Teaching Your Boy Baseball coach john peter

For those who "coach your son" (or those players who are coached by Dear Old Dad), lend me your ears. Here are some quick and easy thoughts to answer the common problems that surround coaching your own kid.

1st & Foremost
Help him become the best player that He wants to be. When it becomes more about You, the coach, the player's Dad . . . rethink immediately because you just became ONE OF THEM! You know, the guy whose son plays shortstop and pitches, he bats 3rd . . . always . . . and probably shouldn't . . . yes, there are worse things to be than a pushy baseball Dad. So the good news is it's curable! But seriously...think about this.

2nd
Consider the reality of the above and understand that you probably would treat discipline and talk to your own boy differently than you will with the other 12 kids on your team. So when you need to discipline ANY of your team attempt to do this "evenly" and with the same methods. This may take practice as well as having a pre-season discussion with your boy, as he knows Dad and just may attempt to take advantage (I know . . . not my boy!). REVISIT #1 . . . lol.

Along with this thought is the idea of playing time and position play. On all teams there are weak links and positions you just cannot find a player to fill. It's a common problem especially at the younger level up to around age 13.

Here's my own experience. I have coached my son through many levels, from Tee Ball on up. One year we didn't have a catcher, so he played catcher a lot when not pitching. At the next level, a player I counted on for a lot of pitching left a hole at short and yet another season, a hole at 2nd. My first reaction each year was the same . . . teach my son the essentials of these positions . . . as long as he understood that he would be helping the team, and me as well. Confiding in him how I was proud of him to make the sacrifice didn't hurt either.

3rd
Is it easy? Not every day. Know this now! Why should it always have to be easy? Very few things that are important to two people are always easy. Know that you are each other's favorite coach and favorite player. Nothing is more important than that!

Here's the Downside:
Your boy won't progress quite as quickly in what you may see as his "natural position."

Here's the Upside:
Until approximately age 14 he doesn't have a natural position. He has ability and interest in his "natural position" and he has Dad hoping he will play and excel at his "natural position." But unless any boy gets experience all over the field, he may not truly find that "natural position."

My son had as much fun as a catcher throughout his 11-12-13 years as any time I ever saw him play another position . . . for whatever his reasons were. His experience there was due to his team's needs. It ended up allowing him to learn and do something he never really thought much about or had much interest in. It also helped me out of a jam because he got good at it. And yes, he enjoyed it! It also helped our pitchers because he improved where they could count on him . . . and now, as an older player, it allowed him to understand the game infinitely better, now that he is developing into a pitcher and a solid middle infielder.

Ultimately, all it took was he and I initially discussing it (I asked for and frankly needed his help - I truly believe that kids like to help), and secondly I spent time working with him at home, one-on-one, and at the park, which gave us time for just he and I! That time is worth it just by itself. . . the added benefit is that it was time spent at a baseball field!

Under the category of "never say never," my son's High School asked him to play shortstop on the JV summer team a few years ago. He regarded it as quite an honor, as he was only an 8th grader in a school of 2,000 students. Although he certainly had, and has, a lot of learning to do at such a complex position.I think he was extremely happy that he was at least forced out of his "natural position" earlier in his career and could call on past game experiences. It certainly made for a more confident and enjoyable transition!

10 commandments of baseball

The 10 Commandments of Baseball

1. Nobody ever became a ballplayer by walking after a ball

2. You will never become a .300 hitter unless you take the
bat off your shoulder.

3. An outfielder who throws back of a runner is locking
the barn after the horse is stolen.

4. Keep your head up and you may not have to hold it down.

5. When you start to slide, S-L-I-D-E. He who changes
his mind may have to change a good leg for a bad one.

6. Do not alibi on bad hops. Anybody can field the good ones.

7. Always run them out. You can never tell.

8. Do not quit.

9. Do not find too much fault with the umpires. You cannot expect
them to be as perfect as you are.

10. A pitcher who hasn't got control, hasn't got anything.

Best,
Paul Reddick
"The Master Of MPH"
Director, Baseball Education Center
Yogi Berra Museum
Reddick Sports

395 Springfield Ave
Berkeley Heights, NJ
07922

Being A Good Shortstop

Anticipates all defensive plays that could involve him; ready to throw to right base or home plate.
Stays on top of the ball, with most throws. Plants his feet and throws overhand when possible.
Works on holding runners close.
Charges the ball aggressively especially on topped or slow hit balls past the pitcher.
Covers second base when the bunt is on.
When positioning to field the ball, cheats slightly towards his weaker side.

Set Position

Feet are spread slightly more than shoulder width.
Toes are turned out to make the lateral move easier.
Left foot three or four inches in front of your right foot. Body weight up on the balls of the feet and knees slightly bent.
Keep your back straight, hands resting on knees and head up.

Ready Position

When the pitcher releases the ball assume the ready position. The difference between the set and ready positions is slight but very significant.
Move hands from your knees to stomach level and slightly out in front.
Keep your eyes focused intently into the strike zone, focusing on the ball and anticipating a line drive in the direction of third-base.

Fielding Ground Balls

Move straight towards the ball without straightening up. Straightening up will cause your weight to shift from the balls of your feet to the back of your heels.
Stay low, keep your body under control, and eyes on the ball until it rolls into your glove.
On balls hit to your right, use the cross over step, straighten up and then make the throw.
Ground balls to the left require the cross over step, then pivoting on left foot, keeping the body in front of the ball, then straightening up, and planting the right foot before throwing.

Fielding Pop Flies

Go back on all pop flies until an outfielder calls you off.
Always make an effort to get to balls that are hit behind the third baseman.

Making The Double Play

Do not leave your fielding position too soon. The ball is your focus as it may be hit towards you.
Do not assume that every ball hit is a double play chance. Always focus on getting the lead runner.
If the shortstop fields the ball and is making an unassisted putout, their momentum should carry them across the bag and out of the way of a charging runner.

Backing Up The Bases

Second Base - When the second baseman is covering on a steal attempt.
Third Base - On throws from the catcher

Infield Drills Video

Developing Outfielders: Drills & Principles

Too many times we as coaches think we have to hit fly balls with a bat to our outfielders for every practice. Some problems arise when we consistently attempt this feat: an inability to hit a good fly ball, fly balls that don't challenge our players, and a lot of "standing around" waiting for a fly ball to be hit.
Eventually we (coaches) have to hit fly balls to our players in order for them to practice reading the ball off the bat, but the following drills will give players more repetition and a "feel" of getting under a fly ball. These drills can be done at any level and are always a lot of fun.
Quarterback Drill
Outfielder is 10 feet away from the coach with both feet pointing toward the coach. The coach uses the words "drop step and go" and points in the direction to where he wants his player to drop step and go.
As soon as the outfielder hears the coach's command the player uses the drop step and cross over in order to turn his body and sprint in the direction to where the coach has pointed. If the coach points to the player's right - the player will drop step with his right foot and cross over with his left. If the coach points to the player's left - the outfielder will drop step with his left and cross over with his right.
Once the player has sprinted approximately 20-40 yards (depending on skill and age) the coach will throw a high fly ball, and the outfielder who is sprinting must try to get under the ball in order to make the catch on the run. Once players get comfortable with the drill and make several catches you can increase the difficulty by throwing the ball further in order to make outfielders run harder and possibly make a diving catch.
To make the drill easier and work the players harder, have each player line up with a ball in their glove. When it is their turn they will toss you the ball and wait for your command. Once they have caught the ball they will jog back to the line up with the ball in their glove.
Tennis Racquet Fly Balls
Using a tennis racquet and tennis balls, hit fly balls to your outfielders but add a communication element to the drill. Have half of your outfielders line up in center and the other half in right (or left field). Hit tennis balls with the racquet in places where the two outfielders will have to communicate in order to catch the ball. Hit balls that are over their shoulder and in front of them.
This drill also works well if you add your middle infield and work on communication with the outfielders and infielders on fly balls that are hit softly between the outfield and infield.

Fly Ball Principles

Never "back peddle" to catch a ball that is hit over your shoulder. Always use the drop step and run!

Once the fly ball is descending the ball must be called by one of the defensive players.

On balls that are hit softly between the outfield and infield, the outfield has priority. Therefore the infield should go after the ball and try to make the catch until the outfielder calls the infielder off. This method will avoid the ugly collision between the outfield and infield.

The outfielder always has priority over the infielder on fly balls.

  GREG BRONS

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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.