Baseball is a sport that is loved by many people. Kids often grow up playing Little League, and then there is high school, college and the professional level. There are even adult baseball and softball leagues. If you’re here to find out more about the sport and what you can do to be a better player, then keep reading.
When hitting, make sure you put your weight on the back foot more than the front. Why? Your body acts like a coil when hitting. When you go to hit the ball with your weight properly managed, your body will unload like a spring. That gives you a ton more power.
Watch the pros for tips. When you watch your favorite team play, watch your favorite players to look for pointers and tips. It might even be a good idea to record games so that you can look for technique and method. The pros got where they are by doing the right thing at the games, so you can learn from watching them.
Be a hustler. It’s great to be that player whose ethics spread to other teammates. People who lead by example have a much stronger presence in the clubhouse. You want to be the person that’s seen as the real difference maker.
Don’t let a losing streak get to you. Losing streaks happen in every sport, but in baseball luck can play a very big factor on any given day. Losing streaks can be prolonged over many games. Never let it get you down. Approach each game with an air of self confidence and soon you’ll beat that slump.
As a baseball coach, you will be expected to give a rousing pre-game talk. Your talk should take place away from all distractions, and it should be brief. Be sure to focus on the main goals of the game and put the most emphasis on good sportsmanship and respecting the umpires. Be confident and enthusiastic about your players’ abilities, and encourage them to have a great time.
It’s important to learn and implement the signs given to you by the base coach. Keep in mind, they can see the whole field. When running bases, concentrate on the base, not the ball. Let them guide your running. If the coaches tell you to stop, brake at the next base. If they signal you to go, then put it into full speed ahead.
Learning how to change directions is important for outfielders. If you are playing the left side of the outfield and need to run towards centerfield, cross your right foot across your left foot and power through the step. This technique will help you gain the maximum burst of speed from the beginning of your run.
To catch a fly ball that is going to land behind you, take a first step back with one foot so that you start heading to the place where the ball is going to land. If you step around with the other foot first, you slow yourself down, making it harder to get to the ball.
If the sun is in your eyes as you are trying to catch a ball, shield your eyes with your glove. Lifting that glove over your eyes helps block the extreme sun brightness and helps you continue to watch the ball.
Practice bunting, even if you are a power hitter. Bunting is a bit of a lost art in baseball. The idea is to simply tap the ball into play, taking the infield, pitcher and catcher off-guard. This is a smart tactic to move a teammate over from first to second or to even score an infield hit. A power hitter bunting is so unexpected that it really can be effective.
Build repetition into any practice drills that you are doing. To get good at anything, you need to repeat it. In baseball that means repeating at bats over and over. It means shagging fly balls again and again. It means running a double play drill until you dream of it. Only then will you begin to master the skills.
To throw a screwball, line your second and third fingers up along a seam to your left if you are right-handed. As you pitch the ball, move your fingers down in a counterclockwise direction. This causes the ball to curve away from a left-handed batter. If you are left-handed, choose the seam to your right and move your fingers clockwise.
Practice double plays if you are an infielder. Double plays are a pitcher’s best friend. Infielders will have many options to consider in a short amount of time. Go over drills repeatedly until they are second nature.
To throw a circle change-up, make a circle with your thumb and index finger while you hold the baseball. Complete your pitching motion holding the ball like that, and throw the pitch home. The simple positioning of the hand on the ball slows the pitch down, meaning you can use the arm motion of a fastball but throw a slower pitch.
Celebrate with your team after a win. Any win is a team effort, and it’s the perfect moment to actually build a deeper bond between you and your fellow teammates. Share a meal together, or at the very minimum sit together and chat for awhile after the game. It’ll turn into more confident play over the course of the season.
Learn how to properly hold the bat. This is vital to hitting a ball at your maximum batting distance. Grasp the bat firmly with your right hand pointed up and your left hand pointed down if you are right handed. Then bring the baseball bat up to your shoulder without touching your shoulder.
From the standpoint of a baseball player, it was probably rather exciting reading about advice that can make you a better teammate and player. Well, it’s now your turn as you get back on the field to practice your game. Practice really does make perfect, and the tips that were told to you should help.