Description
Book SynopsisHere is a comprehensive, practical resource that makes building a successful baseball program considerably easier for both the new and the experienced coach. Included are proven techniques and ready-to-use materials for virtually every aspect of the coach s job, from recruiting to training talent for each position.
Table of ContentsAbout This Resource VII
Section 1 Getting Started 1
Setting Goals 1
Establishing Standards 3
Maintaining Positive Relationships 5
Communications 7
First Steps for a New Coach 12
A Note to Walk-On Coaches 13
Evaluating Your Performance 15
Fund Raising 17
How to Do It 18
Other Ways to Raise Money 18
Other Considerations in Fund Raising 22
Section 2 Recruiting and Tryouts 25
Announcing the Tryouts 25
Developing as Many Athletes as Possible 29
The Plan for Tryouts 29
Keeping Large Rosters 30
Player Development 31
The Coaching Staff 32
Avoiding Legal Problems 32
Section 3 Game Control from Start to Finish 35
Winning 35
Controlling the Situation 35
Practice 37
Individual Practice Goals 37
Schedules and Goals 37
Game Day 39
Scouting 44
The Game 44
Offensive Signals 49
Sample Signal System 49
Getting the Players Involved in Offense 52
When to Work on Signs 53
Game Notes 53
Charting the Pitcher's Progress and Performance 58
Defensive Signals 82
Calling the Pitches from the Dugout 82
Defensive Alignment 83
Postgame 84
Section 4 Pitching 85
Overview of the Five Most Important Pitching Skills 85
Downhill Plane--The Goal in Mechanics 87
The Pitching Sequence 87
The Pitch 92
Right Hander's Stretch Move 94
Left Hander's Stretch Move 97
Control 97
Section 5 The Pitches 99
Fastball 99
Movement and Velocity 100
Change-Up 101
Curve Ball 103
Other Breaking Pitches 106
The Pitching Plan 108
Identifying Hitters and Attacking Their Weaknesses 111
Warming Up 115
Fielding Techniques for the Pitcher 122
Controlling a Known Fielding Situation 126
Holding Runners on Base and Identifying Running Situations 126
Basic Holding Situations 127
Left-Handed Pitchers Holding Runners on First 130
Arm Soreness 133
Post-Pitching Arm Exercises 135
Section 6 Catching 143
Signal Stance 143
Giving Signals 144
Going from Signal to Receiving Stance 145
Receiving Stance 146
Receiving Techniques 151
Remedies for Dropping Pitches 157
Throwing 158
Step-Catch-Throw Technique 160
Throwing Runners Out at Second 162
Throwing Runners Out at Third 164
Situational Throwing 165
Catcher's Picks 167
Blocking Balls in the Dirt 168
Tag Plays at Home Plate 169
Catching Extras--Receiving Throws 172
Catching Extras--Hit Balls 174
Catcher's Game Performance 175
Section 7 General Infield Play 179
Positioning 179
Fielding the Hit 183
Thinking in the Field 185
Drills to Develop Ground Ball Skills 186
The Little Things in Infield Play 189
Defending the Hit and Run 190
Some Thoughts for the Third Baseman 192
Some Thoughts for the First Baseman 192
The Double Play 194
Drills for Double Play Techniques 198
Section 8 Outfield Play 199
Thinking Before the Pitch 199
Reacting to the Ball 201
Communication 203
Playing the Hit 204
Throwing Fundamentals 205
Additional Tips 208
Throwing Drills 208
Section 9 Defensive Strategy and Positioning 213
Positioning 213
Defensive Focus 214
Defensive Positioning 215
Making Adjustments 217
Individual Skills 218
Other Factors 218
Section 10 Team Defense 219
Cutoffs and Relays 219
Outfielder's Role 236
Short Man 238
Bunt Defense 242
First and Third Defense 254
Pop-Up Priority 262
Section 11 Hitting 267
The Stance 267
Positioning in the Batter's Box 269
The Eyes 270
Hitter Momentum 271
Stride 271
The Swing 273
The Hitting Game Plan 276
Two-Strike Hitting 277
Situation Hitting 278
Five Hitting Zones for the Advanced Hitter 278
Taking Pitches 279
Batting Practice 280
Hitting Drills 281
Hitting Drills with the Aid of Equipment 286
Live Batting Practice 288
Section 12 The Short Came 291
Sacrifice Bunt 291
Base Hit Bunt 295
Base Hit Bunt to Third Base 296
Base Hit Bunt to Second Base 298
Base Hit Bunt to First Base 299
Base Hit Bunt to Shortstop 300
Fake Bunt, Fake Hit and Bunt 300
Section 13 Base Running 301
Pregame and During-Game Homework 302
Batter/Runner Technique 303
Leads at First Base 305
Returning to First Base 307
Using the Stopwatch 308
Secondary Leads 309
Fake Break 310
Stealing Second Base 310
Stealing Against a Right-Handed Pitcher 311
Primary Leads vs. Left-Handed Pitchers 312
Stealing Against Left-Handed Pitchers 313
Delay Steal 316
The Shade--An Aid to Stealing Second 316
Extra Innings at First Base 316
Leads at Second Base 317
Three Methods of Stealing Third Base 319
Leads at Third Base 321
Stealing Home 321
Forcing a Balk 322
Ball in the Dirt at Third 322
Sliding 323
Other Tips for Base Running 323
Section 14 Offensive Strategy and Techniques 325
Plan for Today's Game 325
The Hitter's Plan 327
Big Inning Offense 327
Batting Order 330
Controlling the Tempo 331
Offensive Techniques 332
Hit and Run 332
First and Third Short Game Techniques 335
Stealing a Run--First and Third Offense 338
Section 15 Scholarships and professional baseball 343
Approaching a Career in Baseball 343
Evaluating a Pathway 345
Getting Help with the Decision 347
Appendices
Appendix A Baseball Terms 349
Appendix B Score Card (sample: front and back) 350
