Why Outfield Drills? Outfield drills that cover every aspect of the position are necessary but often neglected because at the lowest levels of baseball, the outfield is used to hide weaker players, as only a few batted balls reach there. This changes relatively quickly as outfield becomes a vital position for team defensive success. Good baseball coaches realize that outfielders have more responsibilities than most think and often the best athletes end up in the outfield at the high school level. It is important that youth coaches recognize this and stress that to young players, who may think otherwise. Necessary Outfield Drills 1. Fungo … [Read more...]
Youth Baseball Pitching Tips Kids Should Know Early in Career
I never pitched in a baseball game after the age of fourteen. The good news is that I went out on a high note. If I would have known then, what I know now, my career may have been better. Here are the youth baseball coaching tips I want my young baseball players to know. Of course, the sooner in their careers coaches teach these the better, so kids do not ruin their arm like I did. Back to my story. In my first outing at the age of fourteen, I struck out twenty out of twenty-one batters. I followed that game by striking out fifteen out of twenty-one batters. For reasons I didn’t know then and do not know now, my arm went dead after those … [Read more...]
How to Catch a Baseball – Wall Ball
How to Catch a Baseball - Wall Ball Style Nothing is more important for youth than learning how to catch a baseball correctly. One of the first things I tell my students is “Find a wall,” if you are serious about learning how to catch a baseball. There is no better way to learn to catch and to develop quick, soft hands than with a wall. As seen here, I was able to make 17 catches in 24 seconds – many repetitions can be achieved in just a few minutes. This drill may appear easy, but for inexperienced players, it takes much practice flipping balls in a consistent manner and catching them. However, in no time, players improve and enjoy wall … [Read more...]
Fixing Common Problems of Every Baseball Position
Every baseball position has its share of challenges Youth coaches have to have eyes in the back of their heads too, to notice what is going on at every baseball position. Any little flaw in a player mechanics usually leads to missed plays; the same as any little hitting mistake results in an out for batters. Great defensive baseball is about a few things. First, it is about positioning. At the youth levels, a coach is responsible for this until players begin to understand where to play and how to move as a defensive unit. Next, a solid defense is getting every player to have the anticipation of the ball coming to them, and the knowledge of … [Read more...]
