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Friday, August 16, 2013

3 Things You Must Avoid When Hitting - Baseball Hitting Secrets Exposed!

Baseball Hitting Tips

By Guest Author: Justin Willman

In this article, I am going to be talking to you about the 3 most common things hitters do wrong and the 3 things you must avoid when hitting. If you avoid these things, you are definitely on your way to becoming a great hitter and smashing all your baseball hopes, dreams, and goals!

Alright, so the first thing in hitting that you must avoid at all costs is to become distracted. Distractions are common in everything you do in your day to day life, but as you probably have figured out already, they can really throw you off!

Distractions cause you to lose focus, and when you are hitting, you simply can't afford to do that. What I recommend you do to cure this is try and achieve zen and focus before you get into the batters box. Release everything else from your world. The only thing you need to focus on is the ball.

The next thing in hitting you need to avoid is getting frustrated when you fail. So many times I see kids come back to the dugout after a strikeout and throw their bat or helmet, etc. Do not let your emotions control you.

The last thing you need to avoid is not swinging at good pitches! Be ready on the first pitch, because a lot of the time that will be the best pitch you will ever see in the at-bat. The pitcher is trying to get ahead in the count, thus he will be trying to put the baseball over the plate.

I am a former pro baseball player, having helped hundreds of people to easy baseball success. I've recently developed a video training course showing you a step by step process for making your baseball training results come easier and faster. To learn how to become a better hitter without all the fluff, visit, http://www.DynamiteHitting.com

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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

The Secret to Helping Your Kid Be a Better Baseball Hitter in Little League or High School Baseball

Helping Your Kid Be a Better Baseball Player

By Franklin Watts

Is your kid in Little League or high school baseball? Is he or she hitting the baseball as good as you want them to? Does it drive you crazy when you know they could be doing better up at bat, but you don't know how to show them how to hit the ball better? Do you want to know how to teach them how to connect with the baseball more often?

My first tip that will help them hit better is to show them how to keep their eye on the ball. We've all heard that before, but it is really the best thing you can do to make them focus and make contact with the baseball more often. It is easy with all the noise on the field to stop looking at the ball. Talk to them about watching the pitcher. Tell them not to be afraid of the pitcher or the ball coming at them.

The second tip that will really help your kid hit a baseball better is to make sure they center themselves over home plate. You will see kids that don't center over home plate the right way and they never get a good hit. Standing in the right place makes a big difference to every hit. Try it with your kid when you get a chance to practice with them.

Watching your kid play baseball can be painful when you want them to do better. No parent wants their kid to strike out at bat. But you can help them be a better hitter. Unless you a hire an expensive personal baseball trainer to help them out, you are the one that has to help them.

So please take the time to get to know how to help them. Maybe one day when your kid makes it to the World Series you can say that you were the one that helped them get there!

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Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Baseball Parent Guide: One Player, One Season, Three Teams - How Much Baseball Is Enough?

By Guest Author:Dr. Warren Bruhl

Youth baseball is a pastime shared by millions. In virtually every town in America on a summer evening, a baseball game is probably played. Perhaps, 10,000 or more games may be played even simultaneously and the outcomes while important to the participants ultimately have little significance in world affairs. Still, many young people and their parents devote countless hours to the preparation, practice, transportation, and games of baseball because they enjoy the game. Dreams of becoming professional ball players abound for pre-teen and teen players. However, the reality for millions of these players is few will actually realize a big-league dream.

The talent and skills necessary to become a professional player are scarce and only found in a select few. Of these players with a chance at a big league dream, the way to realize the dream requires hours of practice and playing hundreds of baseball games during a youth career. The only way to improve at the game is playing it. Repetition is the secret to becoming better at anything. Playing baseball and practicing baseball makes average players become good players and good players become great players or even exceptional players. Playing time mixed with consistent practice is often a recipe for success. In warm weather climates, players usually play longer seasons and have a stronger advantage over players in cold weather climates. In order for cold-weather climate players to improve, they have to play more games in compressed periods of time. To improve, players seek the best competition during these compressed periods of baseball worthy weather. However, some argue there may be too much baseball if five, or six or even ten games are played in a week for an 8-12 week period in the late spring and summer.

How much baseball can a young player play? Does playing five or six days a week make a player better? Is there something to the mental toughness a player develops by playing the game everyday and even for more than one team? What other intangible attributes are learned, mastered, and developed when a player plays "a lot of" baseball? Does a player become more confident, exude stronger leadership, and maybe even have more fun through more involvement with his/her friends on multiple teams?

This spring and early summer, I discovered some of the answers to these questions while coaching my son in three baseball programs simultaneously. While my son and I did not originally set out to become involved in three programs at the same time, opportunity and whispers from divine places seemed to indicate this was a path to take at this time in my son's life in the game.

Another aspect related to this decision was my son's age and the milestone leap he was moving into and leaving in the game of baseball. As a twelve year old 7th grader, he has played with boys mostly a year or more older than him. Since the age of eight, he was playing 9U baseball and continued playing with older boys through his baseball career. When boys move on to 13U baseball, as many involved in the game know the field dimensions change to Pony dimensions with longer bases, 54-foot pitching distance and deeper fences. The game takes on larger proportions. The 12U fields are approximately 10-15% smaller on average and this can have notable outcomes on the players' effectiveness and contribution in the game.

Recognizing this time as a one-year window for him to play both dimensions and perhaps have some great experience being a mentor and leader on a 12U team while playing 13U baseball also, we decided to pursue the challenge to play on two travel teams in the spring and summer. Moreover, because of the rules of our village, my son would also be required to play on a house league team during the months of April, May, and early June. Therefore, he would be on three teams simultaneously while most boys would only play for two teams.

The schedule would be rigorous from early April to late June, playing over 60 baseball games in this short 10-11 week period. The average player would play 30-35 games. There would be a number of days he would play 3 games in one day for two different teams or maybe even all three teams. Some parents and coaches would question whether this is possible to do without too many game conflicts ensuing and conflicts would usually occur if some preplanning and scheduling did not happen. In order to make this happen, we examined the usual routine of our house league and the beginning and ending seasons of the two travel teams for which he played. While there was some overlap, we recognized most of his house league games would be played on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from mid April to mid June. Therefore, his travel games with his 12U team could be scheduled for Saturday and Sundays and some Tuesdays and Thursdays. He would have games 5-7 days a week on average with some double headers on weekends with tournaments etc.

To make this program of baseball work, we had to have agreement from coaches that my son would miss some house league games to play with his 12U team in travel games and also his 12U coaches would not expect him to make every practice scheduled during the playing season. Additionally, he had to make his 13U team a priority if they had a game and miss 12U games if there was conflict with a 13U game. In total, during the months of April, May, and June, approximately 8-10 game conflicts arose and the agreement was fulfilled by my son to play where he suppose to play.

One of the most interesting challenges in coaching him and helping him navigate this process was switching between different uniform and equipment needs for the different teams. Baseball in 13U uses metal spikes and 12U still uses cleats so he needed two pairs of shoes. He had four different uniforms, one uniform for house league, one for 13U, and two for 12U (one for home games, one for away games). Many times we had to pack three uniforms and head out the door. We had to make sure he had both pairs of shoes, both batting helmets from his two travel teams, and all his gloves.

As a parent and head coach for one of teams and an assistant for the other two teams, I also had to be very organized. I laid out all my equipment daily and prepared all my line-ups in advance. Communication via email was pivotal to the success of this endeavor. Using GPS to find travel games all over our region was also a necessary component. My wife and other family members showed patience while I participated with my son in these games. Getting rides from other coaches and parents also become necessary at times because of various work conflicts, which arose.

In assessing the value of the experience for my son, my conclusion is he benefited from the intensity of the experience and the repetition of the game. He was given great responsibility to help his 12U team and afforded the opportunity to play in virtually every position on the field because of his skills. For his 13U travel team he usually plays second base only and pitches occasionally. By playing all positions in the field, he learned the game from numerous perspectives and became a smarter baseball player. He also developed his defensive acumen of the game and became a stronger field general on the infield and outfield. He came to enjoy playing catcher; a position for which he had shown little interest in before and he showed great skill when given the chance by playing 12U baseball. His hitting improved in his house league over previous seasons and his confidence at the plate improved. While his overall batting numbers did not jump off the page, his quality at the plate improved by having a better ability to foul off pitches, make contact with the ball, and find ways to get on base.

There were some small consequences of playing so much baseball in that he had little time for some of his other friends or interest during this time. He also was tired at times and perhaps felt some reservation about throwing on the uniform and playing once again. However, he always moved forward and when he got to the field, he went about his business and gave his best on the field. I believe he learned a great deal about himself in this process. He learned he is capable of doing more than he thought. He realized he could be a leader on a team and others looked to him for leadership. He had enjoyment through his interactions on and off the field with 34 other players from three teams. Some of the core intangibles his 12U coaches shared with me are how his presence on the field inspired his teammates to improve their awareness and game skills. Having him around gave them more confidence.

My hope is the experience will translate for him to more success in the game of baseball and in his life. While it is too early to know if he has significant future in baseball, the odds are not likely, I know he has a future path in life. The lessons learned on the diamond this year, I am certain will translate into leadership in some future endeavor. I always like to think that we never know how far reaching something we say or do today may have on someone or something in our lives. This past baseball season is reminder of this belief.

Dr. Warren Bruhl is a practicing pediatric chiropractor in Glencoe, IL. Dr. Bruhl has coached youth baseball for 11 seasons and spent thousands of hours developing youth baseball players. Dr. Bruhl is available for questions and comments at dc4kids@aol.com.

Dr. Warren Bruhl

Dr. Warren Bruhl has practiced on the North Shore of Chicago for 21 years. He is board certified in chiropractic pediatrics through the ICA Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics. Dr. Bruhl has been featured on ABC News and Parenting Life. He is the author of, "The Chiropractors Exercise Manual." Dr. Bruhl practices a variety of soft chiropractic techniques that involve no cracking of the spine. He also offers his patients traditional cracking spinal methods. His practice is diverse and offers massage therapy, exercise rehab, physical therapy, clinical detoxification programs, and nutritional therapy. Dr. Bruhl is a practitioner who practices what he teaches. He is a former bodybuilder and triathlete. He loves to coach little league baseball and is highly active in the community. Dr. Bruhl is married with three children. He is available for public speaking and writing health related articles for publication. Dr. Bruhl may be reached at (847)835-4700 or contacted through his website at http://www.lakefrontchiro.com

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Sunday, August 4, 2013

Baseball Pitching Grips: Throwing a Splitter

Learning Baseball Pitching Grips: The Splitter

By Guest Author: Dan Gazaway

Yesterday I was approached by a gentlemen at a Baseball facility in Utah. He asked me to enlighten him a bit about the splitter and if his son should be throwing it or not. His son is not in high school yet and he is concerned about his son throwing the splitter because he has heard that it can cause damage to his throwing arm. Any pitch thrown without proper mechanics will cause damage to your arm eventually. The problem with the split finger fastball is that most pitchers throw it wrong and end up twisting their wrist at release of the baseball which I explain in a few moments.

Pitching Grip: This splitter is released just like a four seam or two seam with your palm facing the catcher. The wider the fingers the slower the speed. Make sure your thumb is centered below the baseball in between your index and middle fingers.

The toughest part about this pitch is the grip. When you release the baseball, it can feel like it is slipping through your fingertips. This is a normal feeling until you get used to the release. Because this is one of the only pitches your thumb and middle finger don't split the baseball in half, it is easy to "twist" the ball at release. You need to pretend that there is an imaginary middle finger splitting the ball in half with your thumb. Pitchers who tend to "twist" the ball at release are the ones who are prone to injury with this pitch.

Timing: Once you have established your fastball (meaning the hitter has seen it) you can throw your split finger. Anytime you have a fastball count, a splitter can be thrown. Some of the best counts to throw the pitch are a 3-1, 2-1, or a 2-0 count.

This is a changeup even though it is called split-finger fastball.

Here is Nate Barnett giving us a hitter's perspective of a splitter. Many of you may not know this, but Nate is a Hall-of-Famer at George Fox University and draft pick for the Mariners in 1999. Yes, he can crush the ball; just not against me.

"I was fortunate to avoid seeing a good splitter until later in my career. The split-finger fastballs I saw in college were usually mediocre at best. Those who threw one didn't have an overpowering fastball in the first place. And, if pitchers left this pitch up in the zone, it became a nice hittable pitch for me. Those who were able to get the pitch down in the zone had good success. It came in straight but then late in its flight it would take off and break downward quickly. It's a very tough pitch to pick up early and that's what makes it effective. It's never quite as fast as a four seam or two seam fastball because of the grip, but faster than a change-up. The guys who could throw it consistently low in the zone were annoying to hit off of because they would use it a lot. To my advantage, most could never keep it down in the zone all of the time and therefore they got hit hard.

It's is a good pitch to learn if you can mix this pitch into your bag of pitches semi-infrequently to give a hitter a glimpse of something new. Younger pitchers may have a tougher time gripping the splitter correctly, but if you can develop the knack, it's a good pitch to learn at any age.

Learn how to pitch with The Pitching Academy. Dan Gazaway has been a pitching instructor for ten years now and has taught over 3,000 great students.

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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Baseball Parent Guide: Discussion: Mike Matheny Letter to Parents of Youth Baseball

Letter to Parents of Youth Baseball

By Guest Author: Robert Thomas Brown

Mike is a man of strong character and is sharing his strong ethics with the players that he is coaching. I agree with about 80% of what he has stated in the letter to parents. I will give my opinion on a couple of issues that I think Mike might understand.

When I was in the dirt with my players, I had very few problems with any parents. The ages of the boys that I was given the responsibility of coaching were between the ages of 12-15. Before that I was on a staff of other coaches and worked mainly with my son Jeff.

I had a parents meeting with a handout and I explained the rules similar to what Mike says on the responsibility of the players and the parents. I had my parents directly involved with my program and they were part of the success. The team needed the help on fundraisers and travel arrangements. We were a baseball family and with the help of my coaches and associate coaches we were a formidable bunch. We were not a tryout team like a lot of the travel teams in St. Louis. I had all local boys and we won a lot and were always able to win or compete against the cherry picked teams.

My concern with Mike is on the issue of emotions. I can't see a player that is a competitor that is busting his rear on the diamond cannot show emotion. I would teach my players that when you make a tag, you have to sell it. I am a huge competitor and most young athletes are the same way. If there is a play at second base and the runner is definitely out, for the player to not show emotion is ridiculous! What needs to be done is for the coach to let the players show emotion but not to show up the umpire, by arguing. The players will never argue with the umpires, the player can say "I got him" and then walk away and let the coach take care of the situation. That is what the good coach is for, and he needs to approach the umpire in a firm way and say I think you missed the call. Then smile and listen to what he says and then walk back to the dugout. I think this is the perfect way to run a youth team on this subject.

This level of baseball in my opinion is strictly about player development. I told my players and parents that I was getting my players ready for high school and beyond. I was not as concerned about the umpires' calls as I was more concerned about playing the game the right way. We had a play that my third baseman dived to his left and threw from his knees over to first; the ball was in the dirt but scooped up. The umpire said the runner was safe. My coaches went nuts, I calmed them down real fast and said Ross and Brett did everything the correct way. It was real good baseball!

I can't imagine fans at a baseball game being silent and not yelling support to the players. I would not expect my parents or fans to act this way at a game. What should not be tolerated is any arguing from the stands with an umpire or verbally abusing the other team. When I was in the dirt, I always handled the umpires and always had respect from the men in blue. Head coaches you need to understand you are in charge of keeping your whole baseball family under control. I can't imagine "Come on, let's go, you can do it"adds more pressure to the player. I think this is showing support for the player and team. I can't imagine being at a baseball game and not hearing fans supporting the players.

Mike also writes about the lost of respect because the kids hear their parents complaining about the teachers or coaches. Mike goes on to say that his dad taught him that the coach is always right, even when he is wrong. I do not agree with this at all, I wouldn't want my son to be a yes person robot to not think for himself and agree with a coach that is wrong. I think we need to have more people to stand up and say what is right and what is wrong. I have to say, this is one of the reasons I started this business was to improve the coaching at all levels. I think the game of baseball should be played a lot better, and the reason it is not better, is because of poor coaching. I see so many mistakes at the major league level that should not be happening. I am talking about the little things and also basic stuff that major league players should know. I have a lot of old timers that feel the same way I do on this subject.

In conclusion we need baseball coaches that are hard working, honest, responsible, and really know how to teach the game. Mike is one of these coaches and I just disagree with him on the emotions of the game.

Mike Matheny Letter to Parents http://www.mac-n-seitz.com/teams/mike-matheny-letter.html

Big Dog Baseball USA will have former Major League Baseball Players as contributing writers. We are looking for players that are in business for themselves, contractors, or to write for a cause. Each player will write an article 1-4 times a month. They will be writing about Teaching, MLB Life, Humor and Numerous other baseball related material. The finished article will link back to the individuals business or cause. This will be a free service to players in order to give them more exposure. We fully expect to have players from all over the country, for the benefit of our readers. http://www.bigdogbaseballusa.com

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Friday, July 26, 2013

Baseball Parent Guide: Baseball Fielding Tips - Very Common Throwing Problems and How You Can Fix Them!

Baseball Tips - Correcting Common Throwing Problems

By Larry Cicchiello

Here is a list of some common throwing problems, why they are happening and some baseball fielding tips that should solve these problems:

Throws Are Overthrown and Sailing High:

There is a very good chance that you are not raising your throwing elbow to shoulder height. I've witnessed this hundreds of times over the years. Watch closely to replays on TV when infielders overthrow their first baseman and the throw sails high. In almost every case, you will see the infielder did not raise his elbow high enough when making the throw. Just remember, "elbow too low, ball high." In essence, the ball is being "pushed" and not actually thrown. Another possibility for overthrowing your target is you may be releasing the ball before your landing foot hits the ground.

Under Throwing the Ball:

The problem is usually at your release point. If you release the ball too late, your throw will almost definitely be too low. Another strong possibility is that your front shoulder is dipping down below your throwing shoulder. If your front shoulder dips, there is a good chance your throw will be low and short of your target. Whenever possible, make sure that your shoulders stay level throughout the throwing motion.

General Erratic Throwing:

There is no substitute for spending time practicing your throwing. If you throw the ball every day, your throwing will improve. It simply has to. Just remember, every time you throw a baseball you should aim for a target. It's one of the simplest yet most important baseball fielding tips for improving throwing. If having a catch with someone, aim for their left shoulder, then their right shoulder, left hip, right hip, etc. Every time you throw a baseball, aim for something! How can this possibly not help? It has to help and it will help you tremendously.

If throwing erratically, the problem could very well be in your footwork. Not getting their feet set up properly is a very common problem, especially with youngsters. Their feet are not set when they throw the ball because of their impatience to want to throw the ball too soon. Their arm is ready but their footwork is not ready yet. They have no balance or foundation. Like we mentioned above, keep your shoulders level and keep them square to your target. Make sure your front foot is pointing to your target and your back foot lined up like you are pitching and using the pitching rubber.

Once again, every time you throw a baseball, aim for a target. It's one of the easiest yet most important baseball fielding tips. There is no way on earth that this will not help you out tremendously!

Larry is the successful author of several very user friendly eBooks and CD's covering 320 topics on playing or coaching excellent baseball. ANY player, coach or parent who wants to help their child will be fully equipped! Check out some FREE baseball tips on hitting and FREE baseball pitching tips at LarryBaseball.com.

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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

A Simple Baseball Tip to Improve Youth Pitching Velocity

How to Improve Youth Baseball Pitching Velocity

By Guest Author: Jake Paul Johnson

Little league and youth baseball in general is an interesting phase of a child's experience. Some kids are naturals, and they adapt to the sport of baseball very quickly. Others may take a little bit longer to develop, and this is not a bad thing.

This article is going to revolve around a tip that can and should be utilized with every little leaguer aspiring to be a pitcher (at this level, who doesn't want to be a pitcher?). As parents and coaches, it is crucial to provide the child with a solid base of information on which to build upon in the future.

If you ask an experienced pitcher what the most important aspect of pitching is, more often than not they will say mechanics. Once proper mechanics are established, increased velocity will often follow.

Mechanics are the foundation of everything that a pitcher does. If mechanics are faulty, pitches won't be as consistent and efficient, and worse case scenario; injury can occur.

It is very important to instill proper mechanics in a child's mind from the very beginning. Teach them how important mechanics are and that they cannot be successful without them.

I'm going to give you a few things to focus on as a parent and as a coach when teaching mechanics to a youth baseball player:

1) Start from the ground up. The lower body is what initiates movement in the pitching motion, and it's what provides the velocity behind their pitches. Begin with the feet. Simplify their wind up by shortening their steps when positioning their feet around the rubber. Then move to the leg kick, which should bring the knee to around belly button height. Then make sure they separate their hands on time and follow through all the way.

2) Next, you want to take a look at their fastball grip. Make sure they grip with two fingers, a nice firm grip but not too tight, and either a four seam or two seam fastball grip. A solid foundation of knowledge is most important at the youth baseball level, and it is what will prepare them for the long career ahead. As the child matures, it is important to give them the proper training and mechanics analysis so they can increase their velocity and develop properly. This will give them all they need to be successful for many years to come.

I hope you found my tips useful and I wish you the best!

Visit the following link for more information on how I built my pitching velocity up from nothing. I was always being overlooked by scouts and coaches, but not anymore. I now have the confidence and training that I need to be successful. Check out ExplosivePitchingVelocity.info for details.

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Monday, July 15, 2013

Finding a Good Private Baseball Instructor

Much like if you want to raise your grade at a class in school it is a very good idea to get a private tutor, if you are looking to supercharge your baseball workouts, getting a private trainer may be one of the best steps you can take. I'm not going to lie...hiring a private baseball instructor isn't cheap so you ought to be sure to do your research before hiring anyone to protect your hard-earned cash. This article will show you how to simplify the process of searching for and choosing a great private trainer to suit your needs.

The very first thing you have to figure out in order to get a personal baseball instructor is exactly what you're looking for from this individual as well as what credentials you want this individual to have. If you're just looking for someone to throw some batting practice to you, then a local college player or a neighbor will do. If you're looking for someone to help you to perfect your hitting technique, you'll need somebody far more knowledgable about the specifics of baseball, otherwise you risk getting incorrect information and making your technique a whole lot worse. For this job, a local college coach or assistant coach will work, or possibily another local high school coach. You can also check on the internet to see if there are any retired major league or minor league baseball players in your area which you may be able to get in touch with. Do not expect Nolan Ryan to be teaching you, but perhaps somebody that made it to the AAA minor leagues but had a career-ending injury would be happy to help a young athlete out.

Now that you have an understanding of whom you want to hire, it's time to find the best person to suit your needs. To start, you should try getting in touch with some nearby universities and colleges to see if any of the baseball coaches would be willing to do some extra private coaching with you. If one agrees, not only will you have a good private trainer, but if you end up going to the college or university he coaches at, you will probably have a slight edge in tryouts as he will know already what a hard-working, committed player you are. After you've tried calling colleges, the next thing I would suggest is doing the same thing with your local high schools. An additional way to search is to ask owners of local batting cages and baseball training facilities if they know of anyone. Normally, you'll at the very least get a few references using this method. If all these attempts wind up fruitless it's time to take your quest to the internet. Post some advertisements on classified ads sites like Craigslist and see if anyone with the appropriate qualifications is willing. I have found many people at the very least willing to throw batting practice for a couple of bucks by doing this. Note: Make sure you've got a parent or guardian with you whenever you meet internet strangers the first time!

Now that you have found a person to your liking to instruct youit is time to work out a deal and begin training. Typically for throwing batting practice a reasonable price will be about $20-$25 per hour. For experienced college coaches as a private instructor a fair price would be around $50 per hour. Generally sessions are held 1 or 2 times per week for either 30 minutes or an hour. Figure out a schedule that's good for everyone and get started! If you're not happy after a few lessons, don't believe that you're required to continue. Just politely inform the trainer that you are no longer interested, but ensure that you pay for any lessons you already have had!

Hopefully you have all the information you need to help you locate, choose, and hire a great private baseball trainer! This is really among the best methods to improve your game and gain an edge over the competition!

Thomas Wilson Are you interested in improving your game and being the best baseball player you can be? If so, check out www.BestBaseballWorkouts.com to find more helpful information as well as baseball workouts and training programs for sale that will take your game to the next level!

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/thomas-wilson/1007995

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Baseball Parent Guide Article: The Top Key To Becoming A Promising High School Baseball Prospect

The Top Key To Becoming A Promising High School Baseball Prospect

By Guest Author: Michael J

If you talk to any high school baseball coach that has been a coach for any real amount of time they have seen and experienced enough to be able to make some good observations. This comes after seeing potential baseball players of every ability, shape and size. A general consensus among coaches with this experience is the fact that being the perfect physical specimen is not the number one key to success. We will take a look at what we feel is key component.

Baseball Skill Building

As mentioned in the previous paragraph we will discuss what we feel is one of the biggest criteria that can make the difference between being a worthy high school prospect or not. This can be defined as to the level of skill building homework a player has engaged in before high school. This really comes down to how much practice does a player get outside of regular team practices and the rest of the year outside of baseball season.

Extra Effort

It probably goes without saying but a reliable trend for all of this is the amount of effort that a player has put in over and beyond the minimum needed to make the team. By doing this they ensure that there physical attributes like their throwing, catching and etc are able to work consistently at the highest level. This is done through repetition of course. If a player does not give themselves enough exposure to building strong fundamentals then they are doing themselves a great injustice. That is why we firmly believe that the top performers will make sure they get adequate workouts, practice and instruction time.

On the other side of this are the players who can't seem to find the time to get in extra baseball related activities outside of team practice. With everything else being equal they will remain at pretty much the same skill level as everyone else who subscribes to the same work ethic. This is why the more time and effort you put into baseball at an early age the greater the probability of it paying off later. It is no random coincidence that the outstanding high school players and prospects are also the same players who participate in extra baseball related activities. They tend to have the baseball training equipment at home and in a lot of cases have received coaching by top notch pitching and batting instructors.

The biggest point we want to make in this article is that you will need to do more then the minimum to make it as a big time high school prospect. If you look at all of the great sportsmen in any sport you will find behind every success countless hours in the gym or on the field perfecting their craft. If you choose not to do this then understand that your chances of being the next great one drop to almost nil!

Next, now that you understand the importance of going over and beyond the bare minimal to become one of the great high school baseball prospects [http://www.juliancoulter.com]. Are you ready to put in the extra time?

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

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Monday, July 8, 2013

Youth Baseball: The Secret To Hitting

Baseball swing training video. The Secret To Hitting revealed! Find out what all the best hitters in baseball have done for decades. The SECRET to reaching your full hitting potential.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

How to Choose the Right Pitching Machine

How to Choose the Right Pitching Machine

By Kim R Caldwell

Choosing the right pitching machine comes down to a few different factors. The first question you have to ask yourself when choosing a new machine is whether it is going to be used in the backyard or for commercial use. Someone who is buying one for their backyard is going to choose a much different type of machine then a coach who is buying a pitching machine for a high school or college.

When it comes to picking a pitching machine the buyer should consider the functionality of the machine they want to buy. This covers the speed that it can throw, the different pitches the machine can throw, the different kinds of balls it can use, and as its ability to use a ball feeder.

There are some that have a set speed that the machine can throw. Most people prefer to buy a pitching machine where the speed is adjustable. Having adjustable speeds on the pitching machine will allow the hitter to practice fastballs of a variety of speeds as well as change-ups. If you are getting one for a child it is recommended that you purchase a children's pitching machine model with slower speeds. Speed is definitely something the buyer should look at when making their decision.

The next step is to take a look at the types of pitches that it can throw. They are all able to throw fastballs, with most having the ability to throw change-ups as well. If they are more advanced they will be able to throw curveballs and other types of pitches. Any machine that has two wheels is able to throw all different types of breaking balls. This is beneficial to any player that wants to practice their hitting without requiring a pitcher to practice with them.

When choosing the right one you also want to check to see what types of balls the it can use. The first step in this process is checking to see if the machine can throw baseballs, softballs, or if it is a combo that throws both. After that, you will want to check to see if it throws real baseballs/softballs or if it is only able to throw dimpled balls or a completely different type of ball. You will also want to see if it comes with a ball feeder. Ball Feeders have the ability to carry dozens of balls and can give a player a good amount of time to practice with only one fill.

The key is to choose one that will work well with your setting. If you are a high school, college, or little league you are going to want a commercial grade machine. If you are buying one for the backyard you can purchase one that is a little cheaper. It all depends on what you are buying it for as well as your budget.

Check out all different types of pitching machines. Pitching Machine Sale offers a large selection of pitching machines from baseball to softball to combo pitching machines. They offer these machines at the best prices with free shipping.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7785558

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Baseball Coaching Tips - Mind Games Between the Pitcher and Hitter!

Baseball Coaching Tips - Mind Games Between the Pitcher and Hitter!
By guest author: Larry Cicchiello

As you advance to older levels of play, you will find that many baseball hitters will play certain mind games with the pitcher and pitchers will do the same with hitters. Personally, I would NOT recommend getting involved in any mind games until the high school level of play or higher whether you are the pitcher or the hitter. One of the better baseball coaching tips to always remember is that playing good baseball requires clever use of the mind and not just the body.

Hitters will ask for a time out when you are getting ready to make the pitch to annoy you. This is not to say every time a baseball hitter does this he's playing a mind game but sometimes he is. They will wander away from the batter's box while you are kept waiting, hoping to annoy you.

If you are well aware BEFOREHAND that these things are definitely going to happen, it should be easier for you as a pitcher to deal with them. You know batters are going to do it so why let them accomplish what they want to do and let it bother you? If you do, it's a victory for the batter, isn't it?

As a pitcher, you too can play a few mind games with the batter. It is pretty much a proven fact that working quickly on the mound is beneficial to a pitcher because his fielders have to "stay on their toes." There simply isn't any time for their minds to wander. An added plus is that the pitcher is also sending an indirect message to the hitters that he is extremely confident and can't wait to throw the next pitch to them.

There are times however, when it just might be the right time to slow things down a little! When a very aggressive and anxious batter gets to the plate and it appears that he can't wait to hit, it may be a very good time to step off the mound and rub up the baseball. Hey, if the hitter likes things to happen fast, make sure you slow things down which is the exact opposite of what the hitter wants.

It may be the perfect time to talk something over with your catcher. You may want to motion for your catcher to come out to the mound for a chat. Tell your catcher that you simply are "fussing" with the batter and want to simply talk for a minute. Anything to keep the over anxious hitter waiting impatiently.

When I pitched, if a runner was on first base and a real good anxious hitter was up, I would make sure I came to the set position and would pause there for two or three seconds and then lob the ball to first base. I might do it a second or even a third time also.

I may pause in the set position on the rubber for three or four seconds and then step off the rubber. I could literally see the look of anger on the faces of some of these hitters. Many times these mind games will make the batter angry or very impatient at the plate and swing at pitches out of the strike zone!

Obviously, I would much rather have a hitter thinking about how annoyed he is with me instead of focusing strictly on his baseball hitting. That's a victory for me as a pitcher. Disrupting the batter's thinking means that I've won half the battle before it has even begun!

If you are involved in baseball coaching, just remember that mind games should NOT be played with younger players, who are just starting to learn the game of baseball.

Larry is the successful author of several very user friendly eBooks and CD's covering 320 topics on playing or coaching excellent baseball. ANY player, coach or parent who wants to help their child will be fully equipped! Check out some FREE baseball tips on hitting and FREE baseball pitching tips at LarryBaseball.com.

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

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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!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Learn How to Play Baseball While Playing Football

Learn How to Play Baseball While Playing Football
By guest author: Dr. Chris Yeager



Let's discuss some of the best movements (call them drills if you prefer) to help players ingrain a back-arm loading pattern for baseball while playing football. The back arm-loading pattern applies to throwing a football, throwing a baseball and hitting a baseball. It's a universal loading pattern for football and baseball.

So, dad's relax. Your son doesn't have to fall behind in baseball because he is too busy playing football. In fact, it's probably better that you are giving him a break and having him play other sports.

But don't waste your time. Use your time wisely and practice these universal-loading patterns with the football.

Here are some ideas to improve your son's baseball skills while playing football:

1. Walking Rhythm Drill

One great way to introduce the back arm loading pattern movement is to utilize a walking-rhythm with the arm action. The "walking-rhythm" refers to simply stepping laterally (taking your stride) repeatedly down the football field. The back arm will naturally load up as we step. In addition, the "thought" of throwing will naturally develop timing and rhythm within our footwork. We just need to learn to load the arm correctly.

Make sure feet, knees, and waist are set up correctly

-the feet are working straight ahead

-knees bent "one click"

-waist bent "one click"

- and be sure the shoulders drop over the knees.

-The shoulders and elbows should be down and relaxed.

Our feet for the walking drill are set up a little more narrow than it would be for a regular batting session.

2. Use the Football

Because of its size and shape, a football can be very useful in developing an elite level throwing pattern. Remember, this is the same pattern used in hitting a baseball as well. It is easier to see the football turn with the long bone in the upper-arm. As that elbow turns up, the ball turns with it.

This can really help the player feel the turning or the winding up nature from this elite-level loading phase.

Use the same rhythmic lateral stepping pattern moving down the football field saying "load, load, load" as you load the back-arm by turning the bone up and keeping the elbow bent.

3. Isolation Drills

Continuing our focus on phase-one of the back arm, we will isolate the movement for three repetitions with no stride. Then incorporate a live stride for three repetitions, preferably against the live motion. Do this with a football.

We're going to isolate the movement for just three repetitions and really focus on the movement at the shoulder joint as the only action (no step or stride) "load, load, load." Again we're focusing on the out-of-the-glove action, lifting and turning of the long bone in the upper arm with the football.

Next we use a football and simply add a live stride to phase one of the loading phase. Again, the cadence is "load, load, load." As we perform the movement, we want to make sure that the hand stays in front of the shoulder as we turn the elbow up during this loading phase.

The plan is very simple and the movement is easy. It's just going to take some repetitions to make permanent. If you don't get the loading phase of the back arm correct, it's very difficult for your swing or throw to recover.

Go ahead and get better at baseball while you are playing football.

Dr. Yeager is a PHD in human performance and an expert in the physics and physiology of the baseball swing and throw. He is one of the founders of Iso Baseball.
Iso Baseball's mission is to design and develop scientifically based baseball/softball hitting instructional devices/ Please visit http://www.isobaseball.com to learn more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Chris_Yeager


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Monday, November 7, 2011

Baseball Pitching Guide for Youths

Baseball Pitching Guide for Youths
By guest author: Jake Wyatt

In order to be a good baseball pitcher, you must practice pitching baseballs regularly, even during off-season. You can't expect to take four or more months off then get on a team in the spring and start pitching well. The greatest baseball pitchers practice over and over, perfecting their techniques. Your coach can tell you the best way to pitch baseballs and guide you through it, but it is up to you as a player to put in the extra time so that you can improve.

The most important step to successfully improving your baseball pitching is to be prepared mentally. This part of the sport does not get a lot of media attention because it can't be "seen." Young players may not realize that pitching greats spend a lot of time getting their mind ready. Pitching baseball can be frustrating at times. Mental toughness will get you through a string of bad innings AND will keep you from getting too excited when things are going well. Self discipline is extremely important; you must be able to make the choice between playing video games on TV or working on your game.

Mastering different techniques through practicing before and after games is what it takes to get ahead of your competition. Find out what styles best suit you and perfect them. No one can throw all types of pitches effectively. Focus on your own style, where your personal strengths lie. Make sure your footing is right, that your body rotation is controlled, and that your arm is in the correct position when pitching.

A benefit of regular practice will be more controlled pitches. You won't have to rely on your "power pitch" all the time. A good player will be able to switch to different pitches, from fastballs to curves, throwing inside or outside. Keeping the batter guessing will increase the chances of a strike. You must practice throwing all types of pitches so that you can choose the proper pitch for the situation and throw it with confidence. Another benefit of regular practice will be safety - with more control, there is less chance you will hit the batter.

You must be in good shape to accurately pitch baseballs. Be sure to have a basic workout for your arms, legs and core. If you are strong and fit, you will reduce the chance of injury to yourself as well as increase your accuracy and stamina.

In order to be the best baseball player you can be, training should happen year-round and be a joint effort between the coach, the player and the parents. Get more free tips to improve baseball performance, reviews of e-products related to baseball, and links to training resources at http://youth-baseball-training.com.

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

============================
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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!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Tips To Improve Your Baseball Skills

Tips To Improve Your Baseball Skills
By guest author: Harold Meidinger

As an athlete, there is always a room for improvement. A dedicated baseball player will always continue to seek for skill improvement and development everywhere just to become a better player. There are several factors that could affect your capacity to play such as the trainings and programs you've been attending, physical limitations and abilities, determination and persistence in achieving a goal towards the end and many more. But the most important thing that you must ensure is the willingness to learn no matter how difficult the road might be. Here are some tips that you should remember in your journey towards success.

1. Learn the fundamentals of baseball that are written in books, magazines, articles, videos, lessons, actual games and advices from coaches and expert players. Gather significant information as much as you can so that you will be able to comprehend the basics of the game. In short, you have to feed your curiosity with facts. Right after that, you can now proceed to drills. There is a common saying that practice makes it perfect. Make a routine for your drills. You can do it at least four to six days in a week. Follow the routine religiously if you want to gain something out of it. Practice the proper way of handling the bat, the right body swing and pitching motion.

2. Know your limitations. More than anybody else, you know your body best. Determine your strengths and weaknesses. To prevent burnout, it will be best if you will have another kind of sport at the end of the season so that you can relax your muscles from the rigid training. However, keep in mind to select s particular sport or physical exercise that is closely related to baseball. With this, you can maintain body fitness and stamina.

3. Train your body as early as possible. It is very important to build your strength as an athlete. You won't be able to last long in the field if you don't have enough stamina. Therefore, you must gain it in your early years to have a good foundation of strength for the game. Every player has different level of skills and strength. Identify your good points so that you can focus more in that aspect. If you think that you will be more effective as a catcher or a pitcher, then pursue that position by appropriate and adequate training for catchers and pitchers.

4. Have an instructor who is expert in conducting trainings and drills. It will truly help you to save time, energy and effort with great results. Learning the proper execution of each step and techniques is a good way to start your baseball career. By doing this, bad habits will be prevented. Once you already mastered everything, you can now practice on your own and take some refresher course once in a while or as necessary. Use your full strength to enhance your skills. Your speed, endurance and strength must be increased at the end of your lesson. You will definitely observe the change in power and speed after the training and practices you've undergone.

Harold Meidinger enjoys writing for Pitching.com which offers lessons on pitching coach and baseball pitching mechanics as well as host of additional products and services.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Pitching Drills for young baseball players



Pitching Drills for young baseball players
Uploaded by TheStudentAthlete
Jeff Grybish, Buffalo Grove, IL HIgh School head coach demonstrates effective pitching drills for training young pitchers, emphasizing strength, balance and focus. Grybish presented his expertise as part ot The Student Athlete Foundation's coaching clinic delivered to local volunteer youth coaches at no cost as part of TSAF"s mentoring program.

===========================
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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!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Baseball Pitching Guide for Youths

Baseball Pitching Guide for Youths
By guest author: Jake Wyatt

In order to be a good baseball pitcher, you must practice pitching baseballs regularly, even during off-season. You can't expect to take four or more months off then get on a team in the spring and start pitching well. The greatest baseball pitchers practice over and over, perfecting their techniques. Your coach can tell you the best way to pitch baseballs and guide you through it, but it is up to you as a player to put in the extra time so that you can improve.

The most important step to successfully improving your baseball pitching is to be prepared mentally. This part of the sport does not get a lot of media attention because it can't be "seen." Young players may not realize that pitching greats spend a lot of time getting their mind ready. Pitching baseball can be frustrating at times. Mental toughness will get you through a string of bad innings AND will keep you from getting too excited when things are going well. Self discipline is extremely important; you must be able to make the choice between playing video games on TV or working on your game.

Mastering different techniques through practicing before and after games is what it takes to get ahead of your competition. Find out what styles best suit you and perfect them. No one can throw all types of pitches effectively. Focus on your own style, where your personal strengths lie. Make sure your footing is right, that your body rotation is controlled, and that your arm is in the correct position when pitching.

A benefit of regular practice will be more controlled pitches. You won't have to rely on your "power pitch" all the time. A good player will be able to switch to different pitches, from fastballs to curves, throwing inside or outside. Keeping the batter guessing will increase the chances of a strike. You must practice throwing all types of pitches so that you can choose the proper pitch for the situation and throw it with confidence. Another benefit of regular practice will be safety - with more control, there is less chance you will hit the batter.

You must be in good shape to accurately pitch baseballs. Be sure to have a basic workout for your arms, legs and core. If you are strong and fit, you will reduce the chance of injury to yourself as well as increase your accuracy and stamina.

In order to be the best baseball player you can be, training should happen year-round and be a joint effort between the coach, the player and the parents. Get more free tips to improve baseball performance, reviews of e-products related to baseball, and links to training resources at http://youth-baseball-training.com.

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

========================
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Monday, October 10, 2011

How To Run A Youth Baseball All Star Team

How To Run A Youth Baseball All Star Team
By guest author: Marty Schupak

You've just completed an exhausting 20-25 game schedule complete with a few rain make-up games at inopportune times. The season had everything including controversies among other teams, your own parents, league board members, and other headaches. Your reward for coping with all of this, and leading your team to the league championship, is to coach the 11-12 year old All Star team. Think your phone rang a lot during the season? You haven't seen, or heard, anything yet. Your first duty as coach is to inform your spouse that your long awaited vacation will have to be postponed because your league needs you. You also discuss putting off the repair of your washer machine because, with All Stars, the laundry room is now on call 24 hours a day.

Picking your league All Star team can be an incredibly emotional time that may result in hurt feelings that extend beyond the season, and sometimes for years. Some leagues have incorporated having the players vote for part of the All Star team. Many leagues have the coaches decide in a meeting run by the league commissioner (or player agent). The first priority is to decide the number of players to draft on the team. If your league charter defines this number, then this is what you have to follow. Otherwise this decision has to be made at this meeting. Issues need to be discussed, such as: is it required by the league charter to have everyone play; and how much are they required to play? This issue can become a headache, as the substituting of players will sometimes be a distraction for the coach in charge during the game. Usually, prior to this meeting, the head coach has his assistant coaches assigned by the league. This can be a problem because sometimes coaches would rather take their regular season assistants than two other assigned head coaches that they have never worked with before. I would prefer the latter even though you are discussing strategies with two other people you might have learned to detest during the season. During All Stars, the coaches on the bench who were adversaries during the year always seem to get along as long as the team keeps playing.

Once the coaches and team are made, it is imperative that the head coach (or manager) hold a parents meeting. This meeting is even more important then your regular season team parents meeting. The meeting should be a requirement and not last more than 10 or 15 minutes. The key points for the coach to stress to the parents are that because your child is an All Star, he is expected to play any position on the field (except maybe pitcher & catcher). The point of this is that many of the players were their team's shortstops during the season and they are asked to play the outfield. You need to assure parents (and even the players) that it is imperative that all nine positions are equally important. Other points that should be discussed should be about playing time. I always told parents that I won't be popular as a coach at the conclusion of All Stars for every family but that the league entrusted me to use my judgment whether they think it is right or wrong. I always stress that I can only guarantee the minimum required playing time and that you should consider this if you are going to cancel vacation plans for these All Star games.

Practices should be run a couple of ways. You will probably have in your mind the batting order and fielding positions. I would urge all coaches to mix things up in the practices and try players at different positions. There will be some minor unexpected absentees and you should be ready for this as coach.

The All Star games themselves can be some of the highest pressured tension in youth sports. Neighboring leagues will be in attendance and players will have expected nervousness. You can cut your regular warm ups short and take the team in the outfield and play any silly type of game you can think of. I have always used a game where I divide the team in half, and with a hard ball for each team, the teammates must pass the ball to each other using only their neck. This meaningless sounding game helps to relax the players, and for 11 and 12 year olds, this might be the best warm up for them.

All Stars are the highlights for some players and leagues. Aside from all of the potential problems and arguing, if your All Star team ends up going on a nice winning streak, there is nothing like it. Getting far into any tournament will require some luck. If your team gets eliminated, this is where, as a coach, you have to give them the "ultimate" pep talk. Now some teams continue to play in other local tournaments, which is great way to end the season.

http://www.YouthSportsClub.com

http://www.VideosForCoaches.com

Marty Schupak has coached youth baseball for 18 years and is the video creator of "The 59 Minute Baseball Practice", "Backyard Baseball Drills", "Winning Baseball Strategies", "Hitting Drills & Techniques" and author of the popular book, "Youth Baseball Drills". He is a principle for Videos For Coaches and is also President of the Youth Sports Club, a group dedicated to making sports practices and games more enjoyable for kids.

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

============================
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Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…and if you are looking for Youth Training Equipment, Advanced Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, and Pitching & Throwing Trainers, or Portable Mounds, they have those too!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Coaching Youth Baseball - Tips to Be Successful Without Alienating Parents

Coaching Youth Baseball - Tips to Be Successful Without Alienating Parents
By guest author: J Michael Wright

Every parent wants their child to be successful in sports. Youth baseball is normally the first sport in which a child participates. After all, baseball is "America's Game". Youth baseball presents a unique challenge to those that choose to coach. In addition to the task of teaching young children the sport and its many facets, the coach of a youth baseball team must also interact with the parents of the children on the team.

Children are introduced to this team sport as early as five years of age. Parents often become coaches at this time because they feel their child will get a better opportunity to play. Every parent, whether a coach or not, wants their child to be the team's star player. This will undoubtedly cause conflicts between coaches and parents.

Tips to be Successful Without Alienating Parents

1. The purpose of the coach in youth baseball is to teach children how to play the game of baseball and to work together in a team setting.

2. You should have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the rules of youth baseball and the league in which you are coaching.

3. Treat every child on your team fairly and give each an equal chance to play every position.

4. Do not show favoritism to any of the players on your team, especially your own child.

5. Understand that winning is not everything. It is more important that the children participate and have fun instead of worrying about the final outcome of a game.

6. Always maintain your focus on teaching the fundamentals of the game.

7. Plan your practices and the fundamentals you intend to teach at each in advance and stick to your itinerary.

8. Make your practices educational and fun. You will keep your players attention and help them learn and retain the lessons being taught.

9. Instill a sense of discipline and pride in your players. Teach them to listen, follow instructions and take pride in their accomplishments both on and off the field.

10. Offer encouragement and support to your players when mistakes are made. Keep criticism to a minimum.

Following these tips will help you be successful as a youth baseball coach and will prevent alienating the parents of your team members. Your success as a coach should be measured by the knowledge and appreciation of the game you instill in your players, not by the number of games won. Remember that your role as coach is to educate, promote enthusiasm for the sport and, above all, to have fun. In doing so you will find that conflicts with your players' parents will be kept to a minimum and create a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

(C) J Michael Wright

J Michael Wright is the proud parent of two children, has 12 years experience in coaching youth sports teams and has served on the boards of multiple youth sports organizations.

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

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