Category: Coaching

I cannot count the number of times I have watched a young player get out on a play when they should have been safe at first, had they simply ran hard. This is a very preventable out, and one that will cost you several runs over the course of the season if you don’t nip… Continue reading Dugout Baserunning Drill

This drill emphasizes fielding skills with a competitive aspect. The drill is fun, yet can be a good test of players’ fielding skills and reaction. Divide the team into two groups. A coach goes with each group and serves as the “hitter.” Players do not use gloves in this game. The reason that gloves are… Continue reading King of the Hill Drill

Run this drill in any large open area (a field or a gym). Divide the team into as many groups of two as possible. If an uneven number of players are present use a coach to fill out the last group. One member of each group lines up on one side of the area, the… Continue reading Speed Throw Drill

During batting practice shag all balls in your position! The READY POSITION is one of narrow stance with the weight on the balls of feet and the center of gravity relatively high, so that the outfielder can move quickly in any direction. He must be ready to move rather instantaneously in an unknown direction. You should walk… Continue reading Outfield Tips

Playing third base requires the player to change his fielding position depending on the situation the hitter is facing. The following guidelines will enable them to be ready and move quickly to take up a new position on the field, as the situation changes. Set Position Weight slightly forward, left foot in front three or… Continue reading Third Base Tasks and Tips

ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD SHORTSTOP Anticipates all defensive plays that could involve him; ready to throw to right base or home plate. Stays on top of the ball, with most throws. Plants his feet and throws overhand when possible. Works on holding runners close. Charges the ball aggressively especially on topped or slow hit balls… Continue reading Shortstop Tasks and Tips

First base is a pride position. First base is a guts position. As the father of a middle infielder, nothing drives me crazier than an infielder making a stellar play, throwing the ball low to first (as I teach them), then the first baseman waves at it, trying to “pick” it and the infielder gets… Continue reading Improving the First Baseman’s Stretch

FIRST BASE 1. Must be able to handle all types of throws 2. Covers a wide territory 3. Tossing ball to pitcher covering first 4. Throwing to second base on double play a. Back point of second, if throwing from behind baseline b. Front point of second if throwing from in front of baseline 5.… Continue reading Infield Skills

Our objective in a nine-inning ball game is to hold our opponents to four-runs-or-less. This goal provides direction for our defense during the course of a game and practice. Once the goal has been established (four, five, six runs or whatever works in a specific program), then the players have to understand how to achieve it… Continue reading Four Runs or Less

DEFENSIVE QUOTATIONS: The following quotations can be heard in every baseball park at any time. These are at the heart of baseball philosophy.   Prevent the big inning. “If you hold them scoreless, I promise you a tie” said the offensive coach to the defensive coach! We cannot lose if we do not let them… Continue reading Defensive Concepts