Giving signs after pickoffs

Picture this … A coach gives a sign to a runner at first base to steal on the next pitch.  The pitcher comes set and goes to first with a pickoff attempt.  The runner flinches towards second initially but then gets back to the bag safely.  Of course, everyone now knows he was stealing.  What […]

The charging backhand play

There are some videos that I make that are geared for players and coaches at the lower levels.  This is not one of them. Today’s video tip is for more advanced levels and involves one of the more difficult plays in all of baseball, especially for shortstops since after the catch they will most often […]

Hey coaches, show some hustle

  I don’t think there is a baseball coach on the planet who would say they didn’t care if their players hustled.  But how many of those coaches show some hustle of their own?  Sadly, I don’t see much.  I get sick to my stomach when I see young players walk onto a baseball field. […]

Carry the ball with you

When I work with older infielders (middle schoolers on up), the very first thing I often address is the need to get to the right of the ball on the approach.  I’ve done a few written posts and some videos that deal with that very concept but today I wanted to provide another reason why […]

Let them know in advance

Today’s post is a tip for third base coaches.  I recently filmed a short video about the do’s and don’ts for third base coaches when giving signs to players (this should be posted within a week or so).  One thing I didn’t mention is that sometimes there will be no need to give a sign […]

Tag plays and collisions at home plate

You are probably aware of the new MLB rule that attempts to ban collisions at home plate.  There has been a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of the rule and whether it will actually work.  I see validity on both sides but all things considered, I like the rule. My worry, however, […]

Level of mastery

I’ve always felt that if a player will be expected to do something in a game then it’s up to me as a coach to make sure he does it in practice.  In reality though, that’s still not enough.  On top of that, I need to make sure he masters it in practice. During times […]

Why catchers should keep their masks on

Except when a catcher is fielding bunts, getting under pop-ups, or involved in rundowns, catchers should always keep their masks on.  This is especially true on plays at the plate.  Why? That’s why. Tomorrow’s post:  Level of mastery

Double your batting practice productivity

One major challenge in practice is how to move everyone through a batting practice session smoothly and quickly so you don’t have one guy hitting and everyone else just standing around.  There are several ways to address this and often it involves doing your BP in a batting cage off the field so that the […]

Short fungo drill

I have to admit that watching a coach who cannot hit with a fungo is pretty comical.  It’s something that takes some coordination and quite a bit of practice so I don’t mean to imply that it’s easy and should be mastered by everyone.     If you find yourself among the fungo-challenged then there […]

Young hitters and loading up for safety

When coaching young newbies in the game, safety becomes a large part of your focus.  In the eyes of these coaches, if everyone goes home without blood on their uniform, it was a good day.  Coaching older players is a bit different.  Safety is not as much of a concern so you can afford to spend […]

Repost: Pre-season checklists

About this time last year I posted a set of checklists for coaches so that they can better plan their practices at the start of the season.  It was a very popular post in terms of readership so I thought I would re-post them for new readers who may not have seen them.  Each list […]

Drill tutorials

At the beginning of the season, coaches want to pack in as many drills as possible before games begin.   They have a ton to cover and not much time to work with.  Because of the rush, coaches often don’t take the time to teach and/or review how to specifically and correctly perform each drill. […]

The importance of learning to run the bases

Every year that I coached at the high school level I would start the season teaching my players how to correctly run the bases.  It literally was the very first thing we would do at the start of the very first practice after the teams are picked.  I’d take them around the bases stopping at […]

It’s time to train for speed!

In my neck of the woods, players have about one or two more weeks before their school tryouts begin.  Hopefully, players have been training their bodies over the last several months to prepare.   During these months players usually train to improve their overall size and strength.  With a couple weeks left to go, players […]

A tip for infielders as the offseason winds down

High school baseball in my area will be starting within the next two weeks.  Individual players and teams have been working out to prepare but in the Northeast those workouts have overwhelmingly been indoors.  The problem with that is that no matter how you work out indoors, it just isn’t the same as being outdoors. […]

Take two aspirin and …

One of the many challenges of being a teacher is dealing with the common question “I don’t get it.”  The challenge involves quickly coming up with another explanation, another analogy, a different phrase or set of words, etc. that the student can relate to in order to get them to understand the content.  Saying “Sorry, […]

Dugout cards: Helping batters improve their approach

Here are a few situations that I guarantee will get your coaching blood pressure up: A hard thrower enters the game for the other team and proceeds to throw every warm-up pitch high and out of the strike zone.  Your first batter swings and misses at the first pitch that is at his shoulders. A […]

Hands or head to the low pitch?

Last week I received another good question from a reader who asked “on a low pitch, some say to drop your hands to the ball.  Others say drop your head to the ball.  What do you teach?” Here was my response: “Often when it comes right down to it, both camps differ mostly on semantics as […]

Hitters: Be athletic when you land

One of the many challenges of working with younger players is trying to get them to make the most of whatever  their body has in terms of power, quickness, and overall athleticism.  One way we try to accomplish this for hitters is to put them in a good athletic position from the very start.  Wider […]

A college coach’s letter about showcases

About a year ago I wrote a post called the Showcase Dance.  I was somewhat critical of the ratings players get at these showcases and more importantly, how some players and parents interpret those numbers.  If you have not read that post, click HERE. The video below proves I’m not the only one who thinks […]

Tryouts: Know what an eight looks like

For most high school programs (all in Pennsylvania), tryouts are not too far away.  Programs all have their own way of evaluating players.  Having multiple coaches involved helps in terms of management but one challenge with using multiple coaches is that not every one of them evaluates players the same way.  Two coaches can see […]

The Belly Button hitting drill

A big thank you for all of you who have supported the site by purchasing my latest eBook “Time to hit!  50 drills to improve your hitting.“  You purchases go a long way in keeping the site ad free!  If you still would like to, you can access purchasing information HERE.  Info will always be […]

eBook: 50 Hitting Drills!

I am very pleased to announce my first paid product for the website!  It’s another eBook and this time it’s for Hitting!  It’s called Time to Hit!  Information about the eBook is below.  Thanks in advance to all who support the site by purchasing the eBook.  Your purchases will go a long way in making […]

Catchers – Learn from your pain

Although catching was never my primary position, I’ve done enough of it in games to know that it is tough on the body.  Foul tips off the shoulder and thighs, bouncing balls into your forearms, collisions at the plate, and many other painful events make catching a position many kids want to avoid. For those […]

Sweet 16: Warm-up drills for fielding

When you work with infielders indoors, you run into the problems of space and time.  You rarely have all the space you’d like and you never have enough time.  Below is a listing of fielding drills that I often do in progression to keep everyone moving and get them to focused on the core fundamentals […]

How to take a lead off second base

This video post is in response to a question sent to me by a reader who asked where his runners should be when they take leads off second base.  I may have done a written post on this a while back but I thought a video would help.  As you’ll see, where you take a […]

Hang in there!

Here at the Baseball By The Yard complex in my super secret location in SE Pennsylvania, we are once again under a winter storm warning.  We just got hammered with 10 inches of snow yesterday and it looks like more snow and ice to deal with today.   (On a side note, the face of […]

Catchers: Sway to the ball or reach?

The primary job for all catchers is to get more strikes for their pitchers.  As a result, the technique involved in receiving pitches is something catchers cannot practice enough. One debate among catching people is whether or not a catcher should reach for the pitch or sway to the pitch.  In today’s video post I […]

An easy split finger / change-up

One of the challenges that young pitchers have is how to get the ball to move.  When I say move, I don’t mean velocity.  I’m talking about getting the ball to “tail,” “run,” and/or “sink.”  A pitch with movement is almost always harder to hit than a straight pitch.  I know.  My fastball was basically […]

Product review: The Three Piece Tee

Today’s video is a review of a device called the Three Piece Tee.  It’s a neat tool that can be used in a variety of ways. I came up with 18 drills that can be done for hitters, pitchers, and fielders.  You might think of some  others as well. Be sure to check out their […]

How to make a batting tee

To see plans and Part 2 of this post, click HERE. A reader recently sent me an idea for homemade batting tees that he uses quite successfully at the high school level.  With his permission I am posting his comments along with the photos he sent me.  It appears as if his tees are well […]

Catchers … at the knees!

The photo below shows another one of my pet-peeves when I watch young kids play baseball.  Unfortunately, it reaches into the high school level once in a while too.  See if you can figure it out. Answer:  The target is too high. Every hitter in the known universe likes the pitch out over the plate […]

The backside connection to hitting

Note:  I’m sorry for those expecting a product review on the Three Piece Tee today.  More snow and low temperatures prevented me from filming over the weekend.  I hope to get to it by the end of the week. Good hitters have a lot in common.  They may have very different stances, hand positions, barrel […]

Signal options for catchers

Yesterday’s post was about catchers giving signals during throwing sessions.  I thought I’d give a few options for catchers when it comes to giving signs. The options below are generally done when there is a runner at second base.  You mix the signs up so that the runner will not know what the pitch will […]

Throwing with signals

 Here’s a quick suggestion for pitchers and catchers now that the throwing season is starting up: When pitchers start throwing from a mound, have them get a sign from the catcher first.  Even if all they are throwing is fastballs.  Here are three reasons: This is what they are going to have to do during […]

Cold weather gear for baseball

As I type this post, the low temperature for this evening is 2.  No, that’s not a misprint.  For those in the warm states, there is not supposed to be a 7 or an 8 before the 2.  Just 2 degrees.  Tomorrow is supposed to improve dramatically and be six times as hot.  12 degrees. […]

Adrenaline dumps

In stressful situations, the body dumps adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream.  Both are extremely powerful hormones that basically get our body ready to fight.  Our heart rate increases, our blood pressure goes up, our breathing becomes more rapid, our analytical mind is less effective, etc.     The problem is that the body does […]

Do your players all make the same mistake?

If you are a teacher, put your teaching hat on for a moment.  If you are not, put yourself back in that high school desk.  A test is given and the scores are typical.  A couple students didn’t study and did horribly.  A few rock stars got close to 100% and everyone else fell somewhere […]

Developing a hitting rhythm

If you watch a Major League hitter bat and then wait another month before you see him hit again, you might notice something.  Both at-bats will look exactly the same.  I don’t mean the outcomes will be the same.  I mean the load up – stride – swing – follow through will look exactly the […]

When – Then

Take a look at the following questions and see which one gets your attention a bit quicker. If a fire should ever occur in your house then what are you going to do? When the fire starts tomorrow in your house then what are you going to do? I bet it’s the second one.  Why? […]

The four D’s of defense – Part 2

In yesterday’s post I briefly touched on the four D’s of defense – Deter, Detect, Delay, and Defend – as described by many people in the personal and home defense industry.  I then applied those concepts to baseball.  Today I’d like to focus more attention on the last D because it is something a lot […]

The four D’s of defense – Part 1

If you listen to personal or home defense experts, you will probably hear about the four D’s of defense.  They are Deter, Detect, Delay, and Defend.  In Part 1 of this post I will quickly address all four.  In Part 2 I will expand on the last one in more detail. As a baseball player […]

Training AND Practice

People often use the terms training and practice interchangeably.  They are not the same thing.   If you are involved in a training session, you are receiving new information and ideas, probably from an expert of some kind.  When you try out those new methods and/or mechanics, you are doing so under the watchful eyes […]

Free eBook: Stuck Inside – A coach’s guide to KILLER indoor practices

If you were a subscriber to the site as of about a month ago, you probably received this free eBook I wrote.  If you are not a subscriber, that is the benefit of becoming one.  When I create things like this, subscribers generally get them first. Here it is for everyone.  With the colder months […]

Like trying to push a rope

In yesterday’s post I wrote about the value of doing things at half-speed to teach your body and brain the basic fundamentals.  Related to that is a saying that I think is helpful in getting players to buy into the “half-speed” concept.  The saying is “trying to push a rope.” Of course, you cannot push […]

Training at half speed

After the winter holidays is when many players and teams start to train for the upcoming season.  Private lessons increase and indoor facilities start to pick up the pace a little with teams looking for some space. Most players and teams  want to jump right in and go at their workouts full speed.  It’s understandable […]

Navy Seals and personal instruction

Like many guys, I am a sucker for anything Special Forces.  If there is a show on about their training or actual missions then I am glued to the TV.  I recently surfed around the iTunes podcast section and came across a podcast where the host was talking about how Navy Seals train.  In short, […]

Peak at the right time

Happy New Year everyone!  I had a nice break and I hope you and your families did as well. At this point in the off-season, baseball players and coaches should be mapping out a game-plan for the next couple months so that they are at full strength when the season starts.  This starts with getting […]

Happy Holidays!

Today will be my last post until Monday, January 6, 2014.  Things are getting pretty hectic with school, the holidays, family gatherings, and such so I just won’t have time to create quality posts.  Here are some things to look forward to in the near future:   I will be posting another interview shortly after […]

No dimmer switches

In my house, like many houses, I have several dimmer switches that regulate how much light I want turned on.  These are great for homes but not so good for a player’s mentality on the field.  Unfortunately, many players play the game with a “dimmer switch” mentality.  In short, they are constantly stuck in between.  […]

Check for athleticism with a medicine ball

The other day I wrote a post about the importance of being athletic.  To read the post, click HERE. A reader asked in the comment section how a coach could drill for the things I mentioned in the post.  Below is my response.  I figured my response could be of benefit to everyone. Hi Coach […]

Baseball By Bruce Lee

“Advanced skills are the basics mastered.”  – Bruce Lee There are no gimmicks in baseball.  Everything we know about the game probably originated in the first 50 years of the sport.  I mean, how many ways can you really hold a curve ball? As the saying goes…  “If you want to learn something new, read […]

Holidays gifts for a Baseball Mom

  Ok, men.  This time of year can be pretty tough for us.  Us guys really don’t care what we get for Christmas.  At least I don’t.  But for the women in our lives … well, let’s just say this is one of those holidays you have to get right. Let’s face it.  The women […]

Never get picked off on a snap throw again

One of the Cardinal Sins of baseball is getting picked off after the pitch.  In today’s video tip you will learn the three things all runners should do so that they never get picked after a pitch.

Be athletic

If I had the ability to sprinkle pixie dust on any player and immediately change something, I think most times it would be to get the player to be more athletic in everything they do.  I’m not talking about improving their natural, God given athleticism. I’m talking about making sure every player becomes athletic before […]

Finish high and let it fly

The title of this post – “Finish high and let it fly” – is a popular phrase among hitters.  The thought is that why you finish with your hand(s) high after the swing, the batter will get more power.  I’m not so sure about that but if it works for someone, by all means do […]

College Baseball Information Night

A few high school coaches in my area who compete against each other during the season have created a Fall league for their teams as well.  The league has run for a few years now with a lot of success.  Another thing they have organized is a “Baseball College Night” so the players and their families […]

Angry hips

When I see young players hit, the biggest problem with regards to not hitting the ball with authority is an inability to use their midsection.  The strongest muscles in our body are located from the top of our knees to our chest.  That’s why core training is so important to developing good hitters.  If you […]

Happy Thanksgiving!

All of us at Baseball By The Yard (actually it’s just me) wish you and your family a great Thanksgiving holiday!  The next post will be Monday.  For those of you who are subscribers that received the free eBook called Stuck Inside! : A baseball coaches guide to KILLER indoor practices, I hope you are […]

Video: The Drop-Step Pitching Drill

Today’s video tip was a request from a reader who asked about a post a few weeks back.  In the post, I showed a video of Peyton Manning teaching quarterbacks how to drop back and throw a pass.  As I mentioned, the drill is also good for pitchers with regards to staying on their line. […]

What was with the hoodies?

NOTE: Yesterday, I sent out to subscribers the free eBook called Stuck Inside: A baseball coach’s guide to running KILLER indoor practices.  If you are a subscriber and didn’t see the email, be sure to check your spam folders.  Sometimes email accounts put it there. Happy Thanksgiving Week everyone!   This was a post I […]

800 posts and counting!

Hello everyone!  Little bit of a milestone today.  It’s the 800th post for Baseball By The Yard.  Wow.  It seems like yesterday I clicked “publish” for the very first time.  For those who are avid readers and viewers of the site, I am very grateful.  For those who are new to the site, I hope […]

Leads and snap throws to third base

When you see a major league catcher attempt a snap throw pickoff  to any base, you can assume somebody saw something that led to the play.  The third baseman may have noticed the type of lead the runner on third took during the pitch.  Someone on the bench may have noticed something else.  Whatever the […]

Go minimalist!

In the last few years there has been a growing trend towards minimalist and even barefoot running.  This is due to research involving the effectiveness of the technology that goes into the shoes that we wear.  Unfortunately, the results are not good. In a nutshell, here is the theory … Human beings are born with […]

Checking the runner at third base

For some reason, I screwed up this tip more times than I can remember.  I drove one of my pitching coaches nuts because I always forgot to do it.   Today’s video tip is a small detail but it can big consequences if you do it wrong.  Trust me.  I know. Tomorrow’s post:  Go minimalist! 

Knowledge vs Judgement

Let’s face it.  Teenagers can be tough to work with.  Most parents of teenagers struggle to deal with one or maybe two.  Coaching 15-25 isn’t always a box of chocolates either.  On that note, try being a high school teacher who has to deal with over 100 per day.  Every school day.  I love it […]

Pitchers – Glide, don’t fall towards the plate

If I had to make a list of the most important aspects of pitching mechanics, this video tip would probably be among the top five.  Mastering this part of pitching allows so many other aspects to the pitching process to correctly fall into place.   Balance, body control, getting to the proper release point at […]

Five great baseball apps

With the emergence of technology like smart phones, iPads, and other devices, coaches are starting to see the time saving advantages and versatility of using them.  To be honest, even though there are hundreds of thousands (maybe millions) of apps for these devices, I have been less than blown over by the amount produced for […]

Footwork on cutoffs for middle infielders

In yesterday’s post, I showed in a video how to make the footwork of 1st and 3rd basemen more efficient on cutoff plays to home plate.  Today, it’s the two middle infielders that are going to get my focus. Like 1st and 3rd basemen, shortstops and second basemen need to develop efficient footwork.  However,  also […]

Footwork for 1st and 3rd cutoffs

A cutoff play is one of those little things that is a thing of beauty when it is done well.  When it’s not, it’s pretty much a train wreck.  Very painful to watch.  Unfortunately, it is not often practiced and even when it is, the footwork involved is often under addressed.  Like most everything else […]

The biggest mistake baseball coaches make

In the field of psychology there is a concept called the “curse of knowledge.”  The curse of knowledge is the mistaken assumption that others share our expertise and will behave as we would in the same situation.  In my opinion, the curse of knowledge and the assumptions that go with it result in the biggest […]

The slide step isn’t just for runners

In my opinion, the slide step is one of the most overused pitching strategies at the lower levels of baseball.  By lower levels I mean high school and below.  On top of that, when it is used at a proper time, the mechanics performed are often wrong and counterproductive. However, that does not mean the […]

What is your baseball IQ?

Last year I read a book called Intangibles by a guy named Geoff Miller.  He is a sports psychologist who has worked with a few major league teams including the Pittsburg Pirates and the Atlanta Braves.  His approach to working with players is very down to earth and his writing is along those same lines. […]

A big tip for helping pitchers stay on their line

One of the quickest and easiest ways to improve a pitcher’s accuracy is to get him to stay on his line.  The line I am referring to is the imaginary line that runs from the middle of the pitcher’s back foot (when it is up against the front side of the pitching rubber) to the […]

Post-game self evaluation sheet

One of the many challenges a coach faces is how to get players to focus on the statistics that really matter.  For a hitter, it is easy to put your attention on a batting average but “hits” can be deceiving.  Was the pitcher good?  Would a good infielder/outfielder have caught the ball instead?  Was it a […]

Lefty pickoffs Part 3: Never get picked off by a lefty again

In Part 3 of this lefty pickoff series I help out the base runners.  I wrote a post on this a while ago but thought a video would be helpful to go along with it.   Basically, if you are not stealing on the pitch then there is absolutely no excuse for getting picked off […]

Lefty pickoffs Part 2: Fake with the eyes

Probably the biggest mistake runners at first base make when lefties are on the mound is focusing on the pitcher’s eyes.  Even lefties with a sub-par move to first base can pickoff a lot of guys if they have good eye/head movement on the fake.  In today’s video tip I show how pitchers do it. […]

Lefty pickoffs Part 1: Walk out of your steps

This is Part 1 of a three part series on left-hander pickoffs.  Today and tomorrow will show two big tips for lefties to get more pickoffs.  The third part are tips for runners so that they never get picked off by a left handed pitcher.

Shortstop footwork on pickoffs at second base

Like virtually everything else in baseball, if you want to improve yourself as a shortstop, start improving your footwork.  I’ve said it at least a hundred times on my blog that as you get older the game gets faster.  If you cannot keep pace with the game, your career ends.  It’s as simple as that. […]

Release point and the Pitcher’s Arc

When a pitcher throws a ball overhand, a basic arc is created with the ball.  The arc looks something like the yellow one shown in the diagram I created. Labeled on the graphic are five release points and five corresponding trajectories (red arrows) showing where the ball will go if it is let go at […]

Hitters don’t stay on top of the ball

Stand near many hitting coaches and third base coaches at the upper levels and you will hear a common phrase.  The phrase is some variation of “get on top of the ball” or “Come-on Big Papi, get on top of one here.” Some may see a problem with this because batters never really do get […]

A tip for fielding a bunt near the foul line

In most cases, fielding a bunt to the first base side is pretty standard.  The pitcher jumps off the mound, fields the bunt, and steps towards first base to make the throw.  With slow to average runners, the same procedure works fine on bunts fielded near the first base foul line.  The pitcher hustles to […]

Leave him alone

Good coaching is a balance between hands-off and hands-on.  If you are too hands-on, players don’t develop the skills needed to recognize information in real-time and adapt on the fly.  They are so used to being told what to do that when they need to think on their own, they can’t.  If a coach is […]

Fielding the ground ball hit right at you

Ask any infielder and they will tell you that sometimes the hardest ball to field is the ball hit directly at you.  As I explain in this video, this phenomenon has a lot to do with the fielders vision.  I also provide two ways infielders can eleviate this problem if they don’t have enough time […]

Pickoff moves to first base: Part 2 – The proper footwork

In Part 1 of my tips for right handed pitchers when throwing to first base I talked about the negative aspects of the very popular spin-move pickoff to first base.  In Part 2, I show the footwork I teach pitchers and also explain why I feel it is an all-round better option for right handed […]

Pickoff moves to first base: Part 1 – The mistakes

Most right handed pitchers at the levels below pro ball use a pickoff move to first base that involves a variation of the spin-move.  Although some pitchers are quite good at it, there are several problems with doing that type of pickoff move to fist base.  Today’s video tip shows and explains the problems with […]

Other options for arm bands

In yesterday’s post I explained the importance of using an exercise band routine for baseball players, especially pitchers.  The video I added also gave some tips regarding exercises that are terrific for building and maintaining arm strength. Today’s post is meant to show players, coaches, and parents that the (somewhat) expensive option of buying baseball exercise […]

Exercise bands and routines

Exercise bands have become all the rage in baseball with regards to strengthening the shoulder.  Especially in the off-season.  And I couldn’t be happier.  When I played, the Twins organization made it a mandatory part of a pitcher’s daily routine (along with medicine balls – more on that another time). I can honestly say that […]

Product review: The ProX Batting Tee

I have not done many product reviews but here is one I have to share.  My friends at ProX Tee sent me a batting tee to review last season.  After trying it out myself with a few swings, I lent it to a good friend of mine, Coach Kevin Manero who is the head coach […]

The double whammy of incompetence

This school year I am teaching a course I have never taught before.  It is AP Psychology.  It certainly is a lot of work but it has definitely been rewarding already.  I’ve always been fascinated by the field of sports/performance psychology so when another teacher was needed, I volunteered.   To brush up on my […]

Using wood bats in the off-season

I’ve written a couple posts about the use of wood bats.  I few of them appear under this post in the “Related Posts” area.  All of them have been pretty supportive of the idea in order to improve a hitter’s ability to hit the ball more effectively.  However, there are some drawbacks.  For young kids […]

The Drop-Step Drill for pitchers

In my opinion, one of the more important aspects of good pitching is the ability to stay on that imaginary line that leads from the middle of the pivot foot on the pitching rubber to the location they want to throw to at home plate.  If their body weight can successfully travel down and finish […]

Improve your defense near a batting cage

The other night I was wondering around a park where my son’s soccer practice was and noticed a young player taking some swings in a batting cage with what appeared to be his father.  His father was throwing a pretty good BP and his son was hacking.  I noticed immediately that my brain was correctly […]

Coaching the modern player

St. Louis Cardinal manager Mike Matheny once said that when he was growing up, he was told that “the coach is right even when they are wrong.”  Although I was not told that quote, I learned the same principle growing up as well.  You respect authority because, well … just because.  The “modern day player” […]

Train for short bursts of speed

Players at a variety of levels are beginning to wind down their fall seasons and will soon begin to think about their off-season training.  Usually (at least for the older kids) there is a combination of strength training and running to get ready for the following season.  I’ve written a number of posts concerning Off-Season […]

What a pencil can teach a coach

Learning from a pencil has been around for quite a while.  Of course, the same principles would apply to coaches and baseball coaches alike.  Here they are if you have never seen them.   Learning from a pencil 1. Everything you do leaves a mark.  As a coach, never forget that your interaction with your […]

Joe Maddon’s stages of a ball player

I’m a huge fan of Joe Maddon, the current manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.  If you need to know how to manage the modern professional athlete, just study him. During a Rays game I was watching, the announcer listed the stages of a pro ball player as described by Joe Maddon.  Even though he applied […]

Score on a ground ball

When you watch a young team play there are many things that you can point to as examples of good coaching.  The common feature that all seem to share is that well coached behaviors don’t come about naturally.  For example, individuals tend to create a sense of fashion that is unique in some way to themselves.  They may not […]

Training with a football

Ever wonder why you never hear of an NFL quarterback needing Tommy John surgery?  How is it that a veteran quarterback can throw a football every day of their lives and never develop an arm injury?  They throw overhand like baseball pitchers and the ball they throw is heavier than a baseball too.  You’d think they would have […]

Find out if they are bunting – Part 2

In yesterday’s post I gave a quick tip for defensive teams to see if the other team was bunting.  Today’s post is a tip for the offensive team when their batter tips his hand on the bunt. The tip is simply to give another set of signs after the pickoff throw.  If the batter shows bunt […]

Find out if they are bunting

It’s the last inning and the score is tied.  The lead-off batter gets on first base.  If the following batter is not a good hitter, what will happen next is pretty clear cut – a sacrifice bunt.  But what if the next batter is a pretty good hitter.  Will he bunt or swing away?  Knowing […]

Arm strength vs Arm action

I believe the hardest thing to fix/change about a baseball player is the way he throws.  Young players who have poor arm action rarely are able to change that.  It can be done but it usually takes some extensive intervention. When I watch young teams play, there is almost always a player/pitcher who stands out […]

The Long Hop Drill

Most coaches and infielders have heard of and probably participated in a short hop drill.  In a short hop drill, two or more players stand in fielding position roughly 10-15 feet apart and toss short hops at other players.  It can be done bare-handed or with a glove, with baseballs or bouncy balls, and/or can involve […]

Saving baseballs

A while back I wrote a three part post about the various Cardinal Sins of Baseball.  The other day I identified another:  Throwing out baseballs.  I was walking around in a park during one of my son’s soccer practices and saw a couple baseballs in a trash can next to one of the baseball fields.  I shook […]

Contact points for hitters

In yesterday’s post about two strike hitting, I mentioned that looking away allows a hitter to wait a little longer on the pitch.  In relation to that, I thought it would be appropriate to show where the various contact points are depending on where the ball is thrown.  The diagram below is what it looks […]

Looking away with two strikes

One of the most valuable things my father taught me as a young player was how to hit with two strikes.  This post HERE and this post HERE get into a number of the adjustments he pounded into me.  This post will deal with a common mental adjustment. “Looking away” with two strikes is a […]

Random thoughts about Fall Ball

Fall Ball has become quite the rage in many different age groups.  My first experience with Fall Ball wasn’t until college.  Our baseball workouts started the first day of classes.  I was in heaven!  For all my years prior, the fall meant soccer and for many years, winter meant wrestling.  There was basically no such […]

Moving catchers around

I once played with a catcher who, whenever a runner got on first base, would call for an outside fastball on just about every pitch.  I, along with the other pitchers on the staff, caught on pretty quickly to what was going on.  An outside fastball would benefit the catcher in his ability to throw […]

How can that not be a hit?

I was talking to a mother the other day whose son has just begun to play on a regulation field – 60′ mound / 90′ bases.  It has been quite an eye opener for the players.  After an at-bat, a player was heard saying, “I hit that so far!  How can that not be a […]

Injuries: One week or one month?

About 10 days ago one of my daughters got a horrible gash on her leg that required an emergency room visit and five stitches.  She is fine but her experience since then has caused her a lot grief.  Because of her injury and the stitches, she has been unable to start up her new dance […]

The coaching attitude

In the world of science there is a phrase called “the scientific attitude” which has three components: curiosity, skepticism, and humility.  Here is what they mean for scientists: Curiosity – Always having a passion to explore in order to learn something new.  As John Wooden said, “what matters most is what you learn after you […]

Training captains

Scenario #1: Congratulations kid!  You were selected by your teammates to be the team captain.  I expect you to be a good one.  Good luck.” Scenario #2:  “Congratulations kid!  You were selected by your teammates to be the team captain.  I expect you to be a good one so I am going to send you […]

The command bullpen: Fixing a wild thrower

Every coach has dealt with a kid who just struggles to throw the ball over the plate.  Some of those kids, based on their mechanics, velocity, etc., are just shifted to other positions and promptly labeled “not a pitcher.”  But some kids show extreme promise with regard to their throwing ability.  These are the players […]

Seasons of strength (Part2)

Fall may not officially begin until late September but basically, when school starts the Fall begins. Below is a reprint of the first post I wrote called Seasons of strength.  Read it or review but either way … It’s a new season.  What adjustments are you making?   Seasons of strength This time of year, baseball players should start […]

Back to the bag in the air

There were three MLB games I watched in recent days where a runner on third totally screwed up a tag play on balls hit to the outfield.  I guess it bothers me so much because these are mistakes that I could not even accept from my high school players.  Here is what happened in all […]

Because you just never know

Here is a story about a former player of mine that should be a lesson for all young players.  This player had a good high school career but even though he went to a Division I college, it certainly was not a top-teir one.  That’s because he wasn’t the 6’3″ blue chipper with the 90+ […]

Matt Szczur: Score one for the good guys

My father always said “sports (especially baseball) makes good people.”  It’s unfortunate but too often the bad guys in sports get all the attention.  Through my time in baseball, there have been so many great human beings that I’ve come into contact with and very few of them have ever gotten the notoriety they deserve. […]

Flat ground work for pitchers

I heard a college coach at a convention say that throwing off a mound adds six times the stress on the body/arm as compared to throwing on flat ground.  Unfortunately, most young pitchers think that if they are not throwing off a mound then they aren’t really pitching. If you have ever attended a pro […]

One hop or line drives

One of the more common phrases I heard growing up was “hit ground balls and line drives.”  For the most part, this is sound advice.  Keeping the ball out of the air (fly balls) tend to improve a batter’s swing as well as his average.  But a problem sometimes develops because of the phrase.  Some batters […]

I field with my feet

Whenever I played, I made it a habit to watch the other teams’ pre-game infield/outfield routines.  You can learn quite a bit about what the other team can and can’t do just by watching those 10-15 minute warm-ups.  For selfish reasons, I also paid close attention to the other teams’ shortstops.  Because that’s what I […]

Off side errors

As a coach, defense was always my main priority.  I certainly believed in the maxim, “Offense wins games, defense wins championships.”  Every year I would remind my players that being good on defense is not about making Web Gems.  It’s all about making the routine play.  When the other team hands you an out, you […]

Slow down your fastball

A while back I wrote a post called Why pitchers should watch batting practice.  The basic message to pitchers was that hitting is extremely hard.  Unfortunately, many pitchers seem to forget that basic concept when they step on the mound.  As an example, I mentioned what happens when the coach unintentionally takes off even a […]

Should you swing 3-0?

“I never quite understood why so many people just automatically take 3-0.  If you’re a smart enough hitter, and you’re able to just say to yourself, ‘OK, I’m going to get a certain pitch in a certain spot,’ it’s like a free swing. A lot of times, even if a guy swings 3-0 and fouls […]

The one hop throw to second base

One of the biggest challenges for young players is transitioning to larger fields.  Many of the mistakes that players can get away with on small fields just don’t fly on big fields.  There are so many examples of this.  Today’s post is one regarding catchers. When kids start to play on the larger fields, runners […]

The stat I’d like to see

Baseball has to be a mathematicians dream.  No sport even comes close to the amount of numbers compiled and analyzed by baseball fans and commentators.  Add the new Sabermetrics to the mix and it’s practically nirvana for number geeks. However, there is one stat that I haven’t seen yet.  I don’t follow all the new […]

The wipe off sign

My three older sisters were not into sports and didn’t know much about baseball.  However, for some reason, all were fascinated by coaches signs.  When they watched a game, they loved watching coaches flash signs to the players and always wanted to know what my signs were for my players.  When I told them a […]

Improve your hitting by playing catch

I don’t care how good of an athlete you are, if you do not see the ball out of the pitcher’s hand, you are not going to be a good hitter.  The pitch occurs in a fraction of a second and if you miss any of it, especially the beginning, you’re done.  Therefore, any drill […]

Too much body

When you watch talented players perform they always seem to make the skill look so easy.  For example, a batter like Miguel Cabrera seems to hit effortlessly no matter who is pitching and where the ball is thrown.  Matt Harvey My father always says, “You can’t beat genetics.”  Some people are just naturally gifted athletes. […]

Pop-up drills for catchers

When practicing pop-up drills for catchers, there are a number of ways you can do it.  The best way, as shown in yesterday’s post, is with a pitching machine.  If you do not have one available, it is virtually impossible to mimic the  infield drift part of the play unless you are gifted with a […]

Practicing for Infield Drift

In yesterday’s post I explained the concept of infield drift.  Unfortunately, there is really only one way to practice this play effectively and that means using a pitching machine.  Of course, if you have an advanced degree in hitting pop-ups with a fungo then you are all set.  Most coaches don’t have the ability to […]

Infield drift

A batter hits a ball straight up over home plate a mile high.  A “home run in an elevator shaft” as they say.  The catcher rips his mask off, turns his back to the infield (like he should), and confidently screams “I got it!”   When the ball starts to come down the catcher starts […]

You’ve got to be kidding me (Part 3)

Here is another episode of “You got to be kidding me.” My family and I recently attended a AA game in Reading, PA.  I actually caught a foul ball (!) but that’s not why this post is being written.  Here’s the story. Every time I go to a minor league game I check who the […]

Pitching: Front side – Back side

Of all the things I mention to pitchers, “reversing your shoulders and hips” tends to be the most common.  As pitchers get older, the distance they pitch from gets longer.  If they do not master this primary concept they will have a short career on a full size field.  The photo sequence below is a […]

Better hitting with an ankle weight

During my career as a position player, my biggest hitting challenge was controlling my front foot on my stride.  I tended to jump/lunge on the pitch too much.  It was a constant battle.  When I kept my stride foot under control I hit well.  When I couldn’t, I got eaten up rather easily.  Unfortunately, it […]

Sprinkler syndrome

Sprinkler Syndrome is the term used when describing a pitcher who is more horizontal with their movements than vertical.  You typically only see this syndrome at the lower levels because a pitcher who does it will probably never reach the higher levels.  It only works when the pitcher throws a short distance. When I’m working […]

The bases loaded walk

You are pitching.  It’s early in the game or ahead by a few runs late in the game. You have the bases loaded and the other team’s best hitter at the plate.  You are behind in the count.  What do you do?   I say pitch around him. Young pitchers grow up hearing the importance […]

Off-season workouts – Fixed links

Every now and then I receive an email from a reader informing me that a link on my site is no longer working.  Below are two such links that apply to off-season weight programs.  The links on the posts are fixed as well but I though I’d post them here as well. If you ever […]

How to round first base

It’s been a while since my last video tip but here’s the latest.  It involves the proper way to round first base depending on where the ball is hit.   Enjoy!

A few good Cardinals

What every team needs is a few (actually a lot of) Cardinals.  As in St. Louis Cardinals.  I had a chance to watch a few Cardinals games over the past week and to say the least, they are a pleasure to watch.  They move runners over.  They put the ball in play.  They bunt.  They […]

Update

Hi everyone!  Hope all is well with you and your families. I am currently at a baseball coaching summit meeting in a secret facility discussing the future of the game.  Actually, I’m on vacation visiting family.  That means I cannot guarantee posts this week and maybe into next as well.   If you are new […]

When should a catcher go to the mound?

At the major league level you will often see catchers call time-out and take a trip to the mound to have a word with their pitcher.  Usually these trips are not called for by coaches.  The catchers decide when the time is right.  At the lower levels, catchers are usually hesitant to call time-out and […]

You have to be pretty darn good

A few days ago Cole Hamels lost his 12th game of the season.  If they have not yet brought it up, someone is bound to start talking about the possibility of a 20 loss season for Cole. That certainly would be a nightmare of a season for Hamels but on the other hand, you’d have […]

How to be still – The National Anthem

The following video is all you need to know about what is expected during the National Anthem.  It’s also an example of a coach paying attention to the details.  The success at Vanderbilt is no accident. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jILUdcca5nI&feature=youtube_gdata_player Tomorrow’s Post:  You have to be pretty darn good

How to be still – The baseball knee

Yesterday’s post was about getting players to move faster on and around the field at all times.  It not only makes your team look great, it gives them the message that the game requires a faster pace.   However, there are times when players need to be still.  A lot of baseball meetings occur pre […]

There is no walking in baseball

Is anyone else aggravated by how many players walk on, off, and around the baseball field?  To me it’s like nails on a chalkboard.  Every summer I usually help out at a couple camps that have kids between about 8 and 15 years old.  One of the toughest things to teach the campers early on […]

The toughest outfielder

Probably the toughest job for a third base coach is deciding when to send the runner home and when to hold him at third base.  I’ve done a couple written posts on that topic and even created a video or two as well.   This past winter I spoke at a coaching clinic where the […]

Let me try that again

One of the biggest challenges a coach faces is figuring out how to create game-like pressure in practice.  We all know there are players who perform well in practice but seem to become an entirely different player once the game starts.  However it’s done, amping up the pressure during parts of your practice can be […]

Over pitching – Part 2

In yesterday’s post I brought up the concept of over pitching.  It happens at all levels but you will most often see it with young pitchers who feel they have to do too much out on the mound.  In todays’ post, I’m going to give some game situations where over pitching tends to come up. […]

Over pitching (Part 1)

I recently had two conversations with two different people on the same day.  Both were about pitching.  The first was with a high school pitcher and the second, about 30 minutes later, was with a first round draft pick and former major league pitcher.  If I just gave you the gist of the conversations, my […]

Spinning plates

In the New York Times article linked below, the manager likened coaching to being a plate spinner.  For those who coach, you’ll understand the analogy.  I think the article does a good, concise job of showing the daily (largely unglamorous) routine of a minor league coach.   The article also addresses the importance of recognizing […]

A letter from a friend

When you write a daily blog, you sometimes wonder if you are only writing for yourself.  I don’t get a ton of feedback from people about what I write so when I do, I am very appreciative.  Below is one such email I received from a friend and coach I have not spoken to in […]

Lifting the front elbow

I received an email recently from a player who said he was having trouble controlling his lead elbow on the swing.  He referred to it as “chicken winging” which is basically lifting the lead elbow too much before and/or during the swing. As he said, this tends to make his top hand “lazy” and hurts […]

Sorry … back Thursday

Hi everyone! I apologize for the lack of posts Monday and today.  We extended our 4th of July vacation and I am one of those people who have no trouble setting aside the phone and computer for a few more days! Next post will definitely be Thursday! Coach 

Happy July 4th

Last week I helped my college coach run a baseball camp that was about an hour from my house.  To get there, I had to drive right through Valley Forge National Park.  On the way there and back I passed by George Washington’s Headquarters and the rolling hills where his army camped for that famous […]

The problem with private instruction

When I talk to kids who work with a private instructor, a common theme tends to emerge.  Before I get into it, take a look at the following video.  Afterwards, I’ll explain why I’m using the analogy shown and how it applies to private instruction. The analogy of the rocks shows us that in life, […]

Don’t run into a tag – Part 2

In YESTERDAY’S POST I talked about a double play situation where the runner should do all that he can to induce more throws by the defense.  Today’s post expands on that issue by explaining what the second baseman should do in this situation to maximize his ability to get two outs.
  Let’s say, as mentioned […]

Don’t run into a tag

I had another “shake my head at the TV” moment the other night while watching a major league game.  With one out and a runner on first base, a soft ground ball was hit towards the second baseman.  He charged to field the ball, easily tagged the runner going to second base, and threw to […]

Pitching around a hitter

Baseball people know that there are times when a pitcher is going to pitch around a batter.  One of their best hitters is up, a base is open, etc.  However, the drawback of not giving a batter something to hit is that it contradicts much of what we coaches say to pitchers.  Two of the […]

Keep your head still?

I have told many players and coaches of the importance of keeping your head still in baseball.  In reality, a more realistic way of saying that would be to “keep your head calm.”  Baseball players routinely move their head and eyes while playing baseball.  It’s impossible not to.  Pitchers move their head when they pitch.  […]

Get strikes by throwing strikes

It’s not often that you’ll see a major league umpire have two different strike zones for both pitchers.  Consistency is what got those umpires to that level.  However, you occasionally will see slightly different zones even at that level.  One would think that would be a flaw in the umpire but in reality, it is […]

Battle of the low pitch

  As players get older and reach higher levels of the game, more and more pitches will be thrown towards the bottom of the strike zone.  Successful pitchers at the big league level routinely throw down in the zone with all their pitches.  That’s why they got to that level.  I’ve said before that I […]

Requirements for a bullpen pitcher

Over the course of a pitcher’s career he may be at various times a starter or a reliever.  At the lower levels, relievers are usually the pitchers who are not as talented as the starters.  This is why coaches stress the importance of getting to a high school bullpen as soon as possible.  Usually, the talent […]

Safe … by a yard!

If you have visited my website in the past you probably know why it is called “Baseball By The Yard.”  If you don’t know what it means, the video on the front page will explain it.  That being said, take a look at the following photo. The runner who is about to score is a […]

Common mistakes on Double Relays

During a recent MLB game I was watching, a ball hit to deep right-center required a double-relay for a play at home plate.  The throw to home was never made because the cutoff was botched.  The announcers blamed it on a poor throw by the outfielder but in reality, the trailer on the double-relay team […]

Happily ever after

One of the hardest things when you get to the top is staying there.  Winning a championship as a team or a player getting to the level they’ve always dreamed of can be thrilling but it’s not without challenges.   First of all, a team that becomes a champion is not going to sneak up […]

Work smarter

A while back I wrote a post called Batting cage ribbons where I explained a good drill for hitters when working in a cage.  Another similar option is this drill HERE.  It appears as if some major leaguers are using these drills as well!  Here is an excerpt from an article about the recent success of Orioles hitter […]

It’s not how you start

Readers who are not from the Philadelphia area will not recognize the names on this Top 25 list of high school teams.   The list, if you look at the date, is the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Top 25 baseball teams in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania at the very start of the season.  One team, North […]

No foul balls in BP

One common goal for most coaches is to convince their hitters to use more of the center of the field when they hit.  I tried to promote a left center to right center approach with my hitters.  Using the center of the field as a goal gives a hitter more room for error.  If they […]

A view from the third row

A couple Saturdays ago, I attended a Phillies game.  My seats were incredible.  Third row directly behind the catcher.  And I mean directly.  The pitcher, the catcher, and me were in an exact straight line.  See for yourself. Here are my take-aways from the experience: The other half – those who can afford those seats […]

The two-run window for pitchers

Bases loaded and no outs is a situation that all pitchers will run into
 at some point.  What his mental approach and expectations are will go a 
long way in determining how this situation turns out.  Many pitchers 
make the mistake of thinking their job in this situation is to prevent a single run from
 […]

How NOT to pick someone off

Recently I wrote a post called It can’t even be close.  It was about the 
idea that in certain situations, you don’t want the call to be in the 
umpires’ hands.  In the post I used a photo from the Phillies game I was
 referencing.  Upon further review, it is pretty clear that both teams
 […]

Teaching the open stance

Growing up, I remember watching major league games and seeing quite a few closed stances from hitters.  Mike Schmidt comes to mind.  George Hendrix probably was the most extreme example.  Today, you rarely see that kind of stance.  The open stance is much more the norm in today’s game. The question from coaches is “do […]

Enforcing the informal rules of the game

Maybe I am officially old school now but I cannot believe what my eyes saw during the Phillies-Marlins series.  Actually, it has more to do with what my eyes didn’t see.  Let me set the stage. To date, the Marlins have the worst record in baseball. Their organization has been blasted for getting rid of […]

Changing course

When a pilot takes off at an airport in Philadelphia en route to Los Angeles, they understand that a change in course along the way may be necessary.  Changing wind patterns, storms, and mechanical issues can force a pilot to change course to get to their destination safely.  When this happens, the pilot doesn’t get […]

Hit inside your front foot

Take a look at the following photographs showing four of the best hitters in baseball.  In each photo you will notice that contact with the ball is made when the ball is inside the front foot.   One of the biggest challenges young players (and therefore their coaches) face is jumping or lunging at the […]

It can’t even be close

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of attending a Phillies game.  In the ninth inning, Kyle Kendrick (yes, a pitcher) was put in to pinch run for Jimmy Rollins (bad foot) with no outs and the Brewers up 4-3.  After being sacrificed bunted to second base, Kendrick proceeded to get picked off second base. […]

A strike right out of your hand

Ever notice that some pitchers get a lot of check swings and some do 
not?  This has a lot to do with how the ball looks to the batter shortly 
after leaving the pitcher’s hand.  For some pitchers, especially those
 with good movement on the ball, a pitch leaves the hand looking like a 
strike […]

Make someone pay

At an early age, my father taught me to make someone pay for bad games,
 slumps, and losing streaks.  It is good advice for individual
 players and teams alike. 
 Baseball has a way of mentally wearing you down over time.  When it 
does, it becomes very easy to lash out at yourself, teammates, and/or
 coaches.  […]

Is bunting overrated?

At the Major League level, bunting has become a thing of the past with 
the exception of pitchers in the National League.  Old school people
 hate this modern trend against bunting but statistically speaking,
 bunting at the Major League level does seem to be a bad strategy in
 general.  The reason for this is that […]

Third Base Coach Positioning

At the younger levels you don’t see coaches venture too far from the designated coaching boxes on both sides of the field.  The purpose of the boxes is to prevent coaches from getting too close to the field and interfere with the game.  Getting too close to the line before the pitch can allow a […]

Step and catch timing

There are many situations in baseball where the fielder must step to the ball and make the catch.  Here are several I can think of: An outfielder getting behind a fly ball and stepping to the ball to make the catch. A shortstop turning a double play where he will need to step across the […]

When a team is well coached

I had the pleasure of catching a high school playoff game the other day.  Two well-coached teams played.  It’s a shame one team’s season came to an end but that’s baseball.  It was the second time this season I saw the visiting team and the first time I ever saw the home team that was […]

Earning the right to fail

A student of mine had a rough pitching start the other day.  He lasted 1/3 of an inning before being pulled from the game.  Pitch long enough and it will happen to you too.  It certainly has happened to me. For players at the high school level and above, outings like this can be devastating.  […]

Make the target bigger for more strikes

At all levels, pitchers run into times when their control suffers.  There are numerous causes to this loss of control.  Some are mechanical and some are mental.  Either way, it can be very frustrating for players, coaches, and parents when wildness occurs.  The key is for the player to make the necessary adjustments so that […]

A small tip for a bigger curve ball

Before I give this tip, do me a favor and snap your fingers for a few seconds.  Now snap your fingers again but this time use both your index finger AND your middle finger (equal pressure) along with your thumb.  How did it work?  Probably not as well the second time.  The reason for this […]

Pay attention to your first at-bat

Today’s tip is generally not needed at the lower levels.  It is more for players at the college and pro levels where there tends to be more scouting of other teams involved.  A while back I did an interview with a guy named Steve Springer.  If you have not listened to Steve before, you are […]

The 2-2 fastball

There is a saying among pitching coaches that goes “if you throw an off-speed pitch 2-2, you might as well throw it 3-2.”  Here is the reason for the saying.  If a pitcher throws a curve ball on a 2-2 count and it ends up being a ball, the count is now full at 3-2.  […]

My baseball nightmare

For as long as I can remember I’ve had the same recurring dream.  Actually, it’s more of a nightmare.  It’s always some version of the following. I get called up to the major leagues and I’m the first to arrive at the field on the big day.  My uniform is in my locker and everything […]

Playing catch with Pete Rose

When I was younger, my dad and I would frequently make trips to the backyard to play catch.  When my accuracy needed improving, he would always draw an imaginary circle in front of his chest with the ball to remind me that every throw should be in that circle.  Every time I missed that circle, […]

Purpose pitch vs Waste pitch

A pitch is thrown way outside and high.  A player from the bench yells “Good waste pitch!” But was it? I believe there is quite a difference between and purpose pitch and a waste pitch.  In my view, a purpose pitch is a pitch that isn’t necessarily a strike but still serves a purpose.  A […]

The trouble with seniors

Over the years, I have had numerous conversations with coaches at the high school and college levels.  We’ve talked about the good, the bad, and the ugly.  One common theme that you will tend to hear over time is the unique difficulties that pop up with regards to senior players and in some cases, their […]

Fill-In-The-Blank for coaches

The other day I posted (in jest) a template for parents to fill in after this baseball season.  A parent could use all positive words and phrases or all negative ones.  Their choice. Today’s version is for coaches. Enjoy! ** FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY ** Dear Mr./Mrs. ____________________ I just wanted to say how much […]

Fill-In-The-Blank for parents

Ever play Mad Libs?  Of course you have!  Well, here is one for parents at the end of this season.  Just fill in the blanks with a word or phrase that fits.  Be kind or be harsh.  Your choice! But be careful, there is another coming shortly for coaches! Enjoy! ** FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY […]

When second basemen cover first

I’ve probably wrote on this website a hundred times about how important proper footwork is when it comes to defense.  Most errors, non-plays, and other mistakes are causes by the feet not being in the correct place at the correct time.  There are countless examples of this but I noticed another the other day while […]

Wasted motion

One of the best ways to improve your game is to cut out any wasted motion.  It doesn’t matter if you are a pitcher, fielder, hitter, or base runner, cutting out wasted motion in your mechanics is going to allow you to do things faster.  Unfortunately, many players don’t even realize they do the things […]

Shut your mouth and give me the ball

Every now and then a Major League pitcher will blow up at a coach who comes out to pull him from the game.  With television, the whole ugly scene is recorded and shown for the entire sports world to see.  Unfortunately, these incidents often spill over to the dugout afterwards when the coach returns.  The […]

The no look delivery

There are several ways to hold runners on to limit their running game.  Having a good pickoff move is one of them.  Having several different types of pickoff moves is another.  Mixing your times to home plate is important as well.  The biggest tip coaches usually pass on to their pitchers is don’t get into […]

The 1st and 3rd dilemma

A couple weeks ago the Philadelphia Phillies had a common situation occur in three straight games that resulted in a negative outcome.  With no outs, there were runners on 1st and 3rd.  In all three cases, a ground ball was hit, the runner on 3rd took off towards home, and was out by a mile. […]

Lottery mentality

The lottery is said to be “a tax on people who can’t do math.”  That’s
 because you probably have better odds of getting hit by a bolt of lightning while
 doing cartwheels then winning the lottery.  Unfortunately, some people
 keep putting their future prosperity in the hands of five or six ping
 pong balls.  Not […]

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