Basic Bunting Techniques

Learn Baseball And Bunting Techniques

To be able to learn baseball and be adept at it, you must be prepared to adapt all the sport’s techniques. This is in line with achieving the twin goals of the game – hitting the most number of runs, and minimizing or eliminating the outs.
One of these is the art of bunting. Essentially, it is still part in the art of hitting. However, techniques used in the field are somehow different.

Bunting

Primarily, bunting is used for advancing a runner or getting the batter on base. However, most youngsters who are introduced to this concept think more on getting on base more than anything else.
This frame of mind, however, totally reverses the intent of the sacrifice.
To sacrifice, the batter will squarely face the pitcher. For our demonstration, imagine that the hitter is right-handed.
As the pitcher goes on the rubber, the batter takes his normal position. Just as the pitcher begins his throwing stance, the batter then turns left, steps back, and moves out with the left foot, moving the right foot up to the spot vacated by the left.

Quick steps 

In two quick steps, the feet will be parallel with the toes actually pointing at the pitcher. The right foot should be even with the plate and already inside the batter’s box.
For the moment, forget that you are going to use a baseball bat at all. Imagine instead you are going to catch the pitched ball.

Quick adjustments

Straighten right up a bit if you think the ball is high. If it looks low, squat slightly. Get your arms extended towards the pitcher with your hands.
This is to enable you to follow the flight of the ball. Use the same principle when using a bat and hitting into the baseball field.

The Bat

If you are right-handed, make a fist with the right hand with the little finger pointing the ground. Extend the index finger and raise the thumb, then crook the index finger like you would pull a gun’s trigger.
Place the bat between thumb and forefinger at a point some two to four inches above the label and squeeze. The V made by the thumb and forefinger is the cushion for the shock of the ball’s impact.
Loosely wrap your left hand on the bat under the knob, palm down, extending the arm forward. Hold the bat level with the ground and “catch” the ball with the bigger end, which should be extended into the strike zone.

Directing the ball

To place the ball toward the first base, keep the right hand rigid while pushing the left hand forward.
Bunting it to third base, keep the right ball like you had a glove on. Do not poke at it. (Do the opposite movements when you are a left-hander.)

Bunting the strike

If in the act of moving into a bunting position and the pitch looks like a ball, immediately yank the heavy end of the bat back. This helps convince an uncertain umpire it is a strike, helps the runner, and avoids a foul tip.

Anticipation

Always expect a sign for a sacrifice bunt when a runner is on first, first and second, with none out, and with probably a close score. To learn baseball, it is imperative to learn how to master the art of bunting.

Youth Baseball Team Properties

Learn Youth Baseball More: What Teams Must Attain

There is no doubt that youth baseball is a team sport. The teams are composed of nine players, who must learn to value and imbibe team work. The players should not play individually; instead, they should move strategically as a group to conquer victory for the team. All players should realize that no individual player wins the game. It is always the team that is declared victorious over the opposing team. Thus, all youth baseball teams should have the following.

First, the groups of players should attain team spirit. This is highlighted by their commitment to the game. As mentioned, every youth baseball team should work collectively as a single unit. Every player should find devotion to uphold the team and win the game. Experts assert that it is imperative for all involved players to naturally and literally breathe and live baseball to be able to develop the required devotion.

Second, every youth baseball team should develop a good support system. Aficionados and fans know that teams should not only be devoted to the games. They should also play to bring honor to their families, sponsors, team owners, coaches, college, and school authorities who are commissioning for teams in every league. The psyche of the team should be established as well as an ideal or impermeable support system. This could provide the right motivation.

Every youth baseball team should be led by a good coach, who is tasked to lead the team not just to gain victory but also to attain good teamwork and relationship among each other. Thus, the youth baseball coach could be considered as the backbone of every team. This way, he needs to be tough and loving at the same time. The coach must be able to show care, respect, and concern for each team player. In many occasions, he should understand the team as well as all the members better than he could understand himself.

Fourth, the team must learn devotion to the game and to the sport. This would enable all the players to take the right motivation and drive to play and win games. The right skills and qualifications must be possessed by every team member so he could contribute to the group. This would require too much preparation and commitment.

Teaching Kids to Play Baseball

Teaching Baseball: Helping Your Kids Learn Baseball

Baseball is the favorite pastime of Americans of all ages. While you may think this fact was born out of history, it is not the exact reason for America’s love for this sport. It’s the tradition—people go to baseball matches with their family to cheer for their favorite team. Parents support their young kid who is going to compete in campus baseball games. To a certain extent, baseball connects family members together. And that is one reason why many kids learn baseball at a young age, which is a good thing because it also trains and prepares them for professional baseball once they have grown up.
Most fathers are excited about teaching their kids how to play baseball. It is no wonder since playing baseball in itself is a fun and thrilling experience, not to mention that it creates a strong father-and-son bond. When springtime comes, fathers and their children troop to the baseball field or their own backyard to play the game. It is one of the physically challenging activities they look forward to.
Teaching the basics of baseball to your kids is a very worthwhile activity. It may take a lot of patience on your part, but you will find the experience a rewarding one later on. You only have to teach the four fundamental moves in baseball: throwing, catching, hitting, and running—just as a coach would with major league players. So you will act as their coach, making sure that they get the grasp of every essential baseball move. If your kids learn the baseball basics, they can play the game in the years to come.
Is this your first time to teach baseball to your kids? You have to buy soft balls first from a sporting goods shop. Soft balls, which look like real baseballs, are safe to use because their softness does not cause injury. These are recommended for children because they can help boost their confidence when playing baseball. Using these balls trains them not to be afraid of being hit by the ball. In addition, it will be easier for them to throw and catch the ball if it is soft.
Aim for simplicity when you’re starting your training sessions. Don’t expect your children to easily get the hang of it. To make learning easier for the kids, you must stand at a short distance from each other. This will facilitate throwing and catching routines. When the kids start to get used with the catching and throwing, you can stand farther away from each other. And when they begin to learn the right way to throw and catch the ball, then you can try exposing them to real baseball.
Just remember that teaching baseball to kids can be a long process. Never pressure them to learn baseball in just a short time—they will eventually become good baseball players in their own pace. Encourage them by making them believe in themselves and by assuring them that it is all right to make mistakes. After all, mistakes help them learn the game better.

Reasons Why Your Child Wants to Play Baseball, and Why You Should Let Them

Why Kids Want To Learn Baseball?
Kids join in a particular sport for various reasons. Most kids though likes being athletic because of the attention they get whenever they do good at the game. Other kids, although not that good at a particular sport wants to play to become socially active - to mingle with their friends or meet new people. The reasons vary by kid's age and personality. Here are some of the main reasons why kids want to learn baseball:
1. For fun - The concept of fun to baseball players vary by age and personality. Younger kids want to play baseball mainly because of action and excitement. Older kids on the other hand, consider baseball as fun game because it is an opportunity to show they can be successful in any endeavor they enjoy doing.
2. For variety and organization - Baseball is an organized sport that offers variety and fun for kids. It is an opportunity to develop skills; with plenty of action, fun and excitement. It is not a boring sport although it is one game that needs organization. This is caused by the fact that organization is needed not to restrict players but to provide discipline and allow every player to have fun.
3. To build skills - Kids love learning and developing new skills. Baseball is a sport that challenges them to develop and improve skills like catching, throwing and base running.
4. To foster friendships - Baseball is a perfect avenue to interact with friends and meet new people. By working on a team, kids learn the value of teamwork and camaraderie. They are able to build confidence working in a team. It also helps them build group identity. Many kids love to play because other kids or their friends are playing too. And sometimes, kids play not because they see they are good at this sport but because they enjoy the friendship within the team.
5. For excitement and action - Baseball is a game full of excitement and action. Playing baseball let kids take part in an exciting, fun and action-filled sport that many of their peers are interested too. Younger kids love baseball because they enjoy running around. While, older kids especially high school teens love the sports because they enjoy exploring their physical abilities.
6. For attention – Some kids decide to learn baseball to get attention from their parents especially if they know that their parents are baseball fans. Parents or coach must be sensitive to this child’s motivation for the game. If this is one or even the primary reason why a child plays baseball, parent’s support is very important to avoid later disappointment.
7. Competition – Competition is listed as the least reason why kids want to learn baseball. Younger kids play baseball usually for fun and do not desire competition. The concept of competing with other kids is usually awkward to them and they fear the possibility of losing. Parents should not push kids to play baseball just to compete. Parents should also recognize that kid’s baseball skills will slowly develop and the desire to compete is not good to motivate them to perform better.

Four Basic Baseball Skill Children Need to Learn

Basic Baseball Skills Children Need To Learn

There are four basic baseball skills children need to work on to stay on top of all elements of this America's favorite game. The four basic baseball skills are catching, hitting, throwing and base running. These four are collectively called as baseball drills. As a teacher, it is a challenge to make children learn baseball drills as it is detrimental to their appreciation, enjoyment and safety practices in the game. Here
are some essential tips for coaching basic baseball skills:

1. Throwing - Children need to warm up often to help them lear
n the skill of throwing. The act of throwing is not a simple baseball skill. It requires the whole body to work together to accurately send the ball at specific target. The proper position of throwing should be front shoulder facing the target, lower body lined up in the same direction, back foot perpendicular to the target, and hips closed. The motion the arm makes when throwing a baseball is circular motion. Asking children to practice throwing through circular motion is an effective technique to make children experience natural momentum of sending the ball at specific target. Check occasionally if children throw with a circular motion by asking them to freeze after pulling the ball out of the glove.
2. Catching - Playing catch helps children appreciate baseball more and know the basics of safety in the game. Catching baseball involves preparation. The most important tip you can give to kids learning baseball is to expect that the ball won't be thrown to them. In that way, they will be challenged to make a good play. The right position of catching baseball should be knees slightly bent and weight on the balls of the feet. Ask children to move into the position that will give them the best opportunity to catch the ball. Make the playing catch interesting by turning it as a little competition during practice.

3. Hitting - Making children learn hit baseball is the most difficult skill a coach needs to learn. Children need different set of instructions as every student has different set of skills, style and approach on baseball. The best approach on teaching children how to hit baseball is to be open-minded and recognize that each student needs individual hitting instruction. Take time on teaching each beginner on hitting baseball. Analyze each problem, take notes on how each player does hitting, or even take videos of their practice. Many players don't figure out what they are doing wrong until they see their rehearsal or practice videos. Allocate enough time to discuss to each player how to improve their hitting. Another important technique for children to learn baseball hitting is to help them build confidence. Motivate players through pep talks and praises each time they make good points.

4. Base Running - This skill is very important in scoring opportunities. As a coach you need to give your students many base running experiences. You should teach players to run every ball out and run it out hard. You may want to make a penalty for breaking this rule. Children may get bruises while they learn baseball base running. The best place to practice base running is in grass and unobstructed area.

BIG TEAM...little me

Baseball is a team sport and the team always comes before individual stats such as home runs.  Every player must know their assignment and play their part...this is the key to winning.  Keep this motto in mind, incorporate it on a team t-shirt, button pins, etc. 

What are the characteristics of a good coach?

Knowing how to communicate with your players is just as important as knowing everything about baseball.  Keep a positive attitude towards your players or child and if you have to criticize them in a negative way, try and use a positive tone or "end on a good one".  I think if you take time aside to talk to your players about things like goals that they might have, non-baseball activities, school, etc., you will show them that you care about them as individuals not just means of winning a baseball game. 

• Know how to communicate
• Positive attitude and tone
• Have fun with it

  

Coaching.............The Umpire!

We all know umpires make bad calls.  So instead of beating them up over it, why not help them and your team out if you know an ump. missed a call?  Most little league umpires don't have all the rules and regs down yet as most are beginners.  A good coach should always have a league rule book handy just in case a situation arises where he/she has to correct an umpire on a rule call (infield fly rule, balks, runner position).  If this situation arises calmly call timeout and approach the umpire with rule book in hand, and there should be no problem fixing the ruling as long as it is a rule call.  Judgement calls (balls, strikes, outs) however can not be disputed.

A youth's most under-rated hitting tool....

A Batting Tee is one of the most important hitting tools for our youth!  While your player is hitting off the tee you should be making sure he/she is keeping their elbow up and hands back, you don't want your player to wrap the bat around his/her neck ( have your player rest the bat on his/her shoulder then raise elbow and hands, this should give a good fundamental bat stance), the bat should be pointing up (45 degree angle).  Make sure your player is pivoting on their back foot, exploding with their hips, keeping their head down as they follow through with the swing.  Practice raising the tee to their "numbers" and lowering it to their knees...Inside...Outside...all the different areas of the strike-zone.

What should my player be doing ON-DECK?

First off, your on-deck batter should be taking his/her practice swings to the back of the batter at the plate to avoid line-drive foul balls.  While on deck the batter should be watching the pitcher taking good solid strides and swings timing the ball to the plate.  He/she should also be deciding where they will be standing in the batter's box.  I recommend kids stay more towards the back of the batter's box because:  They will be able to see the ball longer, and it makes for a tougher play on the catcher during bunts or steals.  Depending on the child's age he/she should also be paying attention to the pitcher's tendencies if the pitcher has off-speed pitches.  Donut bat weights also help losen up the batters primary muscles
  Hopefully this was helpful!

Bat Selection

It's all about bad SPEED not bat size.  It's a popular myth amongst parents and coaches that the bigger the bat the better but that is not true in most cases.  The only time you should consider allowing your child to use a heavier bat is if they are pulling the ball constantly down the foul line or swinging way ahead.  Your child should be able to comfortably control bat speed and precision.  Once your child has found a bat the he/she is comfortable with they should stick with it and not experiment with other kids' bats as most likely they will be of different size.  Hopefully this post will help you decide which bat is best for your child/player. 

Parent/Coach Mentality

Little league baseball is all about teaching the kids the basics of baseball and making it fun while doing it.  You want to keep things simple and fun.  You want your child/players' first experiences with baseball to be pleasant and enjoyable, not stressful and forceful.  Stay out of trash talking with other teams' parents  and fans....don't be a PROBLEM PARENT!