Baseball Coaching Digest - 10 Recommended Safety Tips For Making Pitching Machine Use Safer

By Nick Dixon

It is important that all coaches and parents that use a pitching machine with players know the dangers involved. There are definite safety precautions that should be observed to insure the safety of all players, coaches and parents during pitching machine use. This article outlines 10 safety tips that teams and families should remember to follow to insure that no injuries occur during the use of a pitching machine.

1. Never use a pitching machine without a sturdy and safe protective "L" screen used to protect the person feeding the machine. Inspect every protective screen before you use it. Rotten or unsecured netting are dangerous. Look for holes and weak spots in the net that may allow a ball to pass through.

2. Make sure that your electrical connections are safe. An uncovered or exposed electrical wire or connection could cause shock or electrocution.

3. Always test your machine for accuracy before you start throwing pitchers to a batter. Many machines must have the speeds of the wheels set in varying speeds to prevent the ball from knuckling. Carefully read the owner manual to see recommended setting and wheel speeds for various pitches.

4. Always allow each new batter to see a pitch or two before stepping into the batter's box. A batter must have a marked or set spot to assume his stance. An unaware batter may move into the path of the ball if he does not know exactly where the machine is throwing the ball.

5. Make sure that all balls being thrown are of the same type. Different types of balls fly differently. New leather balls fly different from old and worn leather balls. Smooth or worn dimpled pitching machine balls fly different from new dimpled pitching machine balls. Test your balls to know if they fly correctly and accurately.

6. Always check your back drop or back stop area to make sure it is free of anything or anybody that a fouled ball may damage. Any backstop or screen behind the batter should also be checked for holes and weak spots.

7. Never use a new or game bat for batting practice off a pitching machine. The weight of the balls and the speed of the thrown balls can damage expensive thin walled bats.

8. Always make sure that the batter and feeder have on batting helmets. This rule should apply if a player is feeding the pitching machine.

9. When using a pitching machine in a batting cage, make sure that the cage walls on all four sides are overlapping enough on the floor or ground to contain all hit or pitched balls.

10. It is recommended that the person feeding the machine display some sort of arm movement or motion to give the batter an action that simulates live arm action. One commonly used motion is to use two balls. One ball is held in the opposite hand from the hand feeding the balls into the machine. The feeder holds the ball high above the machine feed slot. The feeder slowly drops the ball and touches the back of the hand that is actually dropping the ball into the machine. When that contact is made, the ball is dropped into the machine. This action helps the batter develop a rhythm or timing. This arm motion allows the batter to "tripper" of load and get ready to hit.

I hope these safety tips and precautions are helpful to you. Good luck to you and your team. Have a great day, Nick.

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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.

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Tips on Baseball Pitching Mechanics

By Alan Karpuch

It is a known fact that it is hard for any pitcher to have three innings. A pitcher needs to give up hits and walks, as well as work with fielders who make errors. If you are a pitcher and wants to improve your skill, it is recommended to ask advice on pitching mechanics. Remember that a lot of problems in pitching are due to poor mechanics.

Pitching mechanics can be hard for a coach to analyze at full velocity. If the basic structure is inconsistent, remember that even if you change one feature, the problem is still there. One of the most important things you need to know which motion is wrong and it is essential to solve the trouble in lack of control.

Every pitcher is required to practice everyday and remember that it is impossible to perfect the skill in just one day. Pitching is like any other sport - it requires practice to be good at it.

It is a fact that it is hard to find a new pitcher that has good pitching mechanics. Pitching needs dedication and hard work and you must take care of yourself completely. It is essential to be in perfect shape and pay attention on your arm and you must work on the right pitching mechanics in order to lessen the risk of arm injury. If you are just starting out, make sure to do a lot of throwing in order to develop arm strength.

Aside from physical strength, you must also develop your mental element of pitching. You must also be tough mentally in order to be a skilled pitcher. This element can be developed eventually and it is necessary to examine your performance every game in order to improve more. Always focus on the game especially on the hitter and face any problem appropriately. Remember that with good pitching mechanics, you can ensure your good health and success.

Alan provides information about Pitching Workouts through his website on Baseball Pitching Mechanics

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

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6 Essentials of a Great Baseball Team

By Arthur Raise

The US lives and breaths baseball, the game runs in the blood and young and old are hooked up to the sport. There are baseball leagues major and little, baseball journalists and reporters, fans who own teams others who collect memorabilia and record histories. With the advent of the World Wide Web baseball has embraced cyber space and now there are websites that cover every aspect of the game and keep a pulse on current as well as past seasons and teams.

Baseball is a team sport and every player and team needs to be committed and passionate about the game. To succeed every team whether major league, minor league, or local needs the following:

1. A team spirit and commitment to the game. The team must work as a single unit and be devoted to the game. They must live and breathe baseball.

2. The team must have a good support system. It is not enough for a team to be devoted to the game, families, team owner, sponsors, the coach, school and college authorities and more need to understand the psyche of the team and create a strong impermeable support system.

3. The team must have a good coach who will lead the team in every way. The coach is the backbone of the team and needs to be tough and yet loving. He or she must care for the team and its every player. The coach must understand the team and its members better than he understands himself or herself.

4. The team must be devoted to the sport and yet understand that there is a world beyond baseball. So, every member must simultaneously prepare for life beyond baseball. Be trained in skills and have qualifications that will allow the player to live a fulfilled life after baseball.

5. Great focus must be placed on balanced nutrition and mental strength training. A strong mind and body makes a great baseball player. Team training must include aspects of health, nutrition, and mental strength. The team must have a balanced diet, a balanced exercise routine that includes breathing exercises and meditation techniques.

6. While winning can be the goal every team must play for sheer joy and each player must focus on his strengths and work out his weaknesses. The team must become an impregnable fort so that the opponents can never use kinks in the armor.

Baseball is a team sport that is often used to teach students and children life values and more. Baseball has gone beyond being a sport it is a way of life.
Arthur Raise is a writer for Discount Baseball Equipment , the premier website to find Baseball, baseball America, baseball history, baseball equipment, baseball field, baseball players, baseball trivia, baseball teams, baseball records, American league baseball teams and many more.


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Sample Questions to Ask College Coaches

HandsBackHitter.com

By Andy Pohl

One of the key components to the recruiting process is asking questions. College coaches are interested in student athletes who ask questions about their school and program. In addition, many answers to the financial questions below are essential to know before signing your scholarship. Below is a list of sample questions you can ask a college coach:

Athletics:

- What is the best means for you to better evaluate me as a player?
- What characteristics do you look for in your recruits?
- What position do you see me playing at the next level?
- What other players may be competing at the same position?
- Will I be redshirted my freshman year?
- How would you best describe your coaching style?
- Who else are you recruiting at my position?
- What are the long term goals of your program? How do you see me fitting into those
goals?

Academics:

- What are the academic strengths of your institution?
- Who best should I contact to get a better insight on my intended major?
- What academic support programs are available to student athletes?
- If I have a diagnosed and documented disability, what kind of academic services are
available to me?
- How many credit hours should I take in season and out of season?
- Is summer school available?
- What percentage of players on scholarship graduate?

Financial Aid:

- What does my potential scholarship cover?
- What are my opportunities for employment while I am a student?
- Am I eligible for additional financial aid? Are there any restrictions?
- Under what circumstances would my scholarship be reduced or cancelled?
- Are there any academic criteria tied to maintaining my scholarship?
- What scholarship money is available after eligibility is exhausted to help me complete
my degree?
- What scholarship money is available to me if I suffer a career ending injury?

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

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

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NAIA Baseball - Is it Right For You?

By Anthony Duane Smith

Last week we had a Division I coach give us his perspective and insight on the recruiting conversations that go on between college and high school coaches. Today we're going to take a look at the NAIA division. Many prospective college players don't have a good understanding of the NAIA and what it has to offer. Since information that is directly from a college coach in the division is always some of the best, I got in touch with Jeremy Jorgenson of Doane College in Crete, Nebraska (about 30 miles SW of Lincoln).

The Doane Tigers compete in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)of the NAIA. Coach Jorgensen is in his 2nd year with Doane, he was hired in the fall of 2007 to lead the program for the 2008 season and he had an immediate impact. Prior to Jorgenson's arrival, the program had records of 6-29 in 2006 and 9-24 in 2007. The Tigers made a 13 game improvement in the win column in his first year, finishing at 22-28. He also used his first full year to bring in a new recruiting class for 2009 and he told me that he expects more improvement this season. (click here for more on Coach Jorgenson's bio)

I asked Coach Jorgenson to tell me about the questions he poses to high school and JUCO coaches. He told me which traits are important to him:

Athleticism - "many, many guys make position changes in college & to me, better athletes can do this & not lose too much...if they already have athleticism, their performance is more consistent & they are able to repeat their swing & defensive mechanics more often.

Coachability-"can & are they able to learn/change?"

Character-"how do they treat someone on the street as well as how will they interact with people on campus"

Grades-"pretty big to me because it shows an indication of their priorities, drive, work ethic, etc."
Work Ethic-"in the classroom & on the field to get better as a player."

The qualities of coachability and a strong work ethic that Coach Jorgenson mentioned are very similar to what Coach Kovash expressed to us last week. It is more remarkable that two coaches a thousand miles apart, one an NAIA coach in Nebraska and the other a Division I coach in Alabama, brought up a player's character and specifically how he interacts with and treats everyday people.
Knowing now that at least in these two cases coaches are looking for the same things in players, consider these other factors in determining whether or not an NAIA schools might be right for you:

- Many NAIA schools have gained a reputation for being a good fit for students that prefer small college settings and higher academic standards.

- To try and give one blanket description of the level of play in the NAIA would not be very accurate. As opposed to football and basketball where one can expect the quality of competition to decline in sort of a linear fashion from DI ,DII, DIII to NAIA to JUCO, the quality of play in baseball in all divisions varies greatly. It depends on the program, and some in the NAIA are playing at a very high level.

I'd like to give a big thank you to Coach Jorgenson for all the valuable information and taking the time to help all of you prospective college players.

by Anthony Smith
for College Baseball Newsletter

This article is just a small example of all the information, techniques, and lessons that members of My College Baseball plan get on how to get into college baseball. Members also receive a detailed first lesson on how to make real progress in 48 hours or less.
Visit us and join at:
http://www.mycollegebaseballplan.com

Author Anthony Smith's experience in college baseball placement includes;
Personally coaching over 25 players that have gone on to play college baseball, including one team with 6 future Division I players.

Working with players that have moved on from high school to make their way onto college rosters at levels from Junior College all the way to NCAA Division I.

Being hired as a personal consultant to work with both the high school player and his family to get him placed and playing at the college level.

Hired as an instructor and personal trainer in baseball specific personal training - Power, Speed, and Agility training for the prospective college player.

Two of his own sons have gone on to play college baseball, meaning he know this process from the parent perspective too.

Members of My College Baseball Plan receive Anthony's weekly lessons, bonus reports, and step-by-step assignments that put you on track for a college baseball playing opportunity.
Join at http://www.mycollegebaseballplan.com

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Baseball Hitting - The Movement of the Head is Critical

By Larry Cicchiello

It is very important to make sure your head is turned and facing the pitcher to ensure that you get a good view of the pitch that will soon follow. Your head should be totally relaxed and pretend that you are simply watching TV. Make sure both the front shoulder and arm are out of the way.

A good point of focus is the pitcher's cap because it's approximately the same height as where the pitch will be released from. The advantage is that your eyes will not have to refocus on the baseball and will be focused already.

What you do when the pitch is released is very important for being a successful baseball hitter. If your head remains turned toward the pitcher at the point of contact, you will be seeing the ball out of the corners of your eyes and this must be avoided. It will not work.

If your head is facing half way between the pitcher and the point of contact, you will see the ball a little better.

If you turn your head directly toward the point of contact, you will get the best possible look at the baseball and this is what you must do. It's a medical fact that you can not see an object as well when looking at it out of the corners of your eyes.

If it's a medical fact, imagine the importance when trying to see a baseball that takes less than a second to get to the catcher's mitt, may have movement on it and you have to decide if it's a ball or a strike! And all this happens in less than one second so you need to see the baseball as clearly as possible.

When it comes to baseball hitting, it is an absolute that you must turn your head if you want to achieve success.

Larry is the president of Larwenty Online Enterprises Inc. and also the author of "Excellent Baseball Coaching: 30 Seconds Away." If you are a baseball player or are involved in baseball coaching at any level of play or a parent who wants to help your child improve, you will be fully equipped! His baseball website offers several FREE baseball tips from his very informative and very fairly priced eBooks.

Larry's baseball website is http://www.larrybaseball.com/

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

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Travel Teams - Separating Fact and Fiction

By Andy Pohl

The following is an example of what I have heard many student athletes say: "My All Star Travel Team is going to be playing in the Holiday Wood Bat Classic in Peoria during the 4th of July Weekend. This is a great opportunity for exposure."

FACT: There are only a select few tournaments for both baseball and softball where a vast number of college coaches will be in attendance. In terms of the example above, you can be sure that college coaches will not be spending their 4th of July weekend away from their families on the recruiting trail.

FACT: Getting exposure through tournament play is only possible if college coaches know who you are prior to attending a particular tournament. Just like showcases, most college coaches come to tournaments to evaluate players they already know. Thus, the chances of being discovered at an exposure tournament are slim, unless you play for a well known elite program, in which case many college coaches are already familiar with the caliber of players that compete for your particular team.

FACT: Travel baseball and softball is extremely watered down. Playing for a Travel All Star Team does not necessarily mean that you are on a truly elite team, despite what the coaches of these programs may say.

FACT: Travel baseball was at one time only about player development. Then it later evolved into a contest between coaches to see who could win the most games and tournaments. More recently, several coaches and organizations realized that money could be made if they somehow tied college recruiting to travel baseball and softball, or at least made it appear that a connection between the two existed. When choosing a travel team, find a coach and program that puts the needs of student athletes first. Travel baseball and softball is first and foremost about development, not about winning tournaments or getting exposure. If you choose a program that is sincerely about athletic development, then the recruiting aspects will take care of themselves.

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

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