PLAYER RESOURCES
PLAYING TIPS
Offensive
Watch the opposing pitcher in the bullpen; he'll show the types of pitches he throws and can throw for strikes.
It's not about getting basehits; it's about getting on base: a hit, walk, error, etc.
Use your lower half to hit the ball. Front foot closed, back foot rotates & explodes.
Anticipate that each pitch will be a strike, be aggressive but under control. Want to hit.
Baserunning
Take your maximum lead every pitch, it takes some focus off of the hitter & gets you closer to the next base.
Anticipate that every pitch will be in the dirt or a base hit, be aggressive, want to get to the next base.
Pay attention to the pitcher's rhythm / looks with runners on base; it makes stealing bases even easier.
3rd base is easier to steal than 2nd base, take advantage of lazy infielders.
Know the situation (outs, outfield / infield depth, outfield arm strength, score, etc.).
Outfield
Proper ready position, drop-step or pivot, always sprint to the ball.
Anticipate situations and constantly adjust (left / right hitter, groundball, flyball, outs, score, inning, etc.)
Guard the gaps, give up the lines.
Communicate with your teammates on every ball that's hit, even on routine flyballs.
Throw to the cut-off man. Know your arm strength.
Infield
Always approach ground balls aggressively and keep your feet moving.
Regularly practice short hop drills to develop an aggressive, controlled and consistent glove action.
Work on a quick tempo for fielding and throwing, with a rhythm of step-step-field-step-step-throw.
Be aware of the game situation, adjust your positioning (ie: double play situations, no doubles situation, infield in situation).
Anticipate the play before it happens.
Pitching
Work fast, throw strikes, change speeds.
The most important job is to throw strikes.
The 2nd most important job is to throw low strikes.
Make sure conditioning is a part of your regular practice routine.
Always work out of the stretch.
Catching
Show target - relax - stick it.
When throwing, make sure you have good direction and you gain ground towards your target.
When blocking, glove down, throw the knees and funnel everything to the middle.
Early in the count - set up for strikes.
Off-Field Conduct
Remember that you represent yourself, your family, teammates, coaches, town and in some cases your province.
Arrive at set times, or ideally early.
Look people in the eye when you are listening or talking, this also applies on the field (umpires, coaches, teammates, etc.)
Lead by example. Be a leader not a follower, nobody remembers followers.
Use of profanity is not tolerated, nor is abuse of the umpires, your coaches, opposing players or your teammates.
Visit the following websites for more great tips on playing the game.