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Baseball Signs

In many occasions, baseball had been equated to the American spirit. Somebody said that “whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball”. Here is an addendum: whoever wants to learn baseball must also learn its “sign language”.

For such an open and physical sport as baseball, baseball players still plays around with some signs and signals stuff they love to perpetrate.

Strategies

Baseball teams usually do not like to share information of moves with their rivals. During the game, the players and their coaches pass on signals among themselves in hand signs and others.

The following are some common forms of hand signals passed around. Of course, the one who sends out these signals expects the receiver of the signal to understand and follow them to the letter. Sometimes, it gets mixed up on the way.

The catcher

This person is much more than a stop sign in human form. Typically, he is responsible for the entire defense of his team from his position behind the home plate.

Since he is responsible of their team's game, he “calls the game”. Calling requires that he study (and therefore, should know) all the tendencies of the opposing batters and their pitchers.

He will then use this knowledge to select the appropriate pitch to his pitcher. The message is sent through using a hand signal.

Signs

These are the pre-determined hand and arm signals known before the game begins. All the pitchers and the catchers must know the signs for each game.

An example might be one finger for fast ball, two for a curve ball, three for a slider and shaking the fingers means a change-up. They have signs for intended pitch locations, such as low or inside and for positioning the infield.

Stolen signs

Like thieves, opposing teams try to steal each other's signs. Usually, this opportunity comes in when there is a runner at second base.

This runner is in a very good position to see the signals from the catcher. He will then relay this information to the batter with signs of their own.

Protecting the signs

Both teams make sure that their opponents will not steal their signs. For the catcher, he makes sure to hide his sign-making hand between his knees and his catcher's mitt.

This ensures that coaches and runners at the first and third bases cannot see the sign.

Changing signs

If there is indication that the signs have been stolen, the catcher changes the signs. He might do this by adjusting his mask in a particular manner, or by some repetition of finger signals (like one finger followed by a fist).

The team usually has a sign headlining a group of signals. An example would be that this time, one finger means a curve instead of a fast ball.

The mound conference

When there is confusion between the catcher and the pitcher, the catchers calls a time out and goes to the mound. There, he will talk with his pitcher – with their gloves in front of their mouths.

The reason is simple. They would not want a lip-reader to know what they are talking about. Want to learn baseball? Learn its sign language.

Coaching Philosophies

Parents want their kids to learn baseball for many reasons. Perhaps, it is caused by love for the game, a playing background, a longing to give something back, or sometimes, it is simply because nobody among other adults can teach the game to kids. If coaching your own child/s is your plan, here are some baseballs coaching philosophies you need to keep in mind:

1. You are your child's most important role model - Coach can be the most influential person in a kid's life. As a parent, you are your child's role model. You need to teach your kids not only skills on how to throw, catch, hit and base run but also the values of teamwork, positive attitude, work ethic, perseverance and more. Your kids look up to you not only for guidance and instruction but also on how you deal with real game situations. Kids are watchful on how you react on situations, so if you choose to coach your own child, you must take it seriously and responsibly.

2. Stay positive - Some kids learn baseball fast, others don't. Your kids need a patient coach that will support and teach them the basics of baseball and other essential techniques in the game. You should stay positive in coaching them to help your kids develop the ability to communicate their apprehensions, questions and doubts about their abilities.

3. Show your kids you care - As a parent and a coach, kids need to feel that you care. Take time to listen to them. You may watch a live game to discuss what skills they lack or you may try to know what's going on in their lives outside the court.

4. Make sure you and your kids are having fun - Regardless of age, fun is essential to a player's life to stay motivated and keep interested in the game. Make sure you and your kids are having fun by creating a happy playing environment. If your kids approve, you may invite family members and some of their friends to watch your baseball practice.

5. Motivate your kids to improve skills - Do not make the mistake of motivating your kids to learn baseball by telling them that you want them to become the next baseball hero. Pressure is not a good baseball motivator. When motivating your kids, you should focus on strengths and skills that need improvement.

6. Let your kids learn baseball by practice or doing - Explaining to your kids the basics, rules, and methods are important but it is through practice they totally learn the in's and out's of baseball.

7. Emphasize organization and discipline - As a coach, you need to communicate your expectations and required discipline to your kids for them to take seriously your coaching. If you don't establish rules, you will quickly lose control of your kids learning. Make them pay attention, look into to each player's eye and talk to them what you expect and they needed to do to learn baseball right.

Teaching Baseball: To Beginners

Baseball is the favorite pastime of Americans of all ages. While you may think this fact was born out of history, it is not the exact reason for America's love for this sport. It's the tradition—people go to baseball matches with their family to cheer for their favorite team. Parents support their young kid who is going to compete in campus baseball games. To a certain extent, baseball connects family members together. And that is one reason why many kids learn baseball at a young age, which is a good thing because it also trains and prepares them for professional baseball once they have grown up.

Most fathers are excited about teaching their kids how to play baseball. It is no wonder since playing baseball in itself is a fun and thrilling experience, not to mention that it creates a strong father-and-son bond. When springtime comes, fathers and their children troop to the baseball field or their own backyard to play the game. It is one of the physically challenging activities they look forward to.

Teaching the basics of baseball to your kids is a very worthwhile activity. It may take a lot of patience on your part, but you will find the experience a rewarding one later on. You only have to teach the four fundamental moves in baseball: throwing, catching, hitting, and running—just as a coach would with major league players. So you will act as their coach, making sure that they get the grasp of every essential baseball move. If your kids learn the baseball basics, they can play the game in the years to come.

Is this your first time to teach baseball to your kids? You have to buy soft balls first from a sporting goods shop. Soft balls, which look like real baseballs, are safe to use because their softness does not cause injury. These are recommended for children because they can help boost their confidence when playing baseball. Using these balls trains them not to be afraid of being hit by the ball. In addition, it will be easier for them to throw and catch the ball if it is soft.

Aim for simplicity when you're starting your training sessions. Don't expect your children to easily get the hang of it. To make learning easier for the kids, you must stand at a short distance from each other. This will facilitate throwing and catching routines. When the kids start to get used with the catching and throwing, you can stand farther away from each other. And when they begin to learn the right way to throw and catch the ball, then you can try exposing them to real baseball.

Just remember that teaching baseball to kids can be a long process. Never pressure them to learn baseball in just a short time—they will eventually become good baseball players in their own pace. Encourage them by making them believe in themselves and by assuring them that it is all right to make mistakes. After all, mistakes help them learn the game better