Hitters Checklist
Hitting Skills Checklist
The All-Star Game
As we approach the mid-summer classic, a few words to the wise: watch and learn. The games best hitters will be taking center stage and the fundamentals that got them there will be on display for all to see, for free, especially the home run hitting contest. Their mechanics are impeccable. Don’t watch the pitch or how far the ball goes, watch what they do. How do they stride? What do their hands do? Watch their hip drive. Watch their follow through. How is their balance? The broadcasting network does a phenomenal job of showing some slow motion video that really allows you to see what makes them successful. Can or does your swing compare?
When I watch mlb games or highlights, I watch the hitters; I don’t focus on the hit itself. I want to see what they do that makes them great hitters. That is what makes a student of the game, someone who really wants to learn. If I’m not doing what they are doing, I need and want to learn how.
I was watching an old rerun of the 1976 All Star game today and saw something amazing. Al Oliver was up and hit a chopper to the first baseman. He busted down the line and almost beat it out. His helmet flew off he was running so hard. I had to rewind to make sure I saw it correctly. A player actually trying to beat out an infield chopper to the first baseman in an All Star game that back then meant nothing? That is something that does not show up in the box score. Effort.
Another example was Mickey Rivers sliding into second base with his cleats up high to try and break up a double play. Not the cleanest play in the world, but effort nonetheless. It almost worked.
Gives you an idea of what it takes to make it to the big leagues and to be successful. If you want to learn and emulate from the best, do not miss this opportunity. Watch. Learn.
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Mid-Season Blahs
Here we are in the middle of the travel season and now you feel like you are wearing down when you should just be hitting your stride. Tired, slow, dragging, no energy, no bat speed, no fastball? There may be some reasons why.
First, school just ended a week or so ago. You were used to getting up at a certain time, eating at a certain time and going to bed at a certain time. Now you are staying up later, sleeping longer and maybe not eating as exactly as you were before. Your internal clock is a little mixed up and your body is telling you so.
How to Coach a Hitter During the Game
There are very few hitting faults that can be corrected during the game. The job of a hitting coach isn’t necessarily to teach during the game, but to motivate and encourage his players. Practice is the time to teach. However, there are subtle points a coach can make that can help a struggling hitter.
Tee Work Fundamentals
The tee is absolutely one of the best hitting tools around. Inside every major league clubhouse you will see a tee. There may be different variations of it, but the concept remains the same. The better you can get at utilizing the tee, the better your hitters will become. The tee is an excellent tool for showing the hitter where in the hitting zone pitches need to be hit and an excellent tool for creating muscle memory. Here are few tips to ensure that you are using the tee properly.
Baserunning Skill Checklist
Becoming a Good Baserunner Checklist
Becoming a Ballplayer
- Joins a team
- Watches Games
- Pays Attention During Games
- Asks Questions
- Eats Right
- Knows When to Drink Water
- Goes to Bed Early Before Games
- Hits Off a Tee
- Values Teammates
- Has a Home Practice Regiment
- Communicates with Coaches
- Does Not Argue With Umpires
- Does Not Throw Equipment
- Runs Out Every Hit or Out Hard
- Hustles On and Off Field
- Is Ready On Every Pitch
- Expe
Building a Championship Team
- Everybody shows up
- Everybody shows up on time
- Everybody has fun
- You look like a baseball team
- Become willing to win
- Shows up and works harder than ever before
- Improves every practice
- Decides not to be scared
- Does better than ever before
- Listen to the coaches
- Ask questions
- Everyone works together
- Team has many leaders
- Reflects after games and practices
- Gets quality at bats
- Comes from behind
Infielder Skill Checklist
Becoming a Good Infielder Checklist
Outfielder Skill Checklist
Becoming a Good Outfielder Checklist
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