Baseball is a sport that is loved by many people. Kids often grow up playing Little League, and then there is high school, college and the professional level. There are even adult baseball and softball leagues. If you’re here to find out more about the sport and what you can do to be a better player, then keep reading.
If you’re playing infield and a groundball is hit, always go toward it. Don’t sit there and wait for the ball to come to you. This will help you have a much better chance of getting the batter out and your team will appreciate it. This also applies to outfielders as well.
As a baseball coach, you are responsible for quite a few things on game day. Be certain to bring everything you need to the game. Among the items you should have on hand are knee cushions, your substitution rotation sheet, a pencil and your score book, your cell phone and a well stocked first aid kit in case of emergency. Also have your team roster on hand listing the batting order and the positions your team members will play.
If you are coaching kids, you have to make sure your practice sessions are enjoyable. Here are a few techniques you can use to make sure everyone has a good time. Be certain all the kids have a chance to participate equally. Get the parents to join the game occasionally. Try out new drills from time to time so no one gets bored. Give both positive and negative feedback. End the practice with something fun.
As a baseball coach, you should create a workable practice schedule so the players will know what is expected and they can also set personal goals. For the best results, start with a warm up that lasts at least 10 minutes and then get into team and individual practice drills for another 20. Once that is completed you can expect running and other team drills. End the practice with a ten-minute drill on defense for specific positions, then cool down. Don’t forget to end each practice with a team meeting.
Don’t showboat. Some sports condone showboating, like a touchdown dance in football. But in baseball, showboating after a home run or a big strikeout is very much frowned upon. It’s the type of thing that causes a lot of bad blood between teams, and it can easy cause rifts among teammates.
If the ball is coming straight at you and the sun is blinding you, use your glove as a sun shield. Just hold it above your eyes and adjust so you can catch the ball there.
To keep your fingers from getting hurt while bunting, make sure to keep them on your side of the bat. If you wrap them around the bat, the pitch can hit them. You end up with a painful bunt, with no control over where the ball goes, instead of a nifty sacrifice.
Practice bunting, even if you are a power hitter. Bunting is a bit of a lost art in baseball. The idea is to simply tap the ball into play, taking the infield, pitcher and catcher off-guard. This is a smart tactic to move a teammate over from first to second or to even score an infield hit. A power hitter bunting is so unexpected that it really can be effective.
Do not reach across the body when catching a grounder. Instead, shuffle quickly to the right or left and get your glove out in front while the ball comes toward it. If you don’t do this, you may make an error.
To prevent bunting the ball straight back at the pitcher, aim your bat’s handle towards third or the head towards first base. Aim at first or third base. The bunt will stay fair and it will avoid the pitcher if the angling is correct.
As you warm up, practice sprinting. Sprinting is a big part of baseball. After hitting the ball, you have to sprint quickly to the first base. A quick start to your sprint is essential if you want to beat a baseball that can be thrown much quicker than you could ever hope to run.
One of the least utilized hits in baseball is the bunt. To properly bunt the ball, you must point the baseball bat’s tip toward second base. As the ball approaches, slightly change the angle of your front foot so that it is facing first base. This will help you gain the maximum speed.
If you don’t want to commit the catcher’s interference foul, stay where you’re sitting until you feel the pitch in your mitt. If there is a runner stealing, you can start rising while the pitch comes, but if you move forward and the batter hits your glove with his bat, he gets to go to first base.
To throw a screwball, line your second and third fingers up along a seam to your left if you are right-handed. As you pitch the ball, move your fingers down in a counterclockwise direction. This causes the ball to curve away from a left-handed batter. If you are left-handed, choose the seam to your right and move your fingers clockwise.
From the standpoint of a baseball player, it was probably rather exciting reading about advice that can make you a better teammate and player. Well, it’s now your turn as you get back on the field to practice your game. Practice really does make perfect, and the tips that were told to you should help.
