Like everyone who loves the game, you know that baseball is a fun way to pass the time. Sadly, not everyone shares that joy with you. Regardless of what level of exposure you have on baseball, this article will give you some great ideas from the experts that you can use.
Learn how to hit a ball without chasing it by using a batting cage. A batting cage allows you to hit the ball as hard as you can without worrying about an errant ball going through a window. The batting cage has mesh sides so the ball is easily recovered.
To make your batting stance more powerful, the weight should be shifted to your back foot. If you bat right handed, your weight will be on your right foot and you will tighten the thigh muscle on that side. When swinging, you will get more power from your foot in the rear.
Test out a few bat weights to find the one that’s right for you. If a bat is heavy, you’ll slow down your swing, but gain some power. Too slow, though, and you may never catch up with the pitches. You’ve got to strike the right balance, especially if you’ve got a flame thrower on the mound.
Practice your defense. Sure pitching and batting get all of the glory, but being a great defensive player is worth just as much to your team. The ability to save a run is just as valuable as the ability to create a run. Both are needed to win ball games.
For kids in baseball, make sure they their hands are placed properly for hitting. The top hand on the bat needs to be sitting near the same height as their rear shoulder, about 3 to 6 inches from that rear shoulder. Their rear elbow needs to be around 45-degrees. The front elbow needs to be lower and about even with the back elbow.
When coaching baseball, there are a few things you will need to have close at hand. Be certain you keep a good first aid kit, properly stocked and at the ready. Bring along plenty of water and electrolyte drinks to help players avoid dehydration. Have your practice plan ready for each day with detailed drills and broken into manageable time segments. Naturally, you must be certain of having all the right equipment.
When batting, don’t be afraid to take a few pitches, especially against a pitcher you are less familiar with. Those pitches will give you an idea of the pitchers speed and the ball’s action to the plate. Plus, the additional pitches will help wear out the pitcher over the course of the game. A tired pitcher makes more mistakes.
When fielding a ground ball, square up on the ball before catching. Many young players go for a side glove catch or a one-handed grab, but with each you are increasing your chances for an error. If you’ve got the time to get in front of the ball, do so. Use both hands and bend at the knees to help block against a bad hop.
Keep an eye on the signs from your coaches as you are running bases. The coaches have a view of the entire field. When running the baskes, focus on the coaches, not on the ball. They can serve as your eyes. If the coaches tell to to stop, stay where you are. If they signal you to go, then put it into full speed ahead.
You don’t need to be a pro to have fun watching baseball. Given what you’ve just learned, you should find it easy to get more out of the next game of baseball you play or watch. Keep these tips in mind the next time you hit the field and see if you don’t have more fun!
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