It is not hard to improve how you play your baseball game. You’ll see though that there’s a ton to learn, and it can take a bit of time. However, that is all fun, and this advice points you toward better play with your teammates on the field.
If you coach baseball, know that keeping a team happy and excited can help them to win. Take the team out for ice cream after a well played game. Most importantly, you need to remember that it’s just a game.
Whenever you hit the ball in fair territory, run at full steam. Even if it appears like an easy out, you’ve got to give it your all. It may be that the opposing team misplays the ball, or it may take a tricky bounce giving you just enough time to reach base.
Make sure you use the proper grip when hitting a baseball. You should go with a “standard” grip. The middle knuckles of your hands should be on the bat. Make sure the bat is across the callus line of your fingers instead of the back of your palms. This grip betters quickness and bat speed.
One of the best things you can do before any game is to drink plenty of water. Baseball is generally played during the Spring and Summer months, meaning the weather is quite warm. Baseball players use a lot of energy running bases and running after balls. Therefore, it is important that you stay hydrated to avoid a heat stroke.
Listen to your base coaches. They have a better view of the field than you do when you are on base. Do not run unless they tell you to run. Also, while running, keep your ears open to your coach. He may need to tell you to slide into base.
If you are a third base coach, there are certain things you have to attend to. For example, you have to decide whether to send runners home or hold them at third base. You must let runners know if they should slide into third or come in standing. You need to assist the runners by informing them when to run and remind them of how many outs there are.
If a pitcher is getting the better of you in an at bat, step out of the batters box. You need to do whatever you can do to throw off the pitcher’s timing. A few seconds breather will not only help you get your mind focused, it might also break up the current zone that the pitcher is in.
As a baseball coach, you will be expected to give an appropriate post-game talk. Whether your team wins or loses, you should have some memorable remarks prepared. Your talk should be positive, and you should congratulate your players on a game well played. Especially make note of examples of good sportsmanship. Don’t worry too much about the score. Keep it positive, end it with your team cheer and go your merry ways smiling.
Stadium lights can be a big distraction from seeing the ball. You have to know how to search for a ball without needing to stare at lights or the sun. Use all of your peripheral vision so that you find the baseball and get the best results.
When playing the outfield, practice both calling for a fly ball and backing off if a fly ball is called for by someone else. Miscommunication in the outfield has led to more dropped balls than you can ever imagine, even in the pros it happens. So get your outfield team together and shag flies with the goal of getting your communication down.
There are times that you need to think of the team rather than yourself. Being a team player may require it of you. It could be more productive to advance another player by sacrificing your own base hit. Although it might not seem as great as a hit, this play can lead to your team winning many games.
Never let a bunt go toward the pitcher. Point your bat handle to third base or your bat head to first base, when right handed. Of course, if you’re left handed, it will be reversed. Getting your bat angled right will make sure the bunt is fair while keeping the ball from the pitcher.
As you warm up, practice sprinting. Baseball requires great sprinting ability. After making contact with a ball, it pays to be a good sprinter down the first base line. You’re competing against a ball which will be thrown faster than you are able to run, so a big take-off is needed, followed by a keen ability to sprint.
Baseball gloves are not cheap, so it’s important to take care of your glove. Routine maintenance includes keeping your glove clean and dry and storing it in a cool, dry area. Occasionally, you should condition your glove. If your glove accidentally gets wet, allow it to air dry and apply leather conditioner to soften it.
To communicate to the catcher that you’re unhappy with his calling of pitches, roll your fingers or shake your head; this signals him to repeat going through the signs. If your team’s catcher refuses to sign you the pitch that you desire to send, one or both of you will be frustrated.
No one can train for you. That said, these tips are a great start. It’s not only hard work and tons of practice, it can also be fun. This is really fun when you help a team win a whole game! You need to make good plays to really have fun.
