Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Coaching Pitchers
"Coaching Pitchers" by Joe "Spanky" McFarland, has the answers to how to improve pitching mechanics, how to hold runners, teaching pitching grips, how to field the position and the keys to developing pitcher-catcher chemistry.
Detailed instruction on the pitching motion and other essential skills are explained and illustrated in this book. Practice drills and training aids help readers master material and apply it directly to the mound. From preparing mentally and physically between starts to working the count effectively in a tight ball game, "Coaching Pitchers" is packed with insights so pitchers can shut down even the most formidable hitters.
Coach McFarland has coached 55 players taht have gone on to play major league baseball.
Detailed instruction on the pitching motion and other essential skills are explained and illustrated in this book. Practice drills and training aids help readers master material and apply it directly to the mound. From preparing mentally and physically between starts to working the count effectively in a tight ball game, "Coaching Pitchers" is packed with insights so pitchers can shut down even the most formidable hitters.
Coach McFarland has coached 55 players taht have gone on to play major league baseball.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Getting Pitchers To Throw Inside
By Paul Reddick - Scout Pittsburg Pirates
Throwing inside is one of the most valuable skills a pitcher can learn. It has been a skill that has been somewhat taken out of baseball for a number of reasons. I feel that kids are afraid to throw inside. Here's why.
Number one, they are afraid to hit a batter. It is a real fear that pitchers have. There is no doubt about it. They are afraid for two reasons. First, they do not want to hurt anybody. Second, they do not want to put anybody on base. You hear coaches talk all the time about how walks will kill you, giving up free bases will kill you, and that is a part of it.
The other reason kids are afraid to throw inside is that they are afraid they cannot control the pitch and making a mistake inside can be very costly.
Here are a few tips I think are really important for a pitcher who wants to learn how to throw inside.
1. You cannot have fear.
You have to put that out of your head. If it helps, try this. Draw a circle where you want to put the ball and paint everything else black so that you are just going through one little circle and not looking at the hitter. You cannot have the fear of hitting the batter. That is part of the game whether we like it or not. Nobody wants to get hurt. Nobody wants to be the one who hurts somebody, but a properly placed inside pitch, even if you hit a batter, will not hurt him.
2. You have to know where to place the pitch.
A good spot to place an inside pitch is right underneath the hitter's hands. Remember, what is in the hitter's hands? The bat. What does the hitter have to hit the ball with? The bat. So in order to move his hand, he has got to move the bat, which takes the bat out of his natural position of power. Also, throwing in that area gives the hitter a lot of leeway with their hips.
Throwing too high or throwing too low can be very, very dangerous. Throwing too high could get someone hurt. Throwing too low makes it hard for a hitter to get out of the way. Most hitters move back, instead of out of the batter's box. Throwing too high and throwing too low is very dangerous, but throwing right in the middle means a hitter can easily either move forward, back, or turn and take the pitch, either in their rear end or in their lower back; a place where there is really low risk of injury.
3. You have to be very clear on what you want to do.
I tell my pitchers that it has got to be perfect or the hitter has got to move. There are no two ways about it. You cannot have a hitter take away the inside part of the plate. I think it was Bob Gibson who said that intimidation is an extra pitch and intimidation is a part of the game.
Let's face it. Intimidation does not mean that you are being mean or you are being a bad person, but it is part of the game. If the hitter hits one off our shins they do not seem to mind, but they do mind when someone gets brushed back. In today's age of aluminum bats and substance injection we have to be able to guard the inside part of the plate. If you do not guard the inside part of the plate you are going to be very vulnerable and you have to practice this.
The best way to practice is obviously to have a hitter stand in. Another great way is to use a model or a portable device. There are several good ones on the market today and you can do your research, but one of the great things is that practicing throwing an inside pitch will help you gain confidence. I feel that when a lot of pitchers go to throw an inside pitch they feel that they are going to make a mistake, but if you are perfect or if the hitter has got to move your mistakes are going to be a lot less.
Another tip I will close with. is you can take a mile or two off of an inside fastball. Remember, when you are locating a pitch, it is not how fast it gets there, it is where it goes. That is the most important thing. Sometimes guys will try and rear back and throw harder. Remember that nobody knows what is coming out of your hand. Nobody knows you are going to take a mile or two off to locate your fastball. The faster you throw, the harder the pitch is to control. That is just physics, but if we are good at really pinpointing our control we can take a mile or two off and we will have the added benefit of a slight change in speed, which is also good.
So take those four tips and put them to use. The best thing to do is to practice and remember if you throw a hundred inside pitches you are going to hit a couple of batters. That is just the name of the game. If you hit a hundred ground balls to Derek Jeter he is going to miss a few and that is just the way the game is played. The hitter knows this getting into the box. That is why they wear helmets. That is why catchers wear gear. It is part of the game. It is not a great part, but nevertheless, it is part of the game. You must throw in to win.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul Reddick is a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates and co-authored the book, The Picture Perfect Pitcher. In addition, Paul has been a state delegate for USA Baseball and has traveled extensively providing baseball and fitness consultations. Visit www.PaulReddickBaseball.com for more info
Throwing inside is one of the most valuable skills a pitcher can learn. It has been a skill that has been somewhat taken out of baseball for a number of reasons. I feel that kids are afraid to throw inside. Here's why.
Number one, they are afraid to hit a batter. It is a real fear that pitchers have. There is no doubt about it. They are afraid for two reasons. First, they do not want to hurt anybody. Second, they do not want to put anybody on base. You hear coaches talk all the time about how walks will kill you, giving up free bases will kill you, and that is a part of it.
The other reason kids are afraid to throw inside is that they are afraid they cannot control the pitch and making a mistake inside can be very costly.
Here are a few tips I think are really important for a pitcher who wants to learn how to throw inside.
1. You cannot have fear.
You have to put that out of your head. If it helps, try this. Draw a circle where you want to put the ball and paint everything else black so that you are just going through one little circle and not looking at the hitter. You cannot have the fear of hitting the batter. That is part of the game whether we like it or not. Nobody wants to get hurt. Nobody wants to be the one who hurts somebody, but a properly placed inside pitch, even if you hit a batter, will not hurt him.
2. You have to know where to place the pitch.
A good spot to place an inside pitch is right underneath the hitter's hands. Remember, what is in the hitter's hands? The bat. What does the hitter have to hit the ball with? The bat. So in order to move his hand, he has got to move the bat, which takes the bat out of his natural position of power. Also, throwing in that area gives the hitter a lot of leeway with their hips.
Throwing too high or throwing too low can be very, very dangerous. Throwing too high could get someone hurt. Throwing too low makes it hard for a hitter to get out of the way. Most hitters move back, instead of out of the batter's box. Throwing too high and throwing too low is very dangerous, but throwing right in the middle means a hitter can easily either move forward, back, or turn and take the pitch, either in their rear end or in their lower back; a place where there is really low risk of injury.
3. You have to be very clear on what you want to do.
I tell my pitchers that it has got to be perfect or the hitter has got to move. There are no two ways about it. You cannot have a hitter take away the inside part of the plate. I think it was Bob Gibson who said that intimidation is an extra pitch and intimidation is a part of the game.
Let's face it. Intimidation does not mean that you are being mean or you are being a bad person, but it is part of the game. If the hitter hits one off our shins they do not seem to mind, but they do mind when someone gets brushed back. In today's age of aluminum bats and substance injection we have to be able to guard the inside part of the plate. If you do not guard the inside part of the plate you are going to be very vulnerable and you have to practice this.
The best way to practice is obviously to have a hitter stand in. Another great way is to use a model or a portable device. There are several good ones on the market today and you can do your research, but one of the great things is that practicing throwing an inside pitch will help you gain confidence. I feel that when a lot of pitchers go to throw an inside pitch they feel that they are going to make a mistake, but if you are perfect or if the hitter has got to move your mistakes are going to be a lot less.
Another tip I will close with. is you can take a mile or two off of an inside fastball. Remember, when you are locating a pitch, it is not how fast it gets there, it is where it goes. That is the most important thing. Sometimes guys will try and rear back and throw harder. Remember that nobody knows what is coming out of your hand. Nobody knows you are going to take a mile or two off to locate your fastball. The faster you throw, the harder the pitch is to control. That is just physics, but if we are good at really pinpointing our control we can take a mile or two off and we will have the added benefit of a slight change in speed, which is also good.
So take those four tips and put them to use. The best thing to do is to practice and remember if you throw a hundred inside pitches you are going to hit a couple of batters. That is just the name of the game. If you hit a hundred ground balls to Derek Jeter he is going to miss a few and that is just the way the game is played. The hitter knows this getting into the box. That is why they wear helmets. That is why catchers wear gear. It is part of the game. It is not a great part, but nevertheless, it is part of the game. You must throw in to win.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul Reddick is a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates and co-authored the book, The Picture Perfect Pitcher. In addition, Paul has been a state delegate for USA Baseball and has traveled extensively providing baseball and fitness consultations. Visit www.PaulReddickBaseball.com for more info
Baseball Coach's Survival Guide
The "Baseball Coach's Survival Guide" is a comprehensive, practical resource that makes building a successful baseball program considerably easier for both the new and experienced coach. Included are proven techniques and ready-to-use materials for virtually every aspect of the baseball coach's job, from recruiting to training talent for each position.
The "Guide" is organized into 15 sections focusing on 15 different coaching concerns. Each section is packed with inside tips, drills for skill development and winning strategies for a variety of game situations and for dealing effectively with a wide range of potential problems.
"Baseball Coach's Guide" also includes 140 photos showing stance, position and technique, plus 85 reproducible forms, checklists and charts for recording progress and performance that can be photocopied for immediate use to help even the most experienced coach save time!
The "Guide" is organized into 15 sections focusing on 15 different coaching concerns. Each section is packed with inside tips, drills for skill development and winning strategies for a variety of game situations and for dealing effectively with a wide range of potential problems.
"Baseball Coach's Guide" also includes 140 photos showing stance, position and technique, plus 85 reproducible forms, checklists and charts for recording progress and performance that can be photocopied for immediate use to help even the most experienced coach save time!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Fall Baseball
I've watched several fall league baseball games the last few weeks and it seems to me that a lot of players are playing without a purpose. It's as if playing fall ball is the thing to do, but why? Is it because they think it's expected by their summer league or high school coach? Are they playing because their buddy is? Is it something their parents want them to do? With few exceptions, they just seem to be taking their turn at bat and walking out to their position.
And pitchers, I'm very disappointed in their pre-game prep. I know most teams don't have the luxury of a pitching coach or a bull pen coach and the pitcher is left to prepare on his own. But, they often just start firing away in the bull pen! I'm sure that most of them have been instructed to use a Bull Pen Routine to help them prepare the arm, find their rhythm, work on location and find the feel for all their pitching grips. Most hitters can crush a fastball, if you ever watch a major league game, even the elite hitters have trouble with off speed pitches when the situation is set up properly. So pitcher,why don't you throw your bull pen the way you've been instructed. There should be a sequence off pitches featuring your fastball, change and curve ball. Fast balls should be thrown at 3/4 speed concentrating on mechanics, grip and location. If possible, the pitcher should have a hitter standing in to make the bull pen game like. Wait until your last 4 or 5 fast balls to "air it out". Another waste of time and effort is the warm-up pitches between innings. This is an opportunity to work on that pitch that's not quite working or to see if you can get a little more movement or to work on location. Yet I see pitchers doing little more than just playing catch with the catcher for 5 pitches. During a seven inning game, the pitcher gets a minimum of 35 pitches to work on something.
And hitters, there's so much you could and should be working on. Can you sac bunt with confidence? The drag & push bunt are important bunting skills that must be practiced. How about working on hitting behind the runner when the situation calls for moving the runner? How about learning to drive in runners from third base with less than two outs? Where are the infielders playing the hitter? If they're in for a play at the plate, you should be working to drive the ball to the outfield, If the infield is playing back, work on hitting ground balls to the middle infielders. There isn't a player that couldn't benefit from working on his base running skills. How about working on an extended lead? Reading the pitcher and getting better jumps? More aggressive secondaries? Practice cutting the corners tighter?
Outfielders can also work on their weaknesses. Many young outfielders have trouble taking the proper angle to a fly ball, work on it in your fall games. Play a few steps shallower than normal to work on fly balls over your head. How about "do or die" ground balls?
Baseball is a tremendously demanding game that requires many skills, fall ball is the ideal time to work on all aspects of your game.
Remember, "you never know who may be watching"!
Bob Harris
Former Pro Scout
And pitchers, I'm very disappointed in their pre-game prep. I know most teams don't have the luxury of a pitching coach or a bull pen coach and the pitcher is left to prepare on his own. But, they often just start firing away in the bull pen! I'm sure that most of them have been instructed to use a Bull Pen Routine to help them prepare the arm, find their rhythm, work on location and find the feel for all their pitching grips. Most hitters can crush a fastball, if you ever watch a major league game, even the elite hitters have trouble with off speed pitches when the situation is set up properly. So pitcher,why don't you throw your bull pen the way you've been instructed. There should be a sequence off pitches featuring your fastball, change and curve ball. Fast balls should be thrown at 3/4 speed concentrating on mechanics, grip and location. If possible, the pitcher should have a hitter standing in to make the bull pen game like. Wait until your last 4 or 5 fast balls to "air it out". Another waste of time and effort is the warm-up pitches between innings. This is an opportunity to work on that pitch that's not quite working or to see if you can get a little more movement or to work on location. Yet I see pitchers doing little more than just playing catch with the catcher for 5 pitches. During a seven inning game, the pitcher gets a minimum of 35 pitches to work on something.
And hitters, there's so much you could and should be working on. Can you sac bunt with confidence? The drag & push bunt are important bunting skills that must be practiced. How about working on hitting behind the runner when the situation calls for moving the runner? How about learning to drive in runners from third base with less than two outs? Where are the infielders playing the hitter? If they're in for a play at the plate, you should be working to drive the ball to the outfield, If the infield is playing back, work on hitting ground balls to the middle infielders. There isn't a player that couldn't benefit from working on his base running skills. How about working on an extended lead? Reading the pitcher and getting better jumps? More aggressive secondaries? Practice cutting the corners tighter?
Outfielders can also work on their weaknesses. Many young outfielders have trouble taking the proper angle to a fly ball, work on it in your fall games. Play a few steps shallower than normal to work on fly balls over your head. How about "do or die" ground balls?
Baseball is a tremendously demanding game that requires many skills, fall ball is the ideal time to work on all aspects of your game.
Remember, "you never know who may be watching"!
Bob Harris
Former Pro Scout
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Baseball Coaching Bible
"The Baseball Coaching Bible" earns special status as that rare baseball instructional book by presenting the knowledge of many of the greatest to have ever coached the game of baseball and covering a full spectrum of topics on leading a baseball team to become champions!
The 27 contributing coaches share their keys to winning baseball - something they know well, having won 50 national titles and nearly 25.000 games among them! The "Book's" varied and vast amount of information allows you to pick and choose what you wish to implement in your program, but you will gain knowlwdge and be entertained by it all. The wit and wisdom of baseball's sharpest minds shine through in their memorable stories and valuable insights.
Every facet of coaching baseball is covered, with each coach addressing the subject he knows best. "The Baseball Coaching Bible" is endorsed by the American Baseball Coaches Association. "The Coaching Bible" is essential reading for anyone seriousabout coaching the sport of Baseball!
The 27 contributing coaches share their keys to winning baseball - something they know well, having won 50 national titles and nearly 25.000 games among them! The "Book's" varied and vast amount of information allows you to pick and choose what you wish to implement in your program, but you will gain knowlwdge and be entertained by it all. The wit and wisdom of baseball's sharpest minds shine through in their memorable stories and valuable insights.
Every facet of coaching baseball is covered, with each coach addressing the subject he knows best. "The Baseball Coaching Bible" is endorsed by the American Baseball Coaches Association. "The Coaching Bible" is essential reading for anyone seriousabout coaching the sport of Baseball!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Best Way To Increase Pitching Velocity
December 19th, 2008 by sports12 | Filed under Sports Nutrition Programs.
Every college pitcher is looking to increase his pitching velocity. Most pitchers are throwing below 85 mph. For many an extra 3-6 mph of pitching velocity could mean not only much better performance but for some, it is a ticket to their dream…a chance to play pro baseball.
Unfortunately, many college coaches are giving out very poor advice on baseball pitching drills to pitchers who want to maximize their velocity. They tell them this time of year to go off and play summer ball and work on getting bigger and stronger. Bad, bad advice. Neither more weight training nor more long toss is going to have much of an effect on improving velocity, and yet the large majority of coaches at the high school and college levels do not know this.
There are no magic bullets to improve pitching velocity. Sports science research has proven this, but coaches do not read research. Instead they pass around the same old thoughts over and over that have no basis in fact. Magic bullets for improving velocity do not exist: not weighted baseballs, long toss or going into the weight room to get bigger and stronger.
Pitching velocity does not come from arm strength. All coaches and parents should read that again and again. Those who are selling weighted baseballs for improving velocity are ripping people off. And whatever else they are selling should be suspect as well. Higher pitching velocity comes from using the entire body to build momentum into a long stride. By the time the pitcher’s front foot is on the ground, he will not be able to produce much more velocity. This means that most of a pitcher’s velocity is produced before his throwing arm even starts to move the ball toward the plate. Hard to believe, isn’t it? But that and many of other facts have been proven by sports science research.
There is one tool however, that is the most powerful tool for helping pitchers increase velocity and yet you will rarely see it being used by even experienced coaches or high paid private instructors. What is that tool? The use of a simple camcorder that instantly provides all the feedback a parent or player needs to help recognize which mechanical faults are holding that pitcher back.
Unfortunately, most pitching coaching today is a waste of money and time. Any instructor who is not using a camcorder regularly is a fraud. Why? Because there is no way on this earth that any instructor is able to recognize mechanical problems using just the naked eye. None. Not even big league pitching coaches. This is why the most important aspect of our instructional DVD program is about showing parents, coaches and players how to videotape using a simple camcorder. Without this tool coaches and instructors are just guessing.
So if it’s so important to video analyze a pitcher, why don’t just about every instructor or coach at every level use it? Because they do not understand
baseball pitching techniques. Pitching lessons composed of pitching drills are largely a waste of time. The foolish towel drill, balance drill or kneeling drill will never in a million years help a pitcher improve his velocity or control. And yes, even the well known pitching gurus recommend every imaginable drill and seem to invent more each day. Drills are now used by pitching instructors to kill time during lessons because they don’t know what else to do.
What is required to improve velocity is usually improved speed of movement for developing more momentum into a longer stride. Or sometimes it just requires that the pitcher improve his timing so he is making a much smoother throw so that his body is building more energy longer. Smoothness in a pitcher equals good timing. Most pitchers simply want to get to ball release too fast. The secret to more velocity is to get to ball release later so that more energy has a chance to be stored in the body. That stored elastic energy is the secret to moving the arm faster. The arm does not move fast by itself. The body moving fast is required. Get this issue taken care of, and you can move on to working on your baseball pitching grips.
There are thousands upon thousands of high school and college pitchers who could improve their velocity anywhere from 3-12 mph by getting an expert opinion on their mechanics and also finding out how they are spending their practice time trying to improve. A video analysis by an expert is one of the most valuable tools for pitching improvement. But make sure that instructor is an expert.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
PITCH THE GAME IN YOUR HEAD
PITCH THE GAME IN YOUR HEAD
Mental imagery is a very powerful tool. It is the kind of device
that when learned and practiced, can raise the level of a pitcher's
performance.
Teach your pitchers to visualize and then verbalize. They see the pitch
hitting the target in their mind's eye; then they say to themselves
something like..."at the knees on the outside corner" or "up and in."
Then they make the pitch. It is a human quality that you have to see
yourself doing something before the actual act can be achieved.
Before game day a pitcher can actually pitch the entire game mentally.
He can find a quiet place, relax, close his eyes and throw a no-hitter.
He can visualize each pitch and see the swing and miss or see the
hitter weakly ground out on his change up. He can see himself in total
control.
This technique is not something a pitcher can do once in a while. Like
any other skill it has to be practiced. He should not expect immediate
results either. It takes time for mental imagery to become effective.
Don't try it just once and if it doesn't work give it up. Keep at it.
Remember that the plodders win the day; one step at a time.
SEE HEAD GAMES
Mental imagery is a very powerful tool. It is the kind of device
that when learned and practiced, can raise the level of a pitcher's
performance.
Teach your pitchers to visualize and then verbalize. They see the pitch
hitting the target in their mind's eye; then they say to themselves
something like..."at the knees on the outside corner" or "up and in."
Then they make the pitch. It is a human quality that you have to see
yourself doing something before the actual act can be achieved.
Before game day a pitcher can actually pitch the entire game mentally.
He can find a quiet place, relax, close his eyes and throw a no-hitter.
He can visualize each pitch and see the swing and miss or see the
hitter weakly ground out on his change up. He can see himself in total
control.
This technique is not something a pitcher can do once in a while. Like
any other skill it has to be practiced. He should not expect immediate
results either. It takes time for mental imagery to become effective.
Don't try it just once and if it doesn't work give it up. Keep at it.
Remember that the plodders win the day; one step at a time.
SEE HEAD GAMES
Have A Pitching Plan
Approach every game with a Plan. Know what you want to do before hand. It's also a good practice to go through a simulated batting order in your mind the night before you're scheduled to pitch. Following is a sample Pitching Plan:
1. Dominate the outer half of the plate - most hitters lay-off the outside pitch early in the count. Most hitters will wait for a pitch they can turn on.
2. Get ahead in the count. Most hitters will take the first pitch. A Typical batting average will drop 100 points if the count starts 0 - 1. A first pitch strike makes a .200 hitter out of a .300 hitter.
3. Use your Fast Ball - both 2 seam and 4 seam. Most high school hitters have slider bat speed and have trouble catching up to a well-placed fast ball! Hang a slider or curve ball and a hitter's eyes light up and so does the score board! Occasionally pitch high and tight, the inside pitch at the letters will make your low and a way fast ball even more dominating. Use a different pitch sequence to set-up the hitter with an 0 - 2 count if you struck him out on that count in previous AB.
4. Keep in mind - "it's harder to hit than to pitch"! Keep the ball down and throw strikes and you will be successful. Hitters have to much to worry about. Remember, a .350 hitter will make an out 65% of the time! The odds for success are in your favor.
5. Work on your mechanics in practice - forget about mechanics during the game..
7. Be confident, pound the strike zone and let your teammates make the plays!
1. Dominate the outer half of the plate - most hitters lay-off the outside pitch early in the count. Most hitters will wait for a pitch they can turn on.
2. Get ahead in the count. Most hitters will take the first pitch. A Typical batting average will drop 100 points if the count starts 0 - 1. A first pitch strike makes a .200 hitter out of a .300 hitter.
3. Use your Fast Ball - both 2 seam and 4 seam. Most high school hitters have slider bat speed and have trouble catching up to a well-placed fast ball! Hang a slider or curve ball and a hitter's eyes light up and so does the score board! Occasionally pitch high and tight, the inside pitch at the letters will make your low and a way fast ball even more dominating. Use a different pitch sequence to set-up the hitter with an 0 - 2 count if you struck him out on that count in previous AB.
4. Keep in mind - "it's harder to hit than to pitch"! Keep the ball down and throw strikes and you will be successful. Hitters have to much to worry about. Remember, a .350 hitter will make an out 65% of the time! The odds for success are in your favor.
5. Work on your mechanics in practice - forget about mechanics during the game..
7. Be confident, pound the strike zone and let your teammates make the plays!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Baseball Playbook
A must read for baseball players and coaches who have an interest in teaching and learning this great game.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Are You Working To Be The Best You Can Be?
Dreams, desire and work ethic, with some talent, ordinary people can accomplish extra ordinary things. It take love for the game and a desire to be the best at what
you do.
What have you done today, yesterday, this month, to improve you're playing skills?
To build your stamina for pitching and your foot speed for hitting, how many 60 yard dashes did you run? For foot quickness, how much time did you spend on Form Running Drills? To build arm strength and velocity, how many Long Tosses have you done? To build bat speed and to develop proper hitting mechanics muscle memory, how many perfect swings have you taken? Have you practiced the art of Deep Breathing and Visualization? Practicing an event in "your minds eye" before it happens is a proven method to athletic achievement! Learn more about the Mental side of the Game from leading sports psychologists Tom Hanson & Ken Ravizza in their highly regarded book, "Heads-Up Baseball"
Be sure to check out Customer Reviews on Amazon.com.
Click Here.
you do.
What have you done today, yesterday, this month, to improve you're playing skills?
To build your stamina for pitching and your foot speed for hitting, how many 60 yard dashes did you run? For foot quickness, how much time did you spend on Form Running Drills? To build arm strength and velocity, how many Long Tosses have you done? To build bat speed and to develop proper hitting mechanics muscle memory, how many perfect swings have you taken? Have you practiced the art of Deep Breathing and Visualization? Practicing an event in "your minds eye" before it happens is a proven method to athletic achievement! Learn more about the Mental side of the Game from leading sports psychologists Tom Hanson & Ken Ravizza in their highly regarded book, "Heads-Up Baseball"
Be sure to check out Customer Reviews on Amazon.com.
Click Here.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Hitting Absolutes
Hitting a baseball is a difficult and complicated skill to master. Trying to hit a round object that's moving at an accelerated speed with the potential for movement either in or out, and down, and trying to hit it with a cylindrical shaped object - a bat, hitting a baseball is possibly the most difficult feat to accomplish in all of sports!
Coaches teaching hitting mechanics try cover everything from the proper placement of the bat in the hands and alignment of the knuckles to the proper stance, the load process, keeping the head on the ball, follow through, etc. All are important but there are 6 main ingredients or ABSOLUTES that make for a successful swing and are used by every good Major League hitter.
The Absolutes of Hitting used by all of the best hitters in professional baseball include the following:
1. The front knee must coil, at least slightly, in order to start your loading process. Think of it as taking the front knee toward the back knee, in short it's "knee to knee". This is where torque is developed.
2. As you coil your front knee, the hands must start back and the wrists must be cocked in order to generate power. The bat head should move just slightly behind the hitter's helmet. Do not wrap the bat around your head though.
3. You step away from your hands when you stride. Some coaches talk about walking away from your hands, but you actually step away while your body stays back. This action of staying behind the stride foot is one of the main elements in generating power in your swing. If you move your body toward or even worse, move out over the front foot, you have no power to hit!
4. Then, the stride foot must land before you start your swing. If you’re late getting the stride foot down, you lose momentum and of course you consequently lose power in your swing. And, of course, you must keep your eyes on the flight of the ball all the way to the bat.
5. You must pivot on the back foot and the shoe laces should face back toward the pitcher upon contact with the ball. Do not roll the pivot foot over or you'll be off balance.
6. Finish high. Your swing should finish above the front shoulder. That is where all professional power hitters finish.
Watch yourself in a mirror or have your swing video taped so you can see what your swing looks like. Use a Tee and over emphasize your front knee coil during practice swings. Also use the "walk through" Tee Drill and again exaggerate the knee coil during your swing. This will help train you utilize good hitting mechanics come game time!
Coaches teaching hitting mechanics try cover everything from the proper placement of the bat in the hands and alignment of the knuckles to the proper stance, the load process, keeping the head on the ball, follow through, etc. All are important but there are 6 main ingredients or ABSOLUTES that make for a successful swing and are used by every good Major League hitter.
The Absolutes of Hitting used by all of the best hitters in professional baseball include the following:
1. The front knee must coil, at least slightly, in order to start your loading process. Think of it as taking the front knee toward the back knee, in short it's "knee to knee". This is where torque is developed.
2. As you coil your front knee, the hands must start back and the wrists must be cocked in order to generate power. The bat head should move just slightly behind the hitter's helmet. Do not wrap the bat around your head though.
3. You step away from your hands when you stride. Some coaches talk about walking away from your hands, but you actually step away while your body stays back. This action of staying behind the stride foot is one of the main elements in generating power in your swing. If you move your body toward or even worse, move out over the front foot, you have no power to hit!
4. Then, the stride foot must land before you start your swing. If you’re late getting the stride foot down, you lose momentum and of course you consequently lose power in your swing. And, of course, you must keep your eyes on the flight of the ball all the way to the bat.
5. You must pivot on the back foot and the shoe laces should face back toward the pitcher upon contact with the ball. Do not roll the pivot foot over or you'll be off balance.
6. Finish high. Your swing should finish above the front shoulder. That is where all professional power hitters finish.
Watch yourself in a mirror or have your swing video taped so you can see what your swing looks like. Use a Tee and over emphasize your front knee coil during practice swings. Also use the "walk through" Tee Drill and again exaggerate the knee coil during your swing. This will help train you utilize good hitting mechanics come game time!
Hitting Program For An Explosive Swing!
By Jay Johnson, hitting coach University of San Diego
How can you ensure getting an explosive swing every time at the plate? Johnson shares the San Diego drill progression designed to maximize consistency, strength and power in the swing. The first concept is the impact of seeing the ball, as timing, pitch selection and the path of hands during the swing are all dictated by seeing the ball. The zone drill, including three zones, is taught to hitters at the plate. Drills include the colored ball tracking drill and the slider drill. Explosive hitting is developed with three drills; backhand catch, torque drill with tee and the uphill tee drill. Balance and timing are added to the most important areas of hitting. Johnson demonstrates the bounce drill where the ball is bounced off the ground before hitting. The hands are also important in hitting, and the short bat drill emphasizes the batter's hands going straight in the direction of the pitch. Angle hitting and angle screen are two drills that enhance the short, quick swing, and the "Smoke the Cones" drill helps develop hits to center.
40 Minutes
Coaching DVDs at Championship Productions
How can you ensure getting an explosive swing every time at the plate? Johnson shares the San Diego drill progression designed to maximize consistency, strength and power in the swing. The first concept is the impact of seeing the ball, as timing, pitch selection and the path of hands during the swing are all dictated by seeing the ball. The zone drill, including three zones, is taught to hitters at the plate. Drills include the colored ball tracking drill and the slider drill. Explosive hitting is developed with three drills; backhand catch, torque drill with tee and the uphill tee drill. Balance and timing are added to the most important areas of hitting. Johnson demonstrates the bounce drill where the ball is bounced off the ground before hitting. The hands are also important in hitting, and the short bat drill emphasizes the batter's hands going straight in the direction of the pitch. Angle hitting and angle screen are two drills that enhance the short, quick swing, and the "Smoke the Cones" drill helps develop hits to center.
40 Minutes
Coaching DVDs at Championship Productions
Friday, June 12, 2009
Pitching Tip
Six Keys To Successful Pitching:
1. Conditioning - good pitching begins with proper conditioning and skills development. Pitching requires strength and stamina.
2. Control - is the prime factor in successful pitching. The pitcher must develop good mechanics and be consistent in duplicating them in-order to develop good control.
3. Concentration - The pitcher must focus and concentrate soley on getting the batter out. The pitcher should visualize the anticipated flight path of the ball before delivering the pitch. focus on a small target within the catcher's glove.
4. Confidence - Successful pitchers know their best pitch and are never afraid to use it no matter who's at bat or what the count. The pitcher must feel that he is better than the hitter!
5. Consistency - Pitching mechanics must be unconscious effort and are second nature. Consistency is developed through constant practice, bull pens and drills.
6. Commitment - Successful pitchers have strong work ethics. They understand that they must work hard to develop and maintain strong pitching skills. They must have a strong off-season practice and conditioning routine.
1. Conditioning - good pitching begins with proper conditioning and skills development. Pitching requires strength and stamina.
2. Control - is the prime factor in successful pitching. The pitcher must develop good mechanics and be consistent in duplicating them in-order to develop good control.
3. Concentration - The pitcher must focus and concentrate soley on getting the batter out. The pitcher should visualize the anticipated flight path of the ball before delivering the pitch. focus on a small target within the catcher's glove.
4. Confidence - Successful pitchers know their best pitch and are never afraid to use it no matter who's at bat or what the count. The pitcher must feel that he is better than the hitter!
5. Consistency - Pitching mechanics must be unconscious effort and are second nature. Consistency is developed through constant practice, bull pens and drills.
6. Commitment - Successful pitchers have strong work ethics. They understand that they must work hard to develop and maintain strong pitching skills. They must have a strong off-season practice and conditioning routine.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Goal Setting - The Key To The Athlete's Success
When a hunter sets out with his gun and hunting dog, he knows what he's going hunting for. He know his TARGET! Do you as an athlete or coach know what you're aiming for? What's your TARGET? What's your GOAL?
One of the best ways to get to where you want to go in your sport, or in life for that matter, is to set GOALS. You must have a plan, a road map on how you will achieve the things you want.
First and most important, what is it that you want to achieve? Is it to make your school's Varsity High School Baseball Team. To be a star pitcher on your summer travel team? To be a stud hitter or an all-star caliber infielder? Maybe your GOAL is to get a scholarship to play at a Division I college? What ever your GOAL, you must first identify it and then write it down. This becomes your Out-Come GOAL. The thing(s) you wamt most to achieve.
After you determine your Out-Come GOAL, the most important step is to make a written list of Performance GOALS, drills or routines that if done routinely, will help you reach your Out-Come GOALs. For instance, your GOAL SHEET might look something like this:
My Athletic Out-Come Goal is to be an impact Pitcher for ABC University my freshman year in college.
My Performance GOALS to help me achieve my GOAL of Pitching for ABC are as follows:
1. I will condition myself by jogging at least 2 mile a day 5 days a week
2. I will use the interval running principle to increase my stamina and build leg strength and lung capacity when making my 2 mile runs.
3. I will jump rope 5 minutes a day 6 days a week.
4. I will execute form running excercises 20 minutes a day 5 days a week and include carioca, high knees, backwards, high skip, spider crawls, high kicks, side to side shuffles, butt kickers.
5. I will run 10 - 60 yard sprints 3 days a week.
6. I will throw long distance - working back to 120 feet for 12 - 15 LD throws every other day while weather permits.
7. I will go through 12 minutes of specific towel drills every other day during the off-season or when weather prohibts me from working outside plus visualize throwing a 50 pitch bull pen using a hand towel.
8. I will work my arms and upper body with rubber tubing exercises 3 times a week. 3 sets of 10 reps each: See Dr. Jobe Program.
9. I will perform 3 sets of 25 push-ups 5 days a week.
10. I will practice fielding my position at least once a week when weather permits or when I have access to a gym or other facility. I will field 25 bunts and throw to 1b, I will field 25 bunts and throw to 2B: I will field 25 come-backers and throw to 2B; I will practice covering 1B on balls hit to 1B side 25 times. I will practice covering 1B on 3-6-1 DP's (25X). I will practice covering home plate on WP/PB 10X.
These are a few examples of drills and exercise you can do to, and need to do, in order to achieve the lofty Out-Come GOAL in this example. You, however, must set your own performance goals, goals that are achievable, ones that you can and are willing to do. They must be specific with a time frame. Simply stating I will work on my arm strength is not a performance Goal. Making 15 long distance throws every other day is a specific performance Goal. No one else can set goals for you. It just won't work. If you're interested in playing at the next level and eventually at the collegiate level, only dedication, desire and determination to prepare will get you there.
Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail,
Coach Bob Harris
One of the best ways to get to where you want to go in your sport, or in life for that matter, is to set GOALS. You must have a plan, a road map on how you will achieve the things you want.
First and most important, what is it that you want to achieve? Is it to make your school's Varsity High School Baseball Team. To be a star pitcher on your summer travel team? To be a stud hitter or an all-star caliber infielder? Maybe your GOAL is to get a scholarship to play at a Division I college? What ever your GOAL, you must first identify it and then write it down. This becomes your Out-Come GOAL. The thing(s) you wamt most to achieve.
After you determine your Out-Come GOAL, the most important step is to make a written list of Performance GOALS, drills or routines that if done routinely, will help you reach your Out-Come GOALs. For instance, your GOAL SHEET might look something like this:
My Athletic Out-Come Goal is to be an impact Pitcher for ABC University my freshman year in college.
My Performance GOALS to help me achieve my GOAL of Pitching for ABC are as follows:
1. I will condition myself by jogging at least 2 mile a day 5 days a week
2. I will use the interval running principle to increase my stamina and build leg strength and lung capacity when making my 2 mile runs.
3. I will jump rope 5 minutes a day 6 days a week.
4. I will execute form running excercises 20 minutes a day 5 days a week and include carioca, high knees, backwards, high skip, spider crawls, high kicks, side to side shuffles, butt kickers.
5. I will run 10 - 60 yard sprints 3 days a week.
6. I will throw long distance - working back to 120 feet for 12 - 15 LD throws every other day while weather permits.
7. I will go through 12 minutes of specific towel drills every other day during the off-season or when weather prohibts me from working outside plus visualize throwing a 50 pitch bull pen using a hand towel.
8. I will work my arms and upper body with rubber tubing exercises 3 times a week. 3 sets of 10 reps each: See Dr. Jobe Program.
9. I will perform 3 sets of 25 push-ups 5 days a week.
10. I will practice fielding my position at least once a week when weather permits or when I have access to a gym or other facility. I will field 25 bunts and throw to 1b, I will field 25 bunts and throw to 2B: I will field 25 come-backers and throw to 2B; I will practice covering 1B on balls hit to 1B side 25 times. I will practice covering 1B on 3-6-1 DP's (25X). I will practice covering home plate on WP/PB 10X.
These are a few examples of drills and exercise you can do to, and need to do, in order to achieve the lofty Out-Come GOAL in this example. You, however, must set your own performance goals, goals that are achievable, ones that you can and are willing to do. They must be specific with a time frame. Simply stating I will work on my arm strength is not a performance Goal. Making 15 long distance throws every other day is a specific performance Goal. No one else can set goals for you. It just won't work. If you're interested in playing at the next level and eventually at the collegiate level, only dedication, desire and determination to prepare will get you there.
Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail,
Coach Bob Harris
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Coaching Pitchers
By Spanky McFarland, Head Baseball Coach James Madison University
Lower body mechanics are important for both control and power. The mechanics begin with the feet - the pivot foot and stride foot - and progress up through the legs to the hips. Lower-body mechanics should be altered to match the pitcher's natural arm slot. The pitcher's natural arm slot should never be adjusted to match the lower body mechanics. To create a good overall pitching delivery, a pitcher must develop a solid mechanical base.
Lower body mechanics are important for both control and power. The mechanics begin with the feet - the pivot foot and stride foot - and progress up through the legs to the hips. Lower-body mechanics should be altered to match the pitcher's natural arm slot. The pitcher's natural arm slot should never be adjusted to match the lower body mechanics. To create a good overall pitching delivery, a pitcher must develop a solid mechanical base.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
6 Fs of Fielding
Something that seems very simple – catching a ground ball – becomes complicated by the fact that you have to catch it and then make a strong, accurate throw to a teammate in time to get an opposing player out. Perry Hill is one of the best defensive coaches around. Now working for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Perry breaks the act of catching the ground ball and throwing it into what he calls the “6 Fs of Fielding.” They are: feet, field, funnel, footwork, fire, follow.
Feet
Proper footwork before the delivery, as the pitch is released and as the ball enters the hitting zone, is a key to being a good infielder. You want to get yourself in the best position possible to react and move side to side to field a batted ball as quickly as possible.
* Be in a relaxed position as the pitcher holds the ball.
* On the pitcher’s first movement bend your back slightly.
* When the pitcher’s arm is moving forward and reaches the ear, take a small step forward with either foot and then separate your feet into a ready position.
* The feet should be about shoulder-width apart with the knees slightly bent.
* Separating both feet at the same time ensures that your weight will be distributed on both feet evenly and slightly forward on the balls of your feet.
* Avoid laziness as the game progresses; always move your feet into the proper position to set up with a wide base, the butt down and the hands out in front.
* Follow this routine on each pitch and you’ll always be prepared to react quickly to receive the ball when it is hit.
Field
The second “F” of infield defense is “field.” Once you’ve established a good ready position that allows you to react quickly when the ball is hit, it is time to get to the ball and field it. As we discussed earlier, you want to get to the ball as quickly as you can, setting up by creating a wide base with your feet so that your butt can get down and your hands can be pushed out in front of your body. You always want to catch the ball out in front so that you can see the ball and the glove in the same view.
* As you get to the ball, you want to make sure that your feet are wide apart to create a wide base.
* This will allow you to get your butt down and hour hands out in front so that you can see the ball and the glove in the same view.
* Seeing the ball and the glove in the same view from the time the ball leaves the bat will allow you to be a more consistent fielder and will make it easier to react to difficult hops.
* Creating a wide base with you feet also provides a good balance point so that you won’t tip over.
* Some coaches ask you to get your hands out in front without talking about creating a wide base, which will cause your glove to lift off the ground and may make you tip forward.
* A narrow stance also may make it difficult to see the ball and the glove in the same view from the time that it leaves the bat until it rolls into your glove.
Funnel
“Funnel” is the third of the 6 “Fs.” After you have established a good ready position and reacted to a batted ball, setting up in the proper position to receive the ball with a wide base, butt down and hands out in front, you should funnel the ball into your body with soft hands. After you catch the ball you want to bring it into the center of the body at chest level so that you can separate the hands and prepare to throw the ball to the appropriate teammate.
* After fielding the ball out in front of the body, you should funnel the ball back into your body with soft hands.
* Bring the ball to the center of the body at chest level so that you can separate the hands and prepare to throw.
* Separate the hands with the thumbs down.
* This gets you into a position of power, locking your front shoulder in on your target.
* It also ensures that the angle of your elbow will be correct with the hand above the ball as the hands come apart.
* Whenever you throw anything – a boxing punch or a bounce pass in basketball – having the thumbs down puts you in a position of power.
* If you funnel properly and separate with the thumbs down, you should automatically get to your release point with the hand directly behind the ball, which is the best way to assure a more powerful, accurate throw.
Footwork
Technically, the third and fourth “Fs” occur at the same time. The fourth “F” is the “footwork” that is necessary to throw the ball to your target. As you funnel the ball toward your body, your feet should begin working. The goal is to generate momentum toward the target by moving your feet in that direction without crossing over. The formula for right-handed players is right foot to left and left foot to target. For lefties it is the opposite – left to right and right to target. This is the best way for you to create the two “Ds,” distance and direction in the proper angle toward the target.
* If you funnel the ball to the center of your body properly and separate your hands with your thumbs down, you should be in the proper position to throw the ball to your target.
* While funneling, the fourth “F” – footwork – also should be taking place
* You should be using the proper footwork to create distance and direction to the target.
* Move your feet in the direction of the target without crossing your feet.
* Right-handers take the right foot toward the left and then the left toward the target.
* Lefties take left to right and right to the target.
* If you cross over your feet before releasing the ball, your hand can get under the ball, which puts strain on the elbow and can make the ball move during its flight toward your teammate.
Fire
The fifth “F” of infield defense is “fire.” Once you have fielded the ball, funneled it to the center of your body, separated your hands into a position of power with your thumbs down and created direction and distance toward your target, it is time to release the ball.
* If the first four “Fs” have been completed to this point, you shouldn’t have to think about much anything other than getting rid of the ball quickly.
* The separation of your hands with the thumbs down should have your front shoulder aligned properly and your elbow at the proper angle with the hand behind the ball.
* Release the ball once you’ve created the proper direction and distance by moving your feet toward the target without crossing over.
* Use a four-seam grip when throwing after the catch and always try to keep your elbow above the shoulder.
Follow
The sixth “F” of infield defense is to “follow” the throw, which helps ensure carry and accuracy. If the proper momentum has been created to establish distance and direction toward the target, the body should automatically take a few extra steps toward the target after the ball is released. If you find that you are peeling off away from the throw or not following it at all, that’s a pretty good indication that you are not generating the momentum necessary to achieve maximum carry and accuracy.
* If the first five “Fs” have been completed to this point, your body should automatically follow the throw after the ball is released for several steps toward the intended target.
* A proper “follow,” which is the sixth “F,” ensures that you are achieving maximum carry and accuracy.
* If you find that you are not following the throw in the direction of the target or following it at all, that is an indication that one of the first five “Fs” might need to be fixed.
Feet
Proper footwork before the delivery, as the pitch is released and as the ball enters the hitting zone, is a key to being a good infielder. You want to get yourself in the best position possible to react and move side to side to field a batted ball as quickly as possible.
* Be in a relaxed position as the pitcher holds the ball.
* On the pitcher’s first movement bend your back slightly.
* When the pitcher’s arm is moving forward and reaches the ear, take a small step forward with either foot and then separate your feet into a ready position.
* The feet should be about shoulder-width apart with the knees slightly bent.
* Separating both feet at the same time ensures that your weight will be distributed on both feet evenly and slightly forward on the balls of your feet.
* Avoid laziness as the game progresses; always move your feet into the proper position to set up with a wide base, the butt down and the hands out in front.
* Follow this routine on each pitch and you’ll always be prepared to react quickly to receive the ball when it is hit.
Field
The second “F” of infield defense is “field.” Once you’ve established a good ready position that allows you to react quickly when the ball is hit, it is time to get to the ball and field it. As we discussed earlier, you want to get to the ball as quickly as you can, setting up by creating a wide base with your feet so that your butt can get down and your hands can be pushed out in front of your body. You always want to catch the ball out in front so that you can see the ball and the glove in the same view.
* As you get to the ball, you want to make sure that your feet are wide apart to create a wide base.
* This will allow you to get your butt down and hour hands out in front so that you can see the ball and the glove in the same view.
* Seeing the ball and the glove in the same view from the time the ball leaves the bat will allow you to be a more consistent fielder and will make it easier to react to difficult hops.
* Creating a wide base with you feet also provides a good balance point so that you won’t tip over.
* Some coaches ask you to get your hands out in front without talking about creating a wide base, which will cause your glove to lift off the ground and may make you tip forward.
* A narrow stance also may make it difficult to see the ball and the glove in the same view from the time that it leaves the bat until it rolls into your glove.
Funnel
“Funnel” is the third of the 6 “Fs.” After you have established a good ready position and reacted to a batted ball, setting up in the proper position to receive the ball with a wide base, butt down and hands out in front, you should funnel the ball into your body with soft hands. After you catch the ball you want to bring it into the center of the body at chest level so that you can separate the hands and prepare to throw the ball to the appropriate teammate.
* After fielding the ball out in front of the body, you should funnel the ball back into your body with soft hands.
* Bring the ball to the center of the body at chest level so that you can separate the hands and prepare to throw.
* Separate the hands with the thumbs down.
* This gets you into a position of power, locking your front shoulder in on your target.
* It also ensures that the angle of your elbow will be correct with the hand above the ball as the hands come apart.
* Whenever you throw anything – a boxing punch or a bounce pass in basketball – having the thumbs down puts you in a position of power.
* If you funnel properly and separate with the thumbs down, you should automatically get to your release point with the hand directly behind the ball, which is the best way to assure a more powerful, accurate throw.
Footwork
Technically, the third and fourth “Fs” occur at the same time. The fourth “F” is the “footwork” that is necessary to throw the ball to your target. As you funnel the ball toward your body, your feet should begin working. The goal is to generate momentum toward the target by moving your feet in that direction without crossing over. The formula for right-handed players is right foot to left and left foot to target. For lefties it is the opposite – left to right and right to target. This is the best way for you to create the two “Ds,” distance and direction in the proper angle toward the target.
* If you funnel the ball to the center of your body properly and separate your hands with your thumbs down, you should be in the proper position to throw the ball to your target.
* While funneling, the fourth “F” – footwork – also should be taking place
* You should be using the proper footwork to create distance and direction to the target.
* Move your feet in the direction of the target without crossing your feet.
* Right-handers take the right foot toward the left and then the left toward the target.
* Lefties take left to right and right to the target.
* If you cross over your feet before releasing the ball, your hand can get under the ball, which puts strain on the elbow and can make the ball move during its flight toward your teammate.
Fire
The fifth “F” of infield defense is “fire.” Once you have fielded the ball, funneled it to the center of your body, separated your hands into a position of power with your thumbs down and created direction and distance toward your target, it is time to release the ball.
* If the first four “Fs” have been completed to this point, you shouldn’t have to think about much anything other than getting rid of the ball quickly.
* The separation of your hands with the thumbs down should have your front shoulder aligned properly and your elbow at the proper angle with the hand behind the ball.
* Release the ball once you’ve created the proper direction and distance by moving your feet toward the target without crossing over.
* Use a four-seam grip when throwing after the catch and always try to keep your elbow above the shoulder.
Follow
The sixth “F” of infield defense is to “follow” the throw, which helps ensure carry and accuracy. If the proper momentum has been created to establish distance and direction toward the target, the body should automatically take a few extra steps toward the target after the ball is released. If you find that you are peeling off away from the throw or not following it at all, that’s a pretty good indication that you are not generating the momentum necessary to achieve maximum carry and accuracy.
* If the first five “Fs” have been completed to this point, your body should automatically follow the throw after the ball is released for several steps toward the intended target.
* A proper “follow,” which is the sixth “F,” ensures that you are achieving maximum carry and accuracy.
* If you find that you are not following the throw in the direction of the target or following it at all, that is an indication that one of the first five “Fs” might need to be fixed.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
BASE RUNNING 101
Although foot speed and quickness is a tremendous asset to the baseball player, a baseball player can learn to be a good base runner even if he lacks these skills. Any player that takes the time to practice and learn the following 20 base running
fundamentals can be an asset to his team.
Base Running 101
A. When the Batter/Hitter is running from home to first base:
1. The right handed batter takes his first step out of the box with his right foot.
2. Make the first step as quick and as fast as possible. Should practice this in BP.
3. The left handed batter takes his first step with a cross-over step with his left foot first.
4. The hitter must take a look into the infield after his 4th or 5th step to determine whether or not the ball is going through the infield or whether the infielder is going to make a play on the ball.
5. If the ball stays in the infield, the hitter makes a "Hard 90" (Hard 60, 70 or 80 depending upon the age group) directly to first base using good running form and running straight toward the first base bag in long, rapid strides.
6. The hitter should hit the front edge of the first base bag and toward the middle to avoid contact with the first baseman and to avoid twisting an ankle.
7. The hitter must run through the bag at full speed.
8. The runner/hitter breaks down after touching the bag in full stride.
9. While breaking down, the runner should look to his right to determine whether or not there was an over-throw.
B. Leading Off First Base:
1. The base runner gets his sign from the third base coach while in contact with the first base bag.
2. The base runner acknowledges the coach's sign by raising his hand and indicating the number of outs.
3. The base runner then checks the positioning of the outfielders as well as the SS and second baseman.
4. In a non steal situation with a right handed pitcher on the mound, the runner then takes a 3 - step primary lead with his left foot first and then two slide steps.
5. The runner takes another slide step toward second base when the pitcher comes set.
6. The runner should place his right foot slightly behind his left foot, approximately toe of right foot to instep of left foot while remaining in a balanced, athletic position.
7. The runner "reads" the pitcher's front or stride leg as well as the back heel to determine whether the pitcher is going home or to first base.
8. When it's determined that the pitcher is going to the plate, the runner takes two additional slide steps toward second base.
9. If the ball is hit, the runner crosses over with his left foot from his last shuffle and continues to the next base.
10.If the ball is not hit, the runner must immediately sprint back to the first base bag to avoid a "back pick" by the catcher.
11.When in a steal situation, there is no secondary lead, the runner takes off the instance he determines the pitcher is throwing home.
Practice these techniques and you can become a good baserunner!
fundamentals can be an asset to his team.
Base Running 101
A. When the Batter/Hitter is running from home to first base:
1. The right handed batter takes his first step out of the box with his right foot.
2. Make the first step as quick and as fast as possible. Should practice this in BP.
3. The left handed batter takes his first step with a cross-over step with his left foot first.
4. The hitter must take a look into the infield after his 4th or 5th step to determine whether or not the ball is going through the infield or whether the infielder is going to make a play on the ball.
5. If the ball stays in the infield, the hitter makes a "Hard 90" (Hard 60, 70 or 80 depending upon the age group) directly to first base using good running form and running straight toward the first base bag in long, rapid strides.
6. The hitter should hit the front edge of the first base bag and toward the middle to avoid contact with the first baseman and to avoid twisting an ankle.
7. The hitter must run through the bag at full speed.
8. The runner/hitter breaks down after touching the bag in full stride.
9. While breaking down, the runner should look to his right to determine whether or not there was an over-throw.
B. Leading Off First Base:
1. The base runner gets his sign from the third base coach while in contact with the first base bag.
2. The base runner acknowledges the coach's sign by raising his hand and indicating the number of outs.
3. The base runner then checks the positioning of the outfielders as well as the SS and second baseman.
4. In a non steal situation with a right handed pitcher on the mound, the runner then takes a 3 - step primary lead with his left foot first and then two slide steps.
5. The runner takes another slide step toward second base when the pitcher comes set.
6. The runner should place his right foot slightly behind his left foot, approximately toe of right foot to instep of left foot while remaining in a balanced, athletic position.
7. The runner "reads" the pitcher's front or stride leg as well as the back heel to determine whether the pitcher is going home or to first base.
8. When it's determined that the pitcher is going to the plate, the runner takes two additional slide steps toward second base.
9. If the ball is hit, the runner crosses over with his left foot from his last shuffle and continues to the next base.
10.If the ball is not hit, the runner must immediately sprint back to the first base bag to avoid a "back pick" by the catcher.
11.When in a steal situation, there is no secondary lead, the runner takes off the instance he determines the pitcher is throwing home.
Practice these techniques and you can become a good baserunner!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Major League Draft
By Steve Ellis, former Chicago Cubs Pitcher
I hope your season is going well and that
the work you put in during the off-season
is paying dividends for you on the mound.
For some of you, the Major League Draft is
right around the corner (June), and if things
go well, you will get the opportunity to play
professional baseball this summer.
As many of you know, I was drafted by
the Oakland A's in the 12th round in 2000,
and by the Chicago Cubs the next year in
the 18th round.
The one thing that impressed me most upon
arriving at the Chicago Cubs' spring training
facility in Mesa, Ariz., after I signed
was how hard everyone worked.
Sure, SOME OF US busted our tails in high school
and college ball. That's how we got to pro
ball, right? That's how you develop a 90+ mph
fastball or a strong, flexible lower body.
But in pro ball, EVERYONE works their tail off
year round to give themselves the very best
opportunities to succeed.
Even if you think you're working hard, trust me
someone's working harder that you. And
come this June (or next June, or any June after
that), you're going to have to compete against
that guy for a Major League Draft slot. Or for
a spot on the pitching staff of a minor league
team. Or, if you're in high school, for a college
scholarship or a spot in a college pitching
rotation.
And all those days you miss now at working
hard and getting better mechanically, or getting
stronger physically, or getting mentally tougher
will catch up with you.
There are no shortcuts in baseball. If you want to
open up opportunities for yourself, you have to
MAKE the opportunities happen by working
harder and SMARTER than the next guy.
I hope your season is going well and that
the work you put in during the off-season
is paying dividends for you on the mound.
For some of you, the Major League Draft is
right around the corner (June), and if things
go well, you will get the opportunity to play
professional baseball this summer.
As many of you know, I was drafted by
the Oakland A's in the 12th round in 2000,
and by the Chicago Cubs the next year in
the 18th round.
The one thing that impressed me most upon
arriving at the Chicago Cubs' spring training
facility in Mesa, Ariz., after I signed
was how hard everyone worked.
Sure, SOME OF US busted our tails in high school
and college ball. That's how we got to pro
ball, right? That's how you develop a 90+ mph
fastball or a strong, flexible lower body.
But in pro ball, EVERYONE works their tail off
year round to give themselves the very best
opportunities to succeed.
Even if you think you're working hard, trust me
someone's working harder that you. And
come this June (or next June, or any June after
that), you're going to have to compete against
that guy for a Major League Draft slot. Or for
a spot on the pitching staff of a minor league
team. Or, if you're in high school, for a college
scholarship or a spot in a college pitching
rotation.
And all those days you miss now at working
hard and getting better mechanically, or getting
stronger physically, or getting mentally tougher
will catch up with you.
There are no shortcuts in baseball. If you want to
open up opportunities for yourself, you have to
MAKE the opportunities happen by working
harder and SMARTER than the next guy.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Baseball And Life
To anyone with kids of any age, or anyone who has ever been
a kid, here's some advice Bill Gates dished out at a high school speech about 11 things they did not learn in school. He talks about how "feel- good" politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.
What does this have to do with baseball? This great sport requires a work ethic and teaches life skills. There is an inner toughness that baseball teaches in a similar fashion. Anyway, baseball is hard, get used to it.
Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it.
Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year right
out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car
phone, until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your
grandparents had a different word for burger flipping - they
called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't
whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring
as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills,
cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parents' generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and
losers but life has not. In some schools they have abolished
failing grades and they'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. (Real life is divided
into innings. Sorry, couldn't help it.) You don't get summers
off and very few employers are interested in helping you find
yourself. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
You may want to printthis out and put it on our refrigerator for your son to see everyday.
a kid, here's some advice Bill Gates dished out at a high school speech about 11 things they did not learn in school. He talks about how "feel- good" politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.
What does this have to do with baseball? This great sport requires a work ethic and teaches life skills. There is an inner toughness that baseball teaches in a similar fashion. Anyway, baseball is hard, get used to it.
Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it.
Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.
Rule 3: You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year right
out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car
phone, until you earn both.
Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure.
Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your
grandparents had a different word for burger flipping - they
called it opportunity.
Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't
whine about your mistakes, learn from them.
Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring
as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills,
cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parents' generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.
Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and
losers but life has not. In some schools they have abolished
failing grades and they'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.
Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. (Real life is divided
into innings. Sorry, couldn't help it.) You don't get summers
off and very few employers are interested in helping you find
yourself. Do that on your own time.
Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
You may want to printthis out and put it on our refrigerator for your son to see everyday.
Big League Rotational Hitting Mechanics
Click Here!
The ParkerTraining System Manual is a step-by-step instructional break down of how to teach great rotational hitting mechanics. A complete training process jammed pack with illustrations and specific training instructions every step of the way. Easy to understand, easy to implement and proven over and over again. Ideal for every player, at every level.
The ParkerTraining System uses a simplistic scaffolding approach that is specifically designed to mimic the exact movements of the best hitters to ever play the game. Targeted drills are designed to teach players through a process of conceptualized training where players learn by simulation and learn by feel. Put players in the exact same positions and teach them the mechanics that are being utilized by the best players in the game.
The ParkerTraining System Manual is a step-by-step instructional break down of how to teach great rotational hitting mechanics. A complete training process jammed pack with illustrations and specific training instructions every step of the way. Easy to understand, easy to implement and proven over and over again. Ideal for every player, at every level.
The ParkerTraining System uses a simplistic scaffolding approach that is specifically designed to mimic the exact movements of the best hitters to ever play the game. Targeted drills are designed to teach players through a process of conceptualized training where players learn by simulation and learn by feel. Put players in the exact same positions and teach them the mechanics that are being utilized by the best players in the game.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Lost Secrets Of Pitching
How Luck Was On My Side When I Discovered This Gem Of Baseball Pitching Wisdom Written By Legendary Hall Of Fame Pitcher Christy Mathewson ... And Why I've Made It Available Once Again
Thursday Apr. 23, 2009
From: Former Chicago Cubs pitching pro Steven Ellis
Click Here!
Thursday Apr. 23, 2009
From: Former Chicago Cubs pitching pro Steven Ellis
Click Here!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Lost Secrets Of Power Hitting
“How Did Mickey Mantle And Babe Ruth - With No Steroids, No Strength Coaches, And No Formal Swing Training - Blast Homeruns Farther Than Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa?”
Their little-known swing technique is about to be revealed.
And if you can keep a secret, you can use it to.
Dear Future Long Ball Hitter,
If you want to uncover the hidden secrets that allow even short, little scrawny guys to uncork towering home runs, you’ve come to the right place.
Right here on this web page, you’ll discover how two old time players, Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth, used a few simple, easy-to-learn techniques to actually blast the ball farther than today’s monster hitters.
Click Here!
Their little-known swing technique is about to be revealed.
And if you can keep a secret, you can use it to.
Dear Future Long Ball Hitter,
If you want to uncover the hidden secrets that allow even short, little scrawny guys to uncork towering home runs, you’ve come to the right place.
Right here on this web page, you’ll discover how two old time players, Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth, used a few simple, easy-to-learn techniques to actually blast the ball farther than today’s monster hitters.
Click Here!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Home Run Power
Need More "POP" In Your Bat?
HOME RUN POWER in 29 Days
or Your Money Back!
You Will Add at Least 40 feet of Hitting Distance,
Even More, Using Our Proven Training Methods
or I Will Refund Your Money in Full
"I started using the in-season power and strength training this past summer and within a few weeks, I hit my first homerun, 330 feet. My best was about 300 feet before I started your program."
Ben Montreuil, Victor, NY
Click Here!
HOME RUN POWER in 29 Days
or Your Money Back!
You Will Add at Least 40 feet of Hitting Distance,
Even More, Using Our Proven Training Methods
or I Will Refund Your Money in Full
"I started using the in-season power and strength training this past summer and within a few weeks, I hit my first homerun, 330 feet. My best was about 300 feet before I started your program."
Ben Montreuil, Victor, NY
Click Here!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
BASEBALL INSTRUCTION
BASEBALL INSTRUCTION
From QCBASEBALL.COM
As a player you want to do everything you can do to help your team win. Being fundamentally sound in the field and at the plate are keys not only to your success but also your ability to help your team win. Some hints to get the most out of this section: Do not take everything you read as gospel. There are certain baseball fundamentals that most players try to do exactly the same. There are other skills that vary depending on the player. Don't be afraid to try things out; if it works for you, use it. If it doesn't work for you, discard it and try something else. practice, practice, practice. There is no substitute for playing. Nobody available to hit you ground balls? Find a wall and practice fielding off the wall. Nobody to throw you batting practice? A hitting tee and a rolled up pair of socks can help you work on every part of your swing and can be done anywhere. Put on your headphones and enjoy working on your swing. If available, try and have someone videotape you during a game or at batting practice. Videotape doesn't lie. You may feel like you are performing a skill a particular way. A videotape of you will either confirm what you thought or show you something you didn't realize. Become a student of the game. There is always more to learn. Have fun. Baseball is a game. There is no reason you can't improve while having fun.
From QCBASEBALL.COM
As a player you want to do everything you can do to help your team win. Being fundamentally sound in the field and at the plate are keys not only to your success but also your ability to help your team win. Some hints to get the most out of this section: Do not take everything you read as gospel. There are certain baseball fundamentals that most players try to do exactly the same. There are other skills that vary depending on the player. Don't be afraid to try things out; if it works for you, use it. If it doesn't work for you, discard it and try something else. practice, practice, practice. There is no substitute for playing. Nobody available to hit you ground balls? Find a wall and practice fielding off the wall. Nobody to throw you batting practice? A hitting tee and a rolled up pair of socks can help you work on every part of your swing and can be done anywhere. Put on your headphones and enjoy working on your swing. If available, try and have someone videotape you during a game or at batting practice. Videotape doesn't lie. You may feel like you are performing a skill a particular way. A videotape of you will either confirm what you thought or show you something you didn't realize. Become a student of the game. There is always more to learn. Have fun. Baseball is a game. There is no reason you can't improve while having fun.
Hitting the Outside Pitch
Hitting the Outside Pitch
By Jim Morris, Head Baseball Coach University of Miami
The most important hitting zone to learn to hit is the outside zone. 75 out of every 100 pitches, or 75% of the pitches that a hitter sees are on the outside part of the plate or off the plate away. Most breaking balls and change ups are away from the hitter. Every hitter should concentrate on the outside pitch!
The contact point for the hitter on an outside pitch is much closer to the catcher, or deeper over the plate, than other pitches. Contact for the low-and-away pitch is opposite the the back knee. The middle-away pitch is contacted opposite the mid-line of the hitter's body. The up-and-away zone is met even with the front shoulder. The lower the pitch, the deeper you let the ball get in the zone. The more the pitch is away, the deeper you must let it get. If the hitter makes contact too far out in front, the angle of the bat causes the outside pitch to be pulled. Unless the hitter is extremely strong physically, he will end up pulling many weak ground balls or soft fly balls to the left side.
Hitting the outside pitch out front means the hitter has expended most of his power by the time he makes contact with the ball. Hitting the ball deeper in the zone enables the hitter to drive the ball with authority to the opposite field. The bat is angled toward the opposite field when contact is made at the proper point. The hands lead the barrel or are in front of the barrel at contact.
Most hitters stride at about the point of the pitcher's release. The hitter must get the stride foot down early because he doesn't know what type of pitch it will be nor does he know the speed. When the hitter strides, the weight is transferred to the back foot. To compensate for off-speed pitches (curve balls and change ups) there is a pause between the stride and the swing. The hitter must pause longer for pitches that are outside or low, because those pitches must be hit deeper in the zone.
In order to keep from pulling off the outside pitch, the hitter must stay closed with his front side. If the front hip, shoulder and then the head pulls off the ball, chances of hitting the ball solidly are remote. The hitter either pulls of the outside pitch, hits it off the end of the bat or swings and misses.
The back hip is extremely important when hitting the outside pitch. The front hip stays closed. Then, the hitter really pops the back hip into the outside pitch. Driving the back hip into the ball provides the power to drive the ball hard to the opposite field.
Every swing starts inside out. That is the hands stay inside the baseball at contact. This means the arms do not extend too early. Getting outside or around the ball makes a hitter pull the outside pitch. Staying inside the ball allows the hitter to drive the ball to the opposite field. At the point of contact on the outside pitch, the arms are extended.
Every hitter should look for the outside pitch first. If you start looking for the inside pitch initially, you open up to early with front side. By look away first, you stay closed with the front hip, shoulder and the head/eyes stay on the ball. Then, if the ball does stay inside, the hitter can adjust to the pitch and turn on it. Look outside-in, but swing inside-out.
By Jim Morris, Head Baseball Coach University of Miami
The most important hitting zone to learn to hit is the outside zone. 75 out of every 100 pitches, or 75% of the pitches that a hitter sees are on the outside part of the plate or off the plate away. Most breaking balls and change ups are away from the hitter. Every hitter should concentrate on the outside pitch!
The contact point for the hitter on an outside pitch is much closer to the catcher, or deeper over the plate, than other pitches. Contact for the low-and-away pitch is opposite the the back knee. The middle-away pitch is contacted opposite the mid-line of the hitter's body. The up-and-away zone is met even with the front shoulder. The lower the pitch, the deeper you let the ball get in the zone. The more the pitch is away, the deeper you must let it get. If the hitter makes contact too far out in front, the angle of the bat causes the outside pitch to be pulled. Unless the hitter is extremely strong physically, he will end up pulling many weak ground balls or soft fly balls to the left side.
Hitting the outside pitch out front means the hitter has expended most of his power by the time he makes contact with the ball. Hitting the ball deeper in the zone enables the hitter to drive the ball with authority to the opposite field. The bat is angled toward the opposite field when contact is made at the proper point. The hands lead the barrel or are in front of the barrel at contact.
Most hitters stride at about the point of the pitcher's release. The hitter must get the stride foot down early because he doesn't know what type of pitch it will be nor does he know the speed. When the hitter strides, the weight is transferred to the back foot. To compensate for off-speed pitches (curve balls and change ups) there is a pause between the stride and the swing. The hitter must pause longer for pitches that are outside or low, because those pitches must be hit deeper in the zone.
In order to keep from pulling off the outside pitch, the hitter must stay closed with his front side. If the front hip, shoulder and then the head pulls off the ball, chances of hitting the ball solidly are remote. The hitter either pulls of the outside pitch, hits it off the end of the bat or swings and misses.
The back hip is extremely important when hitting the outside pitch. The front hip stays closed. Then, the hitter really pops the back hip into the outside pitch. Driving the back hip into the ball provides the power to drive the ball hard to the opposite field.
Every swing starts inside out. That is the hands stay inside the baseball at contact. This means the arms do not extend too early. Getting outside or around the ball makes a hitter pull the outside pitch. Staying inside the ball allows the hitter to drive the ball to the opposite field. At the point of contact on the outside pitch, the arms are extended.
Every hitter should look for the outside pitch first. If you start looking for the inside pitch initially, you open up to early with front side. By look away first, you stay closed with the front hip, shoulder and the head/eyes stay on the ball. Then, if the ball does stay inside, the hitter can adjust to the pitch and turn on it. Look outside-in, but swing inside-out.
Hitting Absolutes
HITTING ABSOLUTES
Quotes from Rich Maloney, Head Coach University of Michigan
Hitting a baseball is a difficult and complicated skill to master. Trying to hit a round object that's moving at an accelerated speed with the potential for movement either in or out, and down, and trying to hit it with a cylindrical shaped object - a bat, hitting a baseball is possibly the most difficult feat to accomplish in all of sports!
Coaches teaching hitting mechanics try cover everything from the proper placement of the bat in the hands and alignment of the knuckles to the proper stance, the load process, keeping the head on the ball, follow through, etc. All are important but there are 6 main ingredients or ABSOLUTES that make for a successful swing and are used by every good Major League hitter.
The Absolutes of Hitting used by all of the best hitters in professional baseball include the following:
1. The front knee must coil, at least slightly, in order to start your loading process. Think of it as taking the front knee toward the back knee, in short it's "knee to knee". This is where torque is developed.
2. As you coil your front knee, the hands must start back and the wrists must be cocked in order to generate power. The bat head should move just slightly behind the hitter's helmet. Do not wrap the bat around your head though.
3. You step away from your hands when you stride. Some coaches talk about walking away from your hands, but you actually step away while your body stays back. This action of staying behind the stride foot is one of the main elements in generating power in your swing. If you move your body toward or even worse, move out over the front foot, you have no power to hit!
4. Then, the stride foot must land before you start your swing. If you’re late getting the stride foot down, you lose momentum and of course you consequently lose power in your swing. And, of course, you must keep your eyes on the flight of the ball all the way to the bat.
5. You must pivot on the back foot and the shoe laces should face back toward the pitcher upon contact with the ball. Do not roll the pivot foot over or you'll be off balance.
6. Finish high. Your swing should finish above the front shoulder. That is where all professional power hitters finish.
Watch yourself in a mirror or have your swing video taped so you can see what your swing looks like. Use a Tee and over emphasize your front knee coil during practice swings. Also use the "walk through" Tee Drill and again exaggerate the knee coil during your swing. This will help train you utilize good hitting mechanics come game time!
Quotes from Rich Maloney, Head Coach University of Michigan
Hitting a baseball is a difficult and complicated skill to master. Trying to hit a round object that's moving at an accelerated speed with the potential for movement either in or out, and down, and trying to hit it with a cylindrical shaped object - a bat, hitting a baseball is possibly the most difficult feat to accomplish in all of sports!
Coaches teaching hitting mechanics try cover everything from the proper placement of the bat in the hands and alignment of the knuckles to the proper stance, the load process, keeping the head on the ball, follow through, etc. All are important but there are 6 main ingredients or ABSOLUTES that make for a successful swing and are used by every good Major League hitter.
The Absolutes of Hitting used by all of the best hitters in professional baseball include the following:
1. The front knee must coil, at least slightly, in order to start your loading process. Think of it as taking the front knee toward the back knee, in short it's "knee to knee". This is where torque is developed.
2. As you coil your front knee, the hands must start back and the wrists must be cocked in order to generate power. The bat head should move just slightly behind the hitter's helmet. Do not wrap the bat around your head though.
3. You step away from your hands when you stride. Some coaches talk about walking away from your hands, but you actually step away while your body stays back. This action of staying behind the stride foot is one of the main elements in generating power in your swing. If you move your body toward or even worse, move out over the front foot, you have no power to hit!
4. Then, the stride foot must land before you start your swing. If you’re late getting the stride foot down, you lose momentum and of course you consequently lose power in your swing. And, of course, you must keep your eyes on the flight of the ball all the way to the bat.
5. You must pivot on the back foot and the shoe laces should face back toward the pitcher upon contact with the ball. Do not roll the pivot foot over or you'll be off balance.
6. Finish high. Your swing should finish above the front shoulder. That is where all professional power hitters finish.
Watch yourself in a mirror or have your swing video taped so you can see what your swing looks like. Use a Tee and over emphasize your front knee coil during practice swings. Also use the "walk through" Tee Drill and again exaggerate the knee coil during your swing. This will help train you utilize good hitting mechanics come game time!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Pitching Velocity
Pitching Velocity- Three kinds of velocity?
Did you know there are three types of pitching velocity? They are real, perceived and effective velocity. I am going to spend more time talking about perceived and effective pitching velocity more than I will real velocity because there is simply more to them. Real pitching velocity is what shows up on the radar gun; easy enough. That’s all there is to it.
Perceived pitching velocity is truly how the hitter sees the pitch. You see, as a pitcher, we really have an advantage over any hitter, regardless of who they are. Not only is hitting a baseball one of the hardest things to do in any sport; as a pitcher you have many ways to effect the hitters inability to hit the ball. Some of these are to ensure your stride is at least as long as you are tall; you have a great delayed shoulder rotation etc. Why would that help? The closer you are to home plate at release of the baseball the better. It has been said that every foot closer you are to home plate at release; the perceived pitching velocity is 3 miles an hour faster to the hitter. Perceived, meaning, the ball appears to be traveling faster to the batter because the ball is released closer to home plate; less reaction time for hitter to react to the pitch. Would you rather have Randy Johnson throw 50 feet away from you or 45?
Effective pitching velocity deals with what pitches you are going to throw, what location you will throw those pitches and in what sequence. It is very deceiving to a hitter’s eye when your arm speed and angle are the same whether you throw a fastball or a changeup. Many times hitters predict a certain pitch like a fastball and you throw a curve; or vice versa. Those scenarios explain what effective pitching velocity is.
Article from the "Pitching Academy"
Did you know there are three types of pitching velocity? They are real, perceived and effective velocity. I am going to spend more time talking about perceived and effective pitching velocity more than I will real velocity because there is simply more to them. Real pitching velocity is what shows up on the radar gun; easy enough. That’s all there is to it.
Perceived pitching velocity is truly how the hitter sees the pitch. You see, as a pitcher, we really have an advantage over any hitter, regardless of who they are. Not only is hitting a baseball one of the hardest things to do in any sport; as a pitcher you have many ways to effect the hitters inability to hit the ball. Some of these are to ensure your stride is at least as long as you are tall; you have a great delayed shoulder rotation etc. Why would that help? The closer you are to home plate at release of the baseball the better. It has been said that every foot closer you are to home plate at release; the perceived pitching velocity is 3 miles an hour faster to the hitter. Perceived, meaning, the ball appears to be traveling faster to the batter because the ball is released closer to home plate; less reaction time for hitter to react to the pitch. Would you rather have Randy Johnson throw 50 feet away from you or 45?
Effective pitching velocity deals with what pitches you are going to throw, what location you will throw those pitches and in what sequence. It is very deceiving to a hitter’s eye when your arm speed and angle are the same whether you throw a fastball or a changeup. Many times hitters predict a certain pitch like a fastball and you throw a curve; or vice versa. Those scenarios explain what effective pitching velocity is.
Article from the "Pitching Academy"
Friday, March 27, 2009
Why Arms Are Regressing In US Baseball Players
By Alan Jaeger
In nature, some trees are short, while others, like the Great Redwoods, can grow above 350 feet. Nature knows best. That's why if you sit in one place, like on a plane, for a long enough period of time you will feel an urge to stretch, or get up and go for a walk. This urge is called your life force. It is nature's way of telling you, instinctively, that your body needs to move some energy around because it's atrophying. You see, if muscles are inactive for a long enough period of time, or aren't used close to their desired capacities, the life is taken out of them. When muscles are given proper blood flow, oxygen, and range of motion -- in short, when they are nurtured -- they are free to work at their optimum capacity. For baseball players in general, and pitchers specifically, when this freedom from the muscles of their throwing arm are taken away, they too begin to atrophy. For a pitcher, who's career is dependent on his arm, atrophy is a dangerous kind of word. In many cases, it's a career ending kind of word. It's the kind of word that turns an arm with life into a lifeless arm; a free and easy arm into a maximum effort arm. It's the kind of word that takes the magic out of a 95 mph arm. More than anything, it's the kind of word that reflects the state of arms in our country. Unfortunately, in this day and age, here in the United States we aren't taking very good care of our arms. Instead of working with nature and providing a forum for arms to evolve, many of today's throwing programs that are being implemented at the professional level (which has trickled down to the amateur levels) are not only stunting the growth of a baseball players arm, they are putting these arms in harms way. Instead of giving players the freedom to throw according to the individual needs of their arms, they are being forced to throw according to someone else's "arbitrary" set of rules, that places extreme limits and constraints on the arm. Specifically, pitchers are being told in many of these throwing programs not to exceed 120 feet (as you will see later, 120 feet equates to only 40% of the average distance -- 300 feet -- a 90 mph pitch will travel at a 30 degree angle). These "rules" not only teach arms how to "train" at less than half of their capacity, but they are uniformly applied to all pitchers as if all arms are built the same. But not all arms are built the same, just as some players hit for more power or have more running speed. That's why in nature, some trees will only grow to be 10 feet tall while others, such as the Great Redwoods, can grow to be 350 feet or more. The point is, it's in the hands of nature and as long as each tree is given the freedom in the great outdoors, without someone arbitrarily putting a ceiling on it, it will grow according to it's own uniqueness. But, could you imagine what would happen if we put a baby redwood (whose capacity to grow has been measured as high as 367 feet) into a greenhouse with a 10 foot ceiling, reinforced with steel? Needless to say, it's capacity to grow would be significantly inhibited (this is what happens in Japan to Geisha girls, who's feet are put in unusually small shoes so their feet won't grow). Which begs the question, if all arms are unique, and some have the growth potential of a Giant Redwood, why would we take this potential away by putting artificial limits, e.g. 120 feet, on an arm that causes it to stunt, rather than grow? And why would we create a throwing program that places a universal ceiling on players' arms that we know are diverse in nature? As you will see, a throwing program based on such restrictions conflict with the most basic laws of nature. The arm, like anything else in nature thrives on freedom. It doesn't want to be put in a cage. It doesn't want limits. It wants to grow according to it's needs and it's potential. To realize the optimum health, strength and endurance of an arm, these limitations must be lifted. Otherwise, the next generation of baseball players will suffer the consequences imposed on this generation. This article has been written with this in mind. The 120 Foot Throwing Program Over the past 15 years or so, for various reasons, many of today's pitching coaches and trainers at the highest levels (and influential levels) have adopted a 120 foot throwing program that places rigid limits on:1) The distance of throwing (120 feet)2) The time allotted for throwing (10-15 minutes)3) The angle or arc of throwing (keep the ball on a line or linear). This throwing program is used by many of the Major League organizations, which naturally has trickled down to amateur baseball. This program is in direct contrast with nature because the arm, if given a chance, wants to throw. Like any other muscle, it wants to stretch out, expand, and condition. It wants to be used, not coddled. This is what training is all about -- to allow the arm to work toward it's capacity, or even beyond what we "think" it's capacity is. The arm doesn't want artificial restrictions -- it doesn't want to be limited by a "clock", a "measurement" or a "line". This is suffocating and unnatural to the arm. The best way to find out what's in the arm is to remove these constraints, and give the arm a chance to grow -- to create a forum where the arm, on any given day, dictates how much, how far and at what angle it wants to throw. This is Long Toss at it's best -- the freedom to allow your arm to dictate what it wants to do from day to day. Because there aren't any artificial constraints put on the arm, it has the freedom, like a tree in nature, to grow according to it's plan. And based on many years of experience of training baseball players, working with nature best positions us to find out how healthy, how strong and how durable a player's arm can be. The following section will address the various reasons why the 120 foot throwing program was "created". After each "reason" is addressed, I will respond with an explanation or "comment" section as to why I believe the reasoning is not only counter-intuitive, but ultimately, counter-productive to the arms optimum health and potential. Reason #1) Mechanics: Proponents of the 120 foot throwing program suggest that maintaining proper mechanics is the main reason for "not" throwing beyond 120 feet. Simply put, once a player goes beyond 120 feet, the tendency is for the player to start arcing the ball or throwing uphill, which causes the back shoulder to be lower than the front shoulder and the release point to be "late". Throwing the ball "on a line" or in a linear fashion keeps the front shoulder from "lifting", and promotes a consistent release point. This is the major mechanical argument for the 120 foot throwing program because proponents of this theory ultimately think that "arcing the ball" will cause the release point to become inconsistent. Comment: First of all, if coaches want to maintain a "consistent release point", they should have their pitchers do all of their throwing off a mound for the rest of their careers. Any throwing, not done on a mound at 60 feet 6 inches, will alter the release point anyway. Besides, what's the relevance of getting used to a "consistent" release point on flat ground when pitchers throw on a decline? Secondly, throwing on a line takes the athleticism out of the pitcher. It causes pitchers (who are athletes) to become robotic and less dynamic. Ironically, pitchers actually want some tilt (hence the term "pitchers tilt") when throwing a baseball because it gives them leverage (if you look at a still photo of most pitchers in their balance point, their front shoulder is higher than their back shoulder). In addition, the idea that tilting your shoulders causes your release point to be "late" is also misleading. In fact, tilting your shoulders to arc the ball actually works to your advantage. For example, if you come back into your throwing partner from 300 feet (as opposed to 120 feet), once you arrive back at 60 feet, you actually have to have a lower release point and a better downhill angle in order to "compress" 300 feet into 60 feet (assuming that you are not decelerating your arm). You also have to have amazing balance and a relaxed mind . This is also why some pitching coaches will have pitchers throw "uphill" on the back of a mound -- to create leverage and teach pitchers how to "get over" their front side. As far as the release point being "altered", when you make throws at different increments beyond (and including) 120 feet, you develop more feel and touch from different distances. This is called getting to know your arm. It's nice to know what it feels like to make throws at 60 feet, 120 feet, 180 feet, 240 feet, 300 feet and so on -- and to learn how to make adjustments with your release point at these various distances. When the arm is free to throw at different angles pitchers (players) actually become more in tune with their release point because they are developing a feel for throwing. Remember, baseball players make throws from different places on the field. Wouldn't it be helpful to have practiced throws from these different increments? Wouldn't pitchers thrive on "PFP" and position players thrive on defense had they learned how to gauge different release points for different throws? Wouldn't they actually have a better feel for their release point because they've practiced it? This is why Quarterbacks don't make all of their throws on a line. As important as accuracy is to them, they also need the feeling and touch to throw the football from different release points -- whether it's a short out, or a deep pass down field. Could you imagine what would happen to a quarterback's arm if he was not allowed to throw the football beyond 30 yards, or not allowed to arc the football because he was told that would alter his release point? Finally, for health purposes, by keeping the ball on a line, shoulder muscles actually experience less range of motion. This prevents the arm from experiencing the flexibility that is gained by throwing with arc at different angles. Reason #2) Work Load: Pitchers can get the necessary work load at 120 feet -- e.g. they can get the conditioning they need at 120 feet. Comment: Many of the 120 foot throwing programs not only restrict "how far" a player can go out to, but "how many" throws a player can make each day. Again, in many of these major league throwing programs, the amount of throws are based on time. In Spring Training for example, 10 minutes is often the amount of time allocated for players to throw. I'm not sure who came up with the idea that 10 minutes was a sufficient amount of time to prepare an arm, but again, this is very restricting to an arm that may want to throw for 15, 20 or 30 minutes. Again, how does anyone know (other than each individual pitcher) how long, or how many throws that pitcher wants to make on any given day. Shouldn't we allow the arm to dictate what it wants to throw from day to day? From many years of experience of dealing with both pitchers and position players, it is very clear that when arms are given a chance, the capacity of their workload actually increases by allowing them to throw more, not less. Simply put, if given the freedom, the arm will condition itself to whatever it's capable of producing. That means, 15 minutes of throwing has the chance to turn into 20 minutes of throwing, 20 minutes into 30 minutes, and so on. 120 feet has the chance to turn into 220 feet, and 220 feet into 320 feet. Again, the arm will acclimate itself to conditioning in the same manner a marathon runner will train his or her body (legs) to run 27 miles. But, could you imagine what would happen if a marathon runner was only permitted to run 1 mile per day? Ultimately, a greater work load also leads to greater strength, endurance and intimacy with the arm. When you spend more time throwing, you get to know your arm better. In time, the arm will dictate in and out of season how much it wants or needs to throw. Ironically, the more that these restrictions are lifted, the more the arm will tend to want to throw. This is quite apparent in Japan, where long time player and manager Bobby Valentine has been quoted as saying that most of his starters throw 200 pitch bull-pens in the Spring, 90 pitch bull-pens the day before their start, and have their best fastball in the ninth inning the next day (Note: Daisuke Matsusaka not only threw 103 pitches in his second bull-pen session in Spring Training with the Boston Red Sox, but he is legendary for throwing 300 pitch bull-pen sessions with the Seibu Lions. Prior to his signing with the Red Sox this winter his physical showed a "whistle clean" MRI on his shoulder. Reason #3) Overthrowing/Overuse: This is one of my favorite reasons to comment on because the 120 foot program is predicated on the notion that you only have "so many throws" in the arm. Comment: Well, you may assure yourself that you only have "so many throws in the arm" if you condition the arm at 120 feet for 10 minutes. This is called "under training" -- it's how your arm begins to acclimate itself to a reduced workload. Ironically, by throwing less you are teaching your arm how to maintain this workload, and ultimately, reduce the "amount of throws in the arm". When you make minimal deposits (through under training) and take large withdrawals out, a baseball players arm is vulnerable. When pitchers are exposed to more aggressive throwing in bull-pen and game situations, it becomes dangerous. Quite simply, your work load is not prepared to handle it. However, Long Toss allows the arm to condition in a way in which far more deposits are being put into the arm, than withdrawals taken out. Our philosophy, which we've seen validated over many years, is "the more you use it (correctly), the more it produces". And this is clearly one of the main reasons why Barry Zito has never missed a start in professional baseball -- he has been Long Tossing religiously since his sophomore year in college. Throwing "a lot" is why batting practice pitchers seem to have the healthiest arms on the field -- they throw all the time, year after year. When our pitchers get into shape, it becomes quite clear that their arms respond better to throwing more, not less. This is also evidenced by one of the most respected and successful pitching coach's in our generation, Leo Mazzone, who also believes in pitchers throwing more, rather than less (Note: Nolan Ryan has stated that he averaged 160-180 pitches in 1974, including a 235 pitch game against Luis Tiant, who threw 14 1/3 innings against him that night. Ryan pitched until he was 46...Tiant, until he was 41). The idea that there are only so many throws in the arm stems from a major misconception that we can "get more out of the arm by using it less". The truth is, the arm responds best by being utilized rather than sheltered. Reason #4) Velocity: It's been said by some 120 foot proponents that you can't gain velocity by throwing beyond 120 feet. That Long Toss does not play a role in increasing velocity. Comment: As discussed earlier, if according to the laws of physics a 90mph pitch will travel approximately 300 feet and a 95mph pitch will travel approximately 350 feet it's safe to say that velocity does increase as distance increases. This doesn't mean that if a pitcher is innately unable to throw 95mph, that we can "create" 95mph. What it does mean is that whatever is innately in the arm can be tapped into through Long Toss. For example, if a pitcher throws 80 mph and has never thrown beyond 120 feet, some people may assume that 80mph is all that is in the arm. If, through training however, that same pitcher was "stretched out" to 300 feet, then we know according to the laws of physics that this pitcher gained approximately 10mph. In other words, for a pitcher that throws 75mph (and has been limited to 120 feet), he may eventually throw 90mph just because he was able to stretch his arm out to 300 feet. In short, if we can turn 120 feet into 220 feet, or even 320 feet through training, the arm will reflect that velocity based on distanceâ?¦and physics. The point is that players can dramatically increase their velocity through Long Toss because they can "tap" into resources that are otherwise dormant. Ironically, the opposite is true of a player who routinely Long Tosses. If his arm has been stretched out to 300 feet or more, once he's put on a 120 foot throwing program his arm will begin to display the characteristics associated with that distance -- namely, less range of motion, less endurance, less velocity, and poorer recovery period. To put this in perspective, a good friend of mine, and amazing pitching coach out of Houston Texas, Ron Wolforth, has a 7 year old son Garret, who, through training can now throw the ball 175 feet. What an irony -- we are teaching some of the strongest arms at the highest levels to "train" at 120 feet, and yet a 7 year old has been trained to throw a ball 175 feet. If you are a pitcher and have never thrown beyond 120 feet, wouldn't it be nice to find out what's in your arm? In time, you may be able to work your arm out to 300, 330 or 350 feet. Does that mean that you are guaranteed to throw 90-95mph. Not necessarily, because you still have to take into consideration mechanics, and how your arm "works" off of a mound. But by stretching your arm out, you at least give it a chance to develop the velocity that's in there. The arm is like a treasure chest -- we can't be sure what's in there until we open it up. Maybe there's 75mph, and maybe there's 95mph in it. Wouldn't it be nice to find out? Removing The Constraints: Long Toss Over the past 15 years of working with baseball players, I can tell you that if you take the time and distance constraint restrictions off a player, quite simply, their arm will have a chance to grow and evolve naturally. What's in the arm can reveal itself when we get out of it's way. When we learn how to listen to and trust the arm to be our guide, it will tell us what it wants to do from day to day. Over time, this process allows the arm to maximize it's strength, endurance and recovery period; over time, players tend to be more athletic and intimate with their arms. And yes, even mechanics can be benefited through proper training when Long Tossing. Long Toss, among other things, is simply the art of listening to and following your arm. And through all of my years of training, it's remarkable and refreshing to see what each player is capable of experiencing simply by giving them the freedom to let their arm manifest it's natural abilities. It's taking the arm out of the cage, and letting it work with nature. It's this mentality that allowed a pitcher like Joel Zumaya, who was an 11th round pick out of high school in 2003, to go from 88-92 in high school to 98-103 by the time he was 21. Make no mistake -- I am far more gratified to know that Joel's arm had been conditioned for health, endurance and recovery period reasons first, but the velocity is an added bonus of allowing a players arm to be "opened up" rather than constrained. The arm will find it's home if given a chance. By removing time and distance constraints, only the arm knows what it's capable of doing. Only then will the arm have a chance to realize it's potential. And if there is more health, strength and endurance to be found in the arm, wouldn't you like to find this out? Summary "It's not about who's right -- it's about getting it right" Though, the United States seemed to be the "leaders" in the baseball world for so many years, we suddenly find ourselves wondering why we are taking a back seat to so many other countries when it comes to the development of arms. Simply put, why are there so many arm injuries occurring at alarming rates in the U.S.? Why does it seem that so many professional scouts are "down" on throwing arms in the U.S.? Why does such a small country like the Dominican Republic represent approximately 10% of all players on Major League rosters? Why are 40% of all minor league rosters (as of 2006) comprised of foreign born players? Why are there so many more signings of "well conditioned, hard throwing" pitchers from the Far East (who are clearly not as "big" in stature)? Why do these other countries seem to produce so many players with strong, durable and healthy arms (until they come to the U.S.)? Well, I can assure you, it's not a coincidence. From the research I've done, based on the training "culture" of the Dominican and Japanese players it is clear that players from these countries not only long toss far distances, but their throwing sessions last for a much longer period of time. This form of "training" makes complete sense because their arms are not restricted by time and distance constraints. There's no one telling them how often, how far or how hard to throw. Quite the opposite -- their arms are free to grow because they become an extension of nature. Their arms are given life, rather than having life taken away. And what's in their arm can be found. When you get in natures way by introducing un-natural limits and constraints on your arm, you are asking for problems. For the sake of the next generation of players, I hope the "powers at be" heed the call. It's not about "who's" way is right...it's about getting it right. As much as I believe in Long Toss, and have seen it's effects consistently over the past 15 years on players I've trained, it doesn't mean everyone has to long toss -- if a player feels comfortable throwing 120 feet, for whatever reasons, let him -- but let's not force players into 120 feet either. Let's not put that Giant Redwood into a 10 foot greenhouse, or that Ferrari in the garage. And let's not let "mechanical theories", which I believe are unfounded anyway, to distract our attention away from the overwhelming benefits we get from Long Toss. Namely: Health, Strength, Endurance and Recovery Period. It's time for the proponents of the 120 foot throwing program to ask themselves, why are we training players at 40% of their capacity at the professional levels, and conservatively, 50% at the high school and collegiate levels? Why are we having players throw for the same amount of time and distance, as if all arms are built the same? Ultimately, why are we getting in natures way? The arm is like any other amazing organism. If given a chance, it has plenty of room to grow. The problem is, with the current state of many of the throwing programs here in the U.S., it's becoming an endangered species. And this trend will continue as long as we put time and distance constraints on it. Fortunately, it's only going to be a temporary thing because nature always wins. I just hope that "temporary" doesn't last for another 20 more years. (I would like to thank Jim Vatcher, Ron Wolforth, Brent Strom, Jerry Weinstein and Rob Bruno for playing an instrumental role in writing this article). Return to Main Articles --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Alan Jaeger is the founder of the Jaeger Baseball Academy in Woodland Hills, CA and has worked with several High School and College players, as well as over 150 professional players, including Major Leaguers Barry Zito, Randy Wolf, John Snyder, Mike Lieberthal, Glendon Rusch, and several Collegiate Programs (including 2004 National Champions, Cal State Fullerton). He holds a degree in psychological training from California State University at Northridge and his post-graduate studies include a certificate from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Alan founded Jaeger Sports in response to the growing need to address the two most neglected areas of baseball: The Arm and The Mind. Check out his Armed & Ready Program, currently available exclusively at Baseball Tips.com. For more information please call 310-665-0746 or visit us at www.jaegersports.com.
In nature, some trees are short, while others, like the Great Redwoods, can grow above 350 feet. Nature knows best. That's why if you sit in one place, like on a plane, for a long enough period of time you will feel an urge to stretch, or get up and go for a walk. This urge is called your life force. It is nature's way of telling you, instinctively, that your body needs to move some energy around because it's atrophying. You see, if muscles are inactive for a long enough period of time, or aren't used close to their desired capacities, the life is taken out of them. When muscles are given proper blood flow, oxygen, and range of motion -- in short, when they are nurtured -- they are free to work at their optimum capacity. For baseball players in general, and pitchers specifically, when this freedom from the muscles of their throwing arm are taken away, they too begin to atrophy. For a pitcher, who's career is dependent on his arm, atrophy is a dangerous kind of word. In many cases, it's a career ending kind of word. It's the kind of word that turns an arm with life into a lifeless arm; a free and easy arm into a maximum effort arm. It's the kind of word that takes the magic out of a 95 mph arm. More than anything, it's the kind of word that reflects the state of arms in our country. Unfortunately, in this day and age, here in the United States we aren't taking very good care of our arms. Instead of working with nature and providing a forum for arms to evolve, many of today's throwing programs that are being implemented at the professional level (which has trickled down to the amateur levels) are not only stunting the growth of a baseball players arm, they are putting these arms in harms way. Instead of giving players the freedom to throw according to the individual needs of their arms, they are being forced to throw according to someone else's "arbitrary" set of rules, that places extreme limits and constraints on the arm. Specifically, pitchers are being told in many of these throwing programs not to exceed 120 feet (as you will see later, 120 feet equates to only 40% of the average distance -- 300 feet -- a 90 mph pitch will travel at a 30 degree angle). These "rules" not only teach arms how to "train" at less than half of their capacity, but they are uniformly applied to all pitchers as if all arms are built the same. But not all arms are built the same, just as some players hit for more power or have more running speed. That's why in nature, some trees will only grow to be 10 feet tall while others, such as the Great Redwoods, can grow to be 350 feet or more. The point is, it's in the hands of nature and as long as each tree is given the freedom in the great outdoors, without someone arbitrarily putting a ceiling on it, it will grow according to it's own uniqueness. But, could you imagine what would happen if we put a baby redwood (whose capacity to grow has been measured as high as 367 feet) into a greenhouse with a 10 foot ceiling, reinforced with steel? Needless to say, it's capacity to grow would be significantly inhibited (this is what happens in Japan to Geisha girls, who's feet are put in unusually small shoes so their feet won't grow). Which begs the question, if all arms are unique, and some have the growth potential of a Giant Redwood, why would we take this potential away by putting artificial limits, e.g. 120 feet, on an arm that causes it to stunt, rather than grow? And why would we create a throwing program that places a universal ceiling on players' arms that we know are diverse in nature? As you will see, a throwing program based on such restrictions conflict with the most basic laws of nature. The arm, like anything else in nature thrives on freedom. It doesn't want to be put in a cage. It doesn't want limits. It wants to grow according to it's needs and it's potential. To realize the optimum health, strength and endurance of an arm, these limitations must be lifted. Otherwise, the next generation of baseball players will suffer the consequences imposed on this generation. This article has been written with this in mind. The 120 Foot Throwing Program Over the past 15 years or so, for various reasons, many of today's pitching coaches and trainers at the highest levels (and influential levels) have adopted a 120 foot throwing program that places rigid limits on:1) The distance of throwing (120 feet)2) The time allotted for throwing (10-15 minutes)3) The angle or arc of throwing (keep the ball on a line or linear). This throwing program is used by many of the Major League organizations, which naturally has trickled down to amateur baseball. This program is in direct contrast with nature because the arm, if given a chance, wants to throw. Like any other muscle, it wants to stretch out, expand, and condition. It wants to be used, not coddled. This is what training is all about -- to allow the arm to work toward it's capacity, or even beyond what we "think" it's capacity is. The arm doesn't want artificial restrictions -- it doesn't want to be limited by a "clock", a "measurement" or a "line". This is suffocating and unnatural to the arm. The best way to find out what's in the arm is to remove these constraints, and give the arm a chance to grow -- to create a forum where the arm, on any given day, dictates how much, how far and at what angle it wants to throw. This is Long Toss at it's best -- the freedom to allow your arm to dictate what it wants to do from day to day. Because there aren't any artificial constraints put on the arm, it has the freedom, like a tree in nature, to grow according to it's plan. And based on many years of experience of training baseball players, working with nature best positions us to find out how healthy, how strong and how durable a player's arm can be. The following section will address the various reasons why the 120 foot throwing program was "created". After each "reason" is addressed, I will respond with an explanation or "comment" section as to why I believe the reasoning is not only counter-intuitive, but ultimately, counter-productive to the arms optimum health and potential. Reason #1) Mechanics: Proponents of the 120 foot throwing program suggest that maintaining proper mechanics is the main reason for "not" throwing beyond 120 feet. Simply put, once a player goes beyond 120 feet, the tendency is for the player to start arcing the ball or throwing uphill, which causes the back shoulder to be lower than the front shoulder and the release point to be "late". Throwing the ball "on a line" or in a linear fashion keeps the front shoulder from "lifting", and promotes a consistent release point. This is the major mechanical argument for the 120 foot throwing program because proponents of this theory ultimately think that "arcing the ball" will cause the release point to become inconsistent. Comment: First of all, if coaches want to maintain a "consistent release point", they should have their pitchers do all of their throwing off a mound for the rest of their careers. Any throwing, not done on a mound at 60 feet 6 inches, will alter the release point anyway. Besides, what's the relevance of getting used to a "consistent" release point on flat ground when pitchers throw on a decline? Secondly, throwing on a line takes the athleticism out of the pitcher. It causes pitchers (who are athletes) to become robotic and less dynamic. Ironically, pitchers actually want some tilt (hence the term "pitchers tilt") when throwing a baseball because it gives them leverage (if you look at a still photo of most pitchers in their balance point, their front shoulder is higher than their back shoulder). In addition, the idea that tilting your shoulders causes your release point to be "late" is also misleading. In fact, tilting your shoulders to arc the ball actually works to your advantage. For example, if you come back into your throwing partner from 300 feet (as opposed to 120 feet), once you arrive back at 60 feet, you actually have to have a lower release point and a better downhill angle in order to "compress" 300 feet into 60 feet (assuming that you are not decelerating your arm). You also have to have amazing balance and a relaxed mind . This is also why some pitching coaches will have pitchers throw "uphill" on the back of a mound -- to create leverage and teach pitchers how to "get over" their front side. As far as the release point being "altered", when you make throws at different increments beyond (and including) 120 feet, you develop more feel and touch from different distances. This is called getting to know your arm. It's nice to know what it feels like to make throws at 60 feet, 120 feet, 180 feet, 240 feet, 300 feet and so on -- and to learn how to make adjustments with your release point at these various distances. When the arm is free to throw at different angles pitchers (players) actually become more in tune with their release point because they are developing a feel for throwing. Remember, baseball players make throws from different places on the field. Wouldn't it be helpful to have practiced throws from these different increments? Wouldn't pitchers thrive on "PFP" and position players thrive on defense had they learned how to gauge different release points for different throws? Wouldn't they actually have a better feel for their release point because they've practiced it? This is why Quarterbacks don't make all of their throws on a line. As important as accuracy is to them, they also need the feeling and touch to throw the football from different release points -- whether it's a short out, or a deep pass down field. Could you imagine what would happen to a quarterback's arm if he was not allowed to throw the football beyond 30 yards, or not allowed to arc the football because he was told that would alter his release point? Finally, for health purposes, by keeping the ball on a line, shoulder muscles actually experience less range of motion. This prevents the arm from experiencing the flexibility that is gained by throwing with arc at different angles. Reason #2) Work Load: Pitchers can get the necessary work load at 120 feet -- e.g. they can get the conditioning they need at 120 feet. Comment: Many of the 120 foot throwing programs not only restrict "how far" a player can go out to, but "how many" throws a player can make each day. Again, in many of these major league throwing programs, the amount of throws are based on time. In Spring Training for example, 10 minutes is often the amount of time allocated for players to throw. I'm not sure who came up with the idea that 10 minutes was a sufficient amount of time to prepare an arm, but again, this is very restricting to an arm that may want to throw for 15, 20 or 30 minutes. Again, how does anyone know (other than each individual pitcher) how long, or how many throws that pitcher wants to make on any given day. Shouldn't we allow the arm to dictate what it wants to throw from day to day? From many years of experience of dealing with both pitchers and position players, it is very clear that when arms are given a chance, the capacity of their workload actually increases by allowing them to throw more, not less. Simply put, if given the freedom, the arm will condition itself to whatever it's capable of producing. That means, 15 minutes of throwing has the chance to turn into 20 minutes of throwing, 20 minutes into 30 minutes, and so on. 120 feet has the chance to turn into 220 feet, and 220 feet into 320 feet. Again, the arm will acclimate itself to conditioning in the same manner a marathon runner will train his or her body (legs) to run 27 miles. But, could you imagine what would happen if a marathon runner was only permitted to run 1 mile per day? Ultimately, a greater work load also leads to greater strength, endurance and intimacy with the arm. When you spend more time throwing, you get to know your arm better. In time, the arm will dictate in and out of season how much it wants or needs to throw. Ironically, the more that these restrictions are lifted, the more the arm will tend to want to throw. This is quite apparent in Japan, where long time player and manager Bobby Valentine has been quoted as saying that most of his starters throw 200 pitch bull-pens in the Spring, 90 pitch bull-pens the day before their start, and have their best fastball in the ninth inning the next day (Note: Daisuke Matsusaka not only threw 103 pitches in his second bull-pen session in Spring Training with the Boston Red Sox, but he is legendary for throwing 300 pitch bull-pen sessions with the Seibu Lions. Prior to his signing with the Red Sox this winter his physical showed a "whistle clean" MRI on his shoulder. Reason #3) Overthrowing/Overuse: This is one of my favorite reasons to comment on because the 120 foot program is predicated on the notion that you only have "so many throws" in the arm. Comment: Well, you may assure yourself that you only have "so many throws in the arm" if you condition the arm at 120 feet for 10 minutes. This is called "under training" -- it's how your arm begins to acclimate itself to a reduced workload. Ironically, by throwing less you are teaching your arm how to maintain this workload, and ultimately, reduce the "amount of throws in the arm". When you make minimal deposits (through under training) and take large withdrawals out, a baseball players arm is vulnerable. When pitchers are exposed to more aggressive throwing in bull-pen and game situations, it becomes dangerous. Quite simply, your work load is not prepared to handle it. However, Long Toss allows the arm to condition in a way in which far more deposits are being put into the arm, than withdrawals taken out. Our philosophy, which we've seen validated over many years, is "the more you use it (correctly), the more it produces". And this is clearly one of the main reasons why Barry Zito has never missed a start in professional baseball -- he has been Long Tossing religiously since his sophomore year in college. Throwing "a lot" is why batting practice pitchers seem to have the healthiest arms on the field -- they throw all the time, year after year. When our pitchers get into shape, it becomes quite clear that their arms respond better to throwing more, not less. This is also evidenced by one of the most respected and successful pitching coach's in our generation, Leo Mazzone, who also believes in pitchers throwing more, rather than less (Note: Nolan Ryan has stated that he averaged 160-180 pitches in 1974, including a 235 pitch game against Luis Tiant, who threw 14 1/3 innings against him that night. Ryan pitched until he was 46...Tiant, until he was 41). The idea that there are only so many throws in the arm stems from a major misconception that we can "get more out of the arm by using it less". The truth is, the arm responds best by being utilized rather than sheltered. Reason #4) Velocity: It's been said by some 120 foot proponents that you can't gain velocity by throwing beyond 120 feet. That Long Toss does not play a role in increasing velocity. Comment: As discussed earlier, if according to the laws of physics a 90mph pitch will travel approximately 300 feet and a 95mph pitch will travel approximately 350 feet it's safe to say that velocity does increase as distance increases. This doesn't mean that if a pitcher is innately unable to throw 95mph, that we can "create" 95mph. What it does mean is that whatever is innately in the arm can be tapped into through Long Toss. For example, if a pitcher throws 80 mph and has never thrown beyond 120 feet, some people may assume that 80mph is all that is in the arm. If, through training however, that same pitcher was "stretched out" to 300 feet, then we know according to the laws of physics that this pitcher gained approximately 10mph. In other words, for a pitcher that throws 75mph (and has been limited to 120 feet), he may eventually throw 90mph just because he was able to stretch his arm out to 300 feet. In short, if we can turn 120 feet into 220 feet, or even 320 feet through training, the arm will reflect that velocity based on distanceâ?¦and physics. The point is that players can dramatically increase their velocity through Long Toss because they can "tap" into resources that are otherwise dormant. Ironically, the opposite is true of a player who routinely Long Tosses. If his arm has been stretched out to 300 feet or more, once he's put on a 120 foot throwing program his arm will begin to display the characteristics associated with that distance -- namely, less range of motion, less endurance, less velocity, and poorer recovery period. To put this in perspective, a good friend of mine, and amazing pitching coach out of Houston Texas, Ron Wolforth, has a 7 year old son Garret, who, through training can now throw the ball 175 feet. What an irony -- we are teaching some of the strongest arms at the highest levels to "train" at 120 feet, and yet a 7 year old has been trained to throw a ball 175 feet. If you are a pitcher and have never thrown beyond 120 feet, wouldn't it be nice to find out what's in your arm? In time, you may be able to work your arm out to 300, 330 or 350 feet. Does that mean that you are guaranteed to throw 90-95mph. Not necessarily, because you still have to take into consideration mechanics, and how your arm "works" off of a mound. But by stretching your arm out, you at least give it a chance to develop the velocity that's in there. The arm is like a treasure chest -- we can't be sure what's in there until we open it up. Maybe there's 75mph, and maybe there's 95mph in it. Wouldn't it be nice to find out? Removing The Constraints: Long Toss Over the past 15 years of working with baseball players, I can tell you that if you take the time and distance constraint restrictions off a player, quite simply, their arm will have a chance to grow and evolve naturally. What's in the arm can reveal itself when we get out of it's way. When we learn how to listen to and trust the arm to be our guide, it will tell us what it wants to do from day to day. Over time, this process allows the arm to maximize it's strength, endurance and recovery period; over time, players tend to be more athletic and intimate with their arms. And yes, even mechanics can be benefited through proper training when Long Tossing. Long Toss, among other things, is simply the art of listening to and following your arm. And through all of my years of training, it's remarkable and refreshing to see what each player is capable of experiencing simply by giving them the freedom to let their arm manifest it's natural abilities. It's taking the arm out of the cage, and letting it work with nature. It's this mentality that allowed a pitcher like Joel Zumaya, who was an 11th round pick out of high school in 2003, to go from 88-92 in high school to 98-103 by the time he was 21. Make no mistake -- I am far more gratified to know that Joel's arm had been conditioned for health, endurance and recovery period reasons first, but the velocity is an added bonus of allowing a players arm to be "opened up" rather than constrained. The arm will find it's home if given a chance. By removing time and distance constraints, only the arm knows what it's capable of doing. Only then will the arm have a chance to realize it's potential. And if there is more health, strength and endurance to be found in the arm, wouldn't you like to find this out? Summary "It's not about who's right -- it's about getting it right" Though, the United States seemed to be the "leaders" in the baseball world for so many years, we suddenly find ourselves wondering why we are taking a back seat to so many other countries when it comes to the development of arms. Simply put, why are there so many arm injuries occurring at alarming rates in the U.S.? Why does it seem that so many professional scouts are "down" on throwing arms in the U.S.? Why does such a small country like the Dominican Republic represent approximately 10% of all players on Major League rosters? Why are 40% of all minor league rosters (as of 2006) comprised of foreign born players? Why are there so many more signings of "well conditioned, hard throwing" pitchers from the Far East (who are clearly not as "big" in stature)? Why do these other countries seem to produce so many players with strong, durable and healthy arms (until they come to the U.S.)? Well, I can assure you, it's not a coincidence. From the research I've done, based on the training "culture" of the Dominican and Japanese players it is clear that players from these countries not only long toss far distances, but their throwing sessions last for a much longer period of time. This form of "training" makes complete sense because their arms are not restricted by time and distance constraints. There's no one telling them how often, how far or how hard to throw. Quite the opposite -- their arms are free to grow because they become an extension of nature. Their arms are given life, rather than having life taken away. And what's in their arm can be found. When you get in natures way by introducing un-natural limits and constraints on your arm, you are asking for problems. For the sake of the next generation of players, I hope the "powers at be" heed the call. It's not about "who's" way is right...it's about getting it right. As much as I believe in Long Toss, and have seen it's effects consistently over the past 15 years on players I've trained, it doesn't mean everyone has to long toss -- if a player feels comfortable throwing 120 feet, for whatever reasons, let him -- but let's not force players into 120 feet either. Let's not put that Giant Redwood into a 10 foot greenhouse, or that Ferrari in the garage. And let's not let "mechanical theories", which I believe are unfounded anyway, to distract our attention away from the overwhelming benefits we get from Long Toss. Namely: Health, Strength, Endurance and Recovery Period. It's time for the proponents of the 120 foot throwing program to ask themselves, why are we training players at 40% of their capacity at the professional levels, and conservatively, 50% at the high school and collegiate levels? Why are we having players throw for the same amount of time and distance, as if all arms are built the same? Ultimately, why are we getting in natures way? The arm is like any other amazing organism. If given a chance, it has plenty of room to grow. The problem is, with the current state of many of the throwing programs here in the U.S., it's becoming an endangered species. And this trend will continue as long as we put time and distance constraints on it. Fortunately, it's only going to be a temporary thing because nature always wins. I just hope that "temporary" doesn't last for another 20 more years. (I would like to thank Jim Vatcher, Ron Wolforth, Brent Strom, Jerry Weinstein and Rob Bruno for playing an instrumental role in writing this article). Return to Main Articles --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Alan Jaeger is the founder of the Jaeger Baseball Academy in Woodland Hills, CA and has worked with several High School and College players, as well as over 150 professional players, including Major Leaguers Barry Zito, Randy Wolf, John Snyder, Mike Lieberthal, Glendon Rusch, and several Collegiate Programs (including 2004 National Champions, Cal State Fullerton). He holds a degree in psychological training from California State University at Northridge and his post-graduate studies include a certificate from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Alan founded Jaeger Sports in response to the growing need to address the two most neglected areas of baseball: The Arm and The Mind. Check out his Armed & Ready Program, currently available exclusively at Baseball Tips.com. For more information please call 310-665-0746 or visit us at www.jaegersports.com.
Catching Drills
CATCHING DRILLS:
I. Fielding Bunts:
1.) Place 3 stationary baseballs in front of the plate, one down 3rd base line , one toward pitcher's mound and one down 1st base line. Have catcher in full gear squat behind plate and fire out to field the ball down 3rd base line. He should step over this ball, align his shoulders with 1st base and while using the glove to block and scoop the ball into the throwing hand as he throws to first. He immediately returns to his position and again fires out toward the ball that's toward pitcher's mound using a "bananna route" to the ball again blocking ball with glove and using glove to scoop ball into bare hand to throw keeping body momentum going toward 1st base. Return to C position and fire out to field ball down 1st base line. Using same mechanics, blocking ball and using glove to scoop, as previous but catcher must take a drop step with right foot so he's sure to clear the runner with his throw.
2.) Next step is for coach or a player to stand behind catcher, who is always in full gear during practice drills, taps C on helmet with ball and rolls balls out in front of plate in same sequence as above stationary ball drills. Be sure catcher uses proper mechanics when fielding bunts. The location of the bunt will dictate a different approch to fielding the ball. Never allow catcher to pick ball up in his bare hand without using the glove to block the ball.
3.) Step 3 in fielding bunts would be to roll ball randomly and merely tap catcher on helmet and yell bunt!
II. Throwing to 3rd Base: On attempted steal of 3rd, the catcher should drop step with right foot and throw behind the right-handed batter. A player or catcher, if you have more than one, should stand in the batter's box as the coach tosses the ball to the catcher from in front of home plate. Foot quickness is maybe more important than arm strength when throwing to bases.
III. Catcher Picking At 1st Base: Have your catcher practice throwing to 1st base on missed bunt attempts. Have a base runner with helmet lead off 1st and have hitter miss the bunt attempt as catcher immediately throws to 1st base for pick.
IV. Throwing to 2nd Base: When catcher throws to 2B he can either use a jump step (pro style) or he can take very short jab step with his right foot as he pivots and aligns his shoulders toward second base. Prepare a chart and time your catchers every practice session so they can tell when they are making progress in reducing their throwing or "POP" times. A good high school catcher should be around 2.2. Pro catchers are 1.8 - 1.9. High School Pitchers must work to get their release time from the stretch postion to around 1.4 - 1.5. If your catcher is a 2.3 and pitcher is 1.7, the base runner with a lead only has to run a 4.0 to steel on your pitcher/catcher.
I. Fielding Bunts:
1.) Place 3 stationary baseballs in front of the plate, one down 3rd base line , one toward pitcher's mound and one down 1st base line. Have catcher in full gear squat behind plate and fire out to field the ball down 3rd base line. He should step over this ball, align his shoulders with 1st base and while using the glove to block and scoop the ball into the throwing hand as he throws to first. He immediately returns to his position and again fires out toward the ball that's toward pitcher's mound using a "bananna route" to the ball again blocking ball with glove and using glove to scoop ball into bare hand to throw keeping body momentum going toward 1st base. Return to C position and fire out to field ball down 1st base line. Using same mechanics, blocking ball and using glove to scoop, as previous but catcher must take a drop step with right foot so he's sure to clear the runner with his throw.
2.) Next step is for coach or a player to stand behind catcher, who is always in full gear during practice drills, taps C on helmet with ball and rolls balls out in front of plate in same sequence as above stationary ball drills. Be sure catcher uses proper mechanics when fielding bunts. The location of the bunt will dictate a different approch to fielding the ball. Never allow catcher to pick ball up in his bare hand without using the glove to block the ball.
3.) Step 3 in fielding bunts would be to roll ball randomly and merely tap catcher on helmet and yell bunt!
II. Throwing to 3rd Base: On attempted steal of 3rd, the catcher should drop step with right foot and throw behind the right-handed batter. A player or catcher, if you have more than one, should stand in the batter's box as the coach tosses the ball to the catcher from in front of home plate. Foot quickness is maybe more important than arm strength when throwing to bases.
III. Catcher Picking At 1st Base: Have your catcher practice throwing to 1st base on missed bunt attempts. Have a base runner with helmet lead off 1st and have hitter miss the bunt attempt as catcher immediately throws to 1st base for pick.
IV. Throwing to 2nd Base: When catcher throws to 2B he can either use a jump step (pro style) or he can take very short jab step with his right foot as he pivots and aligns his shoulders toward second base. Prepare a chart and time your catchers every practice session so they can tell when they are making progress in reducing their throwing or "POP" times. A good high school catcher should be around 2.2. Pro catchers are 1.8 - 1.9. High School Pitchers must work to get their release time from the stretch postion to around 1.4 - 1.5. If your catcher is a 2.3 and pitcher is 1.7, the base runner with a lead only has to run a 4.0 to steel on your pitcher/catcher.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Catchers - Blocking Pitches
Catchers Block All Breaking Pitches -
Catchers, make it a habit to block all breaking pitches in the dirt, even when there are no runners on base and even with less than 2 strikes. Keep in mind that your #1 job is to make your pitcher look good. Blocking pitches is very important and emphasizes your generalship of the game.
Here are some key points:
Make it your goal to block 100% of the balls in the dirt. This will increase your pitcher's confidence.
Your pitcher may want to throw a curve ball in the dirt to try to get a hitter to chase it and he knows you won't let it get past you.
Don’t show pain or disgust when your pitcher throws balls in the dirt.
You must practice blocking pitches often. Each pitcher's breaking pitch is a little different. Practice with every pitcher on your staff. Use your bullpen time for practicing blocking balls.
By blocking these pitches the entire game, you are ready and have confidence that you can do the job in the 9th inning with the game on the line.
Thanks to Rob McDonald for these tips. Rob is the head Coach at Murray State University
Catchers, make it a habit to block all breaking pitches in the dirt, even when there are no runners on base and even with less than 2 strikes. Keep in mind that your #1 job is to make your pitcher look good. Blocking pitches is very important and emphasizes your generalship of the game.
Here are some key points:
Make it your goal to block 100% of the balls in the dirt. This will increase your pitcher's confidence.
Your pitcher may want to throw a curve ball in the dirt to try to get a hitter to chase it and he knows you won't let it get past you.
Don’t show pain or disgust when your pitcher throws balls in the dirt.
You must practice blocking pitches often. Each pitcher's breaking pitch is a little different. Practice with every pitcher on your staff. Use your bullpen time for practicing blocking balls.
By blocking these pitches the entire game, you are ready and have confidence that you can do the job in the 9th inning with the game on the line.
Thanks to Rob McDonald for these tips. Rob is the head Coach at Murray State University
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
PITCHING VELOCITY
Pitching Velocity- Three kinds of velocity?
Did you know there are three types of pitching velocity? They are real, perceived and effective velocity. I am going to spend more time talking about perceived and effective pitching velocity more than I will real velocity because there is simply more to them. Real pitching velocity is what shows up on the radar gun; easy enough. That’s all there is to it.
Perceived pitching velocity is truly how the hitter sees the pitch. You see, as a pitcher, we really have an advantage over any hitter, regardless of who they are. Not only is hitting a baseball one of the hardest things to do in any sport; as a pitcher you have many ways to effect the hitters inability to hit the ball. Some of these are to ensure your stride is at least as long as you are tall; you have a great delayed shoulder rotation etc. Why would that help? The closer you are to home plate at release of the baseball the better. It has been said that every foot closer you are to home plate at release; the perceived pitching velocity is 3 miles an hour faster to the hitter. Perceived, meaning, the ball appears to be traveling faster to the batter because the ball is released closer to home plate; less reaction time for hitter to react to the pitch. Would you rather have Randy Johnson throw 50 feet away from you or 45?
Effective pitching velocity deals with what pitches you are going to throw, what location you will throw those pitches and in what sequence. It is very deceiving to a hitter’s eye when your arm speed and angle are the same whether you throw a fastball or a changeup. Many times hitters predict a certain pitch like a fastball and you throw a curve; or vice versa. Those scenarios explain what effective pitching velocity is.
Article from the "Pitching Academy"
Did you know there are three types of pitching velocity? They are real, perceived and effective velocity. I am going to spend more time talking about perceived and effective pitching velocity more than I will real velocity because there is simply more to them. Real pitching velocity is what shows up on the radar gun; easy enough. That’s all there is to it.
Perceived pitching velocity is truly how the hitter sees the pitch. You see, as a pitcher, we really have an advantage over any hitter, regardless of who they are. Not only is hitting a baseball one of the hardest things to do in any sport; as a pitcher you have many ways to effect the hitters inability to hit the ball. Some of these are to ensure your stride is at least as long as you are tall; you have a great delayed shoulder rotation etc. Why would that help? The closer you are to home plate at release of the baseball the better. It has been said that every foot closer you are to home plate at release; the perceived pitching velocity is 3 miles an hour faster to the hitter. Perceived, meaning, the ball appears to be traveling faster to the batter because the ball is released closer to home plate; less reaction time for hitter to react to the pitch. Would you rather have Randy Johnson throw 50 feet away from you or 45?
Effective pitching velocity deals with what pitches you are going to throw, what location you will throw those pitches and in what sequence. It is very deceiving to a hitter’s eye when your arm speed and angle are the same whether you throw a fastball or a changeup. Many times hitters predict a certain pitch like a fastball and you throw a curve; or vice versa. Those scenarios explain what effective pitching velocity is.
Article from the "Pitching Academy"
Thursday, February 19, 2009
BODY POSTURE
The Complete Pitcher's Newsletter
02-16-2009 Issue
Are you a subscriber? Sign up now for free:
www.thecompletepitcher.com/newsletter.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------
Here's another baseball pitching tip...
The most important thing you can do is maintain
good body posture on the pitcher's mound: stand
tall, shoulders back.
Work fast by jogging to, from, and around the
mound when you're out there. And after you make a
pitch, stay on the dirt, get the ball back from your
catcher, and make another pitch.
Keep your facial expressions stoic (the same, all the
time): If the ump makes a good call, don't show it. You
should already expect it because you believe and trust
your stuff.
If the ump boots a call, don't show it. Don't react. Just
focus on the next pitch.
The same holds true for the defense behind you: If a
teammate makes a good play, cheer him on, but
refocus quickly. If he makes an error, pick him up,
but don't dwell on it. It's out of your control. Get focused
on the next pitch.
Try it for yourself. I'll bet the confidence you exude may
get some hitters thinking: "Geez, this pitcher's got
something figured out."
Whether you do or don't, it'll get hitters thinking....
Be confident out there, and show it.
Work on it!
Want to throw harder by spring?
Visit www.pitchingworkouts.com
Steven Ellis
P.S. Enjoy this newsletter? Tell your teammates.
02-16-2009 Issue
Are you a subscriber? Sign up now for free:
www.thecompletepitcher.com/newsletter.htm
-----------------------------------------------------------
Here's another baseball pitching tip...
The most important thing you can do is maintain
good body posture on the pitcher's mound: stand
tall, shoulders back.
Work fast by jogging to, from, and around the
mound when you're out there. And after you make a
pitch, stay on the dirt, get the ball back from your
catcher, and make another pitch.
Keep your facial expressions stoic (the same, all the
time): If the ump makes a good call, don't show it. You
should already expect it because you believe and trust
your stuff.
If the ump boots a call, don't show it. Don't react. Just
focus on the next pitch.
The same holds true for the defense behind you: If a
teammate makes a good play, cheer him on, but
refocus quickly. If he makes an error, pick him up,
but don't dwell on it. It's out of your control. Get focused
on the next pitch.
Try it for yourself. I'll bet the confidence you exude may
get some hitters thinking: "Geez, this pitcher's got
something figured out."
Whether you do or don't, it'll get hitters thinking....
Be confident out there, and show it.
Work on it!
Want to throw harder by spring?
Visit www.pitchingworkouts.com
Steven Ellis
P.S. Enjoy this newsletter? Tell your teammates.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
MLB Top 25 Salaries 2008
Year / Top 25 players
2008
Rank Player Salary Team
1 Rodriguez, Alex $ 28,000,000 New York Yankees
2 Giambi, Jason $ 23,428,571 New York Yankees
3 Jeter, Derek $ 21,600,000 New York Yankees
4 Ramirez, Manny $ 18,929,923 Boston Red Sox
5 Beltran, Carlos $ 18,622,809 New York Mets
6 Suzuki, Ichiro $ 17,102,149 Seattle Mariners
7 Santana, Johan $ 16,984,216 New York Mets
8 Helton, Todd $ 16,600,000 Colorado Rockies
9 Hunter, Torii $ 16,500,000 Los Angeles Angels
10 Abreu, Bobby $ 16,000,000 New York Yankees
11 Delgado, Carlos $ 16,000,000 New York Mets
12 Pettitte, Andy $ 16,000,000 New York Yankees
13 Zambrano, Carlos $ 16,000,000 Chicago Cubs
14 Hampton, Mike $ 15,975,184 Atlanta Braves
15 Ordonez, Magglio $ 15,768,174 Detroit Tigers
16 Furcal, Rafael $ 15,730,195 Los Angeles Dodgers
17 Thome, Jim $ 15,666,666 Chicago White Sox
18 Guerrero, Vladimir $ 15,500,000 Los Angeles Angels
19 Hudson, Tim $ 15,500,000 Atlanta Braves
20 Sexson, Richie $ 15,500,000 Seattle Mariners
21 Schmidt, Jason $ 15,217,401 Los Angeles Dodgers
22 Johnson, Randy $ 15,100,546 Arizona Diamondbacks
23 Ramirez, Aramis $ 15,000,000 Chicago Cubs
24 Rivera, Mariano $ 15,000,000 New York Yankees
25 Tejada, Miguel $ 14,811,414 Houston Astros
2008
Rank Player Salary Team
1 Rodriguez, Alex $ 28,000,000 New York Yankees
2 Giambi, Jason $ 23,428,571 New York Yankees
3 Jeter, Derek $ 21,600,000 New York Yankees
4 Ramirez, Manny $ 18,929,923 Boston Red Sox
5 Beltran, Carlos $ 18,622,809 New York Mets
6 Suzuki, Ichiro $ 17,102,149 Seattle Mariners
7 Santana, Johan $ 16,984,216 New York Mets
8 Helton, Todd $ 16,600,000 Colorado Rockies
9 Hunter, Torii $ 16,500,000 Los Angeles Angels
10 Abreu, Bobby $ 16,000,000 New York Yankees
11 Delgado, Carlos $ 16,000,000 New York Mets
12 Pettitte, Andy $ 16,000,000 New York Yankees
13 Zambrano, Carlos $ 16,000,000 Chicago Cubs
14 Hampton, Mike $ 15,975,184 Atlanta Braves
15 Ordonez, Magglio $ 15,768,174 Detroit Tigers
16 Furcal, Rafael $ 15,730,195 Los Angeles Dodgers
17 Thome, Jim $ 15,666,666 Chicago White Sox
18 Guerrero, Vladimir $ 15,500,000 Los Angeles Angels
19 Hudson, Tim $ 15,500,000 Atlanta Braves
20 Sexson, Richie $ 15,500,000 Seattle Mariners
21 Schmidt, Jason $ 15,217,401 Los Angeles Dodgers
22 Johnson, Randy $ 15,100,546 Arizona Diamondbacks
23 Ramirez, Aramis $ 15,000,000 Chicago Cubs
24 Rivera, Mariano $ 15,000,000 New York Yankees
25 Tejada, Miguel $ 14,811,414 Houston Astros
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
BASE RUNNING 101
Although foot speed and quickness is a tremendous asset to the baseball player, a baseball player can learn to be a good base runner even if he lacks these skills. Any player that takes the time to practice and learn the following 20 base running
fundamentals can be an asset to his team.
Base Running 101
A. When the Batter/Hitter is running from home to first base:
1. The right handed batter takes his first step out of the box with his right foot.
2. Make the first step as quick and as fast as possible. Should practice this in BP.
3. The left handed batter takes his first step with a cross-over step with his left foot first.
4. The hitter must take a look into the infield after his 4th or 5th step to determine whether or not the ball is going through the infield or whether the infielder is going to make a play on the ball.
5. If the ball stays in the infield, the hitter makes a "Hard 90" (Hard 60, 70 or 80 depending upon the age group) directly to first base using good running form and running straight toward the first base bag in long, rapid strides.
6. The hitter should hit the front edge of the first base bag and toward the middle to avoid contact with the first baseman and to avoid twisting an ankle.
7. The hitter must run through the bag at full speed.
8. The runner/hitter breaks then down after touching the bag in full stride.
9. While breaking down, the runner should look to his right to determine whether or not there was an over-throw.
B. Leading Off First Base:
1. The base runner gets his sign from the third base coach while in contact with the first base bag.
2. The base runner acknowledges the coach's sign by raising his had and indicating the number of outs.
3. The base runner then checks the positioning of the outfielders as well as the SS and second baseman.
4. In a non steal situation with a right handed pitcher on the mound, the runner then takes a 3 - step primary lead with his left foot first and then two slide steps.
5. The runner takes another slide step toward second base when the pitcher comes set.
6. The runner should place his right foot slightly behind his left foot, approximately toe of right foot to instep of left foot while remaining in a balanced, athletic position.
7. The runner "reads" the pitcher's front or stride leg as well as the back heel to determine whether the pitcher is going home or to first base.
8. When it's determined that the pitcher is going to the plate, the runner takes two additional slide steps toward second base.
9. If the ball is hit, the runner crosses over with his left foot from his last shuffle and continues to the next base.
10.If the ball is not hit, the runner must immediately sprint back to the first base bag to avoid a "back pick".
11.When in a steal situation, there is no secondary lead, the runner takes off the instance he determines the pitcher is throwing home.
Practice these techniques and you can become a good baserunner!
fundamentals can be an asset to his team.
Base Running 101
A. When the Batter/Hitter is running from home to first base:
1. The right handed batter takes his first step out of the box with his right foot.
2. Make the first step as quick and as fast as possible. Should practice this in BP.
3. The left handed batter takes his first step with a cross-over step with his left foot first.
4. The hitter must take a look into the infield after his 4th or 5th step to determine whether or not the ball is going through the infield or whether the infielder is going to make a play on the ball.
5. If the ball stays in the infield, the hitter makes a "Hard 90" (Hard 60, 70 or 80 depending upon the age group) directly to first base using good running form and running straight toward the first base bag in long, rapid strides.
6. The hitter should hit the front edge of the first base bag and toward the middle to avoid contact with the first baseman and to avoid twisting an ankle.
7. The hitter must run through the bag at full speed.
8. The runner/hitter breaks then down after touching the bag in full stride.
9. While breaking down, the runner should look to his right to determine whether or not there was an over-throw.
B. Leading Off First Base:
1. The base runner gets his sign from the third base coach while in contact with the first base bag.
2. The base runner acknowledges the coach's sign by raising his had and indicating the number of outs.
3. The base runner then checks the positioning of the outfielders as well as the SS and second baseman.
4. In a non steal situation with a right handed pitcher on the mound, the runner then takes a 3 - step primary lead with his left foot first and then two slide steps.
5. The runner takes another slide step toward second base when the pitcher comes set.
6. The runner should place his right foot slightly behind his left foot, approximately toe of right foot to instep of left foot while remaining in a balanced, athletic position.
7. The runner "reads" the pitcher's front or stride leg as well as the back heel to determine whether the pitcher is going home or to first base.
8. When it's determined that the pitcher is going to the plate, the runner takes two additional slide steps toward second base.
9. If the ball is hit, the runner crosses over with his left foot from his last shuffle and continues to the next base.
10.If the ball is not hit, the runner must immediately sprint back to the first base bag to avoid a "back pick".
11.When in a steal situation, there is no secondary lead, the runner takes off the instance he determines the pitcher is throwing home.
Practice these techniques and you can become a good baserunner!
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