Baseball Coach Insider

Quick Tips #53 - tag at third on foul ball

2010-12-24T07:25:00.000-08:00

Runner on third – always tag up on a foul ball. If the fielder falls after catching it you can score. All runners on all bases should tag on every foul ball. If it's not caught, you have no where to go, if the fly is caught, you may be able to advance or draw a wild throw.

Quick Tips #52 - lead runner

2010-12-24T07:24:00.001-08:00

Be aware of the lead runner’s ability – don’t overrun him.

Quick Tips #51 - always tag at third

2010-12-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

Runner on third – always tag up on a deep fly ball – even if you think it is a home run always tag up.

Quick Tips #50 - catcher, no play at home

2010-12-22T04:35:00.000-08:00

Catchers – upon realizing the runner going home will score easily move up on the plate to receive any throw that missed the cutoff man or went through.

Quick Tips #49 - opponents arm strength

2010-12-21T03:31:00.000-08:00

Use the pre-game warm up determine the arm strength of the opposition’s outfield. It will help you decide when you can attempt to take an extra base.

Quick Tips #48 - fair or foul

2010-12-16T06:42:00.000-08:00

Never depend on the opposition when trying to find out if the ball is foul. Their objectives are the opposite of yours.

Quick Tips #47- dead man tag

2010-12-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

Base runners – be aware of the “dead man” tag – if not sure always run hard and slide. Watch and listen to the 3rd base coach, not the 3rd baseman.

Quick Tips #46 - stay level - mentally

2010-12-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

Stay level mentally, avoid peaks and valleys – don’t get too emotional – keep your poise – never get too high or too low – baseball is a marathon and there is always another at bat, another pitch, another play and another game.

Quick Tips #45 - sac bunt

2010-12-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

When given the sac bunt sign only bunt strikes.

Quick Tips #44 - all runners, line drive

2010-12-11T04:57:00.000-08:00

All runners – with less than two outs – always freeze on a line drive until you can see it through.

Quick Tips #43 - runner at second base

2010-12-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

Runner at second one out – on deep fly ball that will be caught only advance to third if you know you can make it safely – don’t make the third out at third base in this situation.

Quick Tips #42 - runner at second base

2010-12-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

Runner at second – the speed and direction of the hit ball will determine whether or not you advance to 3rd (in situations where there is less than 2 outs and no runner behind you at first). Anything hard, in front of you, freeze. Any ground ball behind you, advance to third. Slow ground ball in front of you, advance to third base.

Quick Tips #41, two strikes on batter

2010-12-06T04:09:00.000-08:00

With two outs and two strikes on the batter – the runner on base should concentrate on the hitter’s hands once the pitcher starts his delivery – read the hands of the hitter and break to the next bag when the hitter commits his swing.

Quick Tips #40

2010-12-03T05:13:00.001-08:00

When on second base with less than two outs, on a fly ball that is not deep enough to advance, go half way

Quick Tips #39

2010-12-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

With a runner on first and second - if the catcher tries to pick off the runner at first, the runner at second should take off to third. It's a longer set of throws than pitcher to catcher to 2B so it should be an easy running play to make.

Quick Tips #38

2010-12-01T04:48:00.000-08:00

Runner on third – Do not tag up on a fly ball on which you cannot normally tag up and score (i.e. a softly hit ball between the outfield and infield. If the ball is not caught or misplayed, you are several feet closer to home plate and may score.

Quick Tips #37

2010-11-29T04:50:00.000-08:00

On a double play – the first priority is to get an out – the second out is considered a bonus. Whenever possible, try to get the lead out.

Quick Tips #36

2010-11-28T06:40:00.000-08:00

With a runner on second – when the batter safely hits the ball to the outfield, the batter should run as hard as he can to first base and round the bag aggressively – if the outfielder misses the cutoff man the batter advances easily to second.

Quick Tips #35

2010-11-28T06:37:00.000-08:00

The on-deck batter must always tell the runner trying to score if he should slide or not and where to slide, opposite of the throw/tag.

Quick Tip #34

2010-11-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

When you hit a double with no outs or two outs, stop at 2nd, unless you can make the triple without question. Do not make the first or third out at third base.

Quick Tip #33

2010-11-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

Avoid distractions – be a class act – don’t overreact to a bad call, don’t react to trash talk or heckling, avoid talking to friends or family during the game, don’t be pre-occupied with failure (this game is based on failure!), show little emotion – avoid kicking dirt, shaking your head, throwing helmets or bats, and any type of negative energy. It’s ok to be frustrated just don’t drag the rest of team into your frustration. Play hard, play with class.

Quick Tip #32

2010-11-24T04:36:00.000-08:00

If you are caught in a run down attempt to make contact with a defensive player without the baseball within the baseline.

Quick Tip #31

2010-11-23T06:24:00.000-08:00

Pitchers – with a runner on second base, with no outs and a possible sac bunt situation be sure to communicate with the third baseman in regards to bunt coverage.

Quick Tip #30

2010-11-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

1st and 3rd situation – if the runner on 1st takes an early break – infielders should yell “step off” and the pitcher should either glance or fake a throw (if it is the pickle play) to third and then give the ball to the middle infield.

See more at: www.sonntagsports.com/coach-baseball/

Quick Tip #29

2010-11-20T03:47:00.001-08:00

Pitchers – work quickly and work ahead. This keeps your fielders in the game and attentive.

Quick Tip #28

2010-11-19T04:38:00.000-08:00

The third baseman and first baseman should never carry on a conversation with the 1st and 3rd base coaches from the other team. Coaches attempt conversations in order for you to lose focus especially when plays are on. They may also suggest a different number of outs or a different count.

Quick Tip #27

2010-11-18T05:42:00.000-08:00

When playing with a considerable lead – don’t be preoccupied with the base runners – get the hitters out.

Quick Tip #26

2010-11-17T13:40:00.001-08:00

Pitchers – with a runner on first and less than two outs make sure you communicate with the middle infielders on who has the bag.

Quick Tip #25

2010-11-13T05:21:00.000-08:00

When the opposition pops up the ball on a sac bunt attempt, get set to throw the ball behind the lead runner. He may have taken an extra bit on their leads and extended too far.

Quick Tip #24

2010-11-12T03:06:00.000-08:00

Pitchers – on any ground ball hit to your left – get to the first base line and prepare to become the first baseman. This gives your firstbaseman extra range to his right, and get's you more outs.

Quick Tip #24

2010-11-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

Catchers – with a ground ball hit to the pitcher’s left – yell at the pitcher to “get over there”.

Quick Tip #23

2010-11-10T10:05:00.001-08:00

The runner at second should always have an idea of where the shortstop is playing and where the outfielders are positioned. The speed and direction of the ball determine whether the runner advances – if it is a slow roller the runner should always advance. With first base empty the base runner on 2nd should freeze at second when a batted ball is hit to the shortstop’s right. If the ball is hit to the left of the ss or to the second baseman the runner on second should advance to third. Runner at second – ALWAYS CHECK THE OUTFIELD POSITIONING AFTER EVERY PITCH TO DETERMINE HOW AGGRESSIVE YOU WILL BE ON A BASEHIT!

Quick Tip #22

2010-11-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

When you hit ground ball in the infield be aware of the first baseman – if he starts toward you to catch the ball you should slide to the outside and make it difficult for him to tag you. This is the only time you should slide at first.

Quick Tip #21

2010-11-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

With a runner on second with less than two outs – on a deep fly ball that may or may not be caught, come off the base twenty feet and read the outfielders actions. If he turns as if to catch the ball, return to the base and tag and advance on the catch. If the outfielder does not get under control or gives up to play the rebound, break for the plate you may score.

Quick Tip #21

2010-11-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

First baseman do not need to hold the runner on first when there is a runner on second.

Quick Tip #20

2010-11-01T05:27:00.000-07:00

When the runner at first base steals on the pitch and the batter pops up the ball to the outfield, the middle infield should act as if they are turning a double play. This may trick the runner into continuing to second base and when the ball is caught, you have a chance to double him off at first.

Quick Tip #19

2010-10-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

Outfielders – don’t be spectators – cover a bag! Assume that every groundball is a ground ball hit to you, until proven otherwise by an infielder.

Quick Tip #18

2010-10-26T08:00:00.001-07:00

If the opposition team shows a squeeze play too early the pitcher should try to throw the ball at the batter.

Quick Tip #17

2010-10-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

Never be daring on the base paths when your team are down by 3 or more runs down.

Quick Tip #16

2010-10-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

Your catcher should always be polite and courteous to the home plate umpire – this may “win” some calls. If the umpire gets hit with a foul ball call time and go talk to the pitcher to give the umpire a chance to collect himself – he will appreciate this.

Quick Tip #15

2010-10-22T06:32:00.001-07:00

Pitchers – if a ball gets away from the catcher, give verbal and visual signs for the catcher as to where the ball is located – if the ball is near the catcher’s feet – yell “feet”. If the ball is behind the catcher, point to the ball and run towards it yelling "back". Do not call "left" or "right" as the catcher may be facing the opposite direction.

Quick Tip #14

2010-10-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

Never depend on the scoreboard for how many are out, ask an umpire or your coach.

Quick Tip #13

2010-10-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hustle, Hustle, Hustle – no matter the score or situation – you never know who is watching. Don’t walk or jog to your position – sprint to your position.

Quick Tip #12

2010-10-18T06:01:00.001-07:00

Catchers – with no runners on base and a ground ball in the infield get down the first base line to cover. Get as deep as possible and in line with the throw.

Quick Tip #11

2010-10-17T06:17:00.001-07:00

When you don’t have a play always fake a throw (but don’t rush your fake throw) and look back door. For example on a perfectly bunted ball the third baseman upon realizing they don’t have a play at first should fake a throw to first and look at another bag. A shortstop who has to make a play to his extreme right with a runner on second – upon realizing the batter who hit the ball will be safe at first, the shortstop should fake a throw to 1st and look to second.

Quick Tip #10

2010-10-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

The batter must swing at the pitch regardless of where it is when the hit and run sign is given. Either you hit the ball, or the ball hits you.

Quick Tip #9

2010-10-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

If we are going in to the last inning with a one run lead the 1st basemen and the 3rd basemen should take away possible doubles (make sure they can get to the line) and outfielders should prevent a possible double by playing a few steps back and make sure they are positive they will catch the ball before diving to catch a fly ball in front of them. Coaches will remind players by signaling “no doubles” (reminding outfielders to not let the ball get behind them.

Quick Tip #8

2010-10-07T16:19:00.001-07:00

With runners on first and second base the sac bunt should always be bunted towards 3rd base.

Quick Tip #7

2010-10-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

When attempting a sacrifice bunt the batter shouldn’t be too far back in the batter’s box. Make sure your bat is in fair territory when bunting. A few inches may make the difference between a well executed sac bunt in fair territory and a foul ball/strike.

Quick Tip #6

2010-09-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

When taking a lead at second base with less than two outs and a runner on 1st base – the runner should take their lead on the baseline in a straight path towards third to make the force a tougher out. If there are two outs the runner should take their lead behind the baseline in order to make a good turn around third base.

Quick Tip #5

2010-09-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

With 1st and 3rd bases occupied and less than 1 out, the runner on third should always break for the plate if the batter hits a ground ball – if a ground ball is hit to the pitcher get caught in a run down between 3rd and home for as long as you can in order to advance the runners. This avoids a double play and you will end up with at least one runner still in scoring position.

Quick Tip #4

2010-09-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

On fly balls that are softly hit between the infield and the outfield the infielder should go ahead and try to catch the fly ball until he hears the outfielder call him off – outfielders have priority.

Quick Tip #3

2010-09-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

The base runner should never depend on the base coach when the batted ball is front of them – if the ball is behind them (example runner on first and ball hit to right field) – the runner on first will look to the 3rd base coach whether or not to advance to 3rd.

Quick Tip #2

2010-09-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Runner on third – take your lead in foul territory and come back to the bag in fair territory, always with your eyes on the ball.

Quick Tip #1

2010-09-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

In performing run down plays avoid doing several pump fakes with the ball. The defensive player that has the ball should try to keep the ball “inside the diamond” especially when there are other runners on base.

Severely Modified Scrimmage

2010-08-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

The day before a tournament, the last thing you should do is try to cram all your baserunning drills and bunt defensive plays and pick off plays into a practice. These are things you build over the year. Instead, you want a team that is loose and relaxed and has fun playing the game of baseball. Use this Severely Modified Scrimmage to get game ready, infuse some competition, and have fun the day before a tournament.

Rules
1. Create two teams - players should play their regular fielding positions as much as possible. Mix up the starters with the second string players.
2. Coaches pitch, preferably behind an L-screen.
3. Start innings with one out and one runner on first (last out from last inning).
4. Each batter starts with 1 strike and 1 ball.
5. Opposing catcher is umpire.

Play 3 innings or so and let the players decide what the offensive and defensive plays should be. This get's their minds in the game as well.

After some fun competition, watch how eager the team is the next day for your first tournament game.

Pitcher Stats Don't Show

2010-04-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

I've had a couple of new users contact when their pitching stats are not showing up after adding a game. The cause of this is not setting the "game" to a value of 1 for the pitchers. The default setting is 0. Note: this opposite that of the default setting for batting stats.

Hitting Instructions - My Favorite Expert

2010-03-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

There are many people selling their baseball hitting instruction materials on the internet. Most of them know at least a bit about the topic. My favorite hitting instructor is Coach Joe Brockoff. Rather than waste your time telling you why I think he is my favorite, I have decided to post the links to his introductory videos below so you can see for yourself:

Baseball Hitting Video #1

Baseball Hitting Video #2

Baseball Hitting Video #3

Baseball Hitting Video #4

Baseball Hitting Video #5

I really enjoyed watching these hittting video and I hope you do as well.

Coaching Tip - Skill Development Trumps Everything

2009-12-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

When you are working with young baseball players, skill development is the most important aspect of the training routine. Teaching young players how to develop the proper mechanics and then working with them through repetitions to train the muscles with the proper response sequence prepares them for game situations. Many coaches believe that “game situation” drills are the most important drills to use in teaching their players. There is definitely a place for these drills, it comes after you have already worked the skill development side. For example, I have seen coaches take 8 and 9 year olds to a practice field and immediately work on turning the double play at second, with live runners, so that they will learn to make the play at game speed. More often than not, the ball was ending up in the outfield or an over throw at first. Why, because the coach was trying to teach the whole play before the players had worked on the fundamental skills. Always begin with the fundamental teaching, helping athletes train their muscles to operate properly, developing the coordination skills, before attempting complex systems or plays. With many coaches, the success measurement is the team’s won-loss record. Winning is fun, and coaches will brag about their winning percentage, but it’s the wrong measurement. The better measurement is how much the young athletes have progressed, how their skills have improved. Very hard to measure, but obvious if you follow the players closely through the course of the year. Skill development has the long term benefit of a more prepared player, a player with more skill, who can compete at higher levels. In the long run, a team that focuses on skill development will improve their performance throughout the course of the season. Some coaches are reluctant to spend time on skill development drills, maybe because they don’t have the knowledge to properly assess a players mechanics, or because they are not competent in demonstrating the drill themselves. This should never be an excuse. In the day of the Internet, there are many good skill development websites and online tools available, for free or for purchase. Take the time to research a few skill tools, a good hitting tool, a good fielding tool, throwing mechanics, and pitching skill development and help your players develop at a faster rate. Skill development trumps all other coaching priorities.

Focus on Mechanics – Throwing Footwork

2009-12-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

What causes most throwing errors? Arm too low? Throwing too hard? Trying to aim the ball? No, none of those. They certainly can cause bad throws, but the biggest cause of throwing errors lies beneath, it is poor footwork. Footwork maybe the most overlooked aspect of baseball coaching for infielders. When you watch professional shortstops field a ground ball, watch how effortless they look, and watch their footwork for it is the key to making it look easy. Good footwork accomplishes three things, it puts the fielder in the proper position, creates a strong base, and establishes momentum towards the target. The hardest throws, and the throws most often thrown away, are when a player has to compromise their footwork to make a throw such as running sideways and releasing the ball across their body. One of the most convenient times to have your players work on improving their footwork is every session of warm-ups, pre-game or at practice. Don’t let your players become lazy in warm up. Every throw from their partner should be caught with good footwork in mind, every throw. Finish off each warm up session with players no more than half a base length apart and work on the “quick hands” drill. Pay special attention to the footwork. Each catch should be made with quick feet as well. Read more on this in our Drill Tips Article on Quick Feet Make Quick Hands.

Drill Tips - Quick Feet Make Quick Hands

2009-12-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

Your feet are connected to your hands, eventually, in every fielding activity. Good fielders use their feet to their advantage. Poor fielders are often disadvantaged with slow feet to begin with. Also, tall players have a more difficult time developing quick feet as their longer legs tend to result in their feet being spread apart further and therefore end up traveling further in each fielding play than their shorter team mates. Regardless of size, and initial agility, all players can benefit from developing quicker feet. Your body tends to work in a progression of movements, beginning at the base and working through to the furthest point of extension and control. Therefore, better quicker, feet will help produce better quicker fielding mechanics. A great drill for infielders to develop quick feet is to work with a partner, 6 to 12 baseballs, and two pylons. Position the two pylons about 10 feet apart, the fielder positioned slightly behind them and centered. The partner starts about 30 feet away and begins tossing easy ground balls to the outside of the pylons, ½ the balls one direction then half the other direction. After each ball is tossed, the fielder quickly positions himself behind the ball, fields the ball and tosses it back to the partner. The key teaching points are the initial stance, feet just slightly wider than shoulders, bend in the knees, head up, hands out, and the all important first step. With a ball thown (hit in a game) to the right of the fielder, the first movement by the fielder is with the right foot taking a very small opening step towards the ball. Sometimes this is called a jab step because it is very short and quick. Then the left leg will take a crossover step. This step should be short and quick as well. Initial steps should be short and quick. The fielder fields the ground ball then returns to the center position for the next ground ball. It is important to tell the fielder which direction the ball will be thrown. This is not a see and react drill, it is a drill to train the muscles to open to the ball and make a decisive quick movement.

The Stance

2009-12-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

In the world of sports, everything begins with the stance. Call it the starting position, the ready position, the stance, it goes by many names. Basic mechanics drills all begin from the stance, regardless of the sport. Watch a hockey skating instruction clinic and the first thing they show the young players is the hockey stance, feet about shoulder width, knees bent, slight bend forward at the waist, head and chest up, hands out front. Hmmmm….sounds just like the infielder ready position in baseball. Sounds just like the guarding position in basketball and the running back stance in football. The reason it sounds familiar is because all of these starting points are designed for the same purpose, to prepare the athlete for quick and powerful movements in any given direction.

The stance is important because it provides the base for power and quickness. Variations of the stance provide the base for other sport specific movements. Take an infielder from the fielding stance, or the ready position, shift his weight to the back foot and move his hands together, up, and back and now you have a strong batting stance. Let’s talk a bit more about the batting stance and how to coach a young player into the proper position.

The purpose of the batting stance is the same as any other stance, to prepare the hitter for a quick and powerful movement, in this case, a swing of the bat. Watch a great major league baseball hitter in slow motion and you can watch the transfer of power up from the base (their feet) through their body and finally extending to their hands and bat. Without a strong base, a strong stance, they would have nothing to support the torque they create through the rotation of their hips and their core which would result in a swing out of balance and likely a slow bat.

To place a hitter in the proper batting stance, and proper position relative to the plate, work through these easy steps. Step 1, have the batter lay their bat, with the middle of the barrel, on the back point of home plate. The bat should lie parallel to the front edge of home plate. Step 2, have them place their front foot, the ball of their foot, on the back side of the knob of the bat. Place their back foot just slightly wider than their shoulders, directly in line with the pitching mound and their front foot. Step 3, reach down and pick up the bat, without moving their feet, and hold it waist high in front of them. (We discuss grip and other preparation mechanics in a separate article). Step 4, take their hands and place them approximate even with the back shoulder. Step 5, now have them shift their weight slight to the inside of their back foot. Have them work through this routine as many times as needed to create familiarity with creating a strong batting stance. You have now helped your young baseball players with a routine to ensure they begin in a strong batting stance. As they become more familiar with the routine, they should be able to eliminate laying the bat on the ground and begin with a proper placement of their front foot.

Spotlight on Mechanics - Ground Ball Hands

2009-12-08T16:18:00.001-08:00

Imagine a triangle that is formed with your two feet and your hands. This triangle, like many aspects in sports, is the basic for good groundball fielding mechanics. The position of the points is critical to successful fielding. The lower points, the feet, should be slightly wider than the shoulders. The hands are the key point in the triangle and should be positioned well ahead of the feet. To establish the perfect ground ball triangle, bend down at the knees and slightly forward at the waist, with feet shoulder width or wider, place your glove on the ground approximately 12 inches in front of your feet. This puts you in the correct fielding triangle to receive a ground ball. As the ground ball travels towards you, “give” with the hands in a slight upward motion to adjust to the height of the ball. Always start below the ball and move upwards. It is much more difficult to move the hands downwards to the ball and then to have to come upwards again to make the throw. Starting down prepares you to raise your glove to the ball and continue upwards with the hands and upper body into throwing position.

Drill Tip – Soft Hands Drill

2009-12-08T16:15:00.000-08:00

Everyone has heard the descriptive term “hands of stone”. This refers to a fielder who tends to block the ball rather than receive the ball with a stiff set of hands. With stone hands, the ball also will occasionally bounce out of the glove and result in an error. “Soft hands” refers to a fielder who seems to cradle the ball or draw the ball inwards when they are fielding. Watch Derek Jeter and you will see what soft hands are all about. Perform the Soft Hands Drill without a glove. A pair of fielders uses one baseball and positions themselves roughly 20 feet apart. To isolate only the hands in this drill, have the fielders positioned on both knees. One partner rolls the ball towards the other. The receiving partner reaches towards the ball with the catching hand below their throwing hand and draws their hands back towards their body.

Welcome to the Coach Baseball Insider

2009-12-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first edition of the Coach Baseball blog and newsletter. Each month we will deliver a new set of articles on the topics of Drill Tips, Coaching Tips, and a Spotlight on Mechanics. Feel free to suggest a topic you would like us to comment about. Send us your favorite drill or mechanical tip and we will mention here (and give you credit of course).