Finding the seams (Part 2)

In a previous video post linked HERE, I promised to do another video on what specifically each finger on the throwing hand does in order to get the proper grip on the ball as an infielder.  Today’s post shows how it is done.

Starting slow and early

This title comes from the mouth of Jose Bautista of the Blue Jays.  In his own words, the video explains what “start slow and early” means and how that concept transformed his career.

Bunting and Managing the front shoulder

Video: Run with your glove down

A tip for off-speed pitches

Base-hit bunting for left handers

Base-hit bunting can be a great weapon for any hitter in a line-up.  This is especially true for left handed hitters because they have the built in advantage of being a few feet closer to first base.  The video below shows the three basic footwork methods left handers can use during a base-hit bunt.

Uphill and downhill throwing

This video explains one of the most common problems I see in young pitchers.

Infield – Outfield Communication

Catching around the ball

Today’s video is for middle infielders who want to speed up their transition for catching to throwing.

Chair drill for hitters

Here’s another drill you may have done before.  It has a number of variations depending on the size of the chair you use.  It can help with the following: Prevents drifting or lunging at the ball. Gets the head/eyes used to being closer to the ball Prevents too much “straight up and down” hitting. Helps […]

Basic footwork on the stride and swing

Often a lack of hitting can come down to something very simple.  I’ve always taken a “ground-up” approach to baseball meaning most of what I teach in terms of the mechanics of the sport begins with the feet.  Mess up some of the basic footwork and a player’s performance is going to spiral downward very […]

Catchers: Knees down together

 

Catchers: Glove down first

Infield: Eyes and glove connection

Reverse hitting drill

Catchers: Soft hands, strong hands

Today’s video clip shows catchers the importance of having soft, relaxed hands prior to receiving the ball and strong hands when actually catching the pitch.

What does separation mean?

Fight or Flight

“Fight or Flight” is the human body’s instinctive process of doing everything it can to prepare itself for a conflict.  It can also be a baseball players worst enemy.  This 20 minute video explains why and what players and coaches can do to harness the power of this process.          

Middle Infielders – Holding your ground

For middle infielders, a problem develops as they get older.  As the game gets faster, it becomes harder to “hold your ground” when a guy steals so you’re not caught out of position when the ball is hit AND get to the bag in time.  This video shows how to accomplish both!

Quick tip on sac bunting

Today’s video tip refers to the basic body positioning on a sac bunt to the 1st base side and the positioning on a bunt to the 3rd base side.  As usual, it all starts with the feet.  If you are not currently doing it this way, give it a shot.  It may help make sac […]

Taking a lead off first base

 

Best 58 second hitting video on YouTube

    Wasn’t that beautiful?
  Many players would probably look at that clip and not think “beautiful.”  Boring might be a better fit for kids today.  It may be boring to some but that would be a result of them not really “seeing” what is in the clip. Upon closer inspection, here are some key […]

Fielding with two triangles

No matter what age you are dealing with, fielding a baseball starts with learning how to form these two triangles.  Virtually every fielding drill should include this basic foundation.

Positioning a ball on a batting tee

Today’s video tip involves one of those little things that can go a long way towards improving your batting tee work. What other little things are good to do while working on a batting tee?  Leave a comment or shoot me an email!

Batting tee drills: Using a stepper

Sorry to those who were missing the video posts.  I was waiting for the new banner and gear to arrive! Today’s tip involves using an aerobic stepper in a few ways to promote good mechanics and address some of the common problems hitters have.  Enjoy! Some t-shirt give-aways might be coming soon!   Do you have […]

How to handle a hole on the mound

Pitch long enough and you will have to deal with all kinds of holes on the mound.  This video post gives some tips for handling the dreaded hole right in front of the pitching rubber. Click “YouTube” on the bottom right of the screen to expand the view as needed.

Footwork for 2nd basemen on the flip

Click “YouTube” in the lower right corner of the screen to expand the view.

Fielding: Turn in or spin?

(Click “YouTube” on the bottom right to expand the view)

Practicing to hit the low pitch

As this video post will explain, practicing the low pitch is not easy based on the equipment that exists today.  However, as kids get older, the ability to handle the low pitch becomes greater which makes practicing it more important as well.   Click on “YouTube” in the bottom right of the screen to expand […]

The Chuck-It hitting drill

With 4 inches of snow arriving this past weekend, I guess it’s time to mention some good indoor drills! (Click “YouTube” in the bottom right to expand the view as needed)

Video: How to throw a four seamer

A while back I wrote a post on this but I’ve received a question or two since on the topic. (Click on “YouTube” in the bottom, right corner to widen the view as needed)

How to approach a ground ball

Some of my more popular posts in terms of readership have been those involving the footwork of infielders on ground balls.  Today’s video post provides a visual of the basic procedures involved with approaching a ground ball correctly and efficiently. (Click on “YouTube” at the bottom right of the screen to widen the view as […]

Finding the seams as an infielder

This little trick seems to amaze young kids whenever I do camps and clinics.  It seems impossible but with practice, you’ll do it every time.  It’s still such a habit with me that anytime someone tosses me ball, even a tennis ball, I automatically feel for the seams.  Old habits don’t die! Click on “YouTube” […]

Another option from the stretch position

One reason why the stretch position can be tough for pitchers is that most only use two types of deliveries to home plate:  the full leg kick and the slide step.  Today’s video post shows pitchers a third option that incorporates the positive aspects of both of those deliveries without the drawbacks. Click on “YouTube” […]

How to film hitters

I recently did a video post on How to film pitchers.  Here is the version for those of you who film hitters. (Click “YouTube” in the bottom, right corner and expand the view as needed)

Staying on top of the ball – Pitching

This is part 2 of “Staying on top of the ball.” This one deals with the concept as it relates to pitching.To watch it in a larger view, click “YouTube” at the bottom right on the screen.  You can then expand the view from there.

Stay on top of the ball – Hitting

Today’s video post answers a question I received from a reader.  The question was what does it mean for a hitter to “stay on top of the ball?”  Staying on top on the ball, in my opinion, is one of the most important concepts of hitting.  I hope I explain it well enough.  Tomorrow will […]

Video post: How to tag

A while back I did a written post on tagging runners.  I received some questions since so I thought I would do a video post on the tagging portion.  Future video clips will deal with the footwork.  To read the post, click HERE.  If you want to make the view bigger, click “YouTube” in the […]

The proper way to film pitchers

I produced another video post for today which hopefully will help parents and coaches get more out of their videotaping.  This one is for filming pitchers.  I’m in the process of doing a similar presentation for hitting.  In the near future, I will be doing some that will show some very basic things to look […]

Keeping the bat in the hitting zone

The basics of a hitting stride

Teaching little kids how to catch a baseball

Video post: How to break in and train your glove

Here is the first of (hopefully) many video posts.It’s comes from a coaching clinic I did last winter for area coaches from Tee-Ball up to about middle school age. Do you like the video post concept? Are there any posts I’ve written that you’d like to see in video form? As always, add comments below […]

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