TPFP is a great defensive drill and essential when it comes to teaching pitchers how to hop off the mound and throw a baserunner out. The problem I see with the way it is done by some coaches is that a lot of times they have a huge line of guys behind the mound and…
This week I have decided to share with you a great drill that will help your infielders. It’s called Four Corners and it focuses on getting rid of the ball quickly, making quick decisions and accurate throws. Last summer when I was working at a baseball camp in Cooperstown, NY one of our coaches, Todd…
Everyone is always looking for that “5 tool” player. I’ve even had parents tell me how their child has all 5 tools and that they are the best in the state for their age group. Talent is great, and no matter what line of work you are in, it will help you become more successful.…
Even with a hat and sunglasses it can be difficult to catch a fly ball when your line of sight is smack dab in front of that big ball of fire in the sky. Sure it looks funny on blooper reels, but it’s not so hilarious when you or one of your players wears it…
In my fifteen years of coaching experience I have seen quite a few things and run across many different players. Some guys have a lot of talent and equal amounts of baggage to go with it. Others may not be as gifted athletically, but they set themselves apart with their work ethic and leadership. Of…
Over the past year or so I have had a lot of coaches tell me that their kids love to scrimmage, but they only have 12 players. Typically they have the assistant coaches fill in and they are usually dad’s who are one divot in right field away from tearing their knee to shreads. There…
This week I have decided to change gears a little and share with you one of my favorite “coach controlled” games we play at our camps and practices. It’s called Backwards Baseball and it is a version of a game that I learned from Jeff Rodin when I worked for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Players love…
I received an email yesterday from a District Little League President and she inquired if I had any suggestions for naturally healing tendinitis. As I was writing her back it got me thinking that others may be wondering the same thing so I thought I would share my response to her with you. I am…
In my last article about hitting with two strikes I discussed how your mental approach is key. Just because you are behind in the count doesn’t mean you can’t do damage. You should tell yourself that you are still in control. Always start with an aggressive mentality. That being said, there are some concessions you…
Back when I was in Little League my coach pretty much told me this when it came to throwing- “Ya see this white round thing with red stripes on it? Throw it as hard as you can!” As much as I appreciate his coaching and the “grip it & rip it” philosophy, we both know…