Baseball Coach's Survival Guide Practical Techniques and Materials for Building an Effective Program and a Winning Team

by Weinstein, Jerry; Alston, Tom

• ISBN13: 9780787966218
• ISBN10: 0787966215
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-04-01
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

Here is a comprehensive, practical resource that makes building a successful baseball program considerably easier for both the new and the experienced coach. Included are proven techniques and ready-to-use materials for virtually every aspect of the coach's job, from recruiting to training talent for each position.

Author Biography

Jerry Weinstein has won 17 league championships or co-championships in 21 years at Sacramento City College (CA) with 246 drafted players and 126 pro signers, 19 of those in the Big leagues. He also served as assistant coach for the USA Olympic Baseball Teams in 1996 and 1992 and in player development for several pro teams Tom Alston is a successful high school varsity and JV coach with extensive youth league experience as coach and as clinic director for Babe Ruth, Pony, Little League, and Bambino. His articles have appeared in various publications

Table of Contents

About This Resource	vii
Section 1 GETTING STARTED	1	(24)
Setting Goals	1	(2)
Specific Team Goals
Key Concepts
Sample Phrases
Establishing Standards	3	(2)
Grades
Study Hall
Discipline
Structure
Leadership
No Trash Talk
Positive Comments
Standards
Maintaining Positive Relationships	5	(2)
Interacting with Players
Marshmallows, Jellybeans and Rocks
Interacting with Parents and Guardians
Relationships with Others
Components of Good Coaching
Communications	7	(5)
Disciplining Players
Baseball Communications Form	8	(1)
Baseball Communications Form (sample)	9	(1)
Performance Contract	10	(1)
Performance Contract (sample)	11	(1)
Depending on Your Own Skills
First Steps for a New Coach	12	(1)
A Note to Walk-On Coaches	13	(2)
Coach's Introductory Memo	14	(1)
Evaluating Your Performance	15	(2)
Post-Season Blind Surveys
Winning
Coach Evaluation Form	16	(1)
Fund Raising	17	(1)
Making Fund Raising the Players' Responsibility
How to Do it	18	(1)
Mapping It Out
Supervision
Keeping Records
Record of Contributions	19
Other Ways to Raise Money	18	(4)
Program Ads
Fence Sign Program
Newsletters
Joint Ventures
Grants
Other Considerations in Fund Raising	22	(3)
Earmarking Funds
Newsletter Template	23	(2)
Setting a Time Limit
Thinking Big
Section 2 RECRUITING AND TRYOUTS	25	(10)
Announcing the Tryouts	25	(4)
Preparation Checklist for Baseball Tryouts	26	(1)
Tryouts for High School Baseball (Announcement)	27	(1)
Pre-Season Baseball Questionnaire	28	(1)
Developing as Many Athletes as Possible	29	(1)
The Plan for Tryouts	29	(1)
Running
Throwing
Fielding
Hitting
Evaluations
Allowing Enough Time for Tryouts
Keeping Large Rosters	30	(1)
Staff and Facility Requirements
Players Who Aren't Playing
Player Development	31	(1)
The Coaching Staff	32	(1)
Avoiding Legal Problems	32	(3)
Avoiding Legal Problems Checklist	33	(2)
Section 3 GAME CONTROL FROM START TO FINISH	35	(50)
Winning	35	(1)
Controlling the Situation	35	(2)
Synergy
Positives
Responsibility
Basic Skills
Practice	37	(1)
Individual Practice Goals	37	(1)
Schedules and Goals	37	(2)
Practice Schedule	38	(1)
Game Day	39	(5)
Game Day Assignment Chart	40	(1)
Game Day Assignment Chart (sample)	41	(1)
Game Day Timetable	42	(1)
Game Day Timetable (sample)	43	(1)
Scouting	44	(1)
Opponent's Scouting Chart	45	(1)
Opponent's Scouting Chart (sample)	46	(1)
Opponent's Pitcher Tendencies Chart	47	(1)
Opponent's Pitcher Tendencies Chart (sample)	48
The Game	44	(5)
Game Card	50	(1)
Game Card (sample)	51
Offensive Signals	49	(1)
Sample Signal System	49	(3)
Getting the Players Involved in Offense	52	(1)
Recording Results
Home to First Running Time Chart	54	(1)
Home to First Running Time Chart (sample)	55	(1)
Offensive Results Chart	56	(1)
Offensive Results Chart (sample)	57
When to Work on Signs	53	(1)
Game Notes	53	(5)
Charting the Pitcher's Progress and Performance	58	(24)
Pitcher's Performance Chart	62	(1)
Pitcher's Performance Chart (sample)	63	(1)
Pitch Location & Count Chart	64	(1)
Pitch Location & Count Chart (sample)	65	(1)
Pitcher's Velocity Chart	66	(1)
Pitcher's Velocity Chart (sample)	67	(1)
Pitcher's Questionnaire	68	(1)
Pitcher's Questionnaire (sample)	69	(1)
Pitcher's Summary Chart	70	(1)
Pitcher's Summary Chart (sample)	71	(1)
Pitcher Delivery Checklist	72	(1)
Pitcher Delivery Checklist (sample)	73	(1)
Pitcher's Self Evaluation Chart	74	(1)
Pitcher's Self Evaluation Chart (sample)	75	(1)
Work Progress Chart (sample)	76	(1)
Work Progress Chart (sample)	77	(1)
31-Day Pitch Count Chart	78	(1)
31-Day Pitch Count Chart (sample)	79	(1)
31-Day Pitching Schedule Chart	80	(1)
31-Day Pitching Schedule Chart (sample)	81	(1)
Defensive Signals	82	(1)
Calling the Pitches from the Dugout	82	(1)
Defensive Alignment	83	(1)
Postgame	84	(1)
Section 4 PITCHING	85	(14)
Overview of the Five Most Important Pitching Skills	85	(2)
Hitting the Target
Changing Speeds
Creating Movement
Maximizing Velocity
Working Fast
Review
Downhill Plane --- The Goal in Mechanics	87	(1)
The Pitching Sequence	87	(5)
Starting Position
Rocker Step
Reaching a Balance Position
The Balance Position
Hand Separation
Thumbs Down Separation
The Glide and Stride to Home Plate
Stride Leg
Pitching Is Like Closing a Door
Landing
The Pitch	92	(2)
Rolling the Laces
Follow Through
Pitching out of the Stretch
Right Hander's Stretch Move	94	(3)
Summary Chart of Mechanical Check Points	95	(2)
Left Hander's Stretch Move	97	(1)
Control	97	(2)
Target Orientation
Pitcher Charts
Section 5 THE PITCHES	99	(44)
Fastball	99	(1)
Four Seam
Choking the Ball
Two Seam Fastball
Two Seam Across
The Two Seam with the Seam Fast Ball
Movement and Velocity	100	(1)
Change-Up	101	(2)
The Grip
Velocity of the Change-Up
Learning the Change-Up
Curve Ball	103	(3)
Breaking Ball Grip
Throwing the Breaking Ball
Other Breaking Pitches	106	(2)
Knuckle Curve Ball
Split
Cut Fast Ball
The Knuckle Ball
The Pitching Plan	108	(3)
Strikes Early in the Count
The 1-1 Pitch
The 0-2 and 2-0 Pitch
Boxing and Tilting
Doubling
One Pitch Put Away
Pitch Counts
Pitcher's Strengths
Side Work
Identifying Hitters and Attacking Their Weaknesses	111	(4)
Pitching Approach Guidelines	113	(2)
Warming Up	115	(7)
Sample Warm-Up Plan
Checklist for Warm-Up	118	(1)
Checklist for Bullpen Equipment	119	(3)
After Warm-Up
Rough First Innings
Warming Up Relievers
Fielding Techniques for the Pitcher	122	(4)
Come Backers
Pop-Ups
Covering First Base
Backing Up Bases
Covering Home Plate
Controlling a Known Fielding Situation	126	(1)
Holding Runners on Base and Identifying Running Situations	126	(1)
Long Hold and Step Off
Hold Until Time Called
Basic Holding Situations	127	(3)
Right-Handed Pitchers Holding Runners on Base
Right Handed Pitcher's Pick to First
Pitchout and Modified Pitchout
Left-Handed Pitchers Holding Runners on First	130	(3)
Six-Cleat Move
Holding Runners on Second
Holding Runners on Third
Arm Soreness	133	(2)
Communicating the Problem
Types of Arm Soreness
Conditioning for Arm Soreness
Overuse
Post-Pitching Arm Exercises	135	(8)
How to Care for Different Parts of the Arm	138	(5)
Section 6 CATCHING	143	(36)
Signal Stance	143	(1)
Giving Signals	144	(1)
Going From Signal to Receiving Stance	145	(1)
Receiving Stance	146	(5)
Receiving Techniques	151	(6)
Framing Technique
Low Balls
High Balls
Backhands
Glove Side
Letting the Close Pitch Sit
Expanding the Strike Zone
Keeping the Tempo
Remedies for Dropping Pitches	157	(1)
Throwing	158	(2)
Step-Catch-Throw Technique	160	(2)
Throwing Runners Out at Second	162	(2)
Right-Handed Hitter Up
Left-Handed Hitter Up
Throwing Runners Out at Third	164	(1)
Situational Throwing	165	(2)
Ball in the Dirt, Runner Stealing
Drawing Batter's Interference
Throwing in a First and Third Situation
Catcher's Picks	167	(1)
Blocking Balls in the Dirt	168	(1)
Tag Plays at Home Plate	169	(3)
Showing the Umpire the Ball
Catching Extras --- Receiving Throws	172	(2)
Dropped Third Strikes
Backing Up First Base
Force Play at Home Plate
Catching Extras --- Hit Balls	174	(1)
Bunts
Pop Ups
Catcher's Game Performance	175	(4)
Catcher's Chart	176	(1)
Catcher's Chart (sample)	177	(2)
Section 7 GENERAL INFIELD PLAY	179	(20)
Positioning	179	(4)
Situational Positioning
Setup Position
Tracking the Ball
Reacting to the Ball
Hand Position
Glove Position
Fielding the Hit	183	(2)
Backhands
Glove Side
Slow Roller
Arm Fakes
Throwing
Diving Catches
Thinking in the Field	185	(1)
Verbal Communication
Making Friends with the Field
Being in the Defensive Zone
Drills to Develop Ground Ball Skills	186	(3)
Bare Hand
Paddle Glove
Shadow Drill
Backboard
Golf Ball Drill
Hard Charge
21 Outs
Kamikazes
Striped Ball
Throwing on Your Back
Down the Line
Knee Throwing
Four-Person Catch
Four-Corner Catch
The Little Things in Infield Play	189	(1)
Covering Bases and Tag Plays
Infield Pops and Fly Balls in the Outfield
Defending the Hit and Run	190	(2)
Modified Pitch Out
Switching Coverage
Confusing Runners
Some Thoughts for the Third Baseman	192	(1)
Playing the Bunt
Playing in the Hole
Starting the Double Play
Positioning
Some Thoughts for the First Baseman	192	(2)
Playing off the Line
Rounding First Base
Anticipating Bad Throws
Improving Footwork Around the Bag
Positioning on the Pitch
Taking Catcher's Picks
Training or Beating the Runner to a Base
The Double Play	194	(4)
General Thoughts---Double Play Feeds
Shortstop---Double Play Feeds
Shortstop---Turning the Double Play
Second Baseman---Double Play Feeds
Second Baseman---Turning the Double Play
Drills for Double Play Techniques	198	(1)
Section 8 OUTFIELD PLAY	199	(14)
Thinking Before The Pitch	199	(2)
State of Readiness
The Psyche of a Great Outfielder
Determining Position
Additional Positioning Considerations
Prepitch Setup
Reacting to the Ball	201	(2)
Playing the Outfield
Outfield Correction
Calling the Ball
Communication	203	(1)
Center Fielders
Off Outfielders
Playing the Hit	204	(1)
Diving
Ground Balls
Throwing Fundamentals	205	(3)
Targets
Accuracy
Do or Die Technique
Additional Tips	208	(1)
Sun Flies
Positioning with the Infield in
Throwing Drills	208	(5)
Long Catch
Back Throwing
Fence Throwing
Knee Throwing
One-Knee Throwing
Three-Man Throwing Drill
Bat Angle Drill
Toss Drill
Outfield Correction Drill
Line Drill
Live Fungo
Section 9 DEFENSIVE STRATEGY AND POSITIONING	213	(6)
Positioning	213	(1)
Positioning the Outfielders
Infield Positioning
General Tips on Positioning
Defensive Focus	214	(1)
Pitching
Avoiding the ``Inevitable Two Runs'' in the First Inning
Defensive Positioning	215	(2)
Opposite
Slight Opposite
Straight Away
Slight Pull
Pull
Caution
Straight-Away Depth
Making Adjustments	217	(1)
Number System
Third Baseman
First Baseman
Pitcher
Individual Skills	218	(1)
Other Factors	218	(1)
Section 10 TEAM DEFENSE	219	(48)
Cutoffs and Relays	219	(17)
Single - No Runners on Base or Runner on 3rd	221	(1)
Single - Runner on 1st or Runners at 1st & 3rd	222	(1)
Single - Runner at 2nd or Runners at 2nd & 3rd	223	(1)
Single - Runners at 1st & 2nd or Bases Loaded	224	(1)
Sure Double w/No One on Base, Runner on 2nd or Runners on 2nd & 3rd	225	(2)
Sure Double w/Runner on 1st, Runners on 1st & 2nd, on 1st & 3rd or Bases Loaded	227	(2)
Fly Ball w/Runner on 3rd or Runners on 1st & 3rd Tagging & Trying to Score	229	(1)
Fly Ball w/Runners on 2nd & 3rd or Bases Loaded, Runners Tagging	230	(1)
Single to Right Field, 1st Baseman Diving for Ball, Runner at 2nd or Runners at 2nd & 3rd	231	(1)
Single to Center Field in Hole w/Runner at 1st or Runners at 1st & 3rd	232	(1)
Wild Pick at 1st Base Coverage	233	(1)
Wild Pitch/Passed Ball Coverage, Runner on 1st	234	(1)
Wild Pitch/Passed Ball Coverage, Runner on 2nd &/or 3rd	235	(1)
Outfielder's Role	236	(2)
The Relay Man
Tandem Relay
Cut Off and Relay Verbals
Confusing the Baserunners
Backing Up
Short Man	238	(4)
Runner on 2nd, on 3rd Tagging a Fly Ball or Runners on 2nd & 3rd	240	(1)
Runners on 1st & 2nd or Bases Loaded	241	(1)
Bunt Defense	242	(12)
Runner on First Base
Runner on First Base, Basic Bunt Defense
Runner on First Base, Crash Bunt Defense
Off and Back Pick
Runner on Second Base or Runners on First and Second Base
Basic Bunt Defense
Drive Bunt Defense
Rotation Bunt Defense
Pick Bunt Defense
Squeeze Bunt Defense, Runner on Third Base
Basic Bunt Defense: Runner on 1st Base Only	247	(1)
Crash Bunt Defense: Runner on 1st Base Only	248	(1)
Basic Bunt Defense: Runner on 2nd Base or Runners on 1st & 2nd Base	249	(1)
Drive Bunt Defense: Runner on 2nd Base or Runners on 1st & 2nd Base	250	(1)
Rotation Bunt Defense: Runner on 2nd Base or Runners on 1st or 2nd Base	251	(1)
Pick Bunt Defense: Runner on 2nd Base or Runners on 1st & 2nd Base	252	(1)
Squeeze Defense: Runner on 3rd Base	253	(1)
First and Third Defense	254	(8)
Straight to Shortstop
Look Him Back and Throw Him Out
Arm Fake and Throw to Third
Early Break Defense
Straight to Shortstop	257	(1)
Look Him Back and Throw Him Out	258	(2)
Arm Fake and Throw to Third	260	(1)
Early Break	261	(1)
Pop-Up Priority	262	(5)
Avoiding Infielder/Outfielder Collisions
Designated Divers
Examples of Pop-Ups	264	(3)
Section 11 HITTING	267	(24)
The Stance	267	(2)
Setting the Feet
Setting the Head
The Hands
Elbows
Positioning in the Batter's Box	269	(1)
The Eyes	270	(1)
Eye Tests
Hitter Momentum	271	(1)
Stride	271	(2)
Flat-Foot Stride
Short Stride/No Stride
The Swing	273	(3)
On Contact
Hands Inside the Ball
Point of Contact
The Follow-Through
Comfort
The Hitting Game Plan	276	(1)
One Pitch, One Location
Deciding on Location
Hitters, Do Your Homework!
Two-Strike Hitting	277	(1)
Situation Hitting	278	(1)
Five Hitting Zones for the Advanced Hitter	278	(1)
Taking Pitches	279	(1)
Pitch Counts
Rolling on the Inside Pitch
Acting in the Box
Batting Practice	280	(1)
Working on the Hitter's Weakness
Pitching Machines
Establishing Good Habits
Hitting Drills	281	(5)
Stance Check
Mirror Drill
K Board
Balance Beam
Self Toss
The Batting T
Two-Man Soft Toss
Soft Toss from Behind
Toss off One Knee
Fence Swing
Two-Ball Toss
Hitting Drills with the Aid of Equipment	286	(2)
40-Inch, 40-Ounce Bat
Short Bat
Eye Patch
Side Winder
Towel Drill
Hitting Net
Live Batting Practice	288	(3)
No Stride Drill
Off-Center Opposite Drill
Section 12 THE SHORT GAME	291	(10)
Sacrifice Bunt	291	(4)
Sacrifice Bunt to First Base
Sacrifice Bunt to Third Base
Squeeze Bunt
Safety Squeeze
Base Hit Bunt	295	(1)
Base Hit Bunt to Third Base	296	(2)
Right-Handed Hitter
Left-Handed Hitter
Base Hit Bunt to Second Base	298	(1)
Right-Handed Hitter
Left-Handed Hitter
Base Hit Bunt to First Base	299	(1)
Right-Handed Hitter
Left-Handed Hitter
Base Hit Bunt to Shortstop	300	(1)
Fake Bunt, Fake Hit and Bunt	300	(1)
Section 13 BASE RUNNING	301	(24)
Pregame and During-Game Homework	302	(1)
Outfielders
Infielders
Between Innings
Batter/Runner Technique	303	(2)
Pre-Pitch Preparation
After Touching First Base
Watching the First Baseman's Feet
Making the Turn
Leads at First Base	305	(2)
Primary Leads
Expanding the Primary Lead
Returning to First Base	307	(1)
Dives
Crossover
Feet First Standing
Using the Stopwatch	308	(1)
Secondary Leads	309	(1)
Fake Break	310	(1)
Stealing Second Base	310	(1)
Stealing Against a Right-Handed Pitcher	311	(1)
Front Shoulder
Anticipation
Reading the Front Foot
Reading the Pitch Out
Primary Leads vs. Left-Handed Pitchers	312	(1)
Stealing Against Left-Handed Pitchers	313	(3)
The Head
Upper Body
Lead Leg
Hands and Legs
Delay Steal	316	(1)
The Shade---An Aid to Stealing Second	316	(1)
Extra Innings at First Base	316	(1)
Avoiding the Double Play
Tagging Up on Fly Balls
Leads at Second Base	317	(2)
Primary Lead
Shuffle Lead
Give and Take Lead
Two-Out, Deep Lead
Avoid Making the First or Third Out at Third Base
Three Methods of Stealing Third Base	319	(2)
Leads Steal
Give and Take Steal
Deep Lead Walking Steal
Leads at Third Base	321	(1)
Stealing Home	321	(1)
Forcing a Balk	322	(1)
Ball in the Dirt at Third	322	(1)
Sliding	323	(1)
Feet First Slide
Head First Slide
The Double Play Slide
Sliding at Home Plate
Sliding Practice
Other Tips for Base Running	323	(2)
Section 14 OFFENSIVE STRATEGY AND TECHNIQUES	325	(18)
Plan for Today's Game	325	(2)
Adjustments
Broad and Flexible Game Plan
Convincing Your Team to Use the Whole Inning
The Hitter's Plan	327	(1)
Two-Strike Hitting
Getting Deep in the Count
Big Inning Offense	327	(3)
Big Inning Teams
Seven Strategies for One-Run Inning Offense
Gambling with the Bottom Part of Your Lineup
Knowing Your Personnel
Batting Order	330	(1)
Setting Up Right-Handers and Left-Handers
Circular, Not Linear, Batting Order
Controlling the Tempo	331	(1)
Offensive Techniques	332	(1)
Hit and Run	332	(3)
Hitter's Responsibility on Hit and Run
Base Runner's Responsibility on Hit and Run
Fake Bunt Hit and Run
Fake Bunt Hit
Suicide Hit and Run
First and Third Short Game Techniques	335	(3)
Early Turn Sacrifice Bunt Third Base
Early Turn Sacrifice Bunt First Base
Fake Squeezes
Forced Balk
Fake Break
Fake Base Hit Bunt
Shade
Take
Stealing a Run --- First and Third Offense	338	(5)
Options for the Runner at First
Additional Options
Gimmick Plays to Steal a Run
Section 15 SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL	343	(7)
Approaching a Career in Baseball	343	(2)
Importance of Non-Baseball Skills
Other Considerations in Singing or Going to School
Returning to School After Baseball
Evaluating a Pathway	345	(2)
The Viewpoint of a Professional Organization
Money in the Minor Leagues
Getting Help With the Decision	347	(3)
Promotion Bonuses and How They Work Against College Money
Increasing the Player's Leverage
Appendix
Appendix A: Baseball Terms	349	(1)
Appendix B: Score Card (Sample: Front and Back)	350