Youth Baseball Digest - The Power of Praise in Coaching Little League Baseball

Baseball2u.com
By Nick Dixon

Praise is the easiest and most effective way to motivate young baseball players. Understanding and believing in the "Power of Praise" can make a Little League Baseball coach a better and more effective coach. Knowing how and when to praise is the key. This article discusses the value of praise in coaching youth baseball.

Good coaches have a variety of skills. They know how to teach the game of baseball. They know how to communicate their thoughts and observations almost immediately. They know how to correct without humiliation. They know how to motivate without intimidation. They love the game of baseball and that love is displayed through their actions and behaviors. But, one of the universal traits of successful youth baseball coaches is that they know the "Power of Praise".

Good youth baseball coaches know that kids respond differently when they are coached and taught the game of baseball. Many kids do not take constructive criticism. All kids do not respond the same to harsh words or loud instructions. But, one thing that 99.9% of all kids respond favorably to is praise. They love to hear words of encouragement and words that tell them that they did a task well.

What youth coaches must always remember is that many kids we coach never hear many positive words. It is sad and true that many kids never hear words or praise or encouragement at home. Words of praise are "words of respect" for a youngster. They want to love, appreciated, and respected just like most people do. Many kids we coach are hungry for attention, discipline and most of all praise. The more they are praised, the more they want to earn more praise.

So when you see a player struggling or having a bad day, find something that he is doing correctly and praise him for his action. Make his day a better day. I do not mean to give out unmerited or false praise. Make sure that the praise is deserved and merited. Kids can sense if a coach is sincere or genuine when the coach praises a player. False praise is useless and counterproductive.

One good rule to live by as a youth baseball coach is that you should find a way to praise every player on your team at least once a day. A pat on the head or back takes little time and energy on your part, but can do wonders for a kids self esteem and attitude.

I hope that you enjoyed this article. Thanks for taking the time to read it. Good luck to you and your team. Your friend in baseball, Nick.

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Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon

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The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

A Real Workout For the Baseball Player!

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A Real Workout For the Baseball Player!
By Brandon Richey

In my experience as a strength and conditioning professional baseball players don't put enough emphasis on trying to enhance their athleticism. The truth is that all athletes should try to improve their athleticism and baseball players are not an exception. Check out the following 2 kettlebell drills you can implement in order to develop superior hitting power and blazing speed.

1. The Overhead Kettlebell Swing: The overhead kettlebell swing is a fantastic drill for baseball players to include in their strength training program. To execute this drill all you will need is the availability of a single kettlebell of moderately heavy resistance. To begin, simply place the bell right between your feet. Make sure your feet are about shoulder width distance apart in length. From here you will want to execute the hip snap motion. This is done by you smoothly and fluently flexing and extending at both your knees and hips in order to create enough momentum to swing the kettlebell in an arc from between your legs all the way up to above your head. You will develop superior core power by implementing this drill. This will certainly help with your hitting power and explosiveness when running on the field.

2. Kettlebell Figure 8's To A Hold: This drill is a bit sophisticated to look at, but it is actually not as difficult as it may appear. This drill will help you to develop a serious amount of core power and is a tremendous strength endurance lift for baseball players to perform. To begin, simply place the kettlebell between your feet. You will want to flex at your hips and squat down to pick up the bell with one hand. Lets say you start with your right hand. From here simply swing (or hike) the kettlebell between your legs and pass the kettlebell off to your opposite hand behind your left leg. Make absolutely sure that once you catch the kettlebell with the opposite hand that you have a firm grip on it. From here your hips are still flexed and the bell's momentum is carrying it around to the outside of your left leg. Next, explosively extend your knees and hips and swing the bell with your left arm up and diagonally across your body to your opposite shoulder. When you swing it to the opposite shoulder you want to make sure that you catch it at your shoulder with your right hand. From here simply drop the bell into a swing to hike it once again in order to start the whole process over on the opposite side. There is no substitute for a sound strength training program for baseball players. This is a great place to start!

To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at http://www.efandps.com

To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at: http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html

I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!

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The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

A Dominant Baseball Pitcher's Workout!

By Brandon Richey

A pitcher's workout program should focus in on the stability of the shoulder and elbow while increasing pitching velocity at the same time. As a strength and conditioning specialist I can think of no better way to do both than by implementing the overhead kettlebell snatch lift into your program. This single lift will completely change your baseball pitching workouts forever.

If your pitching exercises aren't explosive and dynamic in nature then you are wasting your time, as far as, I am concerned. The overhead kettlebell snatch is a lift that helps you to develop superior core strength, explosive hip power, and shoulders that can take and dish out more punishment than anything. By implementing this lift you will give your competition constant headaches. To execute this lift you must have the availability of a moderately heavy kettlebell. In order to snatch the bell you must vertically lift the bell from either the ground or from between your legs up to a held position above your head in a smooth explosive movement. This movement is accomplished by you forcefully flexing and then extending at both your hip and knee joints to generate the necessary force to lift the bell to a high pull lateral position next to your head. Once the kettlebell is elevated at this peak spot next to your head you must then complete the lift by vertically punching your palm towards the sky. When you do this you must make sure to suck your shoulder into the socket and lock out your elbow. As a pitcher looking to add some REAL velocity to your throwing you will quickly see why this particular exercise is so effective. Make sure that you take the time to fully understand and learn the technique that is involved in this lift. Once you do this your progress will soar and your pitching ability will become more dominant than even you could imagine.

Take the time to learn about how to implement the overhead snatch and other kettlebell lifts into your baseball pitching workouts if you are serious about winning. I will even make it easy for you by asking you to access the rest of my articles on the matter for free. Kettlebell training is only for those that are serious about their strength and conditioning program and getting better. Remember that anyone can train hard, but only champions train smart my friend!

To learn more about how to utilize your body, Kettlebells, and to achieve Mind Blowing fitness get your copy of My "Better Than Steroids Ebook" by clicking here: http://www.betterthansteroidsebook.com/www.betterthansteroidsebook.com/Better_Than_Steroids_Ebook.html

You will become one of my Free Elite Members if you make your "Better Than Steroids" purchase, but to just become one of my Elite Members and receive my free Newsletter just go to http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Richey

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The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

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Benefits of Portable Batting Cages

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By Jason Gluckman

Many advanced baseball and softball teams use portable batting cages to ensure adequate training while on the road. Just like standard batting cages, portable models act as a virtual catcher, helping to control the movement of baseballs and softballs. With batting cages, teams can focus less on chasing down errant balls, and more time fine-tuning their batting skills.

Portable batting cages hold many advantages over other types, including standard indoor and outdoor models. Portable batting cages can be used for baseball or softball teams traveling from field to field, as well as for families who pursue outdoor activities and who like the flexibility that portable batting cages offer. Portable batting cages are functional and convenient because of their capacity to be dismantled and stored when not in use.

In addition, portable batting cages can be purchased at a variety of prices, which correspond to various sizes and styles. Portable batting cages vary in price. The difference in price is usually determined by the size of the overall batting cage (by frame length, width, and height) and the type and quality of the netting. For schools or teams planning to use their batting cages frequently, it would be beneficial to purchase the most durable quality available. For a family who might not use their batting cage on a regular basis, but who likes to have it from time to time, it would be less important to have an expensive, high-quality cage.

Portable batting cages can provide many years of use with minimal maintenance. Seldom do cages require major overhauling. Batting cage equipment can be purchased conveniently at a hardware or sporting goods store, as well as online. With very little upkeep, portable batting cages can provide years of use and enjoyment.

Batting Cages Info provides detailed information about batting cage equipment and indoor, outdoor, portable, and tunnel batting cages for sale. Batting Cages Info is the sister site of Trampolines Web.

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Baseball Pitching Machines Dos & Don'ts - Softball Baseball Training Aids - Coaching Tools

Jugs Pitching Machines


By Jimmy Holmes

There is no doubt that using a good pitching machine has advantages. You can build arm, back, shoulder and upper body batting strength, hand eye coordination and improve batting technique if you use the machine properly. Whether you use a baseball pitching machine or a softball pitching machine they both have the same advantages, disadvantages and should be used properly to get the best results.

One of the first things to look for to find the right machine for you and the players on your team is the age group that is involved. If your child or group is five to eight years of age you would need a machine with pitch speeds from 20 to 40 mph. Preferably a machine that is very accurate and delivers pitches to the same general area every pitch. The last thing you need is to have the young player afraid of being hit! Never start off with to fast a speed when practicing with a young beginner.

I have been asked whether to use the practice balls or real balls when using a pitching machine. The answer is that practice balls are more accurate because the tire does not hit any seams. A seam on a real ball can cause the pitch to differ on every pitch however with older players that is not all bad. Never use synthetic balls in a machine. They leave a buildup on the tire that is hard to remove and the do not product accurate pitches.

Usually when a new pitching machine arrives the tire is brand new and needs to have the shine removed from the surface that contacts the ball in order to get a good pinch on the ball. This is done by turning the machine on and using a peace of sandpaper to remove the shine from the tire before using it in an actual practice.

A well built, quality machine should last for years even with heavy use. Be sure to check the warranty offered on a machine before you make a purchase. Warranties can range from a year to five years. Some pitching machines even come with a thirty day return policy. I highly recommend purchasing one with the return policy because if you get it and you are unhappy with it you can simply return it. Some pitching machine companies even offer free shipping as sales promotions. This can literally save you sixty to one hundred dollars.

One of the costliest parts on a pitching machine is the motor. Do a little research to see what brand of electric motor is used on a machine. If a top quality motor is used you can bet that the rest of the machine is top quality as well. Leeson is a motor used on some pitching machines. It is a world class electric motor and usually comes with a five year warranty that is covered by the pitching machine manufacturer.

Another costly item is the tire wheel assembly. I suggest not buying a machine with a solid rubber tire. When they get old they can literally come apart and cause an injury. I have actually seen this happen. "Warning"Always replace tires before they are old and worn no matter what kind of tire they have! Also on those models with solid rubber tires if you need to replace the tire you may have to buy the tire and wheel since the tire is usually glued or attached to the wheel.

For the older group of players from middle school through high school one of the two wheel curveball pitching machines models should be used. By this time players will be seeing curveballs, sliders, knuckleballs and different types of pitches. A single wheel machine simply will not product these types of pitches. The two wheel machine will produce the speed needed as well. Some models have speeds ranging from 20 mph to 105 mph. Even professional players seldom see a pitch of 105 mph.

Some models come with swivel action. That means that you can shoot a ball to right field then swing it around and shoot a ball to left field. It will also tilt up and down for grounders or popup's. This option is great if you intend on using it for more than batting practice.

If you purchase a baseball pitching machine or softball pitching machine there are other optional items that you may want to consider. A good quality batting cage will save on ball recovery time when used by two or three people and an automatic ball feeder can be used when one person needs to use the machine. The practice dimple balls will save wear and tear on your real baseballs or softballs and are more accurate. An additional option is an L-Screen to protect the person feeding balls into the pitching machine.

Never let a child operate the machine. When used properly they are safe but should never be left in the hands of minors. They are meant to be used to train and condition and should always be used with grownup supervision.

Pitching machines are great training aids. Coaching tools for batting, hitting, infield and outfield practice as well. When used properly they will greatly improve your batting and playing skill level. Choose a machine that is right for you and your child and you will have years of reliable service.

Visit my site FirstPitch Sales Buy a tough, durable, reliable and affordable pitching machine that is right for you.

http://www.baseball-pitching-machines.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Holmes



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10 Ways to Maintain a Good Parent-Coach Relationship

By Jack Perconte

Most negative experiences in athletics involve tension between coaches and parents of athletes. Most of the time, kids are very content with playing, having fun and being around their friends. Usually, players become discontented only after mom or dad have started grumbling about the way the coach is treating their child with playing time or position played. Once a parent has put this negative attitude in the player's mind they become a "grumbling" player towards the coach. This unhappy attitude can be prevented if parents and coaches develop a good relationship, especially at the beginning of the season. Here is how:

Suggestions for a successful parent-coach relationship:

1. Give team parents background information about all the coaches, especially about playing and/or coaching experience related to the game. (This should not have to be mentioned but be honest about backgrounds.)

2. Express philosophy of coaching. The three ultimate objectives are winning, player development and fun. Specifically state where coaches stand on these three objectives. I suggest a 30, 30, 30 split on these objectives and applying the remaining 10 percent for the area most needed. This 10 percent will be determined by the competitiveness of the team and the league.

3. Explain your goals for the team and for the individuals for the upcoming season. I believe it is alright to play to win even at a young level, as long as it is kept in perspective. Remember, developing skills and having fun are always an objective. Dealing with winning and losing will create many teaching moments that will be important for kids to learn.

4. Discuss your philosophy about playing time and positions played. Let everyone know how you plan to run the team. For example, will players have to earn their position on the field or will you rotate the players? Give parents a chance to ask questions, and make sure your answers are clearly understood. Be sure to recognize and discuss the objectives of the league and level at which the team is playing.

5. Coaches should listen and discuss the parent's objectives for their own kids and for the team. Parents who have obvious different objectives than the coach may have to look for another team for their kid if they cannot come to an agreement.

6. Discuss when and how the coaches can be approached during the season so there are no public confrontations. Set up a system where discussions are held away from the players, other parents and the crowds. There will be issues that arise from time to time, but let parents know that disagreements will be handled in a civil way away from the players.

7. Discuss coaching policies when players miss practices or games, so everybody is treated the same and all are clear about the policy.

8. Effective communication is the key to averting problems - make sure parents inform their kids about the coaches' philosophies.


9. As mentioned, troubles begin when parents start to grumble at home to the players about the coach. Insist to the parents that they approach you before getting upset and expressing that displeasure at home.

10. Most issues arise because the parent does not think the coach is being fair. It is important that the coach fulfill his or her philosophy that was initially expressed. Changing philosophy in the middle of the season will create problems. If a coach feels a philosophy change is totally necessary, they must discuss possible change with all parents first.

Finally, coaches should be role models and teachers to their players. It is easier to help players develop their skills and enjoy the game when the parents understand the reasoning behind the coaches' philosophies.

Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball hitting lessons advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte

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The Soft Toss Drill - You Will Benefit Tremendously If You Use it Properly!

By Larry Cicchiello

The soft toss drill is one of the best baseball coaching drills around and please don't ever sell it short. It is a great time saver to break a bad habit, get into a good habit or to simply maintain your baseball swing if you are in a good groove.

Let's say you're into baseball coaching and you want to break a bad habit that one of your hitters has suddenly gotten into. It may take about 300 swings for the baseball hitter's muscle memory to take over and break the bad habit. For you to throw this player enough pitches for him to get 300 swings would take a long time. Even if you went to the park every other day and threw 50 pitches a day to the hitter and they were all strikes, it would take a couple of weeks. Now you can see the major advantage if you can accomplish the same thing in only one or two days. I would much rather have my player struggle for a day or two instead of two weeks. That's awesome.

Remember, you don't have to be in a baseball hitting slump to practice your swing. It is simply one of the outstanding baseball coaching drills and do yourself a favor and make very good use of it.
Some Benefits of the Soft Toss Drill
It doesn't even require a baseball field or a glove.
You don't need someone to round up all the balls in the outfield.
The person doing the "soft tossing' to the hitter doesn't even have to have any baseball skills at all, so you can get anybody to "soft toss" to you. Please don't take this the wrong way but your grandmother can soft toss to you. I say that with total respect.

Soft toss only requires a bat, some baseballs, a fence and an optional plastic bucket or two.

I know more than one person, including my 17 year old son, who has a setup in the garage with thick carpeting fastened to the wall of the garage and that acts as a fence. You can then soft toss any time of the day or night. It can be ten degrees outside or even raining or snowing. You can still get your swings in.

Regulation balls are not necessary and you can use a softer type of ball to practice damage control in your garage or even in your back yard if you opt to soft toss there. (And you will remain on good terms with your neighbors if a batted ball should go over the fence)
If using non regulation baseballs, you will not detract from the benefits of the soft toss drill at all, as the swing is the same no matter what type of ball is being used for the drill.
Many players, coaches and parents use this drill incorrectly. There are many variations and I've tried lots of them.

My Favorite Method:

You stand about 12 feet from a hitter who is about 8 to 10 feet in front of a high fence.

Be very careful. Make sure to avoid areas of the fence that have posts or the batted ball may come right back at the hitter. Make sure the fence you are hitting into is high enough! The person doing the "tossing" should make sure to be in a very safe position so they don't get hit by the batted ball.
Your angle to the hitter should be just about like he's in the batter's box and you're in foul territory just outside the foul line. In other words, if he's a right-handed hitter and you were soft tossing to him, imagine that you are positioned along the first base line, slightly in foul territory. Stay very safely out of the way so there is no chance that you can get hit by the batted ball.

Squat, kneel or sit down with as many baseballs as you want to use right next to you. A plastic bucket is very helpful to sit on and and an additional bucket to hold the baseballs is also very useful.

Three Easy Steps involved:

Holding the ball underhanded, show the hitter the ball.
Drop your hand with the ball in it down toward the ground and pause for about one or two full seconds. (At that point, the hitter should "load up," cocking his hips, hands and elbows.)

Softly toss the ball to the hitter, so that it has a slight arc up and then down. Aim for his back hip, or a different spot if desired and the hitter hits the ball into the fence. Repeat with the remaining baseballs.

It's very important that this drill never be rushed. The purpose is to have a good swing repeated many times until the hitter can do it in his sleep. It is one of the best baseball coaching drills for getting a hitter to break a bad habit or to develop a good habit through repetition.

Once again, be very cautious as to where you are when soft tossing the ball to someone. And make sure there is nothing in front of the hitter that can possibly have the batted ball come right back at the hitter.
The amount of time spent to break a bad habit will be at an absolute minimum because you can soft toss a hundred balls in no time at all!

Larry Cicchiello is the author of "Excellent Baseball Coaching: 30 Seconds Away." His very user friendly eBooks cover 320 topics on playing or coaching excellent baseball. ANY players, coaches or parents who want to help their child improve will be fully equipped! Some FREE tips are available at http://www.LarryBaseball.com/product/all

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Larry_Cicchiello

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If you are looking for great coaching articles, please consider one of our sites: The BaseballCoachingDigest.com, the YouthBaseballDigest.com or the BaseballParentGuide.com. Have a safe and happy season! Nick Dixon

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Youth Baseball Digest - What is Baseball Slugging Percentage? How is Slugging Percentage Calculated?

By Nick Dixon


Slugging Percentage is a baseball batting stat that assigns value to hits based on the number of bases reached. The bigger a hit is the more it raises the Slugging Percentage of the batter. Slugging Percentage is also sometimes called "Slugging Average" or "SLG". "SLG" is considered a reliable indicator of a batters power. It is very simple to calculate. This article explains how to determine a batters SLG.

Slugging average assigns a bigger value to bigger hits. So the calculation becomes "total bases" divided by the number of at-bats.
Here are the values for each base hit:

· HR = 4 points.
· TRIPLE = 3 points. =
· DOUBLE = 2 Points.
· SINGLE = 1 point.
The formula for determining SLG:
(HR x 4 points) + (TRIPLES x 3 points) + (DOUBLES x 2 points) + (SINGLES x 1 point) = SUM
SUM (Divided by Total At-Bats) = Slugging Average.

In other words, Slugging Average is calculated by adding the totals for all the hits the batter has, then divide by the total number of at bats. For example, a batter goes 2 for 4 and hits a triple and a double, which is five points. Five points divided into 4 at bats equals 1.250 Slugging Average.

Other examples:

A batter is 7 for 12 on the season. He has hit a HR, 2 TRIPLES, 2 DOUBLES, and 2 SINGLES. The total of bases added up equals 16. Divide the 16 bases reached by the 12 total at-bats and you get a Slugging Average of 1.333
SLG is expressed as a three-digit decimal. It is considered the best indication of a batters measure of power.

I hope that you found this article to be informative and easy to understand. Thanks for reading my article. Have a great day, Nick.

The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon

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The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

How to Time the Ball - Baseball Hitting

QuickSwingTrainer.com - Joe Mauer's Secret Trainer

By Jack Perconte

Teaching a hitter to time a baseball is difficult. There are many variables that are hard to figure out. First of all, timing is based on good vision. Hitters who do not have great vision are at a disadvantage when trying to time a pitched baseball. Also, some hitters naturally have better hand-eye coordination, which is also necessary for good timing. Developing great timing is one of those things that if anyone ever figured out the key to getting and keeping it, they would become an instant millionaire.

Additionally, good timing can be there one day and disappear the next day, or even from one at-bat to the next. I do know the best way to attain and keep good timing is to develop a good repeatable, compact swing. Many of my articles and in my book deal with developing a compact swing because of the value in having one. It makes sense that the more compact the swing, the longer the hitter can wait on the ball.


Hitters who can wait the longest for the pitch become good hitters because it allows them to swing at good, hittable pitches. Timing is useless if swinging at bad pitches. Additionally, unless a hitter can repeat a good, fundamentally sound swing, timing is often irrelevant.


This is not meant to mean that timing cannot be improved. The following hitting tips will help baseball players develop and maintain good timing:


1. Baseball players should have their eyes checked once a year to make sure their vision is at an optimal level.

2. As mentioned, hitters should continue to work on developing a compact, fundamentally sound swing.

3. Hitters should be taught to hit the ball in the direction of where the ball is pitched. For example, inside pitches should be pulled to the hitter's side of the field and outside pitches should be hit the opposite way. This should be ingrained into hitters' minds from a young age. The location of the pitch determines where it is hit and not the speed of the pitch.

4. Batting practice pitchers should alternate speeds of pitches with no speed considered too slow or too fast, within reason of course based on a player's age.

5. Batting practice speeds should be as close to game speeds as possible. Having batting practice pitchers move up or back as needed may be necessary to simulate these speeds.

6. Hitters should be encouraged to stand in (with helmet on and no bat) when their pitchers are warming up before games and during practice. This will help them see more game-like speed pitches and it allows them to just focus on the ball without swinging.

7. It is usually easily noticed when hitters are continually late on pitches or early on pitches. For players who are late, they should face faster thrown pitches than normal and hitters who are generally swinging early should face predominantly slower thrown pitches.

8. Coaches should stress to hitters the importance of watching the ball the complete distance. It is common for many hitters not to focus on the ball the first half or the last half of the ball flight.

9. Setting objects down along the path between the pitcher and batter and having the hitter call out when the ball goes over those objects can help players with tracking pitches.

10. Players should be encouraged to play other sports where hitting an object is involved. Sports like tennis, racquet ball and table tennis can help develop timing and hand-eye coordination.


Finally, just like developing a good swing is a constant process, developing good timing is a never ending job for baseball players.


Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball playing lessons, books and advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his positive parenting advice and books can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com/


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Baseball Hitting Drills For the Stride

Hurricane Hitting Machine by SKLZ

By Joe Brockhoff

In our Hitting System, we practice striding during the following batting practice sequence:

• Soft body, no stride, full take • Load and Stride - Take • Load - Stride - Pivot

Isolating these three activities by themselves can be performed alone at home without a pitched ball, or during batting practice, like in our Hitting Agenda and Tempo Drills. This builds the stride to the point where it is constant. Here are the rules for the best stride:

• The stride travels only 6 inches. • The stride lands on the ball of the foot • The stride goes directly ahead and in the same place each time. • The stride begins on pitchers release. • The hands stay home near the back shoulder during the stride and are not released to make the bat contact the ball until after the pivot (rotation of the hips).

Another coaching point: The stride should be initiated in the large muscle mass of the hips. In other words, it is a slight linear push of the hips toward the ball. The front foot merely follows this push, landing on the ball of the foot. When the front heel goes down, this keys the turn of the hips and the weight transfer.

When facing a pitcher with above average velocity, a baseball player must be quick in the hips and rotate accordingly... having the ability to clear his mid section and allow his hands to get out in front makes for better contact with the ball. The stride plays a vital role in developing from linear to rotation for a sinker or four seam fastball for weight through the ball.
Former Tulane Hall of Fame Baseball Coach, Joe Brockhoff, fully explains his baseball hitting drills with the Super 8 Hitting System, completely demonstrated with videos and baseball hitting tips to help you hit with more power and raise your batting average. http://www.learnbaseballhitting.com/.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joe_Brockhoff

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Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine
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HurricaneMachine.com - Links

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Youth Baseball Digest - Good Pitcher Sometimes Can Not Throw a Strike - 10 Things to Check First

By Nick Dixon


If you have a young baseball pitcher that at times looks like a Josh Beckett or Randy Smith and other times he struggles to throw two strikes in a row, what can cause of his control problems? There are 10 key elements of his delivery that should always be checked first. Those key elements are outlined in this article.

There are 10 key elements of his delivery that should always be checked first. Those key elements are outlined below.

The 10 most common causes of control problem in Little League Pitchers are:

1. Pitcher is Not Concentrating on The Target. The pitcher does not keep his eyes locked in on the target from the start to the finish of his delivery. Many young pitchers when get half through their delivery they look away. They take their eyes off the mitt. They must keep their eyes focused on the target at all times during the delivery.
2. Bad Stride Foot Angle - The pitcher is not steeping in the direction of the target. The stride foot landing must be close to an imaginary straight line from the middle of the pitching rubber to the middle of home plate. If the pitcher steps too far to either side of this imaginary line, there will be control problems. The stride foot should land no more than an inch or two off that line to either side. It is best for some part of the stride foot to land directly on that line.
3. Bad Stride Foot Landing - The stride foot should land flat. Many times young pitchers will land on their heel. This can and will cause control problems.
4. Stride Leg Does Not Flex or Bend - Many young pitchers lock the stride leg. This locking action makes the body "pole vault" upward upon the landing of the front foot. The stride leg must bend slightly to allow the pitcher to drive and snap the hips.
5. Dragging the Back toe - The back side toe should be lifted up and out of an imaginary bucket. If a pitcher sometimes drags the back too when throwing the fastball, his control will be inconsistent. Sometimes a pitcher will intentionally drag the back toe when throwing off-speed pitches. That is acceptable so long as the pitcher is conscientious of the action.
6. Inconsistent Release Point - The pitcher is not consistent with his throwing arm extension toward the plate or his release point. To have consistent control, the pitcher must release every fastball in the same release spot. He must release very breaking ball at the same release point. It requires a lot of pitching practice to master the muscle memory that allows these release points to be consistent.
7. Not Finishing Low Enough - The pitcher does not bend at the waist. The pitcher must bend, get low, and drive through the pitch delivery. Trying to pitch while standing more upright is going to cause problems and a lack of control.
8. The Finish and Following Through are Poor - Pitch quality suffers when a pitcher does not finish properly or execute a smooth proper follow through. The pitcher's throwing arm should finish with the elbow below his off side knee. The pitcher's chin must finish down and the head should be in front of the stride toe. The head should finish lower than the waist with the back leg foot lifting above the pitcher's entire body.
9. The Trunk rotates too early - Many young pitchers open the front shoulder prematurely or rotate the truck of the body too early. The shoulder should stay closed until the weight is shifted onto the stride foot. The torso rotation should be delayed until at least 60 to 70% of the pitcher's stride is completed.
10. The grip is inconsistent - The pitcher must practice pitching enough to get a consistent feel for each pitch grip. The pitcher should keep the fastball gripped as far out in the fingers as possible. Pitchers that sometimes grip the ball wrong or change their grip without knowing it will definitely have problems throwing pitches consistently and hitting their sports.

I know that some of these keys were elementary, but sometimes it is the simplest thing that throws the most advanced pitcher we have off his game. I would always check these 10 keys to see if I could diagnose the problem and correct it as soon as possible.

I hope that you found this article to be informative and interesting. wish your team good luck in the coming season. Have a great day, Nick.

The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon

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The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Why Youth Baseball Players Should Get Hitting Instruction

By Chip Lemin

Happy Spring training to all coaches!

I never gave professional hitting instruction for youth baseball players much thought until my child started playing travel baseball. I then noticed that many teams did indeed use paid instructors to help players learn proper fundamentals. After I attended my first lesson, I realized what I thought I knew didn't amount to much in the big picture.I was giving instruction such as, keep your elbow up,and keep your eye on the ball.I don't think too many kids go up to the plate with their eyes closed. I was completely underwhelmed by my knowledge of hitting instruction.

I remember the instructor talked about the grip first. I didn't know about lining up the middle knuckles on each hand when the bat is gripped. He showed us(me included) how these knuckles will end up in this position as the player swings anyway.It was explained that the bat doesn't have to be held in a death grip.The bat should be held as loosely as the batter can tolerate.This helps keep the hands flexible during the swing. He also showed us how to choose the right length and weight of bat for each player. He discussed what a "long swing" was,and how it hurt the player's bat speed.

The instructor took the players through a couple fun drills to show us what he meant. The players have not even taken a swing at a pitch yet,and I had learned a lot. Some players will not like a different approach to hitting. They are comfortable with their current swing. A good instructor will not blow up a kid's swing in the first lesson. They will a take a small part of the swing,and modify it. Then at the next lesson, something else is introduced to help the hitter.Many players are doing a lot right in their swings to begin with. A smart instructor will take care not to overload, or completely change a player's swing right away. A good instructor should give fun "homework" in the form of drills to help the players develop their swings. This gives you the "coach" something concrete to work with. Be sure to take notes so you can use this great information at practice. This will help you to provide variety at practice. Bored players are much harder to motivate.

So don't hesitate to get professional instruction for your players. Most qualified hitting instructors will charge anywhere from 30-75 dollars per hour. It is worth the money when the players and the coaches use the information during practice.It also takes more than one lesson the make a difference. Plan on a series of lessons with no more than one week in between sessions. The less time off the better to enhance muscle memory. So ask around, or get out the phone book, and get some quotes. Then actually go watch some lessons in person. Don't be afraid to interview the instructor to see if you like their style.Do some homework like any other investment to get the best return on your team's hard earned money. Your coaching ability will grow as you learn more about hitting. You don't have to "know it all" ahead of time. Go soak up all the knowledge you can with professional hitting instruction for youth baseball players.

Thanks

Coach Chip

Chip Lemin has been a promoter of youth baseball since they started using aluminum bats. That's a long time. I have witnessed many good people get into coaching without solid coaching skills and it is not fun for them or the kids.Today's newer coaches are also being shortchanged on sportsmanship, like there is none. Visit my site to sign up for a insightful, informational, free coaching e-course at http://www.baseballecourse.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chip_Lemin

=======================================
Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine
=======================================

HurricaneMachine.com - Links

---15 Reasons To Buy a Hurricane Trainer
---6 Questions Often Asked By Customers
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Drills
---20-Minute Hurricane Batting Practice Workout
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Video Demo Clips

Baseball2u.com has a one of the internet's largest selections of baseball coaching and training dvds.

Is it the Correct Baseball Swing?

By Jack Perconte

Often, a hitter seems to have a perfect baseball swing but their statistics never seem to equal this beautiful looking swing. Looks can be deceiving! There is a way to find out if the baseball swing is as fundamentally sound as it appears. With the use of a batting tee, follow these steps to analyze the swing:

1. Set or draw a home plate on the ground first.
2. Have hitter get set in the spot they normally stand at home, just like in a game.
3. Lower the tee to the height of the hitter's knees and a half-foot in front of their lead leg.
4. The tee stem should be placed exactly down the middle of home plate.
5. Now, place a ball on the tee.
6. Hitter takes 10 swings
7. With the correct swing, at least 8 balls should be hit hard directly back through the middle of the field.
8. It is mandatory that the hitter stands in the same spot each time and does not change to a different position in the batter's box. As mentioned, this must be the same spot they stand in a game.
9. The ideal hits would be line drives knee high back through the middle, but any hard hit balls through the middle are a sign of the correct baseball swing.
10. This drill will show that the hitter's hands and hips are lining up correctly which is necessary to becoming a good baseball hitter.
11. Hitters should practice this drill until they are able to hit at least eight or nine balls back through middle before working on other pitches with the ball on the batting tee.

Finally, the batting tee is a great hitting tool if utilized correctly.

Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball hitting lessons advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte

==========================
If you are looking for great coaching articles, please consider one of our sites: The BaseballCoachingDigest.com, the YouthBaseballDigest.com or the BaseballParentGuide.com. Have a safe and happy season! Nick Dixon

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See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.

Characteristics of Division I Baseball Players

By Andy Pohl

Below are the athletic measurables and characteristics needed to play at each level of competition. These numbers were put together from general feedback by college coaches. While there certainly are exceptions to the given parameters, these numbers will give you a better idea as to where you stand and what you need to work on.

For the most part, college coaches are looking for pitchers, catchers, shortstops, and centerfielders. Many college coaches will only recruit these four positions and move them to other positions once they arrive on campus. It is very important for high school baseball players to be aware of this fact.

Division 1 Baseball:

RHP: 88-90+ MPH consistently with movement; command of at least 3 pitches;

over 1K per inning pitched in HS

LHP: 86-87+ MPH consistently with movement; command of at least 3 pitches;

1K per inning pitched in HS

Catcher: 1.9 Pop Time or below; superior leadership skills & ability to call games

1B/3B: Tremendous size and power potential (8 + HR in HS)

SS/2B: 6.8 60 yrd or below; 85+ MPH from INF to 1B, 1.35-1.40 turn time

CF: 6.7 60 yrd or below; 87+ MPH from OF

Division II Baseball:

RHP: 85+ MPH consistently with movement; command of at least 3 pitches;

1K per inning pitched in HS

LHP: 83+ MPH consistently with movement; command of at least 3 pitches;

1K per inning pitched in HS

Catcher: 2.0 Pop Time or Below; superior leadership skills & ability to call games

1B/3B: Tremendous Power Potential

SS/2B: 6.9 60 yrd or below; 82+ MPH from INF to 1B; 1.45 turn time

CF: 6.8 60 yrd or below; 82+ MPH from OF

Division III Baseball:

Division III baseball/softball are highly competitive, despite the fact that they do not offer athletic scholarships. Some DIII programs are playing on a DII level, and professional players have been drafted from DIII schools. Due to the discrepancies between DIII schools, it is important that you research each program that you are interested in order to get a better idea as to what type of player they are looking for.

NAIA Baseball:

Like DIII schools, the discrepancies are far too wide to find any similarities in characteristics. Be sure to fully research each individual program to get a better idea as to what type of player they are looking for.

Junior College Baseball:

Junior Colleges have 3 divisions for the purpose of separating stronger JC programs from the weaker ones. While there may be somewhat of a drop off in talent between Division III Junior Colleges and Division 1 and Division II Junior Colleges, there is little difference between a DI and DII Junior College. Many Junior College players lack the 'polish' to be considered D1 players coming out of high school, but they already possess the necessary physical tools to be successful at the D1 level.

Andy Pohl - Co-Founder, DNA Sports

DNA Sports specializes in personalized baseball and softball skill programs, college recruiting education and preparation, and coaching clinics. Learn more: http://www.dnasportsonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Pohl

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Baseball Pitching - Coaching Pitchers to Succeed by Starting With the Basics

By Nick Dixon

The coaching of baseball pitchers does not require a degree in "pitchingtology". There is no such degree to my knowledge. I just made that up. My point here is that coaching baseball pitching is not rocket science. However, having a basic knowledge of the terms and mechanics is a must. Having a commitment to be attentive to details in instruction and and to have frequent quality practice sessions is a good start toward becoming a coach of a successful pitcher at any level.

Here are the 5 basics elements of pitching success:

1. Beginning with the basics and keeping it simple

Let we first say that one of the basic rules on our high school team is that if you make our team, you are going to pitch. Every player participates in pitching workouts until it is determined that player simply can not help us on the mound. Over the years about 75% of our players pitch at least 10 innings during the season. With that said, I want you to know that my philosophy is to keep the terminology simple, the technique simple, and to make the process of pitching as easy as possible to master.

2. Balance is Key

The first thing we want out kids to understand is the importance of balance. Pitchers must learn to achieve and maintain balance from the start to the finish of their delivery. This is done by learning to keep the weight evenly distributed on the balls of the feet. Nothing happens on the heels. Keep head and body movement to a minimum. The head should stay still. This allows the head to stay over the ball of the pivot foot and over the body core or center. Special attention should be directed at eliminating any tendency to lean back, lunge forward, or to arch the back.

3. Knee Lift and Proper Stride Leg Motion

The lifting action of the stride leg should be smooth, straight up, and to a point of perfect balance. Make sure that the leg is not swung. The stride foot should go downward and then out. Many you pitchers want to lead with their hip and this cause major problems. Make sure that the leg action is down and out in smooth path. The stride foot should land on the ball of the foot. The stride should be in a direction with at least part of the foot landing on a straight line toward the catcher. Some pitchers will land more closed and some will land more open. The main point to remember here is consistency. A pitcher must land in the same spot time after time. If the landing spot is all over the place, control problems will be evident.

4. Elbow Dynamics

Much has been written and many studies have been made on the dynamics of the pitching process. To keep it simple, we want the following to occur. When the front foot lands both elbows should be up and even with each other on a direct line. The glove and ball may be above or below the elbow, but both elbows serve to reverse mirror each other. If the front elbow is tucked when the front foot lands, then a problem is evident. Both elbows should be extended away from the body in perfect opposite directions from the body to form a perfect straight line.

5. Late Break of the Hips

What I mean by this term is that we want the weight out and onto the front foot before the hip and trunk rotation occur. This late rotation generates velocity. Early rotation causes the pitcher to throw with all arm and will cause arm problems.

COACHING POINT: Make sure that the pitcher finishes low with the throwing arm finishing outside the stride knee. Many young players want to lock the front leg thus pole vaunting or lifting their body up and over the front foot. The stride leg should bend slightly.

As mentioned before, make sure that the stride foot is not heeling- out or landing on the heel. This is a flaw that causes jar and control problems. Also make sure that pitchers set up on the pitching rubber in the correct location. We want right-handed pitchers on the right of the rubber and left-handed pitchers on the left. This makes the ball more difficult to pick-up by the batter because of the increase in angle. It gives the pitcher more plate to work with.

Check out the Bat Action Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest Blog for daily post and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball. The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog.

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Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.

See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.