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Baseball Academy

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Established in August 1996, The Baseball Academy’s original mission consisted of in depth training of strictly baseball pitchers. Players had the choice of private, semi-private, or team lessons. Within months, clients were demanding instruction in all aspects of the game. So today, hitting and catching clinics, defensive lessons, and week-long baseball camps are available. Over 2000 players, as young as age 6 through the professional level, have benefited from The Baseball Academy staff.

Not only is The Baseball Academy interested in helping players, we also work with coaches. Whether teaching the basics of hitting or intricacies of bunt coverage, we have a commitment to those who are serious about helping athletes maximize their ability. We understand that not every player can participate directly in a Baseball Academy class, so coaches become the vital link for sharing our expertise.

The Baseball Academy looks forward to working with all baseball players, regardless of age or present skill level. We ask only for enthusiasm and a burning desire to improve. Our mission is to take the intricate techniques of baseball and translate them to simple, understandable concepts. By mastering one concept at a time, our players gain the confidence to become successful on the diamond.

To enroll in pitching lessons, get information on upcoming clinics, or with any questions, please call Jeff Pick at (925) 674-5765.

HITTING

THE BASICS

  1. STANCE

    • slight pigeon toe

    • grip with “Knocking Knuckles”

    • don’t wrap the bat

    • elbow comfortable

    • knees bent

    • 60/40 weight

    • eyes on pitcher (release point)

    • plate coverage

  2. THE PREP

    • lead step (on “thin ice”/soft)

    • weight still back

    • on toe

    • read ball (rotation/release/velocity)

  3. THE SWING

    • “SQUISH BUG”     - engage back knee & roll back foot to drive back hip around

    • “CHOP WOOD”     - short, downward stroke getting hands out in front

    • “SHOULDER TO SHOULDER”    - head stays still through swing

    • “stays on ball”

  4. THE REST

    • Balance (balls of the feet – “inside”)

    • Stiff front leg

    • “T” with feet

    • hit ball where pitched (use all fields)

    • finish “high”

    • stay loose but strong

    • swing at strikes (below hands)

    • leaning back (behind ball) when swing complete

  5. THE TRUTH

    • Hitting is applying the basic techniques to the athlete’s ability. Hitting a baseball consistently is the most difficult act in sports. Simply put, “see the ball, hit the ball” is our most generic tip. With the above foundations of a swing in place, individual hitters can develop personal styles (i.e. open/closed stance) to improve their performance.

FIELDING

GROUND BALLS

  1. Ready position before pitch

    • relaxed

    • watching runners/pitcher

  2. SET POSITION

    • on balls of feet (shoulder width apart)

    • glove open

    • bent at knees (not waist)

    • head up

    • glove open (on ground)

    • no alligator arms – reach out (top of triangle)

  3. FIELDING POSITION

    • arms/glove out and down (off left knee)

    • no glove “flip”

    • “Garbage Can”

    • show button (TOP OF HEAD)

    • glove on ground

    • soft hands

    • funnel to chest

    • gain momentum to target

    • IF DROPPED, PICK UP BAREHAND

FLY BALLS

  1. Ready Position

  2. Read ball on contact

  3. FIRST step is BACK

  4. Stay behind ball

  5. Don’t drift – get to spot (will come with practice)

  6. Use glove to shade eyes from sun

  7. Reading balls hit by L/R towards lines

  8. Communication with other outfielders

    • help to judge / “IN”, “BACK”

    • prevent collisions / “ball, ball, ball!!!”

    • prevent injury / walls, fences, bullpens, etc.

  9. BACKING UP BASES

  10. Know cut-off man

PITCHING (Wind up)

  1. PRE-PITCH POSITION

    • Sign, Grip, and Target

    • loose arm

    • weight on opposite leg

  2. BALANCE

    • Elevator

    • ankle under knee

    • weight on ball of foot

    • slight forward lean

    • posting leg slightly bent

  3. HAND BREAK

    • “thumbs down”

    • front side closed

    • “high cocked” position”

    • alignment

    • foot “back in track”

    • weight is still “inside”

  4. DRIFT (Front Leg)

    • weight stays back

    • stay “closed”

    • drift at target

    • lead foot plants slightly closed

  5. THROW

    • front leg bent (135 *) and braced

    • roll back ankle

    • glove pull

    • EXPLODE back hip

    • eyes parallel to ground

    • arm angle

    • rotate upper body then “close trap door”

  6. FINISH

    • “tapping” toe

    • throwing hand outside ankle

    • show shoulder

    • glove tucked

    • in control

“STRETCH” (with runners on)

  1. “READY”

  2. “SET”

  3. Pick-offs

    • quick feet

    • “short arm”

PITCHES

  1. Fastball (2 and 4 seams)

  2. Change Up

  3. Curve Ball (age 14.5)

COVERING 1st BASE

  1. Any ground ball to right side

  2. Get to line

  3. Give Target

  4. “BALL! BALL! BALL!!!”

  5. Step on bag

  6. Turn and look for runners

CATCHING

  1. EQUIPMENT

    • Mask

    • Shin Guards

    • Chest Protector

    • Cup

    • Wristbands

    • Glove

  2. SET –UP

    • squat

    • on toes

    • hand (runner/no runner)

    • target

    • feet

    • shoulders straight

    • check hitter before signs (peeking)

  3. FRAMING

    • Wrist only

    • window

    • don’t frame strikes

    • don’t frame balls way off dish

  4. THROWING

    • foot work

    • throwing position (to ear)

    • quickness

    • balance

  5. BLOCKING

    • block – not catch

    • big wall

    • glove covers hole / hand behind

    • forward lean/curve in back

    • chin in chest

    • L & R to center

    • everything in front

    • wristbands for arm protection

  6. STEALS

    • position

    • footwork / glove to ear

    • step at target

    • how to around hitter (third)

    • pitchouts

    • throw to base, not SS, 2nd or 3rd Baseman

  7. BACKUP 1st on GROUND BALL

  8. POP-UP

    • locate ball

    • back to infield

    • throw mask last

  9. BUNTS / PASSED BALLS

    • “inside” / “outside”

    • pick up with bare hand if stopped (reach for laces)

  10. COMMUNICATION w/ cut off men

  11. BLOCKING HP

  12. GIVING SIGNS

    • pitch + location

    • “3” as okay

  13. BUNT RESPONSIBILITIES

  14. 1st and 3rd