Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Breaking it Down
1/2 Field Drills
Objective:
To have players execute a variety of defensive situations by splitting the field in half and focusing on individual responsibilities of the defensive position.
Groups:
1. Right Fielder, 1st Baseman, 2nd Baseman, and Catcher
2. Left Fielder, 3rd Baseman, Shortstop, and Catcher
3. Center Fielder, Shortstop, 2nd Baseman, Catcher
Session 1
Group 1: Right Fielder, 1st Baseman, 2nd Baseman, and Catcher
Situations:
- Single to right field with no one on base.
- Single to right field with no one on base with throw to trailer.
- Double to right field gap with no one on base.
- Double to right field line with no one on base with throw to trailer.
- Double to right field gap with runner on 2nd base.
- Double to right field line with runner on 1st base.
- Sacrifice fly with runner at 3rd base.
- Fly ball in shallow right field.
- Ground ball to 2nd baseman.
- Ground ball to 1st baseman.
- Bunt Plays.
- Stolen base attempt to 2nd base.
- Throw behind attempt at 1st base.
Session II
Group 2: Left Fielder, 3rd Baseman, Shortstop, and Catcher
Situations:
- Single to left field with no one on base.
- Single to left field with no one on base with throw to trailer.
- Double to left field gap with no one on base.
- Double to left field line with no one on base with throw to trailer.
- Double to left field gap with runner on 2nd base.
- Double to left field line with runner on 1st base.
- Sacrifice fly with runner at 3rd base.
- Fly ball in shallow left field.
- Ground ball to 3rd baseman.
- Ground ball to shortstop.
- Bunt Plays.
- Stolen base attempt to 3rd base.
- Throw behind attempt at 2nd base with shortstop.
Session III
Group 3: Center Fielder, Shortstop, 2nd Baseman, Catcher
Situations:
- Single to left- center field with no one on base.
- Single to right-center field with a man on 1st base.
- Double to left-center field gap with no one on base.
- Double to right-center field gap with no one on base.
- Fly ball shallow center field.
- Stolen base attempt to 2nd with RHP.
- Stolen base attempt to 2nd with LHP.
- Bunt Plays.
- Throw behind runner at 2nd base.
- Double play turns with 2nd baseman and shortstop.
Strengths:
These sessions allow the coaching staff to split up and focus on the individual needs of each player. While defensive drills are being conducted, coaches can work with the other position players on key elements of the offensive game. By having a small group, coaches can monitor player’s mastery of the proper offensive techniques. Defensively, this practice model allows players to experience various defensive situations without the use of the entire team, so players can receive many repetitions. Also, this practice model helps players comprehend the importance of each person’s responsibilities during a defensive situation. This includes defenders backing up bases and lining up the relays to the proper bases. Furthermore, catchers will receive extensive practice communicating with defenders during a defensive situation. This practice model works well with a coaching staff of three, with two coaches conducting the defensive drills and one coach operating the offensive sessions.
Objective:
To have players execute a variety of defensive situations by splitting the field in half and focusing on individual responsibilities of the defensive position.
Groups:
1. Right Fielder, 1st Baseman, 2nd Baseman, and Catcher
2. Left Fielder, 3rd Baseman, Shortstop, and Catcher
3. Center Fielder, Shortstop, 2nd Baseman, Catcher
Session 1
Group 1: Right Fielder, 1st Baseman, 2nd Baseman, and Catcher
Situations:
- Single to right field with no one on base.
- Single to right field with no one on base with throw to trailer.
- Double to right field gap with no one on base.
- Double to right field line with no one on base with throw to trailer.
- Double to right field gap with runner on 2nd base.
- Double to right field line with runner on 1st base.
- Sacrifice fly with runner at 3rd base.
- Fly ball in shallow right field.
- Ground ball to 2nd baseman.
- Ground ball to 1st baseman.
- Bunt Plays.
- Stolen base attempt to 2nd base.
- Throw behind attempt at 1st base.
Session II
Group 2: Left Fielder, 3rd Baseman, Shortstop, and Catcher
Situations:
- Single to left field with no one on base.
- Single to left field with no one on base with throw to trailer.
- Double to left field gap with no one on base.
- Double to left field line with no one on base with throw to trailer.
- Double to left field gap with runner on 2nd base.
- Double to left field line with runner on 1st base.
- Sacrifice fly with runner at 3rd base.
- Fly ball in shallow left field.
- Ground ball to 3rd baseman.
- Ground ball to shortstop.
- Bunt Plays.
- Stolen base attempt to 3rd base.
- Throw behind attempt at 2nd base with shortstop.
Session III
Group 3: Center Fielder, Shortstop, 2nd Baseman, Catcher
Situations:
- Single to left- center field with no one on base.
- Single to right-center field with a man on 1st base.
- Double to left-center field gap with no one on base.
- Double to right-center field gap with no one on base.
- Fly ball shallow center field.
- Stolen base attempt to 2nd with RHP.
- Stolen base attempt to 2nd with LHP.
- Bunt Plays.
- Throw behind runner at 2nd base.
- Double play turns with 2nd baseman and shortstop.
Strengths:
These sessions allow the coaching staff to split up and focus on the individual needs of each player. While defensive drills are being conducted, coaches can work with the other position players on key elements of the offensive game. By having a small group, coaches can monitor player’s mastery of the proper offensive techniques. Defensively, this practice model allows players to experience various defensive situations without the use of the entire team, so players can receive many repetitions. Also, this practice model helps players comprehend the importance of each person’s responsibilities during a defensive situation. This includes defenders backing up bases and lining up the relays to the proper bases. Furthermore, catchers will receive extensive practice communicating with defenders during a defensive situation. This practice model works well with a coaching staff of three, with two coaches conducting the defensive drills and one coach operating the offensive sessions.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Team Practice Drill
The Hit and Run Plus Drill
The Hit and Run can be one of the hardest plays to execute in baseball. Many times, coaches can not create good Hit and Run players just by working on the skill during batting practice. This team drill allows hitters to focus on the Hit and Run off the tee, while allowing the defense to work on the double play. By using the tee, hitters can have an increase of repetition and success, before using the skill during batting practice sessions. Also, the drill allows baserunners to work on Hit and Run steals, letting them familiarize the steps needed to be successful in moving up a base.
Objective: Players will practice incorporating an inside-out style of swing while middle infielders will focus on double play turns.
Defense: 2nd basemen, shortstops, 1st basemen
Offense: Outfielders, 3rd basemen, and catchers
Materials: Tee, baseballs, gloves, and bat
Methods: The 2nd basemen, shortstop, and 1st basemen will start on the field. They will assume their defensive positions, standing at double play depth. Outfielders, 3rd basemen, and catchers will be at the plate. A tee with be set up, with the pitch being located in the middle of the plate. The coach can vary the height of the tee. Players will be asked to drive the ball to the right side, focusing on the “4” side that should open up during a hit and run from a right-handed pitcher. An emphasis should be placed on hitting the ball hard on the ground. When the ball is struck, 2nd basemen should carry out a double play with the shortstop. The coach can continue to move the tee toward the outside corner of the plate, stimulating an outside fastball from a right-handed pitcher. When the ball is out off the plate, the hitter can focus on driving the ball even harder to the right side. The 1st basemen can play off the bag and practice making diving plays or even routine plays if the hitter uses a sharp angle.
When that circuit is completed, the coach can place the tee on the inner-half of the plate and simulate a left handed pitcher throwing inside. The hitter should focus on driving the ball on the ground through the “6/5” lane. The hitter should focus on hitting the ball hard on the ground to the proper hitting lane. The shortstop, playing a little in the hole, should field the ball and carry out a double play with the 2nd and 1st basemen. The coach can gradually move the tee toward the middle of the plate and adjust the height of the pitch. The 3rd basemen can be incorporated into this drill playing off the bag and practice making diving plays, like the 1st basemen did in the first circuit.
When a team runs this drill successfully, many variations can be incorporated. First, instead of using the tee, the coach can flip soft toss to the batter. This practice could really help the speed up the repetitions. Secondly, baserunners can be added to practice the proper fundamentals of running from 1st-2nd during a hit and run call. Also, the baserunners provide competition for the middle infielders, who need game type stimulations while turning the double play by incorporating sliding to their approach.
The Hit and Run can be one of the hardest plays to execute in baseball. Many times, coaches can not create good Hit and Run players just by working on the skill during batting practice. This team drill allows hitters to focus on the Hit and Run off the tee, while allowing the defense to work on the double play. By using the tee, hitters can have an increase of repetition and success, before using the skill during batting practice sessions. Also, the drill allows baserunners to work on Hit and Run steals, letting them familiarize the steps needed to be successful in moving up a base.
Objective: Players will practice incorporating an inside-out style of swing while middle infielders will focus on double play turns.
Defense: 2nd basemen, shortstops, 1st basemen
Offense: Outfielders, 3rd basemen, and catchers
Materials: Tee, baseballs, gloves, and bat
Methods: The 2nd basemen, shortstop, and 1st basemen will start on the field. They will assume their defensive positions, standing at double play depth. Outfielders, 3rd basemen, and catchers will be at the plate. A tee with be set up, with the pitch being located in the middle of the plate. The coach can vary the height of the tee. Players will be asked to drive the ball to the right side, focusing on the “4” side that should open up during a hit and run from a right-handed pitcher. An emphasis should be placed on hitting the ball hard on the ground. When the ball is struck, 2nd basemen should carry out a double play with the shortstop. The coach can continue to move the tee toward the outside corner of the plate, stimulating an outside fastball from a right-handed pitcher. When the ball is out off the plate, the hitter can focus on driving the ball even harder to the right side. The 1st basemen can play off the bag and practice making diving plays or even routine plays if the hitter uses a sharp angle.
When that circuit is completed, the coach can place the tee on the inner-half of the plate and simulate a left handed pitcher throwing inside. The hitter should focus on driving the ball on the ground through the “6/5” lane. The hitter should focus on hitting the ball hard on the ground to the proper hitting lane. The shortstop, playing a little in the hole, should field the ball and carry out a double play with the 2nd and 1st basemen. The coach can gradually move the tee toward the middle of the plate and adjust the height of the pitch. The 3rd basemen can be incorporated into this drill playing off the bag and practice making diving plays, like the 1st basemen did in the first circuit.
When a team runs this drill successfully, many variations can be incorporated. First, instead of using the tee, the coach can flip soft toss to the batter. This practice could really help the speed up the repetitions. Secondly, baserunners can be added to practice the proper fundamentals of running from 1st-2nd during a hit and run call. Also, the baserunners provide competition for the middle infielders, who need game type stimulations while turning the double play by incorporating sliding to their approach.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Hitting Off a Firm Front Side
Moving Balance Hitting Drill
Objective: Hitters will focus on hitting off a firm front side, while transferring weight through the baseball.
Methods: A hitter, with a partner, will get into the traditional soft toss position. The hitter should widen their base, with feet spread further than shoulder width apart. The hitter’s weight should be evenly distributed on both feet. The hitter’s soft toss partner will show him the ball and say, “Load”. When the hitter hears the signal, all their weight should be transferred to the rear foot. When this occurs, the front foot should have no weight on it. Then, the hitter’s partner will say,” Move!” The hitter will slowly move their weight forward, toward their front foot in a straight line. The hitter should not stride forward. The movement should be controlled, with the hitter always in a balanced position. When the hitter’s partner has noticed the hitter’s weight transferred forward, they will flip the baseball to the hitter and say, “Fire!” The hitter, while keeping their hands back, should swing through the ball. At the swing’s completion, the hitter’s front leg should be extended and the back foot should finish in the “Kick Stand” position.
Moving Balance with Stride Hitting Drill
Objective: Hitters will focus on hitting off a firm front side, while transferring weight through the baseball with a traditional stride.
Methods: A hitter, with a partner, will get into the traditional soft toss position. The hitter with their feet spread shoulder width apart. The hitter’s weight should be evenly distributed on both feet. The hitter’s soft toss partner will show him the ball and say, “Load”. When the hitter hears the signal, all their weight should be transferred to the rear foot. When this occurs, the front foot should have no weight on it. Then, the hitter’s partner will say,” Move!” The hitter will slowly move their weight forward, toward their front foot in a straight line and take an aggressive stride toward the pitcher. When the hitter’s partner sees completion of the stride, they will flip the baseball to the hitter and say, “Fire!” The hitter, while keeping their hands back, should swing through the ball. At the swing’s completion, the hitter’s front leg should be extended and the back foot should finish in the “Kick Stand” position.
Objective: Hitters will focus on hitting off a firm front side, while transferring weight through the baseball.
Methods: A hitter, with a partner, will get into the traditional soft toss position. The hitter should widen their base, with feet spread further than shoulder width apart. The hitter’s weight should be evenly distributed on both feet. The hitter’s soft toss partner will show him the ball and say, “Load”. When the hitter hears the signal, all their weight should be transferred to the rear foot. When this occurs, the front foot should have no weight on it. Then, the hitter’s partner will say,” Move!” The hitter will slowly move their weight forward, toward their front foot in a straight line. The hitter should not stride forward. The movement should be controlled, with the hitter always in a balanced position. When the hitter’s partner has noticed the hitter’s weight transferred forward, they will flip the baseball to the hitter and say, “Fire!” The hitter, while keeping their hands back, should swing through the ball. At the swing’s completion, the hitter’s front leg should be extended and the back foot should finish in the “Kick Stand” position.
Moving Balance with Stride Hitting Drill
Objective: Hitters will focus on hitting off a firm front side, while transferring weight through the baseball with a traditional stride.
Methods: A hitter, with a partner, will get into the traditional soft toss position. The hitter with their feet spread shoulder width apart. The hitter’s weight should be evenly distributed on both feet. The hitter’s soft toss partner will show him the ball and say, “Load”. When the hitter hears the signal, all their weight should be transferred to the rear foot. When this occurs, the front foot should have no weight on it. Then, the hitter’s partner will say,” Move!” The hitter will slowly move their weight forward, toward their front foot in a straight line and take an aggressive stride toward the pitcher. When the hitter’s partner sees completion of the stride, they will flip the baseball to the hitter and say, “Fire!” The hitter, while keeping their hands back, should swing through the ball. At the swing’s completion, the hitter’s front leg should be extended and the back foot should finish in the “Kick Stand” position.
