Copyright©Baseballexcellence 2

PRACTICE PLANNER COMPANION

Baseball Excellence believes that teaching baseball skills from the ground up (the basics first) is a valid way to approach practice. Establish a good foundation and then add to it as you progress through the season. By breaking down skills into components the players will find that their competence will increase and the skills will become second nature to them.

In this document you will find the basic building blocks to teach the most common baseball skills along with the approximate time to spend on each component. Getting an idea of the time you should spend on each skill will give you (the coach) a way to plan your practices.

There are a few drills we use, but typically teaching skills involves the performing of those skills and a coach correcting and teaching at each turn. We don't believe in cute little “fun” drills or the use of harnesses, or esoteric equipment. We may use a cone or two to mark an area but that is about it. The execution of skills should be performed just as they would on a baseball diamond.

To get in as many skills as possible in one practice it is advisable to teach basics and add another skill layer at a subsequent practice. For instance, bunting:

1. First practice • Mentality of the sacrifice bunt- Discussion • Batting stance to bunting stance 2. Second practice • Bunting slowly pitched balls 3. Third practice • Bunting down each base line 4. Fourth practice • Bunting game-condition pitching 5. Fifth practice • Bunting for a base hit. • Squeeze Bunt

This will give your players a different bunting skill every day in one week of practices. Many of the offensive skills such as bunting will be reinforced and practiced everyday during batting practice.

I think you can see that this approach will give you a team that is proficient in the bunting game.

STRETCHING, FORM RUNNING AND THROWING- this is an every day routine and should never be neglected. (20 minutes) The first few days however, spend time on teaching correct throwing mechanics. There is a Thrower’s Checklist in the Coaches Practice Planner.

Cocked Position

This is the platform from which a thrower or pitcher throws. Early in the season we like to have our players throw from this position. Feet slightly more than shoulder-width, lead arm up, throwing arm elbow shoulder-high, and body aligned to the target. On the cue, “load” they shift their weight over their back leg and then step and throw to their partner. Throwing from this position breaks this skill down into its simplest parts and reinforces proper throwing mechanics.

1. From 30 feet, light throwing to get loose. 2. Gradually back up to 60 feet. 3. Throw from the cocked position. 4. Back up in 20 foot increments every 5 throws. 5. At 120 feet (or 90 feet if youth league) crow hop staying balanced over the back leg. 6. At challenging distances throw with an arc to stretch the arm muscles. 7. Go back to 150 or so and gradually increase the distance as the season progresses. 8. On the way back in throw hard and on a line (pull down) making one throw every 10 feet or so. 9. Throw hard on a line all the way back in to 60 feet. This will reinforce a good release point.

The players will make anywhere from 35-50 throws depending on age and distances.

INFIELD PLAY

Set and Ready Positions (Baseball is a game of inches)

The Set position is a pre-pitch position. The fielder takes this time to prepare his mind and body to anticipate the next pitch. The fielder stands with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart so that he is balanced. He turns his toes out slightly so that he may be quicker if he must make a lateral move. He drops his right foot back slightly to make it easier to move to his backhand side. His weight is on the balls of his feet with the knees bent, his back is straight and his head is up analyzing the situation on the field. As the fielder assumes the ‘set’ position he must concentrate on the situation. He must be aware of how to play every type of ball and what to do with it if it is hit to him. His mind acts like a computer as he quickly evaluates the circumstances: how many runners on base, how many outs, who is the fastest runner, is my pitcher throwing hard, is he tired, what is the inning and the score, is the grass wet or dry (The ball will act in a different way. It will skid on wet grass.), is the infield fast or slow, is there any pre-pitch dialogue I should make (yes, yes-no, no in the middle), what play is on, where do I go if the ball is not hit to me? Initially this appears to be a daunting task, but the more a player plays the game the easier it becomes.

When the pitcher’s front foot lands and his arm starts forward the fielder assumes the ‘Ready’ position. The differences are small but important to “ready” the fielder if a ball is hit his way. He transfers his weight slightly forward as he bends his knees more and brings his glove out front and below stomach level. (Positioning the glove out in front of the body helps the infielder lower his center of gravity.) His head is straight up and as the ball is released he is focused on the strike zone. We teach our infielders to take “One Step and Down”. (One step with the right foot and go down as you step with the left.) The idea behind this is that the fielder is in motion as the ball enters the zone.

• A common mistake young infielders make is to straighten up as the ball is hit to them. They must learn to stay low as they approach the ball. • Another mistake is that many young infielders will assume the ready position too early. Watch for that and make sure they take “one step and down” as the pitcher’s arm comes forward. • Early on, watch to see that they don’t assume the Ready position too early. If they do they will be on their heels when the ball is hit.

It is important to note that they must carry out these movements before every pitch, not just once in a while. The game of baseball is played “One pitch at a time”, not one out at a time and not one inning at a time.” His thinking process should be: “The ball is going to be hit to me. I want the ball to be hit to me.” He must play this little game in his head before every pitch. If he does not, Murphy’s Baseball Law will be evoked. “If you are not “ready” or if you are not paying attention, the ball will be hit to you.” They can practice these positions as you hit ground balls to them. Set position as you prepare to hit a fungo and go into the Ready position as you toss the ball into the air. Constantly reinforce this during practices. Five minutes.

Walking Behind the Ball

After throwing, remain paired off and back up to about 40 feet. Have the players with a ball assume a fielding position, quickly set their feet, throw to their partner with a ¾ overhand throw, and walk behind the ball after release. Walking behind the ball keeps the ball on a line and kids don’t get to see this on TV so it is unfamiliar to them.

• Assume a good fielding position; butt down, feet wide, hands out in front. • Make sure you have a 4-seam grip. • Get your feet set. (Move them so you are closed to your partner.) • As you release the ball off your left foot, take another step with your right foot in the direction of your throw. (Walking behind the ball.) • Hit your partner in his chest. (This is NGI. Bring it to the attention of all who make a bad throw. If a player overthrows his partner make him go get it, not the partner.)

Ten minutes

Fielding a Ground Ball

Players are already paired off after throwing. Stay about 40 feet away from each other.

• Player assumes Set position and as his partner’s arm starts forward (partner throws ground ball) he assumes the Ready position.

Ground Ball Teaching Points

• Get in front of the ball. The route a fielder takes is critical. His goal is to get there quickly and fluidly set himself up in a position to both field and throw the ball. He should run on the balls of his feet. He should literally count the number of hops a ball takes as he travels. He will move to his left, right, or charge in a quick but controlled manner. The feet can not shuffle too fast or too much. Quick feet can single handedly turn a bad hop into a good one. • Spread feet wide. As the fielder arrives in front of the ball, he should break down fluidly by spreading his feet wide (more than shoulder width). This will lower his backside and enable him to get his hands to the ground easily. This will put him into the best position from which to catch the ball on the “short hop” and from the “ground up”. We never criticize a player for missing a ball that travels over his glove, only under. If the player doesn’t spread his feet wide enough, he will be forced to bend over at the waist to field the ball. This will cause the bill of his cap to deter his vision just before the ball arrives. It is not enough for a coach to tell a kid to “show me the button on your cap”. He must say, “spread your feet wide, see the ball into the glove and then show me the button”. • Arms extended out. (Do not lock elbows). The arms extend out toward the ball WHILE the feet are spreading wide. This will put the player low and on the balls of his feet allowing him to see the ball all the way into his hands. This will also allow him more time to react to bad hops. • Soft hands. Players should field the ball just to the left of center. They should see the ball strike the bare hand and palm of the glove AT THE SAME TIME. It is important copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 6

to note that when a fielder extends his arms out they are horizontal or parallel to one another (tension free). Not on top of one another like a University of Florida fan doing an alligator chop with his arms. Both wrists are close to each other and both hands are bent back at a 45° angle to the forearm. The thumbs are close to each other on a high chopper and the pinky fingers are close to each other on a low one. • Gather and come through the ball. He brings his hands to his mid section quickly WHILE his feet take another half step forward or “through the ball”. The reason infielders are taught to field the ball to the left of center is because it automatically carries them through the ball WHILE giving them momentum toward their throwing target. After the player catches the ball he should begin to gently rotate it in his fingers to gain a 4 seam grip. • Getting to the throwing position. After the fielder brings the ball to his mid section (gathered position), he shuffles his feet WHILE he takes his hands to the throwing position. Note: The palm of the throwing hand faces away from the throwing target at this time. • Throw and follow. Infielders should shuffle their feet toward the target WHILE they are arriving at the throwing position. Then they can pull back to begin the violent trunk twisting of the upper legs, hips, back and shoulders (in that order). They should throw the ball from a high ¾ arm slot WHILE they continue forward to the target with a follow step. Note: Players should be taught to rely on twisting the trunk muscles as hard as they can every time. This will not only increase their velocity, it will also put less stress on their arms.

Twenty Minutes

The Four Types of Ground Balls- Besides the routine ground ball at the infielder there are three others that should be taught. Teach these with the coach initially kneeling on the infield grass and rolling balls to each player. This way the coach is on a level with his players and can concentrate on teaching the skills. Rolling the balls also takes away any fear factor in a young player. Rolling the balls allows the coach to be very accurate. • Ground balls at the infielder. • Ground balls to the glove side. • Ground balls to the backhand side. • Slow Rollers

Thirty Minutes

Balls To Feet

This is an upper body “hands only” drill. Remain paired off. Close to about 15 feet and bounce balls in front of the partner’s feet so that they may work on catching short hops. Teaching points • Toss balls medium speed directly in front of partner’s glove. • Flex knees. • Field the ball and bring into the belly. • Do not move the feet. • Keep the head down and watch the ball into the glove. copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 7

• Soft Hands.

This is a difficult skill and you may want to spend 5 minutes every day for the first week with this little drill. If youth teams have trouble with this drill you may start them out on their knees.

Five Minutes

Shovel Toss

Pair the kids off in two’s, about 20 feet apart. Each player in turn, executes a shovel toss to his partner.

The basic teaching points of this drill are:

1. Stay low. If you stand up while releasing the ball it will sail. You want a medium- speed toss on a line. 2. Use a “skip step” immediately before release- left, right, left. This is a timing devise so the infielder (or pitcher) knows when to expect the ball. 3. Keep the glove out of the way, up by your shoulder. If the glove is away from the body it may obscure the infielders’ view of the ball. 4. Stay square to your partner. Don’t turn sideways. 5. Keep the ball in the fingers of your hand, palm facing the target and don’t turn your wrist. 6. Bring the ball down to the side of your leg as you skip and then bring it up to release. Don’t go behind your back with the ball. 7. Walk behind the ball after release. This is very important. It will keep the ball on a line and not let it sail. (“Walking behind the ball” is one of the problem areas of this drill. Kids initially have trouble with this. It will be a NGI situation for you.)

This is another drill that can be done after the Stretch, Form Running and Throwing.

Twenty Minutes

The first days all defensive skills practice is done in the outfield grass down the foul line. There are no fungoes and no bats. Drill hard to get these basic skills down.

Double Plays

Divide your middle infielders into two groups; half in the SS position and half at the second base position. Go through the footwork in slow motion. There is specific footwork and technique for the pivot as well as the throws.

Kneel and roll the balls to the SS group first and the second basemen become the pivot men. Then reverse and let the second basemen make the throws while the SS’s become the pivot men. After each turn the players change lines. copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 8

SHORTSTOP FEEDS- DOUBLE PLAYS

There are three techniques the shortstop uses to initiate the double play.

1. The ball hit directly at the shortstop or slightly to his right: this is the most difficult of the three methods. This is the way we teach it. • As the grounder approaches he must fluidly travel to get square to the ball and place his RIGHT foot ahead of his left. (Feet wide.) This is the only time he fields the ball off of the inside of his RIGHT LEG. This is not easy and takes a lot of practice. Every other time he fields a ground ball it’s off the inside of his left leg and with his left foot ahead of his right foot. Placing the right foot ahead of the left will open (or “clear”) the shortstop’s hips to second base and make his feed much quicker. • Young players will need plenty of reps to master this. If they cannot, you might want to put them at second base. • The right fielder must also anticipate an errant throw by moving to back it up. This will allow your short stop to learn to field and throw fast, fluidly and fearlessly.

As the ball enters the shortstop’s glove and bare hand at the same time (“ground up” technique) he gains a four seam grip WHILE taking the ball AWAY from 2b. Because the hips are already open, the shortstop doesn’t have to move them and he doesn’t have to pivot. He simply remains in a crouched position (bent at the waist) and gives a ¾ feed from there to the second baseman waiting at the bag. A key is that he must remain low. He cannot stand up. It is common for youth shortstops to rise up to “steer” their throw. This slows the play down. Look for that and correct it. So the sequence is field off inside of right foot to open the hips, transfer and snap throw. The throw is “underneath” because the shortstop remains bent at the waist. However, the elbow remains shoulder-high and fingers remain on top of the ball.

All you need is an hour, some lacrosse balls, tennis balls, tennis shoes, two pair of socks, tape for the finger tips of the glove, and some Gatorade.

2. Ground ball hit to the shortstop’s left: as he moves to this ball he must not stand up. He must remain low. Standing up to go to the ball and then getting back down takes entirely too long.

This is done in one continuous movement. He fields the ball and quickly transfers it to his throwing hand. As he is transferring the ball he moves his glove hand out of the way. (He does not want his glove to block the view of the ball to the second baseman. He must be able to see the ball come out of the shortstop’s hand.)The shortstop then executes a shovel toss to the second baseman and “walks behind the ball.” the common mistake here is that the shortstop has a tendency to rise up. If he does so, the ball will sail. The shortstop follows the ball so that the path will remain true and there will be no herky-jerky movements.

These first two techniques should be done this way every time. This allows the second baseman to know where the ball will be coming from, every time. He knows that if the ball is at the shortstop or to his right there will be a ¾ overhand feed. If the copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 9

shortstop has to move to his left to field the ball he will get an underhand shovel toss. There are no surprises about where the ball is coming from.

3. The third technique is used when the ball is hit up the middle, close to the bag. In this case the shortstop calls the second baseman off and makes the play unassisted. He fields the ball and steps on the back of the bag with his right foot. He then steps with his left foot, closes off his front side and throws to first base. As he gets older he can save time by learning to go ahead and throw off of his right foot as he steps on the bag. This will force the runner to slide sooner and eliminate a lot of collisions. If the shortstop is positioned correctly this play can become a double play almost every time.

The coach should give the shortstop many opportunities to perform these 3 feeds during every practice. We do this when we take infield and with an extra fungo coach during our offensive situational batting practices. The key is many reps and constant encouragement to commit “speed mistakes”!

THE SHORTSTOP PIVOT

The double play is one of the reasons a coach should select a very smart AND athletic player for the shortstop position. He wants one who can anticipate and “get there”, expect and react to a bad throw, pivot, throw quickly and handle contact with the sliding runner. It is imperative that the shortstop develops all of the skills to always get one out. The second is gravy, so to speak.

From his ready position he should immediately sprint (under control) to the outfield side of second base on all balls hit to the right side of the infield. From there he must await possible feeds from the first baseman, second baseman, pitcher or catcher.

GET THERE! We see a lot of youth league shortstops who are late arriving and are forced to receive these feeds on the dead run and then pivot by dragging their toe across the bag, again, on the dead run. Sure, this gets them out of harms way from a sliding runner, but it doesn’t guarantee one out, much less two. It leaves too much room for error and too much opportunity for the umpire to miss the call(s). Remember, the mentality of the double play is to “give up a little” (ground ball in the hole) “in order to gain a lot” (sure double play).

There are 3 pivots that a shortstop should master.

Routine

From an athletic position the shortstop should sprint (under control) to second base and place his RIGHT foot on the near corner of the bag and await the throw. On perfect feeds he holds both hands close together (thumb to thumb) as the ball approaches. He steps to the ball with his LEFT foot and receives it with his open pocket and bare hand at the same time BEFORE he drags his RIGHT foot. From there copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 10

he “explodes” his feet to get his left shoulder closed and aligned with first base. He makes a strong, ¾ throw to first base (3/4 to force the runner to slide sooner). If time permits, he can continue on out of the base line slightly and make his “hop-step” after the throw to reduce the impact with the sliding runner.

Feeds to his left

The shortstop should step to the ball with his LEFT foot and then drag the top of his RIGHT foot across the bag. If possible, he should receive this throw with two hands (“thumb to thumb” is quicker). If this is not possible, he should make a one handed catch or if the throw is low, he can squat to perform a forehand pick. He should learn to field both ways BEFORE he drags the right foot. Then he can explode his feet to close off his front side and generate a powerful throw on to first base a split second later. Remember, you must get one out before you can get two.

Feeds to his right

He should perform a quick dance step (like the first baseman) to replace his RIGHT foot with his LEFT foot on the backside of the bag. From there he steps to the ball with his RIGHT foot. If possible, he should receive the throw with two hands (thumb to thumb) and “tighten up” his body to quickly throw off of this already planted right foot. If the throw is wider, he can make a back handed catch (while maintaining contact with the bag) and then shuffle his feet to close off his front side and make a traditional throw to 1b. If the throw is low AND wide, he can squat to perform a backhand pick (WITHOUT a crossover step, so he maintains contact with the bag), shuffle his feet and make a traditional throw on to 1b.

Players should practice receiving all three feeds so they can learn to instinctively perform all three pivots under “game pressure”. They should do this during every practice and pre game infield session. In time, they will begin to make their teammates look good and “roll a pair” when average teams can only seem to get one.

SECOND BASEMAN DOUBLE PLAY FEEDS

This is how the second baseman executes a double play. We feel that when practicing infield technique coaches should concentrate on routine plays. Ninety percent of baseball plays are routine anyway. Make sure your players are equipped to handle them. Their natural athleticism and ability will take over on those “Web Gems.” Teams that make the most routine plays consistently win the most ball games. Make sure that your players can handle these “in their sleep” so to speak. You can get a lot of repetitions on double plays during batting practice. Hit fungoes to both middle infielders and let them practice their footwork and throws. They don't have to make the throw to first base.

We want to remind coaches to ALWAYS have BOTH middle infielders “pinch the middle” during EVERY double play situation (runner at 1b and less than 2 outs). The double play is not called the pitcher’s best friend for nothing. copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 11

FEEDS- There are two feeds your second baseman should be able to execute routinely. There are two reasons for this.

• Economy of movement- the double play feed must be very quick and fluid. He must get the ball to the shortstop in the most optimum time. His feet and hands can not move “too fast”. • Shortstop expectations- by using these two feeds the shortstop will know where the ball is coming from every time. There will be no surprises and there will be less dropped balls as a result. (This little nugget of knowledge is worth the price of admission. Explain this to your players and watch them improve right before your eyes.)

1. Ground balls hit at him or slightly to his left- If the ball is at him or slightly to his left, he must shuffle his feet in order to field the ball off of the inside of his LEFT leg WHILE he drops his RIGHT foot back. This will enable him to consistently field the ball AND get it to the short stop in much quicker. If he fails to learn this skill, he will never reach his potential. He will constantly misplay ground balls or be forced to slow down the play, all while the speed of the game and player abilities are increasing.

By opening up before the ball arrives he makes one less move, taking less time with his feed. Do not let your infielders practice this incorrectly. Many times the double play is “blown” because there is a disparity between what players think they see on TV and what is really supposed to happen. Do not let them field the ball in a normal fielding position and then drop to a knee or make a crouched “jump” throw. On the big field there will be no time to do either.

As he quickly fields the ball he stays low and makes a ¾, (not side-arm or underhand-elbow up please) throw to the shortstop waiting at the bag. (He must not stand up- wasted time.) He makes every attempt to feed the ball chest high and over the bag. (To the outfield side of the bag)

2. Ground balls hit to his right- This is a move that must be practiced often as it is difficult initially. For ground balls hit to the second baseman’s right, he smoothly moves to the ball, staying low, fields it and feeds the shortstop with an underhand toss.

This underhand toss is different than the one a shortstop makes to the second baseman. It is performed with a locked wrist with the elbow leading the ball. The second baseman moves under control, fields the ball and feeds the shortstop with his thumb down and his palm facing the shortstop. From the gathered position, this toss is out (to the shortstop) and is initiated with a half step and ended with a couple of follow steps to him. He must perform the toss and follow steps in a low (crouched) manner and he will often need to go to the ground after the toss to avoid the short stops quick throw to the first baseman.

Every second baseman should be taught to field and make his feeds the same way every time. (At him, open up and throw ¾. To his right, underhand feed.) This instantly allows copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 12 the shortstop to read where the ball is coming from. This also allows the coach to substitute more middle infielders during a game and develop more during the season. Common Faults

• Not fielding the ground ball off the inside of the left leg with the right leg back so the hips can open to the bag. • Not initiating momentum toward the shortstop BEFORE the underhand toss with a couple of steps. • Standing up to feed the ball. • “Hiding” the ball on the underhand feed. The second baseman must move his glove out of the way so the shortstop can see the ball out of his hand. • Stands up on the shovel toss to the shortstop. This will make the ball sail. • Doesn’t keep the feet moving on the shovel toss.

SECOND BASEMAN PIVOT ON THE DOUBLE PLAY

THE PIVOT- There are several ways for the second baseman to execute the pivot on the double play. But we teach it only one way. We teach it this way because it gives him the best chance of staying out of the way of the sliding runner. We also feel that by teaching and having the kids practice it only one way they will become consistent at the skill.

You see kids (up to high school) who are not taught correctly, or at all, try to emulate what they see on TV. They step back and throw or step behind the bag or several other ways. Be consistent in your approach to teaching this skill. Do it one way. We are not ignoring the fact that there are other ways, but feel this is the correct approach to give youngsters their best chance of success.

Once again, a coach must first and foremost have both middle infielders “pinch the middle” during every double play situation (man on first and less than 2 outs). When a team plays at double play depth they are giving up some range. Much of defensive positioning is based on the premise that “in order to gain something you have to give up something.” The coach must practice and encourage his players so much that this will in time become a “routine play”.

 The second baseman must get to get to the bag quickly and place his left foot on the far side (left center field) of the bag. This way whether the throw comes from the shortstop, 3b, pitcher or catcher he will be able to face, react and step to the throw and quickly turn it around to 1b. Kids see the double play on TV and they may think it is a timed play. It is not. It may look like the second baseman got there after the ball was in the air. He does not. Do not let them practice it that way. “Get there” and wait for the ball.

The Pivot

1. From his ready position the second baseman sees a ground ball hit to the SS- side of the infield. He immediately sprints, under control, to the outfield side of second copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 13

base. It is key that he gets there in a hurry. He should not try to ‘time’ the throw from the SS-third baseman. You want him there with time to spare so that he can set up properly and to be able to adjust to a bad throw. 2. From an athletic position he places his left foot on the far side of the bag and awaits the throw.

3. As he determines the direction of the throw, he steps toward the ball with his right foot. (Remember, he has prior knowledge of how the shortstop is going to feed him the ball because of the way the shortstop fields it; either an underhand or ¾ arm slot toss.)

4. Don’t commit across the base too soon. It will hinder your chance to handle a bad throw.

5. He holds both hands close together (thumb to thumb) as the ball approaches. It is a common mistake for a young second baseman to catch the ball with one hand and have his throwing hand too far away from his glove. This takes too long to get the ball out and throw. This is a checkpoint-hands close together with both glove and hand open to receive the ball. Failure to do this is a very common fault in young players.

6. Just before he catches the ball his right foot lands WHILE his left foot is still on but just starting to come up and off the bag (like a first baseman).

7. As he catches the ball, his right foot has almost landed and his left foot is still on but just coming off the bag.

8. As his right foot lands, he simply steps and throws to first. There is no crow hop, no several steps. He catches the ball as his right foot plants, (loads up slightly on that back foot) steps toward first with his left foot and throws.

9. There is a slight flex in that right leg and a little push as he throws. This gives him a momentum so that he is not throwing from a dead stop. Do not hesitate or change your arm path by throwing around the runner! It is his responsibility to get out of the way by sliding into the base.

10. If the runner is sliding into the base and to the infield side, the second baseman may take his little hop-step. This step is not to jump over the runner. It is to get his feet inches off the ground so the runner cannot slide into his “planted” leg. (If the feet are planted the infielder is much more susceptible to injury, especially with steel cleats). Getting taken out by a sliding runner is as much a part of the game as a batter being hit with an occasional pitch. But remember the runner must slide directly to the base. He cannot slide on either side. This rule, at all levels except professional ball was put into place to prevent injuries.

11. Make certain of the out! Get that first out and consider the second as gravy. We know how hard it is to get a double play in LL. But with practice and good technique, sharply hit ground balls can be turned into double plays. On a copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 14

regulation field this should be a routine play and you should expect the double play.

As you know, we constantly harp (I know some of you probably think it is harping) on technique. This is not only for success and because it is the right way, but to help prevent an injury that could occur if faulty technique is used.

Side note: Good umpires understand how a play is supposed to develop and what the correct mechanics look like. By using good technique you make it easier for the umpire to make the call correctly.

Common faults on pivots

1. Late getting to the bag. 2. Failure to step to the ball or stepping to it too soon. 3. Catching the ball up in the webbing instead of the pocket. 4. Not having the bare hand inches a way from the glove. 5. Fear of being taken out by a sliding runner. 6. Failure to get at least one out. 7. Pressure to make good throws instead of quick ones.

You can drill double plays during batting practice. Work on footwork and throws to the bag only. (Don’t throw over to first base during batting practice.) Practice these almost daily.

OUTFIELD PLAY

TRACKING FLY BALLS

Good outfield play is essential for a winning team. A team should develop the mentality that every ball hit in the air is going to be caught. At the youth and occasionally high school levels good outfield play is often sporadic because of the lack of teaching, repetitions, and motivation.

One of the most important skills an outfielder must posses is tracking a fly ball. Tracking the ball simply means taking the most direct route to where the ball will land.

It is very common for inexperienced outfielders to take the wrong route to a fly ball. This may be one of the reasons youth players don’t like to play the outfield. They are out there alone and not only are any mistakes conspicuous; they are often costly as well. Every “zig-zagged” step (route) an outfielder takes to the ball is equal to the “direct” steps a base runner(s) takes to the next base. That’s a lot of pressure.

Many teams do not hit enough fly ball fungoes to their outfielders and this is one of the essential ingredients for gaining ‘tracking’ experience.

The following are some extra tips and drills for you to use to help players develop this critical skill.

• Make sure your outfielders are running on the balls of their feet. If they run on their heels the ball will appear to “bounce” and they will not track it well. Daily Form Running helps players with their running technique. • Teach them that the glove is considered as part of their hand. They pump their arms and do not hold the glove out in front of them as they run. (This restricts the body and slows you down) Put the glove up the last three steps only. • Getting a good ‘jump’ on the ball- this is where a player must concentrate. Teach the outfielders to hesitate and read the ball before moving. This is really how good outfielders get a good jump on the ball. They read it first and then sprint to the spot where it will come down. • Kids must learn to concentrate on the strike zone. Have them play a game in their heads. They should pretend that the hitter is a fungo coach and every pitched ball is a fungo that is going to be hit at them. (“The game is played one pitch at a time.”) • Teach them to watch the action of the hitter’s bat. This is a good teaching tool. Have your players stand in front of home plate on the infield. Take a position in the RH batter’s box. 1. ‘Hit’ an imaginary ball up the middle. Have your kids concentrate on the action of the bat. Ask them where the ‘ball’ went. They will tell you, up the middle. 2. Next pull an imaginary pitch. Your kids will tell you that you hit the ball to left field. 3. Lastly, hit an outside pitch to the opposite field. Your players will know where the ball went. By watching the action of the bat and reading the hitter’s body, players can learn to get a excellent jump on the ball. • Do not allow backpedaling. Teach the drop step, instead. Have your players drop the leg closest to the side the ball is on. If the ball is hit to their left, drop step with the left leg, turn and go to the ball. • Hit deep and high fly balls. Have the outfielders turn and run to the spot where they think the ball will land. Don’t look up until they get there; just turn and run to the spot. • Teach your players shagging in the outfield during Batting Practice to “Break” on all fly balls. They should concentrate on the hitting zone, watch the ball off the bat and “break” two or three steps in the direction of the flight of the ball. Establishing this routine during your daily BP will begin to develop your players’ ability to track the ball. On the big fields, it is also important for the outfielder to understand and read the spin (or slice/hook) of the ball. Example: A center fielder needs to know that a line drive directly between him and the right fielder will be slicing toward the right fielder off the bat of a right handed batter, and toward him off the bat of a left handed batter.

• Charge and catch line drives. • Communicate with the infielders and other outfielders. • Head first diving catches (lay out) • One handed catches. • Get under and catch ball with throwing momentum to the appropriate base. (Eliminate drifting) • Use the glove to shade the sun • Locate the “white dot” to catch a high fly ball at night on a poorly lit field.

Besides outfield fungoes these drills from our Coaches Practice Planner will help develop tracking skills and outfield play in general.

• Throwing to Bases Drill • Outfield Priorities Drill. • Lay Out Drill. • Quarterbacks.

Throwing to Bases Priorities Quarterbacks Fungoes- to get maximum benefit players form a line.

From a kneeling position underhand balls to the player’s left and right.

Hit fungoes daily to your outfielders.

Twenty Minutes

TRACKING FLY BALLS DRILL

Form a line with the head of the line to be first. The line should be out of the way to allow the fielder to move back and to each side.

1. Hit high fly balls over the fielder’s head (use a pitching machine if you are not a good fungo hitter) The fielder watches the ball off the bat and points to where he thinks the ball will come down. 2. Next hit a high fly ball over the fielder’s head and the fielder, taking his eyes off the ball runs to the spot where he thinks it will come down. He doesn’t look up until he has run to the spot.

Twenty Minutes

Get a “Read” on the ball. Hit high fly balls and teach the outfielders to hesitate and read the ball before moving. This is really how good outfielders get a good jump on the ball. They read it first and then sprint to the spot where it will come down.

OFFENSIVE PRACTICE

Teach bunting first, before hitting. It is beneficial to have the players watch the ball hit the bat and get used to the speed of the game. Bunt several times before actual Batting Practice; usually two down each baseline.

Teaching the Mentality of the Sacrifice Bunt

• Show bunt early. This is not bunting for a base hit. You are sacrificing yourself (giving up an out) to advance a runner. • Do not take a negative attitude when you are asked to sacrifice bunt. This is a team game and you are helping the team.

The mind set of the sacrifice bunt: the player should understand that he is up there to give himself up and not attempt to bunt for a base hit. It is up to the coach to instill that philosophy in his players. Many young players don’t like the sacrifice bunt because it takes the bat out of their hands and doesn’t give them a chance to hit. The coach should explain to his players that baseball is a team game and personal statistics don’t come first. (It is a good idea to have all the players congratulate the hitter who executes a successful sacrifice bunt. That reinforces team play and demonstrates the importance of the sacrifice.)

• Bunt strikes only. The pitcher may walk you. Bunt at nothing over your hands. Your bat should be at the top of the strike zone anyway so you should never bunt at anything over your hands. • Bunt the first strike you see. Do not take strikes when asked to sacrifice bunt. • Our team goal is to bunt successfully on the first attempt; over 85% of the time.

Five Minutes- Ask questions.

Bunting- Batting Stance to Bunting Stance Take your team to home plate and have them sit on the grass in front of you as you demonstrate. Have each player assume his batting stance and then go into the bunting stance. You will do a lot of teaching during this time. You will be able to correct poor batting stances as well as bunting stances. Take your time and have each player get it right.

• Move up to or slightly ahead of the front of the plate. This will cut down on foul bunts. • From your batting stance bring the bat off your shoulder and place it at the top of your strike zone out in front of your body. • As you take the bat off your shoulder take a small step with your back foot toward the plate while pivoting on your front foot so that both feet have their toes pointing at the pitcher. • Hold the bat level and bring both hands up the bat. (Better bat control) • Keep your butt under your shoulders. It is a common mistake for a young bunter to have his upper body flexed too much and too far forward. Use a ‘hands on’ approach and straighten his back.

Twenty Minutes

Bunting slowly pitched balls. This can be done with a machine or a kneeling coach, tossing balls underhand. Watch for and correct technique.

Thirty Minutes

Bunting Down Each Base Line This can be done initially on slowly pitched balls to help the players get the feel of manipulating the bat.

• To bunt down the first base line, point the knob of the bat toward third base. • To bunt down the third base line, point the barrel head of the bat toward first base.

Thirty minutes

Bunting game speed A pitching machine is best used for this because of accuracy. Pitched balls should be around 70 mph to get the players used to game speed. Teach and correct technique.

Thirty minutes

Squeeze Bunt

Teaching Points • Recognize and Answer the sign • Do not show bunt until the pitcher’s arm starts forward. • You have to bunt any pitch. • Don’t be too fine with the bunt. Just put it on the ground. • Don’t run until the bunt is down. This is a sacrifice with you giving yourself up to get a run.

Bunting for a Base Hit We teach bunting down the third base line because the batter can key on where the third baseman is playing; if he is back the batter has the option to bunt. • Show bunt when the pitcher’s front foot lands. • Drop your right foot back and bring your top hand up the bat. • Accuracy is important. Point the barrel at first base and bunt along the line. Better to bunt foul than bunt where the pitcher can field the ball.

BASE RUNNING

Running Home to First Base- Take your team to home plate. Explain the drill. They are to clap their hands to simulate a swing, push off their back foot and sprint (full speed) to first base. About half way (the beginning of the runner’s box) they are to take a quick look into the infield (without slowing down) and run through the bag, stepping on the front of the bag (with either foot). They run through the bag and then break down and look to their right. (For the overthrow) Break down by widening the feet and taking quick, “choppy” steps.

The players line up behind the plate and go one at a time. Start the next player when the first one reaches half way. Have a coach at first base to watch where they touch the bag and to watch their “break down” technique. Run them through several times.

Ten Minutes

Run Home to First Base II- Line the players up at home again. This time have a coach hit a ground ball to SS (another coach) who will either field the ball or let it go through his legs. The players “read” the play and continue through first base or take their arc and round first base aggressively. If the coach fields the ball he throws to first base (another coach). He will throw for the out or he will throw high, over the first baseman’s head. If the throw is high the runner reacts and continues on the second base.

Ten Minutes (Run them through three or four times)

Primary and Secondary Leads at First Base

Take your team to first base and have them line up behind the bag in foul territory. Teach the primary and secondary leads.

• Both feet on the bag, facing second base with eyes on the pitcher. • Always lead off each base with the right foot first. (Lead off when the pitcher toes the rubber.) • Take three steps; right, left, right so that on your last step you are facing home plate with eyes fully on the pitcher. (Pivot on your second step.) • Timed when the pitcher comes set, take two shuffle steps while facing the pitcher; right foot step and close with the left foot, right foot step and close with the left foot. • This has taken the runner about 15 feet away from the base. He can easily get back safely with a step and a dive. We teach runners to take this primary lead every time, no matter the circumstances. The only exception is with a LH pitcher and then take a “one-way” lead; right, left, right only. • Go into your secondary lead timed when the pitcher goes to the plate. The secondary lead is three “shuffle hops”, with your body facing home plate and your right foot will be landing at the approximate time the ball hits the catcher’s glove (or is hit). • If the ball is hit, read the angle- down or up. If it’s hit into the outfield read the fly ball, go halfway and return if it’s caught. • If the ball is caught by the catcher return immediately to first base. Do not hang in the base line. • These shuffle hops should be balanced and under control so that the runner can react in either direction.

Twenty Minutes- a lot of teaching here. Make sure all players get it right.

Primary and Secondary Leads at Second Base

The lead off second base is the same as the lead off first except for the last slide step. You can take one more slide step (3) safely. Right, left, right. The pitcher comes set. Take three slide steps. (Right foot slide, etc.)

The key here is for the runner to keep his eyes on the pitcher at all times.

But he listens to the third base coach. He cannot see what the middle infielders are doing behind him so he must get directions from his coach. (Coaches, this is your responsibility. Find three verbal cues and use them consistently. “Plenty of room, be careful, BACK!” will work.)

Young players will have a tendency to want to look behind them at the shortstop. Do not allow that. Make them keep their eyes on the pitcher. You do the talking to the runner; talking, not yelling. Talk just loud enough for him to hear.

When the pitcher goes to the plate take a secondary lead; 3 shuffle hops. Unlike at first base where you know when the pitcher must go to the plate, you have to wait slightly longer at second base. A pitcher can make an “inside move” (lift his leg, turn and throw copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 21 to second base) when a runner is at second, so we need a different key. Go into your secondary lead when the pitcher’s lift leg starts down; not before.

The primary and secondary leads at second base will take you quite a ways off the base so you must hurry back to the bag. Again, do not hang in the baseline.

Two Out Lead

When there are two outs and a runner at second base, another lead is called for- the two out lead. Take the primary lead the same except now you take it out of the baseline, toward left field.

The reason for this is with two outs the runner is going on any batted ball. By moving out and away the runner has established his arc toward third base. All he has to do is run directly at the inside corner of the third base bag. He does not have to swing out, taking more time. We teach our players the mindset that they will go at the “crack of the bat” and score on every ball hit into the outfield with two outs. This will have to be taught and constantly reinforced. Kids want to hang around the safety of the base. Or they want to turn and look at a fly ball. Teach them to sprint out of their secondary lead with two outs. With a runner on second and two outs you will find you will need to remind them many times.

There is only one exception. If the ball is hit directly at the third baseman, hesitate until he throws over to first base. Don’t run into an out in that situation. Make him throw it across.

Fifteen Minutes

Primary and Secondary Leads at Third Base

At third base you have yet another situation. You are now only 90 feet from scoring and you want the most advantageous proximity to home plate as possible. The idea at third base is to go to a point where you can either score on a passed ball or infield ground ball or be able to get back in time to tag up on a fly ball. Once again, we didn’t make this stuff up. These leads have been figured out a long time ago. This is an area of the game that kids can’t see on TV. But it is real.

Primary Lead

A teaching point at third base is to have your players lead off in foul territory and return in fair. This should be every time. (NGI) If they are in foul territory they will not be called out if hit by a batted ball.

By returning in fair territory they obscure the catcher’s view of the bag and make a good throw to the third baseman more difficult. This is just good baseball so please teach this to your runners.

When the pitcher toes the rubber take three steps; right, left right. At this point you are facing the pitcher. Keep your eyes on him. When he comes set, take two shuffle steps. This is the same as the lead off first base.

Walking Lead

The secondary leads at first and second base are shuffle hops. The secondary leads at third base are walking leads. The walking steps are; right, left, right. They are initiated when the pitcher’s left leg starts down and are timed so that the last step is taken when the ball reaches the catcher’s glove. As you take these three steps your body is facing home plate and your head is turned, tracking the ball. (You must make sure the pitcher is going to the plate. From his balance point he can throw to third. Make sure that lift leg is going down.) Be sure to track the ball out of the pitcher’s hand. Watch it all the way to the plate as you are taking your walking lead.

You are now in a good position to either score or quickly return to the bag to tag up on any fly ball, fair or foul. Once again, if the ball is caught by the catcher you must hurry back to the safety of the base. Don’t hang in the baseline.

Here are the rules:

1. If the pitcher pitches from the stretch take a 3-step walking lead.

2. If the pitcher pitches from the windup take a 5-step walking lead; timed to begin when he begins his windup. Once he starts his windup he has started to the plate and cannot make any pickoff move.

There you have it; easy to teach yet very hard to put into practice.

Note: Good teams play their third basemen correctly; either even with the bag and 5 steps over or 5 steps over and 8-9 steps back. They do this whether a runner is on third or not. They know the runner is not going anywhere. (Jackie Robinson is dead.) Good teams play for the best possible defensive positioning. But some poorly-coached teams will try to hold the runner on at third. Consider it just like holding a runner on at first base; a step and a dive gets you back. As I said, teach these leads until ALL your kids have it right. Then make it a routine and incorporate it into your offensive baseball practices. (A past Skill of the Week and the videos, “The Game Within the Game” and “The Complete Baseball Practice.”)

How do you score from third? When do you go?

With less than two outs:

• With the infield back go on any ground ball not hit directly to the first or third basemen. • Make sure the ball gets by the pitcher. • If a ground ball is hit to the third baseman’s left you can score. He cannot field the ball on the move, turn to align himself to the plate, set his feet and throw you out. Don’t hesitate; GO! copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 23

• On a fly ball, fair or foul sprint back to the bag to tag up. Don’t wait too long. Get back to the base immediately when any ball is hit in the air. • With the infield “in” you can usually only score on a fly ball. Do not go on a routine ground ball. You have to let it go through the infield. • Score on a passed ball. The base runner uses his instincts. Do not wait for the coach to yell, “GO!” (Sounds too much like “NO!”)

We’ve considered why kids are so ill-prepared regarding base running when they advance to a regulation field. Undoubtedly it is because LL is more station-to-station baseball. There is no real base running in LL. If a player advances it is almost always through a base hit or a wild pitch-passed ball. Kids are not exposed to correct base running. But why don’t coaches learn as they move up? If coaches will make it their business to teach base running they will certainly help their team score runs. Good base running is extremely important to the success of a team. If you were a football coach you would spend time developing good special teams wouldn’t you? Well, consider sound base running the special teams of baseball. Fans don’t always see how important base running is. But good coaches know. Teach your kids correctly. They will benefit now and in the future.

Twenty Minutes

Situational Batting Practice

Practice this drill at least twice a week after an abbreviated batting practice. It is very important because it practices the ways teams score runs. The use of a runner also allows coaches to teach the important skill of base running. When you run this drill initially you will need a coach in each box to reinforce and teach technique. (The steps are in the Practice Planner.)

Thirty Minutes

DELAYED STEAL

The delayed steal is a play intended to catch the defense off guard and advance a slower runner to second base. (Although fast runners can make this play that much more successful.) It is also used against teams with great catchers, pitchers with good pick off moves and/or middle infielders who lose concentration and don’t ‘pinch in’ on every throw from the catcher to the pitcher. The idea is to take advantage of defensive lapses by the middle infielders and the catcher. This tactic can also be effective if the catcher has a habit of dropping to his knees after he receives the ball.

The delayed steal is not an every-game type of play. It’s a play a team should use when they absolutely have to have a run. Use this play only four or five times a season. copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 24

During an ordinary steal, the base runner takes his primary lead and then sprints to second base on the pitchers first movement (LH) or when he commits to the plate (RH). During the delayed steal the runner takes his primary lead, a 3 shuffle step secondary lead, and then sprints to second base. (No crossover steps and keeps the shoulders squared to the plate during the secondary lead.) The third shuffle step in his secondary lead should take place just as the ball is hitting the catcher’s glove. That is when he makes his steal attempt; with a crossover step and good momentum to the bag.

The secondary lead disguises the steal. By the time the catcher gets the ball the defense notices the stealing runner and it becomes a foot race to second base between the runner and middle infielders. They often arrive at the bag at the same time, forcing the middle infielder to catch and apply a tag on the run. The runner should slide into second base (hands down) making the tag more difficult. (Note: your league may not allow the head- first slide.)

Baseball Excellence teaches base runners to always take their leads off first base the same way every time. (Primary Lead: Pitcher toes the rubber- three steps, beginning with the right foot. Pitcher comes set- two slide steps, beginning with the right foot. Secondary lead: Pitcher goes to the plate- three shuffle steps.) Not only is this the best way to get a maximum-safe lead but with all runners executing these maneuvers exactly the same way every time, it disguises plays and steal attempts.

It is best to cover delayed steals with your players during a teaching session, early in the season while covering primary leads, secondary leads, and straight steals. You can set up a pitcher, catcher, short stop and second baseman (edge of the grass), first baseman and everyone else becomes a base runner at first base. (Helmets on).

The runners should repetitively take their primary leads as the pitcher toes the rubber. Then they take their three-shuffle hop secondary lead as the pitcher releases the ball to the plate. They should use their momentum to sprint to second base and slide. During these drills the defense should yell “Runner!” just after the catcher receives the ball.

This allows your pitchers to get in a short bullpen and gives your catchers reps throwing to second base.

Best times to attempt a delayed steal are: 1. When the pitcher has a quick move to the plate, making it difficult to execute a straight steal. 2. A left-handed hitter at the plate can help hide you from the catcher until you have made your break. 3. When there are two outs. With less than two outs the middle infielders will be at double play depth, closer to the bag, making it easier for them to get there in time. 4. When the opposing catcher is not alert. 5. The later stages of a game.*

We know the delayed steal concept is hard for a 12U player/coach/parent to understand because kids can often steal second base without a throw, but on the big field it becomes more uncertain to steal a base. At that level teams have few (if any) players that can steal copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 25 second base on their own. This is why coaches rely on things such as bunts, hit and runs, delayed steals, etc.; in order to advance runners. Teaching the delayed steal early means it’s one less skill your players will need to learn later. Players that can routinely execute these will show their high school coaches that they are “coachable” or have “athletic intelligence”. Likewise, Youth teams that routinely execute these tell prospective players (and parents) that they are knowledgeable and can teach their kids the things they need to get to the next level.

In leagues where a runner cannot lead off it is common to try to steal just as the catcher is throwing the ball back to the pitcher. This is not a true delayed steal but it can be effective if a defense is not paying attention to the “little things.”

*Those of you who have coached in tournament play understand how much fatigue plays a part in your teams’ performance. Two games on a hot summer day can take a lot of energy and attentiveness out of your team. (That is part of a coach’s job – to help his kids develop inner toughness and to keep them mentally in the game.)

Why bring that up in conjunction with the delayed steal? Because the late innings is the best time to execute it. Pay attention to your opponent’s defensive play, look for small mistakes and breakdowns in concentration and take this little strategy out of your bag of tricks at a key moment in a game.

How do you defense the delayed steal? An alert team that communicates, stays mentally in the game and routinely makes the correct defensive moves will stop this play. (With a LH batter the catcher should come out prepared to throw on every pitch.)

Indeed, if the opposing coach sees that you have no “chinks in your defensive armor” he probably won’t even attempt it.

Once again, the delayed steal is not a play you use “just because you can” and it is not a play designed to ‘bury’ opponents. It is a special play to use only at times when you desperately need a run.

HITTING

Teaching hitting is more about individual instruction than anything else. The coach must closely observe each player and give him guidance as needed. A word of caution here: do not over-coach your hitters. Many young players have a natural ability as hitters. Don’t coach it out of them.

Use this first week as intense teaching. Then as the season progresses, make small tweaks and suggestions.

Day 1- Talk Get right to what you expect out of your hitters. Examine your philosophy with them. 1. Swing the bat hard. 2. Swing at fastball strikes. 3. Learn the fastball counts. 4. Learn two-strike hitting. 5. You expect the ball to be put into play with two strikes. 6. Learn situational hitting. 7. Be aggressive.

Day 2- Stance and Stride You can work on the batting stance with your players when you are teaching the bunting stance. Points: • The stance must be balanced. You can give your players a gentle shove in the back and immediately in the front to check on their balance. • Should be on the balls of their feet. • Front toe out slightly and back heel out slightly. • Wide stance. Many young hitters do not have a wide enough stance. This will cause their stride to be too long. The stance plus the stride should be about the length of their bats. • After the stride the hitter should be balanced (anew). Coaches, check this point. When the foot lifts to go into the stride the hitter is no longer balanced. When the stride foot lands (on ball of foot) check for balance again. There is a tendency to be too far forward or too far back. You cannot hit on one leg- be balanced. • When does the swing start? It starts when the front heel lands. Heel, hips, torso and arms and hands.

Day 3- Tee Work Individual instruction. Observe closely: • Balance before, during and after the swing. • Head is still. • Hips lead the hands. • Good bat placement after the stride- not too far tilted forward. Hands around the back of the shoulder. • Hands are in a palm up- palm down position at contact. • Check balance after follow through.

Day 4- Soft Toss. Toss the ball so that the batter can hit the ball up the middle; about at the front hip. Observe: • Head still all the way through the swing. • Balance. • Hit through the ball. • Hands high at finish.

Day 5- Batting Practice Set up and explain how BP will work. (Planner)

Day 6- Situational Hitting Work hard on the base running during Situational BP. (Planner)

WORKING WITH CATCHERS

Because catching is such a special position there is a lot of work to be done and you have to find the time in practice to give them the repetitions they need. The following is a plan that you might find useful for working with your catchers.

You have to not only help them develop their skills, you have to get their bodies in ‘catching shape’ as well. And you have to fit their skill work within the structure of your practices. This will take more than one coach. We often have the pitching coach work with the catchers.

These are the skills we want our catchers to develop during the fall, or pre-season.

Some will need more reps than others.

• The three stances- what they are and when they are used. • Overcoming fear • Receiving pitches. • The art of keeping a pitch in the strike zone. • Blocking balls in the dirt. • Fielding bunts. • Tag plays at the plate. • Throwing to bases. • Catching pop fouls. • Directing the defense. • When to set up for the pitch. • Double plays • Anticipating pitches. • Throws back to the pitcher. • Pitch outs. • Wild pitches. • Conditioning.

A daunting task to be sure. Let’s see how we can get all this in. We will work on as many skills as possible while we are working with the rest of the team. We’ll plan this on a day-by-day basis with the aim of getting at least one skill in every day. We’ll take two weeks, or ten practices

DAY 1

While you are hitting fungoes (or other group drills where catchers are not needed,) take the catchers aside and show them how to set up in the three stances.

1. Sign-giving stance- 2. No runner on stance- 3. Runners on base (or two strikes on the batter) stance-

The Runners on/2 strike stance will take the most work. It is important that the catcher learn to get his butt up without raising his head. This will take constant reinforcement. The technique we use to help catchers with this stance is to have them raise their butt while the coach puts his finger on the catcher’s nose.

This will hold the head still while he is elevating his backside. We show this in our video, “Youth Skills and Special Drills.”

Allow sufficient practice time on this skill the very first day.

Work with your catchers until they get it right.

Other things to look for:

Sign-giving stance- make sure the glove is outside of the catcher’s knee and his legs are close together. You want to make sure his signs are protected from the opposition’s third base coach. No runner on- sitting back on his haunches, feet splayed out with the glove centered on his body, the elbow slightly extended but not locked and presenting a low target.

Overcoming Fear- the best drill we have used is Balls to the Mask. Hands behind the back. The challenge is to try to get your catchers not to blink.

Spend about 3 or 4 minutes on this.

At the end of Day 1 introduce them to a little conditioning drill, #1.*

(The catchers conditioning drills are in the Practice Planner)

DAY 2

On day 2 spend 10-15 minutes at the end of practice showing your catchers how to receive the ball; keeping a strike a strike.

You can underhand balls to them from about 15 feet.

Use both stances and make sure they receive the ball in the pocket and not the web of the glove.

Establish a pre-pitch glove action, either a ¼ turn of simply relaxing the hand.

They want to learn to ‘stick’ the low pitch and not let it travel down, out of the strike zone.

You can work with them while the rest of your team is running the Quarterbacks Drill.

Their legs will be sore and tired from the conditioning drill you ran on Day 1.

There are two conditioning drills that are great for catchers. Give them a day’s rest in between each drill.

DAY3

This will be your first “Blocking balls in the dirt” session. Spend time on this skill. You might even want to have your catchers report early for this practice so you can get the necessary work in.

The first thing to do is to talk about the philosophy of blocking balls in the dirt. The great importance of blocking balls, why catchers should have the attitude that they will block everything, not just with runners on base.

This is a progression we have used. 1. From a ‘runners on’ stance practice dropping to the ground. Teach good technique and correct mistakes. 2. Have them drop to the ground and put their hands behind their back. Throw baseballs onto the ground so they bounce up to their chest protector. This will give them the feeling of absorbing the ball with their bodies. 3. Use tennis balls. 4. Use baseballs. 5. Use a pitching machine for full speed blocking.

You will have to take several days with this skill. They can reinforce blocking balls with every bullpen session they catch.

Conditioning drill #2.*

DAY 4

On day 4, let’s bring in the pitchers for a little Pitcher’s Fielding Practice. PFP is a good way to take advantage of working with not only pitchers but catchers and infielders as well.

For the catchers they can work on: • Setting up at the right time. (Late) • Receiving pitches. • The art of keeping pitches in the strike zone. • Blocking errant balls in the dirt. • Fielding Bunts • Anticipating Pitches. • Directing the Defense- catchers yell to the pitcher on all ground balls hit to the right side of the infield, “Get over there!.”

(PFP is in the Practice Planner)

Pitchers covering first base is an important part of PFP. Catchers direct this play.

DAY 5

On day 5 use your entire team for about 30 minutes to teach them your Pre-game” outfield infield drill.” While you are hitting fungoes to the outfielders the catchers are rolling balls toward first base, fielding them as bunts and throwing to the first baseman. As they roll the balls they direct the first baseman where to set up; “Inside! Inside! Or “Outside! Outside!”

Take your time with this first pre-game drill. Teach as it unfolds. Besides fielding bunts, the catchers are also learning the skills of:

• Throwing to bases. • Making tag plays at the plate. • The double play. • Catching Pop fouls.

Conditioning Drill #1 at the end of practice.

DAY 6

On day 6 have your pitchers throw bullpens. The skills the catchers work on are: • Setting up late. • Receiving pitches, • Keeping strikes in the zone. • Communicating with the pitcher. • Throws back to the pitcher. Hit him in the chest every time. (Pitchers expend enough energy without have to jump around trying to catch catchers’ errant thrown balls.) • Blocking balls in the dirt. • The three stances. Use the “runners on” stance when the pitcher throws from the stretch. • Footwork for throwing to second. (No throws; just footwork every third time when the pitcher pitches from the stretch.) • This first bullpen of the pre-season (or fall ball) is a good time to work on the pitchout.

Coaches, teach during this pen. You want to set a positive tone for the entire year. A lot can get done. As you bring along your pitchers, you are brining along your catchers as well.

Conditioning Drill #2 at the end of practice. Day 7

On day 7, concentrate on your catchers throwing to bases; second and third.

Take them off to the side away from the rest of the team.

Reinforce the footwork; jab step for outside pitches and jump pivot for inside pitches.

Take time with this skill. Great footwork makes up for any arm strength deficiencies.

You can then bring them back on the field and have your pitchers each throw two or three fastballs and they make their throws to second and third base.

DAY 8

Use this day to hit high foul balls to them. If you don’t have a good fungo hitter, use a pitching machine. It is important that the balls have backspin on them to simulate a ‘game’ foul ball.

Conditioning Drill #1 at the end of practice.

DAYS 9 & 10

Run Intra-squad games. These are teaching sessions for your entire team.

Work with your catchers as they run the game; show leadership ability, voice loud enough, reminding of # of outs, directing infielders on bunts, communicating with the pitcher. copyright©baseballexcellence www.baseball-excellence.com 33

One little added twist we like is to have our catchers call balls and strikes during Intra- squad games. This forces them concentrate a little more and teaches them the strike zone.

As you develop your catchers always keep in mind that you are developing them so that you will eventually be able to “trust the game to them.”

WORKING WITH PITCHERS

Almost all work with the pitchers should be done in the bullpen with the exception of PFP. The pitching coach should monitor every pitch his pitchers throw. (How to throw a bullpen is in the Planner.)

The first week of practice confine bullpens to 20 fastballs only. Concentrate on mechanics and command. Pitching coach MUST be there. Don’t leave those kids alone on the mound. There is a lot of teaching to be done.

The second week expand by adding the change up. If there are intrasquad games during the second week have the pitchers throw fastballs and change ups only.

The third week add a breaking pitch.

On some days after long toss, pitchers may stay in the outfield and “pitch” to each other. Pair off about 50 feet. One side takes a catcher’s stance and the other pitches. Concentrate on hitting the glove. Do not throw at 100%. Throw at about 60%. The goal being to hit the glove and keep the ball off the ground. The pitching coach should monitor theses sessions.

Throw your bullpens when you are working of defensive practice with the other players. You may start BP when some of your pitchers have yet to throw their pens. Because the catchers are working hard and catching multiple pens give them extra BP swings as a reward.

SAMPLE PRACTICES

DAY 1

Stretch Form Run and Throw Set and Ready Positions Fielding Ground Balls Walking Behind The Ball Balls to the Feet Teaching the Mentality of the Sacrifice Bunt Bunting- Batting Stance to Bunting Stance Primary and Secondary Leads at First Base Running Home to First Base Run Home to First Base II

THE TALK

• This should be done at the end of every practice. Have the players sit on the ground close together as you talk to them. They are not just sitting. They are directed to stretch their legs as they listen to you. It is very good for players to stretch their legs. • Go over each segment of practice and asked them what they learned at each turn. • Have all players participate. • You will be surprised at how much kids learn. • Always tell the kids when and where the next practice is going to be. That way you don’t have to call them. 

Clean the field and go home.

Allow Two to Two and a Half Hours for practice.

DAY 2

Stretch, form run and throw. (Throw from the cocked position.)

Twenty Minutes

Fielding Ground Balls

Ten Minutes

Balls to Feet

Five Minutes

Tracking Fly Balls

The Basics of the Shovel Toss

Fifteen Minutes

Primary and Secondary Leads at Second Base

Two Out Lead

Fifteen Minutes

Bunting Practice

Thirty Minutes

DAY 3

Stretch, form run and throw. (Throw from the cocked position.)

Twenty Minutes

Fielding Ground Balls

Ten Minutes

Balls to Feet (Backhand)

Five Minutes

Tracking Fly Balls

Twenty Minutes

Primary and Secondary Leads at Third Base

Twenty Minutes

Bunting Down Each Base Line

Twenty Minutes

Quarterbacks

Twenty Minutes

Stretch Form run and Throw (from cocked position) Twenty Minutes

Balls To Feet (Backhand)

Five Minutes

Station I 1. Teaching the Pick off move at first base. 2. Work with Catchers- 3 Stances 3. Outfielders take fly balls 4. Infielders practice shovel toss

Ten Minutes

Station II

1. Pitchers Fielding Practice- Cover first base 2. Work with Catchers- 3. Fly Balls to Outfielders

Twenty Minutes

Bunting Game Speed

Fifteen Minutes

Batting Practice (Hit fungoes to infielders- outfielders break on all fly balls)

Fifty Minutes

DAY 5

Stretch, Form run and Throw (Cocked Position)

Stations

1. Pitchers Throw to Each Other 2. Remaining Players Form Two Lines for Relay race

Twenty Minutes

Stations

Twenty Minutes

Squeeze Bunt

Twenty Minutes

Batting Practice (Hit fungoes to infielders- outfielders break on all fly balls)

Quarterbacks

DAY 6

Stretch, Form Run and Throw

Stations

1. Fly Ball Priorities 2. Catchers

Stations

1. PFP using catchers, infielders and live pitching 2. Outfielders take fly balls

Situational Batting Practice

Quarterbacks

DAY 7

Stretch, Form Run and Throw (Cocked Position)

Agility Drill and Power Ladder

Nine Skills Throwing to Bases Drill

Situational Batting Practice

Quarterbacks

Stretch, Form Run and Throw (Cocked Position)

Stations

1. Pitchers Throw to Each Other 2. Catchers 3. Ground Balls and Fly Balls

Thirty Minutes

Reinforce Areas of Defensive Weakness

Thirty Minutes

Situational Batting Practice

One Hour

DAYS 9 & 10

Intrasquad Games

Two Hours

There you have building Baseball Skills from the ground up. We hope you approve of this addition to the Practice Planner. Please give us any input you have as we will improve this Practice Planner Companion as time goes by.

THROWING Throw from the cocked position Throw short to long Crow hop staying balanced on the back leg using full arm action Increase distance weekly

INFIELD BASICS Set and Ready positions Fielding a Routine Ground Ball Walk Behind the Ball Shovel Toss Balls to the Feet Four Types of Ground Balls

DOUBLE PLAYS Footwork and Hand Positioning First Roll Ground Balls at the Infielders Ground Balls to the Inside- Shovel Toss Ground balls to the outside- 3/4 Overhand Toss

OUTFIELD PLAY Reading a Fly Ball Run to the Spot Turn and Run Catching the Ball Fielding Routine Ground Balls Fielding Balls on the Run Relay Race (infielders too) Quarterbacks Throwing Through the Cutoff

OFFENSIVE PRACTICE

Bunting

Mentality of the Sacrifice Bunt Batting Stance to Bunting Stance Bunting Slowly Pitched Balls Bunting Down Each Foul Line Game Speed Bunting Squeeze Bunt Bunting For a Base Hit

Base Running Home to First

Primary and Secondary Leads at First Base Primary and Secondary Leads at Second base Two- Out Lead at Second Base Primary and Walking Leads at Third Base Squeeze Bunt Straight Steal Hit and Run Delayed Steal

HITTING

Talk Stance and Stride Tee Work Soft Toss Batting Practice Situational H itting