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What You Have To Know As A Base Coach

What You Have To Know As A Base Coach
Brian Priebe
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Base coaches are a vital part of an offensive effort in baseball. Even the most knowledgeable base runners depend on the coaches to guide them around the bases, especially in a high-pressure situation. Here is an in-depth look at the base coaches' duties, and the skills they need to be effective.

Basic Responsibilities:
The base coach's job begins when he first enters the ballpark. Let us assume you are the coach. Your first job is to.

Scout the Park and the Competition. Observe the quirks of an unfamiliar ballpark-- the size of foul territory, distance from the plate to the backstop, the condition of the outfield surface and warning track, the height of the grass, the direction of the wind, and the amount of glare from the sun.

During the opponent's pre-game infield, and throughout the game, study the other team's tendencies and capabilities.
a) Scout the strength of outfielders' and catcher's throwing arms, where the fielders position themselves in the field, and how they adjust their position for each batter or pitch.
b) Analyze the opposing pitcher's pick-off moves. Do his body mechanics telegraph his throws to the base? Is his rhythm of checking runners predictable? Time his delivery to the plate with a stopwatch. If a pitcher takes more than 1.5 seconds to deliver a pitch from the stretch position, base runners gain an advantage in stealing second base. Base coaches should also notice if the pitcher employs a slide step to the plate.
c) See if the opposing pitcher tips off his pitches, or follows a pattern in his pitch selection. Watch the pitcher's grip and the angle of his arm, wrist, and glove during his wind-up. Are they different for each type of pitch he throws?

Feed all this information to your base runners. Vocalizing these observations to players actually helps base coaches recall these same factors in pressure situations and make split second decisions.

If the opposing bench coach is calling pitches, try to steal his signs, at least to the extent of distinguishing fast balls from off-speed pitches. Do not relay the pitches to your batter. Mistakes in stealing signs and conveying the wrong information can lead to serious injury to the batter. But predicting pitch selection gives base coaches a decided edge in formulating offensive strategy and anticipating the defense's reactions.


Help Runners Focus. When a runner arrives at the base, help him concentrate on the task of base running. Shift his attention away from the previous at-bat or running play, especially if the play was dramatic.

Quickly recap the game situation aloud-- the inning, score, number of outs, who else is on base and where. Bring the pertinent points to the forefront of the runner's mind.

Also, verbalize a checklist of the runner's possible responses to the very next play. Keep each phrase concise, and emphasize one or two key words. For example, remind runners to perform one or more of the following:

"Advance on a ground ball",
"Go half way on a fly",
"Pick up the 3rd base coach on a base hit",
"Freeze on a line drive",
"Make sure the bunt hits the ground before you run",
"Be alert for passed balls",
"Check the position of the outfielders",
"Get a good secondary lead".

React to the Ball. While the ball is in play, help the runners advance around the bases and ultimately score. Be the eyes and ears for the base runner, especially for any activity out of his view.

Alert runners to the unexpected, such as errors and overthrows. Inform a runner at second base where the middle infielders are and how much of a lead he can take. Yell "back" on pick-off attempts.


Review After the Fact. Between innings or after the game, discuss the key base running situations you encountered with the players. Resolve any communication problems. Explain the logic of the coaching decisions you made while they were on base. Praise the players for their successes. Solicit questions and feedback.


Skills & Traits:
Here are four characteristics of effective base coaches:

Communicate Clearly. Good base coaches are effective communicators. This must be true in spite of the fact that base coaches speak in "code" to maintain the element of surprise. Establish a language known only to your team. Use it consistently. Review your language and base running policies regularly with players during practice.

Have a corresponding set of hand signals. Verbal commands can be drowned out by noise from the stands or the defense. Hand signals are often more effective and discrete.

Ingrain the meaning of each verbal cue and hand signal during "chalk talk" sessions, scrimmages, and base running drills in practice.


Be Animated & Loud. Good base coaches are easily seen and heard by runners and batters. Base runners must be able to see the third base coach clearly in between glances at the fielders and the ball. Use exaggerated arm and hand gestures. For example, the third base coach can kneel or crouch down when instructing the runner to slide on a close play.


Make Snap Decisions. Be ready to react to the unexpected-- passed balls, wild pitches, catcher's rifling the ball to a base after the pitch, a bobbled ground ball in the outfield. Your brain must process information with computer-like quickness.

For example, when the batter launches a double into the gap with a runner on first base, the third base coach must consider all the following factors as part of his decision whether to send the runner home:

Base runner's foot speed,
Outfielder's arm strength,
Relay man's arm strength,
Score,
Inning,
Number of outs,
Which batter is on deck.
Here are two tips to improve your decision-making:
a) Pre-pitch planning. Rehearse the possibilities in your mind before they happen. Anticipate the other team's moves. Warn the runner if you suspect a particular defensive play.
b) When unexpected plays do occur, go with your gut. Have the courage to make the wrong call. You will find you are usually right when you follow your first instinct.

Encourage Aggressive Play. A good base coach realizes his capacity to set the tone for the offense. Players feed off the base coach's aggressive calls. When the coach shows confidence in the player's ability to execute, it boosts their confidence. Calling an aggressive base running game from the coach's box can spark a rally.

Take high percentage risks. When the game situation permits, force the defense to make a perfect play in order to tag the runner out. Pressure the defense into committing errors.


Some X's and O's:
The first base coach is responsible for all base runners from the time they exit the batter's box until they commit themselves to second base. Once a runner leaves first base, the third base coach assumes responsibility for the runner until he leaves third to score.

The third base coach must maneuver himself directly into the runner's line of sight. Remember to remain well into foul territory at all times and avoid making contact with any runner while the ball is in play.

On a base hit with runners at first and second, the third base coach must give verbal commands and hand signals to both runners. If the coach sends the first runner home, he then must pick up the trail runner and tell him whether to stay at second base or advance to third.

Who is responsible to coach runners once they leave third base and try to score? The on-deck batter. Base coaches should teach all offensive players the basic principles described above so that, as on-deck batters, they can stand behind the plate and help their teammates score safely.

Effective base coaches can influence the outcome of many plays throughout a game. Though their contributions are not always apparent, base coaches are critical to a team's ability to generate runs.


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Brian Priebe wrote several articles on coaching baseball when he was the head freshman baseball coach at Monte Vista High School in San Diego.

Tom House great pitching coach..

Great drill i use with pitchers.. Not all pitchers can use this drill.. remember we cant cookie cut pitchers, some are completely different.. make sure to keep weight on the back foot..

Jeff Nelson in slow mo

check out how filthy Jeff Nelson's stuff is.. my god thats filthy

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