Characteristics of Division I Baseball Players

Characteristics of Division I Baseball Players
By guest author: Andy Pohl


Below are the athletic measurables and characteristics needed to play at each level of competition. These numbers were put together from general feedback by college coaches. While there certainly are exceptions to the given parameters, these numbers will give you a better idea as to where you stand and what you need to work on.

For the most part, college coaches are looking for pitchers, catchers, shortstops, and centerfielders. Many college coaches will only recruit these four positions and move them to other positions once they arrive on campus. It is very important for high school baseball players to be aware of this fact.

Division 1 Baseball:

RHP: 88-90+ MPH consistently with movement; command of at least 3 pitches;

over 1K per inning pitched in HS

LHP: 86-87+ MPH consistently with movement; command of at least 3 pitches;

1K per inning pitched in HS

Catcher: 1.9 Pop Time or below; superior leadership skills & ability to call games

1B/3B: Tremendous size and power potential (8 + HR in HS)

SS/2B: 6.8 60 yrd or below; 85+ MPH from INF to 1B, 1.35-1.40 turn time

CF: 6.7 60 yrd or below; 87+ MPH from OF

Division II Baseball:

RHP: 85+ MPH consistently with movement; command of at least 3 pitches;

1K per inning pitched in HS

LHP: 83+ MPH consistently with movement; command of at least 3 pitches;

1K per inning pitched in HS

Catcher: 2.0 Pop Time or Below; superior leadership skills & ability to call games

1B/3B: Tremendous Power Potential

SS/2B: 6.9 60 yrd or below; 82+ MPH from INF to 1B; 1.45 turn time

CF: 6.8 60 yrd or below; 82+ MPH from OF

Division III Baseball:

Division III baseball/softball are highly competitive, despite the fact that they do not offer athletic scholarships. Some DIII programs are playing on a DII level, and professional players have been drafted from DIII schools. Due to the discrepancies between DIII schools, it is important that you research each program that you are interested in order to get a better idea as to what type of player they are looking for.

NAIA Baseball:

Like DIII schools, the discrepancies are far too wide to find any similarities in characteristics. Be sure to fully research each individual program to get a better idea as to what type of player they are looking for.

Junior College Baseball:

Junior Colleges have 3 divisions for the purpose of separating stronger JC programs from the weaker ones. While there may be somewhat of a drop off in talent between Division III Junior Colleges and Division 1 and Division II Junior Colleges, there is little difference between a DI and DII Junior College. Many Junior College players lack the 'polish' to be considered D1 players coming out of high school, but they already possess the necessary physical tools to be successful at the D1 level.

Andy Pohl - Co-Founder, DNA Sports

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

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As a Youth Sports Coach, Focus on Fun and Skill Development

As a Youth Sports Coach, Focus on Fun and Skill Development
By guest author: Adrian F Alexa


One of the most important things in coaching children is to focus on fun and skill development. Especially at very young ages, competition shouldn't be an essential issue, because kids should first of all learn to enjoy the game and have fun playing it, so they can grow to love it. How you conduct your practice sessions and manage to motivate your players can make the great difference between playing just for one season, or playing forever.

You should set your coaching philosophy based on the particular age group you're coaching, because children have both physical and emotional abilities according to their age. You cannot expect the same results from a 6-year old as from a 15 year-old player. As a youth sports coach, you will be working with children, therefore it is essential that you focus on fun and skill development.

It's normal as a coach to work towards winning as much games as possible, but when you're working with children, encouraging their best efforts is more important that winning every game. Their results will not define you as a coach, but the passion they develop for the game will. Every practice session should revolve around the kids' development, and having fun is a major factor in their progress. Concentrate on teaching skills and helping overcome difficulties, and always encourage each and every one of them. Everybody strives to win, but you must convince your players that a winner is a person who gives his best efforts, regardless of the situation.

Bare in mind that children are very impressionable, and as a coach you will also be a role model for them. If they feel that all you care about is winning, they will stop having fun and start feeling under pressure. Enjoying the game is essential for their skill development, and building their confidence is your responsibility as a coach. Give them plenty of positive feedback and make every kid feel he's an important part of the team, whether he's mastering a skill or still struggling to progress. Make the kids understand that making mistakes is part of the game, and as long as they put their best effort into it they will progress soon. As their coach you must help them learn from their mistakes, not punish them.

Last but not least, never use the scoreboard for feedback. Encourage them and give positive feedback judging on their efforts and dedication, not their wins or losses. And always remember, their best results will come when they're having fun.

Adrian is the editor of this article. He also started a new project about small plastic bottles. This is a website where you can also find out more about recycling of plastic.

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Youth Baseball Drills - Developing Catchers' Skills

Youth Baseball Drills - Developing Catchers' Skills
By guest author: Kenny Buford

Catching is one of the most important positions in baseball defense. However, it is often the least coached. Because there is more to being a catcher than being able to catch the ball, these youth baseball drills were designed to help catchers develop the skills they need to succeed.

Crouching Drill

Catchers need to maintain a crouch position for at least nine innings, so it is important for their legs to be in shape. This drill will help catchers both stay in the crouch and move out of the crouch quickly.

Players should start by playing catch in while crouching. Next, have them walk around in the crouch position. Finally, have catchers work on their quickness and spring by jumping over home plate in the crouch position.

Framing Drill

This catchers' drill helps players work on framing the pitch and developing their glove work. Framing is essential in the catching position because it can determine whether or not a pitch is called a strike.

Start the drill using tennis or safety balls so that the catcher can work without a glove. Pitch the balls all over the strike zone and have the catcher practice catching using a bent elbow, holding the ball so the umpire can see where it was caught. The catcher should follow the ball from the pitcher's hand, catching it so that his thumb is pointed toward the pitcher. Eventually have the catcher run the drill with his glove, using a regular baseball.

Blocking Drill

This drill is designed to help catchers block pitches using their chest protectors. The Blocking Drill is great for young players who need to work on not being afraid of the ball and getting used to what their equipment can do.

Start the drill by bouncing balls off the catcher, having him keep his hands behind his back to get comfortable using the chest protector. Next, have the catcher work on blocking pitches in the dirt by using his glove positioned down between his legs. The catcher should practice performing the block, quickly getting to his feet, and scooping up the ball.

Pop-Up Drill

For this youth baseball drill, catchers will work on proper technique for catching pop-ups while wearing their full gear.

Hit pop-ups for the player to catch using a fungo bat. The catcher should follow these steps when catching a pop-up:


Quickly get up from the crouch
Locate the ball in the air and determine where it will land, keeping in mind that it will probably drift toward the infield
Throw the mask away, making sure it won't be underfoot
Move toward the ball and make the catch

And if you'd like to see more free baseball drills and coaching tips, go here to watch a free video:

http://www.baseball-tutorials.com/vid/
Kenny Buford is a youth baseball coach, and the owner and publisher of Baseball-Tutorials.com, the web's #1 resource for baseball drills, tips, and practice ideas for youth and high school coaches.

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---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here

Overlooked Fundamentals by Youth Baseball Coaches

On http://ClubHouseGAS.com , coaches are interviewd at try-outs on what is the most overlooked fundamental as per high school baseball coaches. Also check-out http://YouthSportTravel.com

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