People all of the world are attracted to baseball, America’s pastime. However, there are many baseball players who would like to better their game and play better. The following advice can help baseball players from every level.
When you are coaching a baseball team, remember to keep them happy and motivated to play, which goes a long way to their wanting to win. Group activities like a pizza party can make the team bond which really helps. Also, keep in mind that baseball is just a game, and that the stakes are not that high.
Rear Foot
To get into the right batting stance, send weight to the rear foot. If you are a right-handed batter, weight goes to the right foot. As you swing, your rear foot will push through with power.
During team tryouts, do not forget to always be professional and respectful. Whether for little league or a school, remember your manners when meeting teammates and your coach. Dealing with the other players courteously is a sign of maturity, and it really has no down side.
When pitching, it’s a must to know how to best hold a ball and pitch the ball. Put your middle finger onto the seam to start. Next, put the thumb on the opposite seam. You will have better accuracy, more speed, and improved distance when you’re gripping the ball properly.
In any sport, safety comes first. In baseball, it is especially true. Protect yourself by knowing where the baseball is at all times. If not careful, you could get hit by a ball and lose a tooth. Also, a player sliding into a base could cause an injury.
Make sure to wear a helmet when you get up to hit. A batting helmet helps protect you from head injuries. Good batting helmets will also have a shield to protect your face from poorly pitched balls or unpredictable foul ball hits.
Be a hustler. This mentality can rub off on the team. You can single-handedly change the game for your team if you’re that kind of leader. Always be a leader.
Base Coaches
When running on the bases, pay attention to base coaches. Base coaches see the whole field. As you run the bases all your attention should be towards the coach and not where the ball is. Follow them with your eyes. Listen to their commands. If their indications say to go, head out as fast as you can.
The way the grass is mowed can affect grown balls. The lines in the outfield may make the baseball go a different way as it rolls on the ground. By watching and learning how a ball reacts when they do roll along these lines, you’ll be better able to judge where the ball is going to stop.
Sprints should be part of every warmup. Being a good sprinter can help to improve your baseball skills. When a ball is hit, the fast sprint is down the base line to first. You’ve got to beat a ball being thrown much faster than you run, so a quick take off and speed is of an essence.
If you want a right handed pitcher to not pick you when you’re at first base, watch his left foot. As his left foot raises and moves behind the pitching rubber, the pitch has begun. If the ball is not actually thrown then a balk was committed and you are on your way to the next base.
Are you aware of the proper bat for your dimensions? A great metal bat ought to be about 3 or more ounces less than the bat’s length. A bat that is 36 inches, should weigh 33 ounces. This formula is helpful in determining whether you’ll be able to hold a bat perpendicular while swinging.
As a pitcher, it is important to listen to what your body is telling you. Many shoulder injuries occur when a pitcher overuses his arm. Limiting your pitching practice to no more than 3 times weekly can reduce your chances of shoulder injury. That way, the shoulder can rest often.
Third Base
Hold your mitt on top of your left knee to block your pitching signs from the third base coach. This will keep the coach at third base from seeing and passing on your intentions.
Make sure you practice double plays. Pitchers love double plays, with good reason. Double plays can be made in a number of ways, so if you are an infielder, you have to be ready for them. You must continue to repeat the drills until they all are second nature.
In order to keep the runner on second from guessing your next pitch, use another set of signals and not the ones you used when there was no one on second. Since he can see your fingers, he’ll know what you’re signaling. Change your signs regularly to keep the opposing team guessing.
If you are the pitcher and don’t like the signs your catcher is giving you when calling the game, make sure you get the pitch you want by shaking him off. If you cannot get on the same page as your catcher, it can lead to a lot of tension between the two of you.
Becoming a great baseball player is the dream of many little boys. Very few will make it to the majors, but it is still possible to excel at a lower level of play. Refer to the above information, so that you can acquire the necessary skills to stand out from the rest.