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Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine - The Backyard Basketball Goal for Baseball Players
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The Hurricane Machine endorsed by Derek Jeter is the ultimate backyard batting machine. It is often called the "Basketball Goal for Baseball Players" because it makes batting practice as easy, convient and entertaining as shooting backyard basketball. The Hurricane Hitting Trainer provides high speed moving ball workouts that develop incredible bat speed, batting skills, and batter confidence. For free drills and tips visit the Hurricane Hitting Machine Training Blog at http://hurricanebaseballtrainingmachine.blogspot.com/ or HurricaneMachine.com for free drills, tips, and coaching articles.
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Welcome to the Hurricane Hitting Machine Blog for Baseball Coaches, Players and Parents. Our daily posts can help you get the most out of your baseball drills and team practices. Our free baseball articles, baseball coaching tips, and baseball drills can help your baseball player or baseball team improve. Our archive has hundreds of articles related to baseball training and baseball practice.
Showing posts with label baseball coaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball coaching. Show all posts
Monday, November 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Baseball Power Hitting Drills - These Power Hitting Drills Are a Must For Any Baseball Player
Baseball Power Hitting Drills - These Power Hitting Drills Are a Must For Any Baseball Player
By guest author: Tyler Barton
If you are a dedicated baseball player like I am with the thirst for power hitting, you know how important a good set of power hitting drills are. The sweet feeling of entering the ball park having your teammates proud and thankful to be on your team, to step up to the plate and have the other team's coach tell the fielders to move way back...it feels great.
However, before I found the right set of power hitting drills to incorporate into my baseball training, I didn't exist in the world of batting, let alone power hitting - I sucked!
It didn't matter what power hitting drills I did..or ate. My family couldn't afford a weight system, batting gloves don't help - just a waste of money, batting tees kinda helped my level swing - useless against non-stationary baseballs, I even tried eating a plate of spaghetti before every game - a mom tip. I would either end up flailing around at the plate like I had spaghetti arms (no pun intended), or I would get a stomach ache.
I was sick of everybody's advice and almost quit - there was a nice summer reading program at the library I could volunteer at for my community service hours for school.
Believe it or not, it was physics class that gave me a new practice drill - we had a question involving baseball distance and batting speed. Obviously, went home and looked for ways to improve my bat speed. WARNING: CLICHE MOMENT. It seemed too good to be true -PowerHittingDrills.com - a site devoted to baseball power hitting drills by university coaches and scientists (don't let this discourage you, it's about baseball, so it's written for baseball players).
Given that it's tested material, and the fact I was fed up with dumb redneck batting tips and willing to try anything, Given that these baseball power hitting drills are tested power hitting drills, and the fact I was fed up with dumb redneck batting tips and willing to try anything, I went for it. Going back to the beginning of this little blurb, this was the best investment ever - better than my ps3.
By just adjusting my grip I lost spaghetti arm and could make solid contact with the ball, so I was excited about learning the real power hitting drills.
Within weeks (or within a few season games for another perspective) I had added several power hitting drills and tips to my arsenal, power hitting baseballs to the fence for triples, and even ground rule doubles. Finally, within a month....same ol' season games - I hit my first home run - 290ft. Within another week or so, I became a power hitting machine. It's quite amazing how many friends remember you when you start winning games for their team.
You can read more about my story at PowerHittingDrills.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tyler_Barton
==============================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…and if you are looking for Youth Training Equipment, Advanced Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, and Pitching & Throwing Trainers, or Portable Mounds, they have those too!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.
By guest author: Tyler Barton
If you are a dedicated baseball player like I am with the thirst for power hitting, you know how important a good set of power hitting drills are. The sweet feeling of entering the ball park having your teammates proud and thankful to be on your team, to step up to the plate and have the other team's coach tell the fielders to move way back...it feels great.
However, before I found the right set of power hitting drills to incorporate into my baseball training, I didn't exist in the world of batting, let alone power hitting - I sucked!
It didn't matter what power hitting drills I did..or ate. My family couldn't afford a weight system, batting gloves don't help - just a waste of money, batting tees kinda helped my level swing - useless against non-stationary baseballs, I even tried eating a plate of spaghetti before every game - a mom tip. I would either end up flailing around at the plate like I had spaghetti arms (no pun intended), or I would get a stomach ache.
I was sick of everybody's advice and almost quit - there was a nice summer reading program at the library I could volunteer at for my community service hours for school.
Believe it or not, it was physics class that gave me a new practice drill - we had a question involving baseball distance and batting speed. Obviously, went home and looked for ways to improve my bat speed. WARNING: CLICHE MOMENT. It seemed too good to be true -PowerHittingDrills.com - a site devoted to baseball power hitting drills by university coaches and scientists (don't let this discourage you, it's about baseball, so it's written for baseball players).
Given that it's tested material, and the fact I was fed up with dumb redneck batting tips and willing to try anything, Given that these baseball power hitting drills are tested power hitting drills, and the fact I was fed up with dumb redneck batting tips and willing to try anything, I went for it. Going back to the beginning of this little blurb, this was the best investment ever - better than my ps3.
By just adjusting my grip I lost spaghetti arm and could make solid contact with the ball, so I was excited about learning the real power hitting drills.
Within weeks (or within a few season games for another perspective) I had added several power hitting drills and tips to my arsenal, power hitting baseballs to the fence for triples, and even ground rule doubles. Finally, within a month....same ol' season games - I hit my first home run - 290ft. Within another week or so, I became a power hitting machine. It's quite amazing how many friends remember you when you start winning games for their team.
You can read more about my story at PowerHittingDrills.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tyler_Barton
==============================
Thanks to our sponsors:

Baseball2u.com and CoachesBest.com is your online super store for baseball batting cages, pitching machines and protective screens and nets. This fully licensed company has a full time staff to help you from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. You may order securely online or by phone, toll free, at 1-877-431-4487.
Check out these categories that are featured at Baseball2u.com.
Jugs Complete Packages
Batting Cages
60' Portable Batting Cage
55' Portable Batting Cage
70' Portable Batting Cage
Extender Batting Cage 30'
Jugs Pitching Machines
Iron Mike Pitching Machines
BATA Pitching Machines
Heater Pitching Machines
Granada Pitching Machines
Phantom Pitching Machines
…and if you are looking for Youth Training Equipment, Advanced Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, and Pitching & Throwing Trainers, or Portable Mounds, they have those too!
Plus, they have one the internet's largest selections of Baseball Training and Coaching DVDs and Books. Make sure to chweck our their CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT for rock bottom prices on top quality equipment.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
My 14 Best Baseball Tryout Tips
My 14 Best Baseball Tryout Tips
By guest author: Thomas E Wilson
So you have spent many hours training and participating in baseball workouts week after week, and your league's try outs are here. This is an exciting and nerve-racking time. Always be pleased with what all you have done thus far and have a day of relaxation before tryout day. Be confident in yourself and also your skills and most of all, have fun! Here are some helpful tips to help make try out day go smoothly, as well as give you the best odds of making the team.
1. Dress like a baseball player. Decide to wear baseball pants, spikes, and also a hat. Do not ever wear your cap backwards!
2. Be there on time! Make an attempt to be the first person to arrive and also the last one to leave. Coaches will appreciate that you are really serious about improving if they notice you doing exercises and stretching prior to and after the try outs instead of chattering with other players.
3. Introduce yourself to the coach if you do not know him. This action will demonstrate that you are a mature young man and have good self-confidence.
4. Don't forget that try outs aren't a social occasion. Stretch by yourself and take it very seriously. You are there to compete and take another person's spot on the team.
5. Getting loose is not the moment to display your arm strength. Make absolutely sure your arm is totally warmed up so when the coach is in fact wanting to check out your good arm strength, it is not tired from you overexerting it during warm-ups.
6. Hustle! For no reason should you walk during try outs or while on the baseball diamond. When your coach tells everyone to "bring it in" there is no need to race, however a fast jog will do perfectly.
7. Look confident and happy, even in cases where you are not. Hop up in the air one or two times to decrease stress, and seem glad to be there.
8. While waiting around for your turn to bat, focus on the velocity, arm slot, and movements of the pitcher.
9. While entering the batter's box, be confident and act just a bit cocky through your body gestures. Coaches will like the confidence and competitive mindset, just do not go too far or it might backfire.
10. While hitting concentrate on hitting the ball hard up the middle, not hitting home runs.
11. Be ready to learn. If you are pitching and the coach asks you to throw a change-up but you do not know how, politely express to him that you don't know how, however if he would teach you, that you would be more than happy to attempt to throw a few for him.
12. Act like it is the real thing. Pretend that you are in a game. Back up every single play where it is your responsibility. Coaches will take note and will like it.
13. Keep your head up and stay confident. If you swing and miss on three pitches in a row, keep your head up and dig down deep for the confidence you need to hit the next one.
14. Have some fun and relax!
I hope these suggestions help! If you make the team, great! Continue to keep working hard and striving to improve. If you get cut, do not get down on yourself. Some coaches tend to be biased and you might not be on their "list." Sometimes, you might be an excellent player, but simply not what the team requires at the moment. You can not build a baseball team with all pitchers for example. Work harder than everybody else on the team or not, and you will succeed. Ask the coach if you can practice along with the team, as well as train by yourself every day, 365 days per year. Try to remember, baseball is all about having a good time, so work hard, but have fun too.
Are you interested in improving your game and being the best baseball player you can be? If so, check out www.BestBaseballWorkouts.com to find more helpful information as well as baseball workouts and training programs for sale that will take your game to the next level!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_E_Wilson
========================
Thanks to our sponsors:
The 4 Best Batting Tees in Baseball:
Advanced Skills Tee
Stay Back Tee
Hands Back Hitter
5 Position Batting Tee
By guest author: Thomas E Wilson
So you have spent many hours training and participating in baseball workouts week after week, and your league's try outs are here. This is an exciting and nerve-racking time. Always be pleased with what all you have done thus far and have a day of relaxation before tryout day. Be confident in yourself and also your skills and most of all, have fun! Here are some helpful tips to help make try out day go smoothly, as well as give you the best odds of making the team.
1. Dress like a baseball player. Decide to wear baseball pants, spikes, and also a hat. Do not ever wear your cap backwards!
2. Be there on time! Make an attempt to be the first person to arrive and also the last one to leave. Coaches will appreciate that you are really serious about improving if they notice you doing exercises and stretching prior to and after the try outs instead of chattering with other players.
3. Introduce yourself to the coach if you do not know him. This action will demonstrate that you are a mature young man and have good self-confidence.
4. Don't forget that try outs aren't a social occasion. Stretch by yourself and take it very seriously. You are there to compete and take another person's spot on the team.
5. Getting loose is not the moment to display your arm strength. Make absolutely sure your arm is totally warmed up so when the coach is in fact wanting to check out your good arm strength, it is not tired from you overexerting it during warm-ups.
6. Hustle! For no reason should you walk during try outs or while on the baseball diamond. When your coach tells everyone to "bring it in" there is no need to race, however a fast jog will do perfectly.
7. Look confident and happy, even in cases where you are not. Hop up in the air one or two times to decrease stress, and seem glad to be there.
8. While waiting around for your turn to bat, focus on the velocity, arm slot, and movements of the pitcher.
9. While entering the batter's box, be confident and act just a bit cocky through your body gestures. Coaches will like the confidence and competitive mindset, just do not go too far or it might backfire.
10. While hitting concentrate on hitting the ball hard up the middle, not hitting home runs.
11. Be ready to learn. If you are pitching and the coach asks you to throw a change-up but you do not know how, politely express to him that you don't know how, however if he would teach you, that you would be more than happy to attempt to throw a few for him.
12. Act like it is the real thing. Pretend that you are in a game. Back up every single play where it is your responsibility. Coaches will take note and will like it.
13. Keep your head up and stay confident. If you swing and miss on three pitches in a row, keep your head up and dig down deep for the confidence you need to hit the next one.
14. Have some fun and relax!
I hope these suggestions help! If you make the team, great! Continue to keep working hard and striving to improve. If you get cut, do not get down on yourself. Some coaches tend to be biased and you might not be on their "list." Sometimes, you might be an excellent player, but simply not what the team requires at the moment. You can not build a baseball team with all pitchers for example. Work harder than everybody else on the team or not, and you will succeed. Ask the coach if you can practice along with the team, as well as train by yourself every day, 365 days per year. Try to remember, baseball is all about having a good time, so work hard, but have fun too.
Are you interested in improving your game and being the best baseball player you can be? If so, check out www.BestBaseballWorkouts.com to find more helpful information as well as baseball workouts and training programs for sale that will take your game to the next level!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_E_Wilson
========================
Thanks to our sponsors:
The 4 Best Batting Tees in Baseball:
Advanced Skills Tee
Stay Back Tee
Hands Back Hitter
5 Position Batting Tee
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Baseball Coaching Digest - The 4 Keys to Hitting Success and Helping Your Team Win
Baseball Coaching Digest - The 4 Keys to Hitting Success and Helping Your Team Win
By guest author: Nick Dixon
Being a successful batter in today's game of baseball requires four things; strength, skill, confidence, and a proper approach. To improve your game, you must improve your level of proficiency in one of these three areas. This article explains each of these prerequisites and how each is a key to baseball hitting success.
Strength - Strength in hitting can be described by two words, "BAT SPEED". If you want to be a more powerful and more dominating batter, you have got to improve your strength to increase the speed of your bat. The harder that you hit the baseball, the more success you will have at the plate. Improving strength can come from workouts and growing mass. You need to do your research and fine specific workouts drills that will improve the strength of your arms, uppers body and lower body.
Skill - Hand and eye coordination is not something that a player is born with. Practice repetition of hitting a baseball is the absolute best way to improve hand and eye coordination. The earlier a child begins swinging the bat, the better. Many people believe in hitting small balls and using smaller diameter baseball bats. Regardless of your philosophy and beliefs, the key is to practice regularly and to make sure that your techniques practiced are fundamentally sound and proper.
Confidence - It is hard to complete when you feel like you are incapable of competing. Players must have confidence in their skill, ability and knowledge of the game. They must be ready to play and ready to accept the challenges that the game offers. Practice repetition, game-like practice conditions, and pressure during practice, all serve to increase confidence levels. The player must experience success in practice and be praised for it, if he is going to have a high level of confidence. My personal belief is that practice should be so disciplined, so challenging, and so organized with game like stress situations, that when the players gets in the game, the stress level is reduced or less than it was during the practice drill.
Proper Approach - Having an approach is basically having a plan when you step into the batter's box. The players knows the number of outs, the base runner locations, the time of the game, the tendencies of the opposing pitcher, and the capabilities of one's own self. The player will put that plan into action when he steps into the batter's box. He will do whatever his team needs at that moment to improve their chances of winning the game. He will not put himself before his team. He may bunt, hit and run, be patience and try to draw a walk, try to draw at a base on as a hit batter, move deeper in the box to aid a runner, or whatever else needs to be done to help his team. The best way to learn to have an approach is to improve one's knowledge of every situation that arises in a game. Knowledge of the game and how it flows is a must for having a great approach. A great approach really requires the first three things discussed in this article, strength, skill and confidence.
I hope that this article was useful to you. Thanks for reading it. Have a great day, Nick.
The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog for daily post providing baseball coaches with free baseball coaching drills, tips and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball.
Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
=======================
Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
By guest author: Nick Dixon
Being a successful batter in today's game of baseball requires four things; strength, skill, confidence, and a proper approach. To improve your game, you must improve your level of proficiency in one of these three areas. This article explains each of these prerequisites and how each is a key to baseball hitting success.
Strength - Strength in hitting can be described by two words, "BAT SPEED". If you want to be a more powerful and more dominating batter, you have got to improve your strength to increase the speed of your bat. The harder that you hit the baseball, the more success you will have at the plate. Improving strength can come from workouts and growing mass. You need to do your research and fine specific workouts drills that will improve the strength of your arms, uppers body and lower body.
Skill - Hand and eye coordination is not something that a player is born with. Practice repetition of hitting a baseball is the absolute best way to improve hand and eye coordination. The earlier a child begins swinging the bat, the better. Many people believe in hitting small balls and using smaller diameter baseball bats. Regardless of your philosophy and beliefs, the key is to practice regularly and to make sure that your techniques practiced are fundamentally sound and proper.
Confidence - It is hard to complete when you feel like you are incapable of competing. Players must have confidence in their skill, ability and knowledge of the game. They must be ready to play and ready to accept the challenges that the game offers. Practice repetition, game-like practice conditions, and pressure during practice, all serve to increase confidence levels. The player must experience success in practice and be praised for it, if he is going to have a high level of confidence. My personal belief is that practice should be so disciplined, so challenging, and so organized with game like stress situations, that when the players gets in the game, the stress level is reduced or less than it was during the practice drill.
Proper Approach - Having an approach is basically having a plan when you step into the batter's box. The players knows the number of outs, the base runner locations, the time of the game, the tendencies of the opposing pitcher, and the capabilities of one's own self. The player will put that plan into action when he steps into the batter's box. He will do whatever his team needs at that moment to improve their chances of winning the game. He will not put himself before his team. He may bunt, hit and run, be patience and try to draw a walk, try to draw at a base on as a hit batter, move deeper in the box to aid a runner, or whatever else needs to be done to help his team. The best way to learn to have an approach is to improve one's knowledge of every situation that arises in a game. Knowledge of the game and how it flows is a must for having a great approach. A great approach really requires the first three things discussed in this article, strength, skill and confidence.
I hope that this article was useful to you. Thanks for reading it. Have a great day, Nick.
The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog for daily post providing baseball coaches with free baseball coaching drills, tips and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball.
Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
=======================
Thanks to our sponsors:

SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Overload / Underload Training: How It Works & Why Ball Players Should Use This Training Method
Overload / Underload Training: How It Works & Why Ball Players Should Use This Training Method
By guest author: Steve Zawrotny
There are some, particularly online, who continue to spread incorrect and misleading information about weighted ball training. Our discussion here will deal with Overload/Underload (OU) training in general, and its application to baseball and softball in particular.
1. OU Training Defined
2. A Brief History of OU Research and Training
3. Other Sports That Use OU Training
4. The Benefits of OU Training
5. Other Baseball Experts Who Are Proponents of OU Training
OU TRAINING DEFINED
Using weight-modified implements that are otherwise identical
to those used during competition
The weights of these modified tools weigh both more and less than the standard competitive weight.
Such tools allow athletes to train more precisely for their sport. Sport-specific strength and power are developed by movements with resistance or assistance that imitate the joint action of the skill - SPECIFIC RESISTANCE TRAINING. What makes this type of training so effective is that the weights of the modified tools used are heavy enough to produce a conditioning effect, yet light enough to not adversely affect the athlete's mechanical skills.
Generally, OU Training is employed to increase an athlete's POWER. Power is defined as the rate at which one can perform work, or the ability to exert muscle force quickly. This ability is related to, but distinct from strength, which is defined as the ability to exert muscle force.
As an example, strength is demonstrated as the ability to pick up a 30 oz. bat. Power is demonstrated by the ability to drive a baseball 400+ feet while swinging that 30 oz. bat.
As long as the tools used are not too heavy, mechanics are not affected, making OU Training what I call "skill-neutral." According to published data (see below) the ideal weight range for conditioning and performance enhancement is up to 20% +/- the weight of the competitive implement. I do NOT recommend using baseballs weighing more than 6 oz., or softballs heavier than 8 oz. There is some data that indicates using much heavier balls can negatively affect throwing mechanics, possibly leading to arm problems. Extra motor-units are recruited while throwing these heavy balls that are then not used when the regular competitive ball is used. As relates to our discussion here, the modified implements ball players can use are weighted baseballs and softballs, and various weights of baseball/softball bats, and/or devices attached to these bats.
Conversely, this type of training would not be useful for training other athletic skill areas, for example, shooting or throwing accuracy. OU training could help a golfer drive their tee shots further, but it wouldn't help eliminate their slice if they have one, or otherwise help them to hit straighter drives. OU training could help a young basketball player who is having trouble hoisting a basketball high enough to make a shot in a 10 foot hoop, but the shot still has to be accurate enough to go in. Accuracy training needed for a specific skill would therefore be performed apart from power work.
If I was working with a pitcher who had control problems, I would not break out the weighted baseballs and expect training of this type to help him throw strikes. I would look at his mechanics and make any needed adjustments, and possibly suggest some drill work to help reinforce the new concepts being taught. Such a player might also be working with weighted baseballs/softballs as part of their overall training regimen, but this would occur at a different time, and for the purposes of developing more power and speed behind his/her throws as well as conditioning the throwing structures of the arm.
A potential side-benefit of OU training is that a player could improve their accuracy by virtue of the increased number of reps or throws they are performing. This would be an artifact of the main goal of improving power, however, and not the main purpose of OU training.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF OU RESEARCH AND TRAINING
The first research involving OU training was performed in the 1970s by the Soviet Union and East-European track and field teams. A great deal of this research has been published in prestigious, peer-reviewed journals around the world. Shot-putters, javelin, discus and hammer throwers, and sprinters were the early adopters of this training method.
Research with baseball players dates back to the 1960s. This is just a sampling of studies involving OU Training and baseball. There are dozens more relating to OU Training generally: Read more.
===================
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www.BatAction.com

---BatAction Machine at CoachesBest.com
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---If you are looking for BatAction Replacement Balls or Power Bands Click Here
By guest author: Steve Zawrotny
There are some, particularly online, who continue to spread incorrect and misleading information about weighted ball training. Our discussion here will deal with Overload/Underload (OU) training in general, and its application to baseball and softball in particular.
1. OU Training Defined
2. A Brief History of OU Research and Training
3. Other Sports That Use OU Training
4. The Benefits of OU Training
5. Other Baseball Experts Who Are Proponents of OU Training
OU TRAINING DEFINED
Using weight-modified implements that are otherwise identical
to those used during competition
The weights of these modified tools weigh both more and less than the standard competitive weight.
Such tools allow athletes to train more precisely for their sport. Sport-specific strength and power are developed by movements with resistance or assistance that imitate the joint action of the skill - SPECIFIC RESISTANCE TRAINING. What makes this type of training so effective is that the weights of the modified tools used are heavy enough to produce a conditioning effect, yet light enough to not adversely affect the athlete's mechanical skills.
Generally, OU Training is employed to increase an athlete's POWER. Power is defined as the rate at which one can perform work, or the ability to exert muscle force quickly. This ability is related to, but distinct from strength, which is defined as the ability to exert muscle force.
As an example, strength is demonstrated as the ability to pick up a 30 oz. bat. Power is demonstrated by the ability to drive a baseball 400+ feet while swinging that 30 oz. bat.
As long as the tools used are not too heavy, mechanics are not affected, making OU Training what I call "skill-neutral." According to published data (see below) the ideal weight range for conditioning and performance enhancement is up to 20% +/- the weight of the competitive implement. I do NOT recommend using baseballs weighing more than 6 oz., or softballs heavier than 8 oz. There is some data that indicates using much heavier balls can negatively affect throwing mechanics, possibly leading to arm problems. Extra motor-units are recruited while throwing these heavy balls that are then not used when the regular competitive ball is used. As relates to our discussion here, the modified implements ball players can use are weighted baseballs and softballs, and various weights of baseball/softball bats, and/or devices attached to these bats.
Conversely, this type of training would not be useful for training other athletic skill areas, for example, shooting or throwing accuracy. OU training could help a golfer drive their tee shots further, but it wouldn't help eliminate their slice if they have one, or otherwise help them to hit straighter drives. OU training could help a young basketball player who is having trouble hoisting a basketball high enough to make a shot in a 10 foot hoop, but the shot still has to be accurate enough to go in. Accuracy training needed for a specific skill would therefore be performed apart from power work.
If I was working with a pitcher who had control problems, I would not break out the weighted baseballs and expect training of this type to help him throw strikes. I would look at his mechanics and make any needed adjustments, and possibly suggest some drill work to help reinforce the new concepts being taught. Such a player might also be working with weighted baseballs/softballs as part of their overall training regimen, but this would occur at a different time, and for the purposes of developing more power and speed behind his/her throws as well as conditioning the throwing structures of the arm.
A potential side-benefit of OU training is that a player could improve their accuracy by virtue of the increased number of reps or throws they are performing. This would be an artifact of the main goal of improving power, however, and not the main purpose of OU training.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF OU RESEARCH AND TRAINING
The first research involving OU training was performed in the 1970s by the Soviet Union and East-European track and field teams. A great deal of this research has been published in prestigious, peer-reviewed journals around the world. Shot-putters, javelin, discus and hammer throwers, and sprinters were the early adopters of this training method.
Research with baseball players dates back to the 1960s. This is just a sampling of studies involving OU Training and baseball. There are dozens more relating to OU Training generally: Read more.
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Saturday, October 30, 2010
Baseball Hitting Tips - Handling Bad Calls

Baseball Hitting Tips - Handling Bad Calls
By Jeffery A Wise
Baseball is an emotional sport. If you're a player, it's easy to get upset at a bad call or a strike out. You may feel cheated. So what is the best way to handle such a situation?
Of course, there are several options. You've probably seen lots of negative behavior, including players yelling, throwing their helmet and giving the umpire nasty looks. In my opinion, you shouldn't do or say anything negative to the umpires, even if it is an obvious bad call. Showing your frustration won't help the situation and it may cause them to treat you unfairly at your next bat.
Instead, the best response to have is to accept the call and jog back to the dugout if you've been struck out. Quickly vent your frustrations to the coach or other players but don't let it go any farther.
A response like this is not only a display of good sportsmanship. It also benefits your game. If you can't stay mentally focused it will affect the rest of your game. You are a needed player and you can't let one bad call cause you to lose your mental focus. Use any pent up aggression on the field to make a great play and help your team win.
Stay in the game and stay focused. Let your coaches handle any arguing over a bad call. That's their job anyway and they will have your back if they think it's necessary.
Don't let the umpire get the best of you. Just do your best and work hard to help your team win.
Jeffery A Wise invites you to learn the proven system of baseball hitting tips so that you can learn how to hit a baseball better. Start learning today at our batting tips blog and by reading our information and watching our videos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffery_A_Wise
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Baseball Coaching Vs Having Talent - What's More Important?

Coaching Vs Having Talent - What's More Important?
By Stephen K Reynolds
My son and I just came off a tournament this past weekend where by we were beaten pretty soundly in all 3 games that we played. Sean is on a 12u travel team and he is the youngest at 10, 11 in April.
We probably have 6 travel level players and the rest are not! The manager and I were discussing the level of play on the way home and the topic came up as to whether we could make some of boys play better?
Coaches in competitive travel ball always are looking for better players and it is easy to assume that they are willing to take credit for the level of play of their team... Question is how much is coaching versus the quality of the ball players?
The big question is can you get kids with marginal ability to play like All-Stars? A lot of are kids can't hit and probably wont hit travel pitching no matter how much time you put in the cages, or throwing to them not to mention instruction. Players who struggling with the mental game and are marginal fielders probably are always going to be limited in their abilities.
It is frustrating because you want them to succeed and you feel responsible when they don't! I would say You want kids with above average ability and then you need to get them to play to the best of their ability. We don't like to hear it as coaches but quality players make us look good period!
Stephen K Reynolds and his wife LuAnne are publishers of the LSR Unlimited "Free" newsletter which focuses on helping newcomers & seasoned pros learn the secrets to marketing in the ever changing world of the internet! He is also a youth baseball coach in Western Montana Working on the Internet allows him the freedom to coach little league baseball. For more information on this e-mail coachsteve56@gmail.com
(800)758-1282
http://www.mindsetiswealth.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_K_Reynolds
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Friday, May 7, 2010
Baseball Strategies - Which Ones Should You Follow

Baseball Strategies - Which Ones Should You Follow
By Jack D. Elliott
One of the most intriguing areas of baseball is the use of different baseball strategies. People seem to know intuitively that using the right baseball strategies can help your team win and make good teams great. But the problem is trying to figure out what strategies to follow and when to use them. Nothing can get so heated and controversial as a discussion about what is the best strategy to use in a given situation among so called"baseball experts". For this reason, we have put together a list of tips to help you sort through the various strategies and find the ones that will benefit your team the most.
1. Experience of the advice giver. This is important in determining how much credibility you should give to the proposed strategy. Has he been able to test out this strategy or is this more of mental exercise for him? If he isn't willing to test his strategy, I would be inclined to pass on it without further support.
2. Key on quantitative results when you can. When you hear a certain baseball strategy proposed, are numbers used to back it up? Also, do these numbers really key in on what is important? If the coach is pushing a strategy and does not have numbers to back it up, you have to wonder how solid a strategy it is. Also, it is important to make sure the numbers used are actually relevant. For instance, if he is using batting average to determine whether a batter should swing away on a 3 and 0 pitch, is this really the best number to use? Wouldn't slugging percentage be a better number to use because a single is essentially the equivalent of a walk?
3. Don't be afraid to challenge long standing assumptions. Many things in baseball are the way they are because of custom and tradition. This does not mean they are the best way of doing things. Be willing to challenge certain assumptions. If you can not find legitimate reasons why one should not do something, odds are there are not any.
4. Be willing to be a trailblazer. Don't be afraid to try out different strategies, especially if they challenge existing assumptions. Just because no one else has thought of it does not mean that it won't work. Instead, I recommend you test these strategies in situations where the stakes are low. For instance, why not test these strategies in summer league games, pre-season games and regular season games where their impact will be minimal. The idea here is to find strategies that will be successful in the playoffs or helping your team reach the playoffs. By testing your strategies, you get to see first hand how successful or unsuccessful they really are. This is great to know when wondering whether to use one when deep in the playoffs.
5. Strategies can have success rates at different baseball levels. If you are a youth or high school baseball coach, it is easy to become in awe of the major leagues and the baseball strategies their coaches espouse. However, just because a strategy works well at that level does not mean it will work well at yours. Also, there are plenty of strategies that will work far better at the youth and high school level that would not work well in the major leagues. For this reason, keep this in mind when looking at certain strategies. The real question is will this strategy work for my team based on our league? How you answer this will dictate whether you should move forward in testing it.
Stop wasting time and energy trying to learn new Baseball Strategies. Instead, try visiting http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com to get some solid baseball strategies to test out for your team.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_D._Elliott

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Monday, April 19, 2010
Baseball Coaching Digest - What Are the 3 R's of Baseball Success?
Baseball Coaching Digest - What Are the 3 R's of Baseball Success?
By Nick Dixon
There are three R's by which every baseball coach should be judged. The main three indicators of baseball success are RESULTS, REPUTATION and RESPECT. This article discusses each and how important each is.
The three R's by which every baseball coach should be judged are:
RESULTS - The number one criteria by which a coach's proformance should be judged is results. Has the coach produced tangible results? Has the baseball team or program improved since the coach came on board? Positive results are an indication of a coach's effectiveness. Positive results includes increasing number of wins, winning at a level never before achieved, signs of improving player and team performance, and an overall increase in player and team pride.
Athletic directors and league officials look for coaches that they feel can take their baseball teams to a higher level of performance and competition. They want to see improvement. They want to see results.
REPUTATION - Every coach always earns a reputation. Reputation is one's overall personal and professional character and quality as judged by the people of the community. The only way to earn a good reputation is to work hard enough to earn it. The only way to maintain a good reputation is to continue working hard. A coach's behavior on and off the field plays a huge role in building a good reputation.
RESPECT - Respect is not given, it is earned. In coaching, you earn respect one day, one game, and one player at a time. To be successful in coaching, you must have respect. You must first earn the respect of your players. They must see you as a good leader and teacher with knowledge, drive, and skill. You must earn the respect of your parents. They must feel that you are qualified, dedicated and committed to your job. You must earn the respect of your administration. Your superiors must see enough positive results from your efforts to respect you as a coach and teacher. You must earn the respect of the community. Your fans will begin to respect you when they see a good product put on the field year after year. They want a team that will make them proud. They want a team that always competes. You must earn the respect of your peers. What other coaches think about you is a true indicator of what you have achieved and accomplished. There is no better measure of a coach's performance than having the total respect of opposing coaches.
I hope that you found this article to be informative and useful. Thanks for taking the time to read it. Have a great day, Nick.
The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the Hurricane Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
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By Nick Dixon
There are three R's by which every baseball coach should be judged. The main three indicators of baseball success are RESULTS, REPUTATION and RESPECT. This article discusses each and how important each is.
The three R's by which every baseball coach should be judged are:
RESULTS - The number one criteria by which a coach's proformance should be judged is results. Has the coach produced tangible results? Has the baseball team or program improved since the coach came on board? Positive results are an indication of a coach's effectiveness. Positive results includes increasing number of wins, winning at a level never before achieved, signs of improving player and team performance, and an overall increase in player and team pride.
Athletic directors and league officials look for coaches that they feel can take their baseball teams to a higher level of performance and competition. They want to see improvement. They want to see results.
REPUTATION - Every coach always earns a reputation. Reputation is one's overall personal and professional character and quality as judged by the people of the community. The only way to earn a good reputation is to work hard enough to earn it. The only way to maintain a good reputation is to continue working hard. A coach's behavior on and off the field plays a huge role in building a good reputation.
RESPECT - Respect is not given, it is earned. In coaching, you earn respect one day, one game, and one player at a time. To be successful in coaching, you must have respect. You must first earn the respect of your players. They must see you as a good leader and teacher with knowledge, drive, and skill. You must earn the respect of your parents. They must feel that you are qualified, dedicated and committed to your job. You must earn the respect of your administration. Your superiors must see enough positive results from your efforts to respect you as a coach and teacher. You must earn the respect of the community. Your fans will begin to respect you when they see a good product put on the field year after year. They want a team that will make them proud. They want a team that always competes. You must earn the respect of your peers. What other coaches think about you is a true indicator of what you have achieved and accomplished. There is no better measure of a coach's performance than having the total respect of opposing coaches.
I hope that you found this article to be informative and useful. Thanks for taking the time to read it. Have a great day, Nick.
The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the Hurricane Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
The CoachesBest Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon
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The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!
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Friday, March 19, 2010
Tips to Practice Good Baseball Pitching and Avoiding Injuries

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Tips to Practice Good Baseball Pitching and Avoiding Injuries
By Connor R Sullivan
Baseball is one game played by every other child as soon as he steps into school. Even better enthusiasm is seen in high school children. However, it is a dire need that one should have a good knowledge about proper baseball training aids and pitching techniques. Many people encounter serious pitching injuries because of limited knowledge about it. Pitching machines are hence a wise idea to select to avoid them.
Because pitching requires a great deal of wear and tear, it is better if you ensure that your body is in a proper shape before you even think about pitching. Arm injuries are one of the commonest of injuries faced by the players. It is also important that you should only start throwing pitches when you reach the maturing age. Bodies that are in their growing phase tend to easily get caught up by wear and tear. There are standard numbers of pitches thrown per day according to your age group and ability. Overuse will cause stress to build up in your tendons and ligaments and may even lead to ruptures in serious conditions.
Next area is of the legs. You should have strong and active legs if you have to start pitching. Training mechanics are usually seen to work out your legs at the primary stage. A tired leg will increase the stress on your arm as you will now happen to drag it once you get tired. This may lead to many leg injuries. Wear comfortable, running shoes to facilitate you while running fast.
Another trivial point is the warm up exercise. Players tend to be a victim of a lot of wear and tear if they fail to warm their body up before starting the game. A relaxed body is more likely to experience injuries. A small warm up exercise for about 5-8 minutes will minimize this problem.
Throw harder! Often baseball trainers deny this as this would cause an added strain on your arm, but this is how you will get used to it. Throwing harder is the only way how you will learn to be perfect at this game. However, you must not throw harder the very first time when you start. Begin with throwing with a little strain and gradually learn to throw harder and harder.
You should learn to stay healthy and eat a well balanced diet. Eat well but do not eat too much. Drink a large amount of water at least six to eight glasses per day to avoid dehydration of your body but do not drink too much water just before the game. Consult your coach or training mechanic to learn more about batting tees, handheld trainers, hitting machines, and soft toss machines. Health is the basic requirement for every game, so make sure you stay healthy and take full assistance from your coach. Discuss about your lacking areas and he will help you for sure. Work on these little areas and who knows, you might become the star player of tomorrow. Good luck!
Connor R. Sullivan owns and operates a top ranking web site to help people find pitching machines to improve their baseball skills. He offers a variety of baseball training aids for youth baseball coaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connor_R_Sullivan

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Thursday, February 11, 2010
Baseball Tips - 20 Minutes And Out

By Chico Reese
These baseball tips can maybe help you think of ways to keep your baseball training and drills productive in the off-season.
This is especially important for catchers who may have just put in a very long summer season behind the plate. Catchers have a greater number of skills that they need to practice compared to other players on the team. This can be a problem if there is a long layoff between the end of the summer season and the beginning of the High School season. The catchers now have to do a lot of training in a short time to get sharp on the throwing, blocking and footwork skills that catching requires.
It's never too early to start the catching training and drills. The trick is trying to keep a young mind and body motivated for most of the year if this is their only sport. The summer season for our team was long last year. It went right into fall ball. Some of the guys also started a conditioning program. There was not a lot of spare time left for our catchers to practice what they needed to and when I did start with them, there was a quick sense of general fatigue and I could tell the guys were "just not into it". I couldn't blame them.
I initially started getting some of the catchers' time after their conditioning, batting, tee work, etc. Bad news. I next tried to find some time for just catching drills and training...no bats. But with their busy schedule, an hour here and there still was too much. I'd hear stuff like, "You said it would only take a little bit last time and we were still there almost an hour." This in itself was the problem.
Here is the baseball tip for this article…I call this little idea, or training method, "20 Minutes And Out." I used it for catchers but obviously you can adapt the idea to anyone. The whole thing is strictly psychological, and it worked great! All I did was set a time limit…I just picked 20 minutes because I knew that I could get a ton of footwork reps done in 20 minutes. I'd only work one catcher on any given day or night and work only one type of drill in that training session, whether it was some type of footwork, blocking receiving or throwing.
I'd tell them something like, "Look, meet me at the training center and we'll do footwork only, and only for 20 minutes. Guaranteed. Twenty minutes and we're out of there. The thing is, you gotta work hard, be focused, no messing around and we'll get some good work in and leave."
Well at first, some of the catchers didn't believe me. But I did this, stuck to it and the results were great.
Sometimes they didn't even realize how fast 20 minutes would go. They'd be ready to do some more and I'd say, "Five more good ones, and we're done." And sure enough, we'd leave…no matter what. That's the key. Promise 20 minutes and get out. If they think they want to stay longer, don't. Tell them you have things to do.
Here's what I see happened and why I think it worked so well.
The time limit guaranteed an ending, always. That's big to teenagers.
As soon as the catcher saw me sticking to the 20 minute rule, he believed that he would truly be done soon and not only didn't mind going and doing the drills, he actually looked forward to it…all because he knew that it wouldn't drag out.
Since the time limit was relatively small, a catcher would really work hard in those 20 minutes and because of the "believable" guarantee he really didn't mind.
The end results were great because of the focusing on one drill each session. It was always a pretty good, intense workout and yet it wouldn't kill them. One catcher in particular improved his footwork tremendously because that's what we'd do each time. Tons and tons of reps for 20 minutes a shot. He really worked hard and got into it. Consequently, his throwing improved a great deal also.
Think about these baseball tips, try something like this and see what happens. This will make the short workout more enjoyable and at the same time you'll get a lot done. And it's all because of the "20 Minutes and Out", really. It's all psychological. Stick to the 20 minutes, no matter what. You'll be amazed how your players respond and what they can get done. You'll appreciate the short workouts too!
Chico Reese has been closely involved in youth baseball, softball and High School Baseball over the last twelve years and enjoys working with young catchers.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chico_Reese
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mental Baseball Instruction - Becoming a Mentally Tough Baseball Player

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By Nate Barnett
The assumption here is that you have either found the title of this article amusing to some extent, or you are looking for information on how to become more mentally tough as an athlete. Maybe both, which would be a bonus for you. Now, a little group participation... I want you to stop reading for a minute after you read the following question. Don't read past until you have an answer.
The Question: What did you do differently this season (compared to last) to prepare yourself for a successful experience in baseball?
If your answer is nothing, many athletes have since passed you and have consequently helped improve their chances of getting to the next level, whatever that may be for them. However, if you have added something else to your game, then the opposite is true.
In order to become a mentally strong athlete, players must develop two types of skills.
A. Physical skills: those that help you throw, run, pitch, hit, and field more effectively.
B. Mental skills: those that help you in dealing with failure, build confidence, get you in "the zone", keep you out of slumps, etc.
The problem is that there is consistently more importance placed on physical development over mental. There are a few reasons physical skills are taught far more than mental skills.
1. Physical skills are more easily taught through the ease of information access in videos, books, and private baseball instruction.
2. The fixation on massive home runs and big power numbers fuel athletes' desire to improve and learn the skill of hitting a baseball 400ft like the guys in the Bigs.
3. The results can often be noticed by everyone right away. Therefore, there is more of an immediate feeling of improvement with physical skill work through baseball drills, etc.
The mental side of baseball is taught far less for a multitude of reasons. Some include:
1. There are simply fewer resources available on the topic of sports psychology and mental training.
2. Many sports psychology and mental training information is written in a complex fashion making it difficult for a reader to comprehend the information.
3. Practice time is limited for many teams. Therefore, fewer coaches can afford to carve out the time to work on the mental game (assuming they know how to teach it).
So how do you begin to work on the mental game? You're doing it now. Read, listen, and search for pieces of information on the topic. Post-game interviews from professional athletes are a good source. Countless players like Derek Jeter and Cal Ripken have devoted time to writing some of their thoughts on the subject. Buy their books or find them at a library.
Why should you develop you mental baseball skills? The answer to this question is lengthy and is a topic for another article at another time. But the simple answer is that you will be noticed by more college and professional scouts because they look for indicators of a strong mental game. And secondly, it will help to cut out slumps that linger and take away from consistent performance.
Nate Barnett is owner of BMI Baseball designed to improve the mental game of baseball in athletes. Learn how to help your game by improving your baseball psychology.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett
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Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.
The Categories they have are: Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I'm Positive You Will Want To Read This!
When you use positive mindset as a team concept you can find positive items almost any play or at bat, even if it appears to be non productive. The coach should shoulder most of the burden of displaying a building, positive mindset.
By Chip Lemin
If you've ever played baseball before, you know what it is like to be caught off guard and make a mistake. You probably know what it is like to not want the ball hit to you, or have to bat next, because of un-confident negative feelings. This type of thinking usually leads to poor results.
Why? because in our minds we have already visualized not doing well. That is the power of negative thinking or negative self talk.
Well guess what! we can use this same process, only let's visualize positive results. This is a team function also. From the manager, the Parents, and fellow players, positive thoughts will help produce positive results.
I'm not stating that every player will hit 500 on your team, or pitch no-hitters, just because they used positive thinking. I will guarantee that you will have more fun, fewer bad attitudes, and more production in all parts of the game when your team has a positive building mindset.
www.BatAction.com
This positive mindset, being a builder, has to start with your manager and coaching staff. In your team letter, state this season we are going to be a positive mindset team. This will set the tone to help keep everyone positive. Even if this season has already started, call a team meeting to announce this new attitude.
The coaches should shoulder most of the burden of displaying a building, positive mindset. This mind-set also means, no yelling or showing up players for mistakes made in practice or games.
• We talk of progress first, of what was done right first, then bring up mistakes. Coaches must keep to yelling out only positive instruction. Wait until after the inning is over to discuss mistakes. The game is not that important to show up players and upset family by public displays.
• Your team takes fun and mental makeup of its coaching staff to a large degree. IF your coaching staff is easily rattled and emotional, your team probably will be to.
• With the positive mindset, your team will be more relaxed. Your team will be more willing to visualize making the next good play. All you should demand from them is 100 percent effort.
• A positive mindset, will allow coaches to remain calmer during a tough parts of the game. It will help to keep you from lashing out or tearing down your players in frustration.
• Your parents will appreciate a calm confident composure even when things aren't going well. Once you have witnessed the power of positive mindset for yourself, you will become a believer.
• No player deserves to be put down, or criticized out loud. There's plenty of time to discuss mistakes after the game. That is why carrying a clipboard for notes is so important.
• Also put good things you see on the clipboard too. Make sure to praise all actions that indicate players are using positive mindset or sportsmanship.
• When you use positive mindset as a team concept you can find positive items almost any play or at bat, even if it appears to be non productive. Few players do everything wrong when they make a mistake. Go over what the player did right first, so they will be more receptive to instruction later.
• Encourage your players to use positive mindset outside the game, and other sports, at school, and at home. It is a great tool for anyone to use. Be sure to praise your players and coaches who practice using positive mindset. The best way to get others to try it is to be an example of it your self.
• Positive mindset training is something very powerful, to be used in all areas of life. It does take work, determination, and persistence to see the full benefit. It is indeed worth every bit of effort used to promote it.
Hello My name is Chip Lemin. I'm a long time youth baseball coach who loves to promote this great game of youth baseball. Promoting sportsmanship in this game of youth baseball is something that really needs I feel. I have a free e-course that will give you some solid coaching information along with great help on the inter-personal relationships we must have to be good youth baseball coaches. Things such as parents, travel baseball, getting parents to help out, how to communicate better to parents and players, just to touch on a few. This course will help to organize practices like an elite coach. How to motivate players and other coaches with your positive attitude. It really is not very hard to be a great coach when you know what to do.Best of all you will learn how to have fun with these great kids that you have the privilege of coaching. Do yourself a favor and check it out, it's free,you will get 1 part every couple of days in your e-mail. Coaching can be fun and rewarding if you have a plan in place first, and you have an idea what you are doing. http://www.baseballecourse.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chip_Lemin
HandsBackHitter.com
QuickSwingTrainer.com
AdvancedSkillsTee.com
By Chip Lemin
If you've ever played baseball before, you know what it is like to be caught off guard and make a mistake. You probably know what it is like to not want the ball hit to you, or have to bat next, because of un-confident negative feelings. This type of thinking usually leads to poor results.
Why? because in our minds we have already visualized not doing well. That is the power of negative thinking or negative self talk.
Well guess what! we can use this same process, only let's visualize positive results. This is a team function also. From the manager, the Parents, and fellow players, positive thoughts will help produce positive results.
I'm not stating that every player will hit 500 on your team, or pitch no-hitters, just because they used positive thinking. I will guarantee that you will have more fun, fewer bad attitudes, and more production in all parts of the game when your team has a positive building mindset.

This positive mindset, being a builder, has to start with your manager and coaching staff. In your team letter, state this season we are going to be a positive mindset team. This will set the tone to help keep everyone positive. Even if this season has already started, call a team meeting to announce this new attitude.
The coaches should shoulder most of the burden of displaying a building, positive mindset. This mind-set also means, no yelling or showing up players for mistakes made in practice or games.
• We talk of progress first, of what was done right first, then bring up mistakes. Coaches must keep to yelling out only positive instruction. Wait until after the inning is over to discuss mistakes. The game is not that important to show up players and upset family by public displays.
• Your team takes fun and mental makeup of its coaching staff to a large degree. IF your coaching staff is easily rattled and emotional, your team probably will be to.
• With the positive mindset, your team will be more relaxed. Your team will be more willing to visualize making the next good play. All you should demand from them is 100 percent effort.
• A positive mindset, will allow coaches to remain calmer during a tough parts of the game. It will help to keep you from lashing out or tearing down your players in frustration.
• Your parents will appreciate a calm confident composure even when things aren't going well. Once you have witnessed the power of positive mindset for yourself, you will become a believer.
• No player deserves to be put down, or criticized out loud. There's plenty of time to discuss mistakes after the game. That is why carrying a clipboard for notes is so important.
• Also put good things you see on the clipboard too. Make sure to praise all actions that indicate players are using positive mindset or sportsmanship.
• When you use positive mindset as a team concept you can find positive items almost any play or at bat, even if it appears to be non productive. Few players do everything wrong when they make a mistake. Go over what the player did right first, so they will be more receptive to instruction later.
• Encourage your players to use positive mindset outside the game, and other sports, at school, and at home. It is a great tool for anyone to use. Be sure to praise your players and coaches who practice using positive mindset. The best way to get others to try it is to be an example of it your self.
• Positive mindset training is something very powerful, to be used in all areas of life. It does take work, determination, and persistence to see the full benefit. It is indeed worth every bit of effort used to promote it.
Hello My name is Chip Lemin. I'm a long time youth baseball coach who loves to promote this great game of youth baseball. Promoting sportsmanship in this game of youth baseball is something that really needs I feel. I have a free e-course that will give you some solid coaching information along with great help on the inter-personal relationships we must have to be good youth baseball coaches. Things such as parents, travel baseball, getting parents to help out, how to communicate better to parents and players, just to touch on a few. This course will help to organize practices like an elite coach. How to motivate players and other coaches with your positive attitude. It really is not very hard to be a great coach when you know what to do.Best of all you will learn how to have fun with these great kids that you have the privilege of coaching. Do yourself a favor and check it out, it's free,you will get 1 part every couple of days in your e-mail. Coaching can be fun and rewarding if you have a plan in place first, and you have an idea what you are doing. http://www.baseballecourse.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chip_Lemin
HandsBackHitter.com
QuickSwingTrainer.com
AdvancedSkillsTee.com
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Baseball Players Need Quick Feet Too!
If you play baseball you have to be quick on your feet just like any other athlete. Permit yourself a minute to read and apply the following 2 quick feet drills to speed up your game!
By Brandon Richey
If you play baseball you should concentrate on your athleticism all year long! Agility is a necessary trait for baseball players because you have to have quickness when trying to react to making a play on a ground ball, getting the jump on a pop fly, or making the first move to dive back to the bag when leading off of the base! All of these are hard examples that define quickness and agility. Check out the following 2 drills that you can implement to help you to improve on all of these examples you encounter on the field of play.
1. 3 Cone Shuffle: For this particular drill you will need the availability of 3 agility cones. This is a great quick foot drill for baseball players to improve on lateral agility. To start, set up the cones in a straight line with about 2 feet of distance between each cone. Stand facing the 3 cones in an athletic stance with your inside foot lined up in front of the middle cone and your outside foot lined up in front of on one of the outside cones. From here the objective is for you to make a quick single lateral step shifting the middle foot to line up with the outside cone on the far side, and to bring the foot that was lined up with the outside cone to the middle cone. Remember to stay low and to shift your weight back and forth to the "outside" with each lateral shuffle. Count a repetition every time you shuffle to both sides. Stay low and touch the outside cones with your outside hand each time you shuffle. Perform each lateral shuffle as quickly as possible.

www.QuickSwingTrainer.com
2. 8 Cone Shuffle And Sprint: For this drill you will need the availability of 9 agility cones and some flat open space. Line the first 8 cones up in a straight line and place the 9th cone in line with the first 8 cones with a distance of 10 yards between them. Start the drill by lining up in front of the straight line of 8 cones. Shuffle laterally back and forth between the 8 cones progressing forward as quickly as possible. Once you shuffle around the 8th cone explode into a full sprint all the way past the 9th cone. This is great for improving a baseball player's overall athletic performance and conditioning! Give it a try.
To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at http://www.efandps.com
To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at: http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Richey
By Brandon Richey
If you play baseball you should concentrate on your athleticism all year long! Agility is a necessary trait for baseball players because you have to have quickness when trying to react to making a play on a ground ball, getting the jump on a pop fly, or making the first move to dive back to the bag when leading off of the base! All of these are hard examples that define quickness and agility. Check out the following 2 drills that you can implement to help you to improve on all of these examples you encounter on the field of play.
1. 3 Cone Shuffle: For this particular drill you will need the availability of 3 agility cones. This is a great quick foot drill for baseball players to improve on lateral agility. To start, set up the cones in a straight line with about 2 feet of distance between each cone. Stand facing the 3 cones in an athletic stance with your inside foot lined up in front of the middle cone and your outside foot lined up in front of on one of the outside cones. From here the objective is for you to make a quick single lateral step shifting the middle foot to line up with the outside cone on the far side, and to bring the foot that was lined up with the outside cone to the middle cone. Remember to stay low and to shift your weight back and forth to the "outside" with each lateral shuffle. Count a repetition every time you shuffle to both sides. Stay low and touch the outside cones with your outside hand each time you shuffle. Perform each lateral shuffle as quickly as possible.

www.QuickSwingTrainer.com
2. 8 Cone Shuffle And Sprint: For this drill you will need the availability of 9 agility cones and some flat open space. Line the first 8 cones up in a straight line and place the 9th cone in line with the first 8 cones with a distance of 10 yards between them. Start the drill by lining up in front of the straight line of 8 cones. Shuffle laterally back and forth between the 8 cones progressing forward as quickly as possible. Once you shuffle around the 8th cone explode into a full sprint all the way past the 9th cone. This is great for improving a baseball player's overall athletic performance and conditioning! Give it a try.
To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at http://www.efandps.com
To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at: http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Richey
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