Monday, November 28, 2005
Getting Players on Board
I have found a tremendous resource for coaches looking to hold their players accountable to their school and teammates. Steve Dixon, the head baseball coach at Sullivan North HS in Kingsport, Tennessee, has designed a player contract to encourage players to represent their program in a positive way. I strongly recommend using this sort of contract with your team for the upcoming season. If you have any questions about this document, please contact him at:
coachd_04@yahoo.com
RAIDER BASEBALL
PLAYER CONTRACT
BY BEING IN OUR BASEBALL PROGRAM THERE WILL BE HIGH EXPECTATIONS PLACED ON YOU. THERE WILL BE TIMES WHEN YOU CANNOT DO YOUR OWN THING. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE IN PLACE TO MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON AND PROMOTE THE IMAGE OF OUR PROGRAM AND SULLIVAN NORTH. IF YOU CANNOT FOLLOW THESE POLICIES THEN YOU WILL BE DISCIPLINED OR DISMISSED. IF YOU FIND THESE POLICIES UNCOOL, SILLY, OR EMBARRASSING YOUR ALTERNATIVE IS TO QUIT.
IN GENERAL : DO WHAT IS RIGHT, DO YOUR BEST, AND TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WISH TO BE TREATED.
DAILY CONDUCT:
ADDRESS AND ANSWER ALL OF YOUR COACHES, TEACHERS, AND ELDERS WITH " YES SIR, NO SIR, YES MA’AM, NO MA’AM. TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT.
GRANT COMMON COURTESIES AND MANNERS WITH EVERY PERSON YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH. ( PLEASE, THANKYOU, YOU’RE WELCOME, HOLD DOORS OPEN, ETC. )
ALWAYS BE HONEST WITH YOUR COACHES, TEAMMATES, PARENTS, TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS.
IF NO SEATING CHART, SIT IN THE FIRST 3 ROWS OF CLASS. DO NOT SLEEP.
CONFORM TO SAME RULES AS REST OF STUDENT BODY.
ANY PLAYER FOUND USING ALCOHOL WILL BE DEALT WITH STERNLY.
ANY PLAYER FOUND USING DRUGS WILL BE SUSPENDED AND/OR DISMISSED.
WHEN SOMEONE IS SPEAKING TO YOU OR YOUR GROUP, DO NOT YAWN IN FRONT OF THEM.
HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF EXCELLENCE.
BASEBALL CONDUCT
BE ON TIME FOR ALL BASEBALL RELATED ACTIVITIES.
PRACTICE HARD AT GAME TEMPO. WE WILL NOT COACH POOR ATTITUDE.
BE PROPERLY DRESSED AND TAPED AT ALL TIMES.
SPRINT ON AND OFF THE FIELD AT ALL TIMES.
PULL FOR YOUR TEAMMATES.
BE COACHABLE.
ACCEPT YOUR ROLE. IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT WORK HARDER TO CHANGE IT.
DO NOT TRANSFER BLAME OR MAKE EXCUSES. IT IS NOT ALLOWED.
DON’T QUESTION COACHES ON THE FIELD. MEET ONE ON ONE AFTER PRACTICE TO CLEAR UP MISUNDERSTANDINGS.
DISRESPECT FOR COACHES, FACULTY AND STAFF WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
BE CLEAN CUT AND NEAT IN YOUR APPEARANCE.
DO NOT SPEED, BE RECKLESS, ETC. DRIVING THROUGH PARKING LOT.
DO NOT BORROW YOUR TEAMMATES EQUIPMENT WITHOUT PERMISSION.
DO NOT THROW EQUIPMENT.
NORTH BASEBALL CAPS ARE TO BE WORN FORWARD AT ALL TIMES.
TSSAA DOES NOT PERMIT TOBACCO.
ALWAYS TUCK SHIRT IN WHEN INVOLVED IN BASEBALL ACTIVITIES.
NO EARRINGS, LIP RINGS, ETC. DURING BASEBALL ACTIVITIES.
DO NOT WHINE OR COMPLAIN, JUST QUIT.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH, YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR TEAMMATES, AND YOUR PERFORMANCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD.
ALL OF YOUR TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS HAVE BEEN GIVEN A COPY OF THESE POLICIES. IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO DISCUSS THEM WITH COACH DIXON ON A ONE ON ONE BASIS. SIGN YOUR NAME ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE AFTER YOU HAVE READ THESE POLICIES AND AGREE TO COMPLY.
coachd_04@yahoo.com
RAIDER BASEBALL
PLAYER CONTRACT
BY BEING IN OUR BASEBALL PROGRAM THERE WILL BE HIGH EXPECTATIONS PLACED ON YOU. THERE WILL BE TIMES WHEN YOU CANNOT DO YOUR OWN THING. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE IN PLACE TO MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON AND PROMOTE THE IMAGE OF OUR PROGRAM AND SULLIVAN NORTH. IF YOU CANNOT FOLLOW THESE POLICIES THEN YOU WILL BE DISCIPLINED OR DISMISSED. IF YOU FIND THESE POLICIES UNCOOL, SILLY, OR EMBARRASSING YOUR ALTERNATIVE IS TO QUIT.
IN GENERAL : DO WHAT IS RIGHT, DO YOUR BEST, AND TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WISH TO BE TREATED.
DAILY CONDUCT:
ADDRESS AND ANSWER ALL OF YOUR COACHES, TEACHERS, AND ELDERS WITH " YES SIR, NO SIR, YES MA’AM, NO MA’AM. TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT.
GRANT COMMON COURTESIES AND MANNERS WITH EVERY PERSON YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH. ( PLEASE, THANKYOU, YOU’RE WELCOME, HOLD DOORS OPEN, ETC. )
ALWAYS BE HONEST WITH YOUR COACHES, TEAMMATES, PARENTS, TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS.
IF NO SEATING CHART, SIT IN THE FIRST 3 ROWS OF CLASS. DO NOT SLEEP.
CONFORM TO SAME RULES AS REST OF STUDENT BODY.
ANY PLAYER FOUND USING ALCOHOL WILL BE DEALT WITH STERNLY.
ANY PLAYER FOUND USING DRUGS WILL BE SUSPENDED AND/OR DISMISSED.
WHEN SOMEONE IS SPEAKING TO YOU OR YOUR GROUP, DO NOT YAWN IN FRONT OF THEM.
HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF EXCELLENCE.
BASEBALL CONDUCT
BE ON TIME FOR ALL BASEBALL RELATED ACTIVITIES.
PRACTICE HARD AT GAME TEMPO. WE WILL NOT COACH POOR ATTITUDE.
BE PROPERLY DRESSED AND TAPED AT ALL TIMES.
SPRINT ON AND OFF THE FIELD AT ALL TIMES.
PULL FOR YOUR TEAMMATES.
BE COACHABLE.
ACCEPT YOUR ROLE. IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT WORK HARDER TO CHANGE IT.
DO NOT TRANSFER BLAME OR MAKE EXCUSES. IT IS NOT ALLOWED.
DON’T QUESTION COACHES ON THE FIELD. MEET ONE ON ONE AFTER PRACTICE TO CLEAR UP MISUNDERSTANDINGS.
DISRESPECT FOR COACHES, FACULTY AND STAFF WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
BE CLEAN CUT AND NEAT IN YOUR APPEARANCE.
DO NOT SPEED, BE RECKLESS, ETC. DRIVING THROUGH PARKING LOT.
DO NOT BORROW YOUR TEAMMATES EQUIPMENT WITHOUT PERMISSION.
DO NOT THROW EQUIPMENT.
NORTH BASEBALL CAPS ARE TO BE WORN FORWARD AT ALL TIMES.
TSSAA DOES NOT PERMIT TOBACCO.
ALWAYS TUCK SHIRT IN WHEN INVOLVED IN BASEBALL ACTIVITIES.
NO EARRINGS, LIP RINGS, ETC. DURING BASEBALL ACTIVITIES.
DO NOT WHINE OR COMPLAIN, JUST QUIT.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH, YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR TEAMMATES, AND YOUR PERFORMANCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD.
ALL OF YOUR TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS HAVE BEEN GIVEN A COPY OF THESE POLICIES. IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO DISCUSS THEM WITH COACH DIXON ON A ONE ON ONE BASIS. SIGN YOUR NAME ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE AFTER YOU HAVE READ THESE POLICIES AND AGREE TO COMPLY.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Is Dr. Mike Marshall Correct?
Upcoming Experiment with the Shot
I have read and explored Dr. Mike Marshall’s website and book many times. I have found his ideas to be very enlightening. I especially found it interesting, while exploring his material, that he incorporates shot puts as a strengthening device for pitchers. At first, like most of us, I was a little leery. Although, the more I research the topic, I am convinced that Dr. Marshall clearly has the right idea. Above, I have posted a picture of a female shot-putter in the power position. This position is quite similar to a pitcher who has achieved proper elbow flexion during the pitching delivery. The resemblance in the photo further justifies Dr. Marshall’s claim that the shot put can help pitchers improve power and explosiveness. Currently, we are conducting morning small group work with the shot put. Several groups of four players are working out with the shot put and establishing an exercise routine. We will be working with them until Christmas and I will update their progress weekly. Here is their work out which will be performed three times a week:
Week #1
Three sets of 10 Shot Put Lifts
Three sets of 10 Shot Put Flips
Three sets of 10 Rotation + Shot Put Lifts
Week #2
Three sets of 10 Shot Put Lifts
Three sets of 10 Shot Put Flips
Three sets of 10 Rotation + Shot Put Lifts
One set of 10 Height Throws
Week #3
Three sets of 10 Shot Put Lifts
Three sets of 10 Shot Put Flips
Three sets of 10 Rotation + Shot Put Lifts
Two sets of 10 Height Throws
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Behind the Plate
Jerry,
Thought you might enjoy an article I wrote a while back about lack of training most catchers get during the season. My site is www.catchingcamp.com.
The Most Wasted 20 Minutes in a Catchers Life
It seems that many players and coaches recognize how little time is allocated during practices for catchers to work on their catching skills: Blocking, Exchange drills, Pickoff throws, Proper handling of pass balls with throw to pitcher covering plate, just to name a few.
Often times it has been said to me that there just isn't enough time to fit it in a practice. I would like to challenge that idea by pointing out the most wasted 20 minutes in a catcher’s life.
The time is called "Infield Practice". I've lost count of how many practices I have observed where a coach is hitting infield practice with the starting catcher standing beside him taking the throw from the fielders and then handing the ball back to the coach. WHAT A WASTE!!!
Now I know that some of the items covered during infield practice do require the ! catcher's involvement in a true game situation play. However, I have seen at least 20 minutes go by when all they do is catch the ball and hand it to the coach.
I suggest that at the beginning of infield practice another player fill that role, and even maybe rotate with other infielders. During that time the catchers (all of the catchers if possible) are off to the side working on blocking, throwing etc.
When it is time to do the plays that involve the catcher, you can call them back over and run them all at one time.
I saw this next quote on a web site (www.baseballcatchers.com) about how much we depend on catchers to get it right, but how little time we provide for them to practice the skills they will need to get it right in a game.
"It will take a dozen outstanding plays by the catcher to make teammates forget a single disastrous E-2 that could have been prevented by practicing catcher skills."
I know that scheduling a meaningful practice is always a challenge. But here is an easy fix that will provide at least 20 minutes every practice for your catchers to work on their skills.
Copyright@ 2003 David Weaver
Thought you might enjoy an article I wrote a while back about lack of training most catchers get during the season. My site is www.catchingcamp.com.
The Most Wasted 20 Minutes in a Catchers Life
It seems that many players and coaches recognize how little time is allocated during practices for catchers to work on their catching skills: Blocking, Exchange drills, Pickoff throws, Proper handling of pass balls with throw to pitcher covering plate, just to name a few.
Often times it has been said to me that there just isn't enough time to fit it in a practice. I would like to challenge that idea by pointing out the most wasted 20 minutes in a catcher’s life.
The time is called "Infield Practice". I've lost count of how many practices I have observed where a coach is hitting infield practice with the starting catcher standing beside him taking the throw from the fielders and then handing the ball back to the coach. WHAT A WASTE!!!
Now I know that some of the items covered during infield practice do require the ! catcher's involvement in a true game situation play. However, I have seen at least 20 minutes go by when all they do is catch the ball and hand it to the coach.
I suggest that at the beginning of infield practice another player fill that role, and even maybe rotate with other infielders. During that time the catchers (all of the catchers if possible) are off to the side working on blocking, throwing etc.
When it is time to do the plays that involve the catcher, you can call them back over and run them all at one time.
I saw this next quote on a web site (www.baseballcatchers.com) about how much we depend on catchers to get it right, but how little time we provide for them to practice the skills they will need to get it right in a game.
"It will take a dozen outstanding plays by the catcher to make teammates forget a single disastrous E-2 that could have been prevented by practicing catcher skills."
I know that scheduling a meaningful practice is always a challenge. But here is an easy fix that will provide at least 20 minutes every practice for your catchers to work on their skills.
Copyright@ 2003 David Weaver
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
An Injury Breakthrough
Recovering from a Labrum Tear
By:
Jerry Kreber
Assistant Omaha Central HS Baseball
Associate Scout Cleveland Indians Organization
(This case documentation was motivated by a conversation I just had with a local therapist about one of our pitcher’s throwing weighted balls to improve his throwing velocity. He was against our pitcher throwing them because he had previous elbow and shoulder tendentious. He could offer no studies, research, or evidence to back up his opinion. After getting some time to ponder the issue, I can only hope the therapist will re-evaluate his opinion and look at conclusive evidence through documented studies that weighted balls not only improve velocity, but strength and durability as well.)
In the winter of 1997, I experienced extreme shoulder pain during preseason baseball conditioning. Upon getting my arm examined by a physician, I was diagnosed with having a torn labrum ligament in my shoulder. I had a successful operation in January of 1998. I was instructed not to throw for six weeks. Instead, I was told to focus on the strength and range of motion of my shoulder.
After being sidelined for 6 weeks, I returned to throwing. My arm was definitely not the same. I could not get my humerus rotated smoothly without the joint slipping. It would pop really loud and it really affected my mentality. I was deeply depressed about the situation, but continued my rehabilitation program religiously. Literally, I tried every kind of exercise there was to perform. I used a stretch cord, dumbbell, and free weights. I stretched, ran, and threw the baseball but nothing helped my arm to get back to its original form. Furthermore, my functional strength was at its peak. I had increased all my core lifts including the bench press, squat, and clean and jerk. With all these strength increases, my arm did not get better; it seemed to get worse. I looked like a shot-putter trying to throw a baseball. Even my teammates would comment that my throwing motion looked painful. Before the surgery I was a catcher, after the surgery I moved to first base. Even after six months of rehabilitation, I still could not throw the ball from first base to home plate. The situation was dire. I was very close to quitting.
As a college sophomore, I had undergone surgery to remove a tumor pinched in-between my throwing arm shoulder blade, so that year was lost to injury as well. The surgery was successful and I was fully recovered before the labrum surgery. So as a college junior, I had high hopes before the labrum injury occurred. After almost two years of injuries and my recovery uncertain, I began to have negative thoughts about continuing with baseball. As a last resort during the fall of my senior year of college, I was looking through a magazine and located a set of Worth Weighted Baseballs. I had never heard of them. I always assumed throwing heavy objects caused injury to your arm, but as I looked at them I understood the situation was desperate. I ordered the weighted balls at the end of the 1998 Fall Baseball season.
In early November of 1998, I started throwing the weighted balls with my roommate. Before throwing the balls, I could not throw a baseball on a line over 60 feet. As soon as we started with the 6 ounce ball, I could feel a difference. Then, in the second session, it was like a miracle happened. I started throwing in the afternoon and saw a huge difference. My arm, which prior to the balls could not throw the ball over 60 feet, was launching balls from the left field foul line to the centerfield fence. The distance measured about 250 feet. I stayed out that afternoon until it was dark. I have never been more excited in my life. My roommate and I completed 75% of the program before the snow obstructed our workouts and we had to move inside. I was amazed with the strength of my arm and so were my teammates.
During that 1999 spring season, I was able to stand at home plate and throw the ball out of the park down the left field line, which was approximately 315 feet. I threw the weighted balls every day during our practice warm ups and felt like it gave my arm extra strength and speed. I experienced no pain from the surgery and was able to throw 100% on a daily basis.
By:
Jerry Kreber
Assistant Omaha Central HS Baseball
Associate Scout Cleveland Indians Organization
(This case documentation was motivated by a conversation I just had with a local therapist about one of our pitcher’s throwing weighted balls to improve his throwing velocity. He was against our pitcher throwing them because he had previous elbow and shoulder tendentious. He could offer no studies, research, or evidence to back up his opinion. After getting some time to ponder the issue, I can only hope the therapist will re-evaluate his opinion and look at conclusive evidence through documented studies that weighted balls not only improve velocity, but strength and durability as well.)
In the winter of 1997, I experienced extreme shoulder pain during preseason baseball conditioning. Upon getting my arm examined by a physician, I was diagnosed with having a torn labrum ligament in my shoulder. I had a successful operation in January of 1998. I was instructed not to throw for six weeks. Instead, I was told to focus on the strength and range of motion of my shoulder.
After being sidelined for 6 weeks, I returned to throwing. My arm was definitely not the same. I could not get my humerus rotated smoothly without the joint slipping. It would pop really loud and it really affected my mentality. I was deeply depressed about the situation, but continued my rehabilitation program religiously. Literally, I tried every kind of exercise there was to perform. I used a stretch cord, dumbbell, and free weights. I stretched, ran, and threw the baseball but nothing helped my arm to get back to its original form. Furthermore, my functional strength was at its peak. I had increased all my core lifts including the bench press, squat, and clean and jerk. With all these strength increases, my arm did not get better; it seemed to get worse. I looked like a shot-putter trying to throw a baseball. Even my teammates would comment that my throwing motion looked painful. Before the surgery I was a catcher, after the surgery I moved to first base. Even after six months of rehabilitation, I still could not throw the ball from first base to home plate. The situation was dire. I was very close to quitting.
As a college sophomore, I had undergone surgery to remove a tumor pinched in-between my throwing arm shoulder blade, so that year was lost to injury as well. The surgery was successful and I was fully recovered before the labrum surgery. So as a college junior, I had high hopes before the labrum injury occurred. After almost two years of injuries and my recovery uncertain, I began to have negative thoughts about continuing with baseball. As a last resort during the fall of my senior year of college, I was looking through a magazine and located a set of Worth Weighted Baseballs. I had never heard of them. I always assumed throwing heavy objects caused injury to your arm, but as I looked at them I understood the situation was desperate. I ordered the weighted balls at the end of the 1998 Fall Baseball season.
In early November of 1998, I started throwing the weighted balls with my roommate. Before throwing the balls, I could not throw a baseball on a line over 60 feet. As soon as we started with the 6 ounce ball, I could feel a difference. Then, in the second session, it was like a miracle happened. I started throwing in the afternoon and saw a huge difference. My arm, which prior to the balls could not throw the ball over 60 feet, was launching balls from the left field foul line to the centerfield fence. The distance measured about 250 feet. I stayed out that afternoon until it was dark. I have never been more excited in my life. My roommate and I completed 75% of the program before the snow obstructed our workouts and we had to move inside. I was amazed with the strength of my arm and so were my teammates.
During that 1999 spring season, I was able to stand at home plate and throw the ball out of the park down the left field line, which was approximately 315 feet. I threw the weighted balls every day during our practice warm ups and felt like it gave my arm extra strength and speed. I experienced no pain from the surgery and was able to throw 100% on a daily basis.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Using the NPA Model
Omaha Central Baseball
Eight Daily Pitching Areas
1. Dynamic Flexibility Exercises
· Cross Arm Pitching Rotation (Monday)
· Glove Arm Positioning Drill (Tuesday)
· Equal/Opposite Check Drill (Wednesday)
· Flat Back Drill with Throwing Elbow (Thursday)
· #3 Point Check Drill (Friday)
2. Joint Stabilization Exercises
· Arm Circles (Monday)
· Arm’s Range of Motion with Bat (Tuesday)
· Arm Resistance Exercises with Bat (Wednesday)
· Shoulder Blade Pinches (Thursday)
· Backwards “L” Resistance (Friday)
3. Core Stabilization Exercises
· Crunches (variations) (Monday)
· Leg Lifts with Flutter (Tuesday)
· Medicine Ball (Wednesday)
· Prone Position (on belly) (Thursday)
· Leg Crunches (Friday)
4. Functional Weight Training Exercises
· Stretch Cords (Monday)
· Medicine Balls (Tuesday)
· 3 ½ LBS. Dumbbells (Wednesday)
· Pushups (Thursday)
· Wrist Weights (Friday)
5. Anaerobic Training Exercises
· Distance Running (Monday)
· Sprint Running (Tuesday)
· Jumping Rope (Wednesday)
· Plyometrics Drop Hat (Thursday)
· Aerobics (Hip Turns, JJ, Jumps) (Friday)
6. Mechanic Pitching Drills
· Total Body Towel Drill (Monday)
· Cross Legged Throwing Drill (Tuesday)
· Torque Towel Drill (Wednesday)
· Two Knee Throwing Bullpen (Thursday)
· Gloved Towel Drill (Friday)
7. Pickoffs
· To 1st (Monday)
· To 2nd (Tuesday)
· To 3rd (Wednesday)
· Pitchouts (Thursday)
· Pickoffs (variation) (Friday)
8. Fielding
· Fielding Fundamentals (Monday)
· GB to 1st (Tuesday)
· GB on Double Play (Wednesday)
· GB Home-1st (Thursday)
· Bunt Plays (Friday)
Each station should place (5) minutes for a total of 40 minutes
Eight Daily Pitching Areas
1. Dynamic Flexibility Exercises
· Cross Arm Pitching Rotation (Monday)
· Glove Arm Positioning Drill (Tuesday)
· Equal/Opposite Check Drill (Wednesday)
· Flat Back Drill with Throwing Elbow (Thursday)
· #3 Point Check Drill (Friday)
2. Joint Stabilization Exercises
· Arm Circles (Monday)
· Arm’s Range of Motion with Bat (Tuesday)
· Arm Resistance Exercises with Bat (Wednesday)
· Shoulder Blade Pinches (Thursday)
· Backwards “L” Resistance (Friday)
3. Core Stabilization Exercises
· Crunches (variations) (Monday)
· Leg Lifts with Flutter (Tuesday)
· Medicine Ball (Wednesday)
· Prone Position (on belly) (Thursday)
· Leg Crunches (Friday)
4. Functional Weight Training Exercises
· Stretch Cords (Monday)
· Medicine Balls (Tuesday)
· 3 ½ LBS. Dumbbells (Wednesday)
· Pushups (Thursday)
· Wrist Weights (Friday)
5. Anaerobic Training Exercises
· Distance Running (Monday)
· Sprint Running (Tuesday)
· Jumping Rope (Wednesday)
· Plyometrics Drop Hat (Thursday)
· Aerobics (Hip Turns, JJ, Jumps) (Friday)
6. Mechanic Pitching Drills
· Total Body Towel Drill (Monday)
· Cross Legged Throwing Drill (Tuesday)
· Torque Towel Drill (Wednesday)
· Two Knee Throwing Bullpen (Thursday)
· Gloved Towel Drill (Friday)
7. Pickoffs
· To 1st (Monday)
· To 2nd (Tuesday)
· To 3rd (Wednesday)
· Pitchouts (Thursday)
· Pickoffs (variation) (Friday)
8. Fielding
· Fielding Fundamentals (Monday)
· GB to 1st (Tuesday)
· GB on Double Play (Wednesday)
· GB Home-1st (Thursday)
· Bunt Plays (Friday)
Each station should place (5) minutes for a total of 40 minutes
Monday, November 14, 2005
2006 Summer American Legion Baseball Tourney
The Omaha Central American Legion Baseball Team will be hosting a 16-under tournament this summer. This is the 5th year of the tournament. Last year, the 20 team tournament was won by the Millard South Patriots. The 2005 tournament drew teams from Missouri, Kansas City, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Each team plays a total of 5 games. The tournament dates will be July 7-9, 2006. There is a total of 4 different tournament sites. The Champion and Runner-Up will receive awards, along with an All-Tournament Team. If you are interested, please send an email to:
gerald.kreber@ops.org
gerald.kreber@ops.org
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Improving on the Bases
Taking the Extra Base: Practicing Aggressive Baserunning
Offensive Objective: To help baserunners develop an aggressive style in reading balls hit to the outfield and challenging the runner to take an extra base.
Defensive Objective: To help fielders develop strong verbal communication skills and properly execute throws during the relay process from the outfield.
Groupings: Players will be organized in groups of 3-5 offensive baserunners depending on size of the team.
Procedure: A standard infield will take their positions. All outfielders will form a line in left field. A coach, with a fungo and baseballs, will stand behind second base on the outfield grass. Another coach, with a whistle, will stand in the first base coach’s box to signal the offensive baserunners. A group of baserunners will be next to the coach. The size of the group will vary according to the size of the team. Individually, runners will take their lead at 1st base and wait for the coach’s cue to run. The baserunner’s goal is to reach third base on the batted ball. The coach, standing behind 2nd, will hit a fungo down the left field line for a double. The infielders will set up a double cut, while the outfielder retrieves the batted ball. On the coach’s whistle, the baserunner will try and advance to third base. The runner should not leave until the coach’s cue. The coach’s cue is to create a game-like simulation of the actual play. If there is a bad throw, baserunners should react by trying to score. All organized groups should go through once. If a runner reaches third base, their team receives one point.
During the next phase of the drill, the outfielders break into two groups. One set of outfielders should be in left field and the other group should be in center. Again, the baserunners will start at first base. The coach, located behind second base, will hit a ball to the left center gap. Each baserunning group will continue trying to score on the first base coach’s whistle. The defense should set up a relay to home, communicating clearly on each relay. Every time a player scores, their baserunning group receives a point.
In the third phase, all outfielders will line up in centerfield. The offensive baserunners will start at second base. The coach, behind second, will hit ground balls to the right or left of the centerfielder. The baserunner’s objective is to score on the ground ball hit to the outfield. The defense should properly set up the relay home and there should be a play at the plate by the defenders. Again, the runner is triggered by the coach’s whistle. Every time a player scores, their baserunning group receives a point.
In the final phase, all outfielders will line up in right field. The offensive baserunning groups will start at third base. The coach, who is positioned behind second base, will hit flyballs to right field. The flyball should be hit a regular depth or even shallow so the right fielder can have a play on the ball. The offensive baserunner will tag up at third base. On the whistle, the runner will attempt to advance home. The fielders should use proper communication to try and record the out at the plate.
Summary: This drill really challenges players to take the extra base on balls hit into the outfield. Working on game-like baserunning in practice is very challenging. It is hard to set up situations which simulate the pressure runners feel when they know a play is going to be made on them. With a coach using a whistle to cue the runner, these situations can be created every time a repetition occurs. Furthermore, this drill allows players to work on their sliding techniques. When sliding, runner should incorporate the traditional, hook, and pop-up slide depending on the base and situation. Also, this drill is flexible and allows coach’s to change the situations which will occur during the game and provide players will a lot of different baserunning situations. Finally, by having several different phases, players can receive a break from baserunning and work on rotating from defense to offensive. Hopefully, by constantly moving from fielding to running, players will be encouraged to incorporate higher intensity while performing baserunning activities. By incorporating high intensity into running, the fielders will have to execute proper defensive techniques to stop the offense from taking the extra base.
Offensive Objective: To help baserunners develop an aggressive style in reading balls hit to the outfield and challenging the runner to take an extra base.
Defensive Objective: To help fielders develop strong verbal communication skills and properly execute throws during the relay process from the outfield.
Groupings: Players will be organized in groups of 3-5 offensive baserunners depending on size of the team.
Procedure: A standard infield will take their positions. All outfielders will form a line in left field. A coach, with a fungo and baseballs, will stand behind second base on the outfield grass. Another coach, with a whistle, will stand in the first base coach’s box to signal the offensive baserunners. A group of baserunners will be next to the coach. The size of the group will vary according to the size of the team. Individually, runners will take their lead at 1st base and wait for the coach’s cue to run. The baserunner’s goal is to reach third base on the batted ball. The coach, standing behind 2nd, will hit a fungo down the left field line for a double. The infielders will set up a double cut, while the outfielder retrieves the batted ball. On the coach’s whistle, the baserunner will try and advance to third base. The runner should not leave until the coach’s cue. The coach’s cue is to create a game-like simulation of the actual play. If there is a bad throw, baserunners should react by trying to score. All organized groups should go through once. If a runner reaches third base, their team receives one point.
During the next phase of the drill, the outfielders break into two groups. One set of outfielders should be in left field and the other group should be in center. Again, the baserunners will start at first base. The coach, located behind second base, will hit a ball to the left center gap. Each baserunning group will continue trying to score on the first base coach’s whistle. The defense should set up a relay to home, communicating clearly on each relay. Every time a player scores, their baserunning group receives a point.
In the third phase, all outfielders will line up in centerfield. The offensive baserunners will start at second base. The coach, behind second, will hit ground balls to the right or left of the centerfielder. The baserunner’s objective is to score on the ground ball hit to the outfield. The defense should properly set up the relay home and there should be a play at the plate by the defenders. Again, the runner is triggered by the coach’s whistle. Every time a player scores, their baserunning group receives a point.
In the final phase, all outfielders will line up in right field. The offensive baserunning groups will start at third base. The coach, who is positioned behind second base, will hit flyballs to right field. The flyball should be hit a regular depth or even shallow so the right fielder can have a play on the ball. The offensive baserunner will tag up at third base. On the whistle, the runner will attempt to advance home. The fielders should use proper communication to try and record the out at the plate.
Summary: This drill really challenges players to take the extra base on balls hit into the outfield. Working on game-like baserunning in practice is very challenging. It is hard to set up situations which simulate the pressure runners feel when they know a play is going to be made on them. With a coach using a whistle to cue the runner, these situations can be created every time a repetition occurs. Furthermore, this drill allows players to work on their sliding techniques. When sliding, runner should incorporate the traditional, hook, and pop-up slide depending on the base and situation. Also, this drill is flexible and allows coach’s to change the situations which will occur during the game and provide players will a lot of different baserunning situations. Finally, by having several different phases, players can receive a break from baserunning and work on rotating from defense to offensive. Hopefully, by constantly moving from fielding to running, players will be encouraged to incorporate higher intensity while performing baserunning activities. By incorporating high intensity into running, the fielders will have to execute proper defensive techniques to stop the offense from taking the extra base.
