THROWING: I don't advise playing catch outside in less than 40-degree weather. Even then, exercise caution. Try to find gym time where players can toss and work on throwing and receiving mechanics. Don't let the players "air it out" and throw hard in these early sessions. Pitchers can work on their form and mechanics, and throw easily with the "5 Steps of Pitching." BATTING: The ideal is to secure indoor batting cage time, but there are easy drills that you can do right in your garage or basement. Have players start by just swinging the bat 10, 20, 30 times a day correctly. Make sure the swings are done correctly and with balance. No "chopping wood" or hacking when they get tired. Build up the repetitions over time. Soft toss wiffle golfballs or even more inexpensively, roll up white adhesive tape into balls and soft toss them. I've done this with high school players for 20 years. You get a great number of repetitions and you don't break things. |
Here in the Northeast, thoughts are turning to baseball despite the weather. From youth leagues right up through high schools, tryouts for the upcoming baseball season will be taking place in February and March. If you haven't already begun, now is the time for players and coaches to start preparation. Start conditioning easily and work those baseball muscles into shape gradually. DON'T make the mistake of throwing and swinging "all-out" immediately. In many cases young players have not picked up a ball or bat since last summer and overexertion can result in injury. Here are some wintertime tips I recommend before the weather breaks: STRETCHING: Players should involve themselves in simple stretching exercises every day. Work those hamstrings and lower back muscles for the running you'll do in the springtime. Take special care to loosen up arm and shoulder muscles. "Reach for the Sky," "Swing your arms in Circles"; really get the blood flowing. |
Post- and Pre-Season Conditioning |
April "WARM UP TO THROW, DON'T THROW TO WARM UP." Always allow your players the opportunity to stretch and loosen up before letting them play catch. This is particularly important in the cooler weather of this time of year. Don't let them pick up a ball until their arm is warm! Just a few minutes of exercise will go a long way to protect young arms and shoulders. |
May COUNTING PITCHES: It is very important to not overwork pitchers arms early in the season. Let the pitchers build up their arms by gradually increasing their workload. Keep track of pitches thrown with a pencil and paper or buy a clicker. Start the kids at approximately 35 to 40 pitches and increase the number in increments of 10 to 15 pitches each time out. Get in the habit of splitting games with 2 to 3 pitchers and you'll reap the benefits later in the season by having a deep and healthy staff. |
JUNE THE LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS: As the season progresses, shorten those practice times. You're probably playing 2-3 games a week and long practice sessions will tire your players both physically and mentally. Keep the practices fun, with less drilling and more competitive play. Remember: Less is More. As former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz was fond of saying "I'm going to have a great 2-hour practice today, even if it takes 4 hours." Remember, they're just kids and it IS summertime. |
JULY PICKING THOSE TOURNAMENT TEAMS: July baseball is post-season baseball as local leagues select "travelling" teams to represent their communities in various age-division tournaments. There are several different ways to select players to these squads, with two of the most popular being a "tryout" format and a "managers select" method. Whatever method your organization chooses, keep in mind some critical ingredients in forming your roster. You Never Have Enough Pitching. Load up on pitchers, as depth is crucial in double-elimination tournaments. Flexibility. Most of the best players in your local league will be pitchers, catchers or shortstops. Select players who have the skill, aptitude, willingness and desire to play other positions. It takes "9" to play and if you have selfish players who are unable or unwilling to be versatile, your managing options will be severely limited. Availability & Dedication. Check those vacation schedules! Know the summer camp dates. Make it very clear from the start the time commitment required of your athletes. You have limited time to mold your players into a team and anything that curtails team practice time must be considered before selecting a player. |
