Welcome to Team Elite’s coach training series. Coach Training I provides you basic, general information and knowledge of coaching and general expectations. In addition to reviewing the below information, you should obtain your coach certification through USA Baseball.
Please review all of the information and contact Mike Gearhart with any questions coachmike.te@gmail.com
As a baseball coach, you are an important person in a players life. You teach them the rules of baseball but also have an impact in their development as player and a person.
Being honest and critical of a players actions is often necessary. Whenever a critical remark is made, be sure to provide an encouraging remark during or soon after.
Mistakes are part of the learning process. Mistakes are great teaching moments. Helping players understand this and play without fear of making mistakes will certainly impact a players success.
Reinforce efforts with high fives, pats on back and verbal comments
Set realistic goals for the team and players
Being a great youth baseball coach requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and personal qualities. Here are 10 essential things that can help you become a great youth baseball coach:
- Knowledge of the game: A good coach needs to have a deep understanding of the rules, strategies, and techniques of the game of baseball. This varies in youth baseball based on age and tournament.
- Passion for coaching: A love for the game of baseball and a passion for teaching and coaching young players is necessary to inspire and motivate the team.
- Patience and positivity: Coaching young players can be challenging, and a great coach needs to be patient, positive, and encouraging with their team, even when things are not going well.
- Communication skills: A great coach needs to be able to communicate effectively with players, parents, and other coaches. They should be able to listen actively, provide clear and constructive feedback, and explain complex concepts in a way that young players can understand.
- Leadership skills: A good coach should be able to lead by example, set clear expectations for players, and foster a positive team culture.
- Organization skills: A great coach needs to be organized, prepared, and able to manage team schedules, equipment, and logistics.
- Ability to provide individual attention: Every player is unique, and a great coach should be able to identify each player’s strengths and weaknesses, provide individual feedback and attention, and help players improve their skills.
- Focus on player development: A great coach should be dedicated to the growth and development of their players, helping them improve their skills, knowledge, and understanding of the game. This can be done while still playing/managing to win the game.
- Adaptability: A good coach needs to be able to adapt to different situations, adjust their strategies and techniques based on the strengths and weaknesses of their team and the competition.
- Emphasis on fun: Baseball is meant to be fun, and a great coach should prioritize creating an enjoyable and positive experience for their players, encouraging them to develop a love for the game that will last a lifetime.
Team Elite has always put a huge emphasis on arm-care development, conditioning, and the recuperation process. Several years ago, we implemented a very easy, time friendly and convenient Jaeger Band program with the high school age group. This emphasis on daily conditioning of the arm has been widely successful in teaching our players to properly care for their arms and understand the importance of the development and recuperation process.
The Jaeger Band exercise routine is designed to balance, strengthen & condition the rotator cuff and surrounding muscle groups and significantly aid with the recovery process on non-throwing days. We have included these exercises and the exercise schedule on our website HERE, so parents and players have regular access to the schedules and routines to follow.
Please become familiar with the exercises and routines. We do implement arm care prior to all of our practices and games.
Ideal infielder
*Student of the game- Knowing the hitter, Pitch, Location, Communication….
*Hands- Soft/Quick
*Feet-Quick/Doesn’t have to run fast
*Proper/Good Technique- Being fundamentally sound
*Different Types of Styles- Flashy (not Cuban Flash), Gritty type, make it your own
*Body Types- Positioning, Prototype, Athletic
Fundamentals and Technique of Infielder
Pre Pitch
“EVERYTHING IN THIS GAME STARTS OFF OF THE PITCHER…..HITTING, BASERUNNING, AND ESPECIALLY THE DEFENSE. THE DEFENSE BEGINS OFF OF THE MOTION OF THE PITCHER, THE SPEED OF THE PITCH, THE LOCATION OF THE PITCH, AND THE TYPE OF PITCH”
Creep and a Bounce/Loaded Infield Position- Important to get into an Athletic and Explosive position
Left/Right/Left Ball crosses the hitting zone Bounce that is our Athletic/Loaded Position
Be Relaxed and on balls of feet
Approach (ATTACK and GAIN GROUND most important)
Fielding a Ground ball
1. Stay Low.
As you approach the ball, stay low. This allows you a better view of the hops taken by the baseball.
Also, staying low keeps you in a more athletic position. It’s easier to come up to meet the baseball than to drop down and get it.
2. Gain ground.
Gain ground on the baseball until the hop makes you stop. Using a crossover to opposite side with no False steps will help gain ground and work around and towards the the ball.
It’s at this moment that you will pick out which hop you want to field the ball. In other words, decide if you going to get it on the long hop or the short hop.
It is also important during this stage to create the best angle as you advance on the ball. A “V” shape angle approach with the goal being to get yourself in a good position to make the throw after you field the baseball.
Taking a “V” angle to the ball will automatically get you to the right side of the baseball. Being slightly to the side of the path of the oncoming baseball means you will see it better than if you are directly straight on. You’ll field the ball in front of your body but slightly to your left – i.e. the left side of your chest is squared up to the baseball.
Finally, the “V” angle puts you in a good position to make the throw to first base.
3. Right, Left, Field.
That is, Right foot, Left foot, Field the ball. This is the rhythm you want to have as you field the baseball. It will keep you squared up to the ball, and its the same rhythm you’ll use for forehand and backhand plays as well.
4. Small Strides.
Keeping your strides small allows you to make quick adjustments to change direction, accelerate, and decelerate.
The longer your stride, the longer your foot is in the air. If you are in the air, you can’t make any adjustments until you land.
5. Work through the Baseball.
Your glove should stay in the “zone” as long as possible.
Breaking Down: Left Center, Left foot slightly in front, Glove out, eyes behind the baseball (low), Redirection of the hands, Throwing hand has separation and fingers are up This means keeping a straight wrist and using your arm to move it through the baseball.
6. Stay Relaxed.
Hands and feet that are relaxed work better.
7. Funnel the Ball to your Chest.
Once you field the ground ball, funnel it to your chest. In this position, you are balanced and free to move. Now that your center of gravity is over your feet, your hands are in a good position to throw and you can shuffle your feet (replace feet) or right cross over to keep in line with the target.
8. Throwing.
Follow your throw! momentum should carry the player towards the target. Each player is a little different on arm slot so any adjustments should be minor and within the context of the current slot
9. Don’t Rush.
Most mistakes happen because we try to rush. You can speed up if needed, but stay in control. If you are dealing with a fast runner and you feel like you need to be faster, your adjustments should be made in other ways. You can take a step closer to the batter when getting into your ready position, or even choose to charge the ball rather than wait for it. These adjustments will buy you more time without making you rush your throw.
Backhanding a Ground ball
1. First step quickness
First step quickness is important. Try to beat the ball to a spot. It looks bad if you are lazy to meet the ball at a spot because you were timing it – and inevitably this will lead to more mistakes and missed opportunities.
The quicker you move the better angle you can create to help field the ball a step or two closer to home plate. This will give you more time and a shorter throw.
2. Foot Position.
When fielding a backhand catch, have your right foot in front of your left foot. Use this unless you have no other choice.
3. Take your glove through the baseball.
Once your feet are in a good position, it is now time to use your glove to work through the baseball. You want to try to field the baseball in between your thumb and pointer finger. Take your glove and move it through the baseball. This aggressive move gets your momentum going in the right direction.
4. Starting Your Momentum.
Once fielding with this backhand catch, your feet are already in the correct position. Push off the back (right) foot and get some momentum toward first base to make a throw.
When there is not enough to time.
The opposite foot position is used (left foot in front) only on balls where we can’t set our feet in time. After we field this ball (this is a long throw) we need to get some type of momentum and square our feet up to first base before we throw.
Jump
When the ball is hit, getting a good jump on it starts with the prepitch movement. A good jump depends on your reaction time, which can improve through repetition. Watch the ball all the way to the plate; pre pitch preparation, the location of the pitch and your knowledge of a particular hitter helps you anticipate where the ball may go and give you a chance for a better jump.
Footwork
It’s difficult if not impossible to get a good jump without good footwork.
When the ball is hit to your side, your first move will be a crossover step.
When the ball is hit over your head to the side your first step will be a drop step, followed by a crossover.
If you overrun the ball you can stop and take an inside step back to the direction you came from. You should face the ball as you change directions.
When the ball is hit directly over your head, you first step will be a deep drop step with your throwing hand side.
The reason to drop with your throwing hand is if you need to switch sides as your running back on the ball it’s much easier to switch from your throwing hand side to your glove hand side and make the catch then the other way around.
One of the most difficult fly balls to judge is the ball hit directly at you. If you don’t immediately recognize whether the ball is going over your head or going to drop in front of you, freeze. The worst thing you can do is guess. Simply freeze, try to determine where the ball is and listen. The other outfielder may be able to see the trajectory better than you and yell at you to go in or go back.
Run Hard
Once you have determined approximately where the ball is going to land, start running hard to that spot. This will give you time to make adjustments if you misjudged the ball. If you coast toward the ball and you find out the ball is going to land farther away than anticipated, you may not have time to get to that spot.
Don’t Run On Your Heels
If you run on your heels toward a fly ball, you will notice that the ball is bouncing. This often happens when you coast toward the ball. Run hard and try to keep more on the front part of your feet and the ball will stay steady in your vision.
You will dramatically improve your velocity and the time required to throw the ball if you get behind the ball as it comes down and start moving in the direction of your target as you catch the ball.
Circle The Ball
Sometimes you have to sprint as fast as you can just to have an opportunity to catch a ball. Other times the ball will be hit high enough that you will have extra time to get yourself in a good position to get behind the ball. One technique that will help you get in position is to circle the ball. With a ball hit to your side it’s risky to try and take a direct angle to cut it off. If you miss judge the distance and speed at all, the ball may get by you. By taking an angle that is deeper you can circle behind the ball and catch it moving forward with the ball in front of you. While it might take slightly longer to get to the ball, you will be in a better position to not only catch it but make an accurate throw.
When dropping back on a ball hit directly over your head, it’s important that you drop to your throwing hand side. If you drop straight back on your glove hand side, turning your back on a ball on the other side will require you to make a backhanded catch. This is a more difficult play. By dropping back on your throwing hand side, you are in position to turn your back quickly to the ball if it’s curving toward the line. This is common for a right-handed right fielder or a left-handed left fielder. The turn should be made as quickly as possible.
The inside turn is used when you are going after a fly ball at an angle and you need to change directions. You will plant and push off with your outside leg and open up with your trailing leg in order to change directions. The advantage to the inside turn is that you can keep your eye on the ball the entire time.
One of the best ways to keep yourself in the game and to help your team is to back up on every play when the ball is not hit to you. By backing up you can keep a runner or runners from advancing on an errant throw.
Position – Right Field
- Situation: Runner on First, batter bunts the ball, ball is fielded and an errant throw is made to first. If you are backing up first on the play, you may be able to keep the runner from going to third and you most likely will keep the batter on first.
Position – Center Field
- Situation: Runner on First, ball is hit back to the pitcher, Ball is fielded and an errant throw is made to second. If you don’t move, the runner will easily make it to third. If you are backing, the runner will most likely have to stay at second.
Position – Left Field
- Situation: Runner on first, double play ball hit to the first baseman, first baseman overthrows the shortstop. If you are backing up second you will probably keep the lead runner from advancing to third base. If not, it’s an easy extra base and maybe a run.
- Situation: Runner on second, batter bunts the ball, ball is fielded by the pitcher who makes an errant throw trying to get the runner going to third. If you are backing up the play, you may keep the runner from advancing, saving a run, and the batter from going to second.
Outfield – Throwing
For an outfielder, the ability to make a long accurate throw is an important skill. More importantly it’s a skill that can be improved and learned.
Hitting The Cutoff
Many coaches continually yell out to the outfield during the game, “Hit the cutoff man”, “Make sure you hit the cutoff”, “Why didn’t you hit the cutoff?”. But, unless you practice plays which require a decision to be made during practice, your outfielders may not really understand why it’s important. During practice don’t always have the ball go through to the base. Have your players use “Cut” followed by a different base.
When working on hitting the cutoff man in practice. Don’t overlook the positioning of the cutoff. The following is a common example from an outfielders point of view. The outfielder in question has a strong arm. A runner is on first and there is a hit. The runner is going to attempt to make it to third base. The outfielder knows he has a great chance of throwing the runner out at third. The problem is the cutoff man has come out way too far. If he hits the cutoff man they probably won’t get the runner at third. If he throws the ball to third, he has failed to hit the cutoff man. Either way he’ll probably feel like he did the wrong thing. You may give him positive feedback if he hits the cutoff man on that play, but it’s not that often that he gets a chance to throw a runner out and believe me your positive feedback won’t take away from the fact that he had an opportunity taken away from him.
Infielders need to be taught to be aware of the arm strength and position on the field of the outfielder making the throw. You want your cutoff man, if necessary, to make a short accurate throw. They shouldn’t be cutting the distance in half. They should be trying to maximize the arm of the outfielders. Remember this is two sided. If the cutoff person errors on the side of being too far away from the outfielder, the outfielder must recognize his limitations and throw the ball on one hop to the cutoff person.
Player Tip
There is no quicker way to a negative reaction from a coach then to miss the cutoff man.. Always aim low. If the cutoff man is too far away and you think you need to throw it real high to get it there, aim low instead. A nice long one hop bounce will be easy for him to field and will get there quicker than tying to get it there in the air. It will also save you from a dugout discussion about the importance of hitting the cutoff man.
The purpose of the crow hop is to put you in a throwing position quickly after fielding a ball, with the added benefit of giving you some momentum toward your target.
You should only use the crow hop when:
- You know where you are throwing the ball.
- You need to get the ball in quickly to either throw a runner out or to keep a runner from advancing.
- You are fielding the ball in front of you.
- You are moving in the direction that you want to throw. See Circle the Ball in the Fly Ball and Ground Ball section
Crow Hop – Approach
It’s important that you are moving in the direction that you want to throw when fielding the ball. The crow hop is used to put you in a throwing position along the same path that you are moving. It is not useful in changing your direction.
The crow hop is a controlled move. Meaning you can’t be running full speed and perform it. On a fly ball if you have time to get behind the ball and move forward in a controlled way as you catch it, you are in a good position to use the crow hop. If you are catching the ball on a sprint, running to the side, or backing up, you’re not in a position to use the crow hop. The same applies to a ground ball. The difference in the ground ball, is that you don’t have to wait for it to come down. You can sprint hard towards it. This adds the need to break down as you approach the ball. Breaking down is the process of changing from a full sprint to a controlled speed in which you can field the ball. It’s more than just slowing down, it involves timing the bounce of the ball and your feet position. Remember you want to field the ground ball off your glove hand side with that foot forward. Breaking down puts you in that position as you continue forward.
The glove side foot is forward when catching the ball. After catching the ball trailing leg will initiate the crow hop. This is done by kicking it up and forward passing in front of the other leg. Turn your foot as you bring it forward to be perpendicular to the target. At that same time you want to point your lead shoulder and lead hip towards the target. The combination of these actions will align your body for the throw.
Cow Hop – Result
As you land you will now be in a position to throw the ball. Simply continue the motion by stepping forward and making the throw. From catching the ball to the follow through on your throw, the entire action should be one continuous smooth motion.
Player Tip
The crow hop is a controlled move that requires good balance. It is used to put you in a good position to throw the ball. Don’t rush it! If you try and get through the crow hop too quickly, your arm will not be in a position to follow your body and make a good throw. You have to transfer the ball from your glove to your hand, get a good grip, and drop it down to begin your throwing motion. This takes time. The resulting throw of making that transfer correctly will more than make up for any lost time.
Teaching The Crow Hop
Have the player perform each step and hold.
1. Have player stand still with glove side foot forward, ball in glove. (like they just made the catch)
2. Have them move their back leg forward (no hop yet), moving the foot high and in front of the other leg, planting it perpendicular to the target.
3. The other foot is now behind. Have them pick up that foot and bring the knee up about belt high with the shoulder pointed towards the target.
4. Now have them step and throw
As they become comfortable with the movement reduce the hold period until it is one natural movement.
Shuffle
There are many times when you can’t get yourself set up to use a crow hop. So how do you gain momentum to make a long throw? The answer is a shuffle of the feet. It’s very similar to the type of shuffle you would use when leading off a base. The difference is that on the last shuffle before throwing the ball you will cross your back leg behind your front leg, plant it, push off and throw.
Steps:
- Ball is fielded and player has slowed down and planted his back leg.
- Step forward with front leg toward the target. Keep shoulder closed.
- Plant front leg and start to bring back leg forward. You’re gaining momentum.
- Cross back leg behind front leg. This is similar to the hop in the crow hop, but since you’re body is already lined up towards the target, it’s much easier to cross your leg behind. This also keeps your front shoulder and hip closed, ready to throw.
- Plant your back leg, stride with your front leg, and throw the ball.
- Some players prefer this method to the crow hop and use it even when they could have used a crow hop. Personally, I find I can get more on the ball using the crow hop, but the shuffle throw is still a necessary skill that you will use on a regular basis.
Player Tip
Some keys to throwing accurately from the outfield include:
- Always use a full arm motion, don’t use a short throwing motion like an infielder or catcher.
- Always grip the ball across the seems. Improper grip on the ball can cause it to tail and or dip when you throw.
- Throw overhand not three-quarter or from the side. Throwing the ball overhand with the proper grip will allow you to throw the ball on a line.
Below are some useful tips when coaching/instructing especially players on hitting:
- Learn to use different ways to explain the same concept.
- Simplify – remember most players at 8U – 15U lack the strength for body control and majority time can’t feel what they are doing.
- Use video to show and teach them.
- Talk to them – ask if they understand and have them explain/verbalize back what you you want
- Players often have a variety of stances/swings – open, closed, wide, narrow, big leg kick, no leg kick, etc. When they are outside a simple balanced, even stance with a short stride, ASK them if and who they work with. You would be surprised how many see a major leaguer swing or a buddy or a dad saw a major leaguer do something then they incorporate. If no instructor is involved, then suggest simplifying and going to a simpler stance and approach – communicate with the player (and dad) why we are changing. If instructor, consider having a discussion with that instructor to coordinate efforts. Communication is key so that the player is not getting the mixed messages.
- Focus from the ground up – strong balanced base is, in my opinion, the most important thing and everything else works off of that.
- Focus on 1 thing – too many times I hear coaches instructing and within 2-3 swings they have told the player 2, 3 or even 4 things. Be aware of “Analysis Paralysis”
- Simplify Simplify Simplify – when looking to solve a baseball hitting problem, always look for the easiest “fix” first – the basic fundamentals versus reinventing the swing.
MAIN FUNDAMENTAL POINTS
- Mentality and approach – all age groups should be taught how to deal with success and failure in a positive manner
- 8U-10U — this would be simplified for this age group with main goal of this to create confidence through focus on an aggressive approach that is on time with good barrel contact as success.
- 11U-13U — introduce zone and situational hitting with more specific approach strategy. Discuss selectively aggressive approach, pitch selection, hitting approach in all counts
- 14U (plus advanced 13U) – 18U– Continue to reinforce all of the above but introduce pitch recognition, game situational and understanding advanced baseball such as picking up pitchers tendencies, pitch sequence, fielder positioning etc.
- Work Ethic – discuss the importance of proper swings, drill work and practice every day to improve – # of reps per day it takes to master or change. Provide “homework”
- Mechanics
- Grip – check grip/knuckles aligned. These age groups, especially 8-12U need instruction and reminders on this
- Stance – simple/standard stance with feet approx. shoulder width and weight evenly distributed and hand placement around shoulder height. At 13U/14U can start to let them find their own type stance and incorporate some focus on movement and rhythm. Will need to work within the confines of some different stances with those that take lessons and instructors have them doing different things
- Load – transfer 60-70% weight to back leg (conscious of the back knee remains inside of foot- weight should be felt to inside part of back foot),stride and separate hands in slow controlled manner, land on ball of foot with foot closed, front arm keeps bend in it, hands 1-3 inches outside back shoulder. This is the “launch” position
- Balance/Head control – teach balance from stance to finish with head control, eyes follow baseball
- Hand path – load slow and early, hands short path inside ball, control the knob, long through the ball – top hand back to pitcher
- Timing
- Teach contact points of front knee and forward
- One of best ways to improve timing is to practice in the on deck circle getting in sync with pitcher.
- Good timing usually is dictated by when the load process starts. Thus this should likely be the teaching point versus the landing of the foot.
- When pitcher lifts his leg, hitter starts his load/weight transfer
- When pitcher starts his separation of hands, hitter starts his separation/stride/leg kick etc.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON DRILLS AND INSTRUCTION – ALL AGES
- Tee work – Teach the players where to stand and how to use the tee with focus on “slowing down” to ensure they are properly set up.
- Players should stride out to launch position and then place tee to location/contact point working on ie inside/middle/outside. This should be monitored by coaches constantly and ensure the player is adjusting or checking each before next swing.
- Reminders discussed every practice.
- Can use tee work to focus on any Mechanics – balance, timing and hand path
- Great way for players to work at home
- Any Drills – In order to improve players understand of how and why drills are being done, we can:
- Demonstrate and discuss the purpose of the drills prior to letting them start working.Monitor what they are doing and look for flaws/incorrect movements/attempts – stop the group to re explain and demonstrateMinimize soft toss in partner drills. Use coaches and tees as much as possibleVerbally reinforce positive movements
- Video – Standing to the front side of the hitter and getting video of his swing on several pitches then showing the player is one of the best and most effective ways to show and discuss this with the player. Video can also help us identify things to work on.
IDEAL CATCHER
STRONG MENTALLY- THINKS AHEAD 3-4 STEPS/ GOOD PHYSICAL ENDURANCE- DOESN’T WEAR DOWN/ VERY TOUGH-NOT AFRAID TO GET DIRTY OR HURT/VERY FLEXIBLE- RECIEVING/VERY FOCUSED AND HAS FULL CONCENTRATION FOR ENTIRE GAME/ LEADER- NOT AFRAID TO TAKE CHARGE AND CONTROL THE DEFENSIVE GAME
PROPER MENTALITY
EVERY CATCHER IS FOCUSED AND PREPARED- EACH CATCHER NEEDS TO HAVE A PREGAME ROUTINE THAT PREPARES THEM FOR THE GAME…..AS WELL AS A STRONG PRACTICING FORMAT THAT HAS COVERED EVERY ASPECT OF THE CATCHING PHASE
- A GOOD CATCHER NEVER DROPS A BALL THROUGHOUT THE GAME- BECAUSE THEY NEVER TAKE A PITCH OFF OR A BATTER OFF…A CATCHER SEPARTATES HIS OFFENSIVE AT BATS FROM HIS CATCHING…..AND KNOWS THAT DEFENSE IS HIS PRIMARY FOCUS
- RECEIVING AND CALLING THE GAME IS NUMBER 1 PRIORITY OF A CATCHER- A GOOD CATCHER THINKS 3-4 PITCHES AHEAD OF A HITTER
- BLOCKING IS 2ND PRIORITY AS A CATCHER- ALWAYS “ANTICIPATING” A BALL IN THE DIRT OR A WILD PITCH…..
- THROWING IS 3RD PRIORITY AS A CATCHER-AFTER DRILL WORK, A CATCHER BECOMES A MACHINE/ROBOT AS FAR AS THROWING GOES…..ESTABLISHES A VERY CONSISTENT QUICK RELEASE THAT PUTS THE BALL ON 2B OR 3B EVERY TIME IN DRILLS AND PRACTICE……JUST LIKE THE BASERUNNER GETS A JUMP ON THE PITCHER, A CATCHER LEARNS TO GET A GOOD JUMP ON THE BASEBALL WITH QUICK FEET AND QUICK HANDS WHILE ANTICIPATING THE RUNNER TRYING TO STEAL……..
PROPER MECHANICS
A CATCHER NEEDS TO DEVELOP PROPER MECHANICS DURING PRACTICE SO THAT IN A GAME HE WON’T THINK ABOUT HIS MOVEMENTS AND THEY WILL BECOME INSTINCTIVE…
- 3 STANCES:
- SIGN GIVING STANCE- WEIGHT ON BALLS OF FEET, RIGHT KNEE BLOCKING 1ST BASE SIDE FROM SEEING SIGNS, LEFT KNEE BLOCKS 3RD BASE SIDE FROM SEEING SIGNS, GLOVE OUTSIDE LEFT KNEE, PALM AGAINST CUP OF SIGN HAND, SIGNS ARE GIVEN WITH NO MOVEMENT OUT OF RIGHT FOREARM OR ELBOW
- RECEIVING WITH NOBODY ON BASE- A VERY SLOW TRANSFER TO THE RECEIVING STANCE FROM SIGN, WE ARE LOOKING FOR A CATCHER TO HAVE A GOOD RECEIVING STANCE….LOW TO THE GROUND WITH BUTT, FEET ARE SLIGHTLY POINTED TO 3B AND 1B, KNEES SLIGHTLY IN, VERY SUBTLE MOVEMENTS, SOFT HANDS, KEEPING THE ELBOW DOWN, SHIFTS HIS HIPS FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITH FLEXIBILITY, THE BALL STOPS ON CONTACT WITH YOUR GLOVE, THE GLOVE HAND IS SEPARATE FROM YOUR BODY, SLIGHTLY GOING TOWARDS THE BALL AND KILLING IT AS YOU CATCH IT….
- RECEIVING WITH RUNNERS ON BASE OR 2 STRIKES WITH NO OUTS- “BLOCKING OR THROWING”……
- BUTT IS SLIGHTLY HIGHER, HEAD IS LOWER, BACK IS FLATTER, AND FEET ARE SLIGHTLY WIDER AND POINTED MORE TOWARDS 2B…….YOU ARE ANTICIPATING A BALL IN THE DIRT TO BLOCK OR YOU ARE ANTICIPATING TO THROW A RUNNER OUT AT 2B OR 3B…….VERY ATHLETIC AND STRONG FROM THIS STANCE……RIGHT HAND IS BEHIND THE GLOVE WHILE MAKING A FIST WITH THUMB INSIDE OF FIST……..
PROPER MECHANICS
“BLOCKING”: THE MODERN DAY CATCHER IS EXPECTED TO BLOCK THE BASEBALL FIRST AND FOREMOST….BUT ON TOP OF THAT, THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO BLOCK THE BALL AND THEN POP UP AND THROW A RUNNER OUT….ESPECIALLY SINCE ALL BASERUNNERS ARE TAUGHT TO STEAL THE BASE AHEAD AFTER READING THE BALL IN THE DIRT….SO WITH THAT BEING SAID, A CATCHER NEEDS TO GAIN GROUND WITH HIS BLOCK AND SHIFT MOMENTUM TO THE THROWING POSITION TO THROW A RUNNER OUT AS WELL AS BLOCK THE BALL…..THE GAME HAS EVOLVED AT A HIGHER PACE THAN YEARS PAST…..
THE KNEES ARE SHOOTING “FORWARD” ON MAJORITY OF PITCHES AND YOU ARE GAINING GROUND ON THE BASEBALLL…..OCCASSIONALLY YOU WILL SHOOT BACK WITH THE KNEES ON A DEEPER PITCH OR ON A FASTBALL THAT IS MISJUDGED…..BUT PRIMARILY FOCUS ON SHOOTING FORWARD AND GAINING GROUND ON THE BALL RIGHT AT YOU IN THE “DIRT”
“BLOCKING” BALLS TO RIGHT OR LEFT: YOU WILL DRIVE THE OPPOSITE KNEE TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE AND “SLIDE” TO THAT POINT AND BLOCK THE BALL IN FRONT OF YOU AND NOT BACK TO “HOMEPLATE”……KEEP THE BALL ON A STRING SO THAT YOU CAN “BLOCK” AND “THROW”…..TRY TO GAIN GROUND IF POSSIBLE ON EVERY BLOCK…
“THROWING”
- FOOTWORK- RIGHT FOOT WILL SHOOT FORWARD TO A DIRECT LINE TOWARDS 2B…THEN THE LEFT FOOT WILL FOLLOW ENDING RIGHT BEHIND THE BACK POINT OR APEX OF HOMEPLATE……THIS WILL KEEP THE CATCHER TO GAINING GROUND AND KEEPING “ON LINE” TOWARDS 2B….
- YOU WILL STAY LOW TO THE GROUND, HIPS UNDER THE BALL AND DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT LINE….”USE YOUR LEGS”….
- THE “EXCHANGE” IS KEY TO THROWING RUNNERS OUT….WE WILL ESTABLISH THIS OVER DRILLS AND THE GOAL IS TO DEVELOP A “CONSISTENT” DELIVERY TO 2B…..OR 3B….THE EXCHANGE HAPPENS AS YOU “LET” THE BALL COME TO US…..AND THEN WE KEEP A SMOOTH AND OUT FRONT SEPARATION…..THE ARM MOTION IS KEPT FLUID WITH BOTH ELBOWS AT THE SHOULDER LEVEL…..
- THIS MOTION NEEDS TO BE PRACTICED OVER AND OVER AS WE ARE TRYING TO BECOME AS CONSISTENT AS POSSIBLE….
IDEAL PITCHER
GREAT CONCENTRATION
LOOSE ARM ACTION(2 PIECES)
REPETITIVE MECHANICS/SMOOTH DELIVERY
AGGRESSIVE WITH THE FASTBALL AND HITS SPOTS ON BOTH SIDES OF PLATE
LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
STRONG LEGS AND BACKSIDE
GREAT STAMINA AND ENDURANCE
HOLDS RUNNERS WELL
WANTS THE BALL IN PRESSURE SITUATIONS
PROPER MENTALITY
WANTS THE BALL
THROWS STRIKES!!
ABILITY TO ADJUST IN GAME – TO HITTERS, UMPIRES ZONES, LACK OF EFFECTIVE PITCHES THAT DAY
COMPETE AND CONFIDENCE
FUNDAMENTALS
Number 1: Grip
Let’s start with the basics: how a pitcher grips the ball can dictate accuracy, movement, and speed.
For most youth pitchers (12U and below), you’re going to minimize throwing curveballs, so start them off with a 4-seam fastball, a 2-seam fastball (which will give you more movement than the 4-seam) and some sort of a change up.
Remember: a grip doesn’t mean a squeeze. Your players should have a comfortable, strong grip, but they shouldn’t be getting a forearm workout in!
Number 2: Arm Angle
Let’s kill this misconception: there’s not one arm angle that’s perfect for every pitcher.What’s important to remember here is that each pitcher should have his own consistent and natural arm angle.
●Using a consistent arm angle allows players to better control and utilize their pitches. It’s simple: if they know how a “good pitch” feels and how the ball is going to move, they’ll turn into a better pitcher. If their arm angle is always changing, it will be much tougher for them to find consistency… and the strike zone.
●A natural arm angle is even more important. By changing how a kid is throwing, a lot of times you’re going to be putting him in more risk for an arm injury.
Not every pitcher throws the same way! There are many examples if you just watch any MLB game.
We can’t stress this enough: DO NOT force arm angles to change!
Fix the other mechanics of a pitching motion, and allow the pitcher to throw the ball naturally. Arm angle adjustments are slight adjustments only.
Number 3: The Windup
Just like a batter’s stance, the most important aspect of a pitcher’s windup is comfort. If Hideo Nomo can be successful with his wild windup, you can be sure that there is no perfect windup.
Aside from comfort, there is one similarity that every successful windup has: balance. If you start off-balance, you’ll end off-balance. If you end off-balance, you’ll never be able to locate.
Number 4: The Pivot
As the windup concludes, the real pitching motion begins.
To finish the pitching motion properly, you have to start with a good, strong pivot. At the pivot, the back foot becomes parallel with the pitching rubber, and gives the pitcher a strong foundation off which to throw. The pivot should leave your pitcher in an athletic position, with his knees bent, and with his lead hip aimed towards the plate. His hands are still together, and he’s preparing to lift his leg to drive to the plate.
If your pitcher is throwing from the stretch, the pivot should be his first position after taking his sign.
Number 5: The Leg Lift
Now that your pitcher has prepared his grip and readied himself for the delivery, he can begin to drive toward the plate.
As the pitcher begins his leg lift, here are some key things to remember:
●Keep the hips completely closed– The pitcher’s hip bone should be pointing to the plate. The body will follow the hip, and the ball will follow the body.
●Lift the knee- The purpose of the knee lift is to generate force “behind the ball.” When lifting the knee, have the toe point down very slightly, but without flexing the calf.
●Hands- Keep the hands in the middle of the body for optimal balance. If your pitcher is more advanced, his hands can drift towards his back leg slightly- giving him a little extra forces.
●Eyes- Stay focused on the catcher’s mitt. Your head will help lead your body (and the ball) to the strike zone.
●Stay balanced
Number 6: The Stride
The stride is the most important fundamental in a pitching delivery. A good stride can give a pitcher extra velocity and better location, but a poor one will completely throw off a game plan.
Here are the basics:
●Length- In general, the stride length should be about 80-90% of your pitcher’s height. Overextension will lead to bad timing and control problems, and under extension will lead to the ball staying up in the zone and a decrease in velocity.
●Hands- The pitcher’s hands will come apart, with his throwing arm being extended back and his glove hand aimed towards the plate.
●Hips- The pitcher’s hips are still closed during the stride. As their front foot lands, the throwing motion will demand they the explode open, which will generate velocity.
●Timing- The biggest problem most young pitchers will have is trying to “rush” through their delivery. Even through the stride, the upper body should remain in synch with the lower body- with the head in line with the belly button.
Number 7: The Delivery
At the end of the stride, the pitcher’s front foot will land pointed in the direction of the catcher.
As he lands, his hips and his throwing arm will begin to open- forcing the core of the pitcher’s body to face towards the plate.
The back foot will follow the hips and the arm, causing the foot to come of of the ground around the time the pitch is released.
The glove hand should come into the body of the pitcher, allowing extra velocity and keeping the pitcher’s momentum going towards home plate.
Number 8: The Follow-through
A pitcher’s follow-through is important for velocity, control and for fielding his position. A great follow-through should continue the allow the pitcher’s arm to continue the path it took to release the ball, helping him “finish” over his knee.
DIAMOND ALLEGIANCE
Diamond Allegiance is a national partnership of elite-level player development organizations committed to advancing the Travel Ball ecosystem by creating better value for players, parents, coaches and organizations. To accomplish this, D.A. utilizes its three pillars of success – Technology, Cost Savings, & Diversity Inclusion.
- Reducing Costs (D.A. Deals): Partnerships with leading brands in the industry help parents and organizations save money on equipment, travel, and accommodation expenses.
- Player Development (TE/Curve app): AI-assisted smart lessons comprise a safe and balanced 12-month individualized player development program powered by CURVE technology
- Diamond Sports Foundation (Diamond Sports Foundation): Access to scholarships from the Diamond Sports Foundation helps underrepresented youth gain access to the Travel Ball ecosystem.
Their team includes key members like Tracy Smith University of Michigan, Pat Casey Oregon State University ret., Eric Bakich Clemson University, and Kevin O’Sullivan U of Florida. To learn more about D.A., watch this 2 minute video on the About Us page.
Team Elite is a proud founding member of the Diamond Allegiance. Through this partnership, we have been able to increase participation, reduce costs for families and players, and implement sustainable and personalized development programs.
TE APP BY CURVE
Individualized player development platform features AI testing with player specific correctives and baseball specific drill work. The Curve program is designed by Clemson University Head Coach Erik Bakich.
- PLAYER PROFILE
- Daily workouts sent directly to your profile
- Targeted approach to individual development
- Personal videos & metrics create a recruiting conduit
- MEDIA CONTENT
- Curated smart lessons
- Drill video library
- Content from Diamond Allegiance staff and your coaches
- WORKLOAD MANAGEMENT
- Track your workload
- Receive throwing routines
- Know when to throw and when to rest
The Team Elite app houses the Curve training technology where players create a profile page and complete their mobility/power testing to receive a Curve score. Upon completion of their testing, players are given a personalized daily corrective stretching routine as well as a 12-week strength and conditioning plan. Curve leverages AI to assess player mobility, strength, and power to build customized and individualized player development programs. Players can download the Team Elite app in the Apple and Android app stores. In the near future, the TE app will replace other resources we use for organization wide communication, data collection during evaluations/tryouts and registration.
For more information or to create your account, contact us at PLAYERENHANCEMENT
As a program, Team Elite has always strived to cover all areas at the highest level including the area of “Development and Instruction” for all players. To continue our growth in this area and take it to a higher level, we have created the “Player Enhancement Group”.
The Player Enhancement Group encompasses all areas of development and exposure including testing, written evaluations, the TE app by Curve training, coach training, tryouts, exposure & college placement, recruiting and TE practices. This division is run under the management and leadership of Mike Gearhart, Josh Jones and Matt Arietta.
For more information on this group or to get involved, please contact Mike Gearhart – coachmike.te@gmail.com
