I was searching the net, looking for different times related to baseball and softball activities. I was investigating things like running and throwing times. I came across this really cool site with an interactive activity that simulates reaction time to a major league fastball. It is very simple, but I wasted atleast 10 minutes of my life before my wife made me stop. Check it out.
Tag Archives: softball
Cure for the Forgettful? : Positive Discipline
This is really a fun post. I’m a stickler for team rules and discipline, but I want to give credit to a coaching friend for this one. After a varsity baseball practice our sophomores were taking the field and the coach, Mr. Ryan Pierce, found the glove of one of my players. My first reaction was to make that player run the next day, but Coach Pierce had a better remedy.
“I’ve got the cure for this,” he said.
I thought, ‘I’ll see what he’s got in mind.’
The next day he showed up to practice with that glove, covered in the most interesting array of pre-pubescent stickers in the history of Nickelodeon. When that player saw his glove, he laughed. His teammates laughed. The coaches laughed. Coach Pierce turned a negative into a positive. Needless to say, that player has not forgotten his glove to this day.
I have since adopted this policy. Below are some recent victims….. I mean players that were in need of discipline.
It’s become a family event at my house. As you will see, my 4 year old daughter really enjoys artistic expression on varsity gloves.
I guess the point is, to be disciplined, yet find ways to have fun with it. There are ways to make your point with out blowing your stack. Don’t get me wrong, I fully believe that every so often, the bear needs to growl, but if the bear growls too often, it loses meaning.
DON’T PACK UP EARLY
“Never do today what you can as well do tomorrow, because something may occur may occur to make to make you regret your premature action.”
-Aaron Burr
This one is part respect for your opponent and part superstition. I guess the old saying about not counting your chickens comes to mind. With only one inning left in the game, sometimes players get the bug to start packing up the equipment bags as though they are in some sort of hurry to leave. Maybe they’ve got a hot date or something. This is never a good idea whether a team is either winning or losing.
In the lead, it is extremely disrespectful to your opponent to start packing up in anticipation of a victory. And who wants to give the other team added motivation to come back and beat you? Not me. When behind, a player that packs up gear is showing disrespect to his own team. This type of player sends a “we suck, we can’t come back” message to his teammates. This should never be tolerated. Hopefully, another player will see this poor display in action and convey the proper message to the not-so-sharp player. Otherwise, it will be up to the coach to explain the situation. I have found that a little extra cardiovascular activity will typically remedy this type of behavior.
Some people are more superstitious about baseball than others. “Early gear packing” seems to be a big one. I can remember coaches and players saying that this habit was taboo for years. I suppose the fear is that some innocent bench player that is just trying to be tidy will upset the baseball gods. In turn, the gods will strike that team down with horrible luck. Though, we all know teams make their own luck. Besides, there are no baseball gods. Right?
Indoor Batting Cage Practice: Our Set-up Chart
| Station #1: | Cage Sequence #1: 3-2-7-1 (track 3, 2 sacs, 7 cuts, 1 H&R) |
| Station #2: | Cage Sequence #2: 2-7-1 (2 sacs, 7 cuts, 1 H&R) |
| Station #3: | Cage Sequence #3: 2-8-1-1 (2 sacs, 8 cuts, 1 H&R, 1 Squeeze) |
| Station #4: | Cage Sequence #4: 2-6-1-1-1 (track 2, 6 cuts, 1 sac, 1 H&R, 1 Squeeze) |
| Station #5: | Cage Sequence #5: 1-NO ROCKS IN THE AIR!!! |
Drill List
1. Vision Soft toss (No side or standing feeders)
2. Launch & Drop (up the middle to opposite field)
3. Battle with the paddle
4. Battle with the paddle top hand
5. Lite-Flite Bunt
6. Launch
7. Dot Drill
8. Vision Tee
9. High Tee
10. Tee Walk-ups
11. Hitting discs
12. Front Toss Whiffle Balls
What you see above is basically the chart that is used during the season when we are stuck inside due to weather. Our cage area has space limitations. Therefore, we have to be creative utilizing the space that we have. This chart serves as a portion of a practice plan. It will be posted. The players are placed into their hitting groups. They should be able to look at the chart, understand where they should be, and what they are to do once they get there. It usually takes 2-3 three times for the players to totally understand the process, but when they get used to it, it’ll be like clockwork.
Here’s how the chart is used. The top of the chart is a map that displays the numbered cage station areas. It also shows the direction in which the players are to rotate. The table in the middle of the chart has Stations 1-5 listed. The coach is to write in drills for each station from the drill list at the bottom. Then, the coach is to circle a cage sequence to be followed once any given hitting group rotates into the machine area of the cage. The whole team rotates when the group on the machine is done. There is no reason for any one on the team to be standing around.
Everyone has a place to be and a purpose once they get there. By planning ahead of time there is less wasted time and more time for the coaches to float around and work with hitters. This is typically used in 45-60 minute session. We try to get everyone to each station twice. Each player should get between 100-125 cuts. If a player gets less than that, it’s on them for not working hard enough.
Basic Bunt Coverage #4: Runner at 1st
Situation: Runner at 1st, less than 2 outs
Description of responsibilities by position:
C: The catcher must first check for any short bunts in front of the plate. In which case, C fields the bunt and 3B retreats to cover third base. Ultimately, we want the C and 3B to switch responsibilities. The point of this coverage is to bait the runner and third base coach into thinking that third base has been abandonded. An easy out or run-down could occur which may lead to a double play after the initial out at first base is made.
1B: The first baseman is responsible for fielding a bunt on the right side of the infield beyond the range of the catcher. The first baseman must charge hard as soon as the hitter shows bunt.
2B: The second baseman rotates to cover 1st base. This player may cheat towards first base in an obvious bunt scenario.
SS: The shortstop rotates to cover second base for a possible force play.
3B: The third baseman is responsible for fielding a bunt on the left side of the infield beyond the range of the catcher. The third baseman must charge hard as soon as the hitter shows bunt. If another player fields the bunt, the third baseman must retreat back to cover third base.
P: The pitcher is responsible for fielding any bunt in front of home plate out of the range of the catcher.
RF: Comes in to back up any throw to first base.
CF: Comes in to back up any throw to second base.
LF: Comes in to back up any throw to second base.
Bunt Coverage #3: Suicide Squeeze Play
Situation: This coverage is a defense for a suicide squeeze play.
C: The catcher’s first priority is covering home plate. The only bunt that the catcher should field is one in which the ball stops so close to home plate that it can be fielded with very little movement. Otherwise, as with other bunt coverages, the catcher’s job is to direct traffic after another fielder gets the ball.
1B: The first baseman is responsible for fielding a bunt on the right side of the infield beyond the range of the catcher. The first baseman must charge hard as soon as the hitter shows bunt.
2B: The second baseman rotates to cover 1st base.
SS: The shortstop rotates to cover third base.
3B: The third baseman is responsible for fielding a bunt on the left side of the infield. The third baseman must charge hard as soon as the hitter shows bunt.
P: The pitcher is responsible for fielding a bunt directly in front of home plate. Since the catcher is most likely staying home, the pitcher must cover ground that would normally be covered by the catcher.
RF: Comes in to back up any throw to first base.
CF: Comes in to cover second base.
LF: Comes in to back up any throw to third base.
Mountains: Setting Player Expectations
Below is a handout that I gave to prospective players during an off-season meeting. I drew it up about 6 years ago. Simply, it describes the types of players needed to have a successful program. I also like to share this at the pre-season parent meeting. I guess it would be similar to the classic, John Wooden “Pyramid of Success”. The link below has a great printable version of Wooden’s “Pyramid”.
Bulldog Baseball Player Types
Mountain- a champion, dedicated student, serious about weights, encourages others, involved in other sports, + leader, goes to camps, always relaxed & focused, wants to do extra, bottom line is “will help the team”
Rock- good student, does lift weights, occasional detention for tardy, sometimes satisfied with performance, plays summer ball, could be a leader but sometimes chooses not to be, bottom line is “won’t hurt the team”
Gravel- up & down student, very seldom in the weightroom, In School Suspension, frequent detentions for preventable reasons, leadership is limited to weekend party locations, plays summer ball, bottom line is “if things are going well he’s fine; if things get rough he may jump ship and point fingers”
Dust- MUST BE ELIMINATED, poor student, no weights, In School Suspension, Out of School Suspension, constant detentions, KO of classes, talks a good game, may be very athletically gifted (not willing to be coached), party scene is central focus, nothing extra beyond the season, bottom line is “he will destroy team concept”
Where do you fit?
Team Hitting Drill: The Octopus
“Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.”
-H. Jackson Brown Jr.
The first time I saw this drill, or something similar to it, was in Dixon, IL. My friend Dan Crawford was using it as part of his team’s pre-game routine. Whiffle balls were flying in every direction. Players were placed all over left field. Jokingly, I said, “Dan, it looks like a octupus exploded out there. What’s going on?” He told me it was a drill. I liked it so much, that night I scribbled something similar to it on paper.
Equipment needed:
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1 bucket
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4 dozen whiffle balls
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4 bats
Purpose: The purpose of this drill is to get each of your players 24 purposeful swings with in less than 8 minutes. It makes a great pre-game hitting routine. I especially like it on the road. It also makes a good practice drill when time or space is limited for hitting. Lastly, it’s a good indoor drill when a cage is not available.
Set up & Grouping: Take your team and divide them into three or four equal groups. I recommend no more than 5 in a group. 4 in each group is just about perfect. Place the bucket of whiffle balls in the center and one group on each side of the bucket. Each group needs a hitter, pitcher, and shaggers. The hitters are nearest the bucket. The pitchers are throwing towards the hitters standing by the bucket.
After a hitter gets 6 cuts, he or she rotates to become the pitcher of his group. The pitcher rotates to shagger. A shagger comes to the bucket and becomes a hitter. Make one of the groups “the lead group”. When all of the hitters in the lead group have hit, that group yells “ROTATE” and all of the groups rotate clockwise. It should take a little less than 2 minutes for a group of 4 to hit at each station. Each station has a purpose. See below:
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Station #1: Pulling inside strikes
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Station #2: hitting up the middle
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Station #3: hitting outside strikes
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Station #4: I like to use this one as a wildcard station in order to mix it up. You can make it a bunting station, top hand drill, 2 strike hitting, etc. Most often, I like to use a paddle drill.
Hints:
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The first time you run the drill, it will take a bit longer than 8 minutes due to explanation. It will get to be more fluid each time the drill is run.
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For younger players, eliminate the rotation. As the coach, call out a new hitting purpose every 2-3 minutes.
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Monitor your pitchers. Make sure that they are throwing the balls hard enough and trying to hit locations.
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Monitor your hitters make sure that they are swinging at strikes. Much to often, when the whiffle balls come out, hitter start swinging at everything.
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Emphasize no pop-ups.
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Make sure your hitters are not getting to close to one another. Safety first 🙂
TIMELY TRAVEL: Getting to Away Games on Time
“Better never than late.”
-George Bernard Shaw
No one likes to start a game late. When a team arrives late, it’s has a tremendous ripple effect. Players, coaches, umpires, parents, field maintenance personnel, and athletic directors, and local media are all affected. Remember your game is an event. People make arrangements far in advance to be there. For example, let’s say a game is to start at 4:30 PM. What is the proper time to arrive? For my team, I would like to arrive at 3:30 and at the latest 3:45. If you show up any later than that, everyone is making accommodations for your team and its lateness, which is resented by entire list of people previously mentioned. Your team may be as polished as World Series champions, but if you show up late, the first impression your team will give is of Bush League champions.
Our conference may be the most spread out in the state of Illinois. Our shortest drive is 20 minutes. On the flip-side, many of our opponents are 1 hour or better. Still 3 of those are very close to 2 hours. Keep in mind that these trips are usually taken on “big yellows,” which is what we affectionately call our busses. The drivers of these busses are instructed to drive at the exact speed limit, as they should. You can see how planning of road trips can be a nightmare. To give our entire conference credit, the schools are all very good about handling the great distances. On a given day that we have one of our longer trips scheduled, with the cooperation of our principal, we are able to get our players dismissed at 1:30. The bus will leave at 1:45, and barring any extenuating circumstances we will arrive at the field at about 3:35 or 3:40. If we make good time, and show up earlier, GREAT!
Another way to be on top of this situation is to have some back up. The directions that bus companies give their drivers are usually good. Although, on occasion they can be incorrect or out-dated. With websites like mapquest.com it is easy for you as the coach to have some back up directions, just in case. In turn, it’s always a good idea for the opposing coach to have your cell phone number and vice-versa. This can come in handy for any one of a million variables that may come into play during the time in which your team leaves town and when it arrives to the destination.
Some coaches may be reading this and thinking, “Why do you need to be an hour early?” Well, my answer is if you want to prepare your team to play that day, it takes time to do so. Players will need to change shoes, stretch, run, throw, and perform their pre-game routine. Oh, I almost forgot, after 2 hours on a school bus, typically the closest restroom is in order. Nothing should be changed from what you do at home. Good coaches allow time for good pre-game preparation. If the coach is hurried, the players are hurried. When people feel hurried, they get confused. Isn’t it also possible that this confusion could carry over into the game?
BOOSTERS, NOT ROOSTERS: Parental Support During Games
“A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.”
-Herm Albright
Parents can work with you or against you. Do not forget when you play at home they’re there, and when you go on the road they follow. I’m not knocking fan support, because I adore it. Although, I am knocking fan detriment. I want as many parents at our games as possible. I want them to come to our games and enjoy seeing their young man or young lady represent his school and town to the best of his or her ability. I also want them to support the other players on the team and the program as a whole. No one needs a college of coaches in the stands that criticize players, coaches, and officials. Talk about bush league, that’s the worst.
At the beginning of a season I host a parent meeting. I require players to have someone to represent them at this meeting. A mom or dad may not be able to attend in some cases. So I tell my player to get an alternate, like a sibling or a grandparent. I’ve never had a parent meeting last longer than a half an hour. The discussion topics are the team rules for players, the schedule, travel procedure for road contests, and parent expectations. That’s right, parent expectations. I expect them to be part of the team. My rules for them are:
1) Be positive at home.
2) Don’t address officials.
3) Be a booster, not a rooster.
Be positive at home. Parents need to cultivate the team concept at home when their son or daughter is not around me. If his or her child comes home after striking out 3 times, he/she doesn’t need someone talking down to them. Nobody feels worse than the player. As well, maybe someone’s child didn’t play that day. Of course, that kid feels bad about it. I’d be disappointed in a player of mine that didn’t. A parent that tears down the coach or another player to give their son some false pride isn’t sending a very good message. Parents at home need to encourage their boys when times are good and bad. Encouraging their children to work harder at practice and be more involved in off-season activities is the best thing a parent can do.
Don’t address officials. If something needs to be said to an umpire, I will say it. I have only seen rude and obnoxious comments from the stands work to the advantage of the other team. You think the strike zone was tight before, just wait. Umpires are human. There is no instant replay. We must live with their calls. 99% of them are trying their hardest to be impartial. If an umpire is hustling and calling the game consistently for both teams, no one can complain. I feel there are good and bad times for a coach to talk to the umpire about calls. There are no good times for parents to do so.
Be a booster, not a rooster. I make mistakes. We all do. Hopefully, we learn from them. No coach needs some know-it-all former little league coach critiquing his every move. Those type of parents are like pussy cats waiting to pounce on a mouse. They view the game with negative glasses. And like a rooster at 5 AM, begin cackling their head off with some foolish coaching advice. No one in the crowd is impressed. In fact most of the other parents separate themselves from that type of fan. These roosters always like to crow at the worst possible time. For example, during a regional game, after a lead-off double, I had a player wander too far off 2nd base on a ball hit in front of him and get caught in rundown. Prior to the miscue, I said all of the right things to him to remind him of the situation, and of course he acknowledged me. We all know the teenage mind is one of mystery, and he did the wrong thing. In the rooster’s head, I’m sure he was elated. He began to ruffle his feathers, stick out his chest, and crow sarcastically, “Nice goin’ coach, way to teach base-running.” He was right. It was a poor base running play. I was sure excited that he pointed it out and so was the player and his parents, I’m sure. We went on to get 5 hits, 2 stolen bases, and score 3 runs that inning. He shouted no compliments for our team. We went on to win the game 5-1 an advance to the regional championship. The rooster had magically turned into a hen. Encourage your parents to disagree with you in private. Shouting disapproval during a game helps no one.
A parent meeting is really an attempt to preempt any miscommunications between the parents and the coach. Your expectations for your players are made clear on an in person basis. A coach that hosts a parent meeting will find that he has a more positive relationship with the parents than the coach that neglects to do so. The parents will be more likely to give you help when you need it. As well, they will support you on disciplinary issues with players, because the rules were explained clearly ahead of time.
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