Case Study: Coaching Youth Baseball
Coaching youth baseball
Jason McCawley
SPHE 318 Fall 13
20 December 2013
-2-
Anyone who has ever stepped foot onto a baseball diamond with the intention of playing the game in some type of competitive way knows how hard and frustrating the game which has become known as our “National Pastime” can be. For anyone who has ever placed a whistle around his or her neck and grabbed their bat, glove and a bucket of balls in order to coach, or help coach a baseball team knows that this frustration level can quickly rise, but to see a group of eight year olds, some of whom may have never played the game before that first practice, the joy of seeing the play improve and the players take pride in the game, those feelings make all …show more content…
While it is important to teach the basic skills and fundamentals of baseball, it is also the responsibility of the coach to teach lessons which the players can use off the field as well. Of course, one would not take the position of a baseball coach unless …show more content…
There is a false notion out there that this type of training is "football" specific. This could not be any farther from the truth. All baseball players, hitters and pitchers, must have explosive power. It does not matter whether we are talking about throwing, hitting, or running; all involve triple extension at a high rate of speed.
Agility - Simply put, agility is the ability to change the direction the body is traveling quickly and efficiently. It is utilized both in fielding and running basses. For example, a player on first has to be able to get back when a pitcher throws to first, even though his body movement is directed towards second; or when fielding a ground ball and the ball takes an unexpected bounce the player must change direction in order to field the ball.
Strength - Basic strength or functional strength is the foundation on which every baseball player should be built. You cannot hit, throw, or run if you are unable to move and control your own body weight. Strength is broken down into three main areas; lower body, core, and upper body. All three are dependent upon one another, so if you have a deficiency in one, there is no way to maximize your potential as a ballplayer.
Jason McCawley
SPHE 318 Fall 13
20 December 2013
-2-
Anyone who has ever stepped foot onto a baseball diamond with the intention of playing the game in some type of competitive way knows how hard and frustrating the game which has become known as our “National Pastime” can be. For anyone who has ever placed a whistle around his or her neck and grabbed their bat, glove and a bucket of balls in order to coach, or help coach a baseball team knows that this frustration level can quickly rise, but to see a group of eight year olds, some of whom may have never played the game before that first practice, the joy of seeing the play improve and the players take pride in the game, those feelings make all …show more content…
While it is important to teach the basic skills and fundamentals of baseball, it is also the responsibility of the coach to teach lessons which the players can use off the field as well. Of course, one would not take the position of a baseball coach unless …show more content…
There is a false notion out there that this type of training is "football" specific. This could not be any farther from the truth. All baseball players, hitters and pitchers, must have explosive power. It does not matter whether we are talking about throwing, hitting, or running; all involve triple extension at a high rate of speed.
Agility - Simply put, agility is the ability to change the direction the body is traveling quickly and efficiently. It is utilized both in fielding and running basses. For example, a player on first has to be able to get back when a pitcher throws to first, even though his body movement is directed towards second; or when fielding a ground ball and the ball takes an unexpected bounce the player must change direction in order to field the ball.
Strength - Basic strength or functional strength is the foundation on which every baseball player should be built. You cannot hit, throw, or run if you are unable to move and control your own body weight. Strength is broken down into three main areas; lower body, core, and upper body. All three are dependent upon one another, so if you have a deficiency in one, there is no way to maximize your potential as a ballplayer.