Dec 10, 2016 | mdombek | 754 views
Mr. A Ball
The excitement of the season has begun as the boys just finished their uniform fittings. They are excited about being one step closer to getting their gear and getting out on the field. Mr. A Ball, the team mascot, is ready to follow the team both at home and on the road. Although Mr. A Ball loves to play in the snow, he cannot wait until baseball season begins again. The good news is the winter training has already begun! The goal coming out of the winter training is to have solid fundamentals so the players don't have to worry about that aspect of their game when they are on the field.
In preparation of this, the boys have been working on swing fundamentals off the tee and are beginning to put some nice swings together. They are learning the "what and why" about the swing. They are encouraged to ask questions and challenge the information they are receiving. It's important that they buy into what is being taught rather than simply being told what to do. Once they buy into the system, they are eager to put what they are taught into action. The 2nd phase of the hitting program will be to maintain the proper swing mechanics in dynamic practice using graduated ball speed to improve hand-eye coordination while maintaining proper swing mechanics. Finally, the players will face live pitching to learn to recognize variables associated with live pitching. Throughout this process we are continually discussing the mental side of hitting, situation recognition, and strategies.
In the new year, they will also begin working on pitching mechanics, fielding, and throwing. This will round out the winter training program and we will be able to begin the season with a fundamentally sound team.