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WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

BASEBALL PHILOSOPHY

Guiding Principles

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• On the Mound

Pitching

1. First pitch strikes

2. Change speeds

3. Utilize all pitches

4. Remember fielding responsibilities

5. Work quickly

Pickoffs

1. Don’t be afraid to throw over

2. Know catcher’s signal to throw over

3. Know when the first baseman is/is not covering

I – Defensive Principles

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• In the Field

Catchers 1. Know game situation and your responsibilities

2. Confident, vocal and in charge of defense

3. Make a call and live with it

4. Don’t be lazy: Drop and use body to block ball

5. Communicate pick-offs to pitcher

6. Quick to throw on steals

Infielders

1. Know game situation and your responsibilities

2. Momentum toward the plate as pitch is thrown

3. Know the pitch before it’s thrown

4. Defer to outfielders on fly balls

Outfielders

1. Know game situation and your responsibilities

2. First step back

3. Communicate: be vocal with outfielders and infielders

4. Left and right fielders always defer to centerfielder

5. Backing up on every play

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Cut-offs (all defensive players)

1. Know where the ball is going before it gets to you

2. Know the capabilities/limitations of your teammates

3. Throw through the cut off man (not over his head)

4. Player covering base or catcher will:

a. Yell “Cut!” followed by the number of the base to

utilize a cut-off (“Cut 4!” for a cut-off to home)

b. Say nothing if there is no need for a cut-off (throw

is on line and in time)

c. Yell “Hold!” if he wants the ball cut-off and run in

to the infield

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• In the Dugout

Pre-Hitting

1. Know what the pitcher is throwing

2. Determine the strike zone

• In the Batter’s Box

Hitting

1. Repeat: See the ball and be easy

2. Take a strike unless coach says otherwise

3. Identify pitch and track the ball to the catcher’s mitt

4. Quick to the ball

5. Smart with two strikes

II – Offensive Principles

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• On the Base Paths

Base Running

1. Always know where the ball is

2. Foot on base when receiving coach’s signals

3. Lead = step and a dive

4. Freeze and assess on line drives

5. Locate base coaches when rounding bases

Base Coaching

1. Know the strengths/weaknesses of opposing defense

and our team

2. Know the situation

3. Know the capabilities of our players

4. Be confident, visible and loud