“Don’t look at the ball! Just run!” is bad advice

We’ve all heard a coach or parent yell the title of this post to a player who is so busy watching the ball that he does not run hard around the bases.  The problem with that statement is that it is really bad advice for the developing player. The game gets faster at each level […]

Pitchers – Don’t let runners take walking leads

When base runners attempt to steal 3rd base, they will often use one of two methods at the beginning – a stationary lead or a walking lead.  A stationary lead is what you typically see at first base.  The runner gets his lead and stays put until the pitcher delivers.  He breaks towards second on […]

Fields get bigger and the game changes

You’ve coached your son’s team at the early ages and everything is pretty simple and straight forward.  Then he gets to around 11 or 12 and it seems like the entire game changes. That’s because it does. My son is now 11 and a boatload of changes have now made the game much more complicated […]

How to maximize your warm-ups

I’m not a fan of marathon baseball practices.  Occasionally, a two-hour practice may be needed but usually 90 minutes has been my limit for practice time from the youth levels on up to high school.  It takes a lot of pre-planning but if a coach organizes things efficiently, 90 minutes is all you need. (Note: […]

Helping young hitters get to the load-up position

Today’s video tip is mostly for young hitters who struggle to get to a better load-up position. However, even older hitters can struggle getting there too. In any case, there is a simple tip that can help any hitter get to the proper load-up position in order to get the body into a more powerful […]

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all those great baseball mom’s out there!!

Sliding at first base

Today’s video tip is about sliding at first base.  I explain the ONLY time it is ok to do so.  This only applies to older players who are allowed to slide head first.  Even then, caution should be used due to the increased injury factor.  I am perfectly ok with runners never sliding head first […]

Do you play or do you compete?

A lot of kids across the world play baseball.  Not as many compete.  There is a huge difference between the two. A kid who plays the game: Shows up when the coach tells him to. Practices well if a coach is watching. Is content with going base-to-base. Is ok with losing if he goes 3-4 […]