Baseball has long been “America’s Pastime,” and it has been beloved by millions of fans for generations. The love of the game is often passed down from father to son. If you love baseball, there is always something new to learn about this great game. Keep reading for some great baseball tips.
Watch the pros for tips
When you watch your favorite team play, watch your favorite players to look for pointers and tips. It might even be a good idea to record games so that you can look for technique and method. The pros got where they are by doing the right thing at the games, so you can learn from watching them.
The Proper Grip
Make sure you use the proper grip when hitting a baseball. You should go with a “standard” grip. The middle knuckles of your hands should be on the bat. Make sure the bat is across the callus line of your fingers instead of the back of your palms. This grip betters quickness and bat speed.
Learn how to play as a team
Baseball may not feel like a team sport in the same way as basketball or football, but it certainly still is one. When you master how to play as a team, especially on defense and when there are men on base in offense, you’ll start winning more games than you lose!
For the Coaches
As a baseball coach, you are responsible for quite a few things on game day. Be certain to bring everything you need to the game. Among the items you should have on hand are knee cushions, your substitution rotation sheet, a pencil and your score book, your cell phone and a well stocked first aid kit in case of emergency. Also have your team roster on hand listing the batting order and the positions your team members will play. If you are a third base coach, there are certain things you have to attend to. For example, you have to decide whether to send runners home or hold them at third base. You must let runners know if they should slide into third or come in standing. You need to assist the runners by informing them when to run and remind them of how many outs there are.
The Proper Stance
Learn what is the proper stance for playing baseball. If you bat right handed, you can lift your left leg up when expecting the pitch. It works just the opposite for those among us who are left-handed. As the pitch comes closer, you’re going to propel yourself forward with momentum to hit the ball. Younger children should step a little less than one foot forward.
Keep Your Eyes on the Base Coaches
When you are running bases, pay attention to your base coaches who are giving you signs. Base coaches see the whole field. When running bases, concentrate on the base, not the ball. Your coaches are your eyes. If the coaches signal you to hold, make sure that you stay put at the closest available base. If they are telling you to go, run full speed ahead.
Changing Directions
Learning how to change directions is important for outfielders. If you are playing the left side of the outfield and need to run towards centerfield, cross your right foot across your left foot and power through the step. This technique will help you gain the maximum burst of speed from the beginning of your run.
Breakin Your Glove
You need to make sure you have broken in your glove before you get out there on the field. When you get a new glove, be sure to work it out for a couple of weeks. Get a ball and throw it into the glove. There is leather oil that helps break in the glove a lot faster. Ball up your hand, and give the weave a punch. When you break in your glove properly, it will perform better during practice. Baseball gloves are not cheap, so it’s important to take care of your glove. Routine maintenance includes keeping your glove clean and dry and storing it in a cool, dry area. Occasionally, you should condition your glove. If your glove accidentally gets wet, allow it to air dry and apply leather conditioner to soften it
The Bunt
To lay down a successful bunt, keep the head of the bat above the handle. If the head dips down, you are more likely to pop your bunt up. Keeping the head up allows you to bunt the top half of the ball, pushing it down toward the ground.
The Right Bat
Baseball bats come in a variety of lengths, weights and sizes. Consider your height and strength when choosing a bat. A longer bat gives you more reach, while a heavier bat adds power. The size of your hands can help you determine the right diameter for your bat. Swing a few different baseball bats before deciding which one feels the most comfortable for you.
Throw off a right-handed pitcher
Watch the pitcher’s left foot when on first base. When he picks his foot up and then swings it where the rubber is, he needs to pitch it then or you get to go to second base. At that point, you want to make a short break. You’re not actually stealing but the pitcher doesn’t know that. One way or another the pitcher will make a mistake. A ball, a hanging curveball, wild pitch or even a balk.
Avoid Cather’s Interference
To prevent catcher’s interference, stay put until you have the ball in your mitt. Whenever a batter hits the catcher’s glove with the bat, the umpire will call catcher’s interference and the batter will get a free base.
Whether you love to play baseball, watch baseball, or read about baseball, there is always more to learn. The article you have just read is just a starting point. Keep reading more about this great sport to enhance your enjoyment of it. Before long, you will be an expert on it!