As a baseball coach, it is extremely important to teach your players how to play the game and perform the fundamentals correctly. Otherwise, they will pick up bad habits that you will have trouble breaking later on. During your practice sessions, emphasize quality over quantity to encourage your players to perform each skill correctly every time. Give each player specific things to work on and constructive feedback about his progress.
Batters
One of the most difficult aspects of batting is swinging at the right time. A batter can have a beautiful swing but still struggle at the plate if he swings too early or too late. To help your players improve their timing, teach them the proper point at which their bat should meet the ball, depending on the location of the pitch. Teach them to contact inside pitches in front of their body, middle pitches when the ball is aligned with their front leg, and outside pitches when the ball is aligned with the middle of their body. Pay attention to the direction they hit the ball to determine if they swing on time: They should pull inside pitches, drive middle pitches over second base, and hit outside pitches to the opposite field.
Catchers
Catchers have one of the most important jobs in baseball. Their responsibilities include blocking pitches thrown in the dirt, calling pitches, fielding bunts and throwing out runners trying to steal a base. Their most basic responsibility, however, is catching pitches, often called receiving. Teach your catchers to keep the glove as still as possible when receiving to keep from distracting the umpire. When a pitch is thrown to either side of their body, instruct them to smoothly extend their arm and angle their glove toward home plate to catch the ball. Have them practice receiving the ball correctly during each practice session.
Fielders
All your fielders, whether infielders or outfielders, need to learn how to catch fly balls properly. Give each of them plenty of fly ball reps during each practice. Teach them to turn and run to where they anticipate the ball will land, set up underneath the ball in a balanced position, and catch the ball with their glove above their chin and throwing hand nearby. Also have them practice throwing the ball to a specific base after catching it, especially if they are outfielders.
Pitchers
Accuracy is the most essential skill for baseball pitchers. Even if they can throw very hard, pitchers won't enjoy great success unless they can throw strikes consistently. To promote accuracy, teach your pitchers to take the ball straight back toward second base to prepare to throw, and straight toward home plate to release the ball, according to former professional pitcher Mike Marshall. Do not let them move the ball behind their body as they take it out of their glove, because this will cause them to drive the ball toward home plate on a circular path and decrease their accuracy.
References
- "The Baseball Coaching Bible"; Jerry Kindall and John Winkin; 1999
- "The Baseball Drill Book"; Bob Bennett; 2004
- Dr. Mike Marshall: Coaching Baseball Pitchers
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