Group Lesson: Know your role!

As a team, we discussed the fact that on every play during a game, each player in the field has a job to do.  If the ball is put into play, and you are standing there not doing anything, you are not doing your job. 

We also discussed how, when runners are on base, fielders have a job to do on every pitch.  Example:  catchers have to be ready to throw in case the runner steals; the second baseman needs to back up the pitcher on every throw back to the mound; the other fielders need to be prepared to receive a throw in case of a steal; outfielders have to be ready to back up throws, etc.

We also explained that everyone needs to help each other out.  Baseball is very much an individual sport.  For example, when a ball is hit to you in the field, you alone have to make the play and you cannot ask for help. 

However, prior to the ball being hit to you, you can ask for help.   All players should be reminding each other about the number outs and where the play is. 

We told the kids that if you ever find yourself in the field and you have no idea what the situation is, ask for help from the coaches!  It’s a lot less embarrassing to ask for help before a play happens than to have the ball hit to you and you throw to the wrong base or have no idea what do to.   

Big Field: Infield Scenarios

We started on the big field, where we did a number of infield situations with live base runners.  Coaches worked to expose the kids to various scenarios, both as a base runner (for example, when to run when not forced) and as a fielder.  We also worked on good communication pre-pitch and ensuring everyone got ready as the pitch was being delivered.  (Kudos to Coach Dan for simulating about 100 pitches….)

Stations

Station 1:  Catching Station

Kids took turns putting on the equipment and receiving throws from coaches, with instruction on proper form, turning the glove over on balls in the dirt, and utilizing the chest protector. 

Station 2:  Soft Toss

The players took turns doing soft toss, with coach input throughout. We are trying to focus the kids on proper loading and using their entire bodies when swinging.

Station 3:  Hitting

Coaches threw live pitching, emphasizing lessons from last practice about the proper starting point with their hands and being quick to the ball.  This will both generate bat speed and power.

Station 4:  First Base Drills

We worked with the kids on the proper way to play first base.  Points of emphasis included ensuring that the correct foot was placed on first base (left foot if lefthanded, right foot if right handed), placing your foot on the inside of the base (not on top), waiting to stretch for the ball until it is thrown, stretching towards the ball, and deciding when to come off the base to keep the ball from getting by you. 

AWARDS

The MVP Award went to Jack for a terrific all around night.  Jack worked hard and made some really nice plays at first base during the infield work.  Jack was also very engaged throughout the entire practice. 

The Heart and Hustle Award was given to Lucas because of his all around effort during the night as well as his attentiveness.  In this regard, on multiple occasions, Lucas listened to the lessons being provided by the coaches, and then implemented them.