Keep It Simple

Whilst recently travelling with the Australian Cal Ripken Team at the World Series in Aberdeen, I was fortunate enough to participate in a Baseball Clinic led by the Ripken staff. It was sponsored by Giant Food and over 150 kids participated.

During the camp coordinator David Bounds addressed the group and I really liked what he said about keeping the game "simple". He said for instance a double play in Baseball is a very complex skill, however it is made up of 5 simple tasks. 

You CATCH the ball, you THROW the ball, you CATCH the ball, you THROW the ball and you CATCH the ball again! 

If you try and throw the ball before you catch it the play breaks down, keep it simple and slow the game down!!

PITCHING ANATOMY

Here is a link to an ESPN analysis on Pitching Mechanics. It looks at several different types of actions and pitches. They have provided examples from Arizona Diamondback staff with slow motion video.

PITCH ANATOMY

Handling Pressure

This is a brief article on how Paul Goldschmidt changed his approach at the plate with runners on base last year. Being able to stay calm in big situations is one of the hardest things to accomplish in Baseball. This is an example of what he tries to do. We talk a lot about focussing on the "process" rather than the result to help hitters achieve this.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/cactus/articles/20140224arizona-diamondbacks-paul-goldschmidt-used-new-approach-stay-calm-clutch.html

ROUTINE GROUND BALLS

The following clip demonstrates the absolutes for fielding a ROUTINE ground ball. We use the 6 F's when discussing the steps.

1. Footwork (Take your left ear to the ball)
2. Field
3. Funnel
4. Feet (Replace)
5. Fire (Throw the ball)
6. Follow your throw

Whats your motivation?

Little boy gives "Miracle Speech"

Love this video of the "Miracle" speech, remade for a Boston vs Yankees game!

Losing

http://youtu.be/zDELnaOfW04

Clip from the movie "Moneyball".
Is losing fun?

Remember The Titans

Coaching Clip
Love this gym scene identifying the relationship between player and coach.

Coach Carter

Our Deepest Fear
A great moment when the hard work has payed off, showing that the student has turned things around. Very rewarding for the coach!

Matheny Manifesto

http://mikematheny.com/sites/default/files/docs/MathenyManifesto.pdf
This is a very interesting article relating to parents and youth sport. Mike Matheny is the current Manager for the St Louis Cardinals MLB Team.

A coaching session with Professionals Matthew Kennelly and Warwick Saupold