This is the first posting in a few weeks, I have been away on a mini vacation with my wife and also I have taken some time to watch local high school and college games. It's always gratifying to watch the guys who I have been lucky enough to work with take their skills in a game situation. I am excited to see them put some of the tips and techniques we have spent time on during the off season into "live" action.
I also find this time of the season to be a time of many "maintenence" lessons. Some for physical or mechanical adjustments and, just as important, some for mental adjustments. The frustrated pitchers seem to be pressing a bit too hard and are allowing themselves to get into too many jams during their games. Most of this, I feel, has to do with the issue of trying to be too perfect - and I could be the cause for this unecessary pressure. The lesson time spent with me in the "controlled" environment of the bullpen tends to lead young pitchers to forget about the other variables of pitching. This would be the batter, umpire, fans, opposing dugout, weather conditions, and overall game pressure. Sure, mechanics can be clinically sound but the real success comes from combining these refined skills with concentration and a competitive spirit.
If you are a pitcher, or a coach of a pitcher, who may be struggling in this early part of the season I encourage you to approach your outings with a "fearless" attitude. Dare the other team to hit the ball, in fact, see how many hits you can give up. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? But, if you think about it, staying away from the base on balls will often keep you on the good side of the win/loss ledger over the course of a season. I often ask my young pitchers if they would rather give up a long home run with no one on or bloop single with two guys on. They have come to understand that a one run homer is not so bad. It's the hit in the middle of the inning combined with a few walks that can ruin a pitchers day more often than the single long ball. If you can adapt the attitude of just making the guys hit the ball and not fear the base hit you will, over time, be successful. Sure, it may look ugly occasionally if you give up some homers- but 5 walks in 2 innings pitched looks worse in my opinion.
I encourage all young pitchers to be more fearless, keep a determined and calm demeanor on the mound and above all, don't panic over giving up hits - they have been a part of baseball for decades and will continue to be for years to come. If you are reading this article, I hope you approach your next outing with the confidence to see how many batters can hit the ball. You will be surprised how successful you can be!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Thoughts about AAU and High School Teams and your future
Seems like I am constantly having parents and players ask me if I know of any good summer teams to play on. The high school season hasn't even hit full stride, yet as most parents of young athletes in any sport are well aware of there is no down time for your sports any more. You must always be looking for the next season while in the middle of your present one. Seems silly but it is the way of the world. It's a bit different from life 20 or 30 years ago for high school athletes.
These are some thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of AAU and high school teams. Two of my daughters are involved with AAU basketball for the past 7 years and they have enjoyed their experiences. I have also met players and coaches of AAU baseball programs over the past number of years and watched a number of tournaments. My comments are based primarily on these facts and by no means are the end all to this topic. Consider it another tool as you all consider the best path to a successful baseball future:
1. AAU places you with a consistently larger number of high level players who are maybe more serious about becoming the best they can be than on a local school team. It certainly allows you to witness great talent outside of your local community and prepares you for tough competition at an earlier age than the generation before. It can also allow you to better evaluate your own abilites and chances for college play faster than someone who does not have this wide exposure.
2. The pressure to win as a team is greater in High School than in AAU. I equate the AAU experience to minor league baseball. I know in the minor leagues we always wanted to win our games but it was a distant second to us getting to the big leagues asap. Consequently there were games where it didn't seem to bother some players if we won or lost. I get the same vibe watching AAU games. Parents root for the win but root more for their child to have a good game because the college coaches may be there. Very understandable and natural feelings. High School games pit community against community, tradition against tradition. No matter what a teams record may be, there is a pride that creates a pressure to not let the school down in most games. People celebrate victories and lament losses more voraciously in high school.
3. College coaches like the convenience of AAU for recruiting and evaluating talent, but the deal isn't sealed unless the coach sees the player act in a pressure situation (see point #2), so don't discount the importance of representing your high school team in even the most lopsided of games. It's the mental apporach and attitude that ulitmately sells you over other players of like talent.
4. AAU is an investment, let's be honest. Like many marriages that have problems becuase of financial issues these teams can create some strong hostilities between player and parent, parent and coaches, players and coaches. It happens in every organization in all sports. Parents equate the amount invested with the amount of exposure (i.e. playing time) for their child. Understand the philosophy of the AAU organization before you sign on and ask the question if its that important to you so may avoid the stress.
5. There are many great college and pro players who never played on AAU or travel teams. It takes hard work and dedication to become the best you can be. There are many ways to get to the "promised land".
6. Remember that quality college and pro coaches project ahead when evalutaing a player. If you are struggling in AAU this year, don't panic. Or maybe you were only able to play local competition, the scouts are around and are watching your every action. Performing the fundamentals and hustling on the field can be done on what ever team you play on.
I hope this helps a bit. Personally, if I had a son who was a baseball player I would look to get him to play in the best competitive level I could afford. But I know that the most excitement he will have in competition will be representing his school. I hope you pitchers have the chance to enjoy the best baseball you can this year. Working hard doesn't cost you a dime!
These are some thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of AAU and high school teams. Two of my daughters are involved with AAU basketball for the past 7 years and they have enjoyed their experiences. I have also met players and coaches of AAU baseball programs over the past number of years and watched a number of tournaments. My comments are based primarily on these facts and by no means are the end all to this topic. Consider it another tool as you all consider the best path to a successful baseball future:
1. AAU places you with a consistently larger number of high level players who are maybe more serious about becoming the best they can be than on a local school team. It certainly allows you to witness great talent outside of your local community and prepares you for tough competition at an earlier age than the generation before. It can also allow you to better evaluate your own abilites and chances for college play faster than someone who does not have this wide exposure.
2. The pressure to win as a team is greater in High School than in AAU. I equate the AAU experience to minor league baseball. I know in the minor leagues we always wanted to win our games but it was a distant second to us getting to the big leagues asap. Consequently there were games where it didn't seem to bother some players if we won or lost. I get the same vibe watching AAU games. Parents root for the win but root more for their child to have a good game because the college coaches may be there. Very understandable and natural feelings. High School games pit community against community, tradition against tradition. No matter what a teams record may be, there is a pride that creates a pressure to not let the school down in most games. People celebrate victories and lament losses more voraciously in high school.
3. College coaches like the convenience of AAU for recruiting and evaluating talent, but the deal isn't sealed unless the coach sees the player act in a pressure situation (see point #2), so don't discount the importance of representing your high school team in even the most lopsided of games. It's the mental apporach and attitude that ulitmately sells you over other players of like talent.
4. AAU is an investment, let's be honest. Like many marriages that have problems becuase of financial issues these teams can create some strong hostilities between player and parent, parent and coaches, players and coaches. It happens in every organization in all sports. Parents equate the amount invested with the amount of exposure (i.e. playing time) for their child. Understand the philosophy of the AAU organization before you sign on and ask the question if its that important to you so may avoid the stress.
5. There are many great college and pro players who never played on AAU or travel teams. It takes hard work and dedication to become the best you can be. There are many ways to get to the "promised land".
6. Remember that quality college and pro coaches project ahead when evalutaing a player. If you are struggling in AAU this year, don't panic. Or maybe you were only able to play local competition, the scouts are around and are watching your every action. Performing the fundamentals and hustling on the field can be done on what ever team you play on.
I hope this helps a bit. Personally, if I had a son who was a baseball player I would look to get him to play in the best competitive level I could afford. But I know that the most excitement he will have in competition will be representing his school. I hope you pitchers have the chance to enjoy the best baseball you can this year. Working hard doesn't cost you a dime!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Opening Day Thoughts
It was good to watch the opening days of the 2008 Major League Baseball season on TV. I enjoy the commentary and interviews as much as watching the games. All young pitchers should try and watch, at least, a few innings of a game each day. If you are a SportsCenter fanatic, watch and LISTEN to the commentators as much as the highlights. There is a lot to be learned hearing their perspective. If you see a pitcher interviewed take the time to listen to what he has to say. You will find they have many of the same thoughts, fears, and concerns you do. Really!
Some of the things I picked up from watching the first few games:
Dice-K was VERY nervous pitching in front of friends, family, and countrymen when the Red Sox and Athletics tangled in Japan. So don't feel so badly when you have a few extra nerves pitching a big game with your friends and family cheering extra hard for you. You're human, just like Dice-K....
Brad Penny of the Dodgers pitched 6 shutout innings. This is so impressive because he is a power guy who, at least for the time being, has lost a bit off of the fast ball. He was successful because he knew how to CHANGE SPEEDS in order to keep the Giants off balance. Changing speeds is a skill you must understand and master if you want to be the best you can be.
Johann Santana is such a dominant pitcher. He has the complete package of power and control (of all pitches) along with the ability to keep his composure in tight situations. Met fans are going to have fun watching and rooting of him. Not a bad guy to emulate if you want to be a great pitcher.
I heard Steve Phillips, ESPN color commentator, talking about Barry Zito and how he needs to keep the ball down because he does not have an overpowering fastball. He got a few pitches up on opening day and paid for it with a bunch of base hits. Even the top big leaguers can have trouble with their control. They need to keep the ball down and sometimes struggle with it, but they will be working at it for their next start.
Mark Buehrle of the White Sox didn't get out of the 2nd inning - 7 earned runs! He is one of the best pitchers in baseball. And he will be back working at it today trying to get the White Sox, as well as himself, back on the winning track. It happens to the best, so don't quit on yourselves out there, just maintain your focus and work habits. It's your approach to the tough times that makes you stand out in the eyes of coaches, teammates, and scouts.
Jared Weaver pitched well last night for the Angels but was not able to come up with the win. His deceptive motion and command of his pitches make him a very tough guy to hit off of. It's not necessarily the "perfect windup" that makes the perfect pitcher. It's the guy who takes what he naturally has and uses it to the best of his ability and without adding risk of injury to himself. Keep an eye on him and watch how he mixes his pitches.
Talk about deception and being tough to hit, I like watching Pat Neshek of the Twins. He comes at a hitter with a side arm whip delivery that is nasty! Plus he's in the low to mid 90"s with the fastball. I'm going to watch him often, he's kind of entertaining, and effective....
There are many different ways to get the job done out there on the mound. Watch and listen this year, it could be the best coaching you will receive all year!
Some of the things I picked up from watching the first few games:
Dice-K was VERY nervous pitching in front of friends, family, and countrymen when the Red Sox and Athletics tangled in Japan. So don't feel so badly when you have a few extra nerves pitching a big game with your friends and family cheering extra hard for you. You're human, just like Dice-K....
Brad Penny of the Dodgers pitched 6 shutout innings. This is so impressive because he is a power guy who, at least for the time being, has lost a bit off of the fast ball. He was successful because he knew how to CHANGE SPEEDS in order to keep the Giants off balance. Changing speeds is a skill you must understand and master if you want to be the best you can be.
Johann Santana is such a dominant pitcher. He has the complete package of power and control (of all pitches) along with the ability to keep his composure in tight situations. Met fans are going to have fun watching and rooting of him. Not a bad guy to emulate if you want to be a great pitcher.
I heard Steve Phillips, ESPN color commentator, talking about Barry Zito and how he needs to keep the ball down because he does not have an overpowering fastball. He got a few pitches up on opening day and paid for it with a bunch of base hits. Even the top big leaguers can have trouble with their control. They need to keep the ball down and sometimes struggle with it, but they will be working at it for their next start.
Mark Buehrle of the White Sox didn't get out of the 2nd inning - 7 earned runs! He is one of the best pitchers in baseball. And he will be back working at it today trying to get the White Sox, as well as himself, back on the winning track. It happens to the best, so don't quit on yourselves out there, just maintain your focus and work habits. It's your approach to the tough times that makes you stand out in the eyes of coaches, teammates, and scouts.
Jared Weaver pitched well last night for the Angels but was not able to come up with the win. His deceptive motion and command of his pitches make him a very tough guy to hit off of. It's not necessarily the "perfect windup" that makes the perfect pitcher. It's the guy who takes what he naturally has and uses it to the best of his ability and without adding risk of injury to himself. Keep an eye on him and watch how he mixes his pitches.
Talk about deception and being tough to hit, I like watching Pat Neshek of the Twins. He comes at a hitter with a side arm whip delivery that is nasty! Plus he's in the low to mid 90"s with the fastball. I'm going to watch him often, he's kind of entertaining, and effective....
There are many different ways to get the job done out there on the mound. Watch and listen this year, it could be the best coaching you will receive all year!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Recording on Video - DIY (Do It Yourself)!
This is not going to be a pitch for any particular electronics company. I am just an instructor trying to utlize modern technology for the benefit improving young pitchers. This being said, I'd like to talk about the good things having a camera can do for parents, coaches and players in making a better pitcher.
I have spent a good part of the winter lessons with my video camera watching many pitchers throw from various angles in an attempt to help them better understand and learn what works best for each of them. Many coaches have used video to enhance their teaching ability, I have found this to be the case with my pitchers.
How do you best utilize the video?
1. There is value to on the spot feedback, that is, take footage and replay in on the camera immediately following the pitch. Pitchers focus on the proper form because they know the camera "doesn't lie". I know I often keep my video camera in my pocket and pull it out when needed for emphasis of a point or a change in mechanics.
2. Burn various sessions and outings on a DVD. A great way to build a library of you and your work. Also helpful to compare poor outings or slumps to video of better times as a way of getting back into the groove. It works wonders! But you need to use it often, not only when you throw that shutout!
3. Recording video to send to a coach, scout, or recruiter- a major sign of modern college athletics. there are companies who, for a fee, will record a pitcher in practice or game action. Recorded action can be converted to a beautifully crafted recruiting DVD which can be sent and viewed by many coaches. If you have the ability to digitally record and create a disc, you have everything you need, so DO IT YOURSELF! Enjoy sharing the time together, after all you are making memories by recording, keep the stress levels down. Many, many college coaches will appreciate less "bells and whistles" and more "substance" from you personally. It begins to tell them more about you as a hard working, driven, do it yourself kind of athlete who can achieve success with little or no help.
4. Long Distance Coaching - the digital age now affords people like me to coach people like you from anywhere in the world. A simple upload of footage can enable a coach to view an athlete and offer strong constructive feedback, especially when it comes to the "meat and potatoes" of pitching - balance, rhythm, and timing. I know I have been able to study the movement of a pitcher and solve many control issues by closely studying the movement of the pitcher through the complete delivery. The beauty of this is also in the video feedback you can recieve from your instructor, something you can download and save as a constant reminder and confidence builder throughout your baseball career. Try it sometime, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results!
I have spent a good part of the winter lessons with my video camera watching many pitchers throw from various angles in an attempt to help them better understand and learn what works best for each of them. Many coaches have used video to enhance their teaching ability, I have found this to be the case with my pitchers.
How do you best utilize the video?
1. There is value to on the spot feedback, that is, take footage and replay in on the camera immediately following the pitch. Pitchers focus on the proper form because they know the camera "doesn't lie". I know I often keep my video camera in my pocket and pull it out when needed for emphasis of a point or a change in mechanics.
2. Burn various sessions and outings on a DVD. A great way to build a library of you and your work. Also helpful to compare poor outings or slumps to video of better times as a way of getting back into the groove. It works wonders! But you need to use it often, not only when you throw that shutout!
3. Recording video to send to a coach, scout, or recruiter- a major sign of modern college athletics. there are companies who, for a fee, will record a pitcher in practice or game action. Recorded action can be converted to a beautifully crafted recruiting DVD which can be sent and viewed by many coaches. If you have the ability to digitally record and create a disc, you have everything you need, so DO IT YOURSELF! Enjoy sharing the time together, after all you are making memories by recording, keep the stress levels down. Many, many college coaches will appreciate less "bells and whistles" and more "substance" from you personally. It begins to tell them more about you as a hard working, driven, do it yourself kind of athlete who can achieve success with little or no help.
4. Long Distance Coaching - the digital age now affords people like me to coach people like you from anywhere in the world. A simple upload of footage can enable a coach to view an athlete and offer strong constructive feedback, especially when it comes to the "meat and potatoes" of pitching - balance, rhythm, and timing. I know I have been able to study the movement of a pitcher and solve many control issues by closely studying the movement of the pitcher through the complete delivery. The beauty of this is also in the video feedback you can recieve from your instructor, something you can download and save as a constant reminder and confidence builder throughout your baseball career. Try it sometime, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Catch the Ball - Throw the Ball
As you get to the higher levels of play ( i.e. HS Varsity, Travel Teams, AAU, College, Professional, etc.) you will find certain common themes:
1. You are EXPECTED to be ready to play from the first day of practice. This means off season and between game workouts are very important.
2. The fundamentals of the game never change, the amount of time you PRACTICE THE FUNDAMENTALS must increase if you want to remain successful.
3. Mental strength is increasingly more important with every step up the baseball ladder. To get mentally tough, see item 2.
4. You are in charge of you.....no one else is responsible for what you do on the field. The sooner you play like this the sooner your advancement will come. Don't make excuses.
5. It's a simple game that looks easy - catch it, throw it, hit it - but it looks easiest for the players who work at it the hardest.
I always tell my pitchers that you are a work in progress, not everyone will have the same timetable to their ultimate success on the field. DON'T CREATE A DEADLINE TO YOUR SUCCESS - DO CREATE A NEVER QUIT ATTITUDE. Deadlines can be missed due to outside circumstances. Not meeting your deadline can cause you to give up much too soon. Hard work has no deadline, it only has rewards.
1. You are EXPECTED to be ready to play from the first day of practice. This means off season and between game workouts are very important.
2. The fundamentals of the game never change, the amount of time you PRACTICE THE FUNDAMENTALS must increase if you want to remain successful.
3. Mental strength is increasingly more important with every step up the baseball ladder. To get mentally tough, see item 2.
4. You are in charge of you.....no one else is responsible for what you do on the field. The sooner you play like this the sooner your advancement will come. Don't make excuses.
5. It's a simple game that looks easy - catch it, throw it, hit it - but it looks easiest for the players who work at it the hardest.
I always tell my pitchers that you are a work in progress, not everyone will have the same timetable to their ultimate success on the field. DON'T CREATE A DEADLINE TO YOUR SUCCESS - DO CREATE A NEVER QUIT ATTITUDE. Deadlines can be missed due to outside circumstances. Not meeting your deadline can cause you to give up much too soon. Hard work has no deadline, it only has rewards.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Worried About Tryouts
I talked with a concerned parent yesterday. High School practice has begun and his son was not invited to pitchers and catchers week. This, understandably, concerned him because the player has been a solid contributor for the first two years of high school and was thought to be a candidate to be a varsity player this year - at least in a JV and Varsity combined role. What I didn't understand was the comment that his son was seemingly letting down and resgining himself to maybe not making it in favor of other, less successful players.
Rule 1, only worry about you. Past performance can sometimes help a player get an extra look from the coaches. But not all coaches are basing their decisions on statistics. What they may be doing during the early practice season is look at other players for specific reasons. Don't take it personally, as hard as this may be.
Rule 2, work as hard as you possibly can at this point because you can handle success and failure better knowing you did everything possible to make the team. One thing is for certain, if you give up and go through the motions with a half hearted effort, you will have half a chance to make the team.
Rule 3, coaches don't cut you - YOU cut you. Work hard to never let this happen! It takes discpline.
Some of you will not have to worry about making the team. You maybe be very good and established or you may have a program with very few players trying out. This doesn't give you a pass to not improve your game. Take pride to be the best you can be. It's worth it and others will notice.
Rule 1, only worry about you. Past performance can sometimes help a player get an extra look from the coaches. But not all coaches are basing their decisions on statistics. What they may be doing during the early practice season is look at other players for specific reasons. Don't take it personally, as hard as this may be.
Rule 2, work as hard as you possibly can at this point because you can handle success and failure better knowing you did everything possible to make the team. One thing is for certain, if you give up and go through the motions with a half hearted effort, you will have half a chance to make the team.
Rule 3, coaches don't cut you - YOU cut you. Work hard to never let this happen! It takes discpline.
Some of you will not have to worry about making the team. You maybe be very good and established or you may have a program with very few players trying out. This doesn't give you a pass to not improve your game. Take pride to be the best you can be. It's worth it and others will notice.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Pitching and Fitness
Why do pitchers need to keep their bodies in peak condition?
This week I have taken many of the older pitchers I have and have gone through a workout where they throw either 30, 40, or 50 consecutive fastballs as a test of their stamina as well as a good strengthening workout for the arm. Most of the sessions I conduct will always have breaks after 8 or 10 pitches, so going straight out for 50 can truly test your body.
What I found is that most of the pitchers who are not yet into pitching shape shape lose their control after 15 - 25 pitches. The players who have kept their conditioning level up through the winter maintain their location into the 35-40 pitch range. This does not mean anything as to who is a better pitcher, all of these guys will be ready by season's opening. It DOES show how body fitness plays a large part in COMMAND of your pitches.
Another interesting finding came from these "power" workouts. After the fastballs are thrown we take a short (2-3 minute) break and do some other skill work like fielding, pickoffs, and throwing the off-speed pitches followed by a final set of "simulated batters". Here we run some counts as if we were in a game scenario. It is AMAZING to see the fit pitchers, after the grueling workout, finish with IMPECCABLE CONTROL! This can be attributed to the quicker recovery time for the body in the highly fit pitchers. Think about getting yourself in the best shape possible this year. Whether its running a bit more, doing some drills (lunges, pickups, sprints) or incorporating a properly supervised strengthening program, you will see great benefits in your own pitching success!
This week I have taken many of the older pitchers I have and have gone through a workout where they throw either 30, 40, or 50 consecutive fastballs as a test of their stamina as well as a good strengthening workout for the arm. Most of the sessions I conduct will always have breaks after 8 or 10 pitches, so going straight out for 50 can truly test your body.
What I found is that most of the pitchers who are not yet into pitching shape shape lose their control after 15 - 25 pitches. The players who have kept their conditioning level up through the winter maintain their location into the 35-40 pitch range. This does not mean anything as to who is a better pitcher, all of these guys will be ready by season's opening. It DOES show how body fitness plays a large part in COMMAND of your pitches.
Another interesting finding came from these "power" workouts. After the fastballs are thrown we take a short (2-3 minute) break and do some other skill work like fielding, pickoffs, and throwing the off-speed pitches followed by a final set of "simulated batters". Here we run some counts as if we were in a game scenario. It is AMAZING to see the fit pitchers, after the grueling workout, finish with IMPECCABLE CONTROL! This can be attributed to the quicker recovery time for the body in the highly fit pitchers. Think about getting yourself in the best shape possible this year. Whether its running a bit more, doing some drills (lunges, pickups, sprints) or incorporating a properly supervised strengthening program, you will see great benefits in your own pitching success!
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