Author: Coach JP

Hello, my name is Samuel Tagle and I coach at the high school level. I’ve been curious to know what exactly what weaknesses does a coach/pitcher look for in opposing batters.  If you explain to me.  I feel kinda weird asking this but I really want to get better at assessing the batter so I… Continue reading Weakness

I have a son that is 9 years of age. I’m looking to purchase him a new bat. He is a good size for his age. I have heard from different coaches over the past years that the lighter the bat the better. What size would you recommend? Coach Swift answers: I would recommend that… Continue reading Bat Weight

I am a right-handed, 12 year-old pitcher. I am trying to get a 2-seamer with good movement into a right-handed hitter. Please give me any tips or suggestions on how to get more “in” movement. Coach Swift answers: This is a relatively difficult question to answer because I don’t know how strong your arm is… Continue reading Two Seam

What is the main reason kids are afraid to be a pitcher? Is it being the main focus in front of the crowd? Or is it being afraid of throwing balls and strikes with an umpire and worrying about hitting batters? Coach Swift answers: The simple answer is to say you’re 100% right with all… Continue reading Pitching Fear

I’m in a hitting slump right now and it’s more mental then my swing. I’m not sure what to do. Before game time I’m loosy goosy and ready to play. But once I hit the field I freeze up and I don’t know why. Any suggestions? Coach Swift answers: You are getting to the plate… Continue reading Hitting Slump

I run a 10 week baseball camp every year for our local baseball organization. This year we have added a very young group (age 6-7) and I am struggling to keep their interest. The area of most concern is the hitting station. Can you suggest games and/or drills that can be used for this age… Continue reading Youth Stations

I need to get back into baseball shape. What can I do?   Coach Swift answers: I would suggest that you do exactly what you would normally do to get back into shape for any activity. Start out with a walking/running program, a stretching exercises program (something that I think is exceptionally important for baseball),… Continue reading Getting Back Into Shape

How can I get my team to stay motivated? After two innings we seem to lose complete focus, especially if we’re behind. We start to make error after error. These are 10 and 11-year olds. We have been in every game until my players make an error or two and then the team falls apart.… Continue reading Focus

I am coaching an 11-12 year old baseball team and would like to know the proper cut-offs for hits to the outfield. I have searched the internet and various baseball books but have not been able to find anything on this. Coach Swift answers: For all cut-offs there are a couple of things to consider… Continue reading Outfield Relays