lhs baseball fundamentals brochures - … kaat rapids pitching involves both physical and mental...
TRANSCRIPT
Building Blocks Approach
1. Start with the basics
2. Increase the complexity as players improve
3. Continue to review and reinforce the
fundamentals
4. Individual competitions help kids gauge themselves
Every practice, concentrate on the
fundamentals
You win with fundamentals
Vince Lombardi
_____________________
At Wisconsin Rapids – Lincoln
High School
We stress the basics at every practice: throwing, fielding, hitting, and base
running
_____________________
KISS
Keep It Simple Smart
Stick to the basics until the kids are ready for the next challenge
Coaching
Youth
Baseball
An
Efficient
Fundamental
Practice
Practice Routine
1. Jog a lap (followed by stretching for older kids)
2. Play catch – gradually increasing distance (as long as each can still hit their target consistently)
Play catch with two hands and always throw to a target
Competition: 21
Catch the ball in your circle
3. Ground balls – coach rolls from short distance. All kids participate (2 lines, if possible)
3 Down (Butt, Glove, Eyes)
Glove Out/Ready
Competition: Elimination
4. Fly Balls – Coach throws from short distance. All kids participate (2 lines)
Center, “Mine,” 2 hands, Throw
Tennis ball communication drill
Pass Patterns
5. Cut-Offs – 4 per line. Skip and Relay
Hands – up: target, throw to glove side, turn to glove side on relay
Competition: Twice through and sit
6. Bunting – tennis balls: slide hands, bend knees, turn hips, angle bat, “catch” the ball
4 person pepper – bunting to a line
Competition: 5 bunts – total points
7. Hitting – Hands top of zone, same stride, chin on the ball (head steady), laces to the pitcher
Tennis ball flips, rotate at 7 swings, fielders in “ready” or creep position
Coach throws from 40 feet (L – Screen), 7 swings and rotate
Competition: game: hitters start with a 2 – 1 count. Coach discusses situations
8. Baserunning – first 3 steps, proper angles, watch your coach
Increase complexity as kids improve w/ criteria of age, numbers, and safety
Contact me with any practice or
game situation questions. I will NOT discuss playing time or your child’s
coach’s decisions or qualifications
Bob Gawlitta 424-5358 [email protected]
The Three Foot Tunnel Backward – Balance – Forward
Backward 1. Use your side of the rubber 2. Hands together 3. Short step straight back 4. Rotate foot 5. Back knee bent slightly 6. Head remains steady
Balance 1. Bring front knee up – load 2. Back knee bent slightly 3. Chin over bellybutton 4. Hands at chest level 5. Head steady
Forward 1. Separate hands, then #3 2. Fingers behind the ball 3. Start forward with heel 4. Eyes on target: head steady 5. Elbows equal & Opposite 6. Hand – elbow - shoulder 7. Front side closed ALAP 8. Glove stays inside elbow 9. Stride & chest to target All momentum toward home
Finish 1. Chin over front knee 2. Fielding position ________________________
Smooth gets better, faster You are only as efficient as your worst mechanic.
RAPIDS pitching strategy R outine: form, motion, delivery
A ttack and own inside corner
P itch intelligently; have a plan
I ntensity: Bull Dog mentality
D evelop several pitches (3)
S ituations: batter, inning, game
Keys to efficient pitching
1. Location is #1 (not velocity) 2. 1 inch movement is worth 2 MPH
3. Change speeds 4. Work fast – helps your defense
5. Trust your defense 6. Study each hitter’s weaknesses
7. Always look for an edge
_____________________________
Primary Goal Give the team a chance to win every time out _____________________
Primary means to Goal 1. Keep pitches low 2. Study hitting charts 3. Talk with my catcher 4. Pitch smart on 0-2, 1-2 5. Keep runners close 6. Field my position well _____________________
The Four C’s of Pitching Control Confidence Courage Composure
Pitch smarter, not harder
Rapids Pitching
Location Location Location
Get Ahead
Throw Strikes
Change Speeds
Hitting is timing. Pitching is upsetting timing.
Warren Spahn
_____________________________
Everything works off the Fastball 1. Four seam: power
2. Two seam: movement 3. Splitter: movement down, late
4. Cutter: moves toward glove side
Pitcher and Catcher need to know where to locate the fastball for each
hitter. _____________________________
If we mix up pitches, we create
indecision by the hitter. The wider fingers are apart - slower the pitch.
Curve Ball Moves up to down (12 – 6)
Slider Moves down and away sharply
Knuckleball
Moves spiral and down with little rotation on seams
____________________________
Perfect each pitch from the stretch
before using it in a game. Use the
same motion/arm path consistently.
The outside corner is bigger
than the inside corner – hard stuff in, soft stuff away.
_____________________________
Remember: Where the head goes, the body goes
** Brochure made by Coach Gawlitta
The straight change is the best pitch
because it looks like a fastball, is almost 100% effective when thrown
down at the knees, and will have a little action at the end without
causing any strain on the arm.
Dr. John Bagnozi
4 Change-up grips
1. Palm: push ball back in the hand 2. 4 finger: pull down window shade
3. 3 finger: great lead to circle ch. 4. Circle Change
Pick-Offs
GOAL: keep the runner close 1. Vary the glances
2. Off the rubber or stepping off 3. Throw while going up or down
4. Vary set time
5. Catcher signal MEANS: practice knee to knee
Quick to home and quick to first Runners steal off the pitcher!
Get Ahead 0-1 = .199
0-2 = .118 1-2 = .151
1-1 = most significant pitch
Win 2/3 of games when: 1. Strike one to each hitter
2. Get first hitter out each inning
3. Allow no runs after we score
Use weather to your advantage
Cold: hitters don’t want to hit Hot: You’re loose; good breaking ball
Windy: more movement
Throw often It will rust out before it will wear out
Jim Kaat
RAPIDS pitching involves both physical and mental development.
The effective pitchers, especially the great ones, have great control and
can throw the baseball for balls as well as they can for strikes. Location
is extremely important in pitching,
but the ability to recognize when and where to locate your pitches is
paramount to success.
Game Day preparation 1. Eat properly
2. Come mentally charged & focused
3. Warm-up efficiently 4. Get a lather going – take a jog
5. Pitch an efficient bullpen 6. Sit with your catcher always – talk!
7. Study and prep off hitting charts
8. Run and ice postgame 9. Long-Toss next day – always!
Situations 1. Bunts: attack, MINE, step & throw
2. Cover 1B: line – ball – base – look 3. Cover Home: receive – tag – leave
4. Backing up: 10 – 15 feet behind
5. Look to cover vacant base
Drills and Skills
1. Experiment with grips during catch 2. Reverse Crow: keeps front closed
3. Dry Drills: form and mechanics
4. Skip Bertman: location/control 5. Mound: Control work w/catcher
6. Live: Hitter’s weaknesses 7. Long-Toss: arm strength
8. Jobe: stronger key small muscles
9. PFP: be the team’s best fielder Prepare better than your opponent!
_____________________________ Have a purpose when playing catch
Never throw a ball without throwing at a target!
Rapids Philosophy Prevent the big inning and win the next pitch
You have to get 27 outs to win. It
doesn’t matter how you get them.
Greg Maddox
Be Smart: where are you going
with the ball once you have it? Catching the ball is a pleasure.
Knowing what to with it is a business Tommy Heinrich
Defense and pitching go hand in hand. Good defense helps pitching
and good pitching helps defense Cal Ripken, Jr
Defensively, you play your pitcher because everyone throws differently. You play the situation in the game.
You play the count (hitters tend to be aggressive on 2-0 and defensive on 0-2)
Tony Kubek
Defense isn’t just fielding percentage, it’s also range and being in proper
position to make the play (physically and intelligently)
Every kid has quick feet, if in the proper position
Good defense means taking momentum away from the other team
at bat and giving it to your team Ozzie Smith
Defensive tenets * Always keep the double play in order * Never give up runs after we score * Sacrifice speed for accuracy * Never bare-hand a moving ball * Anticipate the bad hop, bad throw * Be in position to help * Never let the trail runner advance
Always play catch with a purpose: Dry drills, long toss, footwork
Throw to the circle: if the player can’t hit your circle, move your circle (feet)
Wherever your chin is, it’s where your eyes are pointing & throws heading.
1. Get to the ball 2. Field the ball 3. Throw the ball
Communication is Key * Acknowledge Signs * Calling the ball * Who’s got the base? * How many outs are there? * Fly ball priority * Special plays/signals * Hitter’s tendencies (Charts) * Share what you know
Know the Situation * Inning * Score * Outs * Hitter
Rapids Defense Infield
Outfield
Shrink the Field
Feet Feed the
Wolf
THREE DOWN
* Head – Butt – Glove
* On the balls of your feet
FIELD
* Pocket in the path of the ball
* Soft hands/elbows
LOAD
* Feet under you
* Hips/shoulder closed, elbow up
EXPLODE
* Momentum to your target
4 SECOND FEET
Field Conditions
* Sunny/Cloudy sky
* Windy/Calm
* Long/Short cut grass
* Wet/Dry conditions
* Fences: Deep/Shallow
* Bumpy/Soft Infield
--Monitor: pre + during game--
Cut-Offs
* Know arm strength
* Communicate position
* Know the situation
* Arms up: open glove-side foot
* Adjust to the throw
* Who cuts to where/when
* Sure Doubles: Double cuts
** Brochure made by Coach Gawlitta **
Run-Downs
* Two throw maximum
* Ideal: Get an out
* Minimum: No one advances
* Receiver calls “now”
* Tag: ball in glove thru runner
* Rotate inside baseline
* Back-up the play
Bunt Defense
* Know what defense is on
* Have each base covered
* Goal: Get an out
* Field – Set – and Throw
* Back-up the play
* Know the speed of runners
Fly Balls
* Run on the balls of your feet
* Know fly ball fielder priority
* Two hands when possible
* IF never calls w/back to infield
* Where to throw after the catch
Backing up
* Each base covered/backed up
* Always look for a place to help
Pick-Offs
* Ideal: Get an out
* Objective: shrink the lead-off
* May help indicate if bunt is on
Steal Defense
* Know the defense called
Outfield
* Learn to Crow hop
* Take the proper angles
* Know the real estate
* Bust – n – Camp
* Backing up plays
* No Doubles approach
* No cheap advances
* Be smart and aggressive
* Throw over the top
Job #1: Know where the ball is going and beat it there.
OF is the only position that can have a running start
Middle Infield
* Who has the base?
* Double Play depth: 7 & 7
* Field – Flip – Follow
* Bunt defenses
Corner Infield
* 1B trails on sure double
* 3B back-up return throws (1B)
* Dropped 3rd
strike
* Bunt defenses
The prerequisites of a good infielder: Quick feet and soft hands
Ryne Sandberg
21 OUTS It’s as simple as that!
R ecognize pitches A nticipate situational hitting
P ractice proper fundamentals I ntensity and focus, always D iscipline w/ your strike zone
S tudy the pitcher’s tendencies
Tenets of Hitting * A bat you can control * Plate Coverage * Know your strike zone * Know the situation
Team-First Mentality Winning percentage is more
important than batting average. Rod Carew
3 Keys to Hitting 1. Recognize the pitch
2. Recognize velocity
3. Recognize location
Find a pitch you like and hit it
No matter where they start from or how they get
there, all good hitters arrive at the same spots at
critical moments. Charley Lau
You can’t have any lost motion Ted Williams
Stance
* Balance
* Knees Bent * Toes to the plate * Lead elbow in * Loose hands * Knocking Knuckles * Bat at 45 degrees * Hands: top of strike zone
Stride (Load) * Test the ice/short & soft * Load: Hands Back * Stretch the rubber band * Elbows stay bent
Pivot * Back elbow into the slot * Hips mostly closed * Back knee bent * Knees inside feet * Back laces to pitcher
Swing (Explode) * Body is under control * Stiff front side: locked * Bat barrel above hands * Palm Up, Palm Down * Power V * Chin: shoulder - shoulder * Head behind center * Hands through the swing
Rapids
Hitting
Stance
Load
Pivot
Explode
4 ZONE BREAKDOWN 1. Feet and Knees 2. Hips
3. Head and Shoulders 4. Hands
Analyze these parts individually when breaking down a player’s swing
The key to ADJUSTING: What can I see or do to bring the situation to my favor? (take a pitch, sit on a FB)
Adjustments * Patience * Choke Up * Move up/back in the box * Bunt/Hit opposite field * Selection w/1- 2 strikes
* Take what the defense gives you * Hitter’s pitches: 2 – 0 & 3 – 1 * Take the off-speed on 1st pitch. Those who don’t = .067 BA at all levels.
Do what will help the team win
1. Always look fastball 2. Hit middle/top of ball 3. Contact in front of plate 4. Use all fields 5. Never give away an AB 6. Be contact-conscious: don’t strikeout or pop-up
Hitting is 50 percent from the neck up
Ted Williams
When you’re in the on-deck circle, you’re concentrating on the job of
hitting. Get an idea of release point, ball movement, what’s he
starting hitters with.
Stan Musial
Points to Ponder * Pitcher’s Control * Pitcher’s Out-Pitch * Pitcher’s pitch count * Umpire’s strike zone * Field/Weather condition
* Infielders depth/shading
There’s no such thing as a good hitter who is a dumb hitter
Hank Aaron
The thing about hitting is this: You have to know your strike
zone Stan Musial
The greatest hitters living can’t hit bad balls well
Ted Williams (Don’t get yourself out)
Comfortable at the plate
Consistent in your approach
Confident in your abilities
Concentrate on the little things
Every great hitter works on the theory that the pitcher is more afraid of him than he is of the
pitcher Ty Cobb
Know your strengths/weaknesses
A great hitter isn’t born, he’s made . . . out of practice, fault
correction and confidence
Rogers Hornsby
Drills 1. Tee: CONTACT POINTS 2. Flip 3. Pepper 4. Pickle Balls (15 feet) 5. Live – baseballs Focus on MIDDLE-AWAY
The greatest teacher of hitting is pepper.
Ted Williams
Have a “soft focus” on the pitcher
I know I’m good when I’m hitting the ball the other way
Albert Pujols
When a pitch fools you with less than two strikes, take it always
Ted Williams
Keeping your eye on the ball and not moving your head is first and
foremost in hitting Reggie Jackson
You must learn to make the first time up a key time by striving to
find out as much about the pitcher as possible, and you do that by making him pitch. The
more information you log the first time up, the better your chance
the next three. Ted Williams
Brochure made by Coach Gawlitta
Calling a game
* Every hitter has holes 1. Study the hitting charts
2. Know our pitchers strengths 3. What’s working today? 4. What’s the umpire’s zone?
5. Sit & Talk w/our pitcher 6. Vary signs w/men on base
Stances
Arms length - hitter’s shoulder 1. Sign Giving: knees tight 2. Receiving: athletic &
balance - square to pitcher – hand behind glove – hips down & shoulders upright
3. Baserunners: hand behind glove – hips under shoulders
4. Move feet to position (In/Out)
Receiving
Don’t give target too early 1. Flash target, then relax
2. Receive to bellybutton 3. Keep shoulders square 4. Understand ball spin-pitches
5. Ankle sway (subtle) - centers 6. Stick (hold) the pitch
7. Look ball into glove _________________________________ Pitch location
1. High: keep arm bent 2. Low: thumb down-glove over
3. Out: beat ball out – control 4. In: side of ball – full glove Hint: if setting up outside
w/thumb down – keep thumb down until left shoulder _________________________________
Recognize and Adjust The strike zone is whatever the
umpire says it is.
Framing
Keeping strikes – strikes The catcher can effect the
marginal pitch 1. Be smooth and subtle
2. Receive ball away from body 3. Catch ball close to the plate 4. Beat ball to spot – push back
5. Control ball firm but smooth
Throwing
Be Quick - Be Accurate Get to Power position
1. Get feet underneath quickly 2. Front side must close
3. Keep hips below the ball 4. Front arm up (E & O) 5. Back elbow above shoulder
6. Perfect rotation (12 – 6) 7. Be aggressive on all throws
_________________________________ 1. Pivot: ball over rt shoulder * Let ball “close you”
2. Jump Shift: middle or left * Exchange ball under chin * Keep butt low
* Quick shift–momentum to 2B * Get front side closed
_________________________________
Your number one job: To help your pitcher
Blocking
NOTHING gets by!!! 1. Glove deep in crotch
2. Fingers into ground 3. Bare hand behind glove 4. Shoulders forward and in
5. Head down – watch the ball 6. Hips low – Stay low!
7. Catch ball in belly 8. Surround outside ball in dirt Keys
* Anticipate * Keep ball close to the plate
* Deaden ball – ball w/in 5 feet * Keep runners from advancing _________________________________
Block–Scramble–Load-Explode _________________________________
Bunts
1. Stay low from Catcher’s box
2. Belly button over ball 3. Sweep w/2 hands, always
4. Get feet under your body 5. Feet angled to target 6. Balance/Power position
_________________________________ Different Bunts 1. Inside: feet ready to go to 1B
2. 3B line: step over ball 3. 1B line: ball-step back-throw
_________________________________ Hints * On whiff bunt – throw behind
* 3B covered on regular _________________________________
** Brochure made by ** Coach Gawlitta
Force Play
Anticipate a bad throw 1. Start behind home-drag foot
2. Face thrower 3. Power step to ball on force 4. Quick feet, close to 1B
Tag at Home
Take the Plate away! 1. Look relaxed – deception
2. Face throw in front of home 3. Toe & Knee towards baseline 4. Butt low – exagarrate
5. Receive throw – step to line 6. Tag with back of glove 7. Turn gloveside – scan field
8. RF throw – deeper on plate _________________________________
Keys * Catch the ball – Job #1 * Leave the mask on
* Protect the ball * Knee & Toe to baseline
* Stay low _________________________________
Pop-Ups
Locate – Mask – Catch – Look
1. Up quick, mask in hand 2. Back to pitcher – ball spin 3. Throw mask away from you
4. Call – catch with two hands
Passed Ball
1. Find the ball
2. One knee slide to ball 3. Belly button over ball 4. One knee power position
Some little things
* Be the best communicator * You’re the coach on the field
* Field conditions * How far is the backstop? * Weather conditions
* Team tendencies * Back-up 1B – 15 feet back
* Give targets on the black * Throw with a purpose * Catch with a purpose
_________________________________
Drills
1. Framing zone - rotate 2. Sit and get hit blocking
3. Dry blocks – footwork 4. Short “live” blocks
5. Block and Recover 6. Block ball into bucket 7. 4 – Corner throws
8. Sweep drill for bunts 9. Coach behind drops bunt
10. Force and quick feet 11. Making the tag 12. Passed ball slides
13. Pop-ups _________________________________
During warm-ups: practice “dry” throws to bases, glove ball exchange, making the tag, force play, framing as you receive ____________________________ The Catcher sets the tone with hustle and attitude
Rapids Catching
Everybody’s watching you!
Team Leader
Calling a game
Framing Pitches Blocking Pitches
Throwing
Rapids Coaching
Patience Perspective
Pride
A Teacher
A Leader A Role Model
Good Coaches know what the end is supposed to look like. If a
coach doesn’t know what the end is supposed to look like, he won’t know it when he sees it.
Vince Lombardi
Start with the belief, your kids want to succeed.
Mike Dee Illinois State
You get what you emphasize. Gordie Gillespie
Tenets of Coaching 1. Communicate your Expectations & Rules 2. Be Organized and have a Plan 3. Be Consistent and Fair 4. Make a commitment to teaching every day 5. Be an example you can be proud of
The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their
commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field
of endeavor. Vince Lombardi
It’s not the X’s and O’s, It’s the Jimmies and Joes
Pat Casey
Oregon State
Don’t mistake activity for achievement
John Wooden
Team Management Anger Management Time Management Upper Management
Players don’t care what you know, until they know you care
Mike Brumley Texas Rangers
Bedrocks Integrity
Honor Trust
Respect Accountability
Mental Toughness
Make practice game-like so you can make games practice-like
John Wooden
Brochure by Coach Gawlitta
Absolutes b4 stepping off base 1. Know game situation
2. Get sign from your coach 3. Check defensive positioning
4. Know where the ball is 5. Pitcher is on the rubber
Lead-Offs/Stealing
* One-Way Lead/Lean * Lead foot slightly open * Loose hands, back is straight
* Hands off knees * Low hard start: track meet
* Read the pitcher’s intentions * Always take a secondary lead * Dive back: outside ¼ of base
* On 3B return inside the line
_________________________________
Base-stealing Hints * 1B: read RHP’s back heal * 1B: read LHP’s back shoulder
* LHP tends to look oppo-throw * 2B: you can get a bigger lead * 2B: know where middle IF are
* 3B: RHP 3B man + one step * 3B: LHP 3B man + two steps
* Ball in dirt: always think go * Wind-up: P’s glove foot back
When stealing, your first three
steps are most important
Ricky Henderson
Rapids Philosophy Aggressive baserunning is an ATTITUDE, it’s simply
HUSTLE! Every player has control of the INTENSITY with which he plays each
day. Each pitch is an opportunity to advance a
base.
The shortest distance between two points is a
straight line
Home to First
1. Get out of the box fast 2. Forward momentum 3. Find the baseball
4. Break the tape at the bag 5. Outside ¼ of base
6. Look to foul territory
First to Third * Read the outfielder
* RF Ball: look to coach b4 2B * Hit inside ¼ of the base
* Read the eyes of the 3B man
The reason guys get triples is because they bust their butts
and run until someone makes them stop.
There are 26 ways to score
from third base – Get There!
Rapids
Baserunning
Intelligence on the Run
Be Aggressive Take Advantage One run/inning
The goal of every
base-runner is to score
Share what you Learn
When Willie Mays would reach
2nd Base he would look in at the catcher’s signs for one or two hitters then relay what he
found when he returned to the dugout
Things to look for while at 2B
1. Sign sequence from Catcher 2. Number of looks by Pitcher
3. How middle IF is covering
Man on 2B signals (left hand): * On hip = inside pitch
* Extended = outside pitch * Open = off-speed
* Closed = fastball
Sliding * When in doubt – Slide
* Never slide home head-first * Slide with right leg tucked * Face to the outfield
Bunts * Make sure the bunt is down
Squeeze Bunts
* Safety vs Suicide * RHP: Leave when ball above
P’s head
* LHP: leave on leg lift
_________________________________
Every fly ball is a double:
HUSTLE
Every outfield hit is a double
until I’m stopped – round the
base hard! (Tony Gwynn)
The Great Base-runners make the pitcher know he is there (worry): 1. Stretch their lead 2. Seek any advantages 3. Always Aggressive
_________________________________
With two outs, always advance
on batted ball – even if it’s in front of you (score from 2B)
Take a hard turn on first when
driving in a run – if the throw goes home, look to advance
Rule Book Musts * Slide into 2B when played upon * Run within 45’ 1B Line * You have a right to the base * No hands to interfere/distract
Remember, the man on-deck has a duty as well: Play at the plate/slide
** Brochure made by ** Coach Gawlitta
Rounding the Bases Always round the base as
if you will advance (on the inside ¼ of the base)
Potential ways to advance * Straight steal * Delayed steal * Early leave * Bunt * Sacrifice Fly * Errors
The Delayed Steal is based on whether the middle infielders are collapsing when the throw is returned to the pitcher
The goal of the Early Leave is for the man on 1B to stay in the run-down long enough for the man on 3B to score (1st & 3rd)
When on 3B, extend your lead when the pitcher
throws to 1B
You don’t have to be fast to be a good base-
runner, you just have to be baseball smart
If you settle for less than you can be, you will be unhappy the rest of
your life.
Abraham Maslow
Talents’ effects level off. Deliberate practice is
not mechanically repeating tasks that come
easily, but rather targeting and attacking specific
areas that need improvement.
Anders Ericsson
Psychology Professor (Florida State)
Innate talent is nothing,
success is 99 percent hard work.
Susan Polgar -World Chess Grandmaster
Don’t get by, get better!
Mike Dee (U of Illinois at Chicago)
Accept work as a gift, not a punishment
Stay Humble, Work Hard, and
Continue to Improve.
Billy Wagner
Your goals should be just out of reach, but not out of sight
Sportsmanship reveals one’s character,
regardless of the outcome.
Adversity doesn’t build character,
it reveals it
Peak performance isn’t about being
perfect, it’s about compensating and adjusting
Until you accept failure in baseball,
you will never enjoy the success.
Bobby Bonds to son Barry Bonds
Talent is God-given, be humble; Fame is man-given, be thankful;
Conceit is self-given, be careful.
John Wooden
Decisions Determine Destiny
Focus on the process, not the results
Ken Ravizza
You’re going to fail occasionally; the
goal is to minimize this and manage
your failures effectively Auggie Garrido (U of Texas)
There is no clock in baseball – play hard
until the last out!
To be successful, everyone needs to buy into the team concept and
philosophies
We had 25 guys pulling on the same rope. You can’t get to where we are
with just a couple of guys performing Scott Podsednik
2005 White Sox (World Champs)
We won because we played as a team and put the
team first. Individual stats are for losers.
Paul Warfield (1972 Miami Dolphins)
Competitive Spirit
1. How important is winning?
2. How do you feel when you lose?
* If this is our goal, then practice every day like
you want to accomplish it
You will NEVER see a great team where the most
talented players are not the best workers
Bruce Brown
You can’t expect a skill to simply show up in a
game if you haven’t practiced it first
Rapids Baseball
The Mental Game
One Pitch At a Time
Prepared
Composed Character Competitive = CONFIDENCE
As a team, winning is our mission
A mission fuels intensity – taking 15 groundballs at game-like intensity is
more valuable than taking 100 when you’re just going through the motions
Ken Ravizza
Have a Mission
1. Why do you play baseball?
2. What type of player would you like to be?
3. What would you like to accomplish in baseball?
Each day you get to make a choice whether you
are going to take a step forward, remain the
same, or take a step back
You can’t control what happens around you, but
you can control how you choose to respond
The Mental Game’s most versatile skill:
A slow, steady breath! (Relax and Refocus)
Ways to Refocus (find your focus)
AT BAT: step out and look at your bat, pick up dirt PITCHING: glove off- rub the ball/wipe off rubber ON BASE: call time and tie your shoe Happy Gilmore: find your happy place!
If I give up a home run, I wipe my foot across the
rubber and clean it off. Now the slate is clean.
It’s a new batter, a new situation.
Mark Langston
The most important thing is how a guy prepares
himself to do battle. (Are you focused?)
Hank Aaron
I tried to practice the way I played. You can’t
practice one way and then expect to do it
differently in a game
Al Kaline (Hall of Famer)
** Brochure made by Coach Gawlitta **
There’s too much at stake to spend time being
upset. You must develop the ability to learn from
what just happened, then forgive yourself for
doing it. Learn and forgive: Once you’ve done
that, you’ve done all you can do
Dr. Curt Tribble (heart surgeon)
“Confidence is everything”
The opinion of just about every pro
and college player you ask
The best athletes are successful because they’re
better prepared – they stay focused and work as
hard as necessary to maintain confidence
Confident people inspire others. Opportunities
seem to come their way more often – they
become magnets for success
5 P’s of Peak Performance Brian Cain
PRIDE in your effort PRESENT – stay in the moment only
PROCESS – not the end result POSITIVE mindset in a game of failure
PRACTICE being your best
Separating Talent and Character
The truth is you had very little to do with the
majority of your physical talents, and they will be
gone someday. What you can learn and take with
you the rest of your life is your character.
Bruce Brown
Be more concerned with your character than your
reputation. Reputation is what others say you are
whereas character is who you truly are,
and that is more important
John Wooden
Resources
Heads-up Baseball by Ken Ravizza
Life Lessons for Athletes by Bruce Brown
Peak Performance by Brian Cain
Various clinics, books, and videos
INTEGRITY
Actions follow your words and your beliefs.
Sleeping on a soft pillow (truthful)
Honesty, Reliable, Respectful, Humble, Loyal
TEACHABLE SPIRIT
Also called “coachable” - eager to learn
Take correction as a compliment & challenge
Being accountable and no excuses
CONFIDENCE
The expectation of a positive outcome
Based on preparation, not arrogance
ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY
Compete in the classroom – goals
Teammates are depending on you – eligible
DISCIPLINE
Focused attention and effort
Unselfish sacrifice for the sake of the team
ACCOUNTABILITY and WORK HABITS
Work just as hard without supervision
Being dependable makes everyone better
MENTALLY TOUGH
Getting past the failures to continue to improve
Nothing can break your spirit
Control emotions and focus in pressure situations
PRIDE
Caring about your effort and production
Team’s inner circle of trust and care
Sense of dignity - We Are Rapids!!!
LEADERSHIP
Models values, standards, and team covenants
Serves the team first and expects the same
SELFLESSNESS – TEAMWORK
Understands and demonstrates team-first
Understands that all roles have equal value
Joy in team success over individual success
If you focus only on how you do in a game,
you will be miserable.
Enjoy the potential of the team.
Don Williams
WBCA Hall of Fame Coach
To be successful in this game, you need to
constantly have a penny’s worth of piss and
vinegar. Two pennies are two much. If you play
with a slight edge, you will stay focused and play
with more passion (with a purpose).
Mark Simon
We will not be denied.
John Randle (Vikings)
So much of the game is out of your control.
Really, all you can control are your preparation,
your efforts, and your mental approach.
Nolan Ryan
Life Lessons from Baseball
The difference between a successful person and
others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of
knowledge, rather a lack of will.
Vince Lombardi
Minimize the distractions
Do you like to compete?
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase
perfection, we can reach excellence.
Vince Lombardi
Honor, Integrity, Humility
The two most important things you can control
are your attitude and your effort.
I’m Fearless
I’m Intense
I’m Aggressive
Pedro Martinez
Everyone gets nervous
Goal is to control it!
Remember: no pressure, no diamonds
When you hustle,
something’s going to happen eventually.
Marv Fleming
Hughes (on deck hitter)
1st name = inside Last name = outside
Use your outs wisely
Sparky Anderson
We’re not selling the next four years, we’re selling
the next 40 years thereafter. We need to teach
things in addition to baseball.
Nutrition
And
Exercise
Out of Season
In Season
Game Day
SLEEP is often overlooked for its importance in both
physical energy and mental awareness
A sleep routine (going to bed and waking up at about the same
time every day) is ideal in maximizing alertness and overall energy.
Art Horne (Northeastern Univ.) Assoc Director of Sports Medicne
Routine
The biggest favor you can do your
body and brain is to stay in a routine of sleep, eating, and
exercise (routine means doing these things at about the same
time every day)
1. The body/brain will recognize when and how much energy it will need to
use and conserve
2. The body/brain will sleep
more soundly
Nutrition
Drink chocolate milk! Research suggests that low-fat
milk provides carbohydrates and protein to refuel after practice, as
well as replenishing fluids and
electrolytes lost in sweat.
Team Needs
At the varsity we only need 2 managers each game for: videotaping and scorebook
A varsity manager letter is earned by attending most of the practices when needed and all the games (with the exception of emergencies)
The JV manager needs may be different, and responsibilities and assignments are negotiated with the JV coach since the teams inevitably separate for practices and games
Your Role
As far as I’m concerned, the role of the baseball managers is just as significant as the players in the success of our team – the managers keep practices efficient, make sure the game statistics are accurate, are the inventory clerks, and make sure needs are met (water, equipment, etc)
With that essential role, managers need to be in constant communication with the head coach regarding team needs and personal conflicts concerning practices or games
Rapids
Baseball
Managers
Games
Practices
General Duties
Responsibilities
We need you at practices and games to:
Help set – up: water, nets, equipment
Videotape some practices and all games
Time practices
Help inventory, allocate, and track team equipment
Check-off equipment for away games
Learn to keep score for games/scorebook
Get lineups to coaches, radio, announcers
Game Days
We need you to be at the field at least 30 minutes before game time for home games
Be on time to the bus for departure times of away games (including weekends)
Have everything ready to go regarding your responsibilities when the game begins
Make sure the video camera batteries are charged/charging for 2nd games of doubleheaders, and have enough video tapes for the day
Take care of the equipment for which you are responsible
Ask questions as they arise (of me, other coaches, or players)
Practices
At the varsity, we need at least two managers at each practice. If between the three managers, a rotation is worked out, that is fine.
Be to practice on time. If there are times we don’t have as much for you to do, I’ll let you know ASAP.
Working on homework or other things during practice is fine as long as you are following through with team needs
For the most part, players will take out, set up, and put away equipment, though I may need you to do some things during practice – last second
Code of Conduct
Same as the players
Rapids
Coaches
Responsibility
List
2013
Gawlitta
Practice organization; focusing on infielders and pitchers
Fundraisers, purchases, booster club correspondence
PR: through radio, news stations, newspapers, schools
Equipment allocation
Correspondence and coordination with booster club
Practice and game responsibility list
Responsibility coordination with the managers: videos, water, equipment, score book
Grades, conduct issues
Phone tree
Sorenson
Focus on outfielders, corner infielders
Upper gym storage organization
Uniform and locker allocation and record list
Manager questions: keys, videotaping, med kit, timing
Post-practice/Post-game clean-up
Weight room station rotation
T-Shirt forms and money
Conditioning for OF
Insurance cards in respective med kits
JV equipment allocation – practices & games
Uniform and locker allocation and record list
Mlodik
Pitchers: PFP, conditioning, form, grips, routine, troubleshooting
Help managers with game scorekeeping
Conditioning
Post-practice/post-game clean-up
Pitching clinics and team video breakdown
Oswald
Catchers: fundamentals and bullpen work
Conditioning and routines for Catchers
Hitting drills, video, and stations
Post-practice/post-game bullpen and home plate care
Keep game book
Bailey
Catching and where needed
Help managers with videotaping names
Any youth coaches attending practice
Situations
Gustafson
Helping coach Peterson with JV
Help Coach Mlodik with pitching drills
Help with overall infield drills
All coaches will help with inventory allocation and collecting
Phone & e-mail
Bob Gawlitta 424-5358 [email protected]
Kevin Mlodik 295-0362 [email protected]
Bill Oswald 347-4706 [email protected]
Tom Sorenson 459-7333 [email protected]
Mark Gustafson 815-985-4183 [email protected]
David Bailey 459-7243 [email protected]
Junior Highs
East 570-8266 Chris Feidt [email protected]
West Isaac Holberg 424-7750 [email protected]
Baseball
Camps
&
Clinics
2009 – 2010
Fundamentals
Camps
All of these camps are relatively local and provide excellent instruction. Attending these camps is a great way to improve your game while learning from the best.
Though the exact dates change every year, the camps/clinics are offered at the same time of year. I post these at LHS when I receive notice of them. Contact me via e-mail if you have further questions.
Our local wrestling program is so successful because at a young age on up, the kids in the program are taking advantage of camps, open gym opportunities, and tournaments. This approach is a perfect one to mimic. Open gyms and camps such as those listed are ideal opportunities for local kids involved in baseball as well.
_______________________
Rapids Area Baseball Camp
Coach Bob Gawlitta 715-424-5358 [email protected]
16th Annual Camp June 22 - 25, 2009 Grades entering 9 – 12 9:00 – 11:30 Grades entering 3 – 8 2:00 – 4:00 Cost: $35 Includes a T-Shirt Sponsored by Subway Restaurant
We cover the basic and advanced fundamentals of baseball in individual drills and team games.
Other camps listed on baseballwisconsin.com
UWSP Coach Pat Bloom
715-346-4412 [email protected]
Five-Tool Christmas Camp December 27 & 28, 2008 Cost: $100
Hitting Camps (2009) February 1, 8, 15, 22 Cost: $125 (or $50 per date)
Pitcher/Catcher Camp Nov/Dec 2008 (6 dates) March 1 & 8, 2009 Cost: $250 (Nov/Dec)
$100 (March)
Youth Hit & Pitch January 18, 25 Cost: $60
For more info. Go to: www.uwsp.edu/athletics/baseball
Discounts offered for multiple camps or single day attendance
UW – Oshkosh Coach Tom Lechnir
920-424-0374
Hitting Camps December 20, 2008 *Grades 9 - 12
December 27, 2008 *Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 , 8
Cost: $95
Pitch/Catch/Infield Camp December 21, 2008 *Grades 9 - 12
December 28, 2008 *Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Cost: $95
Spring Hit & Field Clinic March dates TBA *Grades 1 – 8 *Grades 9 – 12
Cost: TBA
Elite Baseball Camps Coach Darin Everson
Oregon, WI (near Madison) Coach Everson is a hitting coach for the Florida
Marlins
UW – LaCrosse Coach Chris Schwarz
608-385-0350
December dates TBA
Cost: $
Ripon College Camp Director: Eric Cruise
920-379-8792 [email protected]
January 11, 18, 25 Hitting: 9 a.m. – noon Pitch/Catch: 1 – 4 p.m. Cost: $100 for each camp or $50 per session www.ripon.edu/athletics/baseball/do
cuments/2009camp