On Picking Up Clues During the Game --
To pick up what kind of pitch might be coming, take a look at how the catcher is setting up. Is he preparing to block something in the dirt? Moving up?
Defensive issues --
Real key for fielders is to not only have the glove toe on the ground, but also to bend the wrist back to get as much glove coverage as possible in front of the ball.
Communication --
Communication on the field is key. The better and more advanced a team, the better it will communicate with itself. In addition to our own set of signs, players should communicate with each other regarding all manner of things -- i.e., coverage issues, who has bag, what pitch is coming to increase readiness.
Baserunning --
A lot of Coach Burton's reminders here were key: Baserunners should get the number of outs and sign before each play. Coach suggested looking to outfield position, as well. This would be the third priority. First two are mandatory and part of our S-O-L-D approach.
Key to getting a good jump on steal is not so much pegging the move, but learning when a pitcher is going to the plate. This is when we are going. This analysis should start in the dugout and continue out onto the field. Note: Is he a one-looker, two-looker, what? Does he go after the first look each time? Pick up the pattern.
When stealing a base, shorten the distance by making sure you are not leading off behind a straight line between the bases.
Also, open up slightly with the right foot a little bit behind the left (to where the toe of right shoe is even with the heel of left shoe). This gives us a little advantage in getting up to full speed quicker.
Explode low and get arms in sync with legs as fast as possible.
If a sign is on and you move and then ball is fouled off, look over to coach ASAP so he doesn't have to give you sign while every one is watching.
Slide aggressively and away from tags.
When on 2B, to get better angle around 3B and increase chances of scoring, move back toward LF a step or two. If stealing, you should be looking to make it the shortest distance between 2B and 3B.
Throwing issues --
To learn your teammates' throwing strength and particular style, throw with a different teammate each day in warm-ups.
In general, if consistently missing high lengthen your stride, and vice-verse (shorten to throw higher). If missing left or right, make sure you are pulling through with glove side and also that your head is remaining still. My note: Are you focusing on the target?
Middle-infielders and the double-play --
Balls hit to you or between the bag and you should usually result in a flip; balls hit to the right of the SS or the left of the 2B should be a throw. Always follow your throw, no matter what type of throw you are making. This increases accuracy.
SS waits for the throw a step or so behind the bad (because he can/will use momentum to throw to first); 2B waits for the throw on the bag.
Move chest to the ball, and communicate when flipping/throwing.
Middle-infielders should, as much as possible, receive the throw on the LF side of the bag to shield themselves from the runner.
Throws should be "uphill", that is, from low to high. This is much easier to handle than a low throw or one in the dirt. Receiving IF should be prepared for bad throw.
On ball to his left, 2B should either jump turn to throw or drop step (drop right leg and step with left). Again, these techniques allow us to throw "uphill" and give the SS a good feed to handle.
Okay, that's all for now.
See you on the field at tryouts.
