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ConditioningMost young pitchers do not realize the importance of both strong legs and stamina. Long distance running is a mainstay for professional pitchers. You should add long distance running to your regimen if you are truly serious about pitching (run 3-5 times a week!) Thinking properlyWhile in the field, always have the thought process of, "What should I do if the ball is hit to me on the ground or in the air." If you are always thinking this, you will always know where to throw the ball. HustleIt doesn’t take any talent to hustle. Run on and off the field. Run out all ground balls and pop-ups. Hustle will set a player apart. Back Eye ShutGreat drill for those who are pulling their head out on the swing (excellent for young players). Take batting practice with the back eye closed or covered. This forces the hitter to follow the ball all the way in with the front eye. Thus, they tend to keep their head down throughout the swing. Know your strengthsKnow your stengths and weaknesses as a hitter. Try to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. The best training toolThe best training tool for hitting is the wood bat. It instantly rewards you if your swing is a good one. By feeling the solid connection, you know you had a sound swing. It also penalizes you for a poor swing with a cracked bat or buzzing hands after poor contact. HustleHustle is what determines the winners from the losers and the players from the athletes. Hustle catches the attention of coaches. A coach may take a player who hustles over one who is more talented, because that person is more valuable as a team player. SprintsWhen you break it down, base running is simply a series of sprints. Add wind sprints to your off-season regimen. Work on staying low at the start and exploding in your first several steps. RegimenOne of the simplest tips for hitting is to develop a regimen. Do the same pattern as you step up to the plate. Getting into a pre-at bat ritual will help to keep things constant and get you in a groove. Muscle MemoryPlaying baseball is neurological...it is muscle memory. By doing the proper drills, you will condition your body to react properly in a game. Consult a professional to learn drills that will reinforce proper mechanics. Get SidewaysWhen moving to field a fly ball, remember the words ’Get Sideways.’ By doing a drop step and remaining sideways on your approach, you will have a much better chance to field the ball cleanly. ’Getting Sideways’ helps you avoid backpedalling, which often gets you in the most trouble. General tip for tryoutsBaseball tryouts can often be pressure packed. Most tryouts consist of many players with little time to show what you can do. But, one thing that will set you apart is hustle. Run out to your position, sprint down the base path, and hustle on every play. Coaching AttitudeWhen coaching, follow every negative comment with a positive one shortly down the road. Players will respect you if you criticize them when need be, but also praise them at every opportunity. The Field GeneralThe catcher needs to exert him or herself as the field general. Communication on the baseball field is necessary and a good catcher will take control. The catcher has the view of the entire field and can make the proper call for throws to each base. The ExchangeWork on a quick exchange from glove to throwing hand. Even while warming up your arm you can work on this skill. Try to make a crisp, clean exchange that puts you in the best position to throw. Think a step aheadAs you progress in skill level you will understand more how baseball is a mental game. Those who are most prepared and can think a step ahead of the opponent will be the most successful. Reading the pitchThird base is a reaction position. Balls are hit so hard to third base that quick reflexes are of major importance. In addition, learn how to read pitches. Get the sign from the shortstop and learn how hitters hit certain pitches from your pitching staff. This will give you an anticipating reflex that will allow you to react even quicker. Know the nuancesOne of the great things about baseball is that you can see something different every single game. The only way to know all the rules is to be an observer. Watch games and pick up on the nuances of the game. Whether you watch a professional game on television or attend an amateur event, you can learn something new about the rules or situations each and every time! Weighted BatsA great way to develop bat speed is to swing a weighted bat. Not just for the on deck circle, weighted bats are a fantastic training tool. Try to take fifty to one hundred swings a day! Shading Your EyesCatching a ball in the sun can be difficult. Use sunglasses when possible. Shade your eyes with your glove and brim of your cap, and learn to angle your body away from the sun to cut off glare. DietConsult a dietician to obtain a gameplan for maximizing your workouts through nutrition. Many players run, lift weights, and do conditioning drills. What most neglect is diet. It will make a difference. Understand History´s ImportanceOne of the great things about baseball is its storied history. Learn about the game’s past. Learn about former players. An appreciation of the game’s history will elevate your mindset and game! ScreensThe first major investment for a team should be proper screens: an L-screen for the pitcher, a first base screen, an extra large second base (or shag screen), and a heavy duty, portable hitting net for batting practice. Choosing EquipmentIf you are serious about the game, you need top notch equipment. Save some extra money and purchase the top of the line. Be sure to treat your equipment properly. Disciplining yourself to take care of your equipment shows you have respect for yourself and the game.
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