In this 32-minute episode, you'll learn:
- how to decide which player should play which infield position
- whether young players should learn to play shortstop even if they don't currently look ready for it
- a better way to play catch
- how to improve hands for fielding, handling hops and transfers
- why you shouldn't start your fielding work with live ground balls
- 9 variations for dry fundamentals to keep them interesting for young players
- 3 variations for playing catch
- a three-stage progression for dry work, the three types of grounders to work them on, and the goal of this dry work
- the key principle to teach kids how to throw from different arm slots
- an easy drill to help kids learn how to throw from different arm slots
- what's wrong with the fielding cue "get your butt down" and what's a better cue
- what's wrong with the fielding cue "gator jaw" and what to teach instead
- when and how to work on specialty plays like double plays
- how to convert catch play and dry work into competitive games
- an example of how to get a lot done in a small indoor space
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Small space drills
- funnels and press-throughs
- #FridayFielders on Twitter... get great stuff like chin down at catch
- A picture of Adrian Beltre throwing off-balance. As Kai mentioned, if you print out the picture and rotate it so he's upright instead of off-balance, you can show your players how Beltre is actually still in the fundamentally correct throwing position, even though he is off-balance
Right-click on this link and 'Save as...' to download this episode.
Want MORE Edgy Info?
Never miss an article! Enter your info to get more practical, actionable youth baseball coaching info like this.
Are you a new coach? I have a free 15-day email course just for you, where I walk you through coaching a team for an entire season over the course of 3 weeks.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Pingback: YBE 067: Helpful Baseball Tech with Kyle Boddy - Youth Baseball Edge()