COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup
COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup
Clinic Objective: Provide background and resources to give Nor-Gwyn Coaches a common approach to basic baseball fundamentals to develop and prepare players for the next level Agenda 5 min
Welcome & introductions
Participant coaching experience Clinic objectives Sharing Atmosphere
John
Materials
Review handouts Review NG website as a resource
John
5 min
Coaching for improved performance
Learning Cycle PQP Positive Feedback Effect
John
5-10 min
Elements of a good Practice
Setting expectations Keep it fun!!
Ed/Chris
5-10 min
Milestones
Jim
30 min
Preparing for the next level Baseball Fundamentals
Basic Throwing & Catching Basic Fielding Basic Hitting Pitching
John
30 min
Baseball Drills
Elements of each drill What skill is being reinforced Set up How to execute Length of time
All
5 min
Wrap up
Did we meet objectives? Do you need any help this season? Who to call. Next Steps
John All
Page 1 of 14
COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION
z
Play/Conduct your Actions to where you want to go, not where you are… 1. Play like a Champion…Develop a Positive & Winning Mental Attitude. • “Baseball Ready” on every play. That means knowing what to do on every play, regardless of position or situation. Once you step on the ball field, your focus should be on baseball. • “A Little Hop” is expected at all times. It doesn’t take talent to hustle!! • “Play in the Present” Don’t let a bad play affect you. The most important play is the next play! • Be on Time with all your equipment…No Shorts…. 2. Play with Poise. Sportsmanship and respect are key factors in life, both on and off the field. 3. Teamwork. • Teamwork comes before individual honors. • No one makes an error on purpose. Always have each other’s back. • It is everyone’s responsibility to promote teamwork and to help each other out. Coaching Using the Learning Cycle Follow the learning cycle Rules of Feedback • Timely • Self Assessment o Determines level of understanding o Helps to determine where to go in the learning cycle • Focus feedback o Specific o Improve results • Use PQP o Praise “You caught the ball with palms facing” o Question “Why did your throw go off target” o Polish “You need to make sure your front side is closed and your “baseball eyes” are looking at your target” Check for Understanding –Effective Questioning… • Ask open ended, probing questions • Ask follow-up questions Benefits of Effective Feedback • Develops habit of self assessing • Stimulates learning process • Ensures understanding • Builds confidence Players wont remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup ELEMENTS OF A GOOD PRACTICE • Prepare for your practice in advance, start on time, and stick to your timeline (refer to sample practice plans). •
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Set expectations for the practice and the season – we encourage managers at all levels to conduct a “parents meeting” at the beginning of the season and to set ground rules for the players . Ask for help (the more volunteers the better), but don’t be afraid to tell coaches and volunteers how you want drills organized and executed – this is still your practice.
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Keep the kids moving, for example, run stations and limit the amount of time at each. If necessary, break the kids up into smaller groups to maintain their attention and increase their repetitions.
•
Reinforce routines, for example, start each practice the same way (running and stretching, throwing mechanics, etc), and have a designated place to play catch (e.g., right or left field foul lines).
•
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Kids will be kids. There’s not a great deal you can do about that, but set guidelines for conduct.
•
Keep it fun by incorporating contests (refer to sample practice plans).
•
Focus on the basics and skills development. Baseball is about muscle memory caused by repetition of good mechanics.
• •
Try to incorporate “situations” at each practice to teach the kids the game. KEEP IT FUN!!! It’s a game, not a job…..
ME DAY WARMUPS
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup PREPARING FOR THE NEXT LEVEL ELEMENTS OF A GOOD PRACTICE Goal: To implement a list of established skills to be taught at each level in the LL program by all managers and coaches. At each level, all practices and pregame should contain same infield practice Round 1) all players get two ground balls and throw to first base Round 2) all players get two double play balls Round 3) all players up on the grass, throw home and follow
Pony Level -Defense, defense, defense Teach players where infielder positions should play. 1B and 3B up at corners or behind baseline (situation), SS and 2B behind baseline, cheating for double play Baseball, Base, Back Up – Every player has something to do on every play!!! • Baseball: Chase/field the Ball • Base: If you aren’t fielding the ball, cover a Base • Back up: If the base is covered, Back-up the throw to the base.
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup At the plate• Introduce players to a machine pitched ball • setting up properly in the batters box • recognizing the need to make adjustments in the box with the machine • smooth fluid swing • lots of drill work - mini-wiffle balls, short toss and side toss Base running batter leaves the box, looks at 1B coach 1/3 way down baseline and looks and listens to first base coach. • "through the base" ball hit in the infield • "turn and look" ball through the infield • "two, two, two" ball into OF for a double •
Minors Defense – • Reinforce Baseball, Base, Back up • Introduce OF cutoffs http://www.theoleballgame.com/single-cutoff-diagrams.html • Encourage OF to throw 2 bases ahead of lead runner • Outfielder back up catchers throw to second, (stealing) At the plate• Batters getting adjusted to kid pitch • Encourage aggressive approach at the plate• Lots of tee work, mini wiffle ball work, lots of batting cage work Base running• Continue with Pony instruction but introduce the base runner looking half way from 1B to 2B for third base coach • Secondary leads • Stealing 2B, secondary leads and encourage aggressive base running Pitching• Introduce basic pitching mechanics, every pitcher should be from the stretch, throwing 4 seams • Coaches are encouraged to allow every player to pitch at least 1 inning, with the pitchers that are more successful more than one inning as regular season progresses • Manage pitchers using a pitch count. Helps with inexperience pitchers, protects the arms of pitchers that go more than one inning. Build up to a higher pitch count as the season progresses
Majors Defense• Reinforce Baseball Base Backup • Add in bunting defense http://www.theoleballgame.com/sacrifice-bunt-diagrams.html • Outfielders back up all bags with runners on, every pitch, (stealing situations) At the plate-
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup • • • • •
Look for signs from the 3rd base coach Hitters recognize the hitting zones (inside, down the middle, outside) Hitters recognize the different flight of pitches from a right handed pitcher and a left handed pitcher Set tee up to hit in the different zones Introduce the sac bunt as a basic baseball skill to advance base runners
Base running• Look for signs from the3rd base coach • Continue Minors baserunning skills • How to properly lead (no quick shuffling or crossing feet) slow controlled foot shuffle lead • Taking a proper secondary lead • When stealing, taking off when pitch leaves pitcher's hand Pitching• Continue with Minors instruction, introduce the wind-up for more advanced pitchers • Pitchers moving towards 1B on balls hit to right side of infield, covering 1B on balls hit to 1B (running the arc) backing up OF throws to 3B and home • Manage pitchers using a pitch count Great websites with tons of info for all ages http://www.theoleballgame.com/ http://www.baseball-tutorials.com/ http://balltips.homestead.com/FrontPage.html
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup
BASEBALL FUNDAMENTALS
Baseball is all about Balance and Direction… Practice to Promote muscle memory Baseball By The Yard…. http://www.baseballbytheyard.com/videos/ Catch and Throw • Palms Facing…two hand o High Five above the waists o Low Five below the waist o Bend your knees to High Five a ball at your waist. o Move your feet to catch the ball in front of you. • Foot work o Glove side foot—step and throw. Left-right-left o Momentum follow through towards your target • Front side closed o Athletic position o Grip across the seams, ball in the fingers, not the palm o Eyes at the target • Hand separation - thumbs down o Glove elbow throwing eyes at the target o Fingers on top of the ball- “Thumb to the thigh, Fingers high”. “Grab the fence”. • Throw o Elbow at shoulder level or higher…never below o High release point o Head should be level, looking at your target. • Follow-through o Glove to the hip—to promote trunk rotation o Momentum towards the target o Utilize mid section to promote power o Important for bigger fields Defense • Set up o Step to the pitch. o Square your feet. End up in a good athletic position o Infield: Glove down, palm out. “in the dirt”. o Outfield: Hands on hips • Infield Basics o Two big triangles. Feet and Top of head. Wide stance Feet and Ball out front. Bend at knees, not the waist Palms facing. Alligator trap. Nose in the glove, take your head to the ball. • Outfield Basics o In front of you, go to the ball. o Behind you, drop step to the side of the ball o Keep your head still o Square your body to the where the ball is going, not where the ball is. • Catching Basics o Wide Base…Flat footed, (not heels together on your toes) o Glove rotates as if you are waving
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup Throwing hand is buried behind your foot, not your back. Thumb inside a loose fist. (2nd option is behind the glove with a runner on base. More experienced, older catchers) o Block the ball… Glove to the ball, knees to the glove Pounce to ball, lean forward so the chest protector knocks the ball in front • Tag and Bag Basics o Capital V not a sweep. o Glove to the bag, not the runner. o !st Base bag basics Heels to the bag, await the throw. Stride with the glove side foot. Stride to the side the ball is thrown to. Plate side throws that pull you off the bag, sweep tag the runner. Pitching • Mental preparation o Stay loose o Breathe o Throw to the catcher, not his glove, (think bigger target) • Set up… o Both heels on rubber o Loose, “spaghetti arms” o Deep Breath • Step 1 Small step o Small step back… • Step 2 Pivot o Pivot throwing foot to the rubber • Step 3 Kick o Balance position with knee at or above the waist. (practice balance) o Slight rotation so batter can see the back pocket o Stand tall o Glove at the waist o Let your legs do the work o Transfer of weight to the back foot • Step 4 Down o Separation..As foot goes down, not out, hands separate with thumbs down into the power position, (practice separation) • Step 5 Out o Power T o Foot goes out towards the plate as arm gets in throwing position. o Front side closed, baseball eyes toward the plate. • Step 6 Release point o Delivery o Hand over the top, release at the top o Glove to the hip • Step 7 Finish o Hips provide the power o Pull the seat belt, reach for the dollar bill o Opposite hip faces the plate as part of follow through Hitting • Build a routine o Back foot in the box o
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup
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o Check for sign, acknowledge the sign o Settle in box…2-3 practice swings Set up o Grip….hold the bat in your fingers, not your fist, door knocking knuckles are lined up. o Athletic position o Weight 50-50 o Front foot at back corner of the plate o Bat on shoulder, just pick the bat up, hands 6 inches from the shoulder o Practice swing down to the ball, (Chase Utley Load o Turning front side slightly closed o Weight shifts to back foot Stride or Not? o Depends on if they are making contact o Stride to the pitcher, don’t step in the bucket. (Bucket steppers should not stride). Hands inside the ball o Quickest path to the ball o Don’t cast…hands outside o Front foot-Back foot o Only move one foot at a time o Front foot moves..then the back foot o Stride Soft landing on the stride…toe to heel Toes pointed at 2nd baseman for righty, shortstop for lefty Contact point o Correct path to the ball. Knob of the bat/Hands to the ball o Drill to work backwards, starting with contact point o Head - shoulders straight Follow through o Momentum through to the outfield o Weight slightly forward. Feel the balance. o Two hands on the bat
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup GAME DAY WARMUPS Batting Practice in the Cage during opposing team field time • Soft toss first, then swinging in the cage • Must put down two bunts, then 5-6 pitches. • Quick in and out. Infield drills and outfield drills at the same time, then Team cut off drills Infield • Around the Horn • Ground balls to position players. Throw to First, Second, Third • One and Cover: Ground ball, throw to first and then cover base for throw from catcher Outfield • Players shag fly balls, throw using crow hop back to coach Team • Cut offs…Fly balls to outfield, cuts to various bases, including double cut from right to third • Outfielders come in, stand at base line • Infielders playing up, do 4 than 1, coming in as they get done, high five outfielders along the line. Starters stay at each base • Catchers throw down to each base twice, high 5 the team along the base line. • All along, players encourage and cheer for good plays and throws
DRILLS Throwing • 2 lines organized throwing in stages o One knee, wrist flip o Facing each other, legs shoulder width apart. Throw emphasizing torso turn and hand high and back, (grabbing a fence) o Facing sideways, step and throw using good balance and follow through. o Put it altogether with focus on accuracy. o Eventually spread farther apart into long toss o Bring back together until close enough for rapid toss using good footwork • Machine Gun Rapid Fire o Players line up in one line, one player faces them and goes down the line in rapid toss fashion using good footwork and quick hands. • 21Drill - Focus playing catch on delivering the ball to the chest or head. o Playing the game "21" is a race to see which player can deliver the most accurate throws – o one point is awarded for a throw to the chest, two points for a throw to the head, and no points for anything outside that area. o First player to 21 points wins. Infield • Around the Horn o Players line up at infield positions, catcher starts 3rd to 2nd to short to 1st to catcher. o Half way through, catcher adds a 2nd ball • One and Cover: (Always throw to bag in front of runner) o Ground ball to 3rd to first to catcher to cover (3rd) to catcher o Ground ball to short to first to catcher to cover (2nd) to third to catcher o Ground ball to second to first to catcher to cover (2nd) to third to catcher
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup
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o Ground ball to first to catcher to cover (1st) to second to third to catcher o Players tag base at each throw. Two Batter Drill o One coach on first base line, one on third. Coaches hit across the field at their own pace o ShortFirst Batter. SecondThirdBatter o ShortThirdBatter. SecondFirstBatter Home Dinger o Player line up in positions, bucket set on home plate o Ground balls to players who try to hit the bucket on the fly. o Team or individual competition Hat contest o Players take turns fielding ground balls and throwing to first. o First mistake, player turns hat backwards, 2nd mistake, player is out. Last player standing wins o Mechanics and form count Rundown drill o Two lines third and second base o Player throw a flip toss to the other line and follows the ball to the end of the other line Around the Infield The Bucket Game – o Set up a stack of two buckets on home plate. o Divide your players into two teams. One team goes to play the 2B position and the other goes to the SS position. o Have a coach up the 1B line rolling grounders to SS and a coach up the 3B line rolling grounders to 2B. o Teams compete to try and field the grounder and make a throw to hit the buckets. Knock the top bucket off: 3 points. Hit either of the buckets in the air: 2 points. Hit either bucket on a bounce: 1 point. Usually play up to 20. o Same drill is run with buckets at second base and outfielders and left and right field, hit fly balls and have them through to second to hit the buckets, get a point for catching fly ball, and same points for throwing accuracy.
• Outfield • Corner Outfield Backup: Line in Left, line in Right, 2nd baseman, 1st baseman, runner at first o Fly to Left, throws to second, Right fielder backup o Fly to Right, throws to second, Left fielder backup o Runner on first lead takes three steps, reacts to caught or dropped ball • Cut Off Relay Race o Two lines in the outfield, 1st player throws to the next up the line and back. Players use proper cut off throws turning to the correct side • Touchdown Tommy o Player starts by throwing a ball to the coach then turns and runs to catch a touchdown pass • Turn and Catch o Player starts with back to coach, turns to catch a pop up after its thrown • Crow Hop drill o Line in Left, Line if Right, player fields a ground ball a throws to a cut-off man using proper crow hop
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup Position Drills • Catchers to catchers o Bare hand catch (promotes soft hands While in position, players are flipped a ball and catch bare handed. They catch and drop ball to catch the next. Rapid fire o Blocking Glove to the ball, knees to the glove Players practice blocking low balls, using a tennis ball at first. o Throw set up Players receive pitch and jumps into throwing position without throwing o Home plate toss Catchers chase errant pitch, turns and flips to player covering home. • First Base o Foot work Player starts with two feet on the bag, receive throws and slide to the left or right, stretching with appropriate foot o Digging low throws or short hops Players block throws to avoid over throw o Stretching to dig throws to avoid a short hop o Tagging up the line Practice tagging imaginary runners on throws up the line. • Middle Infield o Second base flip Two lines at short and second, one player at mound throws ground balls Short receives ground ball and underhand flips to second Second receives ground ball and flips to short Players switch lines after each turn • Third base o Rapid Ground ball Players field ground balls from batter then toss ball aside. Rapid fire taking five balls in a row • Everyone pitches o Players line up behind the mound. Each Player throws a pitch then gets into good defensive position. Coach throws a ground ball for pitcher to field and throw to first • Four Square drill o 4 Players line up in a square 8-10 feet across o Underhand toss going clockwise. o Competition: first group to go around 3 times wins o Reverse drill and go counter clockwise. Feet work is important o Running • 2 line drill o 2 lines at home plate o Outside line runs through first base, (legging out a single) o Inside line runs to second, (legging out a double) o Runner on first goes first to third o Runner on second goes second to home o Runner on third practices tagging up and goes home.
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup •
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o Once home, runners switch lines. Situational running (Best practice: After every pitch, players take a two step lead). o Players line up on foul line o Coach sets up base and # of outs o Takes two hop step lead and waits for coach to give the situation, then reacts quickly to situation, either returning to base or sprinting to second o Coach yells “pitch”, then gives situation: Ball behind catcher, ball in front of catcher, line drive, pop up, hit to outfield, fly ball to outfield, etc. Tennis Bounce o Imitate a swing and break up the line to catch a bounced tennis ball Catch the rabbit o 4 players on each base. Each player tries to catch the player in front of him. o Three times around the bases or a player catches the rabbit Base Running Drill (Relay Races) – o Set half the team at 2nd and the other half at home. o Teach proper inside touch of base and not running straight, but arching when approaching base. o Good end of practice drill. Usually do 2 races. Bunting Relay Race o Two teams, one in field, one at bat o Team at bat bunts the ball, fielding team must throw the ball around the horn two times before the player can round the bases. o Winner gets a point
Batting • Tee Work o Eye Contact Drill (Hit with your eyes) Hit the spot on the ball, not the ball • Soft Toss o Soft Toss Mix up o Shoulder Drop o Throwing Hands at the ball •
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Cage o Bunting o Take A Pitch o Compact swing drill (tennis balls, rapid toss) Step in the bucket
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup Attendance LEAGUE
NAME
EMAIL
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Clinic Objective: Provide background and resources to give Nor-Gwyn Coaches a common approach to basic baseball fundamentals to develop and prepare players for the next level Agenda 5 min
Welcome & introductions
Participant coaching experience Clinic objectives Sharing Atmosphere
John
Materials
Review handouts Review NG website as a resource
John
5 min
Coaching for improved performance
Learning Cycle PQP Positive Feedback Effect
John
5-10 min
Elements of a good Practice
Setting expectations Keep it fun!!
Ed/Chris
5-10 min
Milestones
Jim
30 min
Preparing for the next level Baseball Fundamentals
Basic Throwing & Catching Basic Fielding Basic Hitting Pitching
John
30 min
Baseball Drills
Elements of each drill What skill is being reinforced Set up How to execute Length of time
All
5 min
Wrap up
Did we meet objectives? Do you need any help this season? Who to call. Next Steps
John All
Page 1 of 14
COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION
z
Play/Conduct your Actions to where you want to go, not where you are… 1. Play like a Champion…Develop a Positive & Winning Mental Attitude. • “Baseball Ready” on every play. That means knowing what to do on every play, regardless of position or situation. Once you step on the ball field, your focus should be on baseball. • “A Little Hop” is expected at all times. It doesn’t take talent to hustle!! • “Play in the Present” Don’t let a bad play affect you. The most important play is the next play! • Be on Time with all your equipment…No Shorts…. 2. Play with Poise. Sportsmanship and respect are key factors in life, both on and off the field. 3. Teamwork. • Teamwork comes before individual honors. • No one makes an error on purpose. Always have each other’s back. • It is everyone’s responsibility to promote teamwork and to help each other out. Coaching Using the Learning Cycle Follow the learning cycle Rules of Feedback • Timely • Self Assessment o Determines level of understanding o Helps to determine where to go in the learning cycle • Focus feedback o Specific o Improve results • Use PQP o Praise “You caught the ball with palms facing” o Question “Why did your throw go off target” o Polish “You need to make sure your front side is closed and your “baseball eyes” are looking at your target” Check for Understanding –Effective Questioning… • Ask open ended, probing questions • Ask follow-up questions Benefits of Effective Feedback • Develops habit of self assessing • Stimulates learning process • Ensures understanding • Builds confidence Players wont remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel
Page 2 of 14
COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup ELEMENTS OF A GOOD PRACTICE • Prepare for your practice in advance, start on time, and stick to your timeline (refer to sample practice plans). •
•
Set expectations for the practice and the season – we encourage managers at all levels to conduct a “parents meeting” at the beginning of the season and to set ground rules for the players . Ask for help (the more volunteers the better), but don’t be afraid to tell coaches and volunteers how you want drills organized and executed – this is still your practice.
•
Keep the kids moving, for example, run stations and limit the amount of time at each. If necessary, break the kids up into smaller groups to maintain their attention and increase their repetitions.
•
Reinforce routines, for example, start each practice the same way (running and stretching, throwing mechanics, etc), and have a designated place to play catch (e.g., right or left field foul lines).
•
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Kids will be kids. There’s not a great deal you can do about that, but set guidelines for conduct.
•
Keep it fun by incorporating contests (refer to sample practice plans).
•
Focus on the basics and skills development. Baseball is about muscle memory caused by repetition of good mechanics.
• •
Try to incorporate “situations” at each practice to teach the kids the game. KEEP IT FUN!!! It’s a game, not a job…..
ME DAY WARMUPS
Page 3 of 14
COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup PREPARING FOR THE NEXT LEVEL ELEMENTS OF A GOOD PRACTICE Goal: To implement a list of established skills to be taught at each level in the LL program by all managers and coaches. At each level, all practices and pregame should contain same infield practice Round 1) all players get two ground balls and throw to first base Round 2) all players get two double play balls Round 3) all players up on the grass, throw home and follow
Pony Level -Defense, defense, defense Teach players where infielder positions should play. 1B and 3B up at corners or behind baseline (situation), SS and 2B behind baseline, cheating for double play Baseball, Base, Back Up – Every player has something to do on every play!!! • Baseball: Chase/field the Ball • Base: If you aren’t fielding the ball, cover a Base • Back up: If the base is covered, Back-up the throw to the base.
Page 4 of 14
COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup At the plate• Introduce players to a machine pitched ball • setting up properly in the batters box • recognizing the need to make adjustments in the box with the machine • smooth fluid swing • lots of drill work - mini-wiffle balls, short toss and side toss Base running batter leaves the box, looks at 1B coach 1/3 way down baseline and looks and listens to first base coach. • "through the base" ball hit in the infield • "turn and look" ball through the infield • "two, two, two" ball into OF for a double •
Minors Defense – • Reinforce Baseball, Base, Back up • Introduce OF cutoffs http://www.theoleballgame.com/single-cutoff-diagrams.html • Encourage OF to throw 2 bases ahead of lead runner • Outfielder back up catchers throw to second, (stealing) At the plate• Batters getting adjusted to kid pitch • Encourage aggressive approach at the plate• Lots of tee work, mini wiffle ball work, lots of batting cage work Base running• Continue with Pony instruction but introduce the base runner looking half way from 1B to 2B for third base coach • Secondary leads • Stealing 2B, secondary leads and encourage aggressive base running Pitching• Introduce basic pitching mechanics, every pitcher should be from the stretch, throwing 4 seams • Coaches are encouraged to allow every player to pitch at least 1 inning, with the pitchers that are more successful more than one inning as regular season progresses • Manage pitchers using a pitch count. Helps with inexperience pitchers, protects the arms of pitchers that go more than one inning. Build up to a higher pitch count as the season progresses
Majors Defense• Reinforce Baseball Base Backup • Add in bunting defense http://www.theoleballgame.com/sacrifice-bunt-diagrams.html • Outfielders back up all bags with runners on, every pitch, (stealing situations) At the plate-
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup • • • • •
Look for signs from the 3rd base coach Hitters recognize the hitting zones (inside, down the middle, outside) Hitters recognize the different flight of pitches from a right handed pitcher and a left handed pitcher Set tee up to hit in the different zones Introduce the sac bunt as a basic baseball skill to advance base runners
Base running• Look for signs from the3rd base coach • Continue Minors baserunning skills • How to properly lead (no quick shuffling or crossing feet) slow controlled foot shuffle lead • Taking a proper secondary lead • When stealing, taking off when pitch leaves pitcher's hand Pitching• Continue with Minors instruction, introduce the wind-up for more advanced pitchers • Pitchers moving towards 1B on balls hit to right side of infield, covering 1B on balls hit to 1B (running the arc) backing up OF throws to 3B and home • Manage pitchers using a pitch count Great websites with tons of info for all ages http://www.theoleballgame.com/ http://www.baseball-tutorials.com/ http://balltips.homestead.com/FrontPage.html
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup
BASEBALL FUNDAMENTALS
Baseball is all about Balance and Direction… Practice to Promote muscle memory Baseball By The Yard…. http://www.baseballbytheyard.com/videos/ Catch and Throw • Palms Facing…two hand o High Five above the waists o Low Five below the waist o Bend your knees to High Five a ball at your waist. o Move your feet to catch the ball in front of you. • Foot work o Glove side foot—step and throw. Left-right-left o Momentum follow through towards your target • Front side closed o Athletic position o Grip across the seams, ball in the fingers, not the palm o Eyes at the target • Hand separation - thumbs down o Glove elbow throwing eyes at the target o Fingers on top of the ball- “Thumb to the thigh, Fingers high”. “Grab the fence”. • Throw o Elbow at shoulder level or higher…never below o High release point o Head should be level, looking at your target. • Follow-through o Glove to the hip—to promote trunk rotation o Momentum towards the target o Utilize mid section to promote power o Important for bigger fields Defense • Set up o Step to the pitch. o Square your feet. End up in a good athletic position o Infield: Glove down, palm out. “in the dirt”. o Outfield: Hands on hips • Infield Basics o Two big triangles. Feet and Top of head. Wide stance Feet and Ball out front. Bend at knees, not the waist Palms facing. Alligator trap. Nose in the glove, take your head to the ball. • Outfield Basics o In front of you, go to the ball. o Behind you, drop step to the side of the ball o Keep your head still o Square your body to the where the ball is going, not where the ball is. • Catching Basics o Wide Base…Flat footed, (not heels together on your toes) o Glove rotates as if you are waving
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup Throwing hand is buried behind your foot, not your back. Thumb inside a loose fist. (2nd option is behind the glove with a runner on base. More experienced, older catchers) o Block the ball… Glove to the ball, knees to the glove Pounce to ball, lean forward so the chest protector knocks the ball in front • Tag and Bag Basics o Capital V not a sweep. o Glove to the bag, not the runner. o !st Base bag basics Heels to the bag, await the throw. Stride with the glove side foot. Stride to the side the ball is thrown to. Plate side throws that pull you off the bag, sweep tag the runner. Pitching • Mental preparation o Stay loose o Breathe o Throw to the catcher, not his glove, (think bigger target) • Set up… o Both heels on rubber o Loose, “spaghetti arms” o Deep Breath • Step 1 Small step o Small step back… • Step 2 Pivot o Pivot throwing foot to the rubber • Step 3 Kick o Balance position with knee at or above the waist. (practice balance) o Slight rotation so batter can see the back pocket o Stand tall o Glove at the waist o Let your legs do the work o Transfer of weight to the back foot • Step 4 Down o Separation..As foot goes down, not out, hands separate with thumbs down into the power position, (practice separation) • Step 5 Out o Power T o Foot goes out towards the plate as arm gets in throwing position. o Front side closed, baseball eyes toward the plate. • Step 6 Release point o Delivery o Hand over the top, release at the top o Glove to the hip • Step 7 Finish o Hips provide the power o Pull the seat belt, reach for the dollar bill o Opposite hip faces the plate as part of follow through Hitting • Build a routine o Back foot in the box o
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup
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o Check for sign, acknowledge the sign o Settle in box…2-3 practice swings Set up o Grip….hold the bat in your fingers, not your fist, door knocking knuckles are lined up. o Athletic position o Weight 50-50 o Front foot at back corner of the plate o Bat on shoulder, just pick the bat up, hands 6 inches from the shoulder o Practice swing down to the ball, (Chase Utley Load o Turning front side slightly closed o Weight shifts to back foot Stride or Not? o Depends on if they are making contact o Stride to the pitcher, don’t step in the bucket. (Bucket steppers should not stride). Hands inside the ball o Quickest path to the ball o Don’t cast…hands outside o Front foot-Back foot o Only move one foot at a time o Front foot moves..then the back foot o Stride Soft landing on the stride…toe to heel Toes pointed at 2nd baseman for righty, shortstop for lefty Contact point o Correct path to the ball. Knob of the bat/Hands to the ball o Drill to work backwards, starting with contact point o Head - shoulders straight Follow through o Momentum through to the outfield o Weight slightly forward. Feel the balance. o Two hands on the bat
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup GAME DAY WARMUPS Batting Practice in the Cage during opposing team field time • Soft toss first, then swinging in the cage • Must put down two bunts, then 5-6 pitches. • Quick in and out. Infield drills and outfield drills at the same time, then Team cut off drills Infield • Around the Horn • Ground balls to position players. Throw to First, Second, Third • One and Cover: Ground ball, throw to first and then cover base for throw from catcher Outfield • Players shag fly balls, throw using crow hop back to coach Team • Cut offs…Fly balls to outfield, cuts to various bases, including double cut from right to third • Outfielders come in, stand at base line • Infielders playing up, do 4 than 1, coming in as they get done, high five outfielders along the line. Starters stay at each base • Catchers throw down to each base twice, high 5 the team along the base line. • All along, players encourage and cheer for good plays and throws
DRILLS Throwing • 2 lines organized throwing in stages o One knee, wrist flip o Facing each other, legs shoulder width apart. Throw emphasizing torso turn and hand high and back, (grabbing a fence) o Facing sideways, step and throw using good balance and follow through. o Put it altogether with focus on accuracy. o Eventually spread farther apart into long toss o Bring back together until close enough for rapid toss using good footwork • Machine Gun Rapid Fire o Players line up in one line, one player faces them and goes down the line in rapid toss fashion using good footwork and quick hands. • 21Drill - Focus playing catch on delivering the ball to the chest or head. o Playing the game "21" is a race to see which player can deliver the most accurate throws – o one point is awarded for a throw to the chest, two points for a throw to the head, and no points for anything outside that area. o First player to 21 points wins. Infield • Around the Horn o Players line up at infield positions, catcher starts 3rd to 2nd to short to 1st to catcher. o Half way through, catcher adds a 2nd ball • One and Cover: (Always throw to bag in front of runner) o Ground ball to 3rd to first to catcher to cover (3rd) to catcher o Ground ball to short to first to catcher to cover (2nd) to third to catcher o Ground ball to second to first to catcher to cover (2nd) to third to catcher
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup
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o Ground ball to first to catcher to cover (1st) to second to third to catcher o Players tag base at each throw. Two Batter Drill o One coach on first base line, one on third. Coaches hit across the field at their own pace o ShortFirst Batter. SecondThirdBatter o ShortThirdBatter. SecondFirstBatter Home Dinger o Player line up in positions, bucket set on home plate o Ground balls to players who try to hit the bucket on the fly. o Team or individual competition Hat contest o Players take turns fielding ground balls and throwing to first. o First mistake, player turns hat backwards, 2nd mistake, player is out. Last player standing wins o Mechanics and form count Rundown drill o Two lines third and second base o Player throw a flip toss to the other line and follows the ball to the end of the other line Around the Infield The Bucket Game – o Set up a stack of two buckets on home plate. o Divide your players into two teams. One team goes to play the 2B position and the other goes to the SS position. o Have a coach up the 1B line rolling grounders to SS and a coach up the 3B line rolling grounders to 2B. o Teams compete to try and field the grounder and make a throw to hit the buckets. Knock the top bucket off: 3 points. Hit either of the buckets in the air: 2 points. Hit either bucket on a bounce: 1 point. Usually play up to 20. o Same drill is run with buckets at second base and outfielders and left and right field, hit fly balls and have them through to second to hit the buckets, get a point for catching fly ball, and same points for throwing accuracy.
• Outfield • Corner Outfield Backup: Line in Left, line in Right, 2nd baseman, 1st baseman, runner at first o Fly to Left, throws to second, Right fielder backup o Fly to Right, throws to second, Left fielder backup o Runner on first lead takes three steps, reacts to caught or dropped ball • Cut Off Relay Race o Two lines in the outfield, 1st player throws to the next up the line and back. Players use proper cut off throws turning to the correct side • Touchdown Tommy o Player starts by throwing a ball to the coach then turns and runs to catch a touchdown pass • Turn and Catch o Player starts with back to coach, turns to catch a pop up after its thrown • Crow Hop drill o Line in Left, Line if Right, player fields a ground ball a throws to a cut-off man using proper crow hop
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup Position Drills • Catchers to catchers o Bare hand catch (promotes soft hands While in position, players are flipped a ball and catch bare handed. They catch and drop ball to catch the next. Rapid fire o Blocking Glove to the ball, knees to the glove Players practice blocking low balls, using a tennis ball at first. o Throw set up Players receive pitch and jumps into throwing position without throwing o Home plate toss Catchers chase errant pitch, turns and flips to player covering home. • First Base o Foot work Player starts with two feet on the bag, receive throws and slide to the left or right, stretching with appropriate foot o Digging low throws or short hops Players block throws to avoid over throw o Stretching to dig throws to avoid a short hop o Tagging up the line Practice tagging imaginary runners on throws up the line. • Middle Infield o Second base flip Two lines at short and second, one player at mound throws ground balls Short receives ground ball and underhand flips to second Second receives ground ball and flips to short Players switch lines after each turn • Third base o Rapid Ground ball Players field ground balls from batter then toss ball aside. Rapid fire taking five balls in a row • Everyone pitches o Players line up behind the mound. Each Player throws a pitch then gets into good defensive position. Coach throws a ground ball for pitcher to field and throw to first • Four Square drill o 4 Players line up in a square 8-10 feet across o Underhand toss going clockwise. o Competition: first group to go around 3 times wins o Reverse drill and go counter clockwise. Feet work is important o Running • 2 line drill o 2 lines at home plate o Outside line runs through first base, (legging out a single) o Inside line runs to second, (legging out a double) o Runner on first goes first to third o Runner on second goes second to home o Runner on third practices tagging up and goes home.
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup •
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o Once home, runners switch lines. Situational running (Best practice: After every pitch, players take a two step lead). o Players line up on foul line o Coach sets up base and # of outs o Takes two hop step lead and waits for coach to give the situation, then reacts quickly to situation, either returning to base or sprinting to second o Coach yells “pitch”, then gives situation: Ball behind catcher, ball in front of catcher, line drive, pop up, hit to outfield, fly ball to outfield, etc. Tennis Bounce o Imitate a swing and break up the line to catch a bounced tennis ball Catch the rabbit o 4 players on each base. Each player tries to catch the player in front of him. o Three times around the bases or a player catches the rabbit Base Running Drill (Relay Races) – o Set half the team at 2nd and the other half at home. o Teach proper inside touch of base and not running straight, but arching when approaching base. o Good end of practice drill. Usually do 2 races. Bunting Relay Race o Two teams, one in field, one at bat o Team at bat bunts the ball, fielding team must throw the ball around the horn two times before the player can round the bases. o Winner gets a point
Batting • Tee Work o Eye Contact Drill (Hit with your eyes) Hit the spot on the ball, not the ball • Soft Toss o Soft Toss Mix up o Shoulder Drop o Throwing Hands at the ball •
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Cage o Bunting o Take A Pitch o Compact swing drill (tennis balls, rapid toss) Step in the bucket
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COACHING CLINIC MARCH 2016 Baseball-Base-Backup Attendance LEAGUE
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