Category: Ask The Coach

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

I was thinking about using some helmet decals for my team this year and was wondering what you think about using them as a way of recognizing effort, hits or whatever. What criteria would you use in giving out the decals and how would you do it? Attendance is important as well as effort and… Continue reading Helmet Decals

I’ve played travel baseball on a nationally ranked team every year for the last 6 years. I’m in 10th grade and hoping to make Varsity this year for my school. The only problem is the coach. I know I’m good enough to make Varsity and even start. But the coach doesn’t really know me that… Continue reading Making The Team

I have a 3-year old son who appears to have a great aptitude for baseball. He now has the Little Tikes pop-up pitcher (we replaced the tee) and he can consistently hit 4/5 right handed and 3/5 left handed and they were going over the 6 foot fence when it was in the center of… Continue reading Youth Prodigy

I am coming back from a recent calf tear and meniscus tear. I’m a junior in high school and going through a tough decision about college. I have the grades to go to a 4-year University but I’m thinking about going to a Junior College to get a better chance of continuing playing baseball. I… Continue reading Junior College

As a catcher, how can I improve the velocity of my throws to second base? Coach Swift answers: Focusing on good mechanics will improve your throwing velocity. With runners on base, start with your right foot back a little. Then you do not have to make a quick step with the throw.  Get the ball… Continue reading Catcher’s Throw

My son will be turning 12 this month. He really has a great pitching arm and a good potential to be a hitter. At practice he is always on his “A” game, but in a game he seems to let up and only plays a “B” game. His pitching speed drops tremendously and he totally… Continue reading Confidence

I am hearing a lot of things about torque. Can you explain to me what torque is and the spots it can be applied to in your swing? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Coach Swift answers: Torque really is just another word for bat speed. We create torque by getting our hips turned out of the way and our… Continue reading Torque

I have an age old question. I have been teaching my high school aged players to round the bases touching the inside corner with their LEFT foot. I was taught to use the left foot as a child, I have read that one should use the left foot, but I have trouble answering the “why”… Continue reading Left Foot