Mustangs Baseball 
Previous Coaching Thoughts...
Yes, baseball is a team sport, but it's very easy to get consumed with our individual accomplishments and statistics. As a player, you must be very careful of this trap and adjust your priorities accordingly.
Wrapping ourselves up in ourselves like an orange peel is a miserable, selfish way to approach the game...not to mention ineffective. We've all been there. Geez, it's one of the main challenges of baseball and life.
Here's why it doesn't work. Results are elusive and unpredictable. The only thing that happens when we focus on stats and base our worth on results is we get a front row seat on a never-ending roller coaster of ups and downs. It's the nature of baseball and you can't control it. This ride saps all enjoyment from the game and has burned out many a player (especially over the course of a 162 game season.)
My suggestion is to take control of what you can take control of. While you can't control whether you walk away from a game with four hits, you can control how well you pulled for the guys on your team. You can give up your at-bat and bunt a guy into scoring position. You can run the bases intelligently. In short, you can control how good a teammate you are.
If you base how great a game you had on how good a teammate you were, I'll guarantee a couple things. One, you'll have a lot more fun. And two, the Baseball Gods will reward you with the best statistical season you ever had. Don't ask me how, the game was just designed that way. Remember, results are just a by-product of your approach to the game.
One trait all great athletes share is an uncanny ability to focus 100 percent of their attention on the task at hand. We might call it different names - "mental toughness," "in the zone," whatever. The fact is, pin-pointed focus is a non-negotiable requirement for athletic success and the pathway to reach your sporting potential.
Thankfully, this laser beam focus can be learned and improved upon; however, here's something that might be holding you back. In the States, we proudly wave the flag of multi-tasking. There's an underlying agreement that the better we multi-task, the more effective and time efficient we'll become.
This may be well and true, especially if you happen to be a secretary. However, if you're an athlete you'd better pay attention and be aware. As athletes, we want the ability to shut out distractions and direct attention where we want.
Simply put, if we spend the majority of our day splitting attention between multiple tasks, we're not enhancing our laser beam. In other words, if you're constantly doing two things at once (texting while driving, listening to music while doing homework, watching TV while eating) guess what your inclination is going to be when you're up to bat? That's right, you're mind is going to search for something else to focus on (other than just the ball) because you have no idea how to focus on just one thing at a time. You're a multi-tasker.
"Multi-taskers are suckers for irrelevancy" says Stanford professor Clifford Nass. "Everything distracts them."
But you want to play in the Big Leagues you say? I'll tell you right now, you've got no chance if you can't filter out "irrelevant" information from what's "relevant." It's simple - you've got to shut out the screaming fans, the ache in your elbow, the little man in your head, and devote 100 percent attention on the pitch.
To that point, do yourself a favor and turn off the music when you do homework. Stop texting and watching TV simultaneously. If you're really serious about getting that extra edge, you might consider taking up a practice that will strengthen your ability to focus on on thing at a time, like Yoga or Tai Chi. Lebron James does yoga, as do I, and it isn't just to improve flexibility. It's a great laser beam builder and a great tool to help realize your athletic potential.
Brent Mayne - 17 Year Major League Catcher
Ground Ball on Backhand Basics It shouldn't be a backhand unless you have to reach for the ball - get in front of the ball if you can! Start low, come up to the ball to field it. 3 types - teach these and practice each 1) Hard hit ground ball: Set up off right knee to chest. Glove can give with ball. 2) Slower ground ball: Still off the right foot; "work through the ball" - body and glove moving through the ground ball; momentum toward 1B. Sweep through the ball. 3) Do or die (can barely get to it): Off the left foot.
A Parent talks to a child before the first game:
This is your first game, my child. I hope you win.
I hope you win for your sake, not mine.
Because winning's nice.
It's a good feeling.
Like the whole world is yours.
But, it passes, this feeling.
And what lasts is what you've learned.
And what you learn about is life.
That's what sports is all about. Life.
The whole thing is played out in an afternoon.
The happiness of life.
The miseries.
The joys.
The heartbreaks.
There's no telling what'll turn up.
There's no telling whether they'll toss you out
in the first 5 minutes or whether you'll stay
for the long haul.
There's no telling how you'l do.
You might be a hero or you might be absolutely nothing.
There's just no telling.
Too much depends on chance.
On how the ball bounces.
I'm not talking about the game, my child.
I'm talking about life.
But, it's life that the game is all about.
Just as I said.
Because every game is life.
And life is a game.
A serious game.
Dead serious.
But, that's what you do with serious things.
You do your best.
You take what comes.
You take what comes and you run with it.
Winning is fun.
Sure.
But winning is not the point.
Wanting to win is the point.
Not giving up is the point.
Never being satisfied with what you've done is the point.
Never letting up is the point.
Never letting anyone down is the point.
Play to win.
Sure.
But lose like a champion.
Because it's not winning that counts.
What counts is trying.
- Unknown
Derek Jeter was named SI's 2009 Sportsman of the Year. Below are some excerpts from the article that provide some quotes to share with younger players:
In what has already been a banner year for Derek Jeter, the New York Yankees shortstop can add another honor: Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year award. Jeter was chosen as the magazine's 56th honoree (the Dec. 7 issue will hit newsstands on Wednesday) and becomes the first Yankee to be named SI's Sportsman.
Jeter's selection caps another outstanding season for the 35-year-old team captain and future Hall of Famer. In 2009 he batted .334 while leading the Yankees to their fifth World Series title in his 14 full seasons, their first since 2000 and their record 27th in franchise history. On Sept. 11 he passed Lou Gehrig's franchise mark for base hits, which now stands at 2,747. In 2009 Jeter led the American League by reaching base 289 times, finished second in the league in hits (212), third in batting average and on-base percentage (.406), fourth in runs (107) and eighth in stolen bases (30). He was named an All-Star for the 10th time, including the sixth time as a starter, while winning his fourth AL Silver Slugger as the best hitting shortstop in the league and his fourth Gold Glove as the league's top defensive shortstop.
In 15 postseason games Jeter lived up to his reputation as a clutch player, batting .344 with a .432 on-base percentage, three home runs and six RBIs. He batted .407 in the World Series to lead the Yankees to a six-game victory over the defending world champion Philadelphia Phillies. During the Series, Jeter was named the American League recipient of the Hank Aaron Award, given to the best hitter in each league, and the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award, given to the player who best displays skill on the field while giving back to the community off it.
It was that combination of on- and off-field achievement that helped make Jeter this year's Sportsman. Said Sports Illustrated Group Editor Terry McDonell, "Derek Jeter has always presented himself with class; he does numerous good works for the community with his Turn 2 Foundation, which is one of the most efficient, effective foundations of its kind; and he's extremely generous with not just his money but with his time, which in many cases is more valuable. He also had another signature year on the field."
Eight years ago, A's GM Billy Beane watched Jeter run out a routine ground ball to shortstop in the late inning of a routine game in which the A's were beating the Yankees. Jeter ran down the line in 4.1 seconds, a time possible only with an all-out effort. "Here you had one of the best players in the game," Beane says, "who already had made his money and had his 4 championship rings by then, and he's down 3 runs in the 7th inning running like that." Told the story, Jeter says, "My whole thing is, you're only playing for 3 hours a day. The least you can do is play hard. It's effort. You don't have to have talent for effort."
If you were to draw up a list of Jeter's dislikes, most of them would be what he regards as obstacles to winning:
Individuals who don't care about winning. With his team losing 15-0 in Game 6 of the 2001 World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, manager Joe Torre pulled Jeter, catcher Jorge Posada and first baseman Tino Martinez from the game in the 5th inning. Jeter walked into the clubhouse to change out of his spikes. In the training room he saw Jay Witasick, a Yankees reliever who in 1 and 1/3 innings had given up nine runs, eight of them earned, a series record for a reliever. As Jeter walked by, he heard Witasick say, "Well, at least I had fun." "Derek just jumped all over him," Posada says. "Derek couldn't believe what he was saying. He was really, really hot. That was the angriest I've ever seen him." Anger is an emotion Jeter rarely displays. Says Jeter, "What makes me angry is when people don't care - not when they fail - everyone fails - or when people act like they don't care. You have one opportunity to do something, and you never know if you're going to get that opportunity again."
Self-promoters. "I never liked people who talked about themselves all the time, gloat," he says. "If you're accomplished and have done things, people will talk about it for you. I don't think you have to point it out."
Measuring success by individual statistics. "In this day and age, not just in baseball but in sports in general, all people care about is stats, stats, stats," he says. "You've got fantasy this, fantasy that, where you pay attention to stats. But there a ways to win games that you don't get a stat for."
Injury talk. "You either play or you don't play. If you're playing, nobody wants to know what's bothering you. Sometimes it's a built in excuse for failing."
Negativity. Jeter wants nothing to do with negative questions from reporters or negative talk from teammates. He once went 0 for 32 and refused to admit he was in a slump. "We weren't allowed to use the word can't - 'I can't do this, can't do that,' " Jeter says of his childhood. "I don't like people always talking about the negative, negative, negative, because once you get caught in that mind-set, it's hard to get out of it."
Hitting Stance: There really is no absolute correct hitting stance; whatever is comfortable. This is perhaps the most over coached area of hitting. Once the pitcher winds up, then what the hitter does becomes important. Too many hitters and coaches want to change the stance as soon as a hitter goes 2 at bats without a hit. The smart hitter will adopt a simple and workable stance and stick with it. The stance is probably over-coached because it's easy to see, is more form and style than substance/mechanics. While clearly it can make the hitting process easier, it is not the most essential part of hitting. Slight changes in the stance generally cannot overcome a basic flaw in the swing and usually make little difference in the overall hitting process. It's what the hitter does in the swing rather than the stance that is most important. Focus the hitter on what he needs to do in the swing; and that can help you coach him back into some changes in the stance if necessary.
Some thoughts on the Catcher:
- Finding a Catcher
- Someone who wants to do it!
- Athletic
- Catchers need to be leaders. If not vocal, then by body language.
- How long does it take the Catcher to put on his gear and get out there if he has a bad at-bat for the 3rd out in an inning? And, what is his demeanor when he gets out there?
- The catcher is the only one that is facing out to the field; the only one who can see the whole field. Thus, all teammates eyes are on him - so he is someone who sets the tone for the team.
- Triangle of Pitching Success: Coach, Pitcher and Catcher. All are equally important to success. The Catcher is a member of the Pitching Staff!
- The Catcher's impact on pitches is 20%. Receiving is the skill that catchers do the most - Work On It!
- The role of catcher is to make the pitcher look good and support the pitcher. Priorities of the Catcher:
1. Get the pitcher through the game
2. Catch or block the ball
3. Throw runners out
4. Hit
- A good catcher is smooth and rhythmic!
- A good catcher's body is generally "quiet" back there. Eliminate any unnecessary movements that can be a distraction to the umpire or your pitcher.
- You want to be low to the ground, but not scrunched and too "small" - your body is part of the target too.
- All stances should be in a position of stability, authority and confidence.
- On defense, we always refer to the batter, not hitter.
- Many things can be practiced while playing catch!
- Center the body behind the ball
- Framing the pitch
- Footwork for throwing
- Every time you are going to return a throw, don't grab for the ball until you're ready to throw - work on a quick exchange of ball from glove to throwing hand
Take a few moments when you first arrive at an opponents field to familiarize yourself with the field.
Grab a ball and throw it off the backstop - how does it come off? Roll a ball down the first and third baselines to mimic a bunt - Does it stay fair or roll foul? Where are the holes in the fences? Where are the areas that you'll have to cover on an overthrow? How much foul ground is there? Catchers: Is the area in front of home soft or hard, is there a lip in front of the plate you'll have to repair? What direction is the wind blowing? Where's the sun and what direction will it be going? Is the grass long or short? How are incoming throws from the outfield going to react when they bounce? OF'ers/IF'ers: Spend time to understand the area where you're fielding. OFer's: Warning track or no?
There's a lot to familiarize yourself with that will minimize your opponent's home field advantage and give you a better chance for success.
MVHS Baseball - Hitting
See the Ball!
(See the ball early - See it deep)
(Better to be loaded early than late!)
(It's all about Timing!)
Be Balanced & Relaxed
(Hips Lead and Thru, Compact Swing, Hands thru)
(Stay inside the ball, Think Gap to Gap)
Have a Plan
(Ahead in the count - aggressive on your pitch! BUT: Don't be over-committed to it and swing at it outside your zone!)
(Know the Situation!)
(Hit Your Pitch!)
Be Mentally Tough!
(Have a Routine! Make an Adjustment!)
Being a good hitter means
- Preparing yourself thoroughly in practice - 100+ swings/day
- Being productive: Reliable bunter! Get him over! Get him in!
- Doing whatever it takes to help your team
- Not giving away at-bats - Don't get yourself out! (Don't give the pitcher an advantage!) No defensive swings in offensive counts!
- Getting your best swing at least once each AB
MVHS Baseball - Offense
Know the Situation!
(Score, Baserunners, Outs, Defense)
(Make an Adjustment!)
(How can I help my team score a run?)
Execute!
(Bunts, R1/R3, Steals, Advance Runners, Hit & Run, Baserunning)
(Be productive at the plate!)
Aggressive Under Control - Constant Pressure!
(Work hard on the bases)
Be Mentally Tough!
(Have a Routine!)
An article below that reinforces the importance of throwing in the game of baseball:
Thrive on Throwing:
Alan Jaeger
Throwing is a lost art. Throwing isn't something that we should do "just" to get our arms loose. Throwing should be done to maximize that skill; to develop it like any other skill to be a strength rather than a potential career threatening weakness.
There isn't any reason why a player should have a chronically sore, weak, or injury-prone arm. If the arm would get the same kind of attention that our hitting, defense or pitching gets than it too would have a chance to thrive on a daily basis. Unfortunately, most baseball players neglect their arms or take them for granted.
The reality of it is that a baseball player needs to have a strong, well-conditioned and healthy arm to play baseball. Period. There is no substitution. Baseball players can simply not afford to allow their arm to be a liability - it must be an asset. In case you forgot, you can't play baseball if you can't throw a baseball. For example, how many players do you know that are drafted as Designated Hitters? How many pitchers do you know that are drafted out of a rehab facility?
Well I have news for you: your arm is your life line if you are a baseball player, no matter what position you play. If you question this at all, then why do you think that scouts have an entire section on their player information cards devoted to arm strength, accuracy, mechanics, etc. It's because it is an integral part of your package as a player. It can be the deciding factor as to whether your arm allows you to move on to the next level (by maintaining its skill level relative to your other skills).
On the other hand, wouldn't it be nice to show up to the field every day and appreciate your arm? I mean really love to throw, love taking pre-game infield/outfield everyday, love putting your arm on display, love throwing the ball with authority through (not to) the cutoff man's target, from deep in the hole, when turning the double play, from behind the plate? Wouldn't it be nice if the arm thrived on throwing everyday?
The arm is a skill and like any other skill it just needs committed attention. However, as long as we neglect this area of the game we are going to be limited as players. What could easily become an asset in this wonderful game can ultimately become a liability and limit your baseball career.
MVHS Baseball - Pitching
Be Aggressive!
(Attack the Strike Zone! Especially Early in the count)
(Throw Inside! No comfortable AB's for the batter)
(Have Confidence in the Pitch You Are About to Throw!)
(Pitch to Your Strengths)
(Work Fast)
Be a Pitcher!
1. Control/Command/Location - Sends message to opposition that you can put the ball where you want to! Fastball command sets up everything else.
2. Movement - Tough to hit a pitch that's moving.
3. Velocity - A straight hardball is hit'able - if you can throw 90MPH for strikes at the HS level, then we can make Velocity #1 - but most cannot come close to that level. Understand the concept of "Effective Velocity" - that a FB inside appears faster than a FB outside. Being able to control the FB (See #1 above) and throw it inside is a huge weapon.
Be an Athlete! - Relaxed, Balanced, On-Line and Consistent Delivery
(Use your hips and core! Don't throw with just your arm)
(100% effort = 100% velocity without command. 90% EFFORT = 100% VELOCITY WITH COMMAND)
Be Mentally Tough!
(Have a Routine!)
(Make an Adjustment!)
(Command of your emotions! No angry pitches)
(Always Cover 1B on a ground ball to the right side)
(Always Back-Up)
(Never React to an Umpire)
There's no good plan to compensate for bad pitching. Must have good pitching!
The Defensive concepts that we emphasize with the MVHS Baseball Players:
MVHS Baseball - Defense
Know the Situation!
(Score, Baserunners, Outs, Batter)
(How do I stop a key run from scoring position?)
(Make an Adjustment!)
(Stay Out of the Big Inning!)
Execute!
(Bunts, R1/R3, Rundowns, Steals, Pop-Ups, Pick-Offs, Cuts)
(Make the Routine Play - Make an out of an out)
(Communicate!)
(Be Calm and Be Quick, Don't Rush!)
(Every Pitch! It may go unnoticed to most - it matters!)
(There's always a place to backup!)
(Team Fielding Percentage Goal: .950)
Play Smart!
(No Play, No Throw!)
(Read and React - Calmly!)
(Ball First! Base and Baserunner Second)
Be Mentally Tough!
(Have a Routine!)
MVHS Baseball
Mental Approach
Positive Attitude!
(Attitude is a choice, you control it!)
(No negative talk allowed!)
(Preparation leads to confidence)
(Focus on what you control, not on results)
(Positive affirmation statements)
(Visualization - build a personal highlight film)
(Victory Journal)
Be Mentally Tough!
(Have a Routine!)
(Focus on the Present! The Power of Now!)
(Don't say "Sorry")
(Positive Body Language!)
(No excuses, no explanations)
(Adversity will happen, "next pitch!")
(Be "Not Satisfied" vs. "Disappointed")
(It's a "Temporary Setback." It's not "Failure")
Compete Aggressively! - With a Purpose!
(Be Aggressive! - under control and focused!)
(Compete for the love of competition!)
(Constant pressure on the opponent!)
Know the Situation!
(Make an Adjustment!)
Some thoughts on teaching the curveball
Before teaching the curveball:
1. The most important thing in pitching is to establish control of the fastball. Everything follows from there.
2. The change-up is extremely effective and it places no undue stress on the arm.
Many a pitcher has had tremendous success with 2 pitches: a fastball that can be controlled and an effective change-up.
Understand some of the arm risk components:
o If growth plates are still open, there's more arm risk in throwing a curveball.
o Pronation and Supination Pitches: Pronation pitches are easier on the arm than Supination pitches that accelerate by leading with the pinky - e.g. curveball, slider. Hyperextension is a risk with supination pitches. The way to minimize the risk is to not attempt to further supinate at release (Don't turn the door knob). When a pitcher attempts to get "that little extra," the potential for injury is increased.
o Obviously, overuse increases the risk of injury.
If taught properly, and at the appropriate time, the curveball can be an effective pitch, and the potential risk to the arm can be managed.
Some Fundamentals:
o Elbow pointed towards home plate and as high as possible at release.
o Wrist is bent down to produce downward spin.
o Avoid "wrapping" - cocking the wrist when reaching back.
o Avoid dropping the elbow and short-arming the ball just before release.
Some concepts to help the pitcher:
o Think "on top" and "out front."
o Think fastball, fastball, fastball until the arm gets overhead; late out of the hand. If early out of the hand, batter can pick it up better and it's a loopy curveball vs. a sharp biting curveball.
Some drills:
o Red Line: Draw a red line across the seams that represents a 12:00 to 6:00 rotation. So, when practicing, you can see the rotation.
o Practice curveballs by throwing them from a short distance, and throwing them easily. Start out on a knee and flipping to about 10 feet. Stand up and starting in the TD position, toss them at about 20 feet. Gradually move back as appropriate, no more than about 40 feet; nice and easy so not hard on arm, just working on the spin.
o Tennis Can Drill: Grip it on the side and toss so that it tumbles end over end. Or, grip it on the end and toss it so that it spins. Arm, wrist and hand should be locked at release position to start with; then recoil the arm 6-12 inches and move forward to release the tennis can. Try to impart as much spin as possible while limiting the velocity.
o Throw over a net: Place a 7 - 8 feet high net about 30 feet in front of pitcher. Place an object about 6 feet beyond the net. Pitcher attempts to toss a curveball over the net and hit the object 6 feet beyond the net. Forces the pitcher to toss a soft rainbow emphasizing the rotation of the ball to make the result happen. Start the pitcher in the TD position. Then, have player gradually work towards more full delivery leading up to release of the ball.
o Throw to a wall - take the result out of it. There's no target, just focus on the mechanics.
OF Defensive Positioning: A ball hit down the line and to the wall should not be more than a double. A ball hit in the power alleys has a better chance to be a triple. So, playing straightaway for OF'ers (absent any other factors like hitter tendencies, pitcher, game situation, etc), should be pinched a little to the middle - take away the potential triple. Go to where the space is...
Practical Realities: A good coach doesn't always practice what he preaches. When coaches develop an instructional approach it is based on what should be done, on what steps in the process are important, on which teaching methods seem to have the best results. The reality is that very few players - of any age or skill set - are either exactly average or an example of the ideal. We are all built differently; we grow differently; and our joints and muscles work slightly differently. This is why we should not take a "cookie-cutter" approach to teaching. The effort to turn out clone-like ball players with the exact same pitch delivery or exact same swing mechanics is bound to fail because our differences mentally and physically prevent it.
Bullpen Sessions: Sometimes make Pitching Bullpen sessions more game-like:
- Switch baseballs periodically
Make the pitcher step off occasionally. Pretend there was a pick-off; Coach or another player can occasionally yell "step off!" as would occur in a game.Have a teammate talk to the pitcher while he's working; try to distract the pitcher. This forces the pitcher to work on his routines to stay focused.Periodically switch back and forth from the wind-up and stretch position.Have a stand-in batter; pitcher trying to execute pitches to a batter. The Batter benefits also by seeing live pitches.
The more stress that can be placed upon players in practice; the more prepared they are for the games.
Practice Concepts:
Some practice concepts to consider discussing with your team:* Practice is Coaches time; players should expect coaches to help provide environment to get better. Game time is for players.
* No matter what you have going on in your life, good or bad, practice time is an oasis; let everything else go, and just focus on the fun of practicing baseball.
* Anyone can practice hard and well when they feel great. How do you practice when you don't feel well?
* At game time, most everyone has the will to win. Teams that have the will to PREPARE to win are the ones that will be successful.
* If you're not doing it right; you're doing it wrong. Everything is a habit; it's either a good habit or a bad habit. Do everything in practice with a PURPOSE and with focus on the proper MECHANICS; like every throw you make playing catch - it adds up. Every time you do something, swing a bat or throw a ball, you're either reinforcing a GOOD HABIT or a BAD HABIT
* Practicing repetitive fundamentals can be viewed as monotonous. Rather, it is baseball, and baseball is FUN. Be enthusiastic and enjoy the repetitions.
* Know the difference between working on mechanics (working deliberately) vs. drills at game speed. Learn to practice effectively at both.
* The best coach you'll ever have is you, the player. You need to know why and how you do what you do in order to be able to adjust in game situations
* Practice time is limited, what are you doing extra to get better?
* Focus on what you're doing EVERY DAY to get a little bit better; by the end of the season, that adds up to a lot of improvement. What are you going to do TODAY to get a little bit better? Think about today; focus on today, not on the next game or the next tournament. You can deal with the next game when it comes; focus on the present; on doing what you can, right here, right now to improve.
Pet Peeve Play: Keep the Batter on 1B after a single! Pet Peeve Play - Your team is in the field. Runner on 1B. Ground ball base hit to left field (or anywhere in the OF for that matter). Your LF'er hustles over and the runner on 1B is going to go to 3B; the LF'er comes up throwing to 3B with NO chance to get the lead runner. Meanwhile, this allows the batter to take 2B. If you don't have a chance at the lead runner, throw behind to 2B and keep that batter on 1B!
3B'man Defensive Positioning: The 3B'man always wants to play close to their "friend" the base. The reality is that many more ground balls end up in the hole between SS and 3B than down the 3B line. And, the SS has a tough backhand play in the hole. Help out the SS, and play the odds. Move back and well over towards SS as the standard straightaway position. You can certainly move from there depending on the batter and the situation (e.g. guard the line late in a tight game or a dead pull right-handed hitter at bat), but as a straightaway position, play the odds and take away that ground ball base hit in the hole...