Yoakum Lady Bulldog Softball Policies and Regulations

As a member of the Lady Bulldog Softball Program you are expected to represent your school and community in a very positive way, on and off the field. You are here to obtain an education first and foremost.

School attendance and conduct:

A. You will attend class regularly and be on time. B. You will not use softball practice and games as an excuse for not completing your homework or schoolwork. C. You are expected to set the bar for the rest of our student body both academically and with great discipline. D. Conduct yourself as a young lady, and show proper respect for your teachers and administrators. E. When we are playing games away, we will… 1. present ourselves in a respectful appearance 2. conduct ourselves in a positive manner 3. be respectful towards others and their property 4. remember that we represent our school, our community, yourselves, your families and Coaches.

Practice-Attendance:

A. Always be on time, or early. Do not let yourself be the last one on the field. If you are coming from track practice allot yourself enough time to get there and be ready. You will be expected to be on time even if you are in another sport. I will allow you ample time to get to practice. For example, if track ends at 4:30 we will start practice no later than 4:45. B. Injured/sick players need to still be at practice unless the circumstance will not allow it. C. You will be expected to stay the full amount of time for practice unless you have talked with me. D. A player will not lose there position due to an injury, but repeatedly missing practices for various reasons could cause this to happen. E. GIVE ME 100% EVERYDAY. I expect nothing less F. If you miss any practice you will make up the running before you will be allowed to play in the next game.

CONDUCT ON THE FIELD:

A. Cussing will not be tolerated… B. Negative talk and bringing down your teammates will not be allowed. If this does happen there will be strict punishment for this. C. No player is allowed to argue a call with an umpire, if anyone discusses anything with the umpire it will be the coaches. D. CONVERSING WITH FANS AND OPPOSING PLAYERS: 1. STAY IN DUGOUT DURING THE GAMES 2. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TALK WITH PARENTS DURING THE GAME AFTER THE GAME:

JV will be allowed to ride home with there parents but must stay through the 5th inning before leaving. At all JV games the athletes will be required to stay the entire game and help pick up equipment after. Varsity will be required to ride the bus home after all district ball games unless it is a family or some type of emergency. There might be times when at tournaments we will require the athletes to ride home but we will give ample notification to you on this matter. If you are riding with your parents’ home we will need a note the day of the event from a parent. If you are riding with someone else I will need a letter from your parent signed by the principal at least one day in advance of the game/contest.

EQUIPMENT:

After the game, JV will be responsible for raking the infield and picking up all bases. Both the JV and Varsity will be responsible for picking up the equipment in dugouts along with sweeping and putting up water jugs, bats, emptying trash, etc. No one is to leave the field after a road or home game until all the equipment is picked up. There will be a list that will describe what equipment they are responsible for that week.

Practices: We have a number of different schemes that we have to be able to put on in a very short amount of time. This year we can’t afford to waste a single second if we want to get covered with what we need to. We are going to be very structured in our practices and we will have a set amount of time I want to spend on a particular drill. So we need to focus and lock in on our practices and utilize the time we have:

1) Always hustle, drill to drill 2) Practice will start promptly and there will be consequences for being late. Make sure you let one of the coaches know if you are going to be late. 3) NO SITTING DURING PRACTICE 4) Make sure we lift each other up and we are not bad mouthing each other 5) Have fun but do not jack around 6) Make sure we have a lot of enthusiasm in practice 7) DO NOT miss practice 8) Everyone is going to get a chance to prove themselves so make sure that every day you bring it to the field. No ones spot is secure… 9) NO EXCUSES 10) Do not make a coach tell you twice to do something 11) Everyone be a positive leader 12) Practice like your going to play in the game

Coach’s Note: I am very excited about this year and what it can hold for us. Last year was disappointing for a lot of us and I am sure you felt that we could have gone a little further. Remember that every time you step out on that field you are a winner no matter what the score is at the end of the game. I will need a commitment from each of you this year for the next 4 months. I think we have so much potential and it is time that we show everyone in the state what we are capable of. I truly believe that we have an incredible opportunity this year to do something special and win STATE. That is my ultimate goal for you guys this year and that should be your goal as well. It is inevitable that you will fail 3-4 times out of ten at the plate but what will you do with the other 6 or 7 times that you come up? If you know what mistake you made then correct it and work on it, as long as you are giving me your best I can live with that. Do not be afraid to help a teammate out and except the constructive criticism that your coaches give you. Let it fuel your fire and help you instead of bring you down. Let’s have an awesome season one that we will remember for a long time. ~~~~COACH MANN~~~~

OFFENSIVE SIGNALS:

Make sure we are focused and locked in to what the coach is giving you. Also, if you are on the base path you need to be watching as well and make sure we know when to go and when not to go.

The first part of the sign is what I call the indicator: (HAT) The second part of the sign is the actual sign for the hitter/base-runner The third part of the sign is what makes it live or not: (HAT)

1- FACE 2- RIGHT ARM (DUG-OUT) 3- LEFT ARM (3rd Base)

1.1 HIT 1.2 BUNT AND RUN (The sign + swipe down left arm-to the left and vice versa) 1.3 HIT AND RUN 2.1 BUNT (The sign + swipe down left arm-to the left and vice versa) 2.2 FAKE BUNT/REGULAR SWING 2.3 STEAL 3.1 TAKE THE PITCH 3 + 1 clap of the hands (SLAP) 3.2 DRAG BUNT/TAP

 Anytime I give you the indicator and then I say your last name that is an automatic squeeze bunt.  Base Runners make sure you watch for the signs as well. You have to worry about these signs as a base runner- - (1-2; 1-3; 2-3;) The last sign for the base runner that you will need to know is the delay steal sign, here is an example of this: Indicator > 1-1 > then tap my watch multiple times > then close it out with the hat

OFFENSIVE PLAYS: 1. Make sure we sprint all the way through the bag on all infield plays. 2. Get focused on the bases, especially 2nd base where on any misplay or bobbled ball we will be going for extra bases. 3. On a sacrifice bunt situation make sure we show BUNT early and only bunt strikes. Make sure we get the bunt down the line and remember above all things in this type of situation we are not bunting for a base hit in this situation we are trying to move the runner. 4. Double Steal- Any runner on must go, we could possibly fake a bunt to try and protect you some. 5. Bunt & Run(Runner on 2nd)- The runner will head to third on the bunt, and as soon as the 3rd baseman throws the ball to 1st we are going to head home. BATTER has to get the ball down the 3rd base line. 6. Fake Bunt- When the batter turns to bunt if the 3rd baseman goes to cover the bunt the runner on 2nd is going to third. We have to sell the bunt first. 7. Squeeze- Runner will break towards home when the pitch is delivered. The batter has no other option but to get a bunt down. 8. TAP- The batter needs to focus on putting the ball in between 1st and Pitcher. Ideal place is going right at the second baseman. 9. Hit and Run- Runner needs to break on the pitch and make sure we look and find the ball on about the 3-4th step. We need to be more aggressive this year on the base path. 10. We are going to be constantly looking to get 2 bases on most of what we do. 1st-3rd or 2nd to home are examples of this. 11. HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT- This is a new play for this year and we are going to use it quite a bit. Runner on 1st and 2nd when the pitch is delivered runner on 1st will break to 2nd with that person Yelling “Go back”. When the catcher throws the ball to first both runners will advance. 12. Slap- We will show bunt first then take our proper steps and swing at the ball 13. Drag- On this type of bunt we want to drag the ball down the baseline—make sure we do not step on the ball or hit the ball twice. 14. Delay Steal- After the catcher catches the ball, the runner will break toward the next base. If there is two outs the runner will try and get into a rundown long enough for the runner at third to score.

DEFENSIVE SIGNALS:

* 13 or 31= The pitcher will cover third base line, and the 1st baseman will charge. Catcher will come out of the box, 2nd baseman will cover first, SS will cover 2nd and 3rd baseman will stay at home. Outfielders need to back up respective bases.

* 15 or 51= The pitcher will cover 1st baseline, the 3rd baseman will cover 3rd baseline. The catcher will come out of the box, 1st baseman will stay at home. 2nd baseman will cover 2nd, SS will cover 3rd. Outfield will back up there respective bases.

*24 or 42= 1st baseman and 3rd baseman will charge and make the play. Pitcher will cover the middle. Catcher will come out of the box for a play. 2nd baseman will cover 1st, SS will cover 2nd base. Outfielders will back up their respective bases.

*36 or 63= 1st baseman has the first base line, SS will charge and cover the third base line, Pitcher has up the middle, catcher will come out of the box. 2nd baseman will cover the first base . 3rd baseman will stay at home. Left fielder will play a deep shortstop position and cover 2nd base on the bunt. CF and RF will split the outfield gaps and back up there respective bases.

*45 or 54= 3rd baseman will cover the 3rd baseline. 2nd baseman will charge hard and cover the 1st base line. Pitcher will cover the middle, catcher will come out of the box. 1st baseman will stay at home and cover 1st. SS will cover 3rd base. RF will play a deep 2nd base position and cover 2nd on the bunt. CF and LF will split the gaps and back up their respective bases.

***THUMBS OUT or BUNT, PICK IT UP ( Pick Off Play)- The 1st and 3rd baseman will charge hard on the wind up. Pitcher will pitch on their movement. The pitch will be a pitchout. SS will come behind the runner and 3rd. Catcher will snap throw to SS. 2nd baseman will cover 1st and CF will cover 2nd. LF will back up the throw to the 3rd. We have to sell this better than we did last year. Catcher can not give the pitchout away to early. 1 st and 3 rd Situations:

We have to work on this as a team. We have to minimize the number of times that our opposition can score. We are going to use an old system that I watched Baylor use this summer. It is basically a subtraction system which will tell you exactly where the ball is going. We will have 5 different options we can go to when there is a runner on 1st and 3rd. An example of the number system is 52 which equals 3 so we are going to 3rd base.

Here is the number system: Any number that equals 1 > The throw goes back to the pitcher Any number that equals 2 > The throw goes to 2nd Any number that equals 3 > The throw goes to 3rd Any number that equals 4 > The throw will go to 2nd and be cut by the 2nd baseman and react to the runner at 3rd. Any number that equals 0 > Catcher will fake to 2nd and throw to 3rd.

The SS will take all throws to 2nd unless we change it. The 2nd baseman has to go to the cutoff spot every time. CF HAS to back up that throw every time so be coming in hard and charge.

Defensively, we are going to have to be solid this year. We have to use some decoys to try and confuse the runners and try and put our opposition in situations that might not be used to or have not seen. We are going to work on a lot of defensive drills individually and team a little more this year. I want us to be one of the most solid defensive teams in the state. If there are times this year that we are struggling to score I want you guys to know you are going to be ok because our defense is going to be solid.

Offensive Strategy:

We are going to be aggressive. We have to be able to put some teams into some situations that they know we are going to try and do some things that might be out of the ordinary so we can put some added pressure on them. Here are some things from last year that I have put on my list to work on :  Take extra bases on a misplay or bobbled ball. Make your opponents make a play  At the plate, stay relaxed and focused and do not get frustrated.  On base hits, get to the base fast and round the base hard like you want that extra base.  We have to take every bat very importantly. Try and do something productive each time you are up. If you are struggling do not out think yourself. Hit for whatever type of situation we need at that time.

**Make sure we know fly ball situations: INFIELD FLY RULE this is one of those that can help you get an out late in a game when you need it the most. If we are mentally tougher than our opponents a lot of times we will catch them slipping. If we happen to have a runner on 1st and 3rd with less than two out and you hear “PEANUT” over and over again let the ball drop and react to the runners on the base path.

FIELDING:

Essentials of Fielding:  Know as a player where you are going to go with the ball before the pitch is even thrown.  Anticipate the next play that could happen  Approach (slow creep step)  Breakdown on the ball and field it cleanly  Shuffle feet  Break with your elbow high and throw

MAKE SURE WE ARE COMMUNICATING OUT THERE. THE NEW THING THAT WE ARE GOING TO DO THIS YEAR ESPECIALLY IN PRACTICE IS A COMMUNICATION DRILL. BEFORE EVERY PITCH THE SS AND 1ST BASEMAN ARE GOING TO YELL OUT THE NUMBER OUTS AND THE SITUATION (WHERE WE WANT TO GO WITH THE BALL), THEY WILL TELL THE OUTFIELD FIRST AND THEN INTO THE INFIELD WITH EVERYONE REPEATING THEM. IT SHOULD SOUND LIKE A TON OF GIRLS ARE TALKING.

After each play I want you guys to have some fun out there. So you guys get together and come up with some sort of symbol or chant to do for a strike-out, put out, double play whatever. I think the more we talk and look like we are having fun out there the more fun we will have.

OUTFIELD:

 We have to know where to go with the ball before we ever have a pitch thrown. Know the situation and our communication is going to get better so you will have no excuse like I did not know where to go.  Be on your toes and anticipate the play  Prep Step  Field it cleanly  Crow hop  Throw through your cut-off man

HITTING:

I. Check points of hitting stance: A. Feet- At least shoulder width apart, you must have solid foundation B. Knees- Should be inside of the feet and slightly bent C. Grip- Door knocking knuckles aligned, and keep hands relaxed D. Hand Position: Hand need to be relaxed not to tight on the bat E. Elbows- Front elbow needs to be close to the body, back elbow should be half-way Between the body and being horizontal. F. Head- Eyes are level, and at the pitcher. When the swing happens the head needs To be still and not moving up and down.

II. A. Always focus up the middle B. Anticipate the release point from the pitchers hand C. Mental (Be mentally prepared every time up to bat. BELIEVE you are going to get a hit) Go through the process in your mind and see yourself succeeding. D. 0-0, 1-0, 2-0, 2-1, 3-0 and 3-1 Counts: We have to be better hitters in these situations. Be very aggressive, but selective on these situations. Do not put yourself in a hole trying so hard to bring someone in or to get on base. E. TWO STRIKE COUNTS: Wide the zone and PROTECT the plate F. 2-0 and 3-1 counts: You are looking for one spot and if she throws you there then crush it. This is what has to be in your mind. G. We need to be able to hit to the opposite field H. Know the umpires strike zone. Only swing at strikes unless a situation arises that needs something else to take place. I. REMEMBER-REMEMBER the most important offensive stat in my mind that you can have is on base %. The more we get on base the more runs we score. The more runs we score the more games we win.