Good Defence Wins Ball Games

  Ah yes, Defence.

   We've all seen the difference a superior defence can make to a teams success. Nine players on the field and each has a defensive responsibility on each and every play. Not every one will be a star but teaching defensive responsibility brings huge rewards. Teaching the player how to anticipate what may transpire as the play develops is one key - and repetition is the other. It is, therefore essential that the players constantly communicate with each other, on the field and in the dug-out.

  Observing the flight of the ball, backing up the catch, watching the   baserunner, setting up the cuts, letting each other know which base the play should be made to etc. are all vital in developing good defence.

" Where's the play?"

   The obvious skills we started in an earlier blog ( Practice with a Purpose ). In it I described the basics of throwing, catching and fielding.  So now what? 

  First off, the player needs to be aware of what process takes place on each and every play.   Start by getting in the habit of asking the players every at bat during the early years -" Where's the play?" Don't be afraid to interrupt live batting practice to remind players of the options available. In fact 'live' practice is often the best time to teach defence. Just don't spend too much time;  adjust one thing and move on. 

 Most often the answer will be " Play to 1st."  or " 2nd & 1st." " Home", etc.
This serves 2 purposes. 1) the player is reminded where the ball is to go even if he forgot. 2) the player not receiving the ball knows where to go also.

  On a play to 1st, with no one on, it is the catchers responsibility to cover throws to 1st base in case of over throw.  On a 'pick-off play', the right fielder  should be prepared to cover 1st.  Generally, the infield will be slightly deeper with no one on base.  The 1st baseman may be too distant to cover the base in which case the pitcher should cover 1st.

 With a runner on base, the short stop will cover 2nd on all plays to the right side if the park; while the 2nd baseman will cover the base on plays to the left side.  The middle infielders should carefully watch the strike zone for pitch location.  Most often a pitch away would lead to an opposite field hit while a pitch inside is easier to 'pull'. Anticipation. Which ever player covers the base, he other falls in line with the throw behind the other to back him up.  Note that the covering player should not get too close in case the ball gets deflected. This is also true for the various outfielders that will also cover the throw.

  Obviously younger players will have trouble executing the play but the idea of "Where's the play" is the point here and learning to back each other up. It is, after all a team game.

  With runners on 1st and 2nd, the normal play is to 3rd base, in which case the pitcher backs up the 3rd baseman as the left fielder comes closer, just in case.

  In a 1st and 3rd situation, the idea is to get an out ( or 2) while not giving up a run.  This play requires some timing, depends on who fields the ball and knowledge of all the options. A sharply hit ground ball to the infield is considered ideal because the runner on 3rd is 'checked' before the ball is delivered to 2nd then 1st. Hopefully a double play with no run scored.

  When the situation calls for a play at 'home' it is the pitchers responsibility to back up the catcher. This is true of almost any play at the plate.

  Remember Coach, don't let your players that are not directly involved in the play become spectators.  They all have jobs to do. Make sure they're moving on each and every play. Anticipation.

  In terms of defensive responsibility, the catcher relays the plays from the dug-out.  He is in the best position to see the entire field.  Once the ball is in play, the short stop can direct the infield as to the play and the person to take a pop-up. When the ball is in the out field, the responsibility shifts to the center fielder.

  In an earlier blog (Game Day) I described the best way to warm up your outfield defence prior to the game. Repeat this drill during practice but this time the emphasis is to line up the 'cuts'.

  It is the rare player that can make a pinpoint throw to home from the deep outfield. It is logical then that we must find a way to get the ball to the necessary base in the most efficient way possible. This is achieved by setting up a relay.  This player will be either the 2nd baseman or shortstop, depending on whether the ball is hit to right field or left.

  The infielder should go halfway between the ball and the intended base. The outfielder should throw 'through' the upraised arms of the infielder.  In some cases, a 'double cut' may be required. For example:  A runner is tagging at 2nd base on an outfield hit to right field.  In this case, it is unlikely right fielder can make the throw to 3rd base or home, so send the 2nd baseman halfway out and the short stop behind, directly in line with the base. The runner may still get to 3rd but hopefully no further.

  In any case, the pitcher is the last line of defence in case of any over throw to 3rd base or home. He will be in foul territory well behind the 3rd baseman or in the case of home plate, several feet back.

 In the event of an attempt to achieve an out at home from the outfield, the 1st baseman should take all infield cuts and should initially position himself near the mound to shorten the distance.

 A good drill for practicing cuts is to set 2 parallel lines of players.  Separate the players so that they are nearly at the limit of their ability to throw 'a frozen rope'. In other words, hard and straight, to the next person.

  Begin with the ball at one end of the line. The players must, in turn, receive the ball, turn and throw to the next, and so on.  Observe the footwork (step and throw) and the throwing (watch for side arm) and correct as necessary.

  Once you are comfortable, add a second ball then a third.  In this way the drill speeds up. Have a race!

  It's a good idea to give the out field some specialized drills beside fly balls and grounders.  Out fielders need to know how to track the flight of the ball. Set up with a coach as quarterback, send out 2 players, one to receive and one to defend. The 2 players will run away from the coach. He will then call "ball right" or "ball left".  The players will locate the ball over their shoulders and attempt to beat his opponent to the ball. As the players mature, drop the 'cover man' and send out the player. Call 'ball' as you release it.  The player will then turn his head, finds the ball in the air, and attempts to catch it.

 

    A similar exercise up against the outfield fence works well too. Work on using the warning track as an aid in gauging the distance to the fence. 

  Work on pitchers fielding practice (PFP's) by having the pitcher simulate a pitch. A coach at home hits a ball to the left of 1st base.  The covering player will be several feet to the left of, and behind the base.  The pitcher then runs to the base to accept the throw from the covering player.  If you can use the everyday 1st baseman - better.

  It's true that you can't win without pitching and hitting but with good defence, you always give the team chance to win. 

Next: The Catcher           

 

Learn to Bunt!

 Watching the pros lately, you'd think bunting was a lost art.  In these days of players wanting to justify their big contracts (and egos), a sacrifice bunt is rarely used - at least in the American League.  Worse, when they do attempt to bunt, poor technique leads to an ineffective result.

  Coach, the art of bunting can help win games.  It's been said that the long ball puts bums in the seats, but a well executed sacrifice bunt or a bunt for a base hit can really help your team be successful. Most often the bunted ball is fielded by the pitcher or catcher, so controlled bunting is key. Not only can it get your offence going, it puts pressure on the defence to field well and make accurate throws.

  Bunting is a skill that should be worked on at EVERY BATTING PRACTICE. Normally 3 to 5 bunts before the player 'swings away' and they should be laid down to the left, right and straight ahead or 'push' or 'drag'.

  The basic stance is achieved by pivoting on the back foot, while bringing the bat down and in front of the player. The bat should be held in a looser grip i.e. don't choke the bat; but a firmer grip leads to a harder hit. Remember the old adage about an 'any action will result in an equal and opposite reaction'. The result?  A fast ball will come off the bat harder than a change-up.

When in the bunting stance, the bat should be held at an angle of about 45 degrees. Ensure the top hand does NOT wrap around the barrel.  Instead turn the hand over such that the bat rests on top of the fist, supported by the thumb. This way a miss hit will not break fingers.

 The elbows should be bent, to act as a shock absorber. The knees should also remain bent.  If the pitch is low, keep the bat in position and bend the knees to get lower. NEVER STAB AT A BALL OR LOWER THE BAT HEAD TO MAKE CONTACT.

  Many players hold their bat in a horizontal position. It is simply less effective because pop-ups and foul tips are more likely to occur.

  As with anything else, there are exceptions.  Should a coach request a bunt to move a runner, the player may have no option but to drop the bat head to make contact with a low and away pitch, but the practice should be avoided at all cost. 

Bunting Drills

   Although Bunting Drills should be performed as part of Batting Practice, some time should be put aside for Bunting specifically. It could be the difference between a base hit or an out for a weaker hitter - remember your batting order.

  1) Drop in the bucket.  Draw 3, 3 ft. circles in the dirt approx. 10 ft. from the batter. These should be located along ( or the equivalent to) the baseline and one directly in front.  If possible, place a bucket in the middle of each ring.
  Start with soft toss and progress to normal pitching.
  Often during batting practice, 3 hoops can be placed as targets, 5 bunts before 'swing away'.

 2) Drag / Push Bunt.  This is used to bunt for a base hit, when the 1st baseman is playing back.  Soft toss from 30 ft. away then pitch from 60 ft. In this case the batter wants to run with contact, such that the ball follows the player along the 1st baseline.  The reverse would occur if the 3rd baseman is back. Both should be practiced. This is incredibly effective when properly executed and nothing lifts a team like a well executed 'Suicide Squeeze'. (N.B. This occurs when, with a runner on 3rd, the batter bunts toward 3rd base such that the base runner sprints home before the ball is fielded and thrown home to tag the runner out.  If this play is best executed with runners on 2nd & 3rd with less than 2 out.)

  Be creative. Use coloured hoops. Have a coach call out the colour. ( Hang the hoops in the batting cage to work on directional hitting too.) 

Next:  Defensive Plays and Drills

Game Day

   Ok Coach, it's game day.
 
   By now you have a pretty good idea of your teams strengths and the areas that need extra work. You will have reviewed the progress charts and are ready to go. 

  Check your bag, make sure your equipment is in good repair and that you have a first aid kit.  Cuts and scrapes are part of playing the game. As the players get older I strongly recommend ice be available as well as water.  Younger players in particular need to be reminded to stay hydrated on a warm summer evening. In many cases parents take turns bringing water or fruit to games.

   Try to have the players at the ball park as far before the game as is reasonably possible.

 Make sure you and your associate coaches are there first. This is very important because to get dedication, you must demonstrate dedication. It is vital to impress on the players (and parents) the importance of being timely to the team's long term success. Same thing applies to practices.

  Giving the team an opportunity to 'circle up' while they warm up contributes to team building.  Establish how long it should take for the players to warm and stretch - as a team. Have one or 2 of the more outspoken players lead from inside the ring.

 If the league allows, give yourself time to warm up both the infield and outfield on the diamond. Pre-game batting practice is also a huge advantage.

Warming up the infield.

  Have the players take their positions.  Have a coach or a non starting player hit balls to the out field from the outfield sideline. These should be caught or fielded then thrown back to the coach. As always, encourage proper technique.

  With the catcher beside you, hit 2 ground balls to 3d, short, 2nd and first.  Each of these will be taken as 'live' and returned to the catcher. Next repeat with the throws going to 1st. Drop a couple of bunts for the catcher to throw to 1st.  Repeat by ' turning 2' or making the throws first to 2nd then to 1st.  Remember short stop covers 2nd on a ball hit to right field while the 2nd baseman covers on a hit to left. End the drill with a pop-up for the catcher.
With experience this drill should move as quickly as possible. It prepares the player for the game plus boosts their confidence as they succeed in fielding and throwing in front of parents or peers. 

 At this point, if time allows, take a position behind the pitchers mound ( infield still in place).  Hit 2 ground balls to left field and have the fielder return the ball to 2nd base. Repeat with centre and right fields. Finish with throws from the outfield to home. With many players this isn't possible so use the opportunity to practice getting the ball to the nearest infielder and having them throw home.

  When you figure out how long it takes to achieve the above, based on how many activities you can run at the same time, that's how far before the game you need the team together.

  Gather the other coaches together and put together your batting order.
Consider the most important aspects:
 
1) Lead-off - ability to make frequent contact, excellent foot speed, good baseball knowledge.

2) Batting second - good foot speed, ability to bunt, good baseball knowledge.
Ideally can hit to right field, often left handed.

3) Batting third - average foot speed, ability to make frequent contact, some power. Usually the best hitter.

4) Clean-up - better than average foot speed, hits hard, has the ability to 'clear the bases'. Usually the most power.

5)  Batting fifth - average foot speed, good bat control, some power.

6) Batting sixth - Similar to lead-off.

7)  Batting seventh - Typically a hitter that is similar to #2 but does not hit as well.

8) Batting eighth - Has some power but does not hit well.

9) Batting ninth - Generally the pitcher or your worst hitter. However this batting position can be used to 'set up' the top of the order. i.e. Similar to Lead-off.

Tips:

Be careful not to clog the bases by having a very slow runner ahead of a faster one, unless you expect the slower player to 'clear the bases'. Ultimately, take your best players and insert them in the line up then fill in the rest. In spite of the above, some coaches like to 'hide' the player mid line-up. This way you can anticipate where your 'outs' are most likely to occur. On the other hand, nothing breaks momentum like an untimely out.

Try to alternate left and right handed batters.

Hand in your line-up card.  Good luck coach!

The Mental Appoach to Hitting

  I should point out that my approach to coaching baseball varies little by age. I feel that beginners should learn the proper way from the start so whether the player can accomplish the skill or not only shows what needs to be worked on.

  Hall of Famer, Ted Williams once said, “I think without question the hardest single thing to do in sport is to hit a baseball”. He was the last Major Leaguer to hit over .400.   The task is so difficult that most players will fail in their attempt nearly 80% of the time. Right? 

Well, not necessarily.

   While hitting a baseball is difficult to accomplish batting average isn't the whole story.  Remember, a well struck ball, caught by a diving outfielder doesn't show up in the stats. When you consider instead that baseball players make contact about 78% of the time then  the player goes to bat considering the high likelihood of contact, he will be in a more positive frame of mind.

  Mostly, you hear players talk about the need to be confident at the plate; but how to achieve that confidence is the issue.  The simple answer is preparation. Being physically prepared requires the muscle memory that comes from repetition. The more swings (properly) taken, the better.


  So, how to prepare the player for an at-bat.  Have the players observe the opposing pitcher during warm-up. He will likely show all of his pitches at that time. Take note of his accuracy on the edges of the plate and his ability to hit the catchers mitt. Which pitches can he throw for strikes etc.

  Generally, younger players will learn to throw fastballs (2 and 4 seam) and change-ups first, with a variety of breaking balls later. ( Curves, Sliders Cut pitches etc.) As a result, you can expect to see the pitchers best pitch first.  If you have determined that to be a fastball, you should expect it. It is vital to focus on this pitch only, early in the at bat.

 The only decision you have time to make is NOT TO SWING.  Hitters only have 125 milliseconds to gauge the average Major League fastball – less than the blink of an eye. Which begs the question: how is it humanly possible?

         Preparation + Knowledge = Confidence + Execution 

Next: The game begins.

Hitting drills

There are 5 basic hitting drills. No exercise is too young or too juvenile. Major league hitters continue to improve their swing well into their careers using batting tees, soft toss and others. Repetition is key. I can't emphasise this enough.  Now, let’s focus on the elements of the swing.

First, begin with no bat or ball.   Show the players the proper stance and have them practice the swing ensuring proper technique.
Next, take a bat, broom stick (cut in half if necessary).  Have the player place the bat across his lower back such that the bat is held in place by the crook of the elbow. This will mimic the rotation of the torso during the swing. 

If possible, get a practice ‘Tee’. This is a stand to support the ball to keep it still and at a height appropriate to the player. Locate the ‘Tee’ for the player so that it is located inside the front knee.  This is the best contact point.  Before placing the 'T', have the player swing a few times at a phantom ball and correct as necessary. Be sure to correct one thing at a time and carry on regardless of success at this time.            

Remember, you need to keep practice moving. Spend about 10 min/player. Everybody won't get time each practice but split the team and do it every practice.
 Put a ball on the 'T' and continue.

   Note that in the picture the player is showing proper batting technique, including locked front leg and back foot rollover. For more advanced players the T may be located on the inside or outside edges of the home plate to simulate the inside pitch or pitches away.

  Next, 'Soft Toss'.  For this drill the coach stands directly opposite the player approx. 2m back. Underhand toss the ball to, and just ahead of  the player and allow him to hit. (Preferably into a net or screen). The same drill can be performed from in front of the player but of course, a protective screen will be necessary. For each toss, establish a consistent delivery; show the ball and begin the toss. This will aid in establishing a rhythm or trigger. It will also improve eye / hand co-ordination.

'Live' Soft Toss. This is quite simply underhand throws from about 10m away.

Finally 'Live' batting practice. This of course could take place on the diamond or batting cage.

The most important thing here is making sure the swing is correct. Practicing an improper swing is going to make improvement unlikely.

Next: A Mental Approach to Hitting.

The Art of Hitting

 
  This is a skill that requires its own post. Books and books have been written about the art of hitting a baseball. Just as many books have been written about the art of pitching a baseball - or the art of making a player NOT hit a baseball! (more on that later)

  Hitting a baseball (round object) with a bat (also a round object) is one of the hardest athletic skills to perfect. When executed properly, the contact point is about the size of a dime.   The best way to achieve this aim is simply through practice and repetition. This repetition has come to be known as creating 'muscle memory' whereby an action becomes so ingrained that you no longer have to think to achieve a given result.

  If you have difficulty determining from which side to swing the bat, ask the child to try to hop on one foot. This random request results in an immediate preference for the 'dominant side'.  In other words, if the child hops right foot first, then that is generally right hand dominant. As a result, the right leg would provide the initial power during the swing and should therefore be the back foot, swinging the bat from right to left.

 As the athlete becomes more advanced, one suggested way to avoid injury is to take batting practice from the opposite side.  Jose Bautista suggests that swinging from the opposite side keeps his body in balance by working his body equally, stretching, weight training, swinging a bat, even throwing from time to time.

Ok.  Let's break it down.

  The leading hand should be at the bottom of the handle of the bat, the other hand gripping above. Ideally the hands should be rotated until the knuckles of the 2nd joint are as in line as possible.  This alignment of the knuckles results in the hands rolling over on the follow through, which in turn puts ‘back spin’ on the ball, causing it to travel further. Later we will discuss how batters learn to 'hit down on a ball' to enhance this effect.

  The hitter should take an athletic stance, knees inside the feet, with the back foot towards the rear of the batter’s box, perpendicular (or 90 degrees) to the pitcher’s mound and the weight back (about 60%). The feet should be such that the forward foot is slightly further away from the plate, such that the arc of the swing is roughly back stop to the opposite baseline and the contact point toward the front knee. Feet should be parallel and perpendicular to the pitcher’s mound.  The hands should be together and rise to approximately shoulder level.  Some like to keep the rear elbow held high to help ensure a level swing, some keep it low to avoid muscle tension in the forearm that can lead to a slightly slower bat speed. Have the player try both ways to find their comfort zone.

  Generally, the bat should be held in a somewhat loose grip, again to reduce muscle tension in the forearm and bicep.

  The bottom hand essentially 'steers' the bat, while the upper hand provides the upper body power. Pull the lower hand toward the ball, and then push through with the other.

  The swing begins with a distinct backward shift in weight. This may or may not involve lifting the leading foot from the ground, but should be such that only the ball of the foot touching.

Note:  The player’s knees must remain between his feet, especially on the backswing. Don’t let the rear leg buckle.
 

  As the ball leaves the pitchers hand, the hands rise slightly in anticipation of the swing. This is known as ‘loading up’ or triggering. As the weight begins to move toward the baseball, the hips turn with the torso, shoulders and arms to follow. Often the player will learn to use this forward foot lift to help with timing. The more aggressive a batter is, the more likely they are to swing early, so a higher lift will slow them down, with the advantage of a greater weight shift and more power. Don't over-emphasize power though at this time; rather work towards increased bat speed. You'll find that power increases with bat speed anyway.

As the hips turn, the follow through should result in the back leg rotating so the shoe laces wind up pointing to the pitcher’s mound while the front leg ‘locked’ to keep the weight back and stop the forward momentum .

Allow the player to follow through naturally on the swing, the hands finishing at about ear height, the shoulders square to the mound and the weight on the back foot. There are batters who have had success as ‘front foot hitters’. This is a skill that we’ll discuss later for advanced hitters. I don’t recommend teaching this style of batting as it requires a great deal more upper body strength and can be learned easily later.

   The batters eyes should never leave the baseball from the time it leaves the pitcher's hand until it hits his bat, the ground or the catcher’s glove. An easy exercise is to have the player take a stance at the plate and just watch pitches go by. The batter should keep his body as still and relaxed as possible to aid in following the ball.

  As an aid, if you have a batter who seems to continually swing at high pitches, have them keep their chin down such that when they swing the chin touches first one shoulder, then the other.  A good drill is to have the player swing while holding a handkerchief under their chin.  This also aids in creating a nice level swing.

Finally, bat selection.  The player should be able to hold the bat with the top hand only, at full arm extension. Out front, or to the side - doesn't matter, the player should hold the bat approx. 3 sec at minimum. If the player, no matter how big they are, cannot hold the bat for at least 3 seconds - get a lighter bat!

Next week Hitting Drills.

The Basics

Let's take some time now to review the basics.

  Here I have broken down 3 of the basic skill sets needed, i.e. throwing, catching and hitting (three of the 5 tools) . When teaching, consider each aspect of the skill so you can demonstrate it properly to the players. Even if the player is young, it’s good to teach proper mechanics.

THROWING

  Begin with what is called an athletic position i.e. feet slightly more than shoulder width apart; the foot opposite the throwing hand slightly forward. The hands should be together at chest level. As the player commences the throw, the hands drop down as the weight shifts slightly back and begins forward again as the arm begins to circle up to the point where the elbow is parallel to the ground. A short step is followed immediately by the arm coming forward and through into full arm extension.

  The ball should be held so that the index, middle and ring fingers are on top of the ball, gripping the seam with the finger tips. Hold the ball up and look at he seems.  Notice the pattern. As the ball is rotated on a horizontal axis, how many lines of stitches roll by? 2 seams or 4? Ideally, the ball should be gripped along 4 seams to aid in accuracy.

  The ball is normally released just above the top of the head, although more advanced players by may throw 'over the top' for distance or from a 'side arm' position for speed. All should be practiced. Outfielders throw for distance, infielders throw for speed.
  In each case, ensure the arm doesn't stop short, but extends naturally, following through on the throw. Players who don't 'follow through' with their throws generally lose accuracy (short arming the ball) as well as cause unnecessary shoulder strain.

Catching and Fielding

The difference between catching and fielding is very little really and should always be attempted with two hands.  A ball received at chest level or above is a catch and should be performed with thumbs together. In fact, a 'fly' ball or 'pop-up', should be attempted above the head.  Use underhand, high toss as an extension of warm up to practice this skill.
  A ball caught from the waist  to ground level should also be made with two hands, this time baby fingers together. Watch the ball all the way into the glove. Once received, the ball should be rotated within the glove to get ready for the ensuing throw.
 
Sample Drill

  Have several balls available.  Since at this level you will want to train all players equally, get a helper to be at home plate. Deliver the ball along the ground to each player in turn either by rolling, throwing or batting - depending on the skill level.  The ball should be fielded properly, the player come quickly to the athletic position and the ball thrown properly to the helper at home plate. This helper will ultimately be your catcher(s). They will field bunts with a throw to first following.

  Once the players have each had several repetitions, move the team to the outfield, where they will repeat the drill on the grass and make return throws to second base where the ball will be delivered from.  Later we will put a player in place to follow the throw to second with a throw to first base.

  Repeat this outfield portion with 'fly balls' i.e. toss or hit balls into the air then have the player throw the ball to second base.  Once the catcher is chosen the player should use a catcher’s glove only when taking fielding practice.

 It cant be over emphasized that repetition is key to success in baseball.  Every play, the player sharpens his or her instincts until every movement is automatic. 

Next week...Hitting.