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Catching Safety
From "Baseball Excellence - Tip of the Week"
6/11/07- CATCHER SAFETY
If there is one area of expense you shouldn’t scrimp on, it is catcher’s equipment. Buy high quality gear and make sure it fits correctly. Make sure all his equipment fits snugly and gives maximum protection. The chest protector should fit well enough to provide protection around the collarbone. The mask should be closefitting. The throat protector is a vital piece of equipment. It is required in most youth leagues. Make sure that is on correctly.
Use Sound Catching Mechanics
Although there is not much a catcher can do about foul balls on the inside of the thighs, many injuries can be prevented by good catching mechanics.
Catching is a position where coaches should learn everything they can. What you don’t know can hurt your catcher.
Here are some tips and things you can look for when coaching catchers.
With no runners on base, he should keep his bare hand behind his right leg and receive the ball with one hand. (Not behind his body, behind his leg.)We have seen several split or broken fingers when kids ignored that little piece of advice.
With runners on base he should cup his hand loosely and keep it behind the glove.
He should never, under any circumstances, turn his head or body away from the plate. This is a natural reaction but by doing so he is exposing the parts of his body that is unprotected; the side of the neck, ribs, hip, etc. If you have a catcher who is having trouble overcoming that tendency, use the “balls to the mask” drill and “no hands blocking drill.”
He should not raise up to receive the ball. It blocks the view of the umpire and may put him in jeopardy of a swinging bat.
He should not fully extend his arm to receive the ball. The ball should be caught with the arm slightly extended but in a bent position. Reaching out for the ball could result in a bat to the back of the hand.
When blocking the plate with a runner trying to score he should keep the front of his knee facing the foul line. A serious injury could result from a runner sliding into the side of the leg.
When turning to find a pop foul the catcher should hold onto his mask until he has located the ball and then throw the mask in the opposite direction of the ball. Because pop fouls at the plate have a tendency to come back into play, throwing the mask away too early could result in the catcher tripping over it and turning an ankle.
Catchers receive much of the violence that baseball has to offer. But by observing good mechanics and wearing top notch equipment the injury factor can be substantially reduced.
WEAR A CUP!
To many coaches this may sound redundant but I have to say that I don’t see all the kids wearing a cup in LL and even in some 14-15 year old players. Oh sure, the catcher wears one. But LL does not require any other players to wear the cup. I guess they think pre-puberty kids can’t get hurt in that area of the body. It’s an important piece of equipment. Coaches, please require all your players to wear a cup, no matter what age or position; at games and at practice.
Wide end up, please.
6/11/07- CATCHER SAFETY
If there is one area of expense you shouldn’t scrimp on, it is catcher’s equipment. Buy high quality gear and make sure it fits correctly. Make sure all his equipment fits snugly and gives maximum protection. The chest protector should fit well enough to provide protection around the collarbone. The mask should be closefitting. The throat protector is a vital piece of equipment. It is required in most youth leagues. Make sure that is on correctly.
Use Sound Catching Mechanics
Although there is not much a catcher can do about foul balls on the inside of the thighs, many injuries can be prevented by good catching mechanics.
Catching is a position where coaches should learn everything they can. What you don’t know can hurt your catcher.
Here are some tips and things you can look for when coaching catchers.
With no runners on base, he should keep his bare hand behind his right leg and receive the ball with one hand. (Not behind his body, behind his leg.)We have seen several split or broken fingers when kids ignored that little piece of advice.
With runners on base he should cup his hand loosely and keep it behind the glove.
He should never, under any circumstances, turn his head or body away from the plate. This is a natural reaction but by doing so he is exposing the parts of his body that is unprotected; the side of the neck, ribs, hip, etc. If you have a catcher who is having trouble overcoming that tendency, use the “balls to the mask” drill and “no hands blocking drill.”
He should not raise up to receive the ball. It blocks the view of the umpire and may put him in jeopardy of a swinging bat.
He should not fully extend his arm to receive the ball. The ball should be caught with the arm slightly extended but in a bent position. Reaching out for the ball could result in a bat to the back of the hand.
When blocking the plate with a runner trying to score he should keep the front of his knee facing the foul line. A serious injury could result from a runner sliding into the side of the leg.
When turning to find a pop foul the catcher should hold onto his mask until he has located the ball and then throw the mask in the opposite direction of the ball. Because pop fouls at the plate have a tendency to come back into play, throwing the mask away too early could result in the catcher tripping over it and turning an ankle.
Catchers receive much of the violence that baseball has to offer. But by observing good mechanics and wearing top notch equipment the injury factor can be substantially reduced.
WEAR A CUP!
To many coaches this may sound redundant but I have to say that I don’t see all the kids wearing a cup in LL and even in some 14-15 year old players. Oh sure, the catcher wears one. But LL does not require any other players to wear the cup. I guess they think pre-puberty kids can’t get hurt in that area of the body. It’s an important piece of equipment. Coaches, please require all your players to wear a cup, no matter what age or position; at games and at practice.
Wide end up, please.
Jun 11, 2007, 8:32 am by Elliot Sherman
Batting and Infield Practice Basics
Here are a few Tips to help you conduct a more productive Batting Practice.
Divide groups into 3 or 4 players. If you are going to throw bullpens during BP, let your catchers bat first. Or if that doesn't work for you, bat your catchers last and give them extra swings. Extra swings for their hard work with the pitchers.
Each group bats three or four rounds of decreasing number of swings; such as 10,7,4,3. These are swings, not batted balls. No extra swings for misses.
The batters in the group not batting should be taking practice swings, tee work or soft toss off to the side. The batter in the cage steps out to his right and the next batter steps in the left side of the cage.
Call NEXT GROUP! as the next to last batter begins his last round. The next group must hustle. They should run to the foul line and go in. Do not let them run onto the infield.
Get in as many ground balls to your infielders as you can during BP. (Very good use of practice time.) One coach is on the third base side and hits ground balls to the SS and first baseman. A coach on the first base side hits ground balls to the third and second basemen. It is done this way to approximate the angle the ball will come off the bat from a hitter.
Ground Ball Guidelines:
The fungo hitters wait for the batter to swing before hitting a ground ball.
The infielders let any batted balls go by them and concentrate on fungoes only.
The infielders field each ball and throw it back to the fungo coach so that it lands on one hop and the coach can field it bare handed. This is done not only to save arms but to keep things moving at a brisk pace. With this method you don't need to waste a player by having him catch the returned balls. This one-hop toss is a skill in itself and takes practice. (Put some air under the ball.)
The fungo coach hits three types of fungoes only. (The slow roller puts the infielder in jeopardy as he is running toward the hitter. You can hit a slow roller as they change batters.) Hit routine ground balls at the infielder, balls to his left and balls he backhands.
The batting practice pitcher waits a beat before throwing another pitch so that the infielder can field his ball without fear.
The infielders jog back to their positions after every ground ball. This serves as conditioning as well.
If you have a screen in front of second base you can work on double plays also. (Footwork only.)
Spread outfielders around the outfield- don't let them congregate in bunches.
Have a bagman in center field. All balls are thrown to him. Another skill, the players are practicing-throw and catch.
The outfielders "break" on all batted balls. They move only a step or two. The idea is to get them used to seeing the ball off the bat and to track fly balls.
After a pitcher retrieves a ball in the outfield he may throw his change up grip to the bagman. This requires full arm speed and helps develop his change up.
Coaches must see the entire field during this BP. He must require conformity and instruct the players at every turn the first few weeks. BP will then become routine and coaches can then concentrate on teaching technique.
Divide groups into 3 or 4 players. If you are going to throw bullpens during BP, let your catchers bat first. Or if that doesn't work for you, bat your catchers last and give them extra swings. Extra swings for their hard work with the pitchers.
Each group bats three or four rounds of decreasing number of swings; such as 10,7,4,3. These are swings, not batted balls. No extra swings for misses.
The batters in the group not batting should be taking practice swings, tee work or soft toss off to the side. The batter in the cage steps out to his right and the next batter steps in the left side of the cage.
Call NEXT GROUP! as the next to last batter begins his last round. The next group must hustle. They should run to the foul line and go in. Do not let them run onto the infield.
Get in as many ground balls to your infielders as you can during BP. (Very good use of practice time.) One coach is on the third base side and hits ground balls to the SS and first baseman. A coach on the first base side hits ground balls to the third and second basemen. It is done this way to approximate the angle the ball will come off the bat from a hitter.
Ground Ball Guidelines:
The fungo hitters wait for the batter to swing before hitting a ground ball.
The infielders let any batted balls go by them and concentrate on fungoes only.
The infielders field each ball and throw it back to the fungo coach so that it lands on one hop and the coach can field it bare handed. This is done not only to save arms but to keep things moving at a brisk pace. With this method you don't need to waste a player by having him catch the returned balls. This one-hop toss is a skill in itself and takes practice. (Put some air under the ball.)
The fungo coach hits three types of fungoes only. (The slow roller puts the infielder in jeopardy as he is running toward the hitter. You can hit a slow roller as they change batters.) Hit routine ground balls at the infielder, balls to his left and balls he backhands.
The batting practice pitcher waits a beat before throwing another pitch so that the infielder can field his ball without fear.
The infielders jog back to their positions after every ground ball. This serves as conditioning as well.
If you have a screen in front of second base you can work on double plays also. (Footwork only.)
Spread outfielders around the outfield- don't let them congregate in bunches.
Have a bagman in center field. All balls are thrown to him. Another skill, the players are practicing-throw and catch.
The outfielders "break" on all batted balls. They move only a step or two. The idea is to get them used to seeing the ball off the bat and to track fly balls.
After a pitcher retrieves a ball in the outfield he may throw his change up grip to the bagman. This requires full arm speed and helps develop his change up.
Coaches must see the entire field during this BP. He must require conformity and instruct the players at every turn the first few weeks. BP will then become routine and coaches can then concentrate on teaching technique.
Sep 18, 2007, 8:16 am by Elliot Sherman
Strategy to Avoid Giving Up the Big Inning
There is an axiom in youth baseball that every team seems to experience - 1 bad inning on defense in every game. It is an inning where the defense seems to fall apart, the pitcher can’t seem to get the ball over the plate, or he gets hit very hard. Things seem to deteriorate. You went into this “bad” inning with a lead and you come out way behind with a demoralized bunch of kids. Just being aware of that one bad inning will sometimes help. Earl Weaver once said that many times the winning team will score more runs in one inning than the losing team does in the entire game. Big innings are common throughout baseball, not just Little League. So let’s look at a plan to cut down on those nerve-racking innings. Plan to have your strongest pitching and defense on the field when the strongest part of their linep is up to bat and make your substutions accordingly.
Get the first out of every inning. This is the #1 offense killer. With one out it is difficult for the offense to get any momentum. This is a priority for every defense and helps pitchers restore their confidence.
Attempt to get strike 1 one on very batter. If the pitcher can get the first pitch across for strike 1 he is in control.
“Oh, those base on balls.” Don’t give runners a free pass to beat you.
Let the opposing team hit the ball. This at least gives your defense a chance to make a play. The essence of baseball is the confrontation between the hitter and the pitcher. The pitcher should think “Here it is, I got it, here it comes.” My best against your best.
Refocus after 2 outs. Many a game has been lost with 2 outs and no one on base. There is a tendency for the pitcher to let down after he has retired the first 2 batters. This should be a goal for every pitcher. It should be a goal for the defense as well. Coach, remind your pitcher to “close the deal.”
Keep your infield awake and focus.
Keep passed balls to a minimum. Concentrate catcher practice efforts on cutting down on the “Little League Run.” Wild pitches and passed balls score and put many a base runner in scoring position in youth baseball. If a coach is able to teach his catchers to block the ball effectively and keep the ball in front of him, he will keep a lot of runs off the board.
Throw to the base ahead of the runner. Do not throw behind him. Runner on 1st base, base hit to the outfield. Throw the ball to 3rd, not 2nd. Runner on 2nd, base hit to the outfield, throw the ball home not to 3rd. No one on and a sure double by the hitter, throw the ball into 3 rd. (There are a few exceptions.) This takes communication and back up by the pitchers and infielders. It also takes the ability to throw to the target by the outfielders. Don’t forget to back up each base.
Don’t lose the game on a bad throw. Sometimes in a close game, especially in the late innings it is better to hold the ball rather than throw it and possibly throw it away. Don’t attempt those pick-offs and ‘trick plays’ in close games when runs are at a premium.
With a big lead don’t play the infield “in” with a runner on third base. In that situation it is better to give up a run for an out.
Make sure you have taught your first basemen the art of digging balls out of the dirt. Spend practice time on this. Personally I would rather have a short, athletic first baseman with good hands than a tall one with average ability.
Position your defense to make plays up the middle. That is where the majority of balls are hit. There are exceptions late in the game. Your best athletes should play the ‘up the middle’ positions; catcher, pitcher, shortstop, second base, and center field. A hard throwing right hand pitcher will have more balls hit to deep second than short. Have second baseman play on the edge of the outfield grass, its a lot easier to charge in.
In 99% of all bunt situations get the out at first base. The defense is giving you an out- take it. Let ‘em bunt. Throw a strike.
Teach your team that the game of baseball is played one pitch at a time.’ Not one out at a time or one inning at a time or one game at a time but one pitch at a time. This helps develop concentration skills.
For 13-15 year olds , with a runner at first base it is important for the pitcher to concentrate on the hitter. Think of keeping the runner close rather than throwing over multiple times. The pitcher can step off or simply hold the ball longer before delivering to the plate.
In crucial situations don’t give in to their best hitter. The pitcher should throw the pitch he wants to throw. Stay away from ‘fat pitches’ even when behind in the count.
Make sure your pitchers sprint to cover 1st base on all balls hit to the right side of the infield.
Make sure your pitchers backup the catcher on possible plays at the plate.
With runners in scoring position your infielders should be aware that they must ‘lay out’ and attempt to knock down all balls hit in the holes to prevent them from going into the outfield. (Remind them to ‘knock the ball down’ before the pitch.)
Infield and outfield communication is a critical skill. Don’t allow a routine out to become an adventure because the fielders failed to talk to each other.
In a close game with the offense threatening to score a run or multiple runs it is imperative that the defense remain calm and focused on getting an out. Exercise “Damage Control.” Don’t panic with 2 on and no out. Take the outs as they present themselves. Play within what the game offers you. “Okay, we gave up 2 runs. Let’s stop it right there.”
Focus on teaching the routine defensive plays at practices; ground balls at them, balls hit to their left, the backhand and slow rollers. Develop the mentality that all balls hit in the air will be caught.
Play like you expect to win, not like you’re afraid to lose.
Even when you emphasize these skills and this approach you are not guaranteed to stay out of damaging innings. That’s baseball. But having a plan and being prepared is an infinitely better way than saying, "they’re just kids."
Get the first out of every inning. This is the #1 offense killer. With one out it is difficult for the offense to get any momentum. This is a priority for every defense and helps pitchers restore their confidence.
Attempt to get strike 1 one on very batter. If the pitcher can get the first pitch across for strike 1 he is in control.
“Oh, those base on balls.” Don’t give runners a free pass to beat you.
Let the opposing team hit the ball. This at least gives your defense a chance to make a play. The essence of baseball is the confrontation between the hitter and the pitcher. The pitcher should think “Here it is, I got it, here it comes.” My best against your best.
Refocus after 2 outs. Many a game has been lost with 2 outs and no one on base. There is a tendency for the pitcher to let down after he has retired the first 2 batters. This should be a goal for every pitcher. It should be a goal for the defense as well. Coach, remind your pitcher to “close the deal.”
Keep your infield awake and focus.
Keep passed balls to a minimum. Concentrate catcher practice efforts on cutting down on the “Little League Run.” Wild pitches and passed balls score and put many a base runner in scoring position in youth baseball. If a coach is able to teach his catchers to block the ball effectively and keep the ball in front of him, he will keep a lot of runs off the board.
Throw to the base ahead of the runner. Do not throw behind him. Runner on 1st base, base hit to the outfield. Throw the ball to 3rd, not 2nd. Runner on 2nd, base hit to the outfield, throw the ball home not to 3rd. No one on and a sure double by the hitter, throw the ball into 3 rd. (There are a few exceptions.) This takes communication and back up by the pitchers and infielders. It also takes the ability to throw to the target by the outfielders. Don’t forget to back up each base.
Don’t lose the game on a bad throw. Sometimes in a close game, especially in the late innings it is better to hold the ball rather than throw it and possibly throw it away. Don’t attempt those pick-offs and ‘trick plays’ in close games when runs are at a premium.
With a big lead don’t play the infield “in” with a runner on third base. In that situation it is better to give up a run for an out.
Make sure you have taught your first basemen the art of digging balls out of the dirt. Spend practice time on this. Personally I would rather have a short, athletic first baseman with good hands than a tall one with average ability.
Position your defense to make plays up the middle. That is where the majority of balls are hit. There are exceptions late in the game. Your best athletes should play the ‘up the middle’ positions; catcher, pitcher, shortstop, second base, and center field. A hard throwing right hand pitcher will have more balls hit to deep second than short. Have second baseman play on the edge of the outfield grass, its a lot easier to charge in.
In 99% of all bunt situations get the out at first base. The defense is giving you an out- take it. Let ‘em bunt. Throw a strike.
Teach your team that the game of baseball is played one pitch at a time.’ Not one out at a time or one inning at a time or one game at a time but one pitch at a time. This helps develop concentration skills.
For 13-15 year olds , with a runner at first base it is important for the pitcher to concentrate on the hitter. Think of keeping the runner close rather than throwing over multiple times. The pitcher can step off or simply hold the ball longer before delivering to the plate.
In crucial situations don’t give in to their best hitter. The pitcher should throw the pitch he wants to throw. Stay away from ‘fat pitches’ even when behind in the count.
Make sure your pitchers sprint to cover 1st base on all balls hit to the right side of the infield.
Make sure your pitchers backup the catcher on possible plays at the plate.
With runners in scoring position your infielders should be aware that they must ‘lay out’ and attempt to knock down all balls hit in the holes to prevent them from going into the outfield. (Remind them to ‘knock the ball down’ before the pitch.)
Infield and outfield communication is a critical skill. Don’t allow a routine out to become an adventure because the fielders failed to talk to each other.
In a close game with the offense threatening to score a run or multiple runs it is imperative that the defense remain calm and focused on getting an out. Exercise “Damage Control.” Don’t panic with 2 on and no out. Take the outs as they present themselves. Play within what the game offers you. “Okay, we gave up 2 runs. Let’s stop it right there.”
Focus on teaching the routine defensive plays at practices; ground balls at them, balls hit to their left, the backhand and slow rollers. Develop the mentality that all balls hit in the air will be caught.
Play like you expect to win, not like you’re afraid to lose.
Even when you emphasize these skills and this approach you are not guaranteed to stay out of damaging innings. That’s baseball. But having a plan and being prepared is an infinitely better way than saying, "they’re just kids."
Oct 04, 2006, 11:00 am by Elliot Sherman
Improve Running Speed
Along with issues about increasing size and strength, among the more common questions is:
“How can I improve my running speed?”
Because there are a number of speed enhancement programs already out there, don’t “re-invent” this particular wheel. For example, (http://www.basestealing.com) is an excellent program for baseball/softball-specific speed development.
Some ideas and information on improving general running mechanics that can help any ball player to run faster. Consider seeking out the expertise of a local high school or college track coach to improving sprint mechanics.
There are three main elements of sprint mechanics:
Posture – changes in “body lean” or position during various sprint phases
Arm Action – pumping the arms in synch with the legs; also, the range of motion, direction, and speed of the arm pump
Leg Action – the relationship of the hips and legs relative to the torso and ground
Leg action can be further broken down into:
Stride length
Stride frequency
SPRINT MECHANICS CHECKLIST*
Posture
1 _____ At max speed, head is held high
2 _____ Head position in line with torso, torso in line with legs at all phases of the sprint.
3 _____ Head should not sway side to side
4 _____ Jaw relaxed, loose
5 _____ Body lean upon starting, accelerating: slightly forward
6 _____ Body lean at full speed: more straight up
7 _____ Feet: toes up during leg lift, except when in contact with ground
8 _____ Foot strike: landing on balls of feet
Arm Action
9 _____ Aggressive arm action (pumping) is a must. Each arm should move as one piece with the elbow bent at 90 degrees.
10 _____ Hands relaxed. “Front” hand should rise up to about nose level.
11 _____ Down/backward hand should pass the buttocks in back.
12 _____ Arm action straight forward, up and down, never flailing side to side.
13 _____Arm action originates from the shoulders, with minimal flexion/extension of the elbows.
Leg Action
14 _____ The faster the running speed, the higher the heel on the rear leg/foot should kick up.
15 _____ As the foot leaves the ground, it should follow a path straight up to the buttocks. No flailing to the side.
16 _____ The knee raises up to where the thigh is almost parallel to the ground. The foot then drops down below the knee.
17 _____ At this point, the knee angle should be approximately 90 degrees.
18 _____ The leg straightens down underneath body.
19 _____ At top speed, the drive (pushing) leg should be fully extended to the ground.
“How can I improve my running speed?”
Because there are a number of speed enhancement programs already out there, don’t “re-invent” this particular wheel. For example, (http://www.basestealing.com) is an excellent program for baseball/softball-specific speed development.
Some ideas and information on improving general running mechanics that can help any ball player to run faster. Consider seeking out the expertise of a local high school or college track coach to improving sprint mechanics.
There are three main elements of sprint mechanics:
Posture – changes in “body lean” or position during various sprint phases
Arm Action – pumping the arms in synch with the legs; also, the range of motion, direction, and speed of the arm pump
Leg Action – the relationship of the hips and legs relative to the torso and ground
Leg action can be further broken down into:
Stride length
Stride frequency
SPRINT MECHANICS CHECKLIST*
Posture
1 _____ At max speed, head is held high
2 _____ Head position in line with torso, torso in line with legs at all phases of the sprint.
3 _____ Head should not sway side to side
4 _____ Jaw relaxed, loose
5 _____ Body lean upon starting, accelerating: slightly forward
6 _____ Body lean at full speed: more straight up
7 _____ Feet: toes up during leg lift, except when in contact with ground
8 _____ Foot strike: landing on balls of feet
Arm Action
9 _____ Aggressive arm action (pumping) is a must. Each arm should move as one piece with the elbow bent at 90 degrees.
10 _____ Hands relaxed. “Front” hand should rise up to about nose level.
11 _____ Down/backward hand should pass the buttocks in back.
12 _____ Arm action straight forward, up and down, never flailing side to side.
13 _____Arm action originates from the shoulders, with minimal flexion/extension of the elbows.
Leg Action
14 _____ The faster the running speed, the higher the heel on the rear leg/foot should kick up.
15 _____ As the foot leaves the ground, it should follow a path straight up to the buttocks. No flailing to the side.
16 _____ The knee raises up to where the thigh is almost parallel to the ground. The foot then drops down below the knee.
17 _____ At this point, the knee angle should be approximately 90 degrees.
18 _____ The leg straightens down underneath body.
19 _____ At top speed, the drive (pushing) leg should be fully extended to the ground.
Jul 28, 2007, 7:05 am by Elliot Sherman
Handling Draft Disappointments
From Lifeletics ...Life Lessons
Life Lesson #45 discusses the situation and experiences of being selected to a lower division than expected. Often times, the views and beliefs of an athlete’s ability differ drastically from his/her parents to a group of outside
coaches. And while there can be many reasons why this situation arises, parents face an interesting dilemma when choosing how to react and handle a Draft Day Disappointment.
Life Lesson #45: DRAFT DAY DISAPPOINTMENT
Draft day disappointment occurs when an athlete ends up in a division that is below both the players (and the players parents) perceived ability levels. The degree to which these assessments are accurate varies widely from case to case.
Sometimes a talented athlete gets lost in the shuffle and truly ends up in a division where they don’t belong. Other times, a parent is simply in too deep to objectively compare his athlete’s talent level to that of the competition… and the placement into the lower division is warranted. Regardless, this situation usually happens when a league has both a minor and major division for a specific age level. In this case, the athlete in question has landed in the minor division. Justifiably or not, a family finds its athlete at a level they
deem to be below their athlete’s abilities and is then faced with a tough decision as to how to handle the situation.
WHAT TO DO
In dealing with draft day disappointments, the first discussion
is usually a reality check. The parent must be reminded that the athlete has landed in the minor division for a reason. Either, he wasn’t drafted to go into the majors or hes run into a stroke of bad luck. And whether this is the result
of a bad tryout experience, an oversight by the league’s coaches, or a parent’s error in assessing his own child’s talent level, the fact remains that their athlete has been selected for the lower division and we’re going to have to deal with it.
After accepting the situation, the next step is to weigh the possible decisions.
So then, what are the options when drafted into a level that you think is below your athlete?
#1: Complain and attempt to have your athlete moved up to the higher division. This will place your son/daughter into the hands of a coach that has already passed on him in the draft, onto a team with an established group of core players, and along side a team full of athletes that may or not accept the new kid.
#2: Pull your kid entirely. Attempt to move to a different league or onto a travelball team playing weekend tournaments. This option has become more realistic in today’s day and age, with the high turnover rate, short commitment times, and subsequent accessibility of tournament teams.
#3: Make the best of the situation, stick it out and teach your athlete a valuable Life Lessons: Once you make a commitment, it’s important to honor that commitment and follow through until it is finished. A draft day disappointment presents the opportunity to teach a young athlete about honoring a commitment. Playing out the season will likely offer the chance to experience unique Life Lessons such as handling adversity (sub-par competition, disappointment, frustration), assuming a leadership role, and playing to the
level of a champion. In other words, take sour grapes and make wine. In such a situation, it is important to set an example of strong, positive character. To the extent that you show resilience, class and optimism during a less-than-perfect situation, you can be sure that those qualities will be passed
along directly to your athlete. Lets examine more thoroughly, how we can make the best out of this situation.
TURNING SOUR GRAPES INTO WINE
Deciding to make the most of the situation, what can this athlete learn from playing in this lower division? What experiences can this athlete have at the minor division that he/she might not have been able to have at the major
division? Many answers come to mind, answers that are tremendously positive:
• Leadership: If, in fact, this athlete is of superior athletic ability, then he will be naturally placed in a leadership role. He will have the responsibility of uplifting and motivating teammates, and leading by example during practice and in games. He may be asked to assist with drills during practice or selected to step to the front of the group and execute a movement properly as an example. During games, he will likely find himself responsible for directing traffic and taking charge on defense.
• Premium Position Opportunity: Being a step ahead of the other athletes, this athlete will now have the opportunity to play premium positions. Where he might be stuck behind three or four superior pitchers at the major level, this
athlete now has the opportunity to be one of the team’s main pitchers (or catcher/shortstop/center-fielder) and gain valuable experience.
• Being a Star: Every team needs to have someone that bats third and starts on the mound. Every team needs to have a stud. Just as there are valuable Life Lessons to be learned through the trials and tribulations of youth baseball,
there are equally valuable lessons to be learned by being successful, experiencing positive results, and being a star player.
Confidence is the most difficult character trait to train in the baseball instruction industry. And a lack of it can hold back the most talented of players. In an era where every parent wants their athlete to play up, it seems refreshing to think that there exists the real opportunity to let a player that
might be an average major division player, experience being a star in the minor division. There’s nothing wrong with allowing an athlete to hit for a high-average or dominate on the mound, especially if that athlete has not had that experience in the past. Watching an athlete naturally build confidence… in what could have been a negative situation… now that is powerful experience!
Life Lesson #45 discusses the situation and experiences of being selected to a lower division than expected. Often times, the views and beliefs of an athlete’s ability differ drastically from his/her parents to a group of outside
coaches. And while there can be many reasons why this situation arises, parents face an interesting dilemma when choosing how to react and handle a Draft Day Disappointment.
Life Lesson #45: DRAFT DAY DISAPPOINTMENT
Draft day disappointment occurs when an athlete ends up in a division that is below both the players (and the players parents) perceived ability levels. The degree to which these assessments are accurate varies widely from case to case.
Sometimes a talented athlete gets lost in the shuffle and truly ends up in a division where they don’t belong. Other times, a parent is simply in too deep to objectively compare his athlete’s talent level to that of the competition… and the placement into the lower division is warranted. Regardless, this situation usually happens when a league has both a minor and major division for a specific age level. In this case, the athlete in question has landed in the minor division. Justifiably or not, a family finds its athlete at a level they
deem to be below their athlete’s abilities and is then faced with a tough decision as to how to handle the situation.
WHAT TO DO
In dealing with draft day disappointments, the first discussion
is usually a reality check. The parent must be reminded that the athlete has landed in the minor division for a reason. Either, he wasn’t drafted to go into the majors or hes run into a stroke of bad luck. And whether this is the result
of a bad tryout experience, an oversight by the league’s coaches, or a parent’s error in assessing his own child’s talent level, the fact remains that their athlete has been selected for the lower division and we’re going to have to deal with it.
After accepting the situation, the next step is to weigh the possible decisions.
So then, what are the options when drafted into a level that you think is below your athlete?
#1: Complain and attempt to have your athlete moved up to the higher division. This will place your son/daughter into the hands of a coach that has already passed on him in the draft, onto a team with an established group of core players, and along side a team full of athletes that may or not accept the new kid.
#2: Pull your kid entirely. Attempt to move to a different league or onto a travelball team playing weekend tournaments. This option has become more realistic in today’s day and age, with the high turnover rate, short commitment times, and subsequent accessibility of tournament teams.
#3: Make the best of the situation, stick it out and teach your athlete a valuable Life Lessons: Once you make a commitment, it’s important to honor that commitment and follow through until it is finished. A draft day disappointment presents the opportunity to teach a young athlete about honoring a commitment. Playing out the season will likely offer the chance to experience unique Life Lessons such as handling adversity (sub-par competition, disappointment, frustration), assuming a leadership role, and playing to the
level of a champion. In other words, take sour grapes and make wine. In such a situation, it is important to set an example of strong, positive character. To the extent that you show resilience, class and optimism during a less-than-perfect situation, you can be sure that those qualities will be passed
along directly to your athlete. Lets examine more thoroughly, how we can make the best out of this situation.
TURNING SOUR GRAPES INTO WINE
Deciding to make the most of the situation, what can this athlete learn from playing in this lower division? What experiences can this athlete have at the minor division that he/she might not have been able to have at the major
division? Many answers come to mind, answers that are tremendously positive:
• Leadership: If, in fact, this athlete is of superior athletic ability, then he will be naturally placed in a leadership role. He will have the responsibility of uplifting and motivating teammates, and leading by example during practice and in games. He may be asked to assist with drills during practice or selected to step to the front of the group and execute a movement properly as an example. During games, he will likely find himself responsible for directing traffic and taking charge on defense.
• Premium Position Opportunity: Being a step ahead of the other athletes, this athlete will now have the opportunity to play premium positions. Where he might be stuck behind three or four superior pitchers at the major level, this
athlete now has the opportunity to be one of the team’s main pitchers (or catcher/shortstop/center-fielder) and gain valuable experience.
• Being a Star: Every team needs to have someone that bats third and starts on the mound. Every team needs to have a stud. Just as there are valuable Life Lessons to be learned through the trials and tribulations of youth baseball,
there are equally valuable lessons to be learned by being successful, experiencing positive results, and being a star player.
Confidence is the most difficult character trait to train in the baseball instruction industry. And a lack of it can hold back the most talented of players. In an era where every parent wants their athlete to play up, it seems refreshing to think that there exists the real opportunity to let a player that
might be an average major division player, experience being a star in the minor division. There’s nothing wrong with allowing an athlete to hit for a high-average or dominate on the mound, especially if that athlete has not had that experience in the past. Watching an athlete naturally build confidence… in what could have been a negative situation… now that is powerful experience!
Aug 30, 2007, 2:17 pm by Elliot Sherman
Catcher Interference Calls
Catcher/Batter Interference. Ball gets by Catcher.
This is a repetitive problem at the Little League level. Runner on second, right-handed batter at bat. The ball gets by the catcher. The runner breaks for third. As the catcher retrieves the ball and prepares to throw to third, the batter backs out of the batter's box, and crosses in front of the catcher while out of the box. There is no contact as the batter is several feet away from the catcher.
This may be an interference call resulting in calling the batter out and returning the runner to second base. The rule states that the batter is out for either interfering or hindering the catcher by leaving the batters box.
Stepping out of the batter's box or moving in front of the catcher are not violations in and of themselves. To be Offensive Interference, you must determine that the batter actually did interfere with, obstruct, impede, hinder, or confuse a fielder (in this case the catcher) who was attempting to make a play. It can be a difficult determination and a controversial call absent contact or very close proximity, Contact is not required.
With no runner trying to score, the penalty is: Batter out, Ball dead, Runner returns to second.
This is a repetitive problem at the Little League level. Runner on second, right-handed batter at bat. The ball gets by the catcher. The runner breaks for third. As the catcher retrieves the ball and prepares to throw to third, the batter backs out of the batter's box, and crosses in front of the catcher while out of the box. There is no contact as the batter is several feet away from the catcher.
This may be an interference call resulting in calling the batter out and returning the runner to second base. The rule states that the batter is out for either interfering or hindering the catcher by leaving the batters box.
Stepping out of the batter's box or moving in front of the catcher are not violations in and of themselves. To be Offensive Interference, you must determine that the batter actually did interfere with, obstruct, impede, hinder, or confuse a fielder (in this case the catcher) who was attempting to make a play. It can be a difficult determination and a controversial call absent contact or very close proximity, Contact is not required.
With no runner trying to score, the penalty is: Batter out, Ball dead, Runner returns to second.
Jan 09, 2009, 6:49 am by Elliot Sherman
Balks in Little League
Balks are to be called as a ball in Little League:
Please note that this is a quick reference list and will not go in depth.
There are 19 ways to balk - 17 by a pitcher and two by a catcher or other player. Listed below are the ways to balk.
A balk can be called if a pitcher ...
1.Interrupts his pitching motion.
2.Fails to come to a complete stop during the set position.
3.Fails to step toward and ahead of a throw. In other words, the pitcher is required to take a clear and deliberate step in the direction he is about to throw (to a base or a pitch).
4.Fails to have both hands on the ball once he's in the set position. Note: The pitcher is not required to have both hands on the ball while in the positions preceding the set position.
5.Pitches while his pivot foot is not touching the rubber.
6.Fakes a pitch
7.Drops the ball while on the rubber
8.Disengages the rubber improperly
9.Delays the game (judgement call by umpire if he believes pitcher is intentionally delaying)
10.Comes to the set position twice
11.Pitches while his head is not facing the batter
12.Fakes a throw to first
13.Fakes or completes a throw to an unoccupied base
14.Makes a pitching motion without completing the pitch
15.Makes a quick pitch (before batter is ready)
16.Changes from one pitching position to the other without disengaging the rubber.
17.Pitches using a tampered ball
A balk caused by catcher or other player ...
18.Without the ball in hand, if the catcher or other player tries to block a runner attempting to score from third base by stealing home, or during a squeeze play.
19.If the catcher is outside the catcher's box during an intentional walk - this is called a "catcher's balk".
It is in the rule book. If it was called, it would be by an umpire taking the rule book to the letter of the law
Please note that this is a quick reference list and will not go in depth.
There are 19 ways to balk - 17 by a pitcher and two by a catcher or other player. Listed below are the ways to balk.
A balk can be called if a pitcher ...
1.Interrupts his pitching motion.
2.Fails to come to a complete stop during the set position.
3.Fails to step toward and ahead of a throw. In other words, the pitcher is required to take a clear and deliberate step in the direction he is about to throw (to a base or a pitch).
4.Fails to have both hands on the ball once he's in the set position. Note: The pitcher is not required to have both hands on the ball while in the positions preceding the set position.
5.Pitches while his pivot foot is not touching the rubber.
6.Fakes a pitch
7.Drops the ball while on the rubber
8.Disengages the rubber improperly
9.Delays the game (judgement call by umpire if he believes pitcher is intentionally delaying)
10.Comes to the set position twice
11.Pitches while his head is not facing the batter
12.Fakes a throw to first
13.Fakes or completes a throw to an unoccupied base
14.Makes a pitching motion without completing the pitch
15.Makes a quick pitch (before batter is ready)
16.Changes from one pitching position to the other without disengaging the rubber.
17.Pitches using a tampered ball
A balk caused by catcher or other player ...
18.Without the ball in hand, if the catcher or other player tries to block a runner attempting to score from third base by stealing home, or during a squeeze play.
19.If the catcher is outside the catcher's box during an intentional walk - this is called a "catcher's balk".
It is in the rule book. If it was called, it would be by an umpire taking the rule book to the letter of the law
Nov 13, 2008, 10:40 am by Elliot Sherman
Keep Your eye on the ball
You often hear a coach tell a player to keep his eye on the ball or watch the ball hit the bat. While that can't be done liertally, it should be practiced. Here's a drill:
Since hitters tend to move their head when hitting the baseball, a great drill is to put colored masking tape on the balls and have the player stand in the batter’s box and track the ball into the catcher’s mitt. Once he recognizes the color, he should yell it out such as “Red” or “Blue” etc. Once he does this for a few pitchers, have him swing but he must still yell out the color when the bat makes contact with the baseball. This forces the player to focus on the ball and he will learn to keep his head from turning at the last second.
Since hitters tend to move their head when hitting the baseball, a great drill is to put colored masking tape on the balls and have the player stand in the batter’s box and track the ball into the catcher’s mitt. Once he recognizes the color, he should yell it out such as “Red” or “Blue” etc. Once he does this for a few pitchers, have him swing but he must still yell out the color when the bat makes contact with the baseball. This forces the player to focus on the ball and he will learn to keep his head from turning at the last second.
Oct 22, 2008, 3:35 pm by Elliot Sherman
Pitcher Back up at Third - Drills
DRILL for PITCHERS BACKING UP THIRD-
Coaches have trouble with their pitchers backing up bases. They have a tendency to stand around after giving up a base hit.
What you need: pitchers and catchers, an accurate fungo hitter.
Pitchers line up behind the mound and the fungo coach sets up further behind the mound to get a good angle to simulate balls coming in from left, right and center field.
One pitcher toes the rubber and delivers a strike to his catcher. (we did this drill after throwing bullpens so we had the pitchers go through their delivery without a baseball.)
The coach calls "left field, center or fight field" and the pitcher sprints to the deepest point along the third base line that is in line with where the simulated outfield throw will come.
The coach then hits a fungo to the pitcher and he fields it to simulate an overthrow to third base. He then hustles with his ball to the back of the line and the next pitcher toes the rubber. (Pitch from the stretch please.) Keep the drill moving.
The keys are the pitchers must hustle to the right spot deep along the fence. They must not let the ball get by them; dive, block it with their body, nose- whatever it takes because if it gets into the dugout a run will score.
n their haste the pitchers sometimes ran to the wrong spot. If that happens hit the fungo to the spot you called out. They quickly learn to react properly. Run this drill several times through, until the coach is satisfied that they will perform properly in games.
BACKING UP HOME-
Have the pitchers line up off to the side of the mound. The coach is going to hit fungoes through the catcher to the backstop.
One pitcher simulates a pitch and the coach calls out "Home" or "four" whatever your preference. The catcher moves to the proper position to block the plate and the coach hits a ground ball fungo to him. The catcher must let the ball get by him and the pitcher (who sprinted to the deepest point along the backstop and behind the catcher, fields the baseball.
The key is for the pitcher to get to his spot quickly. It is more difficult for him to field the ball here because the catcher is blocking his view. He must react very quickly. It is very important for him to immediately gain control of the baseball.
Run this drill for about 1/2 hour on a day when you have pitchers and catchers only on the field and throw bullpens with two pitchers throwing pens while the rest of them were fielding bunts and throwing to first and second base. After rotating all pitchers through their pens perform the above drill.
This is a great drill because fungoes are somewhat unpredictable as they are hit to the pitcher. They may hit the baseline dirt the infield or the grass beyond the baseline and the pitcher must react quickly in fielding the baseball.
Coaches have trouble with their pitchers backing up bases. They have a tendency to stand around after giving up a base hit.
What you need: pitchers and catchers, an accurate fungo hitter.
Pitchers line up behind the mound and the fungo coach sets up further behind the mound to get a good angle to simulate balls coming in from left, right and center field.
One pitcher toes the rubber and delivers a strike to his catcher. (we did this drill after throwing bullpens so we had the pitchers go through their delivery without a baseball.)
The coach calls "left field, center or fight field" and the pitcher sprints to the deepest point along the third base line that is in line with where the simulated outfield throw will come.
The coach then hits a fungo to the pitcher and he fields it to simulate an overthrow to third base. He then hustles with his ball to the back of the line and the next pitcher toes the rubber. (Pitch from the stretch please.) Keep the drill moving.
The keys are the pitchers must hustle to the right spot deep along the fence. They must not let the ball get by them; dive, block it with their body, nose- whatever it takes because if it gets into the dugout a run will score.
n their haste the pitchers sometimes ran to the wrong spot. If that happens hit the fungo to the spot you called out. They quickly learn to react properly. Run this drill several times through, until the coach is satisfied that they will perform properly in games.
BACKING UP HOME-
Have the pitchers line up off to the side of the mound. The coach is going to hit fungoes through the catcher to the backstop.
One pitcher simulates a pitch and the coach calls out "Home" or "four" whatever your preference. The catcher moves to the proper position to block the plate and the coach hits a ground ball fungo to him. The catcher must let the ball get by him and the pitcher (who sprinted to the deepest point along the backstop and behind the catcher, fields the baseball.
The key is for the pitcher to get to his spot quickly. It is more difficult for him to field the ball here because the catcher is blocking his view. He must react very quickly. It is very important for him to immediately gain control of the baseball.
Run this drill for about 1/2 hour on a day when you have pitchers and catchers only on the field and throw bullpens with two pitchers throwing pens while the rest of them were fielding bunts and throwing to first and second base. After rotating all pitchers through their pens perform the above drill.
This is a great drill because fungoes are somewhat unpredictable as they are hit to the pitcher. They may hit the baseline dirt the infield or the grass beyond the baseline and the pitcher must react quickly in fielding the baseball.
Oct 12, 2008, 10:43 am by Elliot Sherman
Sore Arms
“My son/daughter has a sore (elbow or shoulder).
What’s the best way to handle this?”
With more games being played, due, at least in part, to the expansion of travel ball and fall leagues, arm problems for young ball players are becoming more prevalent. According to Dr. Glenn Fleisig of the American Sports Medicine Institute (www.ASMI.org) there are two major “thresholds” where he sees more arm problems:
With pitchers who play for 8 months per year, or more
With pitchers throwing 85 mph or harder
Major League Baseball starts in mid-February (pitchers), and, except for teams in the playoffs, ends by October. A total of about 6 months. A LOT of games in those months, but a lot of downtime thereafter.
Are the number of games your kids are playing approaching that of these highly skilled, physically mature adults?
As for throwing 85+ mph, well, of course, we want pitchers to throw this hard, and harder. At this level of velocity, however, the structures of the arm undergo greater forces and stress. If not properly cared for, problems are inevitable.
There are three primary causes of arm pain/problems:
1) Overuse – too many practice sessions and games, too many innings pitched. All of which adds up to insufficient recovery time.
2) Improper mechanics - Overhand throwing is a bio-mechanically un-natural act, even when done with what are considered to be good mechanics. When things are not being done properly, problems increase dramatically.
3) Poor conditioning - Proper strength and flexibility work can help prevent arm problems by “toughening” the ligaments, tendons, and muscles thereby making them more injury resistant. Ultimately, though, excessive and incorrect use will overwhelm even the best conditioned arm.
Arm Injuries
There are a number of maladies that can afflict overhand throwers, especially pitchers. Listed here are several of the more common ones that many ball players will experience during the course of their career:
Bursitis - Bursae (plural; singular is bursa) are fluid-filled sacs that cushion areas of friction between tendon and bone or skin. Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursa.
Tendinopathy - Any disease or dysfunction of a tendon. Refers to two conditions that can occur together: tendon inflammation, known as tendinitis, and tiny tears in the connective tissue in or around the tendon, known as tendinosis.
Tendinitis – inflammation of a tendon. The white areas on each end of the muscle are its tendons, which connect muscle to bone. Considered to be a rare condition. [1]
Tendinosis – a more serious condition characterized by degeneration (not inflammation) of the collagen fibers in the tendon due to excessive wear and tear. More common, and more difficult to treat, than tendonitis.
Healthy vs. Broken Down Tendons
Comparing Tendinosis To Tendinitis
Tendinosis
Very Common
Tendinitis
Very Rare
Takes longer to heal - months/years
Quick to heal - 14 days or less
Treated with therapeutic exercise
Aggravated by exercise
Irritated by NSAIDs
Helped by NSAIDs
Shows up black on an MRI (T1)
Shows up white on an MRI
Degenerative
Inflammatory
Usually feels better after proper training
Hurts to move at all
Responds well to electric stimulation
and heat
Irritated by heat
Irritated by ice
Responds well to ice
Impingement Syndrome - the diagnosis given for shoulder pain that is the result of tissues that get "pinched" or "impinged." This pinching occurs when the shoulder joint no longer stays centered in the socket as the arm is raised, as in the overhead throwing motion of a baseball or softball player. Can be caused by imbalances of strength and flexibility between various muscles in the shoulder.
Medial epicondylitis – also known as pitcher’s elbow, golfer's elbow, and tennis elbow. Caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm (flexion). The most common symptom of ME is pain along the palm side of the forearm, from the elbow to the wrist, on the same side as the little finger.
Can be caused by inflammation from too much repetitive activity, like throwing, or from a breakdown of tendon fibers known as tendonosis (see above).
Pain vs. Soreness
When is pain serious? When you can no longer perform your normal activity - like throwing - and/or the pain causes you to adjust from your normal mechanics to compensate for the pain.
Post-activity pain, such as that which is ordinarily felt after training or competition, should dissipate within 24-48 hours. Pain persisting beyond this time should be referred to appropriate medical authority. At this point, trying to "tough it out" can lead to more serious injury.
Basic Recovery Regimen
When arm problems occur, this is the course that will likely have to be followed:
1) Stop any activity causing pain. Recovery time will vary; can take weeks to months.
2) When pain is gone, begin appropriate strength and conditioning work to re-hab the structures involved.
3) After a minimum of 6-8 weeks of S & C work, begin activity (throwing) again.
There are NO shortcuts through this process. It is better to err on the side of extra recovery time rather than rushing back prematurely and risking re-injury. The good news is that appropriate strength and conditioning can help ball players to both prevent as well as recover from most throwing injuries.
1. Khan KM, Cook JL, Taunton JE, Bonar F. Overuse tendinosis, not tendonitis. The Physician & Sports Medicine 2000;28(5):38-48.
*This report is not intended to diagnose or treat a medical condition. It is presented for informational purposes only. If you are experiencing arm pain/problems, seek the advice of appropriate medical authority.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(C) 2007 Baseball Fit, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Short quotations with attribution permitted. Cite source as Steve Zawrotny's BASEBALL FIT Hitting & Pitching Conditioning www.BaseballFit.com
What’s the best way to handle this?”
With more games being played, due, at least in part, to the expansion of travel ball and fall leagues, arm problems for young ball players are becoming more prevalent. According to Dr. Glenn Fleisig of the American Sports Medicine Institute (www.ASMI.org) there are two major “thresholds” where he sees more arm problems:
With pitchers who play for 8 months per year, or more
With pitchers throwing 85 mph or harder
Major League Baseball starts in mid-February (pitchers), and, except for teams in the playoffs, ends by October. A total of about 6 months. A LOT of games in those months, but a lot of downtime thereafter.
Are the number of games your kids are playing approaching that of these highly skilled, physically mature adults?
As for throwing 85+ mph, well, of course, we want pitchers to throw this hard, and harder. At this level of velocity, however, the structures of the arm undergo greater forces and stress. If not properly cared for, problems are inevitable.
There are three primary causes of arm pain/problems:
1) Overuse – too many practice sessions and games, too many innings pitched. All of which adds up to insufficient recovery time.
2) Improper mechanics - Overhand throwing is a bio-mechanically un-natural act, even when done with what are considered to be good mechanics. When things are not being done properly, problems increase dramatically.
3) Poor conditioning - Proper strength and flexibility work can help prevent arm problems by “toughening” the ligaments, tendons, and muscles thereby making them more injury resistant. Ultimately, though, excessive and incorrect use will overwhelm even the best conditioned arm.
Arm Injuries
There are a number of maladies that can afflict overhand throwers, especially pitchers. Listed here are several of the more common ones that many ball players will experience during the course of their career:
Bursitis - Bursae (plural; singular is bursa) are fluid-filled sacs that cushion areas of friction between tendon and bone or skin. Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursa.
Tendinopathy - Any disease or dysfunction of a tendon. Refers to two conditions that can occur together: tendon inflammation, known as tendinitis, and tiny tears in the connective tissue in or around the tendon, known as tendinosis.
Tendinitis – inflammation of a tendon. The white areas on each end of the muscle are its tendons, which connect muscle to bone. Considered to be a rare condition. [1]
Tendinosis – a more serious condition characterized by degeneration (not inflammation) of the collagen fibers in the tendon due to excessive wear and tear. More common, and more difficult to treat, than tendonitis.
Healthy vs. Broken Down Tendons
Comparing Tendinosis To Tendinitis
Tendinosis
Very Common
Tendinitis
Very Rare
Takes longer to heal - months/years
Quick to heal - 14 days or less
Treated with therapeutic exercise
Aggravated by exercise
Irritated by NSAIDs
Helped by NSAIDs
Shows up black on an MRI (T1)
Shows up white on an MRI
Degenerative
Inflammatory
Usually feels better after proper training
Hurts to move at all
Responds well to electric stimulation
and heat
Irritated by heat
Irritated by ice
Responds well to ice
Impingement Syndrome - the diagnosis given for shoulder pain that is the result of tissues that get "pinched" or "impinged." This pinching occurs when the shoulder joint no longer stays centered in the socket as the arm is raised, as in the overhead throwing motion of a baseball or softball player. Can be caused by imbalances of strength and flexibility between various muscles in the shoulder.
Medial epicondylitis – also known as pitcher’s elbow, golfer's elbow, and tennis elbow. Caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm (flexion). The most common symptom of ME is pain along the palm side of the forearm, from the elbow to the wrist, on the same side as the little finger.
Can be caused by inflammation from too much repetitive activity, like throwing, or from a breakdown of tendon fibers known as tendonosis (see above).
Pain vs. Soreness
When is pain serious? When you can no longer perform your normal activity - like throwing - and/or the pain causes you to adjust from your normal mechanics to compensate for the pain.
Post-activity pain, such as that which is ordinarily felt after training or competition, should dissipate within 24-48 hours. Pain persisting beyond this time should be referred to appropriate medical authority. At this point, trying to "tough it out" can lead to more serious injury.
Basic Recovery Regimen
When arm problems occur, this is the course that will likely have to be followed:
1) Stop any activity causing pain. Recovery time will vary; can take weeks to months.
2) When pain is gone, begin appropriate strength and conditioning work to re-hab the structures involved.
3) After a minimum of 6-8 weeks of S & C work, begin activity (throwing) again.
There are NO shortcuts through this process. It is better to err on the side of extra recovery time rather than rushing back prematurely and risking re-injury. The good news is that appropriate strength and conditioning can help ball players to both prevent as well as recover from most throwing injuries.
1. Khan KM, Cook JL, Taunton JE, Bonar F. Overuse tendinosis, not tendonitis. The Physician & Sports Medicine 2000;28(5):38-48.
*This report is not intended to diagnose or treat a medical condition. It is presented for informational purposes only. If you are experiencing arm pain/problems, seek the advice of appropriate medical authority.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(C) 2007 Baseball Fit, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Short quotations with attribution permitted. Cite source as Steve Zawrotny's BASEBALL FIT Hitting & Pitching Conditioning www.BaseballFit.com
Sep 26, 2008, 4:23 pm by Elliot Sherman
Third Baseman Skills
7/21/08- THIRD BASEMAN SKILLS
from Baseball Excellence. com Tip of the Week 8/04/08
This is a position that many coaches often neglect. Many use it as a place to play an extra pitcher or place to get substitutes an inning or two. This is fine but doesn't give any of them the opportunity to thrive at the position. It is important to play an athletic kid at this position. Foot speed is not a prerequisite for this position but reaction time and athleticism are.
Positioning the third baseman is an under coached skill. We move our third basemen more than any other position player. Positioning is done according to game situations and even the type of pitch. For instance, if you call for an inside fastball to a good hitter make sure your third baseman is playing back or he may be picking up a few teeth.
POSITIONING
Know the situation in the game. Before every pitch, every fielder should remind himself of the situation. The batter and base runner's speed. The pitch location, the number of outs, etc.
Set up late and depending on the batter and situation of the game, never start in the same place during a ball game. Many times a coach or batter will glance to see where the 3b is before they decide to bunt. That’s why we teach our 3b (like catcher) to set up early as a decoy until the signs have been given.
Creep on every pitch. Regardless of the situation, the 3b must "creep" on every pitch. We teach "one step in and down" as the pitcher releases the ball to the plate.
Guard the line. This should only be done in the last inning of a very close ball game to eliminate a cheap ground ball double down the line. This means moving two steps toward the bag.
The standard positioning for the third baseman is as follows: 5 steps away from the bag and 8-9 steps back, on the clay. The ground ball in the hole between the Shortstop and the third baseman is a play that is seldom made in youth baseball but it can be made if the third baseman is athletic and plays deep and far enough off the bag. (LL- 3 steps off and 5 steps back.)
Positioning during bunt situations
Sac bunt- with a runner at 1st and 2nd and no outs especially in a close ball game, you must anticipate a bunt by playing in on the edge of the grass. If the batter gets two strikes on him his odds of attempting another bunt decreases. Move him back with two strikes.
Drag bunt- with less than two outs, a speedy leadoff type batter may attempt this if he sees you playing back. When he gets two strikes you can challenge him to bunt again by moving back much deeper. But remember; bunts rarely will beat you and it is almost always better to increase your range by playing back. This is an area where knowing the skill and tendencies of the opponent is important.
Squeeze bunt- late in a close game when your pitcher is dominating you will want to move a step or two closer to the bag while the pitcher pitches from the stretch.
In most bunt situations the third baseman will "read and retreat" to his bag. The pitcher will try to field as many bunts as he can. Hard bunts may have to be fielded by the third baseman. In that situation many teams have the pitcher cover third base.
With a runner on first and less than two outs play your third baseman even with the bag. Remain 5 steps away but even with the base. Learning to "read" the bunt is a skill itself. Many third basemen will charge when the batter squares around to bunt. That is too late. The third baseman should read and react to a bunt the instant the batter takes the barrel of the bat off his shoulder. By reading the bunt quickly he can play even with the bag and not on the grass- increasing his range.
With many teams the sacrifice bunt is less effective with one out. We usually move our third baseman back with one out, always with two outs.
Fielding ground balls to his left.
As a rule, the 3B should cut in front of the SS and field every ball he can get as long as he takes a straight angle toward 2B. On the big fields the SS plays on the edge of the outfield grass and this is a much easier play for the 3B to make. He has the momentum to both 1st and 2nd base.
Receiving throws at 3B
Forehand picks on thrown balls. Get as low as possible, wristy attacking of the ball on the short hop from the ground up and out.
Backhand picks on thrown balls. Get as low as possible, lock wrist and attack the short hop from the ground up and out.
Block balls with mid section that are thrown on mid or in between hops.
Leave bag to catch wide throws
When a runner is stealing 3B you should try to receive the throw in foul territory.
When the 3B runner is returning to 3B you should take the throw in fair territory.
Receive throw to tag runner. Many times the 2B runner will mistakenly attempt to advance to 3B on a ground ball in front of him and to the SS's right. When this happens, the sure out will often be at 3B, not 1B. The 3B must back peddle to 3B and receive the throw from the SS and either apply the tag, or begin a run down. Similarly you must receive throws from the pitcher, catcher and first baseman.
Receive throws for force outs. On hard bunts and comebackers to the pitcher and weak bunts to the catcher. Put left or glove side foot on the bag and step (stretch) to ball with right foot. (Play this like a first baseman.)
Tagging sliding runners. Stand beside or straddle base, squat as low as possible, get glove down quickly, apply firm tag and raise glove over head on the way out of there.
Rundowns. Seize any opportunity to get a runner in a run down (pickle). If time permits, chase him with the ball in your bare hand (quicker throw) and most importantly, get him going full speed as soon as possible. Throw the ball to the closing fielder when the runner is 10-12 feet from him. Make sure that you get out of the base line and keep going after you throw the ball (do not circle back). A perfect rundown takes one throw.
"Holding a runner at 3b"
Do not do this. Play the third base position according to the situation, not the fact there is a runner there. The offense must beat you with their bats. Play defense where you have the best chance of making a play.
Becoming the cut off man
Cut off man on throws from the left fielder to home. (know the arm strength of all your outfielders). On routine plays, you want to receive this throw between the pitching rubber and 3b. Read the tail of the throw and turn body to catch on your glove or throwing side, step and throw to the plate. Listen to your catcher.
Wet grass caused by dew or light rain will cause hard throws and line drives to skip or skim much faster and farther than dry fields.
Steps to fielding a routine grounder
Sprint under control and get in front of the ball
Shuffle feet and spread them wide to lower the backside
Extend arms out (do not lock elbows)
Catch on the short hop (ground up) and off the inside of the LEFT foot with a soft two handed trap (thumbs up and wrists bent out)
Gather while you shuffle feet/gain a 4 seam grip/close off front side.
Pull back/trunktwist and throw hard and low.
Follow the throw to the 1b with a couple of steps.
Backhand
Wait until the last possible moment. Squat by bending at the knees, not waist, in order to get the backside low and glove to the ground. Lock wrist and maintain a bent elbow, attack the ball on the short hop from the ground up (and slightly out) leading with the elbow.
Back hand with crossover step. Plant cross over foot at the last possible moment, set wrist and with momentum toward the throwing target, attack the ball on the short hop from the ground up and slightly out. Must get body extremely low and field ball just outside crossover foot.
Do or die plays
Slow Roller-take banana route, get low and attack ball off the left toe with sharp palm up to palm down action, transfer to throwing hand and gain a 4 seam grip, continue straight through the ball and throw off of right foot (RH).
Shovel roll at home (squeeze bunts).
This is a low percentage play but you often have no other choice. Tilt shoulders, field bare handed off of your throwing foot during a ¾ speed "duck walk", firmly roll (or bounce) ball to the catcher and dive. This will make it quicker to tag a sliding runner. You can also make this a "gloved" play by both fielding and rolling the ball to the catch with your glove.
Double play feeds.
The secret is to get the ball to the 2b as quickly as possible. No one can out run the ball. On routine ground balls, field off left foot, stay bent at the waist while shuffling feet and throw from underneath. On balls hit to your left, field and continue your momentum throwing hard. Always throw hard so in the event you make a bad throw, the outfielder gets the ball sooner.
Pop ups
Shallow outfield pop ups. In fair and foul territory. Turn and take a direct route to where the ball will land. Pump arms and put glove up during last three steps only.
Diving catches (lay outs) are faster. Land on hands with elbows out to eliminate jarring.
Infield pop ups. Infield Pop ups will have spin. This will cause the ball to move from your right to left.
Shielding the sun. Hold your glove up to give shade to your eyes as they track the ball.
Learn speed and slope of infield- During pre game infield, determine the speed and slope and lip. Grass infields are slower than dirt and have a "lip" that will affect ground balls and one hop throws. And some infields slope more than others affecting a slow moving bunts.
from Baseball Excellence. com Tip of the Week 8/04/08
This is a position that many coaches often neglect. Many use it as a place to play an extra pitcher or place to get substitutes an inning or two. This is fine but doesn't give any of them the opportunity to thrive at the position. It is important to play an athletic kid at this position. Foot speed is not a prerequisite for this position but reaction time and athleticism are.
Positioning the third baseman is an under coached skill. We move our third basemen more than any other position player. Positioning is done according to game situations and even the type of pitch. For instance, if you call for an inside fastball to a good hitter make sure your third baseman is playing back or he may be picking up a few teeth.
POSITIONING
Know the situation in the game. Before every pitch, every fielder should remind himself of the situation. The batter and base runner's speed. The pitch location, the number of outs, etc.
Set up late and depending on the batter and situation of the game, never start in the same place during a ball game. Many times a coach or batter will glance to see where the 3b is before they decide to bunt. That’s why we teach our 3b (like catcher) to set up early as a decoy until the signs have been given.
Creep on every pitch. Regardless of the situation, the 3b must "creep" on every pitch. We teach "one step in and down" as the pitcher releases the ball to the plate.
Guard the line. This should only be done in the last inning of a very close ball game to eliminate a cheap ground ball double down the line. This means moving two steps toward the bag.
The standard positioning for the third baseman is as follows: 5 steps away from the bag and 8-9 steps back, on the clay. The ground ball in the hole between the Shortstop and the third baseman is a play that is seldom made in youth baseball but it can be made if the third baseman is athletic and plays deep and far enough off the bag. (LL- 3 steps off and 5 steps back.)
Positioning during bunt situations
Sac bunt- with a runner at 1st and 2nd and no outs especially in a close ball game, you must anticipate a bunt by playing in on the edge of the grass. If the batter gets two strikes on him his odds of attempting another bunt decreases. Move him back with two strikes.
Drag bunt- with less than two outs, a speedy leadoff type batter may attempt this if he sees you playing back. When he gets two strikes you can challenge him to bunt again by moving back much deeper. But remember; bunts rarely will beat you and it is almost always better to increase your range by playing back. This is an area where knowing the skill and tendencies of the opponent is important.
Squeeze bunt- late in a close game when your pitcher is dominating you will want to move a step or two closer to the bag while the pitcher pitches from the stretch.
In most bunt situations the third baseman will "read and retreat" to his bag. The pitcher will try to field as many bunts as he can. Hard bunts may have to be fielded by the third baseman. In that situation many teams have the pitcher cover third base.
With a runner on first and less than two outs play your third baseman even with the bag. Remain 5 steps away but even with the base. Learning to "read" the bunt is a skill itself. Many third basemen will charge when the batter squares around to bunt. That is too late. The third baseman should read and react to a bunt the instant the batter takes the barrel of the bat off his shoulder. By reading the bunt quickly he can play even with the bag and not on the grass- increasing his range.
With many teams the sacrifice bunt is less effective with one out. We usually move our third baseman back with one out, always with two outs.
Fielding ground balls to his left.
As a rule, the 3B should cut in front of the SS and field every ball he can get as long as he takes a straight angle toward 2B. On the big fields the SS plays on the edge of the outfield grass and this is a much easier play for the 3B to make. He has the momentum to both 1st and 2nd base.
Receiving throws at 3B
Forehand picks on thrown balls. Get as low as possible, wristy attacking of the ball on the short hop from the ground up and out.
Backhand picks on thrown balls. Get as low as possible, lock wrist and attack the short hop from the ground up and out.
Block balls with mid section that are thrown on mid or in between hops.
Leave bag to catch wide throws
When a runner is stealing 3B you should try to receive the throw in foul territory.
When the 3B runner is returning to 3B you should take the throw in fair territory.
Receive throw to tag runner. Many times the 2B runner will mistakenly attempt to advance to 3B on a ground ball in front of him and to the SS's right. When this happens, the sure out will often be at 3B, not 1B. The 3B must back peddle to 3B and receive the throw from the SS and either apply the tag, or begin a run down. Similarly you must receive throws from the pitcher, catcher and first baseman.
Receive throws for force outs. On hard bunts and comebackers to the pitcher and weak bunts to the catcher. Put left or glove side foot on the bag and step (stretch) to ball with right foot. (Play this like a first baseman.)
Tagging sliding runners. Stand beside or straddle base, squat as low as possible, get glove down quickly, apply firm tag and raise glove over head on the way out of there.
Rundowns. Seize any opportunity to get a runner in a run down (pickle). If time permits, chase him with the ball in your bare hand (quicker throw) and most importantly, get him going full speed as soon as possible. Throw the ball to the closing fielder when the runner is 10-12 feet from him. Make sure that you get out of the base line and keep going after you throw the ball (do not circle back). A perfect rundown takes one throw.
"Holding a runner at 3b"
Do not do this. Play the third base position according to the situation, not the fact there is a runner there. The offense must beat you with their bats. Play defense where you have the best chance of making a play.
Becoming the cut off man
Cut off man on throws from the left fielder to home. (know the arm strength of all your outfielders). On routine plays, you want to receive this throw between the pitching rubber and 3b. Read the tail of the throw and turn body to catch on your glove or throwing side, step and throw to the plate. Listen to your catcher.
Wet grass caused by dew or light rain will cause hard throws and line drives to skip or skim much faster and farther than dry fields.
Steps to fielding a routine grounder
Sprint under control and get in front of the ball
Shuffle feet and spread them wide to lower the backside
Extend arms out (do not lock elbows)
Catch on the short hop (ground up) and off the inside of the LEFT foot with a soft two handed trap (thumbs up and wrists bent out)
Gather while you shuffle feet/gain a 4 seam grip/close off front side.
Pull back/trunktwist and throw hard and low.
Follow the throw to the 1b with a couple of steps.
Backhand
Wait until the last possible moment. Squat by bending at the knees, not waist, in order to get the backside low and glove to the ground. Lock wrist and maintain a bent elbow, attack the ball on the short hop from the ground up (and slightly out) leading with the elbow.
Back hand with crossover step. Plant cross over foot at the last possible moment, set wrist and with momentum toward the throwing target, attack the ball on the short hop from the ground up and slightly out. Must get body extremely low and field ball just outside crossover foot.
Do or die plays
Slow Roller-take banana route, get low and attack ball off the left toe with sharp palm up to palm down action, transfer to throwing hand and gain a 4 seam grip, continue straight through the ball and throw off of right foot (RH).
Shovel roll at home (squeeze bunts).
This is a low percentage play but you often have no other choice. Tilt shoulders, field bare handed off of your throwing foot during a ¾ speed "duck walk", firmly roll (or bounce) ball to the catcher and dive. This will make it quicker to tag a sliding runner. You can also make this a "gloved" play by both fielding and rolling the ball to the catch with your glove.
Double play feeds.
The secret is to get the ball to the 2b as quickly as possible. No one can out run the ball. On routine ground balls, field off left foot, stay bent at the waist while shuffling feet and throw from underneath. On balls hit to your left, field and continue your momentum throwing hard. Always throw hard so in the event you make a bad throw, the outfielder gets the ball sooner.
Pop ups
Shallow outfield pop ups. In fair and foul territory. Turn and take a direct route to where the ball will land. Pump arms and put glove up during last three steps only.
Diving catches (lay outs) are faster. Land on hands with elbows out to eliminate jarring.
Infield pop ups. Infield Pop ups will have spin. This will cause the ball to move from your right to left.
Shielding the sun. Hold your glove up to give shade to your eyes as they track the ball.
Learn speed and slope of infield- During pre game infield, determine the speed and slope and lip. Grass infields are slower than dirt and have a "lip" that will affect ground balls and one hop throws. And some infields slope more than others affecting a slow moving bunts.
Jul 21, 2008, 8:19 am by Elliot Sherman
Little League Implements Pitch Count for 2007
Little League Implements New Rule to Protect Pitchers' Arms
Little League Baseball is changing its decades-old pitching rules, making the actual number of pitches delivered the deciding factor in determining eligibility in the baseball division. Starting in 2007, pitchers in all LL divisions age 7-18 will have specific limits for each game, based on their age. The number of pitches delivered in a game will determine the amount of rest the player must have before pitching again.
Little League is the first national youth baseball organization to institute a pitch count.
The number of pitches allowable under the new regulation is based on the pitcher’s age. Specific rest periods are in place when a pitcher reaches a higher threshold of pitches delivered in a day.
The table below gives an overview of the number of pitches that will be allowed per day for each age group during the regular season in 2007.
League Age Pitches allowed per day
17-18 105
13-16 95
11-12 85
10 and under 75
The rest periods required during the 2007 regular season are listed below.
Pitchers league ages 7 through 16 must adhere to the following rest requirements:
• If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
• If a player pitches 41 - 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
• If a player pitches 21 - 40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must beobserved.
• If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no calendar day of rest is required before pitching again.
Regulations for tournament play (all-stars) will be similar, but with some modifications. Those regulations will be released this fall.
Little League also continues to explore other pitching-related issues, such as the use of breaking pitches.
Little League Baseball is changing its decades-old pitching rules, making the actual number of pitches delivered the deciding factor in determining eligibility in the baseball division. Starting in 2007, pitchers in all LL divisions age 7-18 will have specific limits for each game, based on their age. The number of pitches delivered in a game will determine the amount of rest the player must have before pitching again.
Little League is the first national youth baseball organization to institute a pitch count.
The number of pitches allowable under the new regulation is based on the pitcher’s age. Specific rest periods are in place when a pitcher reaches a higher threshold of pitches delivered in a day.
The table below gives an overview of the number of pitches that will be allowed per day for each age group during the regular season in 2007.
League Age Pitches allowed per day
17-18 105
13-16 95
11-12 85
10 and under 75
The rest periods required during the 2007 regular season are listed below.
Pitchers league ages 7 through 16 must adhere to the following rest requirements:
• If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
• If a player pitches 41 - 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
• If a player pitches 21 - 40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must beobserved.
• If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no calendar day of rest is required before pitching again.
Regulations for tournament play (all-stars) will be similar, but with some modifications. Those regulations will be released this fall.
Little League also continues to explore other pitching-related issues, such as the use of breaking pitches.
May 14, 2004, 3:38 pm by Mark Igo
TBALL Baseball beginnings
T-Ball is where the life-long interest with baseball begins. Young players, aged five to six, may be take the field for the first time with their first uniform and team hat. It’s a moment in time in small towns like Hingham and all over the country. And it’s about baseball, a game that has been engrained in millions of Americans, indeed a part of the American fabric.
The T-Ball game is designed to introduce the fundamentals of baseball with a focus on fun, simple experience and teamwork for our young members of the community. It is a great experience for kids and parents and grandparents. Children in a group, can easily merge into the game with the support of parents nearby. Kids want their parents to be involved, and T-Ball is the perfect game for supportive friends and family.
In a T-Ball game with coaches (parents) at every base and in the outfield, players get to experience time in every position. Small rosters give each kid a chance to touch the ball, hit off a T, run the bases, field and throw. There is no pitching since the coach places the ball on a Tee at home plate so everyone hits. This is not the competitive sport which will appear in their lives in a few years so we don't keep score. Every kid should get the thrill of scoring a run or being called safe at a base.
Little League has spent many years developing T-Ball and this part of the program continues to grow every season. As a part of the Hingham community we want our youngest residents and families to feel welcome and hope this will be a wonderful intoduction to a great sport. Have a blast, play with your hearts and souls and enjoy these wonderful years. The rewards will be priceless.
The T-Ball game is designed to introduce the fundamentals of baseball with a focus on fun, simple experience and teamwork for our young members of the community. It is a great experience for kids and parents and grandparents. Children in a group, can easily merge into the game with the support of parents nearby. Kids want their parents to be involved, and T-Ball is the perfect game for supportive friends and family.
In a T-Ball game with coaches (parents) at every base and in the outfield, players get to experience time in every position. Small rosters give each kid a chance to touch the ball, hit off a T, run the bases, field and throw. There is no pitching since the coach places the ball on a Tee at home plate so everyone hits. This is not the competitive sport which will appear in their lives in a few years so we don't keep score. Every kid should get the thrill of scoring a run or being called safe at a base.
Little League has spent many years developing T-Ball and this part of the program continues to grow every season. As a part of the Hingham community we want our youngest residents and families to feel welcome and hope this will be a wonderful intoduction to a great sport. Have a blast, play with your hearts and souls and enjoy these wonderful years. The rewards will be priceless.
Mar 05, 2009, 5:34 pm by Elliot Sherman
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