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INTRODUCTIONBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

The purpose of this handbook is threefold:

A. To describe and discuss the definite baseball skills which every player must have or develop.

B. To acquaint coaches and players who are coming into the baseball program with the offensive and defensive game procedures.

C. To point out and to show that baseball is a game of discipline: Everyone from the players to the coaches thinking alike and working toward one goal – “Good Team Performance.”

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WELCOME TO THE COACING PROFESSIONBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. Study the profession

a. Attend clinicsb. Participate as an athletec. Study coaches and the profession

B. The profession

a. If making lots of money, stability and acquiring material possessions rank high in your desires, then coaching is the wrong profession for you.

b. If teaching young people, competition, excitement, challenge, giving of yourself, self-satisfaction attract you, then coaching could be a good choice.

C. Perception of high school athletics

a. Athletes – I directedb. Parents – lack objectivityc. Principal – athletics just one part of the school communityd. Community – who won

i. If you win you’re a good coachii. If you lose you must be a poor coach

Reasons for Coaching

A. I like sports.B. Since I enjoy the game, coaching will keep me in touch with something I like.C. I liked my high school coach, so I decided to become a coach, too.D. I want to be a college coach some day.E. I needed to declare a major, and since I enjoy athletics I decided to try Physical

Education and Coaching.F. I want the prestige of being a coach.G. I like the excitement and glamour associated with coaching.H. You get paid extra money for coaching.I. I like working with young boys and girls.J. I want to teach boys and girls to enjoy the game. K. It looks like fun.

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Cautionary Notes

A. Rarely a lifelong occupation

a. Reasons: energy drain, age, health, stress. Most people get out before retiring.b. Success at and enjoyment in athletics does not mean you will experience success

and enjoyment in coaching.c. Money, glamour and fame come to relatively few coaches and not for long.d. Job security: no tenure granted.e. Frustrations:

i. Impatience in accomplishing a goal.ii. Administrators unwillingness to grant requests, support.

Coaching Ethics

A. Demonstrate personal and professional integrity of the highest order.

a. I do not believe anyone can be a dishonest, unethical person and still be a good coach.

b. To break rules and cheat, be unethical, violates the trust that is inherent in filling the role of a coach.

c. Ethical behavior has been a concern for educators for many years.d. What is needed is efficient leadership by coaches for whom principle is deeper

than anything else.e. Coaches should teach their teams to play by the rules, to teach fair play, to teach

good sportsmanship, and observe rules and their intent.f. Violating the spirit of the game is referred to as gamesmanship.

B. Teaching Ethical Conduct

a. Participation in athletics can provide one of the greatest opportunities to learn honesty, integrity, dignity, to obey the rules and ethical behavior.

b. The measure of a person is not money or possessions; but that a person’s real wealth is his character.

c. Definition: Ethicali. Conforming to accepted professional standards of conduct.

d. You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. Competition brings out the best and worst in people.

e. Do what’s right, right in the face of temptation. It not only requires courage, but the ethical commitment to do what is right no matter the consequences.

f. When the outcome of an athletic event is on the line, what will be most important to you: the game, or your own integrity?

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g. There are no degrees of honesty. A person is honest or dishonest, ethical or unethical.

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ADVICE AND SUGGESTIONS TO COACHESBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

Philosophy Idealistic way you are going to accomplish your goals. Belief on how you are going to do things.

What you are speaks 1. Must develop a sound philosophy and live by it.so loudly I can’t hear 2. Be yourself. Be an image.what you are saying. 3. Study and learn from others but do not copy their personality.

4. Use the knowledge you have learned but apply it in your ownpersonal way.

Read Philosophy Dr.’s Can’t please everyone all the time- so don’t try.Office

Advice and suggestions to young coaches1. Face more problems today.2. But feelings, desires, and actions have remained similar.3. Our society has changed and coaching as a part of society has

also changed, must be more flexible.4. Job- Where school has an interest in good academic and athletic

program and will provide opportunity to compete equally.5. Forget about pay- You’re making an investment in your future

(25 cents an hour)6. Give 100%- If not successful and happy, make a wise decision

and go to another field.7. Not everyone is cut out to be a coach- you will know if you

have it or not.8. Primarily employed to teach.

70% Academic30% Coaching50% From your own time and energy

Evaluated every time you Coaching is teaching at its best. Classroom- A’s to F’shave game. Failed 12 Field- must seek all A’s- players must seek perfection.students nothing said 9. Cooperate with fellow teachers and administration- they have special interests and responsibilities that are important to them- Speech, Drama, Band (Jealous- picture in paper)

Training Rules1. Establish what you feel is right and enforce it, only to establish

rules and regulations you are willing to enforce.2. Players should make sacrifices for his own betterment and for

the good of the team3. If not willing to make sacrifice, there is little chance for him to

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gain in character and learn true value of team play and cooperation.

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PHILOSOPHYBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

It is my philosophy that a team be well conditioned, fundamentally sound in basic techniques, and well disciplined in offensive and defensive strategy. Our offensive team should be aggressive at the plate and on the bases. We want to make things happen by putting the pressure on their defense. As a defensive team we need to eliminate mental mistakes and prevent our opponents from having a big inning.

It is my philosophy that we work together as a team toward a common goal- winning. Every lasting value derived from athletics revolves around playing to win. Even a losing struggle has worth when it is played to the fullest, with victory as the one objective. Although we cannot win them all, an honest endeavor to do so will give everlasting benefit to any participant.

The members of the baseball team will take pride in the fact that they belong to something special- an athletic team that is representative of the school.

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BASEBALL POLICIES AND PROCEDURESBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. LOOKING FOR

1. Good students who want to get an education.2. Good athletes that can run, throw, and hit.3. Players with good attitudes who are willing to work hard and play together as a

team.

B. APPEARANCE

1. There will be no beards or facial hair. You should be clean shaven everyday.2. The hair will be relatively short and always neat.3. Dress neatly as you represent the baseball team.

C. CLASS ATTENDANCE

1. Players that have below a 2.50 GPA will be required to attend study table.2. Coaches will be responsible for supplying you with a tutor if you need help and

will be responsible for monitoring the study table.3. You will be required to attend classes regularly and on time. If it is discovered

you are missing class, disciplinary action will be taken (suspension, extra running, and possibly dismissal).

4. A missed study table will be handled as a missed practice.

D. CONDUCT

1. There will be no chewing of tobacco or skoal while in uniform, locker room, travel on buses or at practice.

2. Moderate use of alcohol will be allowed on campus but players should not become drunk or reflect poorly on the baseball program. No alcohol shall be consumed 48 hours before a game. There will be no use of alcohol on road trips. Any violations of this will cause disciplinary action. Any player cited or arrested regardless of your involvement will be suspended or dismissed depending on the severity.

3. Intramural activities are allowed if they don’t interfere with practice or class and does not have a high risk of injury (no football, basketball, soccer, softball).

4. During games we give encouragement to our players and at no time do we hassle the opposition.

5. We will have a 11:00 curfew before all home games.

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6. Remember, once you are identified as a baseball player, everything you do reflects on the Athletic Department, school, and the baseball team. Don’t embarrass any of us or your days will be numbered.

7. You are to be at practice everyday and on time. If for some reason you are going to be late or miss practice, you should contact one of the coaches in person or by phone before practice. If you cannot reach one of the coaches, leave a message with the secretary.

E. TRAINING ROOM PROCEDURES

1. Report all injuries and illnesses to the coaches or trainer.2. If injured, the trainer will assist you with your rehabilitation before and after

practices not during practice.3. If you need any type of treatment before practice, get to the training room as soon

as possible so you are not late for practice.

F. EQUIPMENT ROOM PROCEDURES

1. Any equipment issued to you is your responsibility. If lost or stolen, you will pay for it. Take care of it.

2. The equipment manager will be the only person who will issue equipment.

G. LOCKER ROOM PROCEDURES

1. Clean off spikes or turf shoes before entering the building.2. No spikes will be worn in the building.3. Keep your locker room and locker neat. It is a reflection on you as a person and

the team. No cups, tape, etc. should be lying on the floor or we will run as a team. Two prongs of your stool should be in your locker when you leave so the janitor will have easy access to cleaning the locker room. All clothes should be hung up in your locker.

H. TRAVEL

1. Dress. We will at all times represent the University in the best manner possible. You are expected to dress neatly at all times. No jeans of any type will be worn.

2. Transportation. Once again your conduct reflects upon the entire program. Don’t embarrass yourself or others by yelling out the windows, etc. You will be told what time the bus leaves for each trip. Be early rather than late. We will not wait for anyone.

3. Curfew. We will always have a curfew on the road and be strict about it. Curfew time means in your own room.

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4. Motels. Be courteous of others around us. Keep the noise down and get your rest. You’ll need it. Also, roommates will be assigned.

5. Meals. We will eat together as a team most of the time. Be polite and courteous. Dress neatly, hats off and be conscious of the people around you.

6. Telephone Usage. No calls are to be made local or long distance at the expense of the team. Calls collect or use a pay phone.

I. MISCELLANEOUS

If you have any minor problems or questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of the upperclassmen, captains, assistant coaches, or head coach. That is the proper chain of command.

Remember we are a team and can accomplish great things as such; the sooner we realize this, the sooner we can start having fun.

Finally, always conduct yourself in a class manner. It takes a long time to build a good reputation- it takes a short instant to destroy one.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

A. Established to encourage each baseball player to examine his attitudes towards himself, his coach, his fellow players and the public.

B. Students examine these policies and regulations from the point of view as the coach of the baseball team.

C. Individual attitudes towards controversial subjects vary widely.D. Students need to clarify their own values and have a set of policies and

procedures for the following sub-headings:1. appearance2. class attendance3. smoking4. chewing tobacco5. drinking6. drugs7. swearing8. tardiness and absences9. locker room and equipment policies10. training room policies

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INFIELD PLAYBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. THROWING1. Stress accuracy and velocity over quickness.2. Higher you can get the elbow the better chance you have for a more accurate throw.

Cut off bottom of arm arc to save time. “L” in arm and hand behind the ball.3. Throw a four seam ball which will cause the ball to show more red. All red balls

will sail and all white balls (with the seams) will sink. Hold on horseshoe of ball.4. If bad throw, throw low rather than high as we have a second chance with the hop.

Bad throw at first base, miss left of first baseman, not right, so catcher can be there to back up.

5. Be aggressive with your glove hand (pull to arm pit) 6. Point knee, hip and shoulder in direction of throw.

B. CATCHING1. Hands married and up (show picture window)2. Catch ball in middle of body3. Take ball to shoulder before separating hands as it gets shoulder pointing in throwing

direction.4. Catch ball from heel to palm and not in webbing5. Just change of direction, ball never stops.

C. FIELDING - DEVELOP AGGRESSIVENESS1. Creep as pitch is delivered (walk into it). Body in motion stays in motion. Body at

rest stays at rest.2. Move in under control (Float like a butterfly).3. Toes out.4. Butt down.5. Thumb out, elbow in (opens glove), 45º angle with glove.6. Field out in front (draw a line from chin to ground and this is where glove should be)

out to in, down to up.7. Right hand on top of glove. Helps secure catch and protects face. Put lid on jar.8. Funnel ball to bellybutton on hard hit balls. Secure out in front on routine grounder

and get to right shoulder. Be square to ball.9. Show button on cap to coach.10. Catch grounders left of center of body. Feet and glove should form an equilateral

triangle.11. Error never under glove as we start low and work up, down to up12. Over halfway of your body, use backhand.

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13. On backhand keep butt down, glove out in front and give with path of ball. Ball should be caught in webbing. Swipe at it helps secure catch.

14. Going left or right take good crossover step and stay low.15. Harder ball is hit more of a tendency for it to stay down. Field ball on short hop or

high hop. Stay away from the in-between hop, as it has the most spin and speed.16. Bobbled ball, get over it with chest and scoop it with both hands.17. Throw low of first base rather than high as you have a chance with a bad hop and

later release point produces more velocity.

D. DOUBLE PLAY1. Thoughts

a. Key to a defense.b. Keep double play alive, best way to stop a big inning.

2. Approach to Baga. Circle in and get there quickly.b. Shorten up and be under control.c. Knees bent; hands up, yell 2, 2, 2.d. Catch ball in middle of body.e. Anticipate a bad throw.

3. Pivota. Receive ball on throwing leg.b. Let ball dictate what you do with your feet.c. Drive ball to first base with right leg.d. Get spikes in the air.e. Two pivots should be used, one with ball thrown to your left and one with one

to your right.4. Receiving ground ball (double play)

a. Get your job right.b. Throw the ball uphill.c. Pull glove back so teammate can see ball.d. Stay low don’t stand up to throw.e. Closer to bag the more you hang your flips.f. Follow your flips.g. Flip-stiff wrist never higher than chest.h. Backhand flip used when even with bag or on edge of infield grass for second

baseman and for shortstop when behind the bag.

E. PLAYING IN1. Perfect bunt can throw him out.

F. GUARDING LINE1. Under no circumstances will ball get past my positioning to the foul line.

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G. BALL HIT BACK TO PITCHER1. Shortstop always covers when fielded on the dirt.2. When pitcher moves to his right and on the grass shortstop must hold his position

and second baseman covers.

H. CUTOFFS1. Get square to throw and hands up.2. As ball comes, start turning and catch ball on glove side.3. Catch heel to palm portion of glove.4. May have to move in or out but must get ball on the fly.5. If yell go - must fake a cut.6. 3B lines up home when ball is hit at to right of shortstop, first base lines up home if

left of shortstop.7. Relay – catch ball and relay to lead base

I. TAGS

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1. Catch in web of glove.2. Catch at base, rather than reach out for the ball because ball can travel faster than the

glove.3. Sweep tag - on bad throws or close plays, helps sell the call.4. Stationary tag - has him dead, let him slide into it.

J. DRILLS

1. Stance & steps (creep - ready, position - secure)2. Round it.3. V Cuts4. Wind up-step and throw.5. No wind up-step and throw.6. Short hops.7. Bounce Drill (high hops, short hops).8. Backhands, forehands.9. Triangle Drill - Forward & Backward flips, inside move, 180º, forehand10. 4-corner drill-inside, outside, 180 degrees, slow roller11. Help drill.12. Rocket relay.13. Texas leaguer.14. Shuffle drill - throwing ball, rolling ball while running opposite your partner

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OUTFIELD PLAYBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

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A. STANCE1. Athletic stance2. Toes out slightly - get a good start sideways3. As pitch goes to plate take one step in- charge forward, creeps steps. Body in motion stay

in motion, body at rest stays at rest.

B. EYES1. Focus on contact area of strike zone 2. Hands in front of head - opposite field3. Hands and bat head alignment - straight away4. Bat head in front of hands - pulled

C. CATCHING BALL

1. Two hands and eye level; run on balls of feet, not heels.

2. Catch ball on throwing side and moving to target of throw - three steps behind the ball.3. Below belt-pinkies together, above belt-thumbs together.4. Mine, mine, mine, partner yells – take it, take it.5. Going left or right - crossover step. Deeper left or right - drop step - crossover. Playing

fence - get to fence as soon as possible. Put side to fence not back and throwing hand on fence also - glove hand should be free.

6. Inside - outside routes - Ball pulled CF has inside route, ball not pulled other outfield has inside route.

7. Priorities - CF priority over everyone.8. Line drive - freeze for one count to see if it will sink or sail.9. Pulled balls go to foul lines; balls hit to opposite field also tend to curve to foul line.10. Sun Ball – help, help.

D.THROWING BALL1. Hold ball across seams (see red).2. Throw overhand.3. Throw through cutoff man’s eyes.

a) Balls hit at you throw to lead base.b) Balls left or right - throw to 2B - keeps DP alive.c) Ball in gap - hit relay man.d) If runner touching 3B when in throwing position, you have a chance to throw him

out, if beyond that point get ball to 2B.

E.FIELDING BALL

1. No one on - block ball (get directly behind ball).2. Man on come up throwing.3. Take good angle to ball.

F.PLAYING HITTERS

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1. RH hitter - RF in a little.2. LH hitter - LF in a little.3. Play deeper when ahead or with two outs.4. Batter, pitcher, count, game situation will determine how you play the hitters.

a) With two strikes - move away from pull positions - 3-1 - 2-0 play to pull.b) Our pitcher - power fast ball less pull, breaking balls, change more pull.c) Open stance - more pull, closed stance - more opposite field, up in box - opposite field, deep

in box - pull.d) Opposites - RHH vs. LHP or LHP vs. RHH - less likely to pull fast ball, more likely to pull

breaking pitch.e) Same sidedness - RHH vs. RHP - pull fastball more than opposite hitter, go to opposite field

on breaking pitch unless it hangs.5. CF shade to side of slower outfields.6. Never drift on a ball, go to where you think the ball will come down.7. Intentional walks - play to opposite field as ball will be thrown high and away.

G.SUN GLASSES When in doubt, you must have the glasses on and use them properly when needed. There is absolutely no excuse on a misplaced ball due to sun. You will be taught how to use the glasses and play the sun. If necessary, stop the game and ask for the sun glasses or use eye black. If lose ball in sun yell Help, Help!!

H.WINDKnow which way the wind is blowing before each pitch is delivered. Either the ball will carry, die or be blown left or right. You must move hard to get into position on the windward side of the ball (waiting for it to come down) to compensate for any misjudgment on your part.

I.DRILLS 1. Stance and steps 2. Wave 3. Run and turn 4. Ball off wall 5. Blocking ball 6. Man on 7. High wall ball 8. Bent leg slide 9. Right or left dive drill 10. Inside-outside routes 11. Hoosier drill

J.MAIN ASSIGNMENTS WITH BASE RUNNERS ON. 1. Ball hit sharply at you throw lead base2. Ball hit so you are running toward the play, take a look at lead runner, you will have time to adjust

and throw to second base.3. Ball hit to your left or right and you are moving away from the infield throw to second base.4. Extra base hit, throw to relay man5. And the guide we use is if the runner is just touching the base the fielder is coming in throwing

position, throw to lead base.

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CATCHING FUNDAMENTALS AND DRILLSBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. General Stance1. Be able to touch hitters back shoulder.

a. Gets umpire close to plate.b. Catch more foul tips.

2. Heels out, good athletic stance, toes outside the shoulders.3. Elbows outside the legs, weight on inside of feet.

a. Helps mobility.b. Helps reaction time.

4. Arms extended comfortably with a slight bend.5. Target with flexed wrist with fingers in front of palm, 1/4 turn as pitch comes.

B. No one on base1. Squat as low as possible, gives umpire a better look and gets him closer to plate.2. Duck feet, toes out.3. Right hand behind back or right knee.4. Two strikes double target, thumb tucked loosely in the fingers, semi-clenched.

C. Runner on base1. Raise butt, left foot points to second base, and right foot points at second baseman.2. Feet heel toe relationship.3. Thighs parallel to ground.4. Back bent but not flat, like riding a motorcycle.5. Weight on inside of feet.6. Chest out over knees.

D. Signal Stance1. Heels out, knees in.2. Glove in front, below and against left knee.3. Give signs deep in crotch, thumb against cup, and closed fist on inner thigh.4. 1-2 step up and over (45 degrees).5. Give pitcher triangle to throw to- head, shoulders, stomach.

E. Framing1. Think soft to firm.2. Get wrist behind ball.3. Sway toward the ball, get chest in front of ball.4. Catch outside and top of ball.5. Stick ball - don’t allow gravity to push the ball down.6. Inside pitch- catch outside of ball, fingers to pitcher, glove vertical.7. Outside- Reach across body, catch outside of ball. Glove vertical, fingers to pitcher.8. Low ball- catch bottom of ball, palm up. If can’t get wrist below the ball turn the

glove over and catch the bottom of the ball, palm up.9. High ball - catch top of ball, palm down

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F. Throwing1. 3 ways

a. Weight on throwing foot (need strong arm).b. Replace feet.c. Step, catch and throw.

2. Catch ball first.3. Push glove past face, say hello to your glove.4. Throw four seam grip, fingers at eleven and one, thumb at six.5. Keep elbow high, point knee, hip, shoulders pointing to second base.6. Throw through the bag not to the bag.7. Stay low and fire out.8. Shifting (step, catch and throw).

a. To left, step to left 1, 2, step and throw.b. Pitch to right, step up and over to right, then stride and throw.c. Down the middle step with open step with right foot and throw.

9. Throwing to thirda. Pitch middle to inside, drop step to clear hitter.b. Pitch outside, step in front of hitter.

G. Pop-Ups1. Locate ball2. Hold mask in meat hand, drop in opposite direction once locate ball.3. Turn back to infield on all balls.4. Arms distance away from ball, catch high (overhead) consistency, over play the curve

of the ball.5. Use nose as scope.

a. A lot of bat - ball straight up.b. Tick off bat - look for ball at screen.

6. Get there under control.7. Inside pitch fouled to hitter’s side, outside pitch opposite way.

H. Blocking Ball1. Stay square to pitcher.2. Feel contact with ball, push ball forward.3. Keep arms inside legs.4. Drop to both knees, outside knee up on balls other than down the middle.5. Form cup, body should be “C” shaped.6. Ball rebounds back to pitcher.7. Tuck chin, head down.8. Block with chest - don’t catch dirt ball, block low ball with glove - high ball with

chest.9. Expose flesh of arms, not bone otherwise more risk of injury and will bounce further

from you.

I. Blocking The Plate1. Show back of plate to runner.2. Point left toe straight up 3rd base line.

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3. Use shin guard as stopper.4. Catch ball first, use back of glove.5. Hold ball inside glove with meat hand.6. Slap tag, (safety) don’t challenge runner, stay on inside of diamond

J. Force Play1. Get square to throw.2. Stay behind plate, don’t commit until you see flight of ball.3. Anticipate bad throw.4. Step across base drag back foot on base.5. Close play act like first baseman.

K. Bunts1. Stop the ball with glove.2. Scoop it with both hands - example dustpan.3. Drop step, overstep, circle, and carry over.4. Closer ball is to plate, more technique is used.

L. Wild Pitch1. Get around ball2. Drop to knees3. Throw overhand to pitcher covering home (like throwing a dart)

M. First and Third1. Four options

a. Throw to 3B.b. Throw to pitcher.c. Throw to 2B.d. Throw to SS.

2. Give pitcher signal.3. Check 3B on the way out if 3B hands are up.

a. Turn, deliver ball to 3B head high to freeze runner, if no hands up threw to 2B.4. Throw to 2B.5. Throw to pitcher.

a. Fire out.b. Throw hard and high.c. Make pitcher go up to catch ball.

N. Drills1. Sign, stance, target, frame and sway.2. Mirror feet.3. Wave drill without ball, with ball.4. Catcher pick ups.5. Bunts 6. Force play.7. Block plate.8. Wild pitch.

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9. Pop ups.10. Clock drill.

A. good athletic position – feet square B. rotate hips, feet shoulders C. get to spot and returns to forward position D. glove, hand, back, front

11. 4 corner (Box drill). a. Throwing clockwise with no feet b. Add feet c. Throwing counter clockwise, no feet d. Add feet e. Outside move f. 4 corner shifting to throw g. 4 corner bunting h. First and third reads

12. Beat to the spot. a. Go from squat position to throwing position

O. 5 Areas to be good in1. Receiving2. Throwing3. Blocking4. Be in the game5. Be a winner

P. Miscellaneous1. Pitch to pitcher’s strength, catcher put head in pitcher’s head.2. Catcher is only one who faces the whole team; keep head up, must be carburetor of

team. (team leader)3. Never let pitcher apologize for throwing ball in dirt; it’s your job to get it.4. Must be able to throw out average runner; everything must be right for speed

merchant.

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PITCHING MECHANICSBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

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A. GRIP1. Hold the ball so that it feels most comfortable and so that it gets the most life into the

pitches2. Watch that the pitcher does not choke the ball too much. Think of the ball as an egg

while gripping it. Form a triangle with two fingers and the thumb underneath.3. Pitcher should hold the ball as far out on the end of his fingers and thumb as he can,

and still have good control and command of it. (Air space)4. Watch the pitcher doesn’t get fingers spread on the ball as he will lose velocity.

Relaxation is a must.5. Four seam ball fights wind with four seams so you can throw it harder, two seams can

only fight with two seams so will move with sinking and lateral movement but less velocity.

B. SPIN 1. Successful pitching demands an understanding of correct spin on the ball.2. Spin the ball easily and get the ball to spin in the direction you want it to spin - then

apply more spin, more speed, more spin and more speed. The direction of the spin determines the direction of the break or movement.

3. Every pitcher must have an understanding of the spin he must apply to have the ball do different things.

C. BASIC PITCHES1. Fastball - king of all pitches, hand speed gives you greater velocity

a. Good pitchers get on top of the ball and are coming down in control of it (hand behind the ball)

b. Pitchers should throw the ball on the downward plane, the greater the angle downward, the greater advantage of the pitcher. Two planes versus one plane.

c. Draw a line from home to second base and the pitcher’s arm should never go behind it.

d. Nice long lever - thumb to thigh-knuckles to the sky.

2. Curve balla. Should be thrown with little less speed than a fastball, but the same motion.b. Middle finger on seam, thumb underneath. Thumb is control finger; index and

middle finger are power fingers.c. Lead with your chest and elbow and back of wrist should face batter upon

release.d. Stay on top of the ball and pull forward and across the body to the left knee.

Wrist should end up wrapped around his waist.e. On curve ball should have pitch change two planes - down and away. 12 o’clock

to 6 o’clock on curve ball.

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f. Karate chop best describes hand acceleration required for a good curve ball. Amount of turn determines amount of break.

g. Swinging curve, taking curve, set-up curve.

3. Change up - one of the best pitches in baseballa. Choke the ball.b. Lengthen your stride.c. Collapse your wrist (palm to sky) - drag rear foot.d. On change everything should be the same except last minute think “my little

sister is catching me”. Thrown with normal fastball action.e. Grip changes velocity so don’t let catchers tell pitcher it’s too fast cause need

good arm speed.f. OK Change - control finger thumb underneath the ball, index finger on side.g. Throw it low and away.

4. Slider or Hard Curvea. Hold the ball off center with the middle and index fingers placed to the outside of

the ball.b. Release of the slider is similar to the passing of a football.c. Come straight down, hard and let the ball come off the second finger - this will

cause the ball to spin like a bullet. One o’clock to Seven o’clock for RHP and 11 o’clock to 5 o’clock for LHP.

d. The pitcher should use a little inward turn of the wrist as in turning a doorknob.e. The slider is especially effective because of the velocity with which it is thrown.

Best slider one with small break that breaks late and quick.f. R.H.P. slider should be thrown first base corner of the plate and LHP on third

base side of home plate.

D. GETTING THE SIGN 1. Keep the ball hidden from the hitter’s view by putting the ball behind the thigh of your

pivot leg or by keeping it in your glove. The way the ball is in the glove is the way it comes out of the glove.

2. Get proper stance on rubber so he gets correct balance before he begins motion, so as to make sure his weight is properly distributed in preparation for the shifting back and forth which occurs throughout the pitcher’s delivery.

3. RHP right side of rubber, LHP left side for tougher angle to hit baseball.4. Keep body square to plate when start the delivery to get complete and consistent

rotation.

E. WINDUP

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1. The primary purpose of the windup is to move the body weight back in order to place power into the pitch. Make sure the body weight is going backward and not to the side. Rocker step should be short to keep balance and keep everything in line going towards home plate. It gets your started.

2. Hide the ball in the web so that the pitch is hidden by the glove. Keep elbows in.3. Keep head in front of the body throughout delivery close. Head and ball travel at same

time.4. Hands above head, we use button on cap as our check point. Take hands to same place

all the time so arm and body are synchronized.F. THE PUMP

1. The purpose of the pump is to loosen and relax the arm and shoulder muscles by bending forward and letting the arms swing backward, with the wrists flexing.

2. Pump helps build rhythm from which most good pitchers obtain much of their power.3. When pitching hand goes back, palm should face ground to allow hand and wrist to act

like a whip. Thumb to thigh, knuckles to the sky.4. Hands should move vertical to ground not horizontal.

G. THE PIVOT1. The pitcher must have proper balance.2. Pivot on the ball of the right foot, turn the pivot foot parallel to the rubber, but don’t let

leg go past third base or it will throw you off balance.3. Put hip pocket into hitter’s face, allow arm to keep up with body. (Show hip pocket).4. Head over back knee.5. Knees, hips, shoulders all boxed up.

H. LEG KICK1. The leg kick will vary according to each individual pitcher.2. The purpose is to shift the weight backward toward second base in such a way that the

pitcher still retains his balance but builds up a rocking back and forth that eventually will evolve into a physical explosion toward the plate.

3. Leg and arms work together.

I. HIP ROTATION AND THRUST1. Open your hips - throw your hips at the batter. Make sure shoulder follows hip. Never

let hip get ahead of shoulder. Hips and shoulders rotate together and rotate parallel to rubber.

2. Drive out at the hitter.3. The entire body goes into the pitch like an uncoiling spring, providing maximum

power and drive.

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4. Hips should be tilted in such a way that the left hip is higher than the right hip facing second.

J. STRIDE1. A pitcher’s stride will determine where the ball will be thrown.2. Depends on the pitcher’s height and how it suits his size and comfort.3. When pitcher’s left foot comes down on the dirt, his right arm should be passing along

side of his head.4. The knee of the striding leg should remain bent to avoid jarring. Don’t swing with leg.5. The toe and heel should land simultaneously although the ball of the foot should take

most of the shock. Toe inside ankle.6. The pitcher’s toe should point toward home plate and go straight to the hole. Stay in

line. Pitching is like a Ferris wheel not a merry-go-round. Don’t swing with leg.7. Lift and fall.8. Take nose right to mitt.9. Stay boxed up - knees, hips, shoulders.

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K. ARM ANGLE1. Find the best angle of delivery for your pitchers.2. Every pitch should be thrown from the same arm angle.3. Arm wrestles someone, best positions for throwing, elbow up and behind ball.4. L angle of arm. Elbow should be parallel to ground on release. Keep elbow above

shoulder level.5. Ball in corner of mound and reach for it (long lever).

L. RELEASE1. Wrist action and release of the ball imparts good stuff on the pitch.2. Arm and wrist should be nice and loose3. The pitcher should find a consistent point of release.4. Through practice, a pitcher will develop a “feel” of where he needs to release the ball

in order to throw it in a certain location.5. The pitching hand needs to go from a high point to a low point and from a wide point

on one side of the body to a similar wide point on the other side.

M. FOLLOW THROUGH1. A good follow-through is important for speed, control and fielding.2. The pitcher’s arm should snap straight across his chest to his left knee. Palm to thigh.3. Bury shoulder or chest over knee.4. Pinch knees and kick back heel up in the air.5. Don’t cost yourself mph or control problems by not pitching on line.6. Every pitch thrown with proper mechanics put same amount of pressure on the arm.

N. CONTROL1. Prime factor in successful pitching. Visualize the anticipated path of pitch before

delivering. Don’t watch flight of ball when release it. Watch catcher’s glove, helps in control.

2. For good control, a pitcher must be in a groove. He must be mechanically the same. Need a smooth balanced delivery.

3. The pitcher must concentrate to have control. Throw to a small target. Soft center to fine center.

4. Wildness usually comes from a poor stride, either over or under-striding. Landing on the heel, aiming the ball, taking the eyes off the target, trying to throw too hard, working too quickly or slowly are all causes of poor control.

5. Three things a pitcher can do with a pitch to get hitters out - location (control) movement and velocity and most important is control.

O. PROPER MENTAL ATTITUDE

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1. The pitcher must feel he is better than the hitter.2. Think positively.

a. Must want to be a pitcherb. Must want to pay the price to be a good pitcherc. Must believe he can be a good pitcherd. Prepare to win, not lose - be positive!

3. Goals - pitch no hitter, 1 hitter, shutout, win game - motivates pitcher4. Pitch within yourself (know your strengths and limitations)5. Learn how to set up and put away.

P. PITCHING PHILOSOPHY - BEST PITCH IN BASEBALL STRIKE ONE1. Make living on outside 1/3 of the plate2. When behind, don’t go inside3. When ahead, go inside to set up - where I make my living (on the outside)4. When you go inside, go from black to dirt.5. Embarrass hitter - don’t throw same location6. Don’t be negative with subconscious - harder you try, less effect. Example: Don’t

walk this hitter, pond - golf ball.7. Get hitter out best way you can.8. I want my pitchers to pitch to their strengths. First pitch ground ball strike. 2 out of 3

pitches in the box. Play nine versus one. Get an out with four pitches.9. What we want:

a. Pitchb. Locationc. Execute

10. Fifth inning syndrome11. Movement and location are two absolutes we base our success on. Live it, visualize it,

experience it, and believe in it.12. As a staff we believe in

a. Throwing strikesb. Changing speedsc. Being aggressived. Setting a tempo - staying in the present tense

Q. THE SIX C’S FOR SUCCESSFUL PITCHING1. Conditioning2. Control3. Confidence4. Concentration5. Courage6. Commitment

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R. PITCH SELECTION ACCORDING TO THE SITUATION1. Vulnerable - 3-0 - 3-1 and 3-2 and 2-0 and 2-2 and 2-1 - must have strike

a. Hitter must hit the ball.b. Fastball strike below waist - think spin and movement not velocity.c. Curve/slider down in zone.

d. Can throw change sometime.

e. Definitely must throw this pitch for a strike.

f. Fool hitter with pitch selection not with location.

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2. Percentage -1-1 and 0-1 and 1-0 and 0-0 (get ahead pitch)a. Want a strike.b. Fastball down on outer third of platec. Curve/slider is down crotch to kneesd. Can throw change sometimes (except not 0-0 count)e. 1-1 most pivotal count, go 2-1 much more predictable.

3. Fine - 1-2a. Power pitches in good locations.b. Fastball outer third of plate below crotchc. Curve/slider below crotch on outer third of plate.d. No off speed pitch here.e. Use power pitch that gets hitter out now.f. Put away - your best pitch.

4. Extra Fine - 0-2a. Let’s get him now - you have hitter where you want.b. Put ball in tough location - a non-strike outside at the knees or half-way between

inside corner and toes at the belt buckle. Command inside part of plate.c. Want power pitch in good location - hard fastball, hard curve or slider.d. Do not let count get past 1-2. If you have the hitter 0-2 and do not get the hitter

with this pitch, then you must get the hitter with 1-2 pitch.! When a runner at third and less than two out always go with power.

Fastball and hard breaking pitch.! If you are in trouble, think about location and movement, not velocity! Smart pitching is when you get a hitter to hit an unexpected pitch when you

are behind in the count or in trouble.

S. WHAT HITTERS THINK ON CERTAIN COUNTS

1. 0-0 - checking you out, most hitters not ready to hit.2. 0-1 - hitter now defensive expects anything and must set himself for any type pitch.

The element of pulling for power is cut down.3. 0-2 - really defensive. Contact somewhere is all the hitter thinks. Choke up, expect

anything anywhere and must protect strike zone.4. 1-2 - should be set up for anything. Defensive, protect strike zone and just make

contact.5. 1-0 - seen a pitch and is ahead. Knows you need a strike and he can afford to be

selective on pitch and location. Expects fastball.6. 2-0 - all things go. Knows you must throw a strike, so pitch will likely be a fastball in

a good spot to hit. Very selective, can be very aggressive. Think pull for power.

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Looks for certain pitch in certain location. Ideal hitting situation. Excellent hit and run pitch.

7. 2-1 - still aggressive and selective. Has your over the barrel as he knows you must throw a strike. Pull for power still there.

8. 3-1 - knows you must throw a strike. Aggressive, selective and pull for power. Looking for certain pitch in certain location. Ideal hitting situation. Excellent hit and run pitch.

9. 3-0 - all hell breaks loose. You’ve lost the hitter unless you’re lucky.

T. CLASSIFYING HITTERS First pitch swingers (chart first pitch tendency)

1. Dead pull - pitch away2. Upper cut - hard up3. Slow bat - hard in4. Best hitter, mix pitches, get guys out in front of and behind him5. Breaking ball out - curve balls away6. Make hit guy - have him put it in play

U.HOLDING RUNNERS ON1. LHP

a. Find a way to freeze runnerb. Break runners rhythmc. Throw hardd. Step back move neutralizes runner who breaks on first movee. On move ball higher than elbow and push ballf. Knee to kneeg. Pre-determine move

2. RHP

a. Knee to knee, abbreviate what you are doing still gets ball there quicker.

V.PRE-GAME ROUTINE1. Lift2. Stretch3. Long Toss4. Sprints5. Get good and loose6. Call for pitching coach to watch you7. Pitches to work on right before going into game.

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a. 0-2 command inside part of plateb. Put away - best pitchc. 3-2 - Tough pitch.

W. REMEMBERProper rhythm and timing are the basis of successful pitching. “A pitcher is only as good as his legs. Therefore, he must do a great deal of running.”Early Wynn

“To be a winning pitcher, a player has to have control of the pitches he has”Sandy Koufax

“Getting better spin on the ball is one of the surest ways toward pitching improvement.”Johnny Sain

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THE PITCHING PROCESSBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. Self Analysis1. Determine best out pitch2. Determine type of pitcher

Predominately FB Predominately CB Control Changing Combination

3. Starting point for success is to know yourself

B. Pitching Plan1. Find ways to get batter out.2. Concentration, determination, and confidence are a must if you are to be a winner.3. Warm up command pitches – third will come.4. First five innings use them on outer third of plate, as game progresses then pitch inside –

Rough early; pull out all stops.5. Always strikes – Only way you are the aggressor – Must get leadoff hitter, negative to

offense, positive to defense.6. Days of poor stuff, the main thing getting you past fifth inning is being ahead in the

count.

C. Philosophy1. Make living outside third of plate.2. Pitch inside when ahead in the count not when behind.3. Have a positive mental attitude.4. Get hitter out best way you can. Pitch to pitcher’s strengths.5. Play nine versus one.6. Pitch to letter “L”.7. First pitch ground ball strike.8. Want two out of first three pitches in the box.9. four things that make a winning pitcher – In order of importance:

A.ConfidenceB.Control of self and pitchesC.Knowledge of pitchingD.Ability

B.General1. Take mound with any doubt of outcome – I promise outcome will be negative.2. Don’t give hitters too much respect – Best are three out of ten.

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3. Don’t back away from challenge – The bigger the challenge the more aggressive you become.

4. There are very few good two strike hitters.5. We can survive on occasional 1-2 run inning but not a 4+ inning, you will give up

hits, walks, errors but refer back to the now theory, “stay cool”. 6. Divorce yourself from hitters, scoring – Your responsibility is pitching – No matter

what, keep a solid mental involvement and stay aggressive and do your thing.7. Pitch your own game.8. run to and from mound.9. Apologize for nothing – You aren’t there to make friends but to beat people.

C.Warming up.1. Fine tune concentration. 2. Don’t let head fail you before arm has a chance (loosen arm up).3. Save time by what you want to do rather than what you don’t want to do (Think about

what you’re doing right).4. Get mad; make it short and sweet and get rid of it.

D.Across Lines Don’t:1. Lose concentration.2. Try to throw better than did in bullpen.3. Don’t hope to do well or throw strikes – Be determines to.4. Nibbler – Afraid of hitter – Give hitter too much credit.5. Can’t be perfect = Unattainable.6. 1st pitch hitters - .190 average.7. Know how to set up and put away 0-2, 1-2, don’t delay.8. Get out of jam – Then lose edge, focus and determination must be consistent. Deal

one pitch at a time – When things go poorly, think about solution not problem.

The “Top 5” Pitching Skills

1. Hitting the Target. The absolute number one goal of pitching is hitting the target. If you think of it in very simple terms, pitching is really nothing more than target practice. Everything else is secondary. But you truly have a fighting chance when you can throw the ball where you want it to go. In fact, it’s one of the two things the pitcher has control of – where to throw the ball. The other is how your react to the outcome of that pitch.

2. Changing speeds. The ability to change speeds is the second factor in refining the pitching process. Changing speeds creates a timing problem for the hitter. Hitting is timing, and pitching is destroying the hitter’s timing. If the pitcher can do that, he’s another step on the way to success.

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3. Creating Movement. The third facto is the ability to create some movement on the baseball. The most desirable movement is a two plane type of movement where the ball moves horizontally and vertically as in the fast ball, change-up, or breaking ball. The ability to throw a ball with this kind of movement is advantageous for all pitches.

4. Maximizing Velocity. The ability to generate velocity creates a situation in which the hitter has less time to react to the pitch. A pitcher can become more effective by cutting down the hitter’s reaction time. Mechanically, it’s the result of the whole body working together at high speed in the right sequence.

5. Working Fast. A fast tempo adds to the pitcher’s edge. He should get the signal before the hitter gets into the batter’s box. Change pitches and location with wipes rather than going through all the pitches and wasting time. One of the things that really kills the tempo of the game is a pitcher walking down off the rubber at the edge of the grass. Get the ball back from the catcher near the rubber and get ready to make the nest pitch. Fast tempo pitching takes the hitters out of their routine and disrupts their rhythm.

You should slow the tempo down only when you need to regain composure to pitch effectively. Sometimes the hitters will slow you down, but if you’re ready, the umpire will push the hitter to get into the box. Even if the umpires don’t force the tempo, you should be ready to pitch immediately after the hitter gets ready, which makes the hitter feel rushed. If you force the hitter back into the box quickly after a bad swing, many times the result is another poor swing. A quick tempo doesn’t mean quick pitching to the hitter. You should let the hitter get set in the batter’s box, but put pressure on the hitter to get into the box rapidly. Keep in mind that efficient mechanics give the pitcher a chance to have the most consistent ability to hit the target because they lead to the repetitive delivery with a consistent arm slot and release point. Good mechanics also give the best possible chance to maximize arm strength and arm speed and to reduce the chance for injury. Pitchers with good mechanics can maintain their stuff for a longer period, which allows them to pitch later in the game.

SELF COACHING SYSTEM

Solving Problems and Self Coaching In order to efficiently solve mechanical problems you must:

A. Trace a problem to its roots (many just work on the symptoms)B. Research the problem and come up with a plan of attack (you must develop a plan to

solve the problem)C. Your plan must have both a short term solution (during a game) and a long term

solution involving drills to help prevent the problem from surfacing too often.

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Self Coaching: The best way to coach pitchers is by teaching them to be their own coaches. In order for this to be effective you must:

1. Give them a very basic understanding of their mechanics2. Make sure they feel these basic concepts in their delivery, and2. Help them develop check points and drills to solve (fix) their individual problems. This

entire concept can take a long time to fully develop. It is very important that the pitching coach spend as must time as necessary with each individual pitcher to make sure they have a complete understanding and feel of the same areas stated above. Once the pitcher is comfortable with his knowledge and understanding of the basic mechanics, this system will last an entire career.

Benefits of the Self Coaching Concept:

1.Some of the pitchers are able to solve problems during the course of a game before the problem beats them.2.Pitchers are included in the development process more, so communication is therefore better between coach and pitcher.

Dangers of the Self Coaching Concept:

1. The mechanical material must be kept very basic or the pitcher becomes confused and can become a “mechanical mess”.2. Some pitchers may start to believe that the mechanics are the only thing that is important and pretty soon it’s “I didn’t win but at least my mechanics were good…”3. You look around and pitcher A is coaching pitcher B using his own mechanics as a guide. They (pitcher A’s mechanics) may not apply to pitcher B, and may in fact do damage.4. Pitcher over analyze mechanics during the game.

Self Coaching System

All pitchers overthrow and get in trouble. We want to train each pitcher to develop a “self-coaching systems” in order to solve minor mechanical and mental problems during a game. It is a fact that a pitcher who can coach himself can will games that he would normally lose, and help prevent long periods of ineffectiveness (pitching slumps). It is the responsibility of the pitching coach and pitcher to develop this system together for the long term of the pitcher.

Learn Basic MechanicsA. Break your delivery into three parts – understand each part.B. Understand the importance of overall balance and good direction.C. Apply basic mechanics to your delivery.D. Learn the difference between the symptoms and the roots of the problem and learn to find the root and plot a solution.

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E. Train yourself to develop both short term solutions (during the game) and long term solutions (drills).

Mental Skills in Self Coaching A. Keep your cool and think rationallyB. Focus on the solution and not the problem.C. Talk nicely about yourself.D. Use pictures not just words.E. Remember what you learn and the solution you develop.F. Don’t stop with one solution – always try to improve the system.

Situations that Promote Overthrowing:1.When you are in trouble2.after an error(s)3.When the best hitter comes up4.After a homerun5.Anytime you lose your temper6.After a cheap hit off you7.When a scout comes to see you pitch8.When you get tired9.The 1st, 5th, and 9th innings10.0-2 count and you think “strikeout”11.Trying to get revenge against a team or an individual12.When family or friends are in town13.After a bad outing14.When the game is on the line15.The coach is about to take you out of the game16.Large crowds17.2 outs18.TV games19.You feel strong20.Shut down inning21.The team is on a losing streak22.Long inning23.When you don’t think you have your best stuff

DEVELOPING YOUR PITCHES

Developing Pitches:

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The foundation for every pitcher is his fastball. Whether its use to overpower hitter (which is very rarely the case) or to set up other pitches, the fastball is the key to successful pitching. The keys to developing an effective fastball are control and movement. Young pitchers think that velocity is the most important factor, and this line of thinking leads to overthrowing. Overthrowing is a career long problem that can only be controlled, but never eliminated. Even the best major league pitchers overthrow in some situations. Velocity is just not that important. Either you have it or you don’t and by trying to throw harder than you are capable of throwing, you destroy your mechanics. If a pitcher does not have an above average fastball, then he must learn to change speeds, pitch inside, and develop a better breaking ball. He should concentrate on throwing strikes, and while some pitchers are trying to overthrow, he’ll be winning games for his team.

Pitching Inside: Pitchers have to pitch inside to be effective. There are two basic inside pitches at the college and professional levels. The first is thrown three to six inches off the plate in an effort to jam, or tie up the hitter and get him out. The second, called the purpose pitch, is thrown just under the hitters hands, and its message is simple, “move or get hit”. The purpose pitch should

never be higher than the letters or lower then the belt. A pitcher must protect the outside half of the plate by discouraging the hitter from leaning out over the plate. This can be described as “making the hitters uncomfortable”. Pitching inside should be a regular part of a pitchers plan for success, not a display of frustration or a malicious act.

Four-Seam Fastball: Pitchers usually develop a four-seam (or across the seams) fastball at an early age. It is the fastball that some will rely on throughout their pitching careers. It is the basic grip for all young players at all positions and without a doubt is the first thing young pitchers should learn about pitching. The basic grip, help dead center, provides for a straight flight and little movement. The four-seam fastball can be used as a foundation grip for many other pitches. It is also an essential tool for teaching pitchers how spin affects the flight of the ball.

Two-Seam Fastball and the Sinker: The tow-seam fastball (or with the seams) provides for better movement. The ball will sink and/or tail depending on how high it is thrown an dhow tight the spin is. The sinker is usually a two-seam fastball that has been held off center, but many different grips have been used successfully.

Sliders and Cutters: Many pitchers have worked on developing a slider instead of the curve. Since the slider is easier to learn, many pitchers take to the slider for a shorter developmental stage and quicker results. The two most popular slider grips are the two-seam variety held off center, or a bigger

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break version held further up on the ball. When throwing this pitch, you should think “cut the ball” not “break the ball”. When the pitcher starts thinking and throwing it like a breaking ball it gets too big. A true slider should have a short, quick break. Serious elbow damage can result if you “twist” the ball at the release pint, causing the index and middle fingers to roll under the ball. If you are getting a big flat break instead of a short 8-10 inch break, you are twisting the ball at the end. A “cutter” is a four-seam fastball held off center that is designed to be thrown belt high or just out of the strike zone. This is nothing more than a fastball with movement which has two major uses. If you are right-handed pitcher you use it up and away from a right-handed hitter and to jam a left-handed hitter at the belt (inside on his hands). Obviously, left-handed pitchers use it exactly the same way, to jam right-handed hitters or to make left-handed hitters chase it up and away.

Curve: In order to learn to throw a curve ball properly, you must first learn to spin the ball correctly. The ball is held along the long seam in a manner to allow four seams to hit the wind while the all is in flight. The ball is not held out in the fingertips, but “choked” or held back in the hand. You should not try to make the ball break straight down. The break you get will depend on your natural arm action among other things. The pitcher should try to keep his hand on the side of the ball with the fingers on top as he reliance it. He should pull the fingers from the top of the ball down the front of the ball as it is being released allowing the hand to promote, or turn inward, during the follow-through phase. He should be careful not to twist the ball o the side causing the fingers to go under the ball. This will cause serious elbow damage. He should play catch at a short distance until he learns to spin the ball properly. Pointing the index fingers at the target will help teach proper skin, but it will take several workouts before he learns to spin the ball properly with any consistency.

Changing Speeds: By far the most effective weapon that a pitcher has against the hitter is a change of speed pitch. If he shows the hitter a fastball arm speed, the hitter will start to swing to hit a fastball. In order to show the hitter the arm speed necessary to fool him, you must think, “I’m throwing a fastball with a different grip”. The rip must do 100% of the job of slowing the ball down. Several grips are used for the change, but all of the various grips start with the ball in the palm of the hand. One variation is the “three finger change” with three fingers on top of the ball, the thumb underneath, and the little finger along the side. The circle change is also very popular and is named because the index finger and thumb touch or nearly touch. A change-up is thrown right down the middle of the plate. If it is straight and has very little movement at first, it doesn’t matter, for it is the hand speed (arm speed) that fools the hitter and gets results. The development of all changes-ups will take time and a coach, as well as the pitcher must be patient, a pitcher should play catch with his change-up daily until he feels comfortable with it. A coach should insist that a starting pitcher throws somewhere between 20-30% change-ups during a typical game while learning to pitch. Pitchers will resist and they will start think “I

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can’t throw my change for a strike so I don’t use it” or “I’m too inconsistent with it so I’ll throw it next game”. Before long, the season is over and it’s “We’ll have to work on it next year”. Pitchers must be FORCED to throw change-ups at all levels until they feel comfortable and develop consistency with it.

PITCHING SITUATIONS

As we know, pitching is not something easily mastered and often never mastered. One of the reasons pitchers never really seem to be able to master their craft is because of the lack of understanding situation (which pitch to thro and where to throw it). Orel Hershiser or Greg Maddox have mastered the essence of pitching. They control a game by controlling the strike zone and know what type of pitch needs to be thrown. Remember, pitching is being able to adjust to a batter and make him hit your pitch. You must learn to develop and manufacture your outs. You must have enough options to show the hitter you can and will do it. Know your surroundings. For example, here are some important situations that will come up:

1. Left-handed batter with a man on first base – he is trying to pull the ball. No change-ups or slow breaking balls over the plate. Hard stuff away or in tight.2. Man on 2nd and no outs – the batter is trying to hit the ball to the right side. Keep the ball on in the right-handed batter and way from the left-handed batter.3. Man on 3rd, infield back with less than 2 outs – try to get him out with a good fastball up and in or a pitch that will hit a short fly ball or a pop up in the infield. A change-up is OK in this situation.4. Man on 3rd with the infield in – we want the ball hit on the ground. No curves. A hard slider on 2 seam fastball down is fine.5. Squeeze play – catcher and pitcher must communicate that the pitch called for must be thrown away from the hitter.6. Bunt situations – fastball or a good hard curve (if the pitcher has one).7. Close game with an open base – whatever base it is, don’t give into the batter when or if you get behind in the count. Don’t just throw a fast ball down the middle. Work the hitter hard.8. Close game – know who to challenge and who to work off.9. Lead of batter on base – pitch the next hitter into a right-handed batter, away to a left-handed batter to prevent the runner on 1st from going to 2nd with less than 2 outs.10. Man on 2nd or 3rd with les than 2 outs – use hard stuff don to prevent ball hit up in the air. Fastball, slider or if the pitcher has hard curve or a controlled curve.11. Man on 3rd with 1 out and a power hitter up – but are hard to prevent bad extension (no sac flies). Can go to a back door curve or slider to power hitter because they have tendency to give up on them. No back-door curves or sliders to power hitters.12. Man on 2nd with 2 outs and a weak hitter on deck – can pitch around a little to get to the weak hitter. If ahead in the count, go after him. This situation also depends on the strengths and/or weakness of the hitter at the plate.

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13. Base stealer on 1st – vary hold times to disrupt runner’s timing/rhythm.14. After getting 2 quick outs – a change-up middle/down works well.15. In obvious fastball counts – a head shake can be effective (mandatory with a 3-2 count)16.0-2 counts – fastball up and in and hard in. Make him move his feet or stand him straight up. This is a purpose pitch, not a waste pitch.

PITCHING OBJECTIVES

What’s In our Heads as pitchers:1.Play winning Baseball -We can’t always win but we can and must always PREPARE to win.2. Stay aggressive and Challenge the Hitter -Don’t give the hitter too much credit -1st pitch strikes (winners work ahead) -Run on and off the mound -When in doubt, have the guts to go after him -Pitch inside effectively -Pitcher shows the attitude of the team3. Lean to Command Your Off-Speed Pitches4. Maintain Self-Control and Confidence – Avoid Frustration -Make one pitch at a time – get one out at a time – take on inning at a time, the “Now Theory”5. Strive for Excellence – Set Goals for Yourself -Work toward goals -Concentrate and consistent effort during work -Study the hitters -Constantly improve – never be content -Work on the secondary aspect of your position Hold runners on Fielding your position Be fundamentally sound6. Be a Team Player -Develop catcher relationships -Wait for outfielders after play -Compliment teammates -Criticize maturely7. Be Prepared to Work Hard8. YOU ARE A COMPETITOR– EXPECT TO WIN!!!!!!!!!!!

PITCHING – THE MENTAL ASPECT

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Arm strength or velocity of a thrown baseball is an indication of possible pitching success. While the above is important, it is by no means the total element of success in pitching. The effectiveness of a pitcher is based on his mental and emotional make-up. The mental and emotional make-up of a winning pitcher is a many-faceted thing. Effective pitching means that the pitcher believes deeply in himself who enables him to concentrate thus enabling him to choose pitches and execute with those pitches to the best of his ability. A pitcher that pitches so that his game is “together” is a pitcher that is positive about himself in accordance with success. Successful pitchers have a tremendous desire to compete. This desire to compete is primarily brought about by the pitcher’s feeling of strong self-confidence. People want to do things that they do successfully. The stronger the pitcher’s confidence, the more the pitcher wants a challenge. A confident pitcher will be at his best while confronting a challenge (good pitch selection, good control, basic mechanics are good). If the pitcher has good confidence he will be more able to relax during the execution of his pitched and achieve to the level of his physical ability. It must be realized that in baseball, pitching is the only constant in the game. The pitcher initiates the action and all play usually revolves around what the pitchers do. Successful pitching is a multi-encompassing thing. It involves good mechanics, which make for the best in the use of the arm, which make for the best in control. It also involves the knowledge of pitching fundamentals. This is a part of pitching that involves pitch selection, and the pitcher as a fielder. The pitcher must also have good self-control and be capable of handling adversity. If the pitcher believes in his ability he generally will handle things well like pressure, being hit, and umpires’ calls going against him. When a pitcher arrives at the level of success he can obtain he has completed a circle of items that are dependent on each other for his success. He must believe that the mechanics he is using (or making change to as is often the case) will improve him. He must also have success as that his confidence and self-concept will become stronger. The delivery and self-concept are interrelated. Sometimes with physical changes in delivery there is a regression phase that is a difficult period for a pitcher and the key to riding this phase out is that the pitcher believes that the changes made will eventually make for success above what was previously achieved. Often a pitcher having success at a given level of competition is reluctant to any change even though it may be a minor change and will change and will enhance his opportunity for greater success at an elevated level. Not making adjustments necessary to reach advancement and thus getting cuffed around can shatter a pitcher’s belief in himself. He then gropes and grasps for anything. Physical talent is one thing. It is obvious to the eye and is a major determining factor in how high a pitcher can go in the levels of baseball competition. But without the mental and emotional make-up of a positive nature the best physical tools in the world will be limited to an up and down performance level and a pitcher “never quite getting there.”

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PITCHERS DRILLSBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

To Prevent & Resolve Problem Areas

A Progression Drills• One Knee Drill - Working on arm action and release of the hands• Stride Drill - Working on hip rotation (chest over knee) rotating 180 to little toe.• Back Heel Up Drill - Working on hip rotation (chest over knee) and follow through

with lower half of the body, finishing in a good fielding position.• Balance Position Drill- Start with leg lifted in balanced position, part hand and

throw, foot straight to the hole.• Pivot Drill - Start with pivot foot turned parallel to the target. Lift leg to balance

position, hold 5 seconds, part hands and throw.• Full wind up.

B Balance Position• Hip pocket - down and up hold balance position• Chest over knee (balance with palm to sky).

C Scissor Clap• Clap hands in between legs while doing lunges

D Bunny Hops• Get to finish position (chest over knee) and hop forward to maintain balance.

E Drysdale• Throwing drill to field and throw to all bases

F Butt to Wall or Fence Drill• Good check for arm and body alignment

G Towel Drill• Partner holds towel until into balance position• Pitcher leans forward, leading with the hop.• Partner feel lean, towel slips out, pitcher explodes through to finish position

H Rhythm Drills• QB drop back step• Figure 8• Count drill

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• 3 shuffle drill

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HITTING FUNDAMENTALSBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

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1.FUNDAMENTAL HITTING TECHNIQUES

A. Bat selection1. Swing Velocity, not too heavy not too light, one that allows you to take your

best cut every time. Short, compact swing.2. Length, weight to aid power and speed3. Grip size aids in relaxation

B. Grip1. Relaxed thin handle aids in speed and control2. In fingers out of palm, knuckles you knock on door with should be lined up3. Wrist over wrist (If point index fingers, they both should point straight ahead)4. Golf grip, axe grip5. Pick bat up with arms forming “V”

C. Stance - Avoid Extremes1. Parallel stance, feet slightly wider than shoulders, athletic stance, back toe in

slightly.2. Front foot off back corner of plate3. Feet are bats length away from the outside of the plate (depth & distance)4. Weight evenly distributed on balls of both feet, bounce bat on the plate, gets

butt up in air and gets you off of heels5. Body positioning and alignment

a. Head still and up rightb. Shoulders level and in same place as feetc. Hips level and also in same plane as aboved. Knees flexed, differs with different individuals, don’t let it turn out

during stride.6. Arms and hands

a. Relaxedb. Launching position

1 Front arm “L”2 Back elbow down and relaxed, closer the elbows the shorter

the swing3 Hands just off back shoulder about letter high4 Bicep to forearm

D. Bat Position1. Flat bat, parallel to ground, 90 degrees or less, 45 degrees laid back 2. Launching position, hands over back foot up and in3. On contact all is extended in front of plate

“Triangle”

Box

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E. Head position1. Facing pitcher

a. Eyes parallel to the groundb. Facial muscles relaxedc. Head stilld. Focus on bill of cap during windup (soft center) then fine center on

the release point (window)e. Head follows hands and controls the weight

2. Chin on shoulderf. Head does not move during swinga. Finish on back shoulderb. Chin shoulder to shoulder

F. Weight Shift1. Backward to coil for swing, stay back as long as possible2. Don’t hit from a still position, you are quicker and stronger on the move3. Knock kneed - first move with stride leg is inward toward back leg not pitcher,

helps keep front side closed (pinch knees inward)4. Elastic Band Theory - while foot moves to pitcher, hands go back to catcher.

Take bat back in bottom hand, take it back in top hand contributes to wrapping bat.

5. Pull trigger on “Yes” call (covered in mental aspects), only one decision to make. That’s not to swing.

6. Transfer from back to middle, stay stacked up7. Power back within the feet

G. Stride - Preparatory Phase, gets body moving1. Short no more than 6-8", longer you stride the more weight comes forward

and less power to hit with2. Toward 2B for righties and SS for lefties

c. Toe about 45 degrees and always in same spot3. Light touch with stride foot

d. Like on thin ice, will help keep weight back, ball of foot not whole foot,

4. Hands and weight stay back as you stride5. Be less aggressive with the feet - and more aggressive with hands6. Body forms a triangle shape during stride or trigger position7. If you make a mistake with stride, it will have a negative impact throughout

swing. The longer the stride the worse hitter you become.

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8. Box, triangle and eyes face plate during stance and stride.

H. Swing - Start with lower half of body (largest muscle group) the provides quickness and power to upper body

1. Slight downward arc “Land the Plane”, bat head above the hands most efficient way. Put backspin on the ball.

2. Top hands throws the bat, bottom hand pulls it, front arm extended at contact back arm still collapsed, hands above elbows.

3. Lead with knob or flashlight then pop barrel with hands, knob or flashlight faces plate during swing, hands stay inside the baseball.

4. Full body, arm, hands, wrists, etc. working toward extension on contact, point nose at barrel of bat during contact, hands and feet work together

5. Weight is shifted through the ball at contact point6. Uncoil, rotate hips “eyes” to pitcher - eyes mean both knees and bellybutton7. Chin goes shoulder to shoulder, head buried, can’t hit what can’t see8. Inside pitches pulled and must get barrel of bat out in front (11 o’clock)9. Outside pitches must wait longer and stay back, should hit outside pitch off the

inside of your front foot (2 o’clock) Pitches down the middle are hit at 12 o’clock

10. Maintain box and triangle throughout the stride11. Front knee stiffens at contact, hit off a firm front side12. Palm up and palm down at contact then wrist rolls over13. Swing the bat with flexed arms, hit the ball with extended arms (like a boxer)14. Barrel of bat stays above the plane of ball until contact.15. Slam triangle into ball (back knee, back shoulder, front hip) Squish the bug.16. Want best cut every time with a short compact swing17. Everything rotates around a vertical axis - (knees, hips, shoulders, arms)18. Tall loud backside, short, quiet front side19. Nose in line with back knee on contact

I. Follow Through1. Finish long and hard, fight thru the ball2. Most important phase for keeping momentum going3. Back leg resembles “L” or “7" shape, heel off ground, squish the bug with the

back foot.

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4. Toes of hitter face pitcher, eyes face pitcher (both knees and bellybutton)5. Hit the ball, lead arm extends and release top hand at proper time aids in

extension and more power.6. Everything stays stacked up (toes, knees, hips, shoulders, chin, eyes, head)

J. Check Points1. Front foot closed, RH steps at 2B LH steps at SS (45 degrees)2. Squish bug with back foot3. Both knees and belly button face pitcher (eyes)4. Slam triangle - back knee, back shoulder, front hip5. Chin shoulder to shoulder

K. Drills1. Stance, stride, head turn, dry swings (Lock and Load)2. Tee - take motion out of baseball with no distractions3. Double tee4. Plastic golf balls5. Soft toss, knee, standing, lead arm, back arm6. Toss from behind is like a curve or change7. Batting glove under armpit. If falls out on swing straight down hands going

away from body before you swing. If glove comes out in front of you shows good compact swing.

8. Chair drill9. Fence drill10. Reverse top hand11. Step behind Fungo Drill

L. Mental Aspects1. Best cut every time, aggressive mentally2. Your job is to get on base, if pitch to you hit the ball hard3. Know strike zone vs. hitting zone, swing at pitches out of strike zone makes it

much tougher to hit. Don’t increase strike zone.4. Anticipate strike, look away, and react in. Keeps you slow and early5. Swing to wait rather than waiting to swing, think yes, yes, yes...no, not no, no,

no...yes, only one decision to make and that is not to swing6. Poise - relaxing mentally - 70% failure must be able to handle it.7. Be aggressive and confident - “I can hit that pitcher”8. Quality at bat9. Hitting counts

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10. Must be able to handle failure

M. Hitting Philosophies1. Relax2. Concentrate3. Confidence4. Aggressiveness5. The longer you wait the better hitter you are6. Anticipate strike7. Drills are ultimately important for learning8. Repetitions of correct movement9. Consistency in your hitting approach10. Stimulus response, see the ball hit the ball11. I am as good as the pitches I swing at12. Take your best cut every time

N. Hitting Counts1. 0-0 must be ready to hit (fastball in the Shoe Box) up to two strikes something

hard in your zone2. 1-2, 0-2 must handle best pitch, something hard on outer third of plate (slider)

defend outside third of plate. Look fastball, adjust. Forget about pulling the ball

3. 3-1, 2-0 fastball inner third of plate (13 inch zone that you cover effectively)4. Recognize speed and spin. It tells you the pitch.5. Less than 2 strikes my zone, my area, my pitch, rationale is I look for it and

anticipate it and when its there I pull the trigger6. Best way to hit a curve ball is don’t miss the fastball.7. The key to hitting curve balls is to recognize it’s a curve, follow it closely,

discipline the hands and weight to stay back and wait. Then go with the pitch by reacting with hand placement.

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STANCE

Bat angle 45º with ground 90º with shoulders

Hands above elbows, hands over back foot, Head and eyes faceknuckles aligned by having them in fingers pitcherout of palms (wrist over wrist) Front shoulder points at pitcher Form box with frontDepth shoulder, front elbowAlign off of back corner of plate hands, rear shoulder Triangle is formed by front hip, rear Distance knee and rear Put bat down from outside of plate to end of shoulderknob – where we start from Eyes face plate during stance and stride (both knees and belly Button)

Feet parallel, slightly wider than shoulders

STRIDE

Bat angle still 45º and 90º

Hands in position above Search with shoulder as well as eyes rear foot Box stays intact

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Pocket to pocket (pitcher shows you his hip pocket – you show himEyes and box face plate yours)

Front knee stays in, pinch knees and have a good inward turn, weight stays back.

Slow and soft stride to 45º angle (Step on Thin Ice)

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SWING

Approach to ball is withbarrel of bat above the hands(Land the Plane)

Slam the triangle – rear shoulder, Depending on pitch rear knee, knee and front hip hips will rotate 110º on inside pitch 90º on middle pitch 75º on inside pitch

Squish Bug Thin Ice

Lead arm is most important in initial part of swing,Back arm them becomes most important as you extend Through the ball – palm up, palm down at contact.

CONTACT CHECK POINTS

Head down

Chin shoulder to shoulder Eyes on contact

Rear hip drive(slam the triangle) Form “V” with arms

Lazy “L” Stiff front leg and eyes at

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pitcher (both knees and belly button)

Squish Bug Vertical power line

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FOLLOW THROUGH

Hit through ball with eyes, hands and backside

Eyes face pitcher

Squish Bug Maintain balance

Shift from back to middle Everything rotates around a vertical axis (knees, hips, shoulders)

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HITTING MECHANICS & TECHNIQUES (CONDENSED)BOB MORGAN BASEBALL

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I. MENTAL ASPECTS A. Your job-get on baseB. Pitch to you hit ball hardC. Best cutD. Short, compact swingE. Yes, yes, yes, no, only one decision and

that’s not to swingF. Performance vs. ResultsG. Handle failureH. Quality at batsI. Read- Recognize- React

II.FUNDAMENTAL HITTING TECHNIQUES

A. Bat selectionB. Grip

1. wrist over wrist2. in fingers out of palms

C. Stance1. parallel feet2. depth and distance3. box4. triangle5. eyes

D. Bat Position1. 0-90 degrees2. 45 degrees laid back

E. Weight Shift1. knock kneed2. rubber band theory

F. Stride1. 45 degrees2. step on thin ice3. box, eyes, triangle – face plate during

stance and strideG. Swing- Nose in line with knee on impact

1. land the airplane2. lead with knob and pop barrel3. hands and feet work together4. inside pitch – 11 o’clock

Middle pitch – 12 o’clockOutside pitch – 2 o’clock (Impact in line with back knee)

5. box, eyes, triangle – face pitcher after swing

6. 7 levels – build building from ground up

a. Toes mustb. Knees stayc. Waist talld. Shoulderse. Chinf. Eyesg. Head

7. look away react in – keeps you slow and early

H. Drills1. tees

a. double teesb. chairc. step behindd. reverse top hande. long tee

2. golf balls3. wall drill4. soft toss 5. step behind Fungo Drill6. front and back arm extensions7. speed bats

I. Hitting Counts1. Up to two strikes look for fastball in

your area. (Shoe Box)2. Two strikes look fastball on outer

third and adjust.

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THE MENTAL SIDE OF HITTINGBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

AGGRESSIVENESS AND VISUALIZATION

A hitter can have all the physical attribute s and technique of a great hitter but if he is not mentally prepared to it he will not be successful.

The mental aspect of hitting is extremely important. A hitter needs to realize that aggressiveness is mental, not physical. A hitter needs to believe that every pitch is going to be his pitch. His mind should be geared to swing the bat on every pitch. His mind should already be made up. His thought process needs to be HIT-HIT-HIT-DECISION. It is not how hard you swing but rather your mental preparation that determines a hitter’s aggressiveness.

A defense hitter waits to see the pitch before making up his mind. His though process is MAYBE-MAYBE-MAYBE-DECISION. The defensive hitter is late many times because he s unable to pull the trigger.

The verbal clues we use to our hitters to be aggressive is “Everything is YES”. Meaning, “Yes, I am going to swing the bat at this pitch.”. We want the hitter’s mind made up. The hitter’s eyes will determine if the pitch is a ball or a strike. The mind is ready to swing. The only decision to be made is not to swing.

Another aspect of the mental side of hitting is the importance of visualization. A hitter needs to “see” himself being successful in his “mind’s eye”. He needs to “see” himself hitting a line drive into centerfield. Because THE BODY COMPLETES WHAT THE MIND BEGINS. A great example of this happening is when a person dreams about falling from a high building or cliff. Nearly everyone does this. How does the body react during such a dream? It jumps. Why? Because the body is completing what the mind has “convinced” the body that it is. A hitter should visualize in his mind a line shot and then let the body complete the act.

CONFIDENCE

Here is the situation: last inning, 2 outs, tying run on third and the winning run on second. You are the hitter on the on-deck circle. What is going through your mind? Are you hoping to get up to hit so that you can drive in the winning run? Or are you thinking “I hope this hitter either wins the game with a hit or makes an out so that I don’t have to hit”? Be honest with yourself. What would your thoughts be in this situation?

Good hitters want to hit in big situation. They DON”T SEE IT AS A CHANCE TO FAIL, THEY SEE IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED! Good hitters are not “scared rabbits” at the plate. THEY KNOW THEY ARE GOOD! They have confidence in their ability. If there is

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anybody they feel sorry for it is the poor pitcher who has to pitch to them. Good hitters to the plate with an inner psychological strength. They “know” they are going to hit the ball hard. They don’t “hope”.

The reason that good hitter shave this confidence in their ability is because of all of the hard work that they have gone through BEFORE they are called on to hit. This is when the 7:0 am batting practice, the hard work on the Progressive Batting Drills, the discussions on hitting, the reading o this book, and the extra hitting practice , pays off. Every player who plays the games wants to be successful. The difference is, not every player wants to work hard enough before the game to be successful. We have had several great hitters in our program. Not one of those hitters just fell out of bed and because a good hitter. They worked hard everyday! Hard work begins with confidence and confidence brings success!

Remember, also, every one of you have had success in hitting a baseball sometime in your career. That success should be forever etched in our memory. You should be able to “see” yourself being successful. Once you have the feeling that you can do something., anything is possible. That is confidence.

THINKING VS. REACTING

(Human instinct vs. animal instinct)There is one statement that I hear from time-to-time from hitters that absolutely dries me crazy. And that is, “I am thinking too much up at the plate during the game.” I do not understand why a hitter, in this program, should ever feel that he as to “think” at the plate during a ballgame. Before a hitter hits in a ballgame, he has taken thousands of swings during batting practice and thousands more in the Progressive Batting Practice drills. Why would they have to think about anything? Maybe on some teams this may be true, where the hitter gets 12 cuts a day and that’s it. But everything we do in practice, concerning hitting is done so that the hitter can execute in the game with confidence.

When a hitter “thinks” at the plate he is using “human instinct”. Human instinct is: STIMULUS-THOUGHT-REACTION. With a ball coming at you at 75-85 mph, there is no time for the “thought” process. It makes you defensive. WE want our hitters to rely, instead, on “Animal Instinct”. Animal Instinct is STIMULUS – REACTION. Forget about “thinking” at the plate. It won’t do you any good and it will only hurt you. The time to think is during practice. Instead use “Animal Instinct” during the game. Watch the “stimulus” (the ball) and react to it. Rely on your muscle memory and trust your swing.

AIM UP THE MIDDLE

In almost every sport you can think of, the athlete aims at something.. A basketball player aims at the rim. A bowler aims for the pins and a hockey player aims for the net. But many baseball players when they go up to hit have no purpose in mind. They don’t aim at anything.

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Good hitters aim up the middle. With that good in mind, they are assured that their fundamentals will be good. Their lead shoulder stays on the ball longer, their head stays down, their hand stay back during the stride and their body weight is going toward the pitch – not falling away from it. In other words, they are n an excellent hitting position, all because they are aiming up the middle.

Charley Lau has a great analogy for this. Imagine that you are at one end of a pool table with a pool cue in hand. Someone on the other end of the pool table rolls a ball on the table toward you. You are to try and hit the moving ball with your cue. What would be the best way to hit the ball? Obviously, it would be best to hit the ball in the middle and send it back in the direction that it came. If you try to hit the ball on the side, you will miscue it. The same is true in baseball. Drive the ball right back from where it came. In other words, up the middle.

NEVER BE SATISFIED

Some hitters are too easily satisfied Before their first time up at the plate they study the pitcher time his fastball, figure out when they are going to load, and determine where the pitcher release his breaking pitch from so they know which way it is going to break. And then they go up to the plate and have success the first time up. But after that they stop studying the pitcher. They stop doing what had brought them their initial success. They seem to think that they have the pitcher mastered, just because they succeeded one time against him.

If a hitter is satisfied with one hit per game, he will end up going 1 for 4, which is .250. And nobody will start for this team hitting .250 unless he is hitting in tough luck. Never be satisfied.

Once you are 1 for 1, go 2 for 2, then 3 for 3, etc. Keep studying the pitcher. Learn all you can about him. “See” yourself at the plate while sitting in the dugout. Chances are the pitcher will no pitch you the same way if you have had success against him the first time. He will probably change his pitching pattern against you. You have to be ready for that change.

LIMITATIONS AND ROLE

Every hitter should know what his limitations are and what his role on the team is to be. Too many players think they are power hitters because maybe they hit a homerun five years ago. They may be capable of hitting 300 foot fly balls consistently, but those are 300 foot outs.

Sometimes the worst thing a hitter can do is hit a homerun. Because then he suddenly thinks he is a homerun hitter, when in fact, the reason he hit the ball so well is because his fundamentals were good and his swing was nice and fluid. Or sometimes a hitter will fly out deep after taking a good swing. The hitter then comes back to the dugout and thinks to himself “I hardly swung and the ball almost went out of the part. I’ll swing harder next time and the ball will go out.”

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That, of course, is the wrong mental approach but it’s amazing how many hitters end up thinking like that. That kind of thinking leads to slumps.

All of you will have a role to play on this team offensively. Play within that role.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Every trip to the plate should be a learning experience. After each plate appearance you should ask yourself: What did I do right? What did I do wrong? What did the pitcher throw me on the first pitch? When did he throw when he was ahead in the count? What did he throw when behind in the count? Did he pitch differently with runners on base? Did he jam me? Did he pitch me away? Was he up or down in the strike zone? Could he get his breaking pitch over for a strike? You should ask yourself these questions after every trip to the plate. Then analyze your answers.

This doesn’t mean that you should become a guess hitter. But the more you know about a pitcher before you face him the more confident you should be. Most hitters don’t guess, they anticipate. For example, if you must roped a fastball that was on the inside of the plate, chances are the pitcher will not give you the same pitch that you drove the last time, so until you get being in the count you may look for a certain pitch. That’s not guessing, that’s anticipating.

Finally, you can learn a lot about a pitcher by watching him work against your teammates. While sitting in the dugout you should “see yourself” at the plate. Most young hitters don’t do that. They fact the pitcher only three or four times during the game, when in fact, they could be “facing” the pitcher while sitting in the dugout twenty times a game. Not to belabor the point, but if there was one aspect of the game that I would like to see all our players improve on it would be concentration that is, developing positive mental images. When you “see yourself” being successful in your mind, it carries over to the physical. You have the feeling that “I’ve been here before. I can handle it.”

HITTING CERTAIN PITCHES

This is where a hitter must know himself and be disciplined. He must draw upon past experiences. When a pitcher throws you something other than a fastball and you are fooled, there has to come a time during the approach phase of your swing that you mind tells you, “Something s wrong. I’ve been fooled.” If you have done certain fundamentals properly, you will be able to adjust your swing or hold up your swing. The most important fundamentals are staying closed and staying back with your hands. Remaining closed with the hands back will allow the hitter to still drive the curveball.

Another important point in hitting the breaking pitch is to hit only strikes. When a hitter picks up the velocity, trajectory and spin of the ball and recognizes it as a curveball, he must be able to “predict” where the ball is going to end up by the time it gets to the plate. Some hitters will say

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they see rotation but they still end up swinging at a pitch that has broken into the dirt. Good hitters don’t chase bad pitches. On the high school level, I would guess that there are more swings taken at breaking pitches that are balls than swings taken at breaking pitches that are strikes. So be disciplines on all pitches, especially the breaking pitch.

BREAKING PTICHES ARE PREDICTABLE

Many hitters are afraid of a breaking pitch. The reason that they are afraid of this pitch is because they don’t understand it. And, just like everything else, what you don’t understand you fear. The fact is, the breaking pitch is a very hittable pitch. And not only that, the breaking pitch is predictable.

What do I mean about the breaking pitch being predictable? The pitcher’s release point will tell you where the ball will break. If the pitcher’s release point is straight over the top, the breaking pitch will go DOWN. That is the only easy it can go. If the pitcher releases the ball from a ! angle the ball will break DIAGONALLY ALONG THAT ANGLE. If the pitcher throws his breaking pitch from a sidearm deliver, the ball will break ACROSS ON TE HORIZONTAL. That is why we want you to do your homework on the pitcher before you face him. Find out his release point on his breaking pitch. Once you know that, the breaking pitch becomes very easy to follow and hit. You, the hitter, know where the ball is going before it gets there.

Last point. The hitter should be able to identify three distinct differences between the fastball and curveball. He should see the differences in:

1.Velocity2.Trajectory3.Rotation (or spin)

It takes a great deal of practice to identity these three differences. But with enough practice (physical and mental), the curveball is easily recognized and VERY hittable. Pick up the speed and spin of the pitch.

THE EYES HAVE TO SEE, NOT JUST LOOK (SEEING ROTATION)

When a pitcher releases a pitch there is spin on the ball. The type of spin or rotation depends on what kind of pitch it is. Good hitters learn to see the differences in rotation. The ability to “read” rotation makes hitting a breaking pitch easy.

The fastball rotates backwards. It almost looks like a cue ball (pool) coming in there. The reason the pitch looks like that is because the ball is rotating so fast that it is not possible to pick out any seams. The ball looks smooth. It’s like a propeller on an airplane – the blades are moving so fast that you can’t see each individual blade.

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A slider spins like a bullet or football (sideways). Since the slider can not be thrown as hard as the fastball, a hitter can pick up that spin.

An overhand curve balls spins forward, toward the hitter. Just the opposite of the fastball. The ! release curveball spins diagonally. The sidearm curveball spins like a top.

Good hitters learn to recognize rotation. It takes a lot of work to read seams. It also takes training your eyes to “see” and not just “look”. Knowing the pitcher’s release point before you face him helps a great deal too.

HOW TO HIT THE BREAKING PITCH

As stated before, the breaking pitch is predictable and if you can read rotation, you will know what you are hitting. Now we will discuss the physical aspects of hitting the breaking pitch. One point to note is, if your hitting fundamentals are already good when hitting the fastball, the breaking pitch will not give you any trouble.

1.Keep you lead shoulder closed longer on all breaking pitches. We use the verbal cue, “Slow everything down” when hitting the breaking pitch. (delay)2.On a curveball breaking away from you, hit the ball into the opposite field gap. NEVER try to pull a breaking ball that is going away from you. Our will not be successful trying to “hook” that pitch.3.On a curveball breaking away from you, hit the inside part of the ball.4.On a curveball breaking into you, hit the outside part of the ball.5.On a curveball breaking into you, hit the ball into the pull gap, not down the pull line.6.Get an overhand curveball, drop down into the “slot”. That means, be ready to get down into the plane of the ball. (chair Drill works on the “slot”)7.The hitter stays with ball all the way. He can not attempt to hit the breaking pitch as it peak. In other words, don’t swing where the ball was. Follow it and hit it where it is.8.Always let the breaking pitch get to you. Don’t reach for it. Remember, “slow everything down” and then rip it when it gets there (delay)9.Make sure you are hitting a strike when swinging at a breaking pitch. The breaking pitch is not that easy of a pitch to throw for a strike, consistently.10.Hands go “inside-out” when hitting a breaking pitch. Hitter should hit the top part of the ball to drive it.

THE LOW STRIKE

Most pitchers, on all levels, try to keep the ball down in the strike zone. Therefore, it is important for the hitter to be able to hit that pitch well.

On of the biggest mistakes that hitters make on the low pitch is that they try to get to the ball by dropping the bat head behind them and then going for the ball. This makes for a long, looping

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swing. Instead, the hitter should drop the bat head in front of him and then go to the ball. Remember to always keep the barrel above the hands.

Another mistake made when trying to hit the low strike is bending the back leg to get to it. This leads to a collapsing back leg and sweeping swing. There should e slightly more flexion on the low pitch, but it should be in the lead leg, not the back leg.

THE HIGH STRIKE

The high strike can be a tough pitch to hit if the hitter is not aware of what he as to do with that pitch. Many hitters try to use a level swing on the high strike. That type of swing results in a pop-up or lazy fly ball. Instead, the hitter must get on to of the high strike and drive it with BACKSPI N. The barrel of the bat must be above the hands, on all pitches, including the high strike.

The hitter must also make sure that the high pitch that he is swinging at is, in fact a strike. The pitch looks good because it is close to your eyes. Just make sure that it is in the strike zone. Hard throwers on the mound will usually be up, out of the zone. Don’t chase pitches and make it easy on him. Also, remember, most umpires are not high ball umpires. Find this out early in the game.

THE OUTSIDE PITCH

Many pitchers are told to keep the ball away from the hitters. One reason for that strategy is because hitters try to pull the outside pitch. And while an outside pitch can be pulled, it will be pulled into an out, every time. The biggest mistake to make with an outside pitch is to try and “hook” it to the pull field.

To hit the outside pitch, the hitter must stay closed longer with the lead shoulder and then drive the ball. The reason the lead shoulder must stay closed longer is because the barrel of the bat does not have as far to travel on an outside pitch. So, you actually have more time on an outside pitch. Learn to wait on the outside pitch and let it get deep in the zone.

Another problem that hitters have with the outside pitch is when they try to “guide” the ball into the opposite field. Some hitters are satisfied with just hitting the outside pitch. That is the wrong approach. The hitter should still drive the ball hitting it up the middle. It won’t always go up the middle, but your mechanics will be good if that is what you try to do. Don’t just “flair” the outside pitch to the opposite field. Drive it! Knock the second baseman’s head off.

One last problem arises with the outside pitch. There is a tendency to let the barrel of the bat dip on an outside pitch. The hitter must be aware of this and concentrate on keeping the barrel above the hands and drive the pitch.

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INSIDE PITCH

The most important point to make about hitting the inside strike is that the ball has to be hit more in front of the plate, than any other pitch. The barrel has to travel further on the inside pitch. The hands are actually in front o the body when hitting the inside strike.

The inside strike is not a muscle swing, but rather a quick swing. When hit properly, the inside pitch s usually the one that gets the farthest, because of the further rotation of the hips. A great drill for working on the inside pitch is the Side Wall Drill.

As in all pitches, the barrel must stay above the hitters hands on the inside pitch. And, the hitter must get extension after contact on the inside pitch. Too many times a hitter just stops how swing on the inside pitch, at contact. There will be no power in that swing. GET EXTENSION AFTER CONTACT!

Finally, some hitters make the mistake of jamming themselves. They do one of the following: crowd the plate in the first position, stride directly into the plate which locks up their front side, or they have an exaggerated closed stance that also locks up the front side.

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QUALITY AT BATSBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

Batting average can be a misleading statistic. It does not reward a player who hits a ground ball or deep fly ball to the right side of the field with no outs to advance a man to third base from second base. It penalizes a hitter who hits a ground ball to the shortstop with the infield back to score the runner from third with less then two outs. Batting average does not take into account when a hitter hits a ball perfectly, a line drive, that is caught by a defensive player. In this case, the hitter has executed but receives no statistical reward.

This statistic is kept on a chart by one of the assistant coaches. After each offensive inning, the coach marks down what the offensive player did during his plate appearance. It is broken down into a positive and negative category. At the end of the game it is totaled for each hitter and for the team. Positive at bats are those in conjunction with our offensive philosophy. Putting the ball in play hard to the ground or a line drive, working deep in the count, or advancing a runner into scoring position are positive at bats. Fly balls and strikeouts are types of negative at bats. We equate a number, 0-6, to how hard a ball is hit. A six is a line drive, a five is a hard ground ball, a four is a routine ground ball, a three is a fly ball or a slow ground ball, a two is a fly ball in the infield or a ground ball that the infielder charges to get to, a one is a slow roller or pop up in foul territory, and zero is a swing and miss.

With the quality at bat statistic, a player is considered to be successful if he has a quality at bat percentage over .600. We post this sheet instead of the batting average sheet since we believe that it more accurately projects the offensive player’s contribution. The quality at bat chart makes player aware of the team’s offensive philosophy and other aspects of the offensive game besides the obvious (home run, run batted in, hit etc.)

6 – LINE DRIVE 5 – HARD GROUND BALL 4 – ROUTINE GROUND BALL 3 – FLY BALL OR SLOW GROUND BALL 2 – FLY BALL IN THE INFIELD OR A GROUNDER THAT IS CHARGED 1 – SLOW ROLLER OR POP UP IN FOUL TERRITORY 0 – SWING AND MISS

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INDIANA UNIVERSITY BASEBALLQUALITY AT BAT

OPPONENT ______UMass_______ DATE __3/19/98___

RESULTS OF AT BATSNAME #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 QAB FO K -K-CLAUSE -GB +FO -GB

-ADV

+SH

+ADV

+ERR

+ADV3/5 1 0 0

O’CONNELL -K- +DEEP

+BB

+FO +H

+ADV

+DEEP

-K3/5 1 2 1

SPISAK +H +DEEP

+GB -ADV-GB -GB

-ADV

+DEEP

+BB2/5 0 0 0

RODEHEAVER +5-6

-K

+BB +DEEP

-K

+DEEP

+BB

-K- 3/5 0 3 1

CHILDS +ERR +BB

+ADV

-FO +DEEP

-K

+5-6

+BB3/5 1 1 0

DEVORE -GB

+ADV

+H

+ADV

-GB +H

+ADV3/4 0 0 0

WILLIAMS +5-6

+BB

+ERR

+ADV

-FO +BB -FO 3/5 2 0 0

ANLEITNER -GB

-ADV

-GB

-ADV

+BB 1/3 0 0 0

SCHADE -LO +5-6 +ERR

+ADV

+BB

+ADV

+ERR

+ADV3/4 0 0 0

HAEGELE +BB

+ADV1/1 0 0 0

ST. CLAIR +SF

+ADV1/1 0 0 0

26/43 5 6 2

TEAM TOTAL PERCENAGE ____60%_____

POSITIVE AT BATS NEGATIVE AT BATSHIT - +H 1-2-3 FLY OUT - -FOBASE ON BALLS - + BB STRIKE OUT - -KADVANCE RUNNER - +ADV CALLED 3RD K. - -K-HIT BY PITCH - + HBP FAIL TO SCORE - NO SCOREREACH ON ERROR - + ERR FAIL TO BUNT - -SAC5-6 AT BAT - + 5-6 FAIL TO SQUEEZE - -SQDEEP IN COUNT - + DEEP 1-2-3 GROUND BALL - -GBSACRAFICE BUNT - + SH OTHER - -OTHERSACRAFICE FLY - + SF

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SQUEEZE BUNT - + SBDRAG BUNT - + DRAGOTHER - + OTHER

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OFFENSIVE THEORY OF BASEBALLBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

1.Hitting• Your job is to get on base• Pitch to you hit ball hard• Best cut• Short, compact swing• Yes, yes, yes to no• Only one decision to make at the plate and that’s not to swing• Handle failure• Performance vs. results• Quality at bats• Hitting counts• Read, recognize, react• Hit and run• Run and hit

1.Bunting• Top half of ball with bottom half of bat• Fake bunt and steal• Bunt and run• Squeeze• Safety squeeze• Drag bunt• Push bunt

2.Base running: Be Aggressive• Sets tempo of game• Never make first or third out at 3B• Never make second out at home• No outs go into next base standing up. Be conservative.• One out sometimes take a chance• Two outs gamble like heck• Goal to get to third base with 1 out or less• Fly ball rules

i 1B – halfway, foul ball tagii 2B – No outs, tag, One out ! wayiii 3B – Tag, hump back hang

• Steal only when have a jump

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• 4-5 runs down be a little more conservative• 2 strikes, 2 outs go on hitter’s hands• Ball in dirt break for next base• Line drive one step back• Each successive base is one more step closer to your goal of scoring a run• All balls in front act as your own base coach• All balls hit behind you rely on third base coach• Good times and will eliminate coaching guess work

i H-1B – 4.2ii H-2B – 7.8iii 1B-2B – 3.8iv H-H – 15.5

• First and third optionsi straight stealii delay stealiii forced balkiv long leadv long lead leftyvi read

3.Points of Offensive Strategy• Take early in the game• Hit ball where pitched• 3-0 automatic take• First pitch of inning hit for an out, next hitter automatic take• 2 strikes fastball adjust• Outs and score dictate when you take chances

4.Offensive Routine• On bench classroom• Become a base runner when on deck• What might I be asked to do• Get ready mentally• Get clap of hands before getting in batters box• On base – find ball, outs, where defense is playing, signs

5.At Plate• It’s unique, you never get this at bat back• At bat changes from game to game, inning to inning, pitch to pitch• Go through ritual• Have a plan

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• One pitch at a time • Compete

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BASE RUNNINGBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

I. BASE RUNNING

A. Sets tempo of game

B. Very aggressive but very disciplined

C. Outs determine chances we take

1. 0 outs – go into next base standing up

2. 1 out – sometimes take a chance

3. 2 outs – gamble like hell

D. Never make first or third out at the third base, never make second out at home,

Goal is to get to third base with one out or less.

E. Running through bag (BINGO-call from coach to move up to next base]

F. Rounding Bag

G. Ball in front, ball behind

H. Leads at 1B

1. Primary

2. Secondary

3. Ball in dirt

4. Fly ball halfway, foul fly tag

I. Leads at 2 B –0–Outs, 1–Out, 2-Outs

1. Safe lead

2. Walking lead

3. Secondary lead

4. Fly Ball- no outs tag, 1-out halfway, humpback hang

J. Leads at 3B

1. Walking lead

2. Fly ball tag, humpback hang

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K. First and third offense

1. Straight steal

2. Delay steal

3. Forced Balk

4. Long lead

5. Long lead lefty

6. Read play

L. Miscellaneous

1. Steal only when have a jump

2. Line drive take one step back to bag

3. 4-5 runs down be a little more conservative

4. 2 strikes, 2 outs go on the hitters hands

5. Ball in dirt break for next base

6. All balls in front of you act as if you own base, coach, balls hit behind

you rely on third base coach

7. Good base running times will eliminate coaching guesswork

H-1B- 4.2

H-2B- 7.8

1B-2B- 3.8

H-H- 15.5

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BUNTINGBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

Sacrifice Bunt1. Move up in the batters box. Get ball in fair territory.2. Square around and face pitcher with your body.3. Knees flexed- you bunt with your knees. You go to the plane of the ball by

lowering your body with your knees.4. Bat in front of the plate at a 45 degree angle (helps get the ball in fair territory).5. Elbows are shock absorbers.6. Bat starts at top of strike zone with the barrel above the hands.7. The bottom hand moves very little up the bat. The top hand moves up to the

trademark.8. Elbows stay below bat at all times.9. Bunt top half of ball with the bottom half of the bat.10. To bunt the ball down the first base side, the angle should be towards first base

(knob of bat goes out towards the pitcher).11. To bunt the ball down the third base side, the angle of the bat should be towards

third base (barrel point out towards the pitcher).12. Bunt only strikes.

Suicide Squeeze (Toe Pivot Stance)1. Toe pivot stance, the back foot turns in (pivots) and the lead foot opens slightly.2. Put more weight on lead foot as this will prevent lunging.3. Must attempt to bunt any pitch.4. All the sacrifice bunt techniques can be applied on the squeeze.

Drag Bunt1. Perfect bunt or foul2. Moves third baseman in closer thus providing a chance to drive ball by him (puts

pressure on the defense).3. For right handed hitter:

a. As pitcher releases ball, the right foot should step away from the plateb. The bat should come over the top in fair territoryc. The top hand should go to the trademark and cradle the bat, with the bat in

fair territoryd. Pull knob of bat to hipe. Bat head should be in line with second base and third basef. Bunt only strikes

4. Left handed hitter:a. Stride

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b. Step through with back footc. Bunt the ball then rund. Bunt only strikes

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FIRST AND THIRD OFFENSEBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. Who Are We Going To Take Advantage Of?1. First Baseball2. Pitcher Where are the weak?3. Catcher4. Middle Infield

B. First and Third Offense1. Force Opposition to catch it twice and throw it twice with some pressure on

them.2. Straight Steal3. Delay Steal4. Forced Balk5. Long Lead6. Long Lead Lefty7. Read Play

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BATTING ORDERBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

#1-Get on base, good eye, fast, good base runner, table setter

#2-Get a piece of the ball, left handed, bigger hole, advance runner, good bat control, table setter

#3-Best hitter, must be faster than no. 4, very disciplined hitter

#4-One of best hitters, sheer power, RBI guy

#5-Hit well, with power, RBI guy, strong

#6-Second leadoff man, ability to get on base but more power than one, will get chance to drive in runs

#7-Get piece of ball, hope to get on, compete

#8-Get piece of ball, hope to get on, be conservative with bottom order up

#9-Get on base, should be able to run, know how to drag, pesky

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GENERAL TEAM DEFENSEBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

1. Heads up- alert2. Make errors, not mistakes

a. Physical-Mental3. Defense is the key to a sound ball club4. Teams that make the fewest mistakes in fielding and throwing usually wins the

game5. Pitching- 70% of game

a. Keep hitters from hitting the ball hard too often, throw strikes6. Ingredients of good defense

a. Speed and ground coveragei. CF- Good jump on ball, cover some ground, strong accurate armii. SS-2B- Quick, sure hands, alert and knowledge of hitters, will

cover ground and make plays necessary for championship ball clubiii. Catcher- QB of ball club, must know how to handle pitchers,

aggressive, block, throws, catches.iv. Secrets of Defense- Strong straight down the middle, catcher who

can throw, consistent double play combination, fast dependable centerfielder who can keep runners from going first to third.

v. Other Factors Involved in a Sound Defense:1. Make routine plays consistently2. Convert tricky hop balls into outs3. Relay and cutoff man in right place4. Backing up bases5. Hitting cut off men with good throws6. Keep base runners close7. Pitchers keep pitches down\8. No unnecessary throws9. Players on field who can run and throw10. Using two hands whenever possible11. Alert, heads up, ready to hustle12. Team spirit- thinking more of team needs than individual

accomplishments

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FIRST AND THIRD DEFENSESBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

Baseball games are lost, not won. A breakdown in team defense gives the opposition a chance toscore. Good defense allows the offense only what they earn and nothing more.

The defense must be heads up and alert. Every player must be in the ball game at alltimes. Every defensive player has a role on every play. Defense is the key to a sound and solidbaseball team. The team that makes the fewest number of errors or mistakes in fielding andthrowing will usually be that team that wins the game. Defensively, the focus should be onmaking the average or routine play. The reason for failure in defense is that players hurry theirthrows, throw off balance, are out of position, or do not know what to do. Coaches need to teachplayers to be under control to make the routine play. Defensive teams that can consistently makethe average play will be efficient and thus have a good opportunity to win games.

First-and-Third Defense

The most important aspect of a first-and-third defense is understanding the game situation. Thenumber of outs, the score, the speed of the runners, and the arm strength of the players involvedare the elements that the coach should evaluate before the pitch. If the defense executes properly,the offense will seldom score. After getting the defensive sign from the coach, the catcher putson the specific first-and-third defense.

The shortstop is usually assigned to cover second base because he normally has the bestarm. The second baseman covers second base in certain situations if his arm is strong enough tomake the play.

Second Baseman as Cutoff Man

In the first-and-third defense the shortstop covers the bag and the second baseman becomes thecutoff man (10 feet in front of the base). When the runner from first breaks, the catchers checksthird base to see if the third baseman has his hands up. If the third baseman sees the runner offthe base too far, he should raise both hands over his head as he breaks to the base to signal thecatcher to throw the ball to third. The third baseman uses this signal because the catcher cannotaccurately judge the runner’s distance from third base. If the third baseman’s hands aren’t up,the catcher should throw through to second base.

The second baseman must read the runner at third base. If the runner breaks, he could cutthe ball and throw home; if the runner hasn’t broken for home by the time the ball is in the cutoffposition, the second baseman should fake a cut by slamming his fist into his glove to freeze therunner at third base. The shortstop covers second base and prepares to tag the runner if the ballgoes through to the base. If the runner at third base breaks late, the shortstop can relay the ballhome.

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The pitcher fakes a cut on the catcher’s throw to second base in an attempt to confuse the runnerat third base. After a fake cut the pitcher breaks to back up home plate via the first-base line.The left fielder backs up a possible throw to third base from the catcher, the center fielder backsup the possible throw to second base from the catcher, and the right fielder backs up a possiblerundown between first and second. The first baseman trails the runner to second base.

Throw Through To Second Base

In this defense the catcher again tries to freeze the runner at third base by checking the thirdbaseman to see if his hands are up. If they are up, he throws to third; if not, he throws to theshortstop covering second base, who is one step in front of the bag squared to home plate. Thesecond baseman backs up second base. If the runner on third breaks for the plate, the shortstopcharges hard, straight toward the plate, to cut the ball off. After chopping his feet for a couple ofsteps to get on balance, he catches the ball and throws to the catcher. If the runner n thirddoesn’t break for the plate, the shortstop stays at the bag and tags the runner out coming formfirst base. If the runner on first base has the base stolen, the shortstop should charge in and cutthe ball off to avoid collision with the sliding runner.

The pitcher fakes a cut on the catcher’s throw to second base to confuse the runner atthird base. After a fake cut, the pitcher breaks to back up home plate via the first-base line. Theleft fielder backs up a possible throw to third base from the catcher, the center fielder backs upthe possible throw to second base from the catcher, and the right fielder backs up a possiblerundown between first and second. The first baseman trails the runner to second base.

Straight to Shortstop

This defense is designed to keep the runner on third base from scoring after the ball passes thebatter. The shortstop takes two hard steps toward second base then comes straight up towardhome plate. The catcher throws straight to the shortstop without looking the runner back at thirdbase. The second baseman covers second base after the ball passes the batter, while the firstbaseman trails the runner from first base to a position midway between first base and secondbase. The third baseman covers third base and lets the shortstop and catchers know when therunner breaks for home plate. He does this by yelling “Four, four!”

The shortstop throws the ball back to home plate after he catches it, or he may possiblyback door the runner at third base. The pitcher should back up home via the first-base line afterhe pitches to the plate. The left fielder backs up third base for a possible throw from the catcher,the center fielder backs up the shortstop from a throw from the catcher, and the right fielderbacks up a possible rundown between second base and third base. The defense concedes secondbase to the offensive team.

Throw to Pitcher

The shortstop covers second base, and the second baseman goes to a cutoff position 10 feet infront of second base. Without glancing at the runner at third base, the catcher throws the ballhigh over the pitcher as if he were throwing to second base. The pitcher cuts the ball off andchecks the runner at third base. If he has not play at third base, he looks at second base. If therunner is caught between first and second, he gives the ball up to the shortstop covering second

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base or the second baseman, who is 15 feet up the base line depending on the runner’s position.The shortstop or second baseman yells “Ball,” indicating to the pitcher who should receive theball. The other infielder drops to a knee and points to his teammate. Once the infielder checksthe runner at third base, he shuffles (not sprints) the runner back to first base. He listens for acall from the third baseman should the runner from third base break for the plate. The pitchercovers first base once he gives up the ball, the left fielder backs up third base in foul territory, thecenter fielder backs up second base, and the right fielder backs up the second baseman’sposition.

Ball Fake and Throw to Third

In preventing the runner at third base from scoring, this defense concedes second base to therunner. After the pitch passes the hitter, the third baseman covers third base, the shortstop backsup third base, the second baseman covers second base, and the first baseman trails the runner tosecond base. The catcher comes out and gives a good arm fake to second base, making sure heclears and goes beyond home plate, and then throws directly to third base. The pitcher backs uphome via the first-base line after he pitches to the plate. The left fielder backs up the catcher’sthrow to third base, the center fielder backs up a possible throw from the catcher to second base,and the right fielder backs up a possible throw to second base from third base.

Forced Balk Defense

The forced balk defense is the only first-and-third defense not put on by the catcher. The defenseis a reaction to the offensive team’s sending the runner from firs base to second base before thepitch to the plate. The pitchers steps off the rubber and freezes the runner at third base byturning directly to third and checking the runner at the bag. If the runner is too far off, he throwsto the third baseman. If he isn’t far enough off, the pitcher throws the ball to the secondbaseman, who comes straight up to the inside of the base line approximately 15 feet from secondbase. The pitcher then goes to back up home by way of the third-base line. The third basemancovers third base and alerts the infielders if the runner breaks to home by yelling “Four, four!”The shortstop covers second base, the second baseman comes straight up into the base line toreceive the throw from the pitcher, and the first baseman trails the runner to second base.

When the second baseman receives the throw from the pitcher, he checks the runner at third baseand begins to shuffle the base runner back to first base. If the base runner at third breaks to theplate, the third baseman yells “Four, four!” and the second baseman turns and throws to thecatcher. The first baseman should call for the ball when he knows he can catch the all and tagthe runner out. He is then ready to throw home should the runner at third base break for theplate. The first baseman should avoid running with the ball toward second base.

If the pitcher is late stepping off the mound, the second baseman goes to a knee andpoints to second base. This signals the pitcher to throw the ball to the shortstop, who is coveringsecond base. The left fielder backs up third base for a possible rundown, the center fielder backsup second base for a possible rundown between second and third, and the right fielder backs upthe throw to second base from the pitcher.

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CUTOFF AND RELAY SYSTEM, DEFENSIVE TACTICSBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

The purpose of your cutoff and relay system is to keep runners from taking an extra base if no play occurs at home or third. Relays and cutoffs are team plays that require a great deal of practice and teamwork to be executed properly. Too often, missed cutoffs and relay plays have given opponents the extra base that led to a run that decided the game. The throw from the outfielder must be low enough for the cutoff man to handle. If the throw is too high, the runner can react immediately and advance a base. We teach our outfielders to hit the cutoff man in the head. Many factors on a batted ball will help the outfielder determine where to throw the ball including:

• The speed of the runner,• The game situation,• The outfielder’s arm strength,• How hard the ball is hit, and• The distance the outfielder must move left or right to field the ball.

The outfielder can evaluate many of those factors before the pitch, which will limit the amount of information he needs to process after the ball is hit. We want our relay or cutoff man to catch the ball on the fly, so if necessary he should move in or out to do so. Also, we want him to catch the ball on the throwing side and to catch it from the heel to the palm of the glove. To catch the ball on his throwing side, he steps forward with his right foot in the direction of the throw. Holding his hands letter high, he provides a good target. The shortstop acts as the cutoff man on all throws to third base. On throws to home plate, the third baseman will line up home on all throws to the right of the shortstop. The first baseman will line up home on all balls to the left of the shortstop. The reason for using different cutoff men at home plate is the distance the first or third baseman would have to run to get in cutoff position. If the third baseman should read this and handle the cutoff to home because the third base man is out of position. The third baseman and shortstop would just crisscross; the third baseman would cover second and the shortstop would cover third. The same would hold true if the ball were hit into right field and the first baseman dove for a ball. If this happens, the first and third baseman would crisscross. The first baseman would go to cover second, and the second baseman would cover first. The third baseman would become the cutoff man to home. The cutoff man’s alignment will depend on the strength of the outfielder’s arm, so the alignment will vary. The closer the cutoff man can be to the bag (40 feet), the harder it is for the runner to recognize whether to attempt to advance to the next base. The runner must delay his decision until the ball passes the cutoff man, which is an advantage for the defense. Also, from a spot closer to the base the cutoff man can more easily cut off poor throws, and he has more range in handling high throws. We want good, hard throws through the cutoff man’s eyes. To let a baseball go through to base, the receiver should yell, “Go, go!” He should yell it loudly and in enough time for the cutoff man to react. If the receiver yells “Go”, then the cut off man should pop his mitt and fake a cut to keep the trailer running from advancing. For the

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receiver to indicate that he wants the ball cut off, he should call out the number of the base where the ball should go. If there is no play at any of the bases, he would yell “cut” meaning for the cutoff man to catch and hold the ball. After catching the ball, the cutoff man should look for a possible play at any of the bases. If the throw is off alignment or dying, and a play at the lead base is possible, the receiver should yell “relay!” at which point the cutoff man would catch the ball and throw to the lead base. Also, the cutoff man can automatically cut the ball if he reads a ball that is dying or off alignment. These relays and cutoffs require a lot of practice, and exceptional teamwork to be successful. Strong, confident communication is necessary. Players must make decisions based on the likelihood of tagging the runner out and not allowing other runners to advance to better scoring positions.

RUNDOWNS Rundowns are an integral part of the game of baseball, and thus the defensive team must practice them even though they occur less frequently than other defensive situations do. Handled properly by the defense, rundowns can be a pivotal point in the ballgame. Rundowns may help your team out of a tough situation by foiling the rally by the opposition and should be an automatic out by the defense. We observe some general rules in our rundown system. First, we want to make the runner commit himself and run at full speeding either direction. When the base runner is able to stop and change direction easily in a rundown, it is generally because he is able to stay under control while running and has not been forced to run at full speed. When the defense forces a runner to run at full speed, he cannot easily stop and change direction. So the infielders can control a base runner running at full speed. Another rule is to make at most, one or two throws. In this method, we would chase the runner in the direction he is going initially, usually forward. This technique requires the defense to make one throw. Trying to run him back to the base at which he last touched requires another throw, with additional chance for error. The one exception to this method is when we catch a runner between third base and home plate. If the runner goes beyond the halfway point in this situation, the third baseman will unload the ball to home plate, and we execute the rundown going back toward third base. That way, a mistake does not occur at the plate that allows the runner to score. We have several general rules for the infielder with the ball. If the runner breaks hard and reaches the point of no return, the infielder unloads the ball. If the runner does not commit, then the infielder sprints the runner as hard as he can and anticipates a call for the ball. The infielder with the ball should run with the ball in the throwing position. If the runner is going away from it’s original base, the throw should be on the outside of the base line. When running a man back to his original base, the throw should be on the inside of the base line; the man catching the throw will be moved over, and the ball will be on his glove side. For left-handed throwers, the opposite is true, so an infielder receiving the throw moves over and lines up to receive the throw on the opposite side. The infielder without the ball should set up, go to the base if necessary, or close the gap. He should give the throwing infielder three keys about when to throw the ball:

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1.He moves both his hands to a position head high.2.He takes his first aggressive step forward off the base.3.He yells “Ball.”

He does all of this at the same time, which tells the throwing infielder to deliver him the ball head high. We want the throw from the head on up because this is an easy ball to handle when running. In a typical rundown, you have a runner caught and you must get him with one throw. The infielders should get either outside or inside the base line. The fielder with the ball must go full speed at the runner to get him going full speed to next base. The fielder with the ball will have his arm up in a throwing position as he runs, never faking the throw. When he does throw the ball on command from the receiving infielder, he throws the ball not with a normal motion but as if he were throwing a dart. If he throws it with full arm motion, he will have difficulty controlling the flight of the ball. The key to the timing of the play is the receiving infielder, who positions himself on or beside the base the runner is running toward. If the fielder with the ball is doing his job, he should have the runner running toward the receiving infielder at close to full speed. The receiving infielder will then give the three keys about when to throw the ball: (1) both hands head high, (2) an aggressive step in, and (3) a yell “ball.” If the timing is good, the runner has no chance to avoid a tag. The infielder should make the tag with the ball in the glove and the free hand on the ball to prevent it from falling out of the glove on the tag itself. The infielder throwing the ball should always lean away from the path of the runner after throwing the ball. If he is over halfway down the base line when he delivers the ball, he continues to the forward base. If he is less than halfway, he turns back and covers the back base. Backup people are at the bases in case two throws are needed. They use the same fundamentals on the second throw. On any pickoff at first base, the pitcher backs up first base. On a pickoff at second base, the pitcher backs up third base. On a rundown between third and home, the pitcher has the plate until the first baseman relieves him. The pitcher then backs up the play at home plate. Players should always continue a rundown until the umpire signals “Out.” They must not assume that a runner is out because he ran out of the baseline or they tagged him out.

BUNT DEFENSE

The main goal of any bunt defense is to get an out. Each of your bunt defenses is designed to get an out at a certain base. If getting that out is not possible, you must get the batter out. Many big innings occur when a defensive team does not get an out in a sacrifice-bunt situation. The key to running a good bunt defense is having the fielder make the correct decision about where to throw the ball. The bunted ball will dictate which base to throw the ball to. All bunt defenses should be put on by the catcher, who gets the play from the coach. Bunt defenses start with the pitcher throwing a strike on the lower part of the plate, a pitch that is hard to bunt. A large percentage of pitches thrown up in the strike zone are called

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balls, so pitching high tends to lead to walks in the bunting situations. In addition, a ball up is more vulnerable to be hit hard. That becomes a factor if the bunter pulls back to hit. A strike is important in this situation because if the bunter takes the pitch, the offense will see your defense. They may then change the direction of the bunt, execute a hit-and-run, fake bunt and slash, or do any number of things. A missed bunt is a great opportunity to pick off a base runner. Many base runners tend to overextend their secondary leads in bunt situations. Catchers should look for those opportunities. You can try several maneuvers to see if a team is bunting or not. You can have your pitcher go to a long count and step back, use the inside move at second base, or try a pickoff attempt

Intentional Walks

An intentional walk is used as part of defensive strategy only when second base or second and third bases are occupied with less than two outs, and when the batter I not the potential tying or winning run.

In giving an intentional pass, the pitcher should not lob the ball to the plate but should instead throw medium-speed fast balls about three feet outside and shoulder high.

Because he cannot leave the catcher’s area until the pitcher releases the ball, the catcher stands up and extends his arm (for a right-handed batter) or glove (for a left-handed batter) to the side, and then takes a lateral step to receive the ball.

The primary objective of the intentional pass is to pitch to a more logical opponent while setting up a force or double play. The intentional walk is used only with first base open.

Ways to Break the Opponent’s Momentum

Through the course of a game, momentum, be it for your team or the opponent, can play a big roller in the outcome of the day’s event. You would like to think that how your opponent is playing that day will not affect the momentum of your team, but that is not always the case. Momentum is something that you want to keep on your side as much as possible; keep it in you dugout! Momentum can have a roller-coaster effect in which your team scores runs when emotions and intensity are high and gives up runs when intensity is low. This roller coaster an break a team down mentally and give them a feeling that they can’t get over the hump. Keeping an even keel in your dugout is a sure way of getting the most out of your team that day. Breaking the opponent’s momentum during the game can give them a topsy-turvy effect and give your team a win. Successful pitching and defense should set the tempo of the game.

Make Plays

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Making plays on defense will keep your opponent from building momentum in a ballgame. Making a big play, such as a diving catch, a double play, or a strikeout to end an opponent’s charge, can deflate the momentum of your opponent and give your team a big lift. Generally, you want a quick tempo when you are on defense.

Answer Back

Offensively, you can answer back to break your opponent’s momentum. Suppose your opponent goes out and scores two runs in the top of the first inning. Answering with two or more runs in the bottom of that inning can cancel that charge. In the same situation, a pitcher can answer back in the top half of the second inning by shutting them down with no runs. Your team will then have an opportunity to build on the two runs they scored previously to answer back. Whether from an offensive standpoint or by pitching and defense, answering back is an effective way to break your opponent’s momentum.

Minimize Runs Given Up

Minimizing the runs you allow in specific situations can stall or even stop your opponent’s momentum. Pitching coaches always tell their pitchers to stay away from the big inning (giving up a lot of runs in one inning). If you check the box score, the big inning is usually what causes a loss. During a game you will have situations when the other team has the start of a big inning. Walks, errors, or hits may result in your opponent putting runners in scoring position. If you can minimize scoring by giving up just one run instead of two or three, you can slow the momentum and may even stop the opponent’s charge.

Let the Starting Pitcher Set the Tempo

The starting pitcher for the next game can build momentum in baseball. Whether you are coming off a win or a loss, the starting pitcher can dictate the flow and pace of the game. Momentum from his standpoint is going out and establishing that he is going to throw strikes and gets outs. If he can do this for a team coming off a win, momentum will stay on your side. If he can do this coming off a loss, he can break momentum of the opponent.

Slow the Pace of the Game

The coach can use several methods to help brake the momentum of an opponent. Let’s say a team is building a big inning or is on the verge of scoring a bunch of runs. A coach can slow the pace of the game by having his catcher go out to talk to the pitcher and slow things down. When

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the catcher is done, the coach can call time-out and go talk to the pitcher. This all slows the pace of the game, lets the pitcher gather himself, and may slow the other team’s momentum. A coach may also want tot slow the pace when the opponent is making a late-inning charge to steal the lead. A coach can go out talk to the pitcher, or he can make some substitutions in the middle of the inning that will take time and slow down the game. Another way to slow the other team’s charge is for players to stall. Another ploy is to make an equipment adjustment, which will take time and slow the game down so that the team can regain its composure.

Getting the Lead Out Versus Taking the Sure Out

When talking about getting the lead out versus taking the sure out, you need to consider several factors: -The defensive alignment -The score -The inning -Whether you are the home or visiting teamWith those in mind, you can start to break down what plays can be made from the infield or outfield, either getting the lead out or the sure out. Remember always that if you are trying to get the lead out and the play becomes impossible, you need to take the sure out. It is never a mistake to get an out, any out!

Defensive Alignment

Several factors influence defensive adjustments. As coaches we analyze several variables before making any defensive decision – pitcher’s strengths, type of hitter, type of pitch, negative or positive count, number of outs, field conditions, inning, and whether the team is home or the visitor. When we move our players in or out of different positions, we consider these variables seriously.

Infield Depths

Coaches can use three different alignments for their infielders: back, in, and double-play depth.• Back – When the infield is playing back, all four infielders are back to the cut of the grass

and trying to keep the ball in the infield to make the sure out.• In – if the infield is in, all four infielders are far enough into make a throw to cut off the

run at home and get the lead out. Attempting to get the lead out in this situation usually means you team is losing or you are in a close game and want to stop another run from scoring.

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• Double play – If the infield is at double-play depth, they are positioned not at the back of the infield but cheating in a little that they can cut down the distance that the ball will travel on the ground. This positioning will give the infielders more time to make the double play. In the double-play situation, you are trying to get the sure out at second base, which will also be the lead out if there is only a runner at first when the ball is hit. The sure out will not be the lead out if runners are at both first and second when the ball is hit. In this case you will almost always try to get the sure out at second an then have an opportunity to get the out t first by completing the double play. Taking the sure out at second in this situation can lead to getting two outs as opposed to just one if you choose to take the lead out at third. In this situation the only time you will try to get the lead out at third is when there are already tow outs or when the ball is hit in the hole between the third baseman and shortstop and the only play the shortstop can make is at third base.

Outfield PlayThe outfield may play many different alignments during a game. They can play in, deep (so that nothing can get over their hands), shade to the right, or shade to the left. Outfielders are aligned depending on where the hitter may hit or the situation of the game. Regardless of the alignment, where the outfielder will throw depends on where the ball is hit and how far it is form the outfielder. When a hit ball takes the outfielder away from the lead runner, the throw shouldalways go to second base to keep the sure out at first. If a hit ball takes the outfielder toward the lead runner or if he can make the play with a strong throw, he should throw to get the lead out.

Caught Ball in the Air

When an outfielder can catch a fly ball by going toward the play, he should throw to try to get the lead out. When the outfielder catches a fly ball going away from the play on the lead runner, he should throw to second base (sure out) to keep the runner from advancing form first. The throw to second will keep the double play intact and keep the sure out at first if the next batter hits the ball on the ground. If the next batter hits the ball on the ground, you will have the opportunity to get a double play and stop the offensive charge.

Ball Hit on the Ground

On ground balls hit directly at the outfielder or two or three steps to his right or let, he should throw to get the lead out because he can make a strong throw to the lead base. In the same situation with the ball on the ground and five more steps to his right or left, the smart play would be to throw to second base (sure out). The throw will keep the batter from advancing to second and keep the double play intact. If the next batter hits the ball on the ground, there is a chance to turn a double play. In almost all situations the outfielder should try to turn a double play intact (take the sure out) and not let the runner advance. Always trying to throw out the lead runner is

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the biggest mistake an outfielder can make because doing so can extend the inning and lead to more runs for the opponent, rather than being able to break the back of an inning.

Winning or Losing, Early or Late in the Game

When you team is winning, the emphasis will be on getting sure outs. The winning team will take sure outs to minimize the number of offensive opportunities the opponent has to regain the lead. Whether early or late in the game the winning team should give a run to get as many sure outs as possible. Late in the game the winning team should trade runs for outs. Getting the lead out at second base in a double-play situation will be the best choice to get one or possible two outs and stop the other team from advancing runners into scoring positions. Getting the sure out at second in a double-play situation with the bases loaded or with runners at first and second may result in giving up a run, but it will draw the winning team closer to the 27 outs needed to end the game.When your team is losing, the emphasis will be on stopping the opposing team from scoring any more runs. The team behind in the score will usually try to get the lead out if the runner is trying to score. A losing team will take the sure out early in a game if that out can be translated into a double play, even though a run may score. They will give up the run to get two outs, clear the bases, and stop any more urns from scoring that inning. Late in the game will the running in scoring position, they will be trying to cut off the run by getting the lead out because they will not have many more opportunities to score runs. Cutting runs off late gives them a better chance to come back by scoring one or two runs.

Home or Visiting Team

The standard strategy in baseball is to play to win on the road and tie at home. If your team adheres to this strategy in the last inning of a game, you will need to make specific plays that translate into outs.In this situation the home team will give up the tying run to get the sure out. They will concede the run because they know they have the bottom half of the inning to core a run and win a game. Getting the sure out, whether the front end of a double play or an out at first, will reduce the opponent’s offensive opportunities to score the go-ahead run.If you are the visitor in this situation, you must lead outs or you will lose the game. Trying to turn a double play or taking an out at first without allowing the home team to score are the only two situations when the visiting team will take the sure out. Otherwise, the visitor will always try to cut off the winning run in the last inning of a game by getting the lead out.

Defending the Steal

A key to stopping the running game is to identify running situations and the players who can run. You should check the stat sheet for stolen bases and stolen bases attempts. In general, you can expect middle players or the one, two, and nine hitters in the line up to be runners.

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Good runners like to run early in the count, especially with two outs. Also, they often run with three balls on the hitter. They will run more in close games. Slower runners will try to run on breaking-ball counts and may try to delay steal, especially with a left-handed hitter at the plate. Disrupting the base runner’s timing is very important. When a runner reaches base, the pitcher must upset his timing and rhythm. The simplest and most effective way to threaten a potential base stealer is to hold the ball and freeze the runner. The pitcher can disrupt the base runner’s timing by varying the amount of the time he holds the ball on each pitch. On some pitches he can hold the ball longer, and on others he can go directly to the plate with only a slight pause. If the base runner is unsure when the pitcher will throw to the plate, he will become tense. His muscles will tighten up, and he is unlikely to get a good jump. Holding the ball until the base runner stops prevents the base runner from getting a walking lead. Additionally, the batter who is waiting will become anxious and begin to lose his concentration. Statistics show that marginal base stealers have a significantly lower success rate when a pitcher throws to first at least once. A well-planned quick throw to first can be effective. Varying his moves is probably the best way for the pitcher to stop the running game. A quick step-off will chase the runner back to the bag and will often expose his intentions. When a runner slides head first back to first, it’s a sing that he is going. A throw to first or a quick step-off will also cause the batter to tip his intentions. Quickening the delivery to the plate. The pitcher can control the running game by speeding up his move to the plate and quickening his delivery to the plate. He should concentrate on minimizing arm and leg movement; the less wasted movement he has in his delivery, the easier it becomes to speed his release to the plate. He should think of his leg kick as a leg lift rather than vice versa. He should keep his arms close to his body and reduce the arc that his arm travels. He should get his arms close to his body and reduce the arc that his arm travels.

He should get his arm up into a throwing position quickly. These techniques will speed up his delivery and improve his mechanics. Slide step. The slide step is an effective way to slow down the running game. From the set position, the pitcher simply locks his hip and slides his lead leg close to the ground toward the plate. In essence, he is speeding up his time to home plate. If a normal leg lift is timed at 1.4 seconds, using the slide step would reduce the time to the plate to 1.2 seconds. Pitchouts. Pitchouts are another way to slow down base runners. The purpose of the pitchout is to give the catcher an easy ball to handle so that he can get off a quick, accurate throw to second base. For a pitcher, the key on a pitchout is to stay compact, quicken the delivery, and throw a four-seam fastball high and away. He does not use a slide step when pitching out because the base runner will probably not go on the pitch. The pitcher can also use a modified pitchout, a pitchout thrown eye hit just off the outside corner. A team that has the opponent’s signals should use the modified pitchout because the opposition is less likely to suspect that their signs have been compromised. The modified pitchout is also used against teams who read pitchouts well.

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Left-handers’ advantages. Left-handers should have a good move to first base and be able to stop the running game better than right-handers can. Many lefties have not developed a move to first base because most players do not run on lefties. The key is to keep all the actions of the pitch and pick the same so that the base runner has no key on an early read. A left-handed pitcher can do a variety of things with his legs and arms. Left-handed pitchers must abide by two single rules when picking to first base. The first rule concerns the leg lift. The stride leg must not cross the front plane of the runner as it is being lifted. The second rule deals with the stride leg, which must land within a 45-degree angle from the center of the rubber.Left-handed pitchers have the luxury of being able to freeze runners without throwing the ball to first base. One such move is called the shoulder turn. As the pitcher lifts his leg, he turns his right shoulder in toward the runner while keeping the left leg from crossing the plane of the rubber. He then delivers the pitch to the plate. This move will cause the runner to freeze or retreat to first base. Read Lift. The read lift is effective in slowing down the opponent’s better base stealers. The read lift is a slow, deliberate lift of the leg without committing to either the base or the plate. The pitcher must read the runner and act accordingly. If the runner breaks toward second base, the pitcher steps down toward first and picks. If the runner freezes or retreats to first, the pitcher delivers the ball to the plate. Step-back pitch. The step-back pick can be the quickest way for a left-hander to get the ball to the bag. The pitcher must step off the rubber with his left foot and throw the ball with a flicking action to the bag. A variation of this move would be not to throw the ball or to fake the throw. Because he has stepped off the rubber, a throw is necessary. Awareness of runners at second. When defending the steal, pitchers must be aware of runners occupying second base. Stealing third base can be much easier than stealing second for several reasons. Pitchers tend to have a slower count with a runner at second. Runners at second typically get bigger leads while taking walking leads. The runner will be in motion while taking his primary lead, which will increase his lead and make him quicker in getting a jump to run. Inside move. The inside move is beneficial in deterring theft of third base. The pitcher executes the inside move by lifting the stride leg until it reaches its apex, turning the leg over and across the rubber, and stepping down to pick to second. This move c an be effective only if the leg lift of the inside move resembles the leg lift of his normal delivery to plate. This particular move is great to use against aggressive runners, runners who put their heads down when they run, and in two-out, full-count situations when runners at first and second are running on movement. Daylight, or open-glove, play. Other pickoffs to second or third are used with timing and communication within the team defense. One suck strategy is the daylight, or open-glove, play at second. Either middle infielder will see daylight between the runner and the bag. As the pitcher comes set, the shortstop will flash an open glove with his arm extended while he breaks to the bag. (The second baseman extends his right hand to execute the play.) The pitcher sees the open glove, immediately turns, and picks to the bag. This play takes timing, nonverbal communication, and the ability of the shortstop or second baseman to read daylight.

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As we have seen in this section, defending the steal can involve a multitude of looks, counts, rhythm, and timing strategies. If a pitcher can learn to apply theses techniques, he will surely be able to slow the running game of the opponent and control the game.

Buying Time for a Reliever

One of the most difficult situations for a coach during a game is changing pitchers. Man variable are involved is making this change, such as pitch count, struggling by the pitcher, and getting relief pitcher warm. Sometime a pitcher looks as if he is moving along well in a game, but in a matter of six or seven pitches, the opponent puts tow or three runs on the scoreboard before the coach can get a reliever down to the bullpen. So how can we buy time for our relief staff to get ready? When making a pitching change during a ballgame, the reliever usually comes into the game with runners on base in a tough situation. Therefore, the relief pitcher must be warm and ready to compete at his best. The best solution for giving you reliever time to prepare is to monitor you starting pitcher’s pitch count. Once the starter has reached a certain number of pitchers, you send the reliever to the bullpen to get in his warm-up. Although the starter may be pitching well, he is reaching a pint of breaking down, and you are prepared when that begins to occur. The most common strategy to buy extra time for you reliever is to stall. You and your players can use many stall tactics. The standard stall move is to send your catcher to talk to the struggling pitcher and follow that with a trip to the mound by a member of the coaching staff. The umpire usually will give the coach two to three minutes to confer with a pitcher before he walks out to break up the meeting. You have a choice of making the change or leaving the pitcher to throw 15 to 20 more warm-up pitches. In making a trip to the mound, the coach can either pulls the starting pitcher or leave him in the game. If you leave the pitcher in the game, you cannot make another trip to the mound to make a change until the next batter comes to the plate. In essence, you have to roll the dice with that move. If you choose to leave the pitcher in the game and he makes it through that batter, you have given the reliever more time to warm up. Players can talk to the pitcher to buy time for your reliever. An infielder can call time and confer with the pitcher. The catcher may then visit, followed by a coach, thus buying even more time. Coaches can find themselves out of trips. In that case, using pitchouts and a series of pickoffs are a good tactic. Depending on the situation or where the base runner is positioned, pickoffs can give your relief pitcher time to get warm. Using inside moves to second base, pickoff throws to first base, or called picks with your infielders are good ways to gain extra warm-up time. Pitching around a hitter or calling pitchouts on consecutive pitches can lengthen time as well. One of the most difficult ways to stall is slowing the starting pitcher’s tempo. Tempo is how quickly the pitcher gets ready to throw the next pitch. We typically teach pitchers to have

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good, quick tempo. They get the ball, step on the rubber, and are ready to pitch. We have to teach our pitchers to change their tempo during the game. When your starter begins to break down, he can take more time between pitches to gain time for the reliever. He can clean his spikes, walk around the mound, wipe the sweat off, tie his shoes, and tuck his uniform in, use nay way to buy time to give the relief pitcher more pitches. In all our strategies for buying time for our relievers, we must remember the eight pitches he will receive when entering the game. The situations will dictate the moves you should consider making. You end up playing a game of cat and mouse to put your players in the best situations to be ready to perform. A relief pitcher should warm up in the stretch position and get two of his pitches game ready or one if time is limited. Try to give your relievers a general idea of their roles and how you will use them during a ballgame.

Pickoff Plays

The primary objective of a pickoff is to keep base runners close to bases and make an aggressive team more tentative. Pickoffs are important in helping a team control the running game. Pickoffs can also be effective in uncovering a team’s offense in a bunt situation. We try to emphasize quick feet and a quick upper body, short arm action, and accurate location on all pickoffs. The target location is two feet over the inside corner of the bag.

At First Base.

First base. The pitcher throws to the first base man, who is playing behind the runner. The catcher puts the pickoff on and reads whether there is daylight between the runner and the first baseman breaking in behind the runner. If daylight appears, the catcher pops his mitt and the pitcher throws to first base. If the runner breaks back to first base with the first baseman, the catcher drops his mitt and the pitcher steps back. The pitcher reads the catcher. With a left-handed pitcher on the mound, the first baseman breaks when the pitcher picks up the non-pivot foot and throws automatically to first. Go Hard. The first baseman puts on this play by stepping in front of the runner. The pitcher comes set. If the runner leads off beyond the first baseman, the first baseman will break to the bag and the pitcher will throw over. If the runner stays even with the first baseman, the pitcher reads this and throws to the plate. With a left-handed pitcher on the mound, the throw to first base is automatic. At Second Base

Daylight. No sign is needed for this play. When the pitcher comes set, the shortstop comes up behind the runner and bluffs him back to second base. If the runner doesn’t step back toward second base, the shortstop opens his glove and breaks to second base. If the pitcher reads daylight between the shortstop and the runner at second base, he throws to the bag at second base. If the shortstop does get the runner to step back toward second base, he slaps his glove, which signals the pitcher to pitch, and the shortstop steps back to his normal position.

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Count play. The pitcher gets the sign from second baseman or shortstop, depending on who is covering. This is a timing play based on the back of the pitcher’s neck. When the pitcher starts his stretch, one of the infielders will bluff the runner back to second base (the one not covering the bag). As the pitcher comes to the set position, he looks home and counts one thousand and one, one thousand two. He then turns and fires to the other infielder, who has broken to cover second base after counting one thousand one. Either the shortstop or the second baseman can put the play on and cover the bag. Go hard. This play involves an inside reverse pivot from the pitcher, who throws to the shortstop covering second base. The shortstop puts the play on and breaks when the pitcher starts his leg lift. The pitcher should get to a balanced position before starting his inside pivot toward second base. 16.The catcher puts on this play. The pitcher is in a windup position and reads the catcher. If the catcher sees daylight between the shortstop and the runner, he pops his mitt and the pitcher throws to second. If the catcher drops his mitt, the pitcher steps back because they have no play. This pickoff is used with the bases loaded or runners at second and third. The pitcher must read the catcher. 14. The catcher puts on this play for a pickoff at second base. The second baseman reads the runner. When the runner takes his longest lead, the second baseman will break to the bag.

The pitcher, in a stretch position and looking at home, must be ready to throw when the catcher lifts his glove.

At Third Base

Go Hard. From the stretch position the right-handed pitcher steps at 45 degrees to third base and fires to the third baseman covering the bag. The infielder breaks when the pitcher lifts the non-pivot foot. The left-handed pitcher reads third base by looking over his left shoulder from the stretch position. When the infielder breaks, the pitcher throws to the third baseman covering the bag. 15. The catcher puts on this play. The pitcher in windup position throws to third base or steps back off the rubber, depending on the runner. If the infielder breaks to third base and the catcher sees daylight, the catcher pops his mitt and the pitcher jump turns and throws to third base. If the runner breaks back with infielder, the catcher drops his mitt and the pitcher steps back.

Other Pickoffs

31 and 32. We use another pickoff when runners are on second and third or first and third. We have out pitcher pitch from the stretch. He brings his leg up. As his leg comes down, his body should start moving toward third base. The pitcher fakes to third and throws to second depending on where the runner is. With a runner at second base, the shortstop and second baseman should move a littler farther from the bag to encourage the runner to take a maximum lead. The second baseman covers on this pickoff and breaks as the pitcher starts his kick. We

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have the ideal defense when the lead runner is sliding on the ground and we are making a play at second base. The pitcher must guard against moving his body to third base before his leg comes completely off the ground. The pitcher must make a good fake at third for two reasons. First, he must convince everyone he’s going to third. Second, a good fake facilitates the pivot. During a first-and-third situation with two outs and a full count, this play is automatic. This pickoff with runner at first and third is very effective, especially with an aggressive base runner at first base.

Pickoff Plays off a Bunt Defense

When corners break early with a runner at first base and the bunt in order, we can have the second baseman circle into first base and cover first base, coming squared up to the pitcher for the pick. The pitcher wants to make sure that he doesn’t rush this so that the second baseman has lime to get to first base. The pitcher will throw to first once he sees the first baseman pass by him out of the corner of his eye. This same pickoff can be used at second base in a bunt situation. The corners will break early, and the shortstop will bluff and sprint for third base. If the runner goes with the shortstop, the pitcher will step back off the rubber. If the runner doesn’t go with the shortstop, the pitcher will turn his head to home and count one thousand one, on thousand two. He then picks to the second baseman, who is covering second base. The second baseman will take two steps toward first and circle back to cover second base for the pickoff. In the last pickoff off the bunt defense, the second baseman breaks early toward the hitter at home plate. After the second baseman passes the pitcher, the pitcher picks at first base to the first baseman, who is holding the runner on. These pickoffs keep base runners from cheating on bunt coverage when the defense is breaking early. The idea is to make an aggressive base-running team more cautious. Catchers can also put on pickoffs plays to particular infielders. When the catcher puts on a pickoff to a particular infielder, he will be throwing to the base on the next swing and miss or bunt and miss. He will no throw unless he has received acknowledgment of the sign from the infielder. The best times to put on these plays are with a base runner that can run, in bunt situations, on 3-2 counts with less than two outs, or with a runner at third base and the infield playing in. You should never try a pickoff at a base with two outs and a weak hitter up behind in the count._____________________________________________________________________________

Offense can win you some games. Defense will win you more games. Defense and pitching will win you championships. An aggressive, communicating defense can control the flow of the game. As a coach you want to develop a team that plays consistent defense (making the routine play) and does not beat itself, meets every situation with poise, and is able to make a great play. Great defense can turn the momentum of a game and break the spirit of your opponent. Poor defense can dishearten a team, make it appear poorly coached, and prolong the

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game. In general, a defense breaks down when players try to do too much. Infielders go so fast that they are out of control and make impossible throws. Teach players to be under control and make the average play. The defensive team that can make the routine play gives itself an excellent chance to win.

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PICK OFF PLAYSBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

To first base: 1.) “13” from catcher RHP -catcher pops glove / turn and throw -catcher drops glove / step off LHP -1st baseman breaks on you / throws over

2.) “go hard” from 1st baseman

RHP -1st baseman in front of runner / read his break / throw over

LHP -1st baseman breaks on you / throws over

To second base: 1.) “16” from catcher

RHP/LHP -from wind-up position / catcher pops glove / turn and throw

-from wind-up position / catcher drops glove / step off with pivot foot

2.) “14” from catcher

RHP/LHP -from set position / automatic pick / always look at catcher / catcher flips glove / glove side spin move and throw

3.) “go hard” from second or short

RHP/LHP -from set position / come set with weight on back of foot / INF breaks on you / inside move / throw or hold ball

To third base: 1.) “15” from catcher

RHP/LHP -from wind-up position / catcher pops glove / throw over -catcher drops glove / step off with opposite foot

2.)“go hard” from 3rd baseman

RHP -from set position / 3rd baseman breaks on you / step 45 degrees / throw over

LHP -from set position / 3rd baseman behind runner / read his break / throw over

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PRACTICE ORGANIZATIONBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. Expect from and demand in practice:

1. Hustle

2. Enthusiasm

3. Intensity

4. Discipline

5. Communication

6. Attitude

B. Want:

1. Total concentration and total involvement, maximize your time

2. Game speed at all times

3. Hustle to and from drill to drill but never sacrifice technique for speed

4. Attention to detail

5. Practice doesn’t make perfect but perfect practice does. “You don’t have to be sick to

get better.”

C. Fundamentals Stressed (Sell It, Preach It, Hammer It):

1. Throwing – accuracy and velocity over quickness. The higher the elbow the better the

chance for a more accurate throw.

2. Catching – show picture window, hands married, chest in front of ball, no conversation

catch

3. Fielding –

i. Infielders – toes out, butt down, thumb out, elbow in, out to in, down to up, good

athletic position

ii. Outfielders – catch throwing side, 3 steps behind ball, “Mine, mine, mine!”, Take it,

take it!”, “Help, help!”

4. Hitting – disciplined and aggressive only one decision to make and that’s not to swing, up

to two strikes something in the shoe box, 2 strikes put ego aside and forget about pulling

the ball, knock 2B head off with ball

5. Base-Running – aggressive and disciplined, number of outs determine the chances we take

i. “0” Outs – go into next base standing up

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ii. “1” Out – sometimes take a chance

iii. “2” Outs – gamble like hell

iv. Never make first or third out at third base, or the second out at home

D. Practice – Post Practice Schedule:

2:45 Early work-specialty

3:00 Cal’s and dynamic stretching. No talking, mind-set for practice

3:10 Throwing – catch & throw properly

3:20 Run downs & pick offs

M-W-F or T-Th-Sun Batting Practice

3:30 Double Fungo Hoosier Pitchers

3 Line Throwing, Back ups, Conditioning

Multi purpose

3:55 Continuous Infield

4:10 Outfield throws

4:20 Pigmy infield

4:30 A Pitchers get field ready for on-field batting practice

B Position players stance & stride

4:35 Batting practice – Pitchers: (1) Throw bullpens (2) Back ups (3) Conditioning

5:15 Base-running

5:30 Adjourn

Batting Practice

Put them in situations to emphasize offensive productions.

I. First Round

A. Hitters – 5 Loose

B. Base-runners – work on going first to third if they can

II. Second Round

A. Hitters – 2 sacrifice bunts, 2 move them, 2 in, 2 back

B. Base-runners – read bunts from first base, react at 2B on move them round, work going 2B

to home.

III. Third Round

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A. 5 Fastball – change

B. Base-runners – straight steal of third, react to ground balls and fly balls at 3B

IV. Fourth Round

A. 2 Strike hitting

B. Runners react at balls from second and third

“Fight to live in the Now!” Play hard every pitch of every inning of every game of every practice session.

Period!

Bob MorganBASEBALL

Baseball Practice Schedule2:45 Early work-specialty

3:00 Cals, dynamic stretching

3:10 Throw

3:20 Run Downs & Pick Offs

3:30 M-W-F or T-Th-S Batting Practice

Double Fungo Hoosiers Pitchers:

3 Line Throwing, Back ups, Conditioning

Multi purpose

3:55 Continuous Infield

4:10 Outfield throws

4:20 Pigmy Infield

4:35 Batting Practice Pitchers: (1) Throw bullpens (2) Back Ups (3) Conditioning

5:15 Base-running

5:30 Adjourn

Pickoff Rundowns Form 3 lines of pitchers on mound

Blue: (line 1): P pick to 1B, rundown between 1st and 2nd , P back up 1st

Red: (line 2): P pick to 2B, rundown between 2nd and 3rd , P back up 3rd

Black: (line 3): P pick to 3rd, rundown between 3rd and home, P back up plate

Double Fungo Part 1 Black: Fungo 1 alternates ground balls 5-3 and 6-3 to short 1B, ball back to fungo 1.

Blue: Fungo 2 alternates ground balls 4-3 and 3-1 at regular 1B, ball back to fungo 2.

Fungo 1 Fungo 2

Double Fungo Part 2 Red: Pitcher delivers pitch to home, C throws to 2B, ball back to fungo 2.

Blue: On pitch, Fungo 2 hit ground ball to 1B, pitcher covers, ball back to pitcher.

Black: On pitch, fungo 1 hit ground ball to SS hole, SS to 3B, ball back to fungo 1.

Fungo 1 Fungo 2

Double Fungo Part 3 Red: Pitcher delivers pitch, C throws to 3B, ball back to fungo 1.

Blue: On pitch, fungo 2 rolls bunt left and right side of mound, P throws to short 1B, ball back to pitcher.

Black: On pitch, fungo 1 hit ball to SS, turning 6-4-3 double play, ball back to fungo 2.

Fungo 1 Fungo 2

Double Fungo Part 4Red: Pitcher delivers pitch to home, C throws to short 1B, ball back to fungo 2

Blue: On pitch, fungo 2 rolls bunt down 3B line, P and 3B communicate, P fields bunt throws to 3rd, 3B fields bunt throws 1st, ball back to P

Black: On pitch, fungo 1 hit ground ball to 2B, running 4-6-3 double play, ball back to fungo 1.Fungo 1 Fungo 2

Double Fungo Part 5 Red: Pitcher delivers pitch to home, ball to fungo 2.

Blue: On pitch, fungo 2 hit come backer to P, 1-2-3(short 1B) double play, ball back to P.

Black: On pitch, fungo 1 alternates ground balls to 3b and SS, running 5-4-3 and 6-4-3 double plays, ball back to fungo 1.Fungo 1

Fungo 2

Double Fungo Part 6 Red: Pitcher delivers pitch to home, ball to fungo 2.

Blue: On pitch fungo 2 hit ground ball back to pitcher, turning either 1-6-3 or 1-4-3 double play, ball back to P.

Black: On pitch, fungo 1 hit ground ball to 3B, turning 5-2-3(short 1B) double play, ball back to fungo 1.Fungo 2

Fungo 1

Double Fungo Part 7 Red: Pitcher delivers to home, ball to fungo 2.

Blue: On pitch, fungo 2 hit ground ball to 1B, pitcher cover 1B, turning 3-6-1 double play.

Black: On pitch, fungo 1 hit slow roller down 3B line, 3B throw to short 1B, also hit hard ground ball down line, 3B guard line, throw to short 1B.

Fungo 2Fungo 1

Hoosier (Pitchers & Catchers)

1. P throws pitch, C throws ground ball, P clears mound and throws to 2B.

2. Repeat same sequence in 1.

3. P throws pitch, C throws through to 2nd base.

4. P throws pitch, C rolls out squeeze bunt, P flips to C, P at 2nd base moves to pitching position, pitcher moves to 2B position.

Catchers

Pitchers

Pitchers

1 2 3 4

Hoosier (infielders) 1. Alternating ground balls in a four corner formation

2. Alternating double plays with middle infielders

3. Double plays with corner infielders

1. 3B turn play, middle infielder fake and give ball back to 1B

2. 1B field, middle infielders turn double play with throw

1 2 31B 3B

SS2B

2B SS

1B & 3B

SS

1B 3B

2B

Hoosier (outfielders) 1. B rolls ground ball to

A, throw to cutoff man C. C rolls ground ball to D, D throw to cutoff man B. After two rounds A switch with B, C switch with D.

2. B throws fly ball to A, throw to cutoff man C. C throws fly ball to D, D throw to cutoff man B. After two rounds A switch with B, C switch with D.

1 2A

B

C

D

A

B

C

D

A

B

D

C

3- Line Drill Red: Pitcher in line 2 can run pickoffs, inside move play, count play or daylight (open glove).

Blue: Pitcher in line 3 will run 3-line bunt, play at 3rd or 3B field slow roller.

Black: Pitcher in line 1 will cover 1B, field bunt, or a slow roller with 1B communication.Fungo 1 Fungo 2

Multi-Purpose Drill Part 1 Red: Pitcher

delivers pitch, C throws to 2B. Middle infielders work on 1st and 3rd reads.

Blue: 3B fields slow roller from fungo 1, 3B throws to short 1B.

Black: Pitcher delivers pitch covers 1B or fields bunt, C will field bunts in play.Fungo 1 Fungo 2

Multi-Purpose Drill Part 2 Red: Pitcher

delivers pitch, wild pitch. Pitcher cover home, C throws ball, P makes tag.

Black: Pitcher delivers pitch after a delay, 1B, 3B, P and C are in bunt coverage, field bunt play.

Blue: Alternate feeding and turning double plays with middle infielders.Fungo 1 Fungo 2

Fungo 3

Multi-Purpose Drill Part 3

Red: Pitcher delivers pitch, C throws combacker, turning 1-2-3 (short 1B) double play.

Black: Fungo 1 alternates ground ball to 3B and 2B in-between fungo 2, turning 5-4-3 and 4-6-3 double plays.

Blue: Fungo 2 alternates ground ball to SS and 1B in-between fungo 1, turning 6-4-3 and 3-6-3 double plays

Fungo 2 Fungo 1

Outfield Throws Part 1 Red: CF throws to second with no cutoff, 2B at bag

Blue: RF throws to home plate, 1B cutoff, C communicate

Black: LF throws to third, SS cutoff

Coach

Coach

Coach

SS

1B

Outfield Throws Part 2 Red: CF throws to home plate, 1B cutoff, C communicate

Blue: RF throws to third, SS cutoff,

Black: LF throws to second, no cutoff

Coach

Coach

Coach1B

SS

Outfield Throws Part 3 Red: CF throws to third , SS cutoff

Blue: RF throws to second, no cutoff

Black: LF throws to home plate, 3B cutoff, C communicate

Coach

Coach

Coach

3B

SS

Pigmy Part 1 (no runner on)

Red: Ball hit to left-center over to left field, SS has cut, 2B has bag

Black: Ball hit to right-center over to right field, 2B has cut, SS has bag

Fungo 1

Pigmy Part 2 (runner on 1st)

Ball hit to outfield , SS has cut to 3rd, 2B has bag, P has back up behind 3rd.

Fungo 1

Pigmy Part 3 (runners on 1st and 2nd )

Red: Ball hit to leftfield to the line, 3B has cut, SS to 3rd, 2B to bag, P back up behind home.

Black: Ball hit to left-center over to right field, 1B has cut, SS cut to 3rd, P back up between 3rd and home, move on call (3 or 4).

Fungo 1

3 call

4 call

Pigmy Part 4 (runner on 2nd ) Red: Base hit to leftfield to the line, 3B has cut to home, SS to 3rd, 2B to bag, P back up home.

Black: Base hit to left-center over to right field, 1B has cut home, SS to 2nd, 2B to 1st, P back up home.

Blue: Fly ball to outfield, SS cut to 3rd, P back up 3rd.Fungo 1

Pigmy Part 5 (bases loaded)

Red: Base hit or fly ball to leftfield to the line, 3B has cut home, SS has 3rd, P back up home.

Black: Base hit or fly ball to left-center over to right field, 1B has cut home, SS has cut to 3rd, P back up home.

Fungo 1

Pigmy Part 6 (1st and 3rd ) Red: Fly ball hit foul down left field line, LF, SS, 3B converge, 1B had cut home, P covers 3rd. RF covers 1st.

Black: Fly ball hit foul down right field line, RF, 2B, 1B converge, 3B had cut home, P covers 1st. LF covers 3rd.

Blue: Pop up hit behind home plate, P covers home, 2B lines up cut to 2nd, SS has bag.

Fungo 1

Pigmy Part 7a (double cuts)

Ball hit to right field gap, 2B has lead, SS has trail on double cut lined up to 3rd, 1B is trailing the runner to 2nd and is cut to home. P has back up between 3rd and home, listens to call, moves accordingly.

Fungo 1

Pigmy Part 7b (double cuts)

Ball hit to left field gap, SS has lead, 2B has trail on double cut lined up to 3rd, 1B is trailing the runner to 2nd and is cut to home. P has back up between 3rd and home, listens to call, moves accordingly.

Fungo 1

Pigmy Part 7c (double cuts)

Ball hit to left field line, SS has lead, 3B has trail on double cut lined up to 3rd, 2B has 3rd base bag 1B is trailing the runner to 2nd and is cut to home. P has back up between 3rd and home, listens to call, moves accordingly.

Fungo 1

Batting Practice Round 1(5-Loose Round)

Baserunner: Runner at 1st moving 1st to 3rd on balls hit during this round.

Fungo 1: Ground balls to SS and 1B, back in to fungo.

Fungo 2: Ground balls to 3B and 2B, throw 5-3 and 4-3, ball back to fungo

Fungo 1 Fungo 2

5 loose round

Batting Practice Round 2(2 sac, 2 move, 2 in, 2 back round)

Baserunner: Runner at 1st read bunt down on ground. Runner at 2nd reads move round, goes 2nd to home on base hit or advance on ball hit in the infield during this round.

Fungo 1: Ground balls to SS and 1B, throw 6-3 and 3-1, ball back to fungo

Fungo 2: Ground balls to 3B and 2B, back in to fungo.

Fungo 1 Fungo 22 sac bunts, 2 move, 2 in, 2 back round

Batting Practice Round 3(Fastball-Change Round)

Baserunner: Runner at 2nd stealing 3rd, runner at 3rd reads ball off bat on ground balls, and sac flies during this round.

Fungo 1: Ground balls to SS and 1B, 6-4-3 and 3-6-3.

Fungo 2: Ground balls to 3B and 2B, 5-4-3 and 4-6-3.Fungo 1 Fungo 2

Fastball-Change round

Batting Practice Round 4 (2 Strike Hitting Round)

Baserunner: Runner at 2nd read balls with one out, runner at 3rd read balls at 3rd this round.

No Fungos: Infielders play live off the bat. Either throwing to 1st or turning double plays.

2 Strike Hitting Round

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MOTIVATION OUTLINEBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. Motivation – Things that make us do the things we do.1. Specific reasons for doing things we do2. Motive to act or take action3. Each person knows what motivates them the best

4. Fuel that enhances people’s performance B. Three types of motivation

1. Fear2. Self-esteem3. Incentives

C. Three keys to motivation1. Direction-Goals2. Plan3. Method

D. Establishing Goals1. Don’t undersell self, players2. Immediate3. Short term4. Long Term5. Never fail until you accept defeat as permanent and quit trying

E. Attaining Goals1. Builds confidence2. Recent experiences determines confidence3. Never give up regardless of obstacles you face

F. “ Holding The Rope”1. Hustle2. Enthusiasm3. Intensity4. Attitude5. Care about winning6. Loyalty7. Discipline

G. The Method1. Athletes job to please coach-not coaches responsibility to please players2. Disciplined program that will be successful in the long run3. Maintain a positive, aggressive attitude regardless of circumstances

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4. Will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win5. Run that race even if you have to walk across that line but you finish6. Hold the rope! Trust and belief in you that you won’t let go!

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MOTIVATION BOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. Motivationa. Things that make us do the things we dob. Fuel that enhances peoples’ performancec. Stimulation that sets people in action

i. Example - Star, girlfriend, money, parents, draft

B. Three types of motivationa. Fear – firm but fair. False evidence appears real. Take that risk - great

opportunity; opportunity to succeed rather than fail. Fear is like greatest liar in world. It should be a heightening experience. Face fear head on. Take these risks, accept that challenge. Without fear there can’t be any courage.

i. Example - Diving board, boogie manii. Fear is like fire, if don’t control it you can kill a loved one, burn a

house down. If you control it, you can heat a house, cook with it.iii. A man is a hero not because he is braver than everyone, but

because he is braver for ten minutes longer.iv. To beat fear you must recognize it, understand it, and neutralize it.

Fear is an ally. Body getting ready to play at a high level.v. If every situation were life or death there would be a lot more dead

people lying around.vi. Control the fear factor. Don’t let it control you!

b. Self Esteem – best kindi. Value you put on yourself.ii. People with high self esteem are risk takers or more importantly,

they are achievers.c. Incentives – Rewards

i. All Conferenceii. MVPiii. Scholarshipiv. Bonus

C. Keys to motivationa. Be yourselfb. Be a better listenerc. Be competent in your expertised. Create a visione. Rewards based on performance criteriaf. Use verbal and non-verbal cues ofteng. Motivate by innovative variety

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h. Directions – Goalsi. Plan – form identityj. Method – delegation of rules

D. Ain’t no such thing as a free lunch (King – Kingdom)a. Illustrates price tag on everythingb. Can do anything you want in this world but must be willing to pay the

pricec. Mother birth to son or daughter not winner or loser

E. Three kinds of people in this worlda. Make it happenb. Watch it happenc. Wonder what happened

F. Must establish goals to be successfula. Like shooting without a target.b. Don’t undersell self, players.c. Push to achieve what you thought wasn’t possible - ex. Plank 50 feet long

3 feet wide.d. Tendency to magnify job in front of us.e. The higher the goal the more apprehension we have about our chances for

success.f. An impossible dream is only impossible if all you do about it is dream.

Dreams are where we want to end up, goals are how we get there.g. Goals - Immediate, short term, long term goals - it can’t be a wish list but

a work list, constantly changing whether successful or unsuccessful - ex. my situation - coach at college level (I,II,III) success changed my goal.

h. Two things never wanted to be - real rich or real poor - coaching has enabled me to meet both these goals.

i. Never fail until you accept defeat as permanent and quit trying - ex. Babe Ruth - 714 homers, 1,330 strike outs, and little boy wants to be a Big Leaguer - just struck out a great hitter. Big enough, why! (Be an Olympian, or professional player). Gives you enough determination to keep going the right way.

G. Attaining goals - Building confidencea. Win because of confidence; lose because of absence of it.b. Recent experiences determine confidence - ex. girl for date, job interview,

and confidence is key, talk and thinks about being successful.c. Act the way you want to become then you become the way you act.

i. Example - Pete Rose, Ty Cobbd. Don’t be negative with subconscious (pond -golf ball-don’t walk the

hitter). Positive - I flunked the test, Blind man, seeing eye dog.

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e. When life deals you lemons make lemonade.f. Never give up regardless of obstacles you face.

i. Example - Roger Bannister- 4 minute mile, 3 - two weeks later, 13 that year, now 20,000 have done it.

H. Experiment - 3 groups of students.a. Group A - Exceptional, achieve fantastic results, lots of confidenceb. Group B - Average - make average progress is realistic goalc. Group C - Not especially talented, if can maintain discipline would be

successful goald. Conclusion - achieved their goals and what was expectede. Irony - was no difference in groups, same economic background, same

educational background.f. Great illustrations that people live either up or down to your expectations.g. Set your goals high and shoot for the moon and the worst you fall is

among the stars.h. But remember must be willing to pay the price - no such thing as free

lunch.

I. Expect players, myself to pay price and have goals - Form identity - work hard - Play hard represents what we stand for.

a. The more successful the higher the goals become.b. Teams successful because paid price and had goals to strive for.c. Later teams more athletically talented but still had to pay the price and had

goals. The more successful the higher the goals become.

J. Seven things I demand from athletes - Hold the Rope.a. Hustle - Not everyone can be All-American but everyone can hustle.b. Enthusiasm - is like a coat of paint it covers up a lot of mistakes.c. Intensity - The way you do things, its your focus. It’s the blinders you put

on - staying in the right time zone with mind & body.d. Attitude - Your greatest friend, team concept, family. Think about what

you have rather than what you don’t have. Your talent determines what you can do, your motivation determines how much you are willing to do, and your attitude determines how well you will do it.

i. Example - Bricklayere. Care about winning as much as I do.

i. First team all-conference player doesn’t make football a worthwhile endeavor for third stringer - The thing that makes working hard worthwhile to everyone is winning as a team. When this happens, walks a little taller, more bounce to step, sparkle in eye, “It’s amazing what a group can accomplish when no one cares

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who gets the credit”.ii. Focus on the process rather than the outcome; otherwise you set

yourself up for failure. By concentrating on what you’re doing while you’re doing it, you can maximize your performance potential. Concentrate on what you need to do, not what to avoid.

1. Example: Don’t look over there (it becomes your dominant focus).

iii. Don’t let what you don’t have keep you from using what you do have.

f. Disciplinei. Doing the things you are supposed to do when you are supposed to

do them and do them that way all the time.ii. Discipline is not what you do to yourself, but what you do for

yourself.iii. Shout praise, whisper criticism.

g. Loyaltyi. Bombarded from press, fan, etc.ii. Must stay strong within, if disintegrate from within you are in

severe trouble.iii. Communication - Maintain line of communication then people

have a chance to voice dissent, naturally some things disagree with and should voice opinion to person who can rectify wrong that is coach and nobody else.

1. Example: wife - abroad, trip to Europe, diamond - baseball field, ERA - think of pitcher’s ERA

2. The Lord give us two eyes and two ears and a mouth because we should look and hear more than we speak

K. Types of communicationa. 5% verbalb. 2% scientific hunchc. 35% emotionald. 58% body language

L. Difference in athletes today and 25 years ago is the same difference in society. Today everyone talks about rights and privileges. Twenty five years ago they talked about obligations and responsibilities.

M. Conclusiona. I have high expectations and everyone has to pay their dues.b. I always felt that any organization that’s easy to belong to is not very

worthwhile.c. Athletes’ responsibility to please coach, not coaches responsibility to

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please players.d. Feel an obligation to run a disciplined program that will be successful in

long run - to do anything else is unfair to athletes who want to win.e. Discipline of an IU baseball player is to establish and maintain an

aggressive positive attitude regardless of circumstances.f. Winning is good for everyone’s self esteem.

i. Example: Doctor’s office.g. Will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win - but

remember you must pay your dues as there is no such thing as a free lunch.

h. Finish that race even if you have to walk across that line.i. Trust and belief in you that you will Hold the Rope!

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MOTIVATION BOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. Motivationa. Things that make us do the things we dob. Fuel that enhances peoples’ performancec. Stimulation that sets people in action

i. Example - Star, girlfriend, money, parents, draft

B. Three types of motivationa. Fear – firm but fair. False evidence appears real. Take that risk - great

opportunity; opportunity to succeed rather than fail. Fear is like greatest liar in world. It should be a heightening experience. Face fear head on. Take these risks, accept that challenge. Without fear there can’t be any courage.

i. Example - Diving board, boogie manii. Fear is like fire, if don’t control it you can kill a loved one, burn a

house down. If you control it, you can heat a house, cook with it.iii. A man is a hero not because he is braver than everyone, but

because he is braver for ten minutes longer.iv. To beat fear you must recognize it, understand it, and neutralize it.

Fear is an ally. Body getting ready to play at a high level.v. If every situation were life or death there would be a lot more dead

people lying around.vi. Control the fear factor. Don’t let it control you!

b. Self Esteem – best kindi. Value you put on yourself.ii. People with high self esteem are risk takers or more importantly,

they are achievers.c. Incentives – Rewards

i. All Conferenceii. MVPiii. Scholarshipiv. Bonus

C. Keys to motivationa. Be yourselfb. Be a better listenerc. Be competent in your expertised. Create a visione. Rewards based on performance criteriaf. Use verbal and non-verbal cues ofteng. Motivate by innovative variety

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h. Directions – Goalsi. Plan – form identityj. Method – delegation of rules

D. Ain’t no such thing as a free lunch (King – Kingdom)a. Illustrates price tag on everythingb. Can do anything you want in this world but must be willing to pay the

pricec. Mother birth to son or daughter not winner or loser

E. Three kinds of people in this worlda. Make it happenb. Watch it happenc. Wonder what happened

F. Must establish goals to be successfula. Like shooting without a target.b. Don’t undersell self, players.c. Push to achieve what you thought wasn’t possible - ex. Plank 50 feet long

3 feet wide.d. Tendency to magnify job in front of us.e. The higher the goal the more apprehension we have about our chances for

success.f. An impossible dream is only impossible if all you do about it is dream.

Dreams are where we want to end up, goals are how we get there.g. Goals - Immediate, short term, long term goals - it can’t be a wish list but

a work list, constantly changing whether successful or unsuccessful - ex. my situation - coach at college level (I,II,III) success changed my goal.

h. Two things never wanted to be - real rich or real poor - coaching has enabled me to meet both these goals.

i. Never fail until you accept defeat as permanent and quit trying - ex. Babe Ruth - 714 homers, 1,330 strike outs, and little boy wants to be a Big Leaguer - just struck out a great hitter. Big enough, why! (Be an Olympian, or professional player). Gives you enough determination to keep going the right way.

G. Attaining goals - Building confidencea. Win because of confidence; lose because of absence of it.b. Recent experiences determine confidence - ex. girl for date, job interview,

and confidence is key, talk and thinks about being successful.c. Act the way you want to become then you become the way you act.

i. Example - Pete Rose, Ty Cobbd. Don’t be negative with subconscious (pond -golf ball-don’t walk the

hitter). Positive - I flunked the test, Blind man, seeing eye dog.

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e. When life deals you lemons make lemonade.f. Never give up regardless of obstacles you face.

i. Example - Roger Bannister- 4 minute mile, 3 - two weeks later, 13 that year, now 20,000 have done it.

H. Experiment - 3 groups of students.a. Group A - Exceptional, achieve fantastic results, lots of confidenceb. Group B - Average - make average progress is realistic goalc. Group C - Not especially talented, if can maintain discipline would be

successful goald. Conclusion - achieved their goals and what was expectede. Irony - was no difference in groups, same economic background, same

educational background.f. Great illustrations that people live either up or down to your expectations.g. Set your goals high and shoot for the moon and the worst you fall is

among the stars.h. But remember must be willing to pay the price - no such thing as free

lunch.

I. Expect players, myself to pay price and have goals - Form identity - work hard - Play hard represents what we stand for.

a. The more successful the higher the goals become.b. Teams successful because paid price and had goals to strive for.c. Later teams more athletically talented but still had to pay the price and had

goals. The more successful the higher the goals become.

J. Seven things I demand from athletes - Hold the Rope.a. Hustle - Not everyone can be All-American but everyone can hustle.b. Enthusiasm - is like a coat of paint it covers up a lot of mistakes.c. Intensity - The way you do things, its your focus. It’s the blinders you put

on - staying in the right time zone with mind & body.d. Attitude - Your greatest friend, team concept, family. Think about what

you have rather than what you don’t have. Your talent determines what you can do, your motivation determines how much you are willing to do, and your attitude determines how well you will do it.

i. Example - Bricklayere. Care about winning as much as I do.

i. First team all-conference player doesn’t make football a worthwhile endeavor for third stringer - The thing that makes working hard worthwhile to everyone is winning as a team. When this happens, walks a little taller, more bounce to step, sparkle in eye, “It’s amazing what a group can accomplish when no one cares

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who gets the credit”.ii. Focus on the process rather than the outcome; otherwise you set

yourself up for failure. By concentrating on what you’re doing while you’re doing it, you can maximize your performance potential. Concentrate on what you need to do, not what to avoid.

1. Example: Don’t look over there (it becomes your dominant focus).

iii. Don’t let what you don’t have keep you from using what you do have.

f. Disciplinei. Doing the things you are supposed to do when you are supposed to

do them and do them that way all the time.ii. Discipline is not what you do to yourself, but what you do for

yourself.iii. Shout praise, whisper criticism.

g. Loyaltyi. Bombarded from press, fan, etc.ii. Must stay strong within, if disintegrate from within you are in

severe trouble.iii. Communication - Maintain line of communication then people

have a chance to voice dissent, naturally some things disagree with and should voice opinion to person who can rectify wrong that is coach and nobody else.

1. Example: wife - abroad, trip to Europe, diamond - baseball field, ERA - think of pitcher’s ERA

2. The Lord give us two eyes and two ears and a mouth because we should look and hear more than we speak

K. Types of communicationa. 5% verbalb. 2% scientific hunchc. 35% emotionald. 58% body language

L. Difference in athletes today and 25 years ago is the same difference in society. Today everyone talks about rights and privileges. Twenty five years ago they talked about obligations and responsibilities.

M. Conclusiona. I have high expectations and everyone has to pay their dues.b. I always felt that any organization that’s easy to belong to is not very

worthwhile.c. Athletes’ responsibility to please coach, not coaches responsibility to

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please players.d. Feel an obligation to run a disciplined program that will be successful in

long run - to do anything else is unfair to athletes who want to win.e. Discipline of an IU baseball player is to establish and maintain an

aggressive positive attitude regardless of circumstances.f. Winning is good for everyone’s self esteem.

i. Example: Doctor’s office.g. Will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win - but

remember you must pay your dues as there is no such thing as a free lunch.

h. Finish that race even if you have to walk across that line.i. Trust and belief in you that you will Hold the Rope!

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GOALS SETTING PRINCIPLESBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. You need a clear picture of where you want to go. Your goals serve as your guide.B. Success is a chance event without proper goals. Example: Magnifying glassC. Goals function the way a map would if you were planning a road trip.D. Big enough why

1. Goal has to provide you with enough impetus to do the uncomfortable thing.2. It defines you and uniquely separates you from everyone else.3. It gives you guts and determination to keep going the right way.

9 PRINCIPLES OF WINNINGGOAL SETTING

1. Be sure the goal is yoursA. It must have your signature all over it. A place in your heart. If it’s someone else’s, when

the going gets tough you will lack the motivation to see it through.2. Break it into Manageable Parts.

A. Immediate - 1 to 5 monthsB. Intermediate - 6 months to 1 yearC. Long Term - 1-3 yearsConnect what you are doing today with where you want to go ultimately.

3. Set deadline for your goals.A. Adds to sense of urgencyB. Helps you prioritize your efforts. Example: Make Varsity next season

4. Use outcome and process goals.A. What you want to accomplish and more about how you will accomplish it.

5. Make your goals specific.A. If the direction and destination is unclear, the result will be unclear. Ex. Full ScholarshipB. The more specific you are about your goals, the more likely you are to reach them.

6. Keep your goals flexibleA. If you fail to meet a goal, then adjust that goal and set another one, if you reach one, set a

more challenging one.B. “Just because you take a wrong turn, don’t cancel the whole trip.” –M. Jordan

7. Frame your goals in a positive wayA. “Don’t foul”B. “Don’t lose my ball”C. “Don’t walk this guy”Don’t be negative with your subconscious

8. Make your goals MeasurableA. 100 push upsB. Sink 15 out of 20 free throws

9. Write your goals down and post themA. Don’t just think them, ink them.B. Written commitment helps more motivational power.C. Seeing the commitment reminds you of your daily path. Ex. Coach’s Locker Room

Slogan

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BASEBALL AS IT RELATES TO SKILLS FOR LIFEBOB MORGAN BASEBALL

A. Make you Establish Goals1. For your life, job, diet2. You need a clear picture of where you want to go3. Success is a chance without proper goals4. Goals function the way a map would if you were planning a trip5. Inch by inch life is a cinch, yard by yard it will be too hard

B. Hitting a Baseball1. Teaches us to be able to handle failure, toughest sport to play2. Relates to tennis, great as carry over value sports (ex. Grip, stance, eyes, squish bug,

chin)3.Coaching a little league team

C. Helps us deal with Adversity1. More failure then any sport2. Average retirement age is 133. Fear of failing paralyzes us4. Failure when viewed through a correct lens is merely delayed success5. Use failure as a sense of feedback6. Get down once, get up once7. Fear- opportunity to succeed rather then an opportunity to fail8. Never fail until you accept defeat and quit trying (ex. Babe Ruth, Little kid- Big

Leaguer)

D. Teaches us to Control What We Can Control1. Example – Get a hit, win the game2. Focus on the process not the outcome – quality at bat gives me a chance to get a hit,

throw strikes, pick up grounders, run bases aggressively, quality at bats gives us a chance to be in the game.

3. Maximum performance potential if focus on process not the outcome as you are concentrating on what you are doing while you’re doing it.

A. Live to be 100 - Eat right, exercise, take care of selfB. Live to be able to retire at age 65 at 50,000 a year – work hard, invest

properly

E. Here and now time zone1. Yesterday – canceled check

Tomorrow – promissory noteToday – only money has, spend it wisely

2. Past – mind behind bodyFuture – mind ahead of bodyPresent – Mind – Body in sync

3. Only time zone you can control4. Peak performance – maximum performance potential

F. Mental Toughness1.Mentally tough people find the possible in the impossible

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2.Mental toughness is the outward manifestation of inner commitment3.Of all the physical and mental assets an athlete has, mental toughness is by far the most

important4.Resiliency to bounce back from setbacks

Example: Rocky Bleier – Vietnam veteran listed 40% disabled and sent home in 1969 – 1976 gained 1,000 yards 1996, Kerry Strug Olympics, stress fracture, saluted judges and collapsedNo hitter and lose

G. Role within a team concept1.Baseball Team

A. All come as stars from different High SchoolsB. Different backgroundsC. Different up-bringingD. Develop into a family where

2.Loyalty – trust and handshake means somethingA. No hidden agendasB. Understand accepting role

SUMMARYA. Today in society crime is up – cheating and lying are okay if convenient. No one takes

responsibility for his or her actions.B. Kids come to here play baseball and learn that athletics (baseball) apply the same principles

that relate to being successful in life.C. Biggest value in playing sports. Trophies collect dust but principles and lessons remain

forever.