National High School Baseball Coaches Association

Rundowns: More Than Just a Game of Pickle

Rundowns in baseball are one of the most exciting moments of the game. Although, rundowns are more than just a game of pickle. Why is it called a pickle? It essentially means you're stuck in a tough spot, like a cucumber stuck in vinegar brine for days. 

They’re an opportunity to gain position and momentum in a game. Whether it's on 2nd base or going home, it's crucial for either player to make a play. The obstructed runner is awarded at least one base beyond the last base touched before obstruction. Which can ultimately decide the outcome of the game. 

There are many ways to accomplish a rundown and stop one from happening to you. The rundown Ideally should require only two throws, so as to limit the possibility of an errant throw. In order to accomplish this, run hard at the base runner before you make the throw to your partner.

In this course, Ryan Wolfsheimer talks about how to come out on top with rundowns. How to effectively teach rundowns as well as how to stop them. Everything you need to take your rundown skills to the next level and beat your opposition.  

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Take your baserunning and rundowns to the next level!

Communication, chemistry and hard work are the keys to success, especially at the high school level. As a baseball coach, it's important to instill these traits into your players. Everything else comes easy. It all starts with practice. It's no surprise, what you do at practice translates to the field on game day.

Competitive drill series is one of the best ways to start off practice because it sets off the team on the right foot, doing team exercises creates competitiveness and chemistry. Giving your players consistent developmental challenges and switching up routines is also another way of keeping things fresh. 

In this course, Coach Patrick Robey talks about what it takes to win at the high school level and do it regularly. He mentions the do’s and don'ts of practice as well as the best ways to get the team loose and on fire. Coach talks about ``Learn from those above you, share with those besides you, lift up those “below you”. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Learn what it takes to win at the high school level today!

The mental game of an athlete is one that can make or break them. The phrase, “it's all mental” speaks volumes. As an athlete, you can't win if you do not have mental toughness. Your success is directly proportional to how much mental toughness you have. To be mentally tough, you have to be willing to do the things most athletes will not do.

Athletes can be affected by negative psychological factors either outside or inside the body that may obstruct their focus, cause disruptions in their preparation, and, at times, result in injuries. They may experience physical symptoms such as muscles tightening, shaking, and increased sweating. No matter the sport, team or individual, mental toughness is key. 

We typically see athletes underperform because they've cracked mentally. Once that happens, the body quickly follows with body language. It's important to stay present in the moment and regain focus. 

Many Elite athletes have a constant practice of “staying in the zone”. Resulting in subconscious concentration. Engaging in self-talk is crucial to an athlete's determination. Giving affirmations to oneself gives encouragement to keep pushing as well as  the ability to dilute and manage nerves. Another method of practice is replacing the word “can't”. Top Athletes like Kobe, MJ and Derrick Jeter were some players who were known to have incredible mental toughness, which ultimately resulted in endless accolades.

In this course, Coach Paul Babcock and Coach Pete Meyers break down the importance of having a clear and focused mental game. After all, your mindset is the foundation for anything you do. Everything you need to become mentally bullet proof is right here. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Start your practices with “get your mind right” today!

Infield or outfield, batting or pitching, each require their set of fundamentals. Without them, there wouldn't be high level athletes or big leaguers. Throwing, catching, and hitting are the three primary skills required to play baseball. Young players with a passion for this game should look to improve the skills in these three primary areas. Pitching and fielding are considered slightly more difficult however they too require a clear understanding of fundamentals. 

It's an obvious fact that great players understand that mastering the basics of baseball is one of the most important aspects of improving their skills. Big leaguers make the most routine of plays look completely effortless because they are able to execute the movements in their sleep.

In this course, Mark “lunch” Mckenzie talks about the fundamentals of the game, as well as how he approaches his players when teaching them everything they need to know. He breaks down what he practices and what drills he uses to help develop his players. A guidebook to baseball 101.

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Learn how to teach the fundamentals of the game the right way!

Opening Remarks from the National High School Baseball Coaches Association 2021 Convention Clinic

Faith, Family, Friends & How to Win Awareness

Coaching baseball comes with its obstacles. Faith, family, friends, parents. Etc. Your approach to it all depends on your philosophy on the game. Dealing with parents brings its own set of tasks because players tend to travel more often. Their focus on the game can be sporadic. 

Having faith in what you're doing and trusting the process is important when trying to envision the team goal. Making sure home life with the family is good sets you up for success on the field. Friends on the field can make your job both as a player and a coach much smoother. 

Rhythm counting is all about feel. Coach Mark Johnson teaches, “feel is the deal”. If you don't feel what you do, you won't be successful with it. If you don't feel your body making the right adjustments, proper reads, it's hard to make an impact as a player. 

In this course, Mark Johnson talks faith, family, friends, his approach to the game and his personal philosophies to baseball. He shares his method on teaching high school players and promoting development. Take an insightful look at how a successful coach plans for the game. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Learn how Mark Johnson goes about winning, philosophies and more.

Head Coach Paul Belo covers the in’s and out’s of the 1st and 3rd defense and the different ways you can prepare your team for every situation the game presents. 

This course includes: 

• Defining goals for your infield

• Establishing Player roles, actions, and responsibilities 

• Ways to minimize the risk of failure at home plate

• Learning run expectancy projections

• And much more 

Hitting Drills and Philosophies

As a coach, it's important to teach philosophy on all matters, pitching, fielding, catching and in this matter; hitting. Coaches want to provide direction, set goals and install a vision. As well as motivate, confront and communicate. The idea of a hitting philosophy is to have a grasp of how to approach each pitcher before each at bat. Although it may be an individual thing, hitting philosophies start from the beginning, like choosing a bat that you can handle. They should match your strength and ability, length and weight. 

There are a variety of techniques that Coach Mckenzie uses to promote an effective baseball swing. Learning how to separate pieces of your body through hedges and swivels. Moving your hands first or hips first are some of the keys to separating your body's rhythm. It depends on how your body works. Improving your fundamental biomechanics can significantly help you become a better hitter. 

In this course, Mark “lunch” Mckenzie talks about batting 101 and the philosophies he practices to improve batters' game. He breaks down how to follow the bat and being in sync with your hand and bat. Using your body to follow the path to hit the ball. Learn from Lunch Mckenzie and improve your batting average. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Learn the batting philosophy of Mark “Lunch” Mckenzie. 

Arm care isnt elbow care: How to develop arms with elbows in mind 

The mental game of an athlete is one that can make or break them. The phrase, “it's all mental” speaks volumes. As an athlete, you can't win if you do not have mental toughness. Your success is directly proportional to how much mental toughness you have. To be mentally tough, you have to be willing to do the things most athletes will not do.

Athletes can be affected by negative psychological factors either outside or inside the body that may obstruct their focus, cause disruptions in their preparation, and, at times, result in injuries. They may experience physical symptoms such as muscles tightening, shaking, and increased sweating. No matter the sport, team or individual, mental toughness is key. 

We typically see athletes underperform because they've cracked mentally. Once that happens, the body quickly follows with body language. It's important to stay present in the moment and regain focus. 

Many Elite athletes have a constant practice of “staying in the zone”. Resulting in subconscious concentration. Engaging in self-talk is crucial to an athlete's determination. Giving affirmations to oneself gives encouragement to keep pushing as well as  the ability to dilute and manage nerves. Another method of practice is replacing the word “can't”. Top Athletes like Kobe, MJ and Derrick Jeter were some players who were known to have incredible mental toughness, which ultimately resulted in endless accolades.

In this course, Coach Paul Babcock and Coach Pete Meyer break down the importance of having a clear and focused mental game. After all, your mindset is the foundation for anything you do. Everything you need to become mentally bullet proof is right here. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Start your practices with “get your mind right” today!

How do you win more games without having the most talented pitching Staff?

Coach Andy Powers goes over his experiences when dealing with these circumstances including commitment to playbooks, focusing on skill developments, and his secrets to winning more games.

Learn how to develop plans for each pitcher on your staff to have them start to dominate on the mound and build accomplishments on your squad. 

Catching: Skills, Drills and Development

As a coach it is their responsibility to guide and prepare their players for what's to come. It may come in different ways, whether it's on the field, off the field, off season or in season. A coach's motivation, inspiration and preparation is important to not only the club's success but the player's individual growth. 

The offseason is an important time for athletes to shorten their training while maintaining their competitive edge. Athletes who wish to stay in shape should take part in fewer workouts and training sessions during the off-season. Slowing down improves an athlete's ability to focus on the basics and specific movements. Exercise lacking intensity will result in a loss of fitness, so athletes must reduce the duration of their workouts while maintaining their intensity.

In this course, Coach Mark “Pudge” Gjnormand talks about the importance of off season preparation as well as year round. He breaks down encouragement, motivation and inspiration within the team. Off season and In season preparation is something coaches must focus on. Coach Mark"Pudge" Gjormand talks about how his team practices 8 months in the off season to be ready for the 4 months they play. Everything you need to uplift and bring the most out of your players is right here.

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Start preparing your players to perform on and off the field.

Handling Game Pressure With a Plan

Handling the pressure of the game and especially in big moments are often too much for players. The bright lights, expectations, criticism, nervousness and silence are enough to make a player fall to his knees. 

Players try to reduce the pressure by remembering to embrace the moment, breathe, stay focused on the process and to downsize the importance. They have to remember that they’ll have multiple opportunities. It's important to let go of winning and not to over do it. Not every story needs a hero. 

One of the best ways to handle pressure is to push yourself in training and test your limits. Facing game pressures can be handled with a plan. By practicing with the same force and intensity as you would in a game will create less pressure in the moment, because you’ve done it time and time again. It's just a matter of execution. It's important to have self motivation and encouragement in those moments. If you’re mentally defeated, the job is already done. 

In this course, Dave Starling shares how he approaches the pressure that players often face and the best way to tackle it head on. Spinning it to work to their advantage and making the best of the moment. Everything you need to put the pressure behind you and win the game is right here. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Learn how to handle the pressures of the game with an effective plan. 

36 years of coaching from HS to college: Everything you need to know..

Becoming a great coach takes time, patience, commitment and deeper understanding of the game. A coach is supposed to be the leader of the pack, the guru, the all knowing person you go to when you win a big outcome. Without years of experience, a coach wouldn’t have the knowledge or know how to, which often leads to a negative result. That's why only coaches with decades of coaches or a select few with great game IQ are chosen to carry out the job. After all, they've spent a very long time mastering their craft. 

Coaches are meant to empower and encourage individuals, promote club unity and chemistry. They help develop players to reach their untapped potential. They have the ability to unlock levels which players didn't know they could reach. It all comes from experience.

In this course, Coach Guy Simmons discusses coaching every stage, from youth to high school to college players. He gives us a road map of his 36 years of coaching. Everything from recovering from losses to overcoming adversity is right here. Learn how to become a better coach from one of the best. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Learn everything you need to know on how  to coach baseball, all from 36 years of experience.

What is the big deal with having one knee down when catching? One knee catching vs traditional crouch is a common discussion amongst catchers. Both have their pros and their cons. However the play by play, is an attempt to present more pitches as strikes to the umpire. Knowingly, the right of left-eyed umpires plays a role in strike percentage.

There is no right or wrong, it is only a matter of preference. The one knee catcher is used to rest the body while assisting in framing, their overall comfort in position. Adjusting the glove and blocking come easier when in the one knee down catching stance. It also helps improve the catchers receiving on the bottom zone, resulting in a greater amount being called strikes. Looking at the big picture, we can see how a traditional secondary stance may be causing more runs to be scored on low pitches.

One knee catchers often get up from their position and throw down to the second base, quickly externally rotating their body and hips while simultaneously rotating the knee which can cause meniscus pain and compromise the mechanics of their shoulders. Traditional has a larger base of support whereas the one knee catches as close to 50% less. 

Internal rotation problems with hip; trochanteric bursitis, tensor fascia latae syndrome, and putting knee in valgus. It can result in an MCL sprain/strain. There are big health issues with one knee catching than the traditional. Ultimately there is no stance that is better than the other but ultimately It depends on what your body likes most. 

In this course, Johnston Hobbs talks about the difference between a one-knee catcher versus a traditional crouch catcher. He breaks down the pros and cons of both as well as the health implications that come with each stance. Everything you need to develop and form your catcher is right here. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Start developing chemistry with your catcher today!

How to keep your pitchers arm from exploding

Running an efficient program can be quite daunting but with the right approach and plan, you can take any team to a successful season. As a coach, it's important that you promote the value of sportsmanship and teamwork. All while showing excitement while making a big play. A coach must provide motivation every day, on and off the field. Confront problems head-on and communicate with one another. As well as build team culture and establish team goals. 

It's crucial that you set forward a team unit off the field as well as on the field. You want your team to establish a relationship with each other. Involving the team in charities, fundraisers, or overall giving to the community can be a great way to bring the team together. Which can result in a bond, and furthermore translate onto the field. 

In this course, Larry Turner talks about the practices and activities he likes to incorporate into his team to promote unity, chemistry, and communication within his program. He gives us an insight into how he runs his team from the top down. Everything you need to run an efficient program is here. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Learn how to run an efficient program today!

Infield Play With Drills

Infield positions are different from the rest because it requires you to be quick on your feet, and be able to adjust your body in seconds. Simply put one of the more defensive positions on the field. Infield players try to prevent runs from being scored by catching fly balls, tagging runners or throwing the ball to base before the opposing player gets there. That means your best infielders should be second base, shortstop and center field. Great infield players have the ability to create double plays or even triple plays. 

There are many drills that can help improve the infield play. Drills like the rolled ground ball seem quite simple. Players assume the position with a wide base stance, butt down and hands out. First balls are hit soft and easy enough to master, as the drill progresses you hit the ball harder and more unorthodox. Making it harder on the infidel player to make the play. After much repetition, the players' confidence and ability to make big plays will grow. Catching drills and backhand drills are also great for practice and pre-game exercises. 

In this course, Ed Servais talks about the importance of having good defense in the infield. He breaks down drills he likes to incorporate into his practices to help improve his players defense. Everything from positioning  to the correct glove is covered by Ed Servais.

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Learn how to run an infield play with drills. 

Do Simple Better-Throwing/Catching program

Throwing and catching is a staple of baseball, a fundamental which is needed to play the game. Such a simple thing can make a difference on the outcome of a game. “Do simple better” says Ed Servais. By simply taking the time to develop and enhance the basics, can your team elevate and outperform the opposition.

The practice field is the perfect place to implement fundamental drills that can improve the biomechanics of throwing and catching. Drills such as “two knees” are one of the best tools accessible to a coach. Players get on two knees about 20 feet away from their partner. Practice throwing and catching on each other, ultimately promoting good circular motion of the shoulder. Creating good throwing mechanics. Similar to the one knee down, which allows for better hip rotation. 

In this course, Ed Servais breaks down his throwing and catching program. He shares some of his favorite drills and exercises he uses to improve and develop his young players. Everything you need to become a better thrower and catcher is right here. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Learn what it takes to take your throwing and catching to the next level. 

What I learned from Legendary Coach Gordie Gillespie

Gordie Gillespie was an American baseball, football and basketball coach. He was a head baseball coach for 58 years at Lewis University, Ripon College and the University of St.Francis. Gordie had the most wins of any coach in college baseball history until being passed by Augie Garrido of Texas. He won his 1800th game at the age of 82. Inducted into the college Baseball Hall of Fame. 

He began his coaching career at Lewis University in 1953 at the age of 26. He was the head coach from 53’ to 76’ with a record of 634 wins. His Lewis teams won three back to back NAIA World Series Championships. During his ten years at Ripon College he led them to a record of 239 wins. His Ripon teams advanced to the NCAA III playoffs six of his last seven years and won five league titles. 

Its no surprise that Gordie Gillespie is one of the greatest coaches of all time. In 1998, Gillespie was named the NAIA Coach of the Century by Collegiate Baseball Magazine. Before his passing Paul Babcock spent time with Gordie as his GA. In this course, Paul Babcock talks about all the lessons and experiences he learned during his time with the great Gordie Gillespie. He gives detailed memories of conversations and moments he cultivated. An insight of what Gordie Gillespie was like. 

Simply click the ‘Book This Course’ button at the top right of this page, place your order, and you’ll immediately be logged into the training with full access. Learn lessons from the great Gordie Gillespie and pass them down.