Mastering the Stand-In Drill

The Stand-In Drill is one of the best hitting drills batters can do during the off-season to get ready for game #1. Of course, that’s if they do it right. In today’s video tip, Coach McCreary explains what the Stand-In Drill is and how to do it correctly. *To plan for the upcoming season, check […]

Add another throw to every drill

I’m not sure if this is based in fact but it has always been my contention that more errors are made by bad throws as opposed to not catching the ball.  On top of that, we also see a lot of what I call “compound errors.”  A “compound error” (I did a post about this HERE) […]

When to throw two and four seam fastballs

Today’s video tip is for pitchers and explains what the basic rules are for when to throw a two seam fastball as opposed to a four seam fastball. There are always exceptions to the rule (especially as kids get older) but today’s tips provide the basics for young pitchers who are starting to throw both. […]

Do the simple things better

I recently was listening to a guy on a podcast who previously was an elite special forces type guy in the Marine Corp.  He gave a story about how his elite unit came across a unit of “grunts” out in the field who were having trouble with their radio equipment.  Apparently, the radio guy in […]

Are you doing sprints to the left?

I bet when you or your players practice sprints you only practice them one way.  I know I did. Today’s video tip explains why that isn’t always good and how to easily fix it.   The season is right around the corner!  Check out all the eBooks from BaseballByTheYard to help you plan! Click HERE […]

Is there a wrong way to make a player better?

Let’s say a batter is only hitting weak ground balls and comes to you for lessons with the two goals of 1) hitting with more authority and, 2) driving the ball more.  Let’s also say that you tell the kid to do A, B, and C.  This results in the player achieving both of those […]

Positive shin angle for base runners

Today’s video tip is for base runners and even fielders who need to develop a better, more explosive first step quickness in order to steal bases or track down a ball. The tip involves a concept known as “positive shin angle.” Every player looking for a better jump must create a positive shin angle with […]

To run faster, you have to run faster

“To run faster, you have to run faster.” Duh. On the surface, the title of this post may look pretty stupid.  However, most baseball players don’t do much running so it ends up not being so stupid after all. Like it or not, a young player will be judged on their running speed.  Unless you […]

Exaggeration Drills for hitters

Happy New Year everyone! Today’s video tip involves exaggerating some of the basic mechanics of hitting. Exaggerating these movements improves the feel of the proper mechanic and also helps a hitter’s confidence while at the plate.  Mix some into your everyday hitting routines!