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2018 Event Information

Event Partners


January 2018

Dear Coach,

Welcome to the 15th annual Mohegan Sun World Baseball Coaches’ Convention! We are excited to have you

here. Our mission is to provide you with the very best in coaching education; and once again this year, we have

secured the best clinicians and designed a curriculum that addresses all levels of play and a range of coaching

areas.

Here are a couple of clinic notes for 2018:

- Again this year, we will offer you post-event access to video of our Thursday and Friday clinic sessions (close

to 30 sessions!), so that you can refresh your memory or watch sessions you may have missed. See the

postcard in your registration gift bag for the special promo code, which will enable you to purchase all

sessions at a greatly discounted rate. We are confident you'll find these videos highly valuable.

- To most conveniently provide you with the latest event information, we offer an event app that features the

clinic schedule, a list of exhibitors, a digital version of the event handout and much more. Search Baseball

Coaches Convention in the app stores. If you'd like to receive real-time event updates and news, please allow

us to push event notifications to your device of choice.

- We will offer a Talking Baseball Panel Discussion on Friday evening from 5:45PM - 7PM in Break-Out 1.

Our panelists will discuss the game today and share past experiences, provide insights into what and who

motivated them, and finish by taking questions from the audience. It should be a terrific final session of the

day.

We believe our convention is more than just three days of coaching instruction; it is a chance to bounce ideas off

your fellow coaches and learn from each other. Our staff, exhibitors and guest speakers will be available to you

throughout the clinic. Please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself, ask a question or provide your own perspective

on the game.

We thank all of our clinic presenters, who have found the time to share their knowledge of and passion for

America's game. A special thanks to our title sponsor, Mohegan Sun; and to all of our sponsors and exhibitors,

whose support helps make this clinic possible.

Enjoy the clinic and if you have any thoughts on how to improve next year’s Mohegan Sun World Baseball

Coaches’ Convention, please let us know. We wish you all the best with your upcoming season!

Yours in baseball and coaching,

P.S. Become a World Baseball Facebook fan and get clinic updates throughout the year.


WORLD BASEBALL EVENT SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 18, 2018:

Session Times Room 2018 Presenter 2018 Topic

4:30pm - 9:00pm GENERAL EVENT REGISTRATION Convention Center Pre-Function Area

6:15pm - 7:00pm Break-Out #1 Mervyl Melendez Keys to Building a Successful Program

Break-Out #2 Karl Kuhn Productive Mound Visits

Break-Out #3 Chris Fay Double-Goal Coach I: Winning & Life Lessons

Extra Innings Batting Cage

Jayson King Hitting Drills Demo

7:15pm - 8:00pm Break-Out #1 Karl Kuhn Pitching for Success

Break-Out #2 Darren Fenster The Slow Roller. Breaking Down an Infielder's Toughest Play

Break-Out #3 Eric Cirella

Teaching Baserunning in an Age of Leg Kicks, Bat Flips & Launch Angles


Extra Innings Demo Session

8:15pm - 9:00pm Break-Out #1 John McDonald Coaching Keys to Develop Winning Infield Play

Break-Out #2 Joe Kruzel Hitting... It's All About the Approach

Break-Out #3 Dave Therneau Fielding Your Position: Pitchers Fielding Practice Activities


Mervyl Melendez Catching Skills Demo

9:15pm - 10:00pm Break-Out #1 Butch Thompson, Karl Kuhn,

Dave Therneau & Paul Quantrill Pitching Roundtable

Break-Out #2 Jayson King Always Compete: Drills & Games for Your Next Practice

Break-Out #3 Steve Springer Quality At Bats: Interactive Mental Game Discussion


Jason Stanford Better Throwing Mechanics: Arm Care and Injury Prevention

Presented by Extra Innings

Program, topics and presenters are subject to change. Attendees must wear their event credentials at all times to access the event.

No videotaping of event sessions is allowed.

SAVE AT GENO’S FAST BREAK RESTAURANT: Hungry? Geno’s Fast Break is offering 5% off all food & beverage purchases for baseball convention attendees wearing their credentials. Geno’s is located just outside the Convention Center on the 1st floor.

COMPLIMENTARY COFFEE FOR ATTENDEES & EXHBITORS: On Friday morning, complimentary coffee will be served beginning at 7:45AM in the Mohegan Sun Convention Center’s Pre-Function Area while supplies last.



Friday, January 19, 2018:

Session Times Room 2018 Presenter 2018 Topic

7:45am - 12:00pm GENERAL EVENT REGISTRATION Convention Center Pre-Function Area

8:15am - 9:00am Break-Out #1 Mike Leonard Filtering Through the New Trends in Hitting:

Developing An Offensive Strategy in the Modern Era

Break-Out #2 Tim Yuhas Speed and Power for High Level Baseball Performance


Joe Kruzel Creating Proper Fielding Fundamentals:

Keys to Being a Good Defender

9:15am - 10:00am Break-Out #1 Tucker Frawley An Infielder’s Blueprint: Creating Structure, Purpose, and

Competitiveness in the Practice Setting

Break-Out #2

Steve Springer

The Mental Game of Pitching

Break-Out #3 Jayson King First Base Play: The Anchor of the Infield


Tim Yuhas Baseball Speed and Power Activities Demo

10:15am - 11:00am Break-Out #1 Butch Thompson Attack: Top Drills for Our Players

Break-Out #2

Bob Tewksbury & Mike Leonard

Making the Mental Side of the Game a Priority with Your Team

Break-Out #3 Nick Derba

Teaching the Swing for All Levels and Ages: An In-Depth, Age-Based Teaching Plan


John McDonald Infield Activities Demo

11:15am - 12:05pm Break-Out #1 Steve Trimper Establishing Your Program's Offensive Philosophy

Break-Out #2 Chad Epperson Catching: The Key Building Blocks

Break-Out #3 Joe Kruzel Innovative Pregame Routines to Improve In-Game Results



11:15am - 1:15pm Nehantic/Pequot/Paugusset Rooms NEIBA Annual Meeting

12:05pm - 1:10pm EXHIBITOR TIME/LUNCH BREAK



1:10pm - 2:10pm Break-Out #1 Darren Fenster Your Team is YOUR Team.

Establishing a Culture and Identity that Reflects Its Coach

Break-Out #2 Greg DiCenzo PFP Mechanics - The 9th Defender

Break-Out #3 Matt Hyde

The Path to Greatness: What Did Future Major League Players Look Like as Amateurs?

Identifying Consistent Characteristics of High Achievers


Jeff Albert Hitting Drills Demo



Friday, January 19, 2018 (Continued):

Session Times Room 2018 Speaker 2018 Topic

2:25pm - 3:25pm Break-Out #1 Butch Thompson Name Dropping: Lessons Learned From Others

Break-Out #2 Steve Trimper Drills & Skills to Maximize Your Outfield Play

Break-Out #3 Bob Tewksbury Ninety Percent Mental: The Hidden Game of Baseball



3:40pm - 4:30pm Break-Out #1 Jeff Albert Launch Angle and Exit Velo are Old News

Break-Out #2 Nick Derba

Bodies In Motion - Keeping Tempo at Practice to Develop Defensive Fundamentals

Break-Out #3 Dave Swanson

Making Every Throw Count: The Importance of Your Throwing Program



4:15pm - 5:00pm Exhibitor Zone/ Rawlings Booth

Meet Carlos Delgado & Pat Hentgen

Two All-Time MLB Greats Presented by Rawlings

4:40pm - 5:30pm Break-Out #1 Dave Therneau Attacking Hitters the Stetson Way

Break-Out #2 Mervyl Melendez Practice Organization the FIU Way

Break-Out #3

Paul Quantrill, Butch Thompson, Greg DiCenzo, Tucker Frawley

& Mike Leonard College Recruiting 101: Question & Answer Session for Coaches


Chad Epperson with Steve Lomasney

Catching Drills DEMO

6:00pm EXHIBITOR ZONE CLOSES

5:45pm - 7:00pm Break-Out #1 TALKING BASEBALL: Featuring Carlos Delgado, Pat Hentgen, Paul Quantrill,

and Jeff Albert moderated by Steve Trimper presented by Rawlings and On Deck Sports

Program, topics and presenters are subject to change.

Attendees must wear their event credentials at all times to access the event.


Carry the World Baseball Coaches' Convention with you at all times! Our

app has everything you need to enhance your convention experience, including a full schedule, floor plan, presenter bios, and more!

Search “Baseball Coaches Convention” in the App

Store and Google Play Store!



Saturday, January 20, 2018:

Meeting Location Note: All Saturday morning baseball sessions will take place in the

Upper Level Meeting Rooms of the Convention Center.

Session Times Room 2018 Speaker 2018 Topic

7:15 am – 9:30 am GENERAL EVENT REGISTRATION Convention Center Pre-Function Area

8:30am - 9:15am Nehantic/Pequot/

Paugusset Rooms

Butch Thompson We Get Good at What We Focus on In Practice & Games

Abenaki Room Chad Epperson Improve Catcher Throwing Mechanics

Shinnecock/

Nipmuc Rooms Greg DiCenzo Indoor Practice Planning for the Outdoor Season


Paugusset Rooms

Jeff Albert The Future of Batting Practice

Abenaki Room Eric Cirella Creating Offense from Baserunning & Bunting

Shinnecock/

Nipmuc Rooms Chris Fay Double-Goal Coach II: Culture, Practices, & Games


Paugusset Rooms

Brendan Eygabroat Keeping It Game Speed: Multi-Purpose Practice Drills

Abenaki Room Greg DiCenzo PFP Mechanics - The 9th Defender (Repeat Session)

Shinnecock/

Nipmuc Rooms Matt Hyde The Player Development Pathway: What Scouts Look For

11:30am - 12:15pm Nehantic/Pequot/

Paugusset Rooms

Brendan Eygabroat Score More Runs: 15 Front Toss Drills for Your Hitters

Abenaki Room Dave Swanson Pre-Season Throwing Program for Pitchers

Shinnecock/

Nipmuc Rooms Eric Cirella

Teaching Baserunning in an Age of Leg Kicks, Bat Flips & Launch Angles (Repeat Session)

Program, topics and presenters are subject to change.

Attendees must wear their event credentials at all times to access the event.


The event would like to recognize Jaypro Sports for providing the bleachers for the Extra Innings Batting Cage sessions. Visit Jaypro’s booth to learn more

about all their baseball and softball product offerings.

SAVE AT GENO’S FAST BREAK RESTAURANT: Hungry? Geno’s Fast Break is offering 5% off all food & beverage purchases for baseball clinic attendees wearing their credentials. Geno’s is located just outside the Convention Center on the 1st floor.


2018 Mohegan Sun World Baseball Coaches' Convention Exhibitor Booth Locations

Company/Exhibitor Name Exhibitor Booth #

Company/Exhibitor Name Exhibitor Booth #

Adrenaline Fundraising 208 Lee County Sports Development 907

Air Structures American Technologies 600 LI Hot Stove Baseball 916

All Sports International 407 Mizuno 609

AMI Graphics 402 Never Give Up T1

Baseball Heaven 903 New Balance 613

Batting Cages USA 404 New England Collegiate Baseball League 81

BIG Vision Sports Complex 302 OC Sports 99

Boston Biomotion 601 On Deck Sports 101

BOWNET Sports 910 Pitch In For Baseball & Softball 401

BSN Sports 914 & 915 PitchAware 606

Central Florida Spring Training 405 Positive Coaching Alliance 75

Connecticut Sportsplex 93 Power-Tek 403

Connecticut Tigers T5 Proxformulas 97

Cooperstown Bat Company 96 PUKKA Headwear 94

D-BAT Sports 506 RallyTags 207

deCervo 306 Rapsodo 703

Diamond Sports 500 Rawlings 900

Disney Baseball & Softball 508 Rob Monte Art 82

Dream Bat Company 84 Schutt Sports 201

Eastbay 88 SCORE Sports 92

Easton Sports 905 & 906 Snap! Raise 603

EJG SPORTS/Veronica Sports 504 Spooky Nook Sports 604

Enovative Technologies 307 Sports Force Parks 85

Extra Innings Extra Innings/ Pre-Function

Sports KingDome 501

Fan Cloth 502 Sports Tutor 509

Fit Uniforms 917 SSK Baseball USA 605

Five Tools 406 Stance Check 206

Frank Herzog Photography 90 & 91 SuperSpeed Slugger 303

Franklin Sports 911 & 913 Team Star Classic 305

Frank's Sports Shop 611 The Graphic Edge 409

Futures Collegiate Baseball League 89 Traveling Teams 107

GameChanger 904 TURFACE Athletics 701

GMA Sales 507 TYRUS Baseball Products 902

Gold Athletics 98 USA Baseball - NTIS 702

Ground Force Sports 304 Valle Training Gloves/Shield 309

Hartford Yard Goats T7 Wilson Sporting Goods 301

ISlide 602 X-Grain Sportswear 209

Jaypro Sports 801 & 802 Zephyr 503

Launch Angle Tee 607

We thank you in advance for supporting our convention exhibitors and encourage you to patronize them throughout the

year. You can find an exhibitor listing with their website addresses on our app or on our website.

SESSION: Thursday, January 18, 2018, 6:15PM – 7:00PM: Break-Out #1

TOPIC: Keys to Building a Successful Program

PRESENTER: Mervyl Melendez, Head Baseball Coach, Florida International University


I. Personnel – Assistant Coaches a. Choosing assistants that fit your character b. Good communicators c. Good judge of talent d. Detail people and knowledgeable on their expertise e. Be able to have a relationship outside of the field f. Care about their families and careers g. Engage and interact outside of the office and field daily

II. Recruiting

a. Identify talented players that fit your style b. Recruit players with character, energy, and passion c. Think outside the box when recruiting

III. Philosophy

a. Establish your own style of coaching b. Tweak style at times but don’t compromise c. Be detailed d. Expect everyone to follow your philosophy not their own e. Have players and coaching buy in completely

IV. Player Development

a. Establish a game plan for development b. Establish a routing c. Establish a plan for teaching fundamentals d. Be consistent with work and fundamentals e. Don’t worry about results initially

V. Strength Training

a. Decide what you want your players to look like b. Communicate with Strength coach to let him know your ultimate goal for the players and your baseball

philosophy

VI. Relationship with Players

a. Become a father figure b. Be a problem solver c. Be a Psychologist d. Be present when they most need you e. Avoid criticizing players in front of the entire team, do it individually

VII. Game management

a. Expect players to follow your game philosophy b. Communicate with players throughout games c. Learn how players want to be treated during game d. Be calm and confident

VIII. Relationship with University Alumni

a. Embrace past players that didn’t play for you b. Continue a great relationship with past players c. Have current players show interest in learning about the history of the program d. Acknowledge contribution of former teams/players e. Develop an Alumni game, Golf outing, Alumni weekend activity


TOPIC: Productive Mound Visits

PRESENTER: Karl Kuhn, Pitching Coach, University of Virginia


I. You don’t go to the mound to say Hello II. Two things I want to Attack in a visit

A.

B.

A.

1.

Studies Show

2.

B.

III. A. Agenda

1. 2. 3.

B. Conversation

1.

Primacy - Recency -

EXAMPLES: Begin: End. Question

a. Answer incorrectly = b. Answer Correctly =

Notes - 1. 2. Last thing.


TOPIC: Double-Goal Coach I: Winning & Life Lessons

PRESENTER: Chris Fay, Trainer & Partnership Manager, Positive Coaching Alliance


Positive Coaching Alliance believes in the power of sports. Sports can transform lives when the coach strives to serve two distinct roles as part of the Double Goal Coach job description:

I. Teach players how to win and excel on the field

II. Develop character while recognizing and teaching life lessons that follow a player long after the game’s final out

This session will explore: I. What it means to be a ‘positive coach’ (and no, it doesn’t mean being soft)

II. The Power of Positive - Creating a culture that supports best possible performance. Culture eats strategy for breakfast

III. Positive vs. Negative Coach a. Sports Illustrated 2017 (“Death of the Negative Coach”)

IV. What makes a great baseball experience for your players? a. Connection

i. Person > Player ii. 5:1

b. Improvement

i. Progress principle ii. Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset iii. ELM iv. Mistake Ritual

c. Integrity

i. Playing the game the right way ii. ROOTS iii. Culture

1. The way we do things here

V. Character Skills a. Performance vs. Moral


TOPIC: Pitching for Success

PRESENTER: Karl Kuhn, Pitching Coach, University of Virginia


1. 1st Guy Every Inning (Out or action)

2. Keep The Game In Front Of You

3. Trade Outs For Advancement Of Runners

4. Count / Hitter / Situation Dictates Strike Out vs. Get An Out

5. Get Outs After Errors

6. Keep The Double Play In Order

7. Turn Double Plays

8. We Can Overcome Crooked Numbers Early But Not Late

9. Good vs. Great (Running game / 2 Outs)

10. Post A Zero After We Score

11. Must Get An Out On All Bunt Plays

12. Bullpen Rules

13. Defend The LUL of The Game / Season

14. Play The Last Three Innings With Consequences

15. Energy Takes No Talent (Omaha)


TOPIC: The Slow Roller. Breaking Down an Infielder's Toughest Play

PRESENTER: Darren Fenster, Manager, Red Sox Class AA Affiliate Portland Sea Dogs


I. SEPARATING THE MEN FROM THE BOYS A. Hands

B. Feet

C. Arm strength

D. Athleticism

II. THE WRONG FOOT IS THE RIGHT FOOT

III. THE THREE (AND A HALF) TYPES OF SLOW ROLLERS A. Forehand

B. Two-hand

C. Bare hand

D. The Lazy Backhand

IV. BUILD IT BACKWARDS DRILL PROGRESSIONS A. Throw

1. 1…2…3…

2. Catch…step…throw

3. Run…catch…throw

4. Quick exchange

5. Tandem running catch

B. Field 1. Triple Head

2. Isolated hand roll catch

3. Isolated hand roll catch and throw

4. Mixed hand roll catch and throw

C. Approach 1. Pyramid

2. Short fungo

3. Four corners

GO GET IT, AND GET RID OF IT!


TOPIC: Teaching Baserunning in an Age of Leg Kicks, Bat Flips & Launch Angles

PRESENTER: Eric Cirella, Head Baseball Coach, Salve Regina University


A. Introduction 1. A culture valuing importance of Free Bases (HBP, BB, Reach on Error, Dirt Ball Reads, Extra

Base)

B. My Offensive Goals Every Year 1. Region we play in – New England weather 2. What takes no talent to be good? 3. Dynamic offenses can score runs in many ways

C. 10 Commandments (of Baserunning) (Apply 10 Baserunning principles important to you/your team)

D. Home to First 1. Front Bag / Break tape / 1B Eyes

E. First Base 1. Pre-Lead Routine 2. 9, 11, 13 feet

a. When/Why? 3. Diving back vs. Going back standing

F. Secondary Lead 1. Goals: Gain ground, timing/momentum 2. Physically

G. Same Language/Verbiage for Baserunning (Specifically for reading/talking about pitchers) 1. RHP / LHP 2. Food for thought

H. Stealing 2nd – 3 Techniques we use 1. Regular 2. Cross Over 3. Timing shuffle 4. Coaching points

I. Delay Steal

J. Dirt Ball Reads 1. First vs. Second Base

K. Guidelines/Coaching Points for Base Stealing 1. Situational / Reading Catcher

L. Second Base 1. Man on 2

nd 0 outs / Man on 2

nd 1 out

M. Stealing Third 1. Technique / Where eyes should be

N. Third Base

O. Miscellaneous / Drills 1. First and Third Offense 2. Contact Down 3. 3-1/3-2 Motion

P. Final Thoughts


TOPIC: Coaching Keys to Develop Winning Infield Play

PRESENTER: John McDonald, Roving Infield Instructor, Cleveland Indians


I. Have a plan 1. Preparation

2. Throwing program

3. Keep it fresh

II. Prioritize team fundamentals and defense 1. 80 seconds vs. 1 hour

2. Bunt Plays

3. Cut-offs and relays

4. PFP and Prepare to win

III. Practice with purpose 1. Every GB has a purpose (range, footwork, arm strength, quickness)

2. Fast runner/slow runner

3. The clock

4. 10

IV. Communication 1. Coach to player (what are your keys in game)

2. Player to player (situational and encouragement)

3. With Umpires

V. Be Positive and have high expectations 1. How do you begin and end every day with your players?

2. Every player is different

3. Expectation—Motivation—Celebration


TOPIC: Hitting... It's All About the Approach

PRESENTER: Joe Kruzel, Manager, Cardinals Class A State College Spikes


No coaching is better than bad coaching

You must connect to correct

Adapt for them to adopt

What is your approach?

What is player’s approach?

Foundation

Individualize their approach to fit in with yours o Give them ownership

o More accountability

Making them better makes us better

Drills to enhance your and their approach


TOPIC: Fielding Your Position: Pitchers Fielding Practice Activities

PRESENTER: Dave Therneau, Assistant/Pitching Coach, Stetson University


A. Introduction and Opening Remarks

B. Base Hit bunts 1st and 3rd base line a. Principles b. Video

C. Comebackers

a. Principles b. Video

D. Cover 1st


E. “Tough Play”

a. Define b. Principles c. Video

F. Double Play Feeds

a. Principles b. Footwork c. Video

G. Quarterback Drill


H. Sacrifice Bunts to 3rd(Need to get lead runner)


I. Squeeze Play


J. Line Drive Practice


K. “Around the World” Drill


L. Closing Thoughts and Comments


TOPIC: Pitching Roundtable

PRESENTER: Butch Thompson, Head Baseball Coach, Auburn University

Karl Kuhn, Pitching Coach, University of Virginia

Dave Therneau, Assistant/Pitching Coach, Stetson University

Paul Quantrill, Toronto Blue Jays Special Assistant & Past MLB All-Star Pitcher


NOTES


TOPIC: Always Compete: Drills & Games for Your Next Practice

PRESENTER: Jayson King, Head Baseball Coach, Dayton University


Always compete! Post all results

Infield 1. Quick toss 2. Step and throw 3. Circle toss 4. Double plays 5. Knockout at position 6. Knockout at SS 7. Throw accuracy contest

Outfield

1. CF knockout 2. Throws to bases and plate 3. Throws from the fence 4. Team fly balls

Catchers

1. Quick toss 2. Step and throw both L and R 3. Drop knee throwing 4. Quick toss from knees 5. Live blocks no gather 6. Live blocks with gather 7. Tags 8. Pop ups 9. Frisbee 10. Ping pong

Pitchers

1. Target – 9 hole 2. P/c v baserunners 3. Pop ups 4. Fielding

Team

1. Bunts 2. 1st and 3rds 3. Scrimmage 4. BP scrimmage

Hitters

1. BP situations – pos/class 2. Hits – BP/machine – track comp over time/daily 3. Bunts 4. MPH


TOPIC: Quality At Bats: Interactive Mental Game Discussion

PRESENTER: Steve Springer, Performance Coach & Quality At-Bats Founder


Intro

Batting Average Is a Trap

Watch The Pitcher

Hunt Pitches

Attack The Inside Part Of The Baseball

Breathe/Heartbeat

Being a Good Teammate

www.qualityatbats.com/newsletter www.qualityatbatsacademy.com

@qualityatbats

http://www.qualityatbats.com/newsletter

http://www.qualityatbatsacademy.com/

SESSION: Friday, January 19, 2018, 8:15AM – 9:00AM: Break-Out #1

TOPIC: Filtering Through the New Trends in Hitting: Developing An Offensive Strategy in

the Modern Era

PRESENTER: Mike Leonard, Head Baseball Coach, Middlebury College


1. Today’s Landscape a. Technology (Statcast, HitTrax, Trackman, etc.)

b. Social Media

c. Training Methods

i. Private hitting lessons

ii. Strength Training

iii. Video

2. Creating a Coaching Identity a. Is there a difference between teaching and coaching?

b. How do you develop your coaching and offensive philosophies?

c. Evolving as a coach

3. How I have evolved and what I teach a. Consistent Hard Contact

b. Train Athleticism/Movement

c. Invest in the Mental Side

4. Offensive Team Development a. What makes a successful team offense?

b. What makes a successful member of that team’s offense?

c. What areas should we train as coaches?

i. Return on Investment

5. Coaching Examples


TOPIC: Speed and Power for High Level Baseball Performance

PRESENTER: Tim Yuhas, Founder, Yuhas Performance Training


I. Pillar 1: Mindset A. Finding your “IT” B. Preparing for “IT” C. Getting your athletes to “buy in” on performance training

II. Pillar 2: Nutrition A. Fuel for “IT” B. Simple strategies to properly fuel the body for optimal performance C. Proper supplementation

III. Pillar 3: Movement A. Train for “IT”

B. Systems vs. Methods

C. Strength and power to support movement

IV. Pillar 4: Recovery A. Rest for “IT”

B. Work + Rest = Success

C. Strategies for optimal recovery


TOPIC: An Infielder’s Blueprint: Creating Structure, Purpose, and Competitiveness in the

Practice Setting

PRESENTER: Tucker Frawley, Associate Head Coach, Yale University


5 Pillars of Infield Play Identifying what we value and want all of our infielders to do at a high level- regardless

of position

What we want to shape the structure of our practice

Glove’s Sweet Spot Pocket awareness

Parallels to hitting

Infield Lanes 3 catch reception areas

The infield equivalent to hitting lanes

Hop Recognition Parallels to pitch recognition

Infield Zones Creating versatile habits

Infield Zone Applications Zone work via isolated hands circuits

Zone work via defensive flips

Arm Slot Goals

What changes/what doesn’t

Cues

Internal Clock Familiarity with our “gears”

Terminology

Daily Action Plan Throwing progression

Data driven speedwork

Foundation work

Stock market

Classroom

Gameday Tracking/ Stats


TOPIC: The Mental Game of Pitching

PRESENTER: Steve Springer, Performance Coach & Quality At-Bats Founder


Keep Arm Healthy Long Toss

Competing With Confidence is Not Optional

Commit With Conviction on Every Pitch

One of the First Two Pitches Needs to be a Strike

Greg Maddux

Don’t Give the Hitter too Much Credit/It’s 9 Against 1

Don’t Pitch to Contact, Pitch to Weak Contact

Stop Trying to Strike Everybody Out

Pitch Inside Off the Plate

Best Hitter Needs to Move His Feet

Pitch Inside When You’re Ahead of the Count

Off-speed Pitches For Strikes

When You’re in a Jam, Minimize/Dave Flemming

Are You a Pitcher, or a Thrower

1.3 to Home or Less…Mandatory

Do I Want Sink or Velocity/Kirk Saarloos

Study the Hitter When You’re Not Pitching Last Three Games

The E.R.A. is Satan

Pitching for 30 Teams

Man Body/Greg Miller

Teammate, Don’t be That Guy

Umpires


TOPIC: First Base Play: The Anchor of the Infield

PRESENTER: Jayson King, Head Baseball Coach, Dayton University


What We Look For 1. Size 2. Athleticism 3. Power with the bat 4. Catch the ball 5. Throw the ball

Drills

1. Quick toss 2. Step and throw 3. Reaction 4. 1B pick progression 5. Pickups 6. Low toss 7. Slow rollers 8. Short hops on knees 9. Ground balls on knees 10. Dive drill 11. Relays 12. Stretches 13. GB’s at SS

Holding Runners

1. Hold positioning 2. Release options 3. Pickoffs 4. Behind runner – deep and off shoulder

Plays

1. 3-6-3 2. Backhand or straight up 3. Bunts 4. Throws on picks 5. Tags 6. Relays – positioning 7. 1st and 3rd plays – leave early, pump fakes 8. Flips at 1B 9. Throws


TOPIC: Attack: Top Drills for Our Players



Culture: Players cast the vision One player a day

Identity: Essential Present 4 times a year to the team

Hold, Quick, Down: Marquee drill to address important skills to develop in young pitchers Hold the baseball Break times Height level of pitches King of the Hill - auditory feedback

Daily Catchers Throwing Drill: After catch play each day Teaches catchers to play catch and not rely on stop watch Maintains frequency of throwing to corner bases Develops a routine

2 Hitters Drill Work: Improves focus and stimulates the brain Improves location of fastballs in Improves path of breaking balls Immediate focus on same side or opposite hitter Can provide a border or assistance in tunneling or sharing space

2 Catchers Drill Work: Focus on command with specific emphasis in distinguishing both sides of the plate Freshman Plate Backdoor breaking ball

3 Catchers Drill Work: Outside catchers simulate fastball to each side Middle catcher simulates changeup (sets up deeper - umpires space) Promotes focus and fastball hand speed with change up

String: Can serve as a coach (accountability) Winners Start Down Engraving, Organizes lower half More challenging for hitter to create a FLAT BAT

Front Foot Over Back Foot: Randy Tomlin and Matt Hobbs Focus on staying over the rubber longer (prescription for drifting, leaking or rushing)

Dry Deliveries + Previewing the Day: Multitask exercise

Backwards Drill: Eyes pick up the target Front side stimulation

Core Velocity Belt: Lantz Wheeler Peer Pressure + Moving through center + Direction


TOPIC: Making the Mental Side of the Game a Priority with Your Team

PRESENTER: Bob Tewksbury, Mental Performance Coach, San Francisco Giants

Mike Leonard, Head Baseball Coach, Middlebury College


1. Education

a. What the mental game consists of

b. How it relates to performance

c. 4 basics

i. Self-talk

ii. Imagery

iii. Breathing

iv. Focus 2. Implementation

a. Making mental skills part of the day to day activities

i. Imagery

ii. Log books 3. Application

a. Getting the players to use it in games

4. Follow-up

a. Coach reinforcement of mental skills practice


TOPIC: Teaching the Swing for All Levels and Ages: An In-Depth, Age-Based Teaching Plan

PRESENTER: Nick Derba, Head Baseball Coach, University of Maine


I. Introduction

a. Small number of drills

b. Focus on quality repetitions

c. Change in focus as age increases

II. First Age Tier (approx. ages 5-10) 99% mechanics, 1% approach

a. FUN!!!!!!!!!!

b. Drills

i. Mirror Drills

ii. Tee Work- intro to randomization

iii. Feet together

iv. Feet wide

III. Tier Two (approx. Ages 11-13) 70% mechanics, 30% approach

a. Drills

i. Randomization

ii. Switch hitting

iii. Intro to breaking balls

IV. Tier Three (8th grade-high school) 50% mechanics, 50% approach

a. Drills

i. Mirror Drills

ii. Progression work (feet together, wide base, regular)

iii. Rapid fire

iv. Randomization

v. Machine Work

b. Approach

i. Situational hitting

ii. Teaching BP and how to take it properly

1. Relating your BP to games

iii. Understanding “Why”

iv. The process of making the adjustment

v. Reinforcing counts

vi. Learning how to “sit” on pitches

V. Tier Four (College) 20% Mechanics, 80% approach

a. Drills

i. Creating routine

ii. Uniform vocabulary

b. Approach

c. Mental Prep

i. Visualization

ii. Getting rational

SESSION: Friday, January 19, 2018, 11:15AM – 12:05PM: Break-Out #1

TOPIC: Establishing Your Program's Offensive Philosophy

PRESENTER: Steve Trimper, Head Baseball Coach, Stetson University


Have a philosophy - Gap to gap - 2 strike hitting: put pressure on defense - Keeping the ball out of the air - Play with the weather conditions - Use scouting info, charts, pitcher/catcher tendencies

OUR SWING AND WHAT WE LOOK FOR: Swing plane and launch angle Upper body and lower body movements Bat head extension and finish Today’s Technology Video Flight scope

CAGE DRILLS

BUNTING: Three Reasons why you would bunt:

1. To move a runner into scoring position. (Sacrifice) 2. To get on base. (Drag, Push) 3. To score a run. (Squeeze)

Timing of each bunt RHH vs. LHH technique Understanding the base hit bunt and ball positioning Slash bunts

HIT AND RUN: An aggressive sacrifice (PLAYING FOR A BIG INNING) Coaches…..hitter’s counts…need a strike….NOT WITH 2 OUTS!!!! One way lead….do not get picked off In, out, over Do not get fooled on INF deek play Pop-up slide

BASE RUNNING: Leads at all bases Stealing 2nd and 3rd: What to look for Singles and Doubles base running circuits

BATTING PRACTICE: Have a plan Game day BP vs. Practice BP Utilize everything you have to maximize your time Keep it short- It’s a long day


TOPIC: Catching: The Key Building Blocks

PRESENTER: Chad Epperson, Minor League Catching Coordinator, Boston Red Sox


Mentality a) Leadership Qualities (vocal, field awareness, directing traffic)

b) Team First

c) “Win the Pitch”

d) Pitcher Relationship

e) Pitcher Strengths

f) Preparation

Set Ups a) Signal Stance

b) Non-action Stance

c) Action Stance

d) (Awareness of feet and glove)

e) (Move with hitter/dugout peak)

Target a) Glove Positioning

b) Body Positioning

Receiving a) Pre-Pitch

b) Zones 1-3

c) (Keep strikes strikes and the ability to dress up border line pitches)

Blocking a) Anticipation

b) On-Time and Controlled Actions

c) Glove First

d) Follow Ball All the Way In/Chin to Pads

e) Exhale at Impact

f) Steer the Ball Back to the Plate

g) (Absorb, knees to feet, leading with knees forward)

Q&A’s


TOPIC: Innovative Pregame Routines to Improve in Game Results

PRESENTER: Joe Kruzel, Manager, Cardinals Class A State College Spikes


NO COACHING IS BETTER THAN BAD COACHING YOU MUST CONNECT TO CORRECT ADAPT TO ADOPT

TURN PRACTICE TO THE FLOW CHANNEL…. If the challenge is too great fear swamps the system. If challenge to easy we stop paying attention...flow appears near emotional midpoint of boredom and anxiety ...flow channel the spot where the task is hard enough to make us stretch but not hard enough to make us snap

TELL ME AND I’LL FORGET SHOW ME AND I MAY REMEMBER INVOLVE ME AND I’LL UNDERSTAND

BASERUNNING 1. Reads/Leads at Each Base 2. Running Bases 3. Stubby Drill

DEFENSE 1. Ground Balls at Positions 2. Ground Ball Routine

a. 5-3...5-4...5-2 b. 6-4...6-2...6-3 c. 4-6...4-3...4-2 d. 3-6...3-1...3-2

3. Double Plays

OUTFIELD THROW TO BASES HITTING

1. Cage Work 2. On Field BP 3. Early Hitting 4. Targets 5. Situations 6. Base Hit Rounds

SESSION: Friday, January 19, 2018, 1:10PM – 2:10PM: Break-Out #1

TOPIC: Your Team is YOUR Team. Establishing a Culture and Identity that Reflects Its Coach

PRESENTER: Darren Fenster, Manager, Red Sox Class AA Affiliate Portland Sea Dogs


I. WHY ARE YOU A COACH? A. What’s YOUR story?

B. What are YOU creating?

C. What is YOUR legacy?

II. WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCERS? A. Good

B. Bad

C. Flip the script… Would YOU play for you?

III. DIFFERENT PIECES CAN CREATE THE SAME PICTURE A. Consistent communication

B. Consistent expectations

C. Consistent accountability

IV. LEADERSHIP… YOUR LEADERSHIP A. Team Standard

B. Environment

C. Culture

V. PLAY ALL NINE INNINGS ------------> IT’S OVER

VI. BE WHO YOU ARE, AND DO WHAT YOU DO.


TOPIC: PFP Mechanics - The 9th Defender

PRESENTER: Greg DiCenzo, Head Baseball Coach, College of the Holy Cross


I. One-Dimensional Athletes

A. Agilities – Footwork

B. Infield Drills – Hands/Glove, Slot-variance, Rundowns

C. Positional Imposters – Understanding responsibilities

D. Wide Receiver/Defensive Back – All encompassing

II. Comebackers

A. Footwork Involved

1. Defensive positioning

a. Infielder, backhand, directional, flat ground

b. Nobody on vs. runners on base

c. Moving vs. stationary technique

d. No panic – keep feet moving

2. Shuffle-Step vs. Run/Toss

3. Dry drills, Flat reps, Incorporate mound

4. “Pocket Mobility” and “Slot-Variance”

B. Second-Base Footwork

C. Third-Base Footwork

D. 1-2 Putout

1. Slot Comfortability and Patience

2. On Plane with Feeds

E. Bunt Footwork

1. Load-and-Go

2. V-cut vs. U-cut vs. Red Zone

a. RHP vs. LHP

b. Priority system

c. Situational priority system…bunts to 2B vs. 3B

d. Corner IF positioning awareness

3. Stationary vs. Moving

4. Sac Bunt vs. Push/Drag

5. Body Control and Tempo (to 1B, 2B, 3B)

III. Covering 1B

A. Owning your own angle…”Stay in Your Lane”

B. First-Baseman Communication

C. Glove Positioning

1. 12 o’clock vs. 9 o’clock

2. Target Presentation

IV. First-Base Footwork and Angles

A. Direct to the bag

B. Square hips to 2B

C. Ball security vs. Collecting outs

V. Squeeze Footwork

VI. Last Line of Defense

A. Page turner – becoming a defender and teammate

B. Anticipate and Observe

C. Depth and Size – be in the proper position and get big…Find a Play!

VII. All-Inclusive Drill Series for Pitchers


TOPIC: The Path to Greatness: What Did Future Major League Players Look Like as

Amateurs? Identifying Consistent Characteristics of High Achievers

PRESENTER: Matt Hyde, Northeast Area Scout, New York Yankees


“The Path to Greatness: What did future Major League Players look like as Amateurs? Identifying Consistent Characteristics of High Achievers: Our pool of Northeast Players:

Jeff Bagwell Mike Trout George Springer Marcus Stroman Joe Panik Rich Hill Rick Porcello

I. Common Values

II. Begin at the Beginning

III. Difference between good and great

IV. What makes success sustainable?

V. What do we see and what are the stories behind the player?


TOPIC: Name Dropping: Lessons Learned From Others



Books: Legacy - James Kerr No Limits - John Maxwell

Me: Run your own show Heavy majority of time spent on developing strengths Ear pieces for catchers and even pitchers

Dad: Love

Brian Shoop: Teach what you know

Gabe Gross: 2 strike approach 7 ball (awareness)

Doug Sisson: Goal is to hit the ball hard not far There are only 2 approaches (2 strikes and less than 2 strikes) Let your eyes move your feet

Lantz Wheeler: Lower your eyes on mound visits

Hal Baird: Keep up with 3 ball counts and swing and misses

Tony Robichaux: Pitching to Colors - keeping ball in lanes (great for glove side fastball and changeup)

Daron Schoenrock: #1 pitcher is whoever throws the next pitch Give every pitcher on the staff a specific role

Scott Sullivan: Focus on SPIN instead of throwing as hard as you can Goal of a reliever is to get the first guy out 80% loose in pen - you get 7 more Change up is a power pitch

Jay Powell: “Somebody wins every pitch”

Jason Motte: “It’s not what you throw but where you throw it”

Roy Oswalt: Altering path of the pitch. How big of a miss do you allow

Tom Glavine: Change everything you do. Flat ground? An arsenal that works

Tim Spooneybarger: Breaking ball down out of the hand was my domino

Derek Johnson: Curve ball trainer

Bill Mosiello: Throwing to the “L”

Tyler Whitney: We miss that location because we do not practice it

Luke Jarvis: Vision of where we will play our last game

Chad Girodo: Never quit. Arm slot. Sequencing may be the answer

Caleb Reed and Keegan Thompson: Serve to make another better than you.

Ross Mitchell: I try to end the at bat on every pitch. Set the breaking ball

Chris Stratton: The goal is AUTOPILOT. Pitch to the STRING

Kendall Graveman: SINKER BALL GUY. 9 on 1. Power of the ground ball


TOPIC: Drills & Skills to Maximize Your Outfield Play

PRESENTER: Steve Trimper, Head Baseball Coach, Stetson University


Create a routine for throwing program and glove drills Practice run down drill Proper footwork for fly ball and ball on ground - No step crow hop - 1 step crow hop Throwing to control the running game - Accuracy and a ball INF/C can handle - Quickness to hold runners from doubles - Piggy back throws in relay situations Drills to improve skills: - Wall ball - Ball in gap - Blind drill - Short throwing to target/screens - Communication *What will your universal words be? - Ball in foul ground slide to fence Game situations - No doubles - Do or die - Defensive RBI’s - Coaching positions and reports - Be somewhere: back ups, run downs


TOPIC: Ninety Percent Mental: The Hidden Game of Baseball

PRESENTER: Bob Tewksbury, Mental Performance Coach, San Francisco Giants


Part 1 1. Intro: Ninety Percent Mental: Inside the Hidden Game of Baseball

a. About the Former baseball player turned mental skills coach to author?

2. Becoming a mental skills coach. a. Player issue

3. Becoming an author a. Long road

b. Mental game is important

c. Players freely sharing their experiences

d. Field is growing

Part 2 1. Are you playing up to your potential? If not why?

2. Identify the mental game is important.

3. Components of mental game a. Thoughts

b. Feelings

c. Behaviors

d. Concentration

e. Focus

f. Breathing

g. Routines

h. Journaling

i. Imagery


TOPIC: Launch Angle and Exit Velo are Old News

PRESENTER: Jeff Albert, Assistant Hitting Coach, Houston Astros


Velocity Measurement

Batted Ball Data

Weighted Implement Training

Where are the ideas?

Lateralization


TOPIC: Bodies In Motion - Keeping Tempo at Practice to Develop Defensive Fundamentals

PRESENTER: Nick Derba, Head Baseball Coach, University of Maine


1. Sample Practice Plan

a. Understanding the Needs of the Team vs. Keeping Them Busy

b. Keeping Intensity, Applying Stress

c. Allow for Time to Teach

2. Throwing Program

a. Position Players

i. Every Throw Counts

b. Pitchers

i. Most Important Part of the Day

3. Everyday Work

a. Infield

i. Square Drills

ii. Pick Drills

b. Outfield

i. QB Drills

c. Catchers

i. Bare Hand Drills

4. Full Team Drills

a. Rundowns

i. Full Team

b. Double Fungo

c. Square Drill

i. OF Throwing

ii. INF- Reps

d. Double Fungo Team Drill

e. DP Sequence

5. Outfield

a. Square Drill

b. Blind Drill

6. Catchers

a. Throwing Drills


TOPIC: Making Every Throw Count: The Importance of Your Throwing Program

PRESENTER: Dave Swanson, Producer, ESPN Baseball & Owner, Swanson Pro Baseball Instruction


Stay on Each One – Josh Tomlin Find the Right Throwing Partner – It Matters!! Pick a Spot – Matt Capps YOU decide the level of Intensity – Corey Kluber TP Progression

Stretch Out Stage

Max Distance Stage

Pull Down Stage

Flat Ground Stage In-Season Throwing Program; Listen to your Arm

Program 1 (Max Distance)

Program 2 (Maintain)

Program 3 (Light Day) 5-Day Routine

Game Day

Day 1

Bullpen Day

Day 3

Day 4 Monitoring

30-Day Josh Tomlin 87.5; 273 85.5; 710 59-48; 4.65 3-1; 3.92


TOPIC: Attacking Hitters the Stetson Way

PRESENTER: Dave Therneau, Assistant/Pitching Coach, Stetson University


A. Introduction and Opening Remarks

B. Preparation to Attack

a. Arm Conditioning

b. Body Conditioning-Weights and Cardio

c. Stuff Development

d. Delivery Development

e. Knowledge of Opponent

C. Mechanical Aspect

a. Stand Tall

b. Drive Downhill

c. Bullpen Drills

d. Repetition/Sequencing

e. Bullpen Boxes

D. Mentality/Philosophy

a. Train it!

b. Lived by Daily

c. Challenge/Pressure

d. “Give Your 100”

E. Tempo

a. Force Tempo

b. Pitch to Pitch Tempo

c. Pitch Calling

F. Statistical Charts-“Rule of 60”

a. Ahead Counts: Define/Reach

b. Early Counts: Define/Reach

c. Behind Counts: Define/Reach

d. First Pitch Strikes

e. “RULE OF 60” Definition

G. What do I PREACH?

a. Definition and Closing Remarks


TOPIC: Practice Organization the FIU Way

PRESENTER: Mervyl Melendez, Head Baseball Coach, Florida International University


I. Individuals 1. Infield Practice – 3 or 4 man fungo 2. Forehands 3. Backhands 4. Slow roller

II. Double Plays 1. Outfield Practice 2. Short fungo or Regular fungo 3. Drop step drill 4. Diving drill 5. Wall or fence drills

III. Groundballs 1. Catchers Practice 2. Framing 3. Blocking 4. Live Baserunning 5. Receiving throws from OF

IV. Pitchers Practice 1. Come backers 2. Bunts 3. Picks to Bases 4. Live Baserunning

Team Practice Schedule

Monday 3:00 – 3:20 Stretch and Throw 3:20 – 3:40 Groundballs and Fly Balls 3:40 – 4:00 Bunt Defense 4:00 – 4:20 Fly Ball Communication 4:30 – 5:30 Live BP 5:30 – 5:50 Baserunning at 1st Base Tuesday 3:00 – 3:20 Stretch and Throw 3:20 – 3:40 Groundballs and Fly Balls 3:40 – 4:00 First and Third Defense 4:00 – 4:20 Relays 4:30 – 5:30 Situational BP 5:30 – 5:50 Baserunning at 2nd Base

Wednesday 3:00 – 3:20 Stretch and Throw 3:20 – 3:40 Groundballs and Fly Balls 3:40 – 4:00 Picks to All Bases 4:00 – 4:20 Live Baserunning 4:30 – 5:50 Situational Scrimmage Thursday 3:00 – 3:20 Stretch and Throw 3:20 – 3:40 Groundballs and Fly Balls 3:40 – 4:00 Bunt Defense 4:00 – 4:20 Rundowns 4:30 – 5:30 Regular BP 5:30 – 5:50 Baserunning Friday 3:00 – 3:20 Stretch and Throw 3:20 – 3:40 Groundballs and Fly Balls 3:40 – 4:20 27 Outs 4:30 – 5:50 Scrimmage 5:30 – 5:50 Baserunning


TOPIC: College Recruiting 101: Question & Answer Session for Coaches

PRESENTER: Paul Quantrill, Toronto Blue Jays Special Assistant & Past MLB All-Star Pitcher

Butch Thompson, Head Baseball Coach, Auburn University

Greg DiCenzo, Head Baseball Coach, College of the Holy Cross

Tucker Frawley, Associate Head Coach, Yale University

Mike Leonard, Head Baseball Coach, Middlebury College


1. What is the best way for a prospective student-athlete to get on a coach's radar?

2. What advice would you give to a high school athlete looking to play at the college level?

3. Give some examples of positive recruit behavior/communication and some examples of negative behavior/communication?

4. What does the recruiting process look like for a Division III vs. a Division I school?

NOTES

SESSION: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 8:30AM – 9:15AM: Nehantic/Pequot/Paugusset Rooms

TOPIC: We Get Good at What We Focus on In Practice & Games



Philosophy: Practice is for Coaches and Games are for Players Practice skills 2 days in a row Repeat and Replace mistakes immediately Take 5 - Finish last 5 minutes of practice with purpose instead of taking it home We are here to work on your game and not your mechanics Cages = mechanics - Batting Practice = approach - Game = Compete Practice should be faster than a game Attack - No Blinking Practice Schedule on Scoreboard Pitching - Pitching - Dominate the Routine Play - Timely Hitting

Video Idea:

Focus on count, location, hitter basically THE GAME instead of YOU

Digital Display:

In your face (break time instead of gun time)

Infield / Outfield:

Protect the baseball Replace mistakes Finish every play (apply the tag)

Squad Games:

Before every inning (hitter square to bunt - base running) At end of each inning (great time to execute Team Defense) 20 pitch innings - Counts - Base runners - Every inning is the 9th Caught stealing get to go back End the at bat on every pitch (Bong over PA on 3 ball counts) Example of 3 innings (coach call one, catcher call on, pitcher call one) Pitcher position defense Rewards (silver slugger, fireman, gold glove) Winner and a Learner No Stats only tracking on

Practice:

Consistent template Reps - Hack Attack over fungo Multiple emphasis on batting practice Bonzai batting practice (time efficient - reps) Live Reacts Create Competitions Theme for each day of the week A Team to demonstrate Team Defense

SESSION: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 8:30AM – 9:15AM: Abenaki Room

TOPIC: Improve Catcher Throwing Mechanics

PRESENTER: Chad Epperson, Minor League Catching Coordinator, Boston Red Sox


Throwing Program a) One Knee Throws

b) Two Knee Throws

c) Side Straddle, Rock front to back throws

d) 60, 90, 120, 180

(Exchange out front, strong front side, leverage of the baseball, finish)

Attention to detail and Practice Perfect Mentality. This is where we make the most throws!!!!

Foot Work

a) Attacking the Baseball

b) Working Underneath the Baseball

c) Alignment

d) Power over Quickness (Ability to stay compact, creating and sustaining momentum towards target)

Exchange

a) Turning the Glove

b) Exchange Out Front (don’t let glove or throwing hand be dominant)

c) Elbow Leads the Pull Back Not the Hand

d) Strong Front Side (scope, leverage for the ball)

Bases

a) 1st, 2nd, 3rd

b) All footwork is different

c) Back picks//Pitch outs

d) Always stay under control when throwing to bases….

Pay attention to detail with arm swing in all throws.

Q&A’s

SESSION: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 8:30AM – 9:15AM: Shinnecock/Nipmuc Rooms

TOPIC: Indoor Practice Planning for the Outdoor Season



I. The Buy-In

A. “Right Players vs. Best Players”

1. Philosophical Congruency with Programmatic Foundation

2. Professional Juggling

3. The Knockdown

4. Decision You Make

B. Periodization of Season

1. In-Season vs. Out-of-Season

2. Practice vs. Game Setting

a. Scoreboard is always on, no matter what we are doing

b. The old man in the stands

3. Daily Challenge

a. Always more left in the tank

b. Rear-view mirror mentality

II. The Gameplan

A. Block Plan vs. Lesson Plan

1. Goals Within Each Component

2. Ability to Adjust…Clock Management and Ownership

a. Be steadfast in sticking to the plan, yet adjust

b. Player ownership/feedback

B. Block Plan Development

1. Working Backwards Ultimate Goals

2. Weekly/Monthly Plan for Development

3. Positional Development for Season

C. Lesson Plan Development

1. Daily Goals in Accordance with Season Status

2. Constantly Adjusting Throughout

III. Practice Engagement

A. Role Responsibilities

1. Coaching Staff

a. Have a distinct picture to paint and spend the entire practice session coloring it

b. All-hands on deck mentality

2. Student-Athletes

a. Familiarize yourself

b. Positional imposters…understand the complexities of all positions

B. Multi-Dimensional

1. Drills, Repetitions, Live…Inside/Outside, Split-Squad, etc.

2. Guided Discovery Methodology

a. Falter, fail, get-up

b. Options for all players…with foundational principles understood

C. Post-Practice Evaluation

1. Areas of Excellence vs. Areas of Improvement

a. Execution on the field, attitude adjustments, practice improvement

b. Player feedback, introspective look at daily development, MFIA


TOPIC: The Future of Batting Practice

PRESENTER: Jeff Albert, Assistant Hitting Coach, Houston Astros


Is BP Helping Players Improve?

What’s the Purpose of BP?

What Makes BP a Good Drill?

Should BP Be the Same For Everyone?

Types of Learning and Feedback

What Happens in the Game?

Environment Matters

What Do You Tolerate?

Combining Performance and Skill Development

SESSION: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 9:30AM – 10:15AM: Abenaki Room

TOPIC: Creating Offense from Baserunning & Bunting



A. My Offensive Goals 1. Creating a Dynamic Offense – How?

B. Points of Emphasis – Outline

C. Battle of Free Bases – Emphasizing a culture that values/stresses the importance of fighting for 90 feet 1. HBP, BB, Dirt Balls, Stolen Bases, Reaching on Error, Taking Extra Bases

i. Stats/Examples from 2016-2017

D. Our 2 Strike Approach – 12 counts/4 have batter with 2 strikes 1. Physical Adjustments 2. Approach

E. Bunting - Offense 1. Sacrifice Bunt

i. Invest in a pitching machine or 2 or 3 ii. Form

2. Base Hit Bunt – Drag/Push i. LHH technique ii. RHH technique iii. Times to Utilize

3. Safety Squeeze i. Form ii. Timing for batter/runner

4. Suicide Squeeze i. Form ii. Timing for batter/runner

F. Slash 1. Theory/Form

i. Slash Hit & Run

G. Baserunning 1. Leads/Distances 2. Secondary Leads 3. Stealing Second Base

i. Regular ii. Cross-Over iii. Timing Shuffle

4. Stealing Third Base 5. Dirtball Reads

i. First base vs. Second base

H. 1st and 3rd Offense 1. Straight Steal (2 outs vs. less than 2 outs) 2. Delay 3. Early Break 4. Get Big / Get Big vs. LHP 5. Fake Squeeze Steal 6. 1

st & 3

rd Foul Pop-up Play (1 Out)

I. Miscellaneous 1. Contact Down/Contact Play 2. 3-1/3-2 Motion 3. Hit & Run 4. QAB – Quality At-Bats 5. Situational Hitting 6. Rundowns

J. Final Coaching Points / Drills


TOPIC: Double-Goal Coach II: Culture, Practices, & Games

PRESENTER: Chris Fay, Trainer & Partnership Manager, Positive Coaching Alliance


Positive Coaching Alliance’s Double-Goal coaching model trains coaches in the tools needed in order to 1) strive to win while 2) teaching life lessons through sports. Double Goal Coach II focuses on strategies related to:

I. Building a positive team culture that encourages athletes to give maximum effort and continually strive for excellence

a. What gets rewarded, gets repeated

b. Avoid the talent trap; it’s harmful even to your most talented

c. What do you value as a coach

II. Practice Organization & Motivation – Design practice sessions that reinforce team culture and maximize use of time and space

a. Game Coach vs. Practice Coach

b. Positive Motivation – how do you motivate your players to help them reach peak performance

III. Examine specific coaching strategies used for pre-game, during the game and post-game scenarios

a. Exploring in-game coaching responsibilities

b. What do you when you are up 10? Down 10?

c. Positive Charting

d. Joe Maddon’s take on stats

e. Pre-game and post-game talks i. Monologue vs. Dialogue


TOPIC: Keeping It Game Speed: Multi-Purpose Practice Drills

PRESENTER: Brendan Eygabroat, Head Baseball Coach, UMass Boston


“What you allow you condone” –Hold players accountable all the time, captains, culture of program

Practice full throttle and it will directly impact game performance

Hard 90’s, extra bases on bobbles, BID reads, be greedy in practice – what you preach to your team you will be good at!

If can’t go full speed don’t enter drill – banged up players / No “Red Jerseys” – slide hard, compete

1 PITCH GAME

Most game like drill can incorporate pretty much all phases of the game

Helps with baseball IQ when have to think and react to new situations

Team 1 Defense / Team 2 offense (3-5 min) per situation then flip flop

Can be off of coach or machine (FB only/OFF only/2K/mix)

Base running – Hard 90’s, slides, taking extra base, contact play, live reads, tags, aggressiveness will expose defensive shortcomings

Situational Hitting – You can focus the offense approach based on situation, 2K hitting, off speed pitches

Defense – Game speed DP’s, Cut & Relays, communication, INF in/half/back

Sample Situations – A) R1 0 Outs B) R1/R2 1 Out C) R3 1 Out D) R1 & R3 1 Out E) R2 & R3 1 out

JAIL BREAK

Have to practice running game & controlling it game speed – VERY important in BBCOR area

Runner at 1B( 4 bases) w pitcher/catcher/MIF and 1B a) Pitchers - working on picks, holds, slide step, switching up times to plate

b) Runners – working on jumps & reads/tells, slide step breaks, LHP first moves (USE 3 additional bags so multiple reps at same time), slides into 2B, can have a group off of 2B as well

c) Catchers – working on foot work & transfers, communication to pitcher picks/slide steps, live pop to pop, can mix in hitter fake bunting or swinging through to keep C back

d) INF – working on communication, covering bag correctly, tags, no vacating too soon

MONKEY DRILL

PFP drill with ton of quality reps/situations , 3 P’s at one time, communication a) Tweener /16 or 14(switch play) / 3b Bunt

b) 1B Bobble / 12 / Squeeze play

c) 1B bunt / 16 Bunt / P covering home WP


TOPIC: PFP Mechanics - The 9th Defender



I. One-Dimensional Athletes

A. Agilities – Footwork

B. Infield Drills – Hands/Glove, Slot-variance, Rundowns

C. Positional Imposters – Understanding responsibilities

D. Wide Receiver/Defensive Back – All encompassing

II. Comebackers

A. Footwork Involved

1. Defensive positioning

a. Infielder, backhand, directional, flat ground

b. Nobody on vs. runners on base

c. Moving vs. stationary technique

d. No panic – keep feet moving

2. Shuffle-Step vs. Run/Toss

3. Dry drills, Flat reps, Incorporate mound

4. “Pocket Mobility” and “Slot-Variance”

B. Second-Base Footwork

C. Third-Base Footwork

D. 1-2 Putout

1. Slot Comfortability and Patience

2. On Plane with Feeds

E. Bunt Footwork

1. Load-and-Go

2. V-cut vs. U-cut vs. Red Zone

a. RHP vs. LHP

b. Priority system

c. Situational priority system…bunts to 2B vs. 3B

d. Corner IF positioning awareness

3. Stationary vs. Moving

4. Sac Bunt vs. Push/Drag

5. Body Control and Tempo (to 1B, 2B, 3B)

III. Covering 1B

A. Owning your own angle…”Stay in Your Lane”

B. First-Baseman Communication

C. Glove Positioning

1. 12 o’clock vs. 9 o’clock

2. Target Presentation

IV. First-Base Footwork and Angles

A. Direct to the bag

B. Square hips to 2B

C. Ball security vs. Collecting outs

V. Squeeze Footwork

VI. Last Line of Defense

A. Page turner – becoming a defender and teammate

B. Anticipate and Observe

C. Depth and Size – be in the proper position and get big…Find a Play!

VII. All-Inclusive Drill Series for Pitchers


TOPIC: The Player Development Pathway: What Scouts Look For

PRESENTER: Matt Hyde, Northeast Area Scout, New York Yankees


I. Understanding the Tools a. Language of Scouting

b. Profile of Positions

c. Consistent Grading Scale

II. Categories of Players a. Comparing Apples to Apples

b. Putting together Tools & Performance

III. What do we see? a. Icing on the Cake

b. Routine of Evaluating Players

c. Different Views at the Ballpark

IV. What do we have to work to see? a. “Every Player has a heartbeat!”

b. Intangibles

c. Importance of Make-Up

d. What does the coach or teammate see that we don’t see in the stands?

e. Mixing Bowl with Ingredients

V. Peeling the Layers of the Onion a. Communication

b. Resources

c. “Trust but Verify”

d. Combining what we see and what we don’t see plus PERFORMANCE

VI. Developing a System a. How scouting mirrors recruiting

b. How scouting differs from recruiting

c. Ways to build your own painting

SESSION: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 11:30AM – 12:15PM: Nehantic/Pequot/Paugusset Rooms

TOPIC: Score More Runs: 15 Front Toss Drills for Your Hitters

PRESENTER: Brendan Eygabroat, Head Baseball Coach, UMass Boston


1) BEACONS HITTING a. Aggressive mindset – “Attack Mode” / “Green, Green, Red –Active

Takes”

b. L.A.R.I

c. Be on time! Look FB Adjust soft –early before late

d. Stay middle / no check swings 0-0 / Rhythm

e. Swing your swing / contact head down / get off backside

f. Keep the Line moving –Team AB / COMPETE

2) DRILLS a. Regular Front Toss

b. Pace Toss

c. Count Toss

d. Bounce Toss

e. Front Toss w outer 1/3 Tee

f. Angle Oppo & Angle Inside

g. Mookie Betts Drill – Oppo w Net

h. Little/Heavy/Regular

i. Camwood

j. Top/Bottom/Both (short bat)

k. 3 Plate Drill

l. Reverse Stride Drill

m. Colored Balls

n. Hips towards pitcher drill (Square/Open/Reg)

o. Ball Between Knees “Volleyball Drill”

3) CONCLUSION a. Let players feel their swing – don’t over coach every swing in BP

b. Vanilla – find drills you like for your program, rotate every few days not every day

c. Choice Station – let them choose drills

d. Quantity matters –hardest thing to do in sports

SESSION: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 11:30AM – 12:15PM: Abenaki Room

TOPIC: Pre-Season Throwing Program for Pitchers

PRESENTER: Dave Swanson, Producer, ESPN Baseball & Owner, Swanson Pro Baseball Instruction


Have a Plan – Develop with Pitching Instructor, Coach, Parent…

Appropriately Build Up – Games begin in April, not January!! Help your pitcher understand this process.

How Often Should your pitcher throw; High School, Middle School, Little League

Stages

1. Stretch Out (Weeks 1 & 2); mid-December

2. Stretch Out & Pull Downs (Week 3); early January

3. Stretch Out, Pull Down, and Flat Ground (Week 4); 2nd week in January – FB’s ONLY!!

4. Stretch Out, Pull Down, Flat Ground, and Mound Work (Weeks 5, 6, & 7) 3rd, 4th, & 5th weeks in January

FB’s Only; Week 5 – Short Box 20

FB’s/CH’s; Weeks 6 & 7 – 25-Pitch Pens

Spin the BB during Flat Ground Week 7

5. Stretch Out, Pull Down, Flat Ground, & Mound Work (February & March)

FB’s/CH’s/BB’s – 36-Pitch Pens

Work Primarily from the Stretch

Situations, Blue Man Tracking, Live Tracking, Live BP, TTP

What is Max Distance?

Monitoring

SESSION: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 11:30AM – 12:15PM: Shinnecock/Nipmuc Rooms

TOPIC: Teaching Baserunning in an Age of Leg Kicks, Bat Flips & Launch Angles



A. Introduction 1. A culture valuing importance of Free Bases (HBP, BB, Reach on Error, Dirt Ball Reads, Extra

Base)

B. My Offensive Goals Every Year 1. Region we play in – New England weather 2. What takes no talent to be good? 3. Dynamic offenses can score runs in many ways

C. 10 Commandments (of Baserunning) (Apply 10 Baserunning principles important to you/your team)

D. Home to First 1. Front Bag / Break tape / 1B Eyes

E. First Base 1. Pre-Lead Routine 2. 9, 11, 13 feet

a. When/Why? 3. Diving back vs. Going back standing

F. Secondary Lead 1. Goals: Gain ground, timing/momentum 2. Physically

G. Same Language/Verbiage for Baserunning (Specifically for reading/talking about pitchers) 1. RHP / LHP 2. Food for thought

H. Stealing 2nd – 3 Techniques we use 1. Regular 2. Cross Over 3. Timing shuffle 4. Coaching points

I. Delay Steal

J. Dirt Ball Reads 1. First vs. Second Base

K. Guidelines/Coaching Points for Base Stealing 1. Situational / Reading Catcher

L. Second Base 1. Man on 2

nd 0 outs / Man on 2

nd 1 out

M. Stealing Third 1. Technique / Where eyes should be

N. Third Base

O. Miscellaneous / Drills 1. First and Third Offense 2. Contact Down 3. 3-1/3-2 Motion

P. Final Thoughts


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