How to Maximize Your Baseball Practices

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

How to Maximize Your Baseball Practices ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the author. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ii DEDICATED TO ••• All baseball coaches and players who have an interest in teaching and learning this great game. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I wish to\ thank the following individuals who have made significant contributions to this Playbook. Luis Brande, Bo Carter, Mark Johnson, Straton Karatassos, Pat McMahon, Charles Scoggins and David Yukelson. Along with those who have made a contribution to this Playbook, I can never forget all the coaches and players I have had the pleasure tf;> work with in my coaching career who indirectly have made the biggest contribution in providing me with the incentive tQ put this Playbook together. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS BASEBALL POLICIES AND REGULATIONS ......................................................... 1 FIRST MEETING ............................................................................... 5 PLAYER INFORMATION SHEET .................................................................. 6 CLASS SCHEDULE SHEET ...................................................................... 7 BASEBALL SIGNS ............................................................................. 8 Receiving signs from the coach . 9 Sacrifice bunt. 9 Drag bunt . 10 Squeeze bunt. 11 Fake bunt and slash . 11 Fake bunt slash hit and run . 11 Take........................................................................................ 12 Steal ........................................................................................ 12 Stealing third base. 13 Hit and run. 13 Run and hit ................................................................................... 14 First and third double steals. 14 Visual signs with runner(s) on base. 15 Signs for the infielders from the dugout. 15 Signs for the outfielders from the dugout . 16 Signs for the first baseman from the dugout. 16 Signsforthecatcherfromthedugout. 16 Signs for the pitcher from the dugout. 17 Signals between catcher and pitcher. 17 OFFENSIVE SIGN STRUCTURE . 20 STRUCTURED BASEBALL PRACTICE SESSIONS ..................................................... 23 Preparation of daily practice schedules. 23 Pre-practice schedule ...........................-. 26 Meeting prior to practice. 27 Stretching program. 27 Warming up. 27 Availability of equipment. 28 Batting practice . 28 Defensive work in practice . 37 Conditioning work in practice. 37 Simulated situations . 40 Defensive practice check list. 41 Scrimmage game practice. 45 Pitchers control chart ........................................................................... 51 Production rating chart . 53 OUTFIELD-INFIELD DRILL. 57 Basic one ball outfield-infield drill . 57 Multiple ball outfield-infield drill. 58 MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES - PRACTICE. 66 FUNDAMENTAL DRILL SERIES . 68 Drill series number 1 . 70 Drill series number 2. 88 BUNT DEFENSE ................................................................................ 104 Runner at first base- standard play ................................................................. 106 Runner at first base- second baseman early break ..................................................... 108 Runner at first base- first baseman early break ........................................................ 110 Runner atfirst base- Pick-off early break ............................................................. 112 Runner at first base- Pick-off from pitcher ............................................................ 114 iv Runners atfirst and second base ................................................................... 116 Standard play ............................................................................... 116 Shortstop early break ......................................................................... 118 Pick-off early break ........................................................................... 120 DOUBLE STEAL DEFENSE ....................................................................... 122 Throw back to pitcher ........................................................................... :124 Fake throw by catcher ........................................................................... 126 Throw through by catcher ........................................................................ 128 Throw to shortstop ..............................................................................134 Steal on stretch ................................................................................136 Intentional pick-off ............................................................................. 137 DEFENSIVE SITUATIONS ........................................................................ 139 PICK-OFF PLAYS ............................................................................... 200 Signal system .................................................................................200 Pick-off plays atfirst base from the pitcher. ...........................................................202 Pick-off plays at second base from the pitcher .........................................................203 Pick-off plays at third base from the pitcher ...........................................................204 Pick-off plays from the catcher to the infielders ......................................................... 205 RULES FOR FORCE PLAYS IN THE INFIELD ........................................................ 207 RULES FOR CUT-OFF PLAYS ..................................................................... 209 FLY BALL COMMUNICATION FROM THE INFIELDERS ................................................ 213 FLY BALL COMMUNICATION FOR ALL FIELDERS .................................................... 215 INFIELD COMMUNICATION ....................................................................... 219 DEFENSIVE MOVEMENT BY THE COUNT .......................................................... 222 BASERUNNING ................................................................................ 225 SLIDING ...................................................................................... 259 Teaching area and dress .........................................................................259 Bent leg slic;le .................................................................................259 Pop-up slide off the bentleg slide ...................................................................260 Hook slide ....................................................................................261 Breaking up the double play slide ..................................................................261 Head first slide ................................................................................262 BASIC RUNNING FUNDAMENTALS ................................................................ 263 SPRINT FORM DRILLS .......................................................................... 264 FIRST BASE COACH GUIDELINES ................................................................. 265 THIRD BASE COACH GUIDELINES ................................................................ 267 HITTING ...................................................................................... 269 Bat selection ..................................................................................270 Grip on the bat .................................................................................270 Knuckle alignment .............................................................................270 Position in the batter's box ........................................................................270 Feet in stance .................................................................................271 Knees in stance ................................................................................271 Waist in stance ................................................................................271 Shoulders in stance .............................................................................271 Head and eyes in stance .........................................................................271 Arms, elbows and hands in stance ..................................................................271 Inward rotation ................................................................................272 Stride ....................................................................................... 272 Hips on the swing ..............................................................................272 Front shoulder on the swing .......................................................................272 Head and eyes on the swing .......................................................................272 Weight distribution .............................................................................273 Rear foot. ....................................................................................273 Bat arc ......................................................................................273 HITTING: COMMON FAULTS AND CORRECTIONS .................................................... 274 Mental factors .................................................................................276 Physical factors ................................................................................277 v ISOLATED HITTING DRILLS ...................................................................... 287 HITTERS EVALUATE THEMSELVES ...............................................................
Recommended publications
  • Base Umpire Field Positioning
    Base Umpire Field Positioning Responsibilities: Field Diagrams with Umpires ‐‐ small diamond base paths A position ‐‐ Base umpire will: •Watch for illegal pitches •Make the safe/out call at 1st •Be responsible for fail/foul calls from the bag and beyond Position of Base Umpire when Batter is up •If the batter‐runner gets a base hit that goes through the infield the base umpire will take the batter‐runner around the bases watching the batter‐runner touch bases and A position ‐‐ with no runners on base make any calls at the bases. B position ‐‐ with only a runner on 1st base B and C position –Base umpire will: • Be responsible for any pick off plays at any of the bases C position – all other runner combinations • Illegal pitches • Make calls on the bases unless the plate umpire is covering third base on certain Note: all positions are before each pitch – situations move accordingly during each play. • Be responsible for runners touching bases during a base hit and fly balls. Plate Umpire Movement will depend on where the ball is hit. • After the ball is hit the base umpire needs to move into different positions depending Range and Working Area of Base Umpire on the play. When moving into position, remember “Inside/Outside.” If the ball is in the infield, the base umpire will generally be outside the baseline. If the ball is hit to the outfield, you should move to the infield side of the baseline. = movement of position • Batted balls that stay in the infield, stay outside and cover 1st and 2nd base.
    [Show full text]
  • Coaches Drill Book
    1 WEBSITES AND VIDEO LINKS If you are looking for more baseball specific coaching information, here are some websites and video links that may help: Websites Baseball Canada NCCP - https://nccp.baseball.ca/ Noblesville Baseball (Indiana) – Drill page - http://www.noblesvillebaseball.org/Default.aspx?tabid=473779 Team Snap - https://www.teamsnap.com/community/skills-drills/category/baseball QC Baseball - http://www.qcbaseball.com/ Baseball Coaching 101 - http://www.baseballcoaching101.com/ Pro baseball Insider - http://probaseballinsider.com/ Video Links Baseball Canada NCCP - https://nccp.baseball.ca/ (use the tools section and select drill library) USA Baseball Academy - http://www.youtube.com/user/USBaseballAcademy Coach Mongero – Winning Baseball - http://www.youtube.com/user/coachmongero IMG Baseball Academy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-NuHbW38vc&list=PLuLT- JCcPoJnl82I_5NfLOLneA2j3TkKi Baseball Manitoba Sport Development Programs: The Rally Cap program will service the 4 – 7 My First Pitch is a program targeted at the age group, and involves three teams of six development of pitchers entering the 11U players that meet at the park at the same time. division where pitching is introduced for the first time. Grand Slam is the follow-up program to Rally The Mosquito Monster Mania is a fun one day Cap and is meant for players aged 8 and 9. event for Mosquito “A” teams and players that The season ends with a Regional Jamboree are not competing in League or regional and a Provincial Jamboree at Shaw Park in championship. July. The Spring Break Baseball Camp for ages 6- The Winter Academy is a baseball skill 12 runs for one week, offering complete skill development camp to prepare for the season development.
    [Show full text]
  • JUGS Sports Actual Practice Or Game Situations
    Contents 04 — Baseball & Softball Pitching Machines 27 — Accessories 28 — Packages 32 — Batting Cage Nets 35 — Batting Cage Frames NEW Low Cost, High Quality Batting Cage 36 — Free-Standing Cages Netting for Baseball and Softball: Page 32 38 — Hitting Tee Collection 41 — Protective Screens 46 — Sports Radar 47 — Backyard Bullpen 48 — Practice Baseballs & Softballs 50 — Football, Lacrosse, Soccer and Cricket ! WARNING The photographs and pictures shown in this catalog were chosen for marketing purposes only and therefore are not intended to depict © 2017 JUGS Sports actual practice or game situations. YOU MUST READ THE PRODUCT INFORMATION AND SAFETY SIGNS BEFORE USING JUGS PRODUCTS. TRADEMARKS AND REGISTERED TRADEMARKS • The following are registered trademarks of JUGS Sports: MVP® Baseball Pitching Machine, Lite-Flite® Machine, Lite-Flite®, Small-Ball® Pitching Machine, Sting-Free®, Pearl®, Softie®, Complete Practice Travel Screen®, Short-Toss®, Quick-Snap®, Seven Footer®, Instant Screen®, Small-Ball® Instant Protective Screen, Small-Ball® , Instant Backstop®, Multi-Sport Instant Cage®, Dial-A-Pitch® , JUGS®, JUGS Sports®, Backyard Bullpen®, BP®2, BP®3, Hit at Home® and the color blue for pitching machines. • The following are trademarks of JUGS Sports: Changeup Super Softball™ Pitching Machine, Super Softball™ Pitching Machine, 101™ Baseball Pitching Machine, Combo Pitching Machine™, Jr.™ Pitching Machine, Toss™ Machine, Football Passing Machine™, Field General™ Football Machine, Soccer Machine™, Dial-A-Speed™, Select-A-Pitch™, Pitching
    [Show full text]
  • City of Richland Little League Tournament Rules 2015 City League Tournament Revision 2
    City of Richland Little League Tournament Rules 2015 City League Tournament Revision 2 Rules The following Richland City Tournament rules may not conflict with the 2015 Baseball Official Regulations with Playing and Tournament Rules – commonly referred to as “The Green Book”. For circumstances not covered by these rules below “The Green Book” will be utilized. General Home team is responsible for emailing scores to [email protected] Higher seed is HOME team, if teams are same seed, the host site is the HOME team. o Home teams are responsible for field prep when two teams representing the same league are playing at their respective fields. (ie two GRLL teams are playing at the Bombing Range fields). If neither team represents the host park, the higher seed is responsible for field prep. (ie two RNLL teams playing at the Bombing Range fields) o Field prep instructions should be posted in the dugouts for reference. The league of where the game is being played is responsible for providing game balls o (GRLL when games are played on GRLL fields). o (RNLL when games are played on RNLL fields). The higher seed is responsible for Field prep . Instructions should be located in dugouts for field prep for visiting teams (GRLL teams playing at RNLL and vice versa) Official Book and Pitch count sheets will also be provided by the league where the game is being played and need to be turned in at the completion of each game. GRLL pitch count sheets and scorebook will be available at the concession stand RNLL pitch count sheets and scorebook will be available in the clubhouse Game Times All games begin at 5:30 PM Batting Cages GRLL Visiting team gets the cages from 4:15-4:45pm Home team gets the cages from 4:45-5:15pm Use batting cage # that corresponds to field number.
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 Event Information & Session Outlines
    2019 Event Information & Session Outlines Event Partners www.BaseballCoachesClinic.com www.BaseballCoachesClinic.com January 2019 Dear Coach, Welcome to the 16th annual Mohegan Sun World Baseball Coaches’ Convention held in the Mohegan Sun's newest venue, the Expo Center! We are excited to have you here. Our mission is to provide you with the very best in coaching education; and again this year, we have secured the best clinicians and designed a curriculum that addresses all levels of play and a range of coaching areas. Here are a couple of convention notes for 2019: - New this year, with our move to the more spacious Expo Center, we've created a new learning area, our new Demo Infield located in the back of the Exhibitor Zone near the On Deck Sports Batting Cage. Make sure you take in one of our interactive demos in this space during the convention. - Again this year, we will offer you post-event access to video of our Thursday, Friday, and select Saturday (new this year) convention sessions (more than 30 sessions!), so that you can refresh your memory or watch sessions you may have missed. See the page in this handout for the special promo code, which will enable you to purchase all sessions at a greatly discounted rate. - To provide you with the latest event information, we offer an event app that features the convention schedule, a list of exhibitors, a digital version of the event handout and much more. Search Baseball Coaches Convention in the app stores. If you'd like to receive real-time event updates and news, please allow us to push event notifications to your device of choice.
    [Show full text]
  • Portland Baseball Club
    Portland Baseball Club Fall Ball Workouts Week 3 - 14U-18U Indoor Practice First 45 Minutes Hitting - 8 minutes per group station Drillset 1 - Tee Stations - 1 - Wedges, 2 - Preset back foot, 3 - Open hips, 4 - Shuffles, 5 - Bands on the back knee Drillset 2 - Front Toss - 1 - Wedges, 2 - Open hips, 3 - Jump backs, 4 - Band on back knee Focus on back foot turn to allow the back side to work through the swing Second 30 Minutes Throwing - Arm Care Program Introduction Drillset 1 - 10 Toes, Step & Throw, QB Long Toss Drillset 2 - Reverse Throws, Pivot Picks, Rocker Throws Drillset 3 - Waiter Walks, Toss Ups, Band Series, Wrist Weight Scoops Learn components of our arm care program that builds a stronger and healthier arm for better recovery and increased velocity Third 15 Minutes Outfield - Pro Step Footwork for do or die plays Drill 1- Preset walkthrough - throwing foot forward, ball in glove, bring glove to throwing shoulder and step with glove side foot, step behind with throwing foot and throw Drill 2 - Rolled balls with a throw - Get low on approach and stay through the throw. Fol- low through towards target Learn the improved outfield throwing technique that puts the body in a better position to throw runners out. It’s faster than a traditional crow hop and is used by majoirty of MLBers Outdoor Practice 60 Minutes to Game Base Running - 3 groups with a coach hitting fungo and a coach at 3B box Time - 15 Total Home to first - peak 3-5 steps in, front of the base, break down inside line 1st to 3rd - Lead off 1st, ball in front make your
    [Show full text]
  • Time to Drop the Infield Fly Rule and End a Common Law Anomaly
    A STEP ASIDE TIME TO DROP THE INFIELD FLY RULE AND END A COMMON LAW ANOMALY ANDREW J. GUILFORD & JOEL MALLORD† I1 begin2 with a hypothetical.3 It’s4 the seventh game of the World Series at Wrigley Field, Mariners vs. Cubs.5 The Mariners lead one to zero in the bottom of the ninth, but the Cubs are threatening with no outs and the bases loaded. From the hopeful Chicago crowd there rises a lusty yell,6 for the team’s star batter is advancing to the bat. The pitcher throws a nasty † Andrew J. Guilford is a United States District Judge. Joel Mallord is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a law clerk to Judge Guilford. Both are Dodgers fans. The authors thank their friends and colleagues who provided valuable feedback on this piece, as well as the editors of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review for their diligent work in editing it. 1 “I is for Me, Not a hard-hitting man, But an outstanding all-time Incurable fan.” OGDEN NASH, Line-Up for Yesterday: An ABC of Baseball Immortals, reprinted in VERSUS 67, 68 (1949). Here, actually, we. See supra note †. 2 Baseball games begin with a ceremonial first pitch, often resulting in embarrassment for the honored guest. See, e.g., Andy Nesbitt, UPDATE: 50 Cent Fires back at Ridicule over His “Worst” Pitch, FOX SPORTS, http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/50-cent-worst-first-pitch-new-york- mets-game-052714 [http://perma.cc/F6M3-88TY] (showing 50 Cent’s wildly inaccurate pitch and his response on Instagram, “I’m a hustler not a damn ball player.
    [Show full text]
  • Defensive Responsibilities
    DEFENSIVE RESPONSIBILITIES http://www.baseballpositive.com/ "Baseball is a Game of Movement". This is a foreign concept for most youth baseball and softball players. If we could dig into the brain of ballplayers ages 5-12 right next to the idea of 'Baseball' we would find the phrase 'a game where you stand around a lot and don't do anything' (and we wonder why participation is dwindling). When the game is played properly each player on defense is moving (sprinting) the moment the ball comes off the bat. We can do a better job of teaching kids how to play the game. This section is dedicated to helping coaches teach kids their defensive responsibilities on each play regardless of where the ball is hit or where the runners are. Before digging in, let's add something to the old coaching comment, "Be sure you know what to do if the ball is hit to you". But the ball is hit to one player; what about the other eight? The must also teach our players, "Know what you are going to do when the ball is NOT hit to you". The first part of this section outlines in clear and simple terms, the 'Rules for Defensive Movement'. These rules form the foundation for the drills and concepts in the rest of this section. Some of the plays found here are not consistent with player responsibilities on the larger 80' or 90' diamonds. The game on the smaller diamond is slower and the players are not as strong. These facts combined with the shorter distance between the players and the bases makes this game quite different than the one played on the large diamond.
    [Show full text]
  • Baseball Glossary
    Baseball Glossary Ace: A team's best pitcher, usually the first pitcher in starting rotation. Alley: Also called "gap"; the outfield area between the outfielders. Around the Horn: A play run from third, to second, to first base. Assist: An outfielder helps put an offensive player out, crediting the outfielder with an "assist". At Bat: An offensive player is up to bat. The batter is allowed three outs. Backdoor Slider: A pitch thought to be out of strike zone crosses the plate. Backstop: The barrier behind the home plate. Bag: The base. Balk: An illegal motion made by the pitcher intended to deceive runners at base, to the runners' credit who then get to advance to the next base. Ball: A call made by the umpire when a pitch goes outside the strike zone. Ballist: A vintage baseball term for "ballplayer". Baltimore Chop: A hitting technique used by batters during the "dead-ball" period and named after the Baltimore Orioles. The batter strikes the ball downward toward home plate, causing it to bounce off the ground and fly high enough for the batter to flee to first base. Base Coach: A coach that stands on bases and signals the players. Base Hit: A hit that reaches at least first base without error. Base Line: A white chalk line drawn on the field to designate fair from foul territory. Base on Balls: Also called "walk"; an advance awarded a batter against a pitcher. The batter is delivered four pitches declared "ball" by the umpire for going outside the strike zone. The batter gets to walk to first base.
    [Show full text]
  • Bat Boy Application
    Bat Boy/Bat Girl Application Requirements The Bat Boy/Bat Girl is an integral part of the Duluth Huskies team. They ensure that all players’ on-field needs are met so everyone can play their best and give our fans a great show! As a Bat Boy/Bat Girl you will get to meet and talk with the players and coaches; learn inside tips on what “pro ball’ is all about and see each and every play from on the field. This job is not for everyone – the Bat Boy/Bat Girl position is a demanding job requiring stamina and a positive attitude. Every day holds a unique experience often with tight timelines, so Bat Boys/Girls need to be smart, dependable, alert, and flexible. Bat Boys/Girls may see and hear things from adult players that may be inappropriate for children. Prospective applicants and their parents must be aware that these things do occur, and should consider this prior to making application. Duties Include • Stock home and visitors dugouts with water jugs and cups • Stock home and visitors dressing rooms with supplies • Communicate with Clubhouse Manager to ensure that all on-field supplies are full • Clean-out and sweep the home and visitor dugouts after every game • Any other task that may be assigned by the Clubhouse Manager • Time commitment of 4.5 – 5 hrs on game days 1. For a 6:35 pm start, Bat Boy/Girls start at 5:00pm and are finished roughly 45 minutes after the game 2. For a 5:05 pm start, start time is 3:30pm with a finish time of roughly 45 minutes following the game.
    [Show full text]
  • FROM BULLDOGS to SUN DEVILS the EARLY YEARS ASU BASEBALL 1907-1958 Year ...Record
    THE TRADITION CONTINUES ASUBASEBALL 2005 2005 SUN DEVIL BASEBALL 2 There comes a time in a little boy’s life when baseball is introduced to him. Thus begins the long journey for those meant to play the game at a higher level, for those who love the game so much they strive to be a part of its history. Sun Devil Baseball! NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: 1965, 1967, 1969, 1977, 1981 2005 SUN DEVIL BASEBALL 3 ASU AND THE GOLDEN SPIKES AWARD > For the past 26 years, USA Baseball has honored the top amateur baseball player in the country with the Golden Spikes Award. (See winners box.) The award is presented each year to the player who exhibits exceptional athletic ability and exemplary sportsmanship. Past winners of this prestigious award include current Major League Baseball stars J. D. Drew, Pat Burrell, Jason Varitek, Jason Jennings and Mark Prior. > Arizona State’s Bob Horner won the inaugural award in 1978 after hitting .412 with 20 doubles and 25 RBI. Oddibe McDowell (1984) and Mike Kelly (1991) also won the award. > Dustin Pedroia was named one of five finalists for the 2004 Golden Spikes Award. He became the seventh all-time final- ist from ASU, including Horner (1978), McDowell (1984), Kelly (1990), Kelly (1991), Paul Lo Duca (1993) and Jacob Cruz (1994). ODDIBE MCDOWELL > With three Golden Spikes winners, ASU ranks tied for first with Florida State and Cal State Fullerton as the schools with the most players to have earned college baseball’s top honor. BOB HORNER GOLDEN SPIKES AWARD WINNERS 2004 Jered Weaver Long Beach State 2003 Rickie Weeks Southern 2002 Khalil Greene Clemson 2001 Mark Prior Southern California 2000 Kip Bouknight South Carolina 1999 Jason Jennings Baylor 1998 Pat Burrell Miami 1997 J.D.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Do a Red Sox Baseball Rundown
    How to do a Red Sox Baseball Rundown: Get the baseball into your throwing hand. You want this so you can tag or throw quickly. Choose your throwing path. Both infielders, whether throwing the ball or receiving it, should get to the same side of the base runner. For example, both players get to the infield grass side. This will prevent the throw hitting the runner, and gives both thrower and receiver a clear line of sight. Run toward the target. If you have the baseball, it is your job to run hard at him so he can make a decision. If you run hard, he has to run hard and it is more difficult to stop and change directions. Make him commit and either tag him or give the ball up to the receiving infielder. If you are receiving the baseball, you should close the gap between you and your partner. This makes it more difficult for the runner to stop and get going the other direction before you can tag him. Also, this will keep the play in the middle of the bases and not close enough to where he can make an athletic slide and get in safely. Follow your throw. For example- If you are playing first base and you throw it to the shortstop, peel off and continue to second base. You will be in line behind the second baseman who is waiting for the next throw, and if the shortstop gives the baseball up, he goes to first base and gets in line. It is set up this way just in case it takes longer than two throws.
    [Show full text]