BaseballParentGuide.com - Official Blog

Welcome to the official blog of the Baseball Parent Guide. Our free baseball articles and daily post provide baseball parents with valuable drills and tips to help improve your home, team and backyard baseball practice. Our archive has hundreds of informative and useful articles and posts related to all aspects of baseball training, practice and skill development. Make sure to save this site to your favorites for future visits. Happy Hitting and Good Luck to Your Team!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Why Proper Arm Position Can Reduce Arm Injuries



Why Proper Arm Position Can Reduce Arm Injuries

http://www.pitching.com
Dick Mills Explosive Pitching Instructional Dvds for pitchers of all age. Want to help your son throw as much as 6-12 mph harder with better control and less risk of injury? Former Red Sox pitcher applies the latest sports science research to pitching to show pitchers how to use their bodies to build more velocity instead of their arms. If you would like to teach your son how to pitch based on the latest sports science research and save thousands on pitching lessens then Explosive Pitching is a simple system that any parent or coach can learn even if you know nothing about baseball or pitching. That includes single Moms. Dick has taught thousands of parents since 1995 how to help their son reach their full potential whether they are just starting out in Little League or trying to reach the next level. Go to www.pitching.com for full details. Get Dick's free weekly newsletter Fastball Report.
http://www.pitching.com

======================================

===Advertisement from our sponsor:=====
Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Check us out on Twitter:

Blog4Coaches
Blogs4Coaches.com

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Baseball Batting Tips - Hitting Preparation


Baseball Batting Tips - Hitting Preparation
By Guest Author Jeffery A Wise

With numerous baseball batting tips floating out there we need to slow down a bit and methodically lay out tips that are easy to follow and in some sort of order. If you keep reading our articles you will clearly see a simple path to follow. For this article, let's focus on batting tips related to hitting preparation.

When it comes to choosing your baseball bat you shouldn't assume that using a gigantic bat will bring you hitting success. Don't choose a huge bat because the older players in your league are using one. You should choose a bat that will enable you to get around quickly enough to hit the ball. So basically, you don't need a heavy bat or too light of a bat. It really depends upon the individual. Try out several bats to see which one is right for you before you make a purchase.

Next, focus on your grip. You need to have a firm grip on your bat but grip the bat handle with your fingers and not so far back in your hand. You should line up your knuckles properly and the pinky of your bottom hand should be touching the knob of the bat handle.

Your mental approach to hitting should begin before your at bat. Instead of goofing around in the dugout or talking with fans you should be mentally ready for your at bat. Try to study everything about the current pitcher. What is he throwing? Where is he throwing? What has he been pitching your teammates? You want to be as prepared as possible before you get into the batter's box. Don't waste any at bats by not knowing what your game plan is.

The final batting tip for hitting preparation is having confidence as you step into the box. I'm not talking about being smug and cocky. I'm referring to a quiet confidence. Be confident in your mind that you can handle any hitting situation that you may face. You can get the job done. You can move that runner over. You can swing at good pitches and not balls. Try not to be distracted from anything else going on. Even when there are roadblocks such as a bad call by the umpire, stay focused and confident that you'll still get the job done. You don't want to give the pitcher any undue advantage. Remain confident and you will have more success.

Jeffery A Wise invites you to learn the proven system of baseball batting tips so that you can learn how to hit a baseball better. Start learning today at http://www.baseballhittingtipsonline.com by reading our information and downloading our free report.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffery_A_Wise

Thanks to our sponsor:

=======================================
Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine
=======================================

Derek Jeter Hurricane Machine Training Blog

HurricaneMachine.com - Links

---15 Reasons To Buy a Hurricane Trainer
---6 Questions Often Asked By Customers
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Drills
---20-Minute Hurricane Batting Practice Workout
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Video Demo Clips

Baseball2u.com has a one of the internet's largest selections of baseball coaching and training dvds

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Youth Baseball Arm Care: The Dreaded Little League Shoulder

Youth Baseball Arm Injuries can hit the elbow and the shoulder of youth and little league baseball players. Baseball Parents can help prevent their son or daughter from suffering these injuries by making sure that little league players should practice proper elbow and shoulder arm care.

On http://ClubHouseGAS.com , we talk with Dr. David Marshal of Children's Heathcare of Atlanta on the causes and prevention of shoulder injuries in youth baseball players. Also check out http://YouthSportTravel.com.

=============

Little League Shoulder



===============

Elbow Injuries in Youth Baseball Pitchers

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

How to Hit a Baseball - Your Mission


How to Hit a Baseball - Your Mission
By Guest Author Jeffery A Wise

Do you know what your mission is each time you go up to bat? Do you know what you need to do? Are you wanting to just hit it as hard as you can and worry about the consequences later on? What is your overall strategy when you go up to bat? Are you in it only for yourself or the team? To learn how to hit a baseball with a purpose is something you need to be a successful hitter.

Did I catch your attention just now because I'm describing you or the majority of your teammates? Has your coach talked about this before but you haven't been willing to listen? I hope these questions are really making you think because if you want to know how to hit a baseball you can start with your mission.

Speaking of mission, do you know what yours is? Do you know what to look for each time you step up to bat?

Here are a few pointers that will help you understand what your purpose is BEFORE you step into the batters box. It should begin while you're in the on-deck circle or even on the bench waiting to hit.


How many outs are there?
Are you confident and ready to attack the ball?
Are there any runners on base?
Where has the pitcher been pitching everybody?

Asking yourself these simple questions will prepare you to hit the baseball with purpose. Answering these questions intelligently will put you ahead of the curve versus other hitters on your team and probably in your whole league.

So now you know the four top tips that will help you hit the baseball with a mission in mind. Try it out during your next game and even get in the habit of asking these questions during practice. Apply what you learned into your games after that.

Jeffery A Wise invites you to learn the proven system of how to hit a baseball so that you can help your team win. Start learning today at http://www.baseballhittingtipsonline.com by reading our information and downloading our free report.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffery_A_Wise

====================

===Advertisement from our sponsor:=====
Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.



The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

How to Throw Strikes - Great Drill For Youth Baseball Pitchers

How to Throw Strikes - Great Drill For Youth Baseball Pitchers
By Guest Author Jack Perconte

If anyone could discover a guaranteed method of teaching youth baseball pitchers how to throw strikes, they would strike it rich. Obviously, youth baseball games would go a lot smoother if kids threw more strikes. More innings could be played in the allotted time span and umpires would be able to keep some semblance of the strike zone. Often at the under 10 year old kid pitch leagues, umpires have to call any balls caught by the catcher "strikes" just to keep the games moving. Obviously, this umpire practice does not allow hitters to learn the strike zone and coaches have to tell hitters to swing at almost everything so they won't get called out on strikes. This result of calling a huge strike zone doesn't serve the development of pitchers or hitters, and causes much frustration in youth baseball leagues.

One thing I have noticed over the years, which is not earthshaking news, is that kids are accurate and display good throwing mechanics from a close range. Once they reach a certain distance away from their target, their throwing mechanics change and any consistent throwing accuracy is lost. The usual result of throwing a further distance is that kids step away from their target and open up their front side way too soon. Overtime, these incorrect throwing habits become a habit and may lead to arm injury.

Of course, even with the following practice drill, kids still have to be taught the correct throwing mechanics and they should work on perfecting them. With this in mind, following is one of my favorite drills where youth baseball pitchers can learn a consistent release point and have some fun at the same time.

Advance and Retreat Drill for Pitching

Once pitchers have warmed up, I start them at the midway mark between home and pitchers mound, where they begin pitching. For every "strike" they throw, pitchers back up a step towards the pitcher's mound and for every "ball" they move a step closer to home. I then count the number of pitches it takes them to get back to the pitchers mound (less the better, of course). The next time they work on pitching, the pitcher tries to beat their previous number of pitches. This drill is a great way for baseball pitchers to focus, try to keep the same mechanics and release point as they eventually get to the correct distance from home plate.

Of course, this same type drill can be used for kids who are just throwing, as opposed to pitching, and works with throwing off a wall or into a target as well. Additionally, different throwing contests can be designed and competition among players used with this baseball throwing drill.

Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball playing lessons, books and advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball
Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his positive parenting advice and books can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte



===================

=======================================
Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine
=======================================

HurricaneMachine.com - Links

---15 Reasons To Buy a Hurricane Trainer
---6 Questions Often Asked By Customers
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Drills
---20-Minute Hurricane Batting Practice Workout
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Video Demo Clips

Baseball2u.com has a one of the internet's largest selections of baseball coaching and training dvds.


Hurricane Video

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Some General Information About Batting Cages

Some General Information About Batting Cages
By Carmine Bailey

Have you ever heard of batting cages before? A batting cage refers to an enclosure, which is usually made of netting and looks like a cage.

To put it briefly, it is meant for baseball or softball players to improve their batting skills. If you are serious about baseball or softball, you should consider buying such a cage. It does not matter whether it is for you or your children. Such a cage happens to be a perfect training ground for those who are keen on baseball or softball.

Moreover, you can purchase cheap cages these days. If you were not thinking of playing any of the ball game seriously, a cheaper one would suffice. However, bear in mind that these cages are sold based on certain factors. One important criterion for the cost is the quality and type of netting.

A more expensive one is usually made of good quality and appropriate material so that it can last for ages. Since there is a tendency for a player to hit the netting very often while practicing, cheap netting might be torn easily. Other than the quality of netting, the size of it counts as well when it comes to pricing. There are various lengths, widths and frame lengths.

In general, there are two types of batting cages, permanent and portable. Permanent ones have fixtures to ensure that they stay fixed in one particular place. You can use one of these indoors or outdoors, even in your own backyard. Portable ones are very much convenient.

They can be set up and dismantled in an easily and quickly. You can even store any of them easily. A batting cage is sold as a standard or tunnel one. As the name implies, a tunnel one is long in length with a narrow width. In other words, it has a tubular shape. There are certain advantages to using one.

Due to its narrow width, the ball remains in a more confined area in a tunnel cage compared to a standard one. It is possible for players to hit longer distances in comparison to a standard type. A commercial company usually uses such a cage for its players. Immaterial of whether you buy a standard or tunnel type, a batting cage is very useful for baseball or softball players.

Hitting a ball may seem easy but it is not. A player has to learn proper hitting techniques and practice the techniques repeatedly. Only then, he or she might be able to achieve some semblance of being natural at hitting balls. This might require months of practice to build the necessary muscles and hit the ball more naturally.

A batting cage gives a wonderful opportunity to practice baseball or softball without having to focus or spend much energy searching for the balls. You can even improve your batting force and speed after much practice in a batting cage.

Nowadays, you can purchase a cage for batting of any type of netting, style or size in the worldwide web. You may find better bargains compared to non-virtual sporting goods store.

Pick up more information and tips on purchasing the ideal Batting Cage here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carmine_Bailey

======================

==================

Thanks to our sponsor:

=======================================
Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine
=======================================

Derek Jeter Hurricane Machine Training Blog

HurricaneMachine.com - Links

---15 Reasons To Buy a Hurricane Trainer
---6 Questions Often Asked By Customers
---Message to Parents From Coach Nick
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Drills
---20-Minute Hurricane Batting Practice Workout
---Hurricane Hitting Machine Video Demo Clips

Baseball2u.com has a one of the internet's largest selections of baseball coaching and training dvds

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Baseball Coaching Digest - Three Things That I Feel Should Never Be Said on a Baseball Field

Baseball Coaching Digest - Three Things That I Feel Should Never Be Said on a Baseball Field


Coach Nick Dixon - Nedco Sports - Boaz High Baseball - Inventor of the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine



By Nick Dixon

There are many things said by coaches and players during a game. Many things said provide useful information and guidance to players. There are other things that I feel are best not said during a game.

Here are three things that I feel should never be said by coaches or players during a game:

1. "We are going to lose." - Expecting to win is vital. The old saying, "Whether you expect to win or expect to lose, you are probably right!" is never truer than in coaching youth baseball. Having a positive attitude is the first step toward having a good game. I do not even use the word "lose" in any conversation during practices or game. I do not want to plant a "seed" that might grow into a team mindset.

Coaching Point: Your players are going to emulate your attitude and your frame of mind. Your words and body language are closely observed and noticed by your players. Never show negative emotion or lose control of your emotions. Players learn to handle pressure as well as their coach does. If the coach expresses too much concern or alarm when something goes wrong, the players may lose faith or panic.

2. "It is too cold...it is too hot! - Playing baseball in extreme weather temperature conditions is difficult to deal with. Playing in such conditions requires a lot of stretching and constant warm-up. I have coached in extreme cold and hot conditions. I have coached with snow falling and frost on the infield grass. I have coached when it was so hot and humid that your lineup sheet would be soaking wet with sweat before you could finish making it out. The best approach when playing in extremely weather conditions related to temperature is to not mention or discuss it. The more you speak or talk about it, the colder you will get.

Coaching Point: The wearing of high quality cold weather and hot weather under wear gear is a must for staying warm in extreme conditions. Hot hands packets in the back pocket are a common tactic for keep a players hands and fingers from going numb. A heater in the dugout may be required in extreme conditions. And most of all, remember, that cold weather is brutal on high dollar thin walled bats. It is wise to invest in a portable bat warmer. The popular models feature microwavable inserts that hold the heat and keep the bats warm for several hours.

3. "Watch out for that curve ball!" - It is best not to tell a batter what pitch to look for or to expect. Mental concentration is a part of batting success. Sometimes telling a player to what pitch you think is coming, makes the player to start guessing on pitches. The player will be more successful he is thinking or concentrating for himself.

Coaching Point: The batter should always know the count and the situation. The batter should have a good mental and physical approach at the plate. The batter should always expect the fast ball away and adjust to the fast ball in. The batter should always expect the fastball and adjust to the off-speed pitch.

I hope that you found this article informative and useful. I appreciate you taking the time to read it. Good luck to you and your team in the coming season. Have a great day, Nick.

The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon

===Advertisement from our sponsor:=====

Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!
LittleLeagueDigest.com
YouthBaseballDigest.com
BaseballCoachingDigest.com
BaseballParentGuide.com
AmericanBaseballDirectory.com
LittleLeagueLinks.com

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Rediscovering the Magic of Youth Baseball


Rediscovering the Magic of Youth Baseball
By Guest Author Dave Rosene

I have seen significant changes how youth baseball has been 'taught' in the U.S. since the 1960's, and the changes haven't been positive. I didn't say coached because coaching refers to strategy and competition, and the concentration of youth baseball must be on skill development, rules understanding, and team play. We need teaching coaches for that, because today's players show deficiencies in these areas more than previous generations. When people of my era started playing baseball, it was the most popular sport in America and engrained in our culture. There were many different forms that helped improve individual skills: fast pitch, whiffle ball, ledge, penner, or just throwing popups to yourself, and we didn't need parents to organize these activities. We called our friends who would call their friends, we threw off walls or our house steps, and we had games with whoever was around and made up our own rules. We became better players by thinking or playing baseball every day. Plus we learned the game by watching baseball on television or going to major league games if we were lucky enough to get tickets.

Most youth American players today lack the knowledge and experience that we had because they have more options to take up their free time and they therefore have varied interests. By not spending more time practicing, playing, or watching baseball, they are lagging behind kids from other countries in skill development and general baseball knowledge. Why do Latin American players dominate professional baseball? In most cases playing baseball is the only sport available to kids there to participate in, and by playing constantly they progress quickly.

Can we and should we go back in time to help our youth rediscover the magic of baseball? How can we, as teachers and coaches, make the game relevant and necessary for players who get distracted and sidetracked easily. We have to show kids what made us love baseball, and pass along that love. That's the challenge we want to take on. In future articles we will discuss how to effectively teach and coach our youth athletes to maximize their talents while identifying the negative methods to avoid that I've seen too much of in the past 30 years.

DNA Sports specializes in personalized baseball and softball skill programs, college recruiting education and preparation, and coaching clinics. Learn more: http://www.dnasportsonline.com

Dave Rosene - Co-Founder, DNA Sports

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Rosene

Thanks to Our Sponsor:


Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer