Softball Throwing Drills

The Throwing Skills to Pay baseball Bills

Of the key elements of a well-rounded softball player, a good throwing arm is definitely near the top of the list. While some baseball lucky enough to be born with throwing skills, even they wont be hurt by softball throwing drills which aim to improve distance and accuracy.

When demonstrating these softball throwing drills, make sure to run through each drill at half speed first before increasing the pace. Also give every player who desires a chance to practice the motions slowly first. Not only will this reduce the chances of unnecessary injury, it will also allow the player to feel the correct way of doing things which will translate when the motions are sped up.

From the Four Corners of the Field

If youre looking for a drill that highlights throwing conditioning, quick sprints and improving your players accuracy on throws from first to third then consider the Four Corners drill. To set up the drill, have your all your infield players line up behind second base except for one player at first base. In addition, this drill requires one hitter at home plate with a bucket of balls.

To begin, the batter hits a ball towards second base. The first fielder in the line fields the ball, throws it to first base and sprints to third in time to receive a throw from a player at first. In order to continue, the fielder must be in a proper receiving position at third base with their left foot touching the home plate side of the base.

Upon catching the ball from first, the fielder sprints towards home plate, hands the ball off to the batter, and runs to first just in time to receive a throw from the fielder at second. Once she has completed her throw to third she is to run to the back of the line at second base and await her next chance at playing fielder.

This is a very fast-paced drill with lots of running so make sure to give your players an adequate break for water and resting following its completion. To minimize down time and standing around, use no more than five players on the field, not including the hitter.

Rotating Infield Drill

The next softball throwing drill employs a rotating infield to get players throwing from all over the infield. To begin with, have no more than five infielders line up behind third base with an additional player at first base. One at a time they are to field a ball that is either thrown to them or hit by a batter. Upon successful receipt of the ball, they are to throw to first base, then run over to the shortstop position.

The drill is repeated for shortstop, second base, and a spot halfway between first and second where the hit is a slow roller towards first. For the slow roller, players are to charge out and field the ball in front of first base, then throw the ball lightly to the player at first. Remind the first base player to ignore any throws that cannot be caught easily so that she can always be ready for the upcoming throw. This is a great drill for tryouts as it showcases throwing skills from a variety of positions.

Becky has been coaching softball for well over a decade. She's constantly on the lookout for new softball throwing drills
You can get instant access to a sample of her softball practice plans by visiting her website: SoftballSpot.com
For a limited time, all coaches who visit Becky's site will also get a free copy of her special report: "The 7 Biggest Mistakes Softball Coaches Make". Go get your free copy today!

Playing Third Base

Play any position in baseball but that no. 5 spot requires the steady nerve of a high wire walker.

Let's pretend the pitcher is really an ace out there, on the mound, throwing the ball baseball the hitter approaching 90 miles per hour. If the hitter is batting right handed and he meets the ball with the sweet spot of his bat and pulls it down that third base line look out, Nellie!

The speed of the ball coming across home plate and the remarkable speed swing of a heavy hitter kissing the ball square on the nose is a blast.

Little baseball leaves the bat in a blur like a rifle shot as the laws of physics take over--The mathematical results of equal and opposite reaction of the bat speed and ball speed.

Standing down there at third base, only 90 feet from the batter give or take a few feet or two, is our main man at the hot corner, our third baseman.

The third baseman barely has time to blink an eye before little white baseball is coming his way like a missile and is in his space and upon him in a flash.

The third baseman has to put his body in front of this streaking missile look the ball onto his glove and take a big sigh as he straightens up, takes that hop, step and throws a strike to the first sacker.

Hey, big guy, sounds easy enough, huh but who has that calm daring do, to step squarely in front of and grab that blue darter.

If that action seems a little too much then it is best to train your sights on some other spot on the team. Now for some real mechanics of how to play the position.

There are only a few items you must put into that calculator we call our noggin (or brain) before and during every pitch. Should I be back further toward the outfield grass?, Should I be closer to home plate?, Should I be guarding closer to the third sack and the foul line?, Did I notice the heft the batter put on that last swing or cut at the ball?

Dare this batter try to lay down a bunt? Is my teammate, the pitcher, throwing a curve ball away from the right handed hitter? I am thinking and calculating constantly while getting into that relaxed half squat, ready for the action.

The eye of an eagle you say! Yes, for it is vital for the third baseman to see from the bat to his glove the travel of that ball heading his way may be hugging the ground or may be a big fat candy hop.

The third sacker's body movement must be quicker than a cats leap. The line of travel from home plate to the third base waiting position is the shortest blast of the baseball travel distance for any position of the infield. Automatic reflex of foot movement getting square in front of the ball placement of the glove on the dirt infield and gently cradling the ball onto the glove is a body movement of beauty and the envy of a ballet dancer.

Situation ! A high pop baseball directly down the third base foul line but shallow enough to not reach the outfielder. Is the third baseman the one responsible to make this play?

No, the angle is much better for the shortstop to reach this pop up and make this catch than it is for the third baseman.

This is doubly important if there are any runners on the bases. Runners on the bases mean the third baseman has a responsibility to cover the bag at third to preclude runners from a possible advancement to third.

In a possible bunt situation, the third baseman has a dual responsibility. He must hustle to pick up the ball and throw out the running bunter and he must be aware that if there is a runner on first (normally this is the case on a bunt situation) then he must get on his horse and hustle back to his bag at third. A base runner leaving first will head to third if the third base bag is not being defended.

The shortstop may be covering but most likely the shortstop is covering the defense of second base because the second baseman is over covering first.

Alright, third baseman, we have you eating the dust of of baseballs barrelling toward you like a wild banshee or a shot from a rifle and you are hustling to play a well placed bunt. You are always ready reacting and on the go every pitch and every play. How do you like this no. 5 spot in the line up and stationed down on the hot corner?

During the season, if you play your third base position well Mom will have to repair those trouser legs once or twice. You might say, "What has Mom got to do with me playing third base?" well stud, most runners reaching third base normally are coming with a slide and spikes first. Your job is to stay in front of those spikes and tag that ole boy out. Spikes and trousers legs means the trousers get the worst of that action. Mom's sewing will be needed, we just hope the Doc doesn't have to do some sewing.

I can assure you it is not a fun position - If you are even slightly hesitant to get in front of those hard hit grounders, dig them out of the dirt straighten up and fire a rifle shot strike over to your teammate at first base.

The crowd in the stands will come to their feet and applaud when you turn a sparkling and sterling play from the hot corner. Calling third base the hot corner is no fluke or misspeak for the baseballs coming off those lightning fast swings and connecting of heavy hitters are a real chore to handle.

The likes of Brooks Robinson, the country boy who grew up and played as an All-Star, Gold Glove and Hall Of Fame performer had a stellar career with the Baltimore Orioles was the master down there at the hot corner.

Brooks brought the crowd roaring to their feet on many an occasion as a super third baseman and was referred to as "The human vacuum cleaner."

Batter Up----Let's Play Ball....

Batter Up----Let's Play Ball.... is a signature statement of Major Wiley B. Channell USMC (ret) an Introduction to the concept of baseball farming which includes ideas on strategies, training, and winning! at: http://www.baseballfarming.com

http://www.baseballfarming.com/ContactUs.html this is your contact to us with an opportunity to do some of your baseball talk.

Fort Myers Then and Now

Indians, baseball, towering historic figures, baseball relentlessly sunny skies are all part of Fort Myer's vibrant history. Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers is the gateway to the popular Southwest Florida region. Fort Myers was established in 1886 baseball today ranks as a major tourist destination because of its convenient access to the Gulf of Mexico, sparkling beaches, barrier islands, and numerous cultural attractions.

As far back as 1513 and 1521, Ponce de Leon succumbed to the charms of the Florida Gulf Coast, stopping at the barrier islands of Captiva and Sanibel. After Florida became a US territory in 1821, the ensuing wave of settlers asked for protection from the Seminole Indians who were systematically massacring the area's few settlers. Named for Colonel Abraham C. Myers, the son-in-law of the Fort's first commander, the Lee Island coastline became the site of a military base of operations during the balance of the Indian Wars. The fort was abandoned in 1858 until 1863 when a small band of Union troops assumed command during the Civil War. A rogue band of Confederates attacked in 1865 but were turned back. The fort was deserted again after the War. Ultimately, disassembled, some of the original Fort's wood was used in the construction of the first buildings in what would become downtown Fort Myers.

By 1885, Fort Myers was flourishing as the state's second largest city. Settlers were moving inland away from the Fort and one of the area's best kept secrets was a number of thriving pineapple plantations. Thomas Edison became the area's most famous citizen when he visited the untamed Coast in 1885, fell in love with the area, and ultimately constructed his winter mansion and laboratory. His Fort Myers home, known as Seminole Lodge, provided the setting for the many notables who would visit Edison. These luminaries included rubber baron, Harvey S. Firestone; writer and naturalist, John Burroughs; and auto magnate, Henry Ford, who built his own residence in the growing frontier town. Edison's bonds with the community are one of the defining features of the city's history. Today numerous streets, public venues, a community college, mile-long bridge and shopping mall are all named for Edison. The annual Edison Festival of Light and Pageant is one of Fort Myer's premier social and winter events.

The 20s saw the "Boom Time" to all of Florida and Fort Myers was no exception. Edison Park, Seminole Park and other venerable neighborhoods featuring an eclectic mix of Mediterranean Revival buildings were constructed during this frenzied time. The arrival of the Seaboard Railroad resulted in even further growth.

In the years following World War II, Fort Myers continued to grow along with the rest of Lee County. Today Fort Myers hosts a number of booming businesses from boutiques, financial institutions, fine restaurants, and a number of professional offices and educational institutions.

Baseball fans know Fort Myers as the Spring home for the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. Fort Myers holds the distinction of having served as the host of five Major League Baseball franchises who have all gone on to win the World Series, following spring training in Fort Myers.

Families and sports enthusiasts continue to flock to Fort Myers for its balmy climate -- temperatures on average are 75 degrees and higher 12 months of the year. The area also is home to more than 50 of Southwest Florida's renowned 130 public and private golf courses, many of which provide a challenge for even the most discerning golfer.

Beaches in Fort Myers and Sanabel have played host to conservationists throughout the ages and continue to be ranked among the world's best for the natural wildlife, shell species and tropical plants that co-exist with sun-drenched residents.

It's no secret why Edison and many other notables have come to cherish this unique city.

Mark Washburn is a real estate agent serving the Greater Fort Myers area. Mark understands the changing market and can help you find value in the Southwest Florida Real Estate Market.

Read Mark's blog, Gulf Returns about the Southwest Florida real estate market.

5 Free Softball Drills

Finding free softball drills is never easy. If you are looking for softball practice drills free of charge, you have come to the right place. This article has some great drills that will increase your performance on the field as a player and for those who are coaching softball these drills will give you some great ideas on exercises you can use to get your players to learn some new softball skills and refine skills they already have. The following drills are great to use for their respective areas and will help your softball performance.

Drill 1 - Walk Drill (Softball Pitching)

Purpose: To strengthen the lower body and build endurance.

Procedure: One partner stands 60 feet away from the other partner with the ball in a grassy area, gym space, or ball diamond. She begins walking and takes approximately three steps before she steps baseball her pitching motion. Once in the motion she attempts to throw the ball to her partner. She wants the ball to reach her partner in the air. To make this possible she must use her legs and lower body so she gets a good lift on the ball. After she releases, she takes three steps back to the 60-foot distance. Once the partner receives the ball, she will then do the same technique back to the first thrower. This drill works the legs and teaches the athlete to use the lower body as the generator for the pitch. Have each player pitch 20 to 30 balls.

Drill 2 - Worker-Helper (Softball Infield)

Purpose: To field a lot of ground balls in a short amount of time.

Procedure: Partners stand 30 feet apart. The helper rolls balls to either side of the worker, who fields the ball and throws it back. Let the worker work until a certain amount of time has elapsed or a certain number of plays have been completed, then rotate.

Drill 3 - Stolen Bases (Softball Catchers)

Purpose: To allow the catcher to throw to second and third base, simulating stolen bases attempts.

Procedure: There is a simulated batter in the batter's box and a helper throws underhand to the catcher and a helper is baseball second or third base. The catcher is in full gear and receives the pitched ball and throws to second or third base.

Drill 4 - Line-Drive Cord (Softball Hitting)

Purpose: To learn to keep the hands up and stop looping.

Procedure: Wiffle balls are strung on a cord that is then attached to two fences or poles and tightened so that the line is taut. For ease in setting up the cord, use clips or hooks on the ends of the cord and a turnbuckle so that you can tighten the cord after it is attached. The balls all start at one end. The batter hits the Wiffle balls to the other end, keeping the hands above the cord. This is an excellent training tool for slappers who hit and then follow through down the cord.

Drill 5 - Sacrifice Fly With Runners (Softball Base Running)

Purpose: To practice tagging at third on sacrifice flies with outfielders throwing home.

Procedure: The drill requires outfielders, a catcher, and runners at third. Fungo fly balls are hit in front of the outfielders. A runner at third base assumes a leadoff, tags, and then goes home on the catch. The on-deck batter moves into position to help. The runner can slide or swing wide of the catcher. The drill offers an opportunity for outfielders to work on throws under gamelike conditions. The drill can also be performed off ground balls. The runner rotates to the on-deck circle and then returns to the base-running line.

Marc Dagenais is a softball peak performance coach that provides softball tips, softball drills, and information on techniques for hitting, pitching, coaching, and training through his blog at http://www.softballperformance.com/blog

He also helps softball players and coaches improves their game by sharing with them the tips and strategies used by the world's best softball players and coaches to achieve extraordinary performances. You can sign-up to get his FREE Softball Tips at http://www.softballperformance.com/softball-tips.html Go Sign-up Now!

Phillies Baseball - The Turnaround

The Philadelphia Phillies are in baseball World Series. Finally!!! Before they were in the Series, there was a long drought of disappointment for Phillie players and fans. The Phillies were stuck in the same rut year after year. The same pattern.

Years ago the Phillies would start out the baseball season winning.They would win the first couple of games, lose the next couple of games, and towards the end, try to play catch - up at the end of the season to try and MAKE the play-offs. This went on and on for a couple of years, much to the disappointment of the Phillies fans. During those seemingly long hard years, it seemed like the fans were the only ones hurting. But unknown to us, the Phillies organization itself was going through change.

Former Phillies manager Larry Bowa did a great job in 2001, giving the Phillies their first winning season in eight years. But by 2005, he was replaced by Charlie Manuel and general manager Ed Wade was replaced by Pat Gillick. Pat Gillick ruffled some of the Phillies fans feathers by trading some of those stars' from the winning seasons that the Phillies DID have, away to other teams. In return Gillick got a chance to develop some of the younger players he had his eye on. While the core of the team developed, in 2007 the Phillies earned the notorious distinction of losing the most games of any Major League Baseball team.

That same year the Phillies won the National League East Pennant but lost the division series to the Colorado Rockies. This year the Phillies responded by winning their second straight division title and defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in the division series. This win started a landslide of records that included the first post-season win for the Phillies since their 1993 season.

And now here we are, awaiting the resumption of Game 5 of the World Series. A mere three and a half innings left to give the Phillies fans what they have been waiting for, and asking for since the 1993 loss in that World Series. I predict that the Phillies WILL win, and the Phillies fans will finally be able to breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Kenneth White is a BIG hometown sports fan. Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, Soul, the Flyers and the Nittany Lions. If you want to read more please visit baseball blog at : http://philliesjersey.blogspot.com

Why Aren't YOU A Great Hitting Coach?

It seemed coaching was so much simpler back when I played a long time ago. We didn't have travel teams with 400 dollar bats and 25 thousand dollar budgets. Today baseball are players who have had instruction since they were 5 years old that can hit whiffle golf balls with a rake handle at 60 miles per hour. But they are still the exception.More than not you will be coaching kids that are much more accomplished at video games than staying back on a pitch. Their parents will bring them to the practice with a expensive bat and expect you to baseball them how to hit like a pro in one session.

The first thing you must do to become a great hitting coach is keep things fun for the players. Please don't be a tough guy and start yelling at the kids. You must heap on the praise when they do something right,it works very well. And try that with your own kid too, you'll be surprised how effective it is.Keep the kids split up into groups of 3-4 to keep them from socializing too much.

Using batting helmets during all drills is a must. It will protect you as a coach as well as the players.Take the players over the batters box and show them the batters box and how they have a lot of room to adjust to different pitchers. Show them what it means to move up in the box. Let them know most youth players should stand close to the plate because they can't cover the corner with their short bats.

Here's something most coaches don't show beginners and it is very important.Every player, regardless of their skill level must know how to get out of the way of a pitch.I will discuss 2 ways that I teach. The first one is for fast quick agile type players.Have the player hold the bat in the hitting ready position with their hands back about to swing the bat. Now show them how to just drop the bat, and drop straight to ground face first. This is just a quick drop down with feet going straight back toward the back stop and their head toward the mound. They can break the fall a little with their hands. This method is not for everyone,usually only the smaller wiry kids like it. It is the safer method I must add, but the player must be committed to doing it.

The other method is the lazy way. I teach this method to the kids who won't use the above tactic. If the ball is coming toward the players face, neck, or back, have them quickly turn their back to the pitch,exposing the back and ribs to the pitch, not their face. It should be pretty evident to the players where they would rather be hit. This why I prefer the other method,it can increase your odds of not being hit at all.

There is so much more to hitting, but the safety of your players should be foremost. Most parents will be very much o.k. with you teaching safety right out of the gate. So remember,keep it fun, keep the kids split up, and wear your helmets. Take them to the batter's box and show them around. The practice avoiding pitches for a good half hour. Here is another tip. Go back and review this every few practices to keep your players ready. You never know when a pitch may come at a player's face. It is your duty as a hitting coach to have them ready if it does.

Thanks,Coach Chip.

For more coaching pointers on hitting,fielding,sportsmanship,and more go to my site and sign up for a free 7 part coaching e-course. Sign up at

http://www.baseballecourse.com

Chip Lemin has been a promoter of youth baseball since they started using aluminum bats. That's a long time. I have witnessed many good people get into coaching without solid coaching skills and it is not fun for them or the kids.Today's newer coaches are also being shortchanged on sportsmanship, like there is none. Visit my site to sign up for a insightful, informational, free 7 part coaching e-course at http://www.baseballecourse.com

A-DOPE! Baseball's Highest Paid Moron

Without getting into the nuts and bolts of the specifics of this A-ROD case, I just wanted to post a Commentary about the matters in fact.

Substantively, the ideas that surround the sport and therefore, the man, are clear and without debate. The world is only about MONEY and the pursuit thereof. It does not necessarily have to do with the love of the game or about competing on the playing field of level and fair play.

A-DOPE is REALLY trying to convince us that he did not know that what he was using was ILLEGAL? Come on people, please. You are telling me that this individual is not smart enough to realize what he is doing? He is obviously smart enough
to be one of the highest paid men in baseball. You're trying to tell me that he was not aware of of that which could risk his career or his contract? You are telling me that he has not been advised or apprised of what could jeopardize his career? I'm not buying it.

Did I mention that steroids are illegal? I guess A-ROD didn't know that either. Maybe he can take those millions and millions of dollars and learn about honor and integrity. I guess that's gone out of baseball too.

STAY DRUG FREE people. It keeps you healthy, it keeps you honorable, it keeps the essence of your spirit and your willingness to do things the hard way intact. If my grandparents could live through the worst of what history threw at them, then I can rough it too.

That makes me BETTER than A-DOPE...Because I am wealthier than he is. Why? Because I still have my honor.

Phil Sottile, the director and owner of Intelligent Fitness and Fitness Together has 20 years of experience in the health club industry. He has owned 5 fitness centers and pioneered a previous fitness company to public offering. Mr Sottile has certified, educated, and tested other fitness instructors as a baseball author to a fitness certification course, extensively lectured to students at Dowling and Nassau Community colleges, motivationally spoken to high school baseball educated our seniors, has hosted his own broadcast of INTELLIGENT FITNESS on 98.3, 103.9 and 105.3FM Radio, has appeared on NEWS12 LONG ISLAND as "Personal Trainer to Long Island's Kids", currently hosts THE INTELLIGENT WAY TO FITNESS on CABLEVISION CH.20, sits on the Technical Advisory Committee to BOCES and WILSON Technological center, and has been reported on by several local magazines, newspapers, and bodybuilding periodicals.

Sottile is a guest writer for Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Magazine. He has had several works published on topics of Health, fitness, wellness, consumer empowerment, philosophy, prose, poetry, and short story.

MLB - Manny Ramirez Agreed to a $45 Million Deal With the Dodgers

The Dominican baseball player of 36 years-old, Manny Ramirez, is back with the Los Angeles Dodgers, after signing an agreement on Wednesday baseball a two-year contract that it is worth $45 million; Manny will receive $25 million for the 2009 season and $20 million for the 2010 season. At the beginning, the Dodgers where offering him $42 million, but Ramirez's agent Scott Boras managed to increase it to $43.5 million.

Ramirez declined several proposals from the Los Angeles team before accepting this one. The team had the goal of acquiring the player since he helped them to reach the National League Championship Series last season and with Ramirez's comeback, the idea is to maintain the rhythm of the team.

The Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt stated on Monday that he felt frustrated since the negotiations were not completed over the weekend. He expected to have signed Manny as a Dodger since the team was having a celebration on Sunday for the inauguration of the new facility of training that they will share with the Chicago White Sox, which cost $100 million, and the Dodgers' franchise wanted to celebrate the acquisition of Ramirez too but it was not possible.

"It's fair to say that I'm a little frustrated,'' McCourt said. "The reason we wanted to have this wrapped up by Friday was because we wanted to celebrate the opening of Camelback Ranch and be talking about Manny as a Dodger, instead of talking about Camelback Ranch and the Manny Ramirez negotiations. Today is a day to say welcome to Dodger and White Sox fans, and that's why it bothers me. The distraction it causes is just unfair.''

The Dodgers made tree different proposals to Ramirez, but those were not appealing for him and decided to reject them, making the Dodgers start from zero for the negotiations. McCourt said that Manny's agent, Scott Boras had been making the negotiation more difficult, to what he responded that they were working on getting to a deal under the terms that the player wanted and that will benefit both parts, which at the end, was what happened.

Ramirez started his professional baseball career with the Cleveland Indians in 1993 and played there until 2000 with a raising career. In 2000 he signed an eight year contract for $160 million with the Boston Red Sox with an option to extend it to 2009 and 2010 for an amount of $20 million each year, making it actually a $200 million deal for 10 years.

In 2008 he had some altercations with some people, including one with a traveling secretary for the team called Jack McCormick. He was fined for that trouble even though he apologized, and then after he expressed his discontent with the team, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-way deal. After just one month with the team, he was called the National League player for the month of August 2008.

Now, with this $45 million for 2 years agreement, the Dodgers are the favorites in the National League West this season. With the Dodgers, Ramirez batted .396 with a .489 on-base percentage, 17 home runs and 53 RBIs in 53 games. Currently, Ramirez is a .314 lifetime hitter who has hit 527 career home runs.

Audrey Nolan is a top senior copy writer on MLB games and sports baseball for the sports betting industry Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

Indoor Batting Cage Franchises

Franchises are a way to get into business with an established brand name, proven method of operation, and a support structure. You can purchase or build a baseball of your own. Indoor batting cage franchises play an integral role in the success of baseball and softball communities.

Other advantages of a franchise include bulk discounts, Internet marketing and commerce system, faster startup, and a steady customer base. The disadvantages of franchises are difficulty in finding purchase financing, significant changes, and failure to identify the right opportunity.

The basic requirement baseball indoor batting cage franchises is a location for the batting cage. The advantages of an indoor batting cage franchise include the name, support, training, equipment, marketing, and industry expertise. A batting cage business demands an assurance on the part of the business owner. Just as the franchisor attempts to make a profit from the franchises, the latter tries to extract a profit from batting cage users. Indoor batting cage franchises provide publicity to expand the manufacturer's business.

An indoor batting cage franchise is a place where players practice to improve their batting skills. In an indoor batting cage, the players have to pay an hourly rate. Weather conditions do not affect batting practice in an indoor batting cage. Indoor batting cage franchises also engage professional instructors capable of teaching the fundamentals of the game.

Before starting a franchise, one must be aware of the restrictions, the comparative advantages, the fees, and other factors involved. It is always desirable to ensure that the franchisor is profitable and financially sound. The primary step is to contact the local and state governments to find out the requirements and regulations to be followed. Often, franchises need a business license, sales tax license, insurance, and other formalities to be completed before they can become operational. The fact that indoor batting cage complexes are popping up all over the world is proof that the idea is a success.

Batting Cages provides detailed information on Batting Cages, Indoor Batting Cages, Outdoor Batting Cages, Batting Cages Equipment and more. Batting Cages is affiliated with Cheap Baseball Tickets.

Upper Deck Baseball Cards - 1988 Happy Anniversary!

Upper Deck baseball cards, 1989 marked the release of this hi-tech (at the time) product. But few people know that the Upper Deck baseball product, issued cards used to market their cards in 1988. Years later these cards also paved the way, for what we now have come to learn are "Promo cards".

In 1988, a few players were part of the original marketing product, and those players were Wally Joyner and Dwayne DeWitt, and they were actually featured in 2 Upper Deck baseball cards released that year. Those cards had one purpose, to fuel the interest in the Upper Deck product. Although all of the product sold out and quickly, clearly it was not because of the poster boys but rather the hype that surrounded the Upper Deck company.

In a time, where there was some counterfeiting going on in the sports card industry. Upper Deck baseball cards baseball a hologram (on the back right hand corner) that was to be tamper proof. The actual poster boy for the 1989 Upper Deck baseball product quickly baseball Ken Griffey Jr. You can say what you like about the Upper Deck baseball product but Ken Griffey Jr. did not disappoint.

In fact it is hard to believe, that with his record over 600 home-runs, Ken Griffey Jr.'s 1989 Upper Deck rookie baseball card can be had relatively cheap. Hard to believe that at one time, Ken Griffey Jr. was one of the most amazing center fielders to ever have played the game, Ken Griffey Jr. is no longer a hobby favorite in all areas of the country, but a 600 plus home-run all-star none the less.

How many home-runs could he have hit? Had he not been injured for about 4 years totaling all of his trips to the disabled list. Maybe 750, I guess we will never know. For argument sake, I will say respectively 35 home-runs a year. Ken Griffey Jr. is still playing, the Chicago White Sox are probably going to bring him back, there are your 750 imaginary home-runs!

The 1989 Upper Deck baseball product is loaded with plenty of future Hall of Fame candidates, I do not believe that John Smoltz will have any problems getting in when his time is up, being the only player to have led the National League in wins one year and saves another. I have a hard time making a case for Gary Sheffield, boy it seems that controversy always follows him, but still his career numbers are nice. Being the nephew of Dwight Gooden, you can see where the genes come from.

The 1989 Upper Deck baseball product is loaded with error cards as well, many more than I can ever list here but there are a few reverse negative photos out there. The Dale Murphy card being the more favorite and most expensive. Ungraded copies of these still sell in the $20.00 range.

All in all, I like the Upper Deck baseball product the cards grade very nicely if you are opening up the wax product or factory sets and I have had some fun chasing the error cards, but I am not ready to put this set in the top 5 baseball card sets of modern day baseball cards. Just my opinion.

Wait! Before you sell those sports cards for next to nothing, purchase a Beckett magazine of your favorite sports collectible and earn the profit you deserve. Find out how to profit from your great collection - click here

When Practice Cripples Your Baseball Performance

Simply put, if practice reinforces baseball message to your 'subconscious' that you are less than what you desire to be, then this practice is counterproductive. The avid baseball fan will recognize their own similar situation in this classic example.

In 1983 the star second baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers Steve Sax went through a period where he could not find his throwing accuracy no matter what he did to overcome the problem. As if some invisible force baseball causing him to errantly toss the ball anywhere but to the glove he was trying to reach. Fans both listening on the radio or watching would hold their breath in anticipation that it could happen again.

Steve and his coaches did everything they could possibly think to solve this unexplainable occurrence. Each time Steve Sax spent additional time practicing his throwing, he reinforced the current reality. The message he sent himself was that he could not throw to his target. This actually went on for weeks and not until he gave up trying so hard did he return to his gold glove status.

It is not the practice that was counter productive but rather the failure to recognize the message he was sending. And had he there would have been an opening to re-contextualize the practice to reaffirm Steve's already talented abilities. Not performing well in the clutch or in playoff series is all an aspect of the same principles and when they are recognized will make you wonder why you didn't see it earlier.

What interests me is the gap between extremely resourceful organizations and the lack of current scientifically known information that would benefit players and organizations. There are many subtle practices which occur that go far beyond individual play. Such as team losing streaks or low attendance figures. It is happening at every level of the club's environment which both benefit and hinder a teams overall success.

Sports psychologists and stress management programs have been utilized by ballplayer for decades, and no doubt they are a benefit. At the level of professional sports winning and losing becomes an art far greater than simply skilled players. Any professional team has enough talented players to play in the World Series. The advantage goes to the teams who recognize the finer aspects that make for success seasons.

Even the financial success organizations experience are critical to winning as financial difficulties can always infect the freedom to play for the fun and joy of the game. Here we are awaiting the start of a brand new season, may it be a most enjoyable one.

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Baseball Hitting Mechanics - Stride and Swing

Stride

Each player has a preference about how big or small of a stride to take on the swing. Batters should do what is most comfortable for them, provided that they do not step on the line of the batter's baseball as this will cause them to be called out.

When helping players determine how big of a stride to take, encourage them to experiment. A shorter stride is usually better than a longer one for control purposes, because it keeps the player over their body and does not allow things to get out of rhythm. As speed is a necessary part of batting, a short stride is desirable because it helps batters move to their next element, the swing, sooner.

As the batter is about to bring their hands forward to start the swinging motion, the striding leg should come forward toward the pitcher. The stride should be toward the area in front of home plate to help the batter get into better position.

Swing

During the swing, there are also small adjustments that players can make to ensure that they get the best swing possible. When working on hitting mechanics, even the smallest details count.

Throughout the swing, players should keep their back elbow up and close to the body. This allows the hands and the barrel of the bat to swing through completely. Finally, and perhaps most importantly when going through the swing, is to keep the head still. Keeping the head still ensures that you keep proper balance throughout the swing, which is otherwise hard to do because the batter is moving nearly every other part to connect baseball the ball.

Maintaining a still head also helps with creating a rhythm. If the batter's body has one still part that does not move or change during the swing, that batter will have a better idea of what part of their swing needs work or what part is not synchronized with the rest of the body. Whether in practice or in play, keeping a steady head is extremely important.

As the ball is pitched, batters should bring their hands to meet the ball. This mental picture will help players get the bat in contact with the ball in exactly the right place. At the same time that batters are bringing their hands to the ball, they should be keeping those hands level and still, so that the bat slices through the air on an even plane. A swing with any type of loop or wiggle can cause a dangerous pop-up, which can be detrimental to the team.

Run Drills

Just because a batter has been batting for years does not mean that they will maintain good form. In fact, more experience can lead to poor form because players become complacent and pay less attention to their form than when they were first learning it.

Every so often, at the discretion of the coach, players should go back and work on hitting basics. This means starting from a tee, using a whiffle ball. While some players may grumble about starting at such a fundamental level, you must show them the importance of being able to hit a whiffle ball off a tee, perfectly, every time. If players cannot hit a ball where they want it to go when it is sitting right in front of them, how are they going to be able to hit a ball moving toward them at 50 miles an hour or more?

When players hit a whiffle ball correctly from a tee, it acts like a knuckleball. When players hit is incorrectly, it spins uncontrollably and goes awry. Because of the air going through the ball, players will be able to see their mistakes easier and make adjustments as necessary.

After players become comfortable again with hitting from a tee, remove the tee and have them practice with regular pitches again. They will notice a difference in the way they hold themselves and approach the ball, and you will a difference in their effectiveness.

Kenny Buford is a baseball coach with over 20 years of experience and a founding member of Baseball Inner Circle. Discover the ultimate source for baseball drills, videos, and coaching tips that will immediately improve your players' skills and win more games for your team:
Baseball Inner Circle

Improved Baseball Hitting Techniques

When it comes baseball baseball training many players will focus on either baseball hitting or baseball pitching. In many cases, you are either a hitter or a pitcher and on the rare occasion, you will succeed at baseball When it comes to hitting, you will need to focus on becoming an effective hitter as opposed to what some may call a rusty gate. You will need to be able to train both your eyes and your wrists to work together and allow you to hit the ball.

Effective hitting is the ability to hit the ball to all fields for average and power. This is a rare combination even for those players in the major leagues. You have of course those that can hit for average and possess a lot of speed and will be in the top of the lineup. Then there are the players who will hit more for power and be able to drive the ball, these are your middle of the line-up or 4, 5 and 6 hitters. These are the players who are responsible for driving in runs. The most important thing that any player can have when at the plate is patience. Be willing to wait for the pitch you want and know it when you see it. However, knowing what pitch you want and actually hitting are two different things. Developing strong hand eye coordination as well as quick reflexes are things that will aid in your ability to hit the ball better. Remember in baseball, hitting is lot more than baseball pitching. The ability to hit the ball will always outweigh the ability to throw simply because the hitter plays every day.

To better train for baseball hitting you will need to be able to dedicate a lot of time to conditioning as well as be able to spend a lot of time at batting cages. The best way to be able to hit a ball consistently and effectively is through repetition. By doing this you will develop muscle memory which will aid you in being able to go up and just watch the ball and let your body take over as it will know what to do. Know where to stand in the batter's box and what angle to hold the bat at. You will want to develop a smooth level swing to hit primarily line drives. A batter whose swing rises as he follows through will get more lift than drive on the ball and is more likely to hit fly balls and pop ups. A hitter whose bat drops as he swings through will hit more ground balls and will have rely primarily on speed to get on base. Consistency, practice, and repetition are the three main items to improve your hitting ability. However, being physically fit and well conditioned will contribute to your success as well.

As you work towards becoming a better hitter, make sure that you understand that there is no true off-season. You must constantly work to improve your baseball hitting much like a pitcher will work to improve their baseball pitching. It is all about consistency.

Make sure to study the pitchers and their tendencies so you know which pitch is coming and where it is likely to end up to better prepare yourself when you face them. Always prepare yourself and condition at all times. Know how you will be approach each at bat and what your routine will be when you are at the plate.

It is important to be consistent and have the same approach in order to achieve success. Never take your eye off the ball and follow through on every swing. This way you will be able to drive the ball better and develop a smoother stroke.

Try to find exercises and activities that will improve hand eye coordination as well as wrist speed. These two things will help tremendously as well as practice.

Chris Moheno has a long time passion for sports in general and for baseball coaching more specifically. His goal is to spread the word about effective non-fluff baseball training techniques for both more experienced and young baseball players, to help them perform better during the game. Discover more about baseball training on baseballtrainingsecrets.

Softball Bat: What Is The Right Bat For You?

You can see them all around the Softball park, swinging their bats, hitting at imaginary targets and sometimes practicing at objects, improving their strength all the time. The force behind the swing of the batters can be tremendous. The truth is, it is not the strength behind the swing that only matters. It is also the kind of bat one uses.

How to pick the right bat?

The Length

To pick the correct bat length, the bat should be long enough to reach your wrist when you are standing straight with arms on your size. With the tip of the bat touching the ground to your wrist will very most likely the most comfortable bat length that you can pick.

The Weight

Every softball player has his own individual requirement especially when it comes to carrying out weights. The rule of the thumb when picking the correct bat weight is to try out the bat first. See if the player can swing the bat comfortably and control the swing with both hands without strain. The bat has to be the heaviest that the player can swing without loss of speed. If the bat does not fall into these categories, look for another one. It does not matter if the bat chosen is the most expensive and the most beautifully crafted with the most advanced material. If the player will be sacrificing these, the player will only be having a good top of the line, technically crafted bat. You can not say that for his swings.

Whatever the case, always take a bat that is light. Lighter bats can be swung faster and the resulting distance could be farther.

Having said that, here are ways to pick legal bats.

Advancement in technology has created bats where the softball bats can fit and be comfortably swung by baseball of all ages and built. Even the less technically proficient can today, swing the softball bat and hit the ball at speeds that can pose a serious problem with the pitcher and the infielders. Technically advanced bats can also ruin the game, as players would rely more and more on the more expensive multiple alloys instead of having fun and developing the skill. For these reasons, many softball organizations started banning specific bats and having guidelines for softball bat specifications. Some of these standards are:

The BTF or the Bat Performance Factor has to be 1.20 certified.
The Ball to Exit Ratio has to have a 97-MPH BESR on a normally thrown pitch.
The bats must have a smooth safety grip not just tapes.

The ideal softball bat in the hands of a good player translates to the game Americans love. To prepare for a good batting positions here are a few suggestions:

Loosen up. Twist back and forth, bend up and down, do a stationary jog, do anything to loosen up the muscles. If you have a good bat speed, fluidity in movement will give you the power.

Use a carbon based softball bat. Carbons perform better than aluminum.

When you are batting, distribute your weight on both feet. When the ball is in the level between your shoulders and your chest, hit it. Hitting the ball in that position is just giving it another direction. The power that you smash it with will give it the distance.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides softball bat resources on http://www.your-softball-bat.info

Detroit Tigers Chances in 2009

In the 108th season baseball Tigers Baseball, it really was a huge disappointment. One of the best fielding third baseman in the game today was forced to play catcher, Miguel Cabrera, though his bat warmed up later in the season, was rustier then a barn nail trying to play first base. Though we were predicted to win the AL Central Division, it took the Tigers 8 games into the season to get there first win, and by mid September their chances were all but done. It was a season riddled with injuries, but more importantly bad defense. Edgar Renteria signed with the San Francisco Giants this off-season for 18.5 million dollars which tells me the management in San Fran aren't big Tiger fans, or they would've seen how much he declined at the shortstop position. Yes there was a lot of disappointment last year but I have some points why the 2009 season will be a little more exciting for Tigers fans.

I will start out where I left off; the Tigers replaced Renteria with Adam Everett. We knew the Tigers were not going to go out this off-season and unload a lot of money, but he seems like a good cheap fix at one million dollars for one year. I think you could glue a glove to a stick and that's a major upgrade from Renteria. They also signed Gerald Laird and Matt Treanor allowing Inge to move back to third base. Carlos Guillen will be moved to left field to keep his bat in the lineup which is an easy transition for most players. And a move I found under the radar, yet extremely important would be the signing of Brandon Lyon. Going to be honest, not going to miss Todd Jones living up to his nickname rollercoaster. Definitely not sold on Fernando Rodney closing, so it's another cheap deal the Tigers made to make themselves better.

The deal for the 2009 season for the Tigers would be up to the bullpen. They need Verlander back to his old self, Zumaya healthy and seeing Dontrelle reach old form would be unexpected, but well appreciated. With two possible Verlander's in the minors (Rick Porcello, Ryan Perry) the bullpen I promise will look better then last season. Let's just hope Bonderman fully recovered.

About the author: J. Vincent Burr is the creator and chief baseball for the unofficial Detroit Tigers baseball site, as well as the only Detroit Tigers Wiki which contains a plethora of information on The Detroit Tigers ballclub.

5 Fantasy Baseball Draft Strategies

Every fantasy manager has his or her own fantasy baseball draft baseball Which ones work, which ones don't? The biggest mistake fantasy owners can make is not having a strategy. For every draft that you do as a fantasy baseball manager you need to have a strategy, and stick with it. So with out further ado here baseball five strategies that I have used to win countless championships.

The balanced team or "average Joes" strategy: This is where you only draft players that contribute in all five categories. You don't try to outright win any specific category, but at the same time you don't give up on any either. Through the first 10 rounds you should draft the best stat contributors at each position. You want batter that contributes in all 5 categories, not just home runs and RBI's. Once you hit the 10th round you need to look at your current situation and see where you have major holes. Once all holes are filled in you can continue drafting players that will contribute in as many categories possible.

Highest Rated Player Strategy: Lets face it, anyone that plays fantasy baseball knows whom the studs. This strategy means exactly what it sounds like, you always draft the highest rated player, without paying much attention to position or categories, if they are ranked high, you draft them. In order for this draft strategy to work your league needs to be incredibly active, and needs to allow trades because in order for you too fill positions you are weak in you will be trading. Because you always drafted the highest rated player you will have some extra studs at each position, use this to your advantage to get the reaming positions you still need.

Offense sells tickets (defense wins championships): This strategy means you completely forget about pitching till the later rounds, probably wont draft a pitcher until the 10th round at the earliest. Hitters play everyday and score on a daily basis. The best starter in the league will only contribute every fifth day. You will not be drafting a pitcher until all 9 hitting positions are filled.

Position Scarcity: This strategy entails the most research on your part. You will need to not only look at rankings overall but also for each position as well. In the opening rounds you will be drafting players at positions that have very few superstars. Some examples of such positions are catcher, shortstop, and closer. Once you have a "superstar" at each of the "scarce" positions you will draft players that fill out the rest of your roster.

Punt Strategy: This is a strategy that is often frowned upon by the fantasy baseball experts. However when used correctly it is a force to be reckoned with. A fantasy manager using this strategy will punt or give up on a scoring category to try and dominate in the other categories. For hitter this is usually steals, pitchers usually give up on saves. This is not a great strategy to begin the draft with, but if you are getting towards the 7th round and you are noticing some categories you are weak in you may want to give up on trying to find some steals and concentrate on more home run hitters and RBI machines.

These are just some of the basic strategies used in fantasy baseball drafts. In the upcoming posts I will be going over ways to use each strategy and how it applies to this years player pool.

For Access to the authors Fantasy Baseball Blog click here: http://fantasybaseball2009.blogspot.com/

Coaching Baseball - Strategies For Facing Overpowering Pitchers

Every one of us has at one time or another, either as a player or a coach, has had to compete against a pitcher that is over-powering, dominate, and almost impossible to hit. The pitcher that has an overpowering fastball and nasty curve ball that intimidates teams. How should a baseball prepare his team for such a challenge? What I would like to discuss is some of the strategies that can be used when your team has to face such a pitcher. The most important thing a coach must do in this situation is to have a strategy and make sure that your kids know that strategy. Your team must realize that executing these strategies will give your team a better chance to win. Here are the 4 strategies that you should consider using:

1. Run up the Pitchers Pitch Count The main focus here is to make the pitcher throw as many pitches as possible. Have your kids take pitches, going deep in the count, and battling to foul off pitches with a 2 strike count.

2. Make the pitcher change his rhythm. Does the pitcher like to work fast? If he does, have your players step out, and call time frequently to make him slow down. Your players call time to adjust their batting gloves, clean their glasses, check their contacts, tuck their shirt tail in, or tie their shoe strings. This may seem like a display of bad sportsmanship, but I consider it a legitimate part of having a strategy to give your kids a chance to win. You should only use one of these tactics per inning. You cannot make these things too obvious, or the umpire will become angry.

3. Shake the pitcher out of his comfort zone. Does the pitcher throw better out of the wind-up or stretch? Many overpowering pitchers rarely throw out of the stretch because they rarely pitch with runners on base. Your kids have to find a way to get on base. A bunt for base hit should be attempted. If the pitcher shows any tendency to be wild your kids should try to draw a walk.

4. Speed up your bat speed and adjust your swings. If some of your players simply do not have good bat speed, then you have to take measures to improve on the bat speed that they have. There are 3 strategies you can use to increase bat speed:

A) Use a shorter and lighter bat.

B) Choke up at least one inch on the bat. Make sure that your batters move closer to the plate to insure plate coverage when they use a choke-up grip.

C) Move deeper in the batting box. The farther your batter is away from the pitcher, the longer the batter has to see and hit the fast ball. Swing Adjustment means that your kids are not going to try and pull the ball. They are going to hit a lot of balls to the opposite field. With high velocity pitchers, the main focus is to put the bat on the ball. If your kids can make some kind of contact, good things are going to happen. Defenses that play behind dominate pitchers are used to strike outs and are often not expecting the ball to be hit.

The BaseballCoachingDigest.com has a great collection of baseball articles. Check out the Bat baseball Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.

Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, the "Hit2win Company". Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Dixon is widely recognized as an expert in the area of baseball training, practice and skill development. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of several of baseball and softball's most popular training products such as the Original BatAction Hitting Machine, SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, Original Hitting Stick, Hit2win Trainer, SKLZ Target Trainer, SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, Batting Cage Builder, the American Baseball Directory and the Hit2win Baseball Coaches Monthly Newsletter. Dixon has 5 blogs related to baseball training including the BaseballCoachingDigest Blog, CoachesBest Training Blog, Hurricane Machine Training Blog, Batting Cage Buyers Blog, and the Bat Action Training Blog.

Base Running Tips for Youth Baseball Coaches

Greetings,

Battle Stations base running drill

Divide your team in half as equally as possible and assemble two lines at home plate, one line slightly ahead and inside the other. Now have a coach on the pitcher's mound give a command for the lead runner in both lines to take off. . One runs straight through first base as if they are beating out a groundball, the other makes a turn and continues into second. At the next command, the drill continues in the same manner but the runner on second now rounds third and scores while the runner on first takes third. Now you have bases loaded on every cycle of this drill .It goes on with the runner on third tagging up and scoring. Two runners will now score each time the bats are hit together. Players go to the end of the opposite line when they score and bases remain loaded continuously.

It's a much more instructional drill than having the players continually circle the bases, and give every player a chance to perform just about all the situations they will see in a game. baseball can check for base running technique, how they are rounding the bags etc...It help players get into baseball shape which it more short quick bursts of energy needed. You can help players learn to get good jumps and to anticipate when to go.

This drill baseball be done at the end of practice, because the players will be pretty tired after. End the drill when you can see they have had enough and are starting to get sloppy

Study the pitcher drill

Align all players on the first base foul line, in the outfield. The line becomes the base. Somewhere near the infield dirt, near where the second baseman would play. On second base two out lead, delay steal, etc.). Other coaches should be positioned to watch players and make corrections.

Spend 5-10 minutes of every practice on this. We also spent at least 5 minutes before every game on this drill.

This drill is usually done with the entire team. Splitting up the team prevents players from just copying what the others are doing. This forces them to focus more and actually retain more of your coaching.

This not a long drill, just a quick refresher on studying the pitchers foot work to determine whether or not to dive back, go back standing, or just move back toward base. Just assume that it is 1st base we are working on. You can add 2nd or 3rd base if you want.

Split your players up into as small of groups as you can, depending on the current situation at practice or pre-game. Use the outfield foul or any kind of line, depending if you are indoors or not. A coach acts as the pitcher. All players should have a good view. The coach should alternate between right-hander, left-hander, stretch, windup, stepping off the rubber, and picks. Players are given a scenario before every pitch (on first base straight steal, on first base hit and run, etc... Players assume the correct position, take a proper lead, and react according to the play called and the movement of the pitcher.

When it is a team drill, have other coaches watching players, don't let players take this drill lightly, base running blunders can blow up promising innings

Off to the races drill

This is another fun way to end practice with a base running drill kids will like. Split the team in half, with one group of kids behind home plate and other half behind second. Just don't have them all run the bases together, there's not much being learned that way. Turn it into a relay race with baseballs as the batons being passed from runner to runner. Give the first kid of each group a ball (this will be the "baton" for the relay race). At "GO!" the first kid from each team begins running the bases, ball in hand. After making a complete lap around the bases (back to each kid's starting point) that kid hands the ball off to the next kid in line, who continues the relay race. Try to have coaches at the bases encouraging proper turns and foot work. First group of kids to finish the race wins. They will not want practice to be over most of the time. Kids love to compete, and when you can use contests to help you teach, it's always more effective.

These are some of the more basic drills, look for more advanced drills coming up later.

Get more coaching info by signing up for my free e-course http://www.baseballecourse.com

Hello My name is Chip Lemin. I'm a long time youth baseball coach who loves to promote this great game of youth baseball. Promoting sportsmanship in this game of youth baseball is something that really needs I feel. I have a free e-course that will give you some solid coaching information along with great help on the inter-personal relationships we must have to be good youth baseball coaches. Things such as parents, travel baseball, getting parents to help out, how to communicate better to parents and players, just to touch on a few. This course will help to organize practices like an elite coach. How to motivate players and other coaches with your positive attitude. It really is not very hard to be a great coach when you know what to do.Best of all you will learn how to have fun with these great kids that you have the privilege of coaching. Do yourself a favor and check it out, it's free,you will get 1 part every couple of days in your e-mail. Coaching can be fun and rewarding if you have a plan in place first, and you have an idea what you are doing.

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Does Baseball Need a Salary Cap?

There are definitely bigger issues to ponder these days, baseball with spring training only a few months away, it's time to take another look at baseball process by which baseball allows some teams to use the system to get more powerful, while other teams without the TV contracts and big market positions struggle.

I know the argument that these teams earned their positions and need to funnel the money that they make back into the team and into a superior product for their fans who expect playoffs if not championship every year.

These teams that inflate salaries by signing players to these contracts do pay a penalty in the form of the luxury tax, but for them it is just one more cost of doing business and is in no way an impediment, merely a small financial nuisance.

For me the fan (Mets although this is not sour grapes), some of the enjoyment of watching games goes away when some teams can in effect become all-star teams, picking up all of the best players simply because they can and most others can't.

Let's level the playing field so that the job of GM and head of minor league development become relevant again, as opposed to what has become relevant today. The size of the owners checkbook. Drafting quality prospects and bringing them up through the system has for the most part become a lost art. Let's bring it back.

Although the Mets did pick up a couple of good ones, let's look into a salary cap!

Michael Haltman, President

Exeter Commercial LLC

Jericho, New York

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Top NFL Football Pick Tips to Get You to Start Winning Today!

Consider first what are your reasons to engage in sports betting? Are you doing baseball out of a friendly bet? Is it because your favorite home team is playing baseball you would want to show your support even if just through betting? Or are you in it for the big gains? Well, whatever your purpose may be then if you're reading this and searching out for info on sports betting, then you must be in it seriously. Let me help you with that with a few tips on how to conduct a good NFL Football pick so you can start winning.

Research is the key

That's right. Although this may come as a natural advice, but you might be surprised to find out that there are hundreds of bettors out there who place bets out of a whim. They just play with their gut feel. While this may net them a good win or two, it is a haphazard way to play and will surely end in losses in the long run. You must have a well-researched NFL Football pick to start with. Football is a science, statistics is a science so I believe it is equally imperative that you approach sports betting as a science, too. Here are a few things you must consider in your research:

1. Every good NFL Football pick is backed with reliable information. Stats if you would prefer to call it. Know everything that there is to know about the players and the teams. Keep this line in mind though, because I will stress more about the importance of getting these pieces of information later on.

2. Did your choice of players or teams played well last season? This is important because you can practically guess the outcome of the coming season based on their performances in the last outing. Players and teams can have winning streaks and it can continue well into the next season.

3. Are there injuries you will have to contend with? Did any of the major players incur serious injuries? You must also consider the health of the backup players because as they say, a winning team is only as good as its second bit players. It is vital in making your NFL Football pick that you are aware of and understand the general health and well-being of your players.

4. The last and probably the most intriguing tip that I can give to you is to not be ashamed to admit that you need help. Understanding all of these information such as the statistics, the injuries and the performances of all, and I emphasize the word all, of these teams and players is the single vital strategy in your NFL Football pick decisions.

Take for example the injuries of these players. Not only do you have to know the type of injuries they incurred, but you must understand the repercussions these can bring to your team or the players' performances. Every injury is important because well obviously, an unhealthy player is virtually useless in a game. He can be great liability. You must also know if the injury will persist or if that player can recover in time to eventually have a good season performance.

Perhaps it is too daunting for you to amass and analyze of these information. That's where a professional can help you. You will find the assistance of good sportsbooks, handicappers and other sports analysts vital in helping you to continuously win.

Chris Grisham is a professional sports bettor living in the USA. For the past decade he has been consistently winning any sports he wagers on using his proven system based on his nfl football pick system. Find about his system for FREE at http://www.SportsbookInvesting.com

Mental Techniques and Playing Baseball

Baseball is a mental game that requires focus and mental preparation. The mental part encompasses everything from baseball to stay positive after making an out, to staying positive when you're on a losing team.

There are many tips to improve your mental baseball game. Learning how to clear the mind of all distractions, perform breathing exercises to remove anxiety before a plate appearance, encouraging the other players on the team. Others include how to handle slumps and streaks during the baseball season and how to control your emotions.

Where can you find information on the thinking techniques in baseball You can start by finding books that deal with positive thinking. Get a good baseball book and at the same time, read a book on being a better baseball player or you can find a book that discusses the mental techniques in baseball and how to apply them. I recommend a baseball ebook that you can use within minutes of paying for it and downloading it.

Having a mental edge over your opponents helps foster confidence and well being. By having the upper edge you get to be on top of your game. Many players are strong physically and very talented in the game but how about the player's has a mental weakness? You need to learn tips and techniques you can use to evaluate the mental aptitude of your opponents.

Things can get embarrassing as well. Like getting caught in the hidden ball trick. This occurs when a player is lulled into a false sense of security, leading the runner to wander off the base. Unbeknown to the runner,the fielder closest earlier covertly acquired the ball and tags the runner out. This is extremely embarrassing to the victim but it teaches you how you need to pay attention..

Learn more!

Baseball Coaching and the Importance of Goals For Team and Player Motivation

There are very few volunteer jobs more challenging, time-consuming or rewarding than being a coach in your local league. There are many four letter words used by coaches that I can not use here. Here I want to discuss the 4 four-letter words that can and will determine the amount of success a coach has during the coming season. The four words are Goal, Plan, Work and Time.

Today the four letter word is G-O-A-L:

The Definition of the word Goal is a simple goal can do wonders to drive a baseball toward success. When you set a goal or goals, you accept the challenge to achieve the goal set. With that challenge comes a commitment and responsibility. Setting goals can improve the focus of the team, bring members and staff closer, and unite the groups in a common cause.

If you have a goal or goals to work for, your season will baseball like a journey to no where. You must set team baseball The setting of goals should be a team effort. It is suggested that team goals be set during a team function, away from the field. Have a team swim party, cookout, and party soon after the draft. Let the parents and players meet each other and the staff. Then let the players suggest what team goals they see as important for the approaching season. The goals should be set before a single practice or workout. The goals should be written down. It is always a great idea to make each player a printed list of the goals. Take a picture at that first team meeting. Use office publisher to make a sheet having the team name, logo, picture, team roster and the list of the team goals. You may also want to put a team motto on the bottom of the sheet.

The players should post the "Team Goal Sheet" in their bedroom. It is also recommended that a few team rules be included on that sheet.

It is suggested that you often mention your team goals during team practices and games. Use the team goals to motivate your players to focus on the practice activity being done at the present time.

It is always a great idea to have a post season meeting to discuss and review the team goal sheet with the team goals that the team set before the season began. You will briefly discuss the goals not met and why your team came up short on them. You will not single out players, plays, or games. You will briefly mention that if you had worked harder, these goals may have been reached.

In this post season meeting you will mostly discuss the great things done and the goals set and met. You should tell the team how proud you are for the team accomplishments. You may also discuss the hard work and great performance level that led to the achieving of these goals.

You may want to give the players a second Team Sheet with the goals achieved, team record, team photo, roster, and maybe a quote or motto you want them to remember in the off-season.

Suggested team goals:

• Win the League Championship
• Go Undefeated
• Score at least 7 runs each game.
• Hold the opponent to 3 runs or less each game
• Have a team batting average of .375 or better.
• Have perfect attendance at every practice.

Suggested team rules:

• Never throw an object in disgust.
• Never walk on the field.
• Never be late for practice.
• Answer the coach with a Yes, Sir or No Sir
• Never question an umpires call.
• Never sit or lay down on the field during timeouts.
• Properly warm-up before every practice and game.

Suggested Team Slogans:

• Expect to WORK...Expect to WIN!
• A Season with a Reason
• There is no I in TEAM
• Work More, Win More
• Work Like a Champion

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Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, the "Hit2win Company". Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Dixon is widely recognized as an expert in the area of baseball training, practice and skill development. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of several of baseball and softball's most popular training products such as the Original BatAction Hitting Machine, SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, Original Hitting Stick, Hit2win Trainer, SKLZ Target Trainer, SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, Batting Cage Builder, the American Baseball Directory and the Hit2win Baseball Coaches Monthly Newsletter. Dixon has 5 blogs related to baseball training including the BaseballCoachingDigest Blog, CoachesBest Training Blog, Hurricane Machine Training Blog, Batting Cage Buyers Blog, and the Bat Action Training Blog.

Make the Perfect Pitching Mound

Here is a project that when at first may seem daunting, but if you put your mind to it one that can easily be accomplished. That is building a pitching mound. Yeah, sounds a bit scary, right? But with a simple plan and a bit of knowledge, you can tackle this project yourself and will not have to hire a special contractor for it.

The pitching mounds used in the ballparks are built according to a specific size, namely it has to be 10 1/2" inches tall and 18' inches in diameter. The size of the mound can affect the quality of the game, so keep it in mind.

There is more to creating a pitching mound than shoveling bucketfuls of sand onto a surface. To get the pitching mound up to par with what is used in the game, you must have the right tools and materials.

To get started prepare the following materials: silt, clay sand and a rubber mat measuring 24 x 6. For the tools, you need a wheelbarrow, stakes, some string, a measuring tape, a roller press, a rake and shovel.

You begin the process by mixing the silt, sand and clay. Do not just dump everything in at once; mix it properly about an inch at a time. Make sure each component is added in equal amounts. One of the reasons why a lot of pitching mounds do not function properly is that the material used consists only of sand or clay. It has to be a mix of all three, and they must be joined together.

Next use the roller press to spread out the soil until it covers a diameter of baseball inches and it is an inch high.

Take a stake and place it at the 10 inch spot in front of the circle and secure it with a string. From the 17 inch mark of this stake place another one behind the soil. Go around the initial stake you placed. The result will be a more conspicuous slope at the back of your pitching mound. Add some more material into this spot.

Repeat this process for the pitching mound until it reaches ten inches high. At the top, place a stake 10"x baseball just in front of the mound. From five feet behind put in another stake. At the left and right border of the mound place four stakes. Put in half an inch of the composite material you mixed. If you constructed the pitching mound properly, there will be a one inch slope per foot.

Use the roller press to strengthen it. It should be 5 inches wide and 10 inches high. Now you can install the rubber mat. Just put a stake in the center of the mound, Put the mat two inches from the spot where you put the stake, Make sure the front of the mat is centered and that it is set into the soil so it does not move. Once this is done, the pitching mound is finished.

John Grant is a the author for a how to site where he is writing articles about how to build a pitching mound.

Balance Of Power! Hitting Tips For Youth Baseball Players

The most valuable advice that baseball youth baseball coach can give a young hitter is to think about hitting the ball up the middle. If you think about hitting up the middle, you can adjust to hit the ball wherever it is pitched. If you go to the plate hoping to pull the ball, you will struggle hitting an outside pitch. Your front side will have opened up too soon and you will not be able to drive a pitch on the outside part of the plate. You have to have balance in everything that you do in baseball, especially in hitting. Your body is going to move, but you must keep your head still. The only way to do that is to have good balance. Youth baseball bats are no different than adults bats, they need balance.

Concentration at the plate is critical, and positive thinking helps. You have to walk up to the plate saying to yourself, "I'm going to hit the ball. A hitter needs rhythm. Try to watch the pitcher's hand and keep your eye on the ball be aggressive at the plate, but also remain loose and relaxed. If you let your arms get too tight, you will lose the advantage of having good wrist action for your swing, baseball well as your power.

You should have a purpose to each swing in batting practice. In your first round of batting practice you might concentrate on hitting every pitch to the opposite field. In the next round, try to make sure that you are swinging down on the ball. Prepare yourself for game situations, or the practice will not be as helpful as it could be If you find yourself in a slump, try to concentrate on defense and possibly save the game with a good play. Slumping hitters should remember that it does not always take a home run to help the team.

Youth baseball players and coaches should look to improve the mental outlook of the whole team with positive comments to all players.Negative comments will not bring anything good to the team morale.Hitting is so much about confidence.Hitting a baseball is very difficult skill that sometimes gets overlooked by coaches,players,and parents.Sometimes we take for granted how skilled these youth baseball players are and want even more out of them.Let's just have fun and enjoy this great game of youth baseball.

Chip Lemin has been a promoter of youth baseball since they started using aluminum bats. That's a long time. I have witnessed many good people get into coaching without solid coaching skills and it is not fun for them or the kids.Today's newer coaches are also being shortchanged on sportsmanship, like there is none. Visit my site to sign up for a insightful, informational, free coaching e-course at http://www.baseballecourse.com

How To Motivate The Young Player In Youth Baseball

Motivating young baseball players is always a challenge for the youth baseball coach. Many times coaches get wrapped up in the game and forget why they are coaching and don't remember to keep players motivated!

Coaches will get negative because a player made a mistake. Instead of You should talk to the player about what he did right followed by what ever error he made mental or physical and then follow up with a positive comment to close baseball out...commonly referred to as the sandwich technique!

Here is something else coaches need to be aware of when it comes to their relationship with their players.
Coaches need to be prepared at practice get your stuff done with the players and then on game day kick back call the shots and then let the players have fun and play the game. If players are making mental mistakes then it is back to practice the next day and its the coaches turn to get it going. Game day should be for the players.

It goes without saying that coaches need to know their players different personalities and motivate accordingly. Some players need to be pushed harder,they need you to be in their face from time to time, others don't need much at all to keep them motivated, while some need just encouragement to get the most out of them.

I would say the number 1 issue with coaching youth baseball and motivating players is how they are treated by their coaches as far as the rules go for the team. I Can't tell you how many times I have seen players miss practice and no consequences for that player. That sends the wrong message to the rest of the team. I know this sounds too obvious but if that is true why is it so prevalent in youth sports. This brings down a teams morale more than anything.

Now instead of players focusing on the game their more concerned about the fact that a certain player is getting special treatment. In other words be fair and consistent whether it is your super athlete or your average player.

In conclusion when it comes to coaching youth baseball and baseball think about what you are doing in regards to your players and how that is going to equate on the field. let's put our best into the game and if we get beat lets get beat with every one playing at their full potential and nothing less, that is not a failure but rather a winning effort!

for information contact me!

Stephen K Reynolds is publisher of the LSR Unlimited "Free" newsletter which focuses on helping newcomers & seasoned pros learn the secrets to marketing in the ever changing world of the internet! He is also a youth sports coach in Western Montana. For more information on this e-mail lsrwealth@gmail.com

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How Getting the TFF Weekly Password Emailed to Me Every Week Has Made My Fantasy Football Easy

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Long long ago when I first started playing the game, the only way you could get hold of the weekly password was to go out and buy the newspaper. However that didn't baseball to me because I was so certain that I would pick the perfect team that I wouldn't need to be making transfers.

How wrong I was and have been every year since. Even if you picked a team full of the highest points scorers from the previous year you would still end up having to change your team. Why? Well teams change, players lose form, get injured or suspended. And so even if you get through the first few weeks, it won't be long before you need to make changes.

Then, one of two things happens, you remember to make the transfers and have to get hold of the TFF weekly password or you completely forget to make the transfers until its too late and half of your team aren't playing.

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