Forge, TN OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL ALUMNI AT THE NEXT LEVEL

Class of 2014

Donal Baker – Walsh University Tim Feasel – Urbana University

Class of 2015

Joe McGuinness – Bowling Green Grant Helber – Marietta College Nick Rose – Shawnee State State University Chowan University OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL ALUMNI AT THE NEXT LEVEL

Class of 2015 CONTINUED

Connor Brett – Otterbein University

Class of 2016

Nate Monastra – Xavier University Collin Hoffmann – Otterbein University OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL ALUMNI AT THE NEXT LEVEL

Class of 2017

Cameron Kaiser – Walsh University Roberto Carselle – Illinois Institute of Technology

Class of 2018

Dylan Anderson – Sienna Heights Evan Brock – University of Findlay University, MI OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL ALUMNI AT THE NEXT LEVEL

Class of 2018 Continued

Nick Foy – University of Indianapolis Ethan Kellner – Florida Southern University

Nate Wilhelm – DePauw University Cole Robinson – Mount Union / Marines OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL ALUMNI AT THE NEXT LEVEL

Class of 2019

Caden Kaiser – The Ohio State University Sutton Bucci – Ohio Northern

Connor McCulty – Walsh University Logan Ketron – Tri-C Community College OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL ALUMNI AT THE NEXT LEVEL

Class of 2019 Continued

Ben Brewster – Point Park, PA Cole Couchman – Chatham, PA OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL - COLUMBUS DISPATCH ALL-METRO TEAM

2016 – Nate Monastra 2017 – Cameron Kaiser OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL - COLUMBUS DISPATCH ALL-METRO TEAM

2018 – Caden Kaiser OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL ALL-OHIO PLAYERS

2016 – Nate Monastra (1st Team) 2018 – Caden Kaiser (Honorable Mention) OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL - OHIO ALL-STAR SERIES AT OSU

2016 – Nate Monastra 2017 – Cameron Kaiser and Coach Lucas OLENTANGY BRAVES VARSITY BASEBALL FIELD

2018 MARCO-CLAY AND OHSBCA FIELD OF THE YEAR OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL VARSITY FIELD OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL – TOURNAMENT SETTING OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL FRESHMAN FIELD OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL LOCKER ROOM AND PRESS BOX OLENTANGY BRAVES BASEBALL ALUMNI PAVERS