Blog:

December 22, 2010

Practice Makes Perfect! (as presented by Bill Holowaty, Eastern Connecticut State University Head Coach)

Pre At Bat Preparation:

...when does your AT BAT begin?

On The Bench:

*watch the pitcher, pick up tendencies

*talk hitting or talk about the pitcher with other players

*talk with the pitching coach; see if he has picked up any tendencies

In The Hole:

*helmet on, on the top step

*watch the pitcher, pick up tendencies

*contact, immediately make way to the on-deck circle

On Deck:

*prepare muscles to hit -

                               stretch, practice swings, etc.

*watch pitcher, have a plan -

                               what pitch are you looking for in what situation

                               count is a factor

                               having a play on is a factor

*contact -

            immediately get into position to direct runner who is scoring

            immediately make way to the batters box

In The Batters Box:

*grounds keeping

*pick up 3rd base coach

*find the ball

*check fielders, know your situation or plan

*in the box, READY TO HIT

October 27, 2010

Some Fun Facts About Cal Ripken Jr (taken from Baseball Youth Magazine July/August 2010):

Cal Ripken Jr. played his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles, and in the process, became one of the greatest hitting shortstops baseball has ever seen.  Ripken is best known for his 2,632 consecutive games played streak breaking the record held by Lou Gehrig.  Ripken started the streak in 1982 and did not take a day off until 1998.  He was a 19-time American League All-Star selection, a two-time AL MVP award winner and one of only eight players to hit 400 home runs and 3,000 hits. Also, from 1982-1987, Ripken played 8,243 consecutive innings in 904 games.  The Orioles kept Ripken's streak posted on the old warehouse outside of Camden Yards and updated it with every game played!

March 16, 2010

Practice Makes Perfect! (as presented by Bill Holowaty, Eastern Connecticut State University Head Coach)

3 Purposes of Practice:

*Conditioning the body

*Individual Skills

*Team Skills

5 Important Things to Remember When Planning Practice:

*Facilities

*Number of players

*Number of coaches

*Practice time

*Available equipment

Things to Remember During Practice:

*There are no excuses

*Safety first

*Have fun

*Fundamentals

*Keep it short

*Have a purpose

*Hustle

*Players goal-to be their best

*Too little rather than too much

The Practice:

*Organization

*Teach

     -explain

     -demonstrate

     -imitate

     -repetition

 *Challenge

*Action