2015 Event Information

www.BaseballCoachesClinic.com

2015 Event Information

Event Partners


January 2015

Dear Coach,

We are excited to welcome you as we celebrate our twelfth year of the Mohegan Sun World Baseball

Coaches’ Convention. Beginning with the first clinic in 2004, we have sought to provide you with the

very best in coaching education.

We want this clinic to be something special and we have spent considerable time securing the best

clinicians and designing a curriculum that addresses all levels of play and a range of coaching areas.

Each year, we seek to improve your clinic experience and this year we've made two major

improvements: we've redesigned the event layout to improve traffic flow and we are introducing an

event App for your smartphone or tablet to put critical clinic information at your fingertips.

We believe our clinic is more than just three days of coaching instruction; it is a chance to exchange

ideas and learn from each other. Our convention staff, exhibitors and guest speakers will be available to

you throughout the clinic. Please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself, ask a question or provide your own

perspective on the game.

A special thanks goes to the staff and management of the Mohegan Sun - our title sponsor - who have

welcomed us and allowed us to use their outstanding facilities and amenities. We also thank our other

sponsors for their important support, including: Extra Innings, Rawlings, On Deck Sports, Hitting Guru

3D, Baseball Heaven, Louisville Slugger, Baseball America, Club Diamond Nation, Lux Bond & Green,

Jaypro Sports, The Coaches Insider and Geno’s Fastbreak Restaurant. We have a terrific group of

exhibitors this year and we encourage you to visit them in the Mohegan Sun Convention Center during

the event.

Enjoy the clinic and please take the time during and after this weekend to let us know your thoughts on

improving next year’s Mohegan Sun World Baseball Coaches’ Convention. We wish you all the best

with your upcoming season and look forward to seeing you in January 2016!

Yours in baseball and coaching,

P.S.: Become a World Baseball Facebook fan and get clinic updates throughout the year.


WORLD BASEBALL EVENT SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 15, 2015:

Session Times Room 2015 Speaker 2015 Topic

4:30 pm - 9:00 pm GENERAL EVENT REGISTRATION Convention Center Pre-Function Area

6:15 pm - 7:00 pm Break-Out #1 Steve Trimper Batting Practices that Deliver Game Results

Break-Out #2 Phil Orbe

Building a Successful Program -- High School, AAU, Legion & Summer League

Break-Out #3 Nick Derba

Defending the Backstop: A How-To on Catching

Extra Innings Batting Cage

Kyle Shiplett MIZUNO PRODUCT DEMO

7:15 pm - 8:00 pm Break-Out #1 Nick Ahmed and Chris Podeswa Techniques and Drills to Make Every Infield Play Look Routine

Break-Out #2 Justin Blood Pitcher U! It's a Mentality!

Break-Out #3 Dr. Howard Fero

Develop Major League Leadership: Strategies to Lead Your Team from Joe Maddon, Davey Johnson,

John Farrell and Other Baseball Greats


Paul Sances RAWLINGS PRODUCT DEMO

8:15 pm - 9:00 pm Break-Out #1 Kevin Seitzer Fundamentally Sound Hitting Mechanics

Break-Out #2 Phil Orbe

The Art of Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable (Drills that provide stressful game-like situations)

Break-Out #3 Shaun McNamara

Scouting Evaluation Techniques To Determine Roles For Your Players


Nick Ahmed and Chris Podeswa DEMO: Everyday Infield Drills -- Making It REAL!

9:15 pm - 10:00 pm Break-Out #1 Justin Blood Pitching Mechanics Video Session:

Town-Hall Style - Get Your Questions Answered

Break-Out #2 Tracy Woodson & Jim Penders

Preparing Your Player for the Next Level by Winning at This Level: An Interactive Discussion on the College Recruiting

Process

Break-Out #3


Nick Derba DEMO: Fielding the Circle:

Throwing and Bunt Play from Behind the Dish

Outlines for certain sessions may not be included in this package.

Program, topics and presenters are subject to change. Attendees must wear their event credentials at all times to access the event.

No videotaping of event sessions is allowed.

SAVE 15% AT GENO’S FASTBREAK RESTAURANT: Hungry? Geno’s Fastbreak

is offering 15% off all food & beverage purchases for baseball clinic attendees wearing

their credentials. Geno’s is located just outside the Convention Center on the 1st floor.

COMPLIMENTARY COFFEE FOR ATTENDEES & EXHBITORS: On Friday morning,

complimentary coffee will be served from 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM in the Mohegan Sun Convention Center’s

Pre-Function Area while supplies last.



Friday, January 16, 2015:


7:45 am – 12:00 pm GENERAL EVENT REGISTRATION Convention Center Pre-Function Area

8:15 am - 9:00 am Break-Out #1 Scott Stricklin Creating A Championship Culture


Justin Blood DEMO: Pitching Drills to Incorporate the Lower Half

9:15 am - 10:00 am Break-Out #1 Jim Penders Make the Defense Stop You! Run the Bases like Every Hit is an

Inside-the-Park Home Run

Break-Out #2 Jack Morris The Pro's and Con's of Pitch Counts

Break-Out #3 Dr. Howard Fero

Develop Major League Leadership: Strategies to Lead Your Team from Joe Maddon, Davey Johnson, John Farrell and Other

Baseball Greats (Repeat Session)


Greg DiCenzo DEMO: Get An Edge on the Basepaths -- Leads, Tag-ups,

Stealing, Delayed Steals & Hit and Run Movement

10:15 am - 11:00 am Break-Out #1 Eric Cressey Identifying and Addressing the Most Common Physical

Limitations in Throwers

Break-Out #2 Bruce Hurst Pitching and Hitting the Target vs. Consequences of the Target

Break-Out #3 Jim Penders

The Metrics of Quality At Bats: Scoring Runs in the Dead Ball Era


Steve Trimper and Nick Derba Hitting Cage Drills that Lead into Batting Practice

11:15 am - 12:00 pm Break-Out #1 Kevin Seitzer Mental Side of Hitting -- Situational & Adjustments

Break-Out #2 Jamie Evans Get Your Pitcher to Throw Harder & Healthier

Break-Out #3 Tracy Woodson

The Four Fundamentals of Spider Defense (Cut-offs & Relays, Bunt Def., Rundowns & PFP)


Eric Cressey DEMO: A Proper Warm-Up

11:15 am - 1:15 pm Nehantic/Pequot/

Paugusset Rooms

NEIBA Annual Meeting

12:00 pm - 1:15 pm EXHIBITOR TIME/LUNCH BREAK

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Extra Innings Batting Cage

Brian Meehan DEMARINI PRODUCT DEMO

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm Extra Innings Batting Cage

Dan Rigol LOUISVILLE SLUGGER PRODUCT DEMO

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm Break-Out #1 Bob Tewksbury The Mental Game

Break-Out #2 John Szefc Coaching the "Little Things" in Your Daily Practice

Break-Out #3


Tracy Woodson DEMO: Hitting with Less Movement is More



Friday, January 16, 2015 (Continued):


2:15 pm - 3:00 pm Break-Out #1 Torey Lovullo Game Management Keys for All Levels

Break-Out #2 Scott Stricklin Catching 101

Break-Out #3 Bob Tewksbury

The Mental Game: An Interactive Question & Answer Session


Jamie Evans DEMO: Activities to Get Your Pitchers' Throwing Harder &

Healthier

3:15 pm - 4:00 pm Break-Out #1 Eric Campbell and Dominic

Leone with John Iovino Setting Your High School Players Up For Success ON and OFF

The Field After Graduation

Break-Out #2 Torey Lovullo

Home To Home: Coaching The Bases -- Drills and Strategies That Will Produce More Runs

Break-Out #3 Steve Trimper Team Defensive Drills to Maximize Practice Time


Steve Sutton EASTON PRODUCT DEMO

4:15 pm - 5:15 pm Break-Out #1 Bruce Hurst How to Throw the Curve Ball, Master the Change-up & Make

Your Fastball Your Best Pitch

Break-Out #2 John Szefc Developing a Professional Hitting Approach with Drills

Break-Out #3 Mike Leonard Your Team Captains: Team Leadership Matters


Eric Cressey DEMO: Identifying and Addressing the Most Common Physical

Limitations in Throwers

5:15 pm - 5:45 pm EXHIBITOR TIME


ShopExtraInnings ZEPP PRODUCT DEMO

5:45 pm - 7:00 pm Break-Out #1 TALKING BASEBALL TALKING BASEBALL featuring Jack Morris, Bruce Hurst, Kevin

Seitzer, Torey Lovullo, Eric Campbell, Dominic Leone and moderated by Ed Randall


Program, topics and presenters are subject to change. Attendees must wear their event credentials at all times to access the event.


Carry the World Baseball Coaches' Convention with

you at all times! Our new app has everything you'll

need to enhance your convention experience including

a full schedule, floor plan, presenter bios and more!



Saturday, January 17, 2015:


7:45 am – 9:30 am GENERAL EVENT REGISTRATION Convention Center Pre-Function Area

8:30 am - 9:15 am Nehantic/Pequot/ Paugusset Rooms

John Szefc Developing the Modern Infielder with Drills

Abenaki Room Steve Trimper Black Bear Offensive Drills to Increase Run Production

Shinnecock/Nipmuc Mike Church (YCC Session)

Building a Youth Pitcher: Mechanics and Drills that Produce Results!


Jamie Evans Increasing Your Pitcher's Velocity

Abenaki Room Nick Derba

Advanced Catching: Being the Quarterback on the Field

Shinnecock/Nipmuc

Greg DiCenzo (YCC Session)

Developing Aggressive Baserunners to Increase Offensive Pressure

Schaghticoke Room


Scott Stricklin (YCC Session Option)

Hitting Activities for Players at All Levels

Abenaki Room Mike Leonard Preparation is the Key to a Successful Practice

Shinnecock/Nipmuc

Steve Trimper (YCC Session Option)

Outfield Play: Techniques & Drills to Develop Your Last Line of Defense

Schaghticoke Room

11:30 am - 12:15 pm Nehantic/Pequot/ Paugusset Rooms

Bruce Hurst How to Develop the Proper Pitcher's Mindset

Abenaki Room Phil Orbe

The Art of Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable (Drills that provide stressful game-like situations)

Shinnecock/Nipmuc Mike Church (YCC Session))

Catching Fundamentals: Drills/Techniques/Preparation


Program, topics and presenters are subject to change.

Attendees must wear their event credentials at all times to access the event.


The event would like to recognize Jaypro Sports for providing the bleachers for the

Extra Innings Batting Cage sessions. Visit Jaypro’s booth to learn more about all their

baseball and softball product offerings.

SAVE 15% AT GENO’S FASTBREAK RESTAURANT: Hungry? Geno’s Fastbreak

is offering 15% off all food & beverage purchases for baseball clinic attendees wearing

their credentials. Geno’s is located just outside the Convention Center on the 1st floor.


2015 Mohegan Sun World Baseball Coaches' Convention

Exhibitor Booth Locations

Company/Exhibitor Name Exhibitor Booth #

Company/Exhibitor Name (cont.) Exhibitor Booth #

3D Hitting Guru 309 & 408 Jaypro Sports 91

Air Structures American Technologies 506 Keith's II Sports 307

AllBallPro by Sportworx 919 Lee County Sports Development 904

Anaconda Sports/LIDS Team Sports 209 & 308 Louisville Slugger 301 & 400

Anthem Sports 910 Marucci Sports 92

Ball-Bandit 404 Mercury Sports 702

Bangerz Sportz Eye Protection 402 Mizuno 609 & 708

Baseball America 207 New Balance Baseball 100

Baseball Heaven Sports Complex 108 New Britain Rock Cats T5

Batting Cages USA 915 New England Collegiate Baseball League 205

Beam Clay/Partac Peat Corporation 503 OC Sports 507

Beaver Bat Company 302 On Deck Sports 101

BIG Vision Sports Complex 504 Planet Fastpitch 203 - 207

Bownet Sports 911 & 913 Play In School 208

Brent's Uniform Factory 90 PLDGIT.com 502

BSN Sports 914 Rawlings 900 & 901

Connecticut American Legion Baseball 902 Rawlings Stars and Stripes 87

Connecticut Sportsplex 405 Ripken Baseball 702A

Connecticut Tigers T7 Rob Monte Art 712

Cooperstown Bat Company 605 Schutt Sports 201 & 300

DC Sports 916

Showcase Trading Cards 406

Diamond Nation 702B SkillScore 98

Diamond Sports 401 Spalding 601 & 700

Disney Baseball & Softball 907 Sports at the Beach 94 & 95

Dream Bat Company 403 Sports Team Hotels 305

E.L.umber Co. 505 Sports Tutor 509 & 608

Easton Sports 905 & 906 Stadium System 602

Extra Innings Pre-Function Strike Out Strippz 501 & 600

Fastpitch Nation/CT USSSA Fastpitch

Swingaway 89

Fastpitch on Line Showcase 96 Swivel Vision 603

Frank Herzog Photography 97 & 97A The Leadership Doc 606

Frank's Sport Shop 611 Tucci Lumber 86

GameChanger 903 Turface Athletics 409 & 508

GamePlan by Everysport.net 99 TYRUS Baseball Products 93

GloveWhisperer 304 USA Elite Training 94 & 95

Goose Grease Creams 407 VarsityGirl.Net 86 & 91

HeavySwing 613 Wilson/DeMarini/ATEC 206

Historic Dodgertown 306 Worth Stars and Stripes 88

Holloway Sportswear 500 X-Grain Sportswear 607

Hot Dot 604 Zephyr Hats 303

HUMANeX Ventures 107

We thank you in advance for supporting our clinic exhibitors and encourage you to patronize them throughout

the year. You can find a 2015 exhibitor listing on our website at www.BaseballCoachesClinic.com (on the

Exhibitor Page) which includes their website address.

http://www.baseballcoachesclinic.com/

SESSION: Friday, January 16, 2015, 9:15AM – 10:00AM: Breakout #1

TOPIC: Batting Practices that Deliver Game Results

PRESENTER: Steve Trimper, Head Coach, University of Maine


HITTING POINTS OF EMPHASIS

Balance stance

Grip

Bat, head and hand position

Utilize the top hand

Swing Plane

Weight transfer

Finish

HAVE A PHILOSPHY

Gap to gap

2 strike hitting: put pressure on defense

Keeping the ball out of the air

Play with the weather conditions

Use scouting info, charts, pitcher/catcher tendencies

CAGE DRILLS Top hand drill

o Works extension

o Swing plane

o Balance

o Overall strength drill

o “Finish and hold” the drill

Wide Base, 2 hand drill

o Same as top hand, but using both hands

o Works contact point, yet same finish needs to be accomplished

High tee/BP drill

o Helps with top hand extension

o Reinforces staying in base

o Works hands above the baseball

ON FIELD BATTING PRACTICE

Around the World drill: ROUNDS

o 2 strike approach: oppo middle hole

o Oppo gap with the right pitch

o Pull side gap

o Let it Eat!

Note*: Ball should be getting higher as you work to pull side

Hits Round Batting Practice

o Competition days

o Outstanding for your defense

o Teaches bat control for hitter to look for defensive “holes”

o Forces hitters to focus quickly

BLACK BEAR BP

o Works game like situations for both offense and defense

o Huge base running drill

o Covers run downs and relays/cuts

1. 2 runners at 3rd

, 2 runners at 1st

, 1 out situation

2. Hitter: score the run! Get to 2nd

!

3. 3rd

base runner: react to ball and defense

4. 1st base runner: always going to 3

rd, pick up coach

SESSION: Thursday, January 15, 2015, 6:15PM – 7:00PM: Breakout #2

TOPIC: Building a Successful Program -- High School, AAU, Legion & Summer League

PRESENTER: Phil Orbe, Head Coach, NECBL Mystic Schooners & Montville High School


I. Absolutes

a. Surround yourself with good people

b. Outwork everyone else

c. Commit to your players and their development – FFAB

II. Calendar of Events (high school season)

a. June – December: Pick up the pieces, lay the foundation and set the tone

1. Exit meetings 6. Off Season Conditioning

2. Inventory 7. Orders

3. Go watch your guys 8. Staff

4. College visits 9. Player Preseason Meeting

5. Academic schedules 10. Get Better

b. January - Mid March:

1. Off Season conditioning 6. Conditioning Competition

2. Preseason Sit Downs 7. Field Clean Up

3. Coaching Clinics 8. Youth Clinics

4. Early Roster Decisions 9. Pitchers and Catchers Week

5. Coaches Meeting 10. Preseason Parent Meeting

c. End of March: Preseason Practice

1. Organized Schedule 4. Video

2. Conditioning Goals 5. Scrimmages

3. Program’s Philosophies 6. Checklist

d. April and May – The Season

1. Games – MANAGE and coach

2. Practices – COACH and manage

e. Late May and June Postseasons

1. Conference Tournament vs. State Tournament


TOPIC: Defending the Backstop: A How-To on Catching

PRESENTER: Nick Derba, Assistant Coach, University of Maine


5 ESSENTIALS TO BEING A CATCHER

Receiving

Blocking

Controlling the staff and flow of game

Throwing

Offensive

THE STANCE

Different types of stances (Posada/Molina)

Flexibility

Target Presentation

o Thumb to 1 o’clock and glove relaxation

o Where to set up

Sign giving

o Glove placement

o Knee direction

o Upper body posture

o Awareness of surroundings (hitter,

baserunners, fielders)

No one on base

o Athletic base

o Comfort

o Mind set

o Shoulder, foot placement

Runners on

o Athletic base/foot placement

o Shoulders and head placement

o Mind set

Super blocking stance

o Foot placement

o Mind set

o Pros/Cons

Super throw stance

o The rock

o Pros/Cons

THE FUNDAMENTALS

Receiving

o Glove, hand, eye

o Drills

Bare hand

Rapid fire

Tri-fecta drill

Receiving off of machines

THE FUNDAMENTALS

Blocking

o Body position

Leg placement,

shoulder move, chin

o Be a pillow

Three schools of thought

Gain ground, straight down, lose

ground

o Drills

Roll drill

Fungo drill

Rapid fires

Oh no’s

Throwing

o Incorporating receiving into the throw

o Dealing with the hitter and throwing

o Transfer keys

Pocket to shoulder

o Footwork to second

o Footwork to first

o Footwork to third

o Drills

Quick toss

Pick and throw

Roll drill

Fungo drill

Double batter drill

Fielding the bunt

o Working to gain vision through the bunt and

making the right call

o Bunt to third base, throwing to first, second and

third

o Bunt to pitcher, throwing to first, second and third

o Bunt to first, throwing to first, second and third

Fielding the blocked/dropped third strike


TOPIC: Techniques and Drills To Make Every Infield Play Look Routine

PRESENTER: Nick Ahmed, Current MLB Shortstop, Arizona Diamondbacks

Chris Podeszwa, Assistant Coach, University of Connecticut


I. Ready Position A. Mental – (focus / be in tune!)

1. Understand the situation

2. Expect it / Want it!

B. Physical

1. Pre-pitch movement

2. Feet (on your toes)

3. Knees (slightly bent / too low = too slow)

4. Chest up / Head up

5. Eyes (focus on hitting area = catchers mitt)

II. Fielding Game Plan (Move Feet – Play Thru The Ball – Attack) A. Quick Feet (Around and Through the ball)

B. Glove & Glove side foot to the ball (Why?)

C. Solid Base (Stay low through the ball)

D. Momentum towards target (More accurate throws / More on it!)

E. Under control (Make the routines / Rhythm)

III. Drills A. SHORT HOP DRILL (Middle players together, Corner players together)

1. Soft hands

2. Step to the ball (Turn in between hops into short hops)

3. Backhands & Crossover Step

B. WALL DRILL

1. Crossover (explode & attack)

2. Around & Through (Smother w/ glove side shoulder)

3. Figure eight (Quickness & Endurance)

C. FIGURE EIGHT (Double Plays)

1. Receiving a. Get to the bag (Athletic position)

b. Hands @ 9 & 3 (Square up to feeder)

c. Always anticipate a bad feed

d. Load, balance, direction

e. Get out of baseline

f. Short stride. (Get feet down, get rid of it)

2. Feeds

a. Low to high

b. Clear glove

c. Glove side shoulder high

d. Communication

IV. Things to think about A. Pre-pitch movement/ 1

st step Jab or crossover/ Double Play Flips - Underhand or backhand?./ Covering the base on

steal attempt – verbals /

B. Pick off signs / Run downs – Rotation / 1st & 3

rd defense/ Bunt coverage/

C. Relays & cuts / Double cut & Trailer / communication / slow rollers – ground ball priority 3B or pitcher / depth /

play the line/ know the pitch / location /

D. Speed of runners / Wind / sun / etc.


TOPIC: Pitcher U! It's a Mentality!

PRESENTER: Justin Blood, Head Coach, University of Hartford


What is Pitcher U?

An identity

What we do and how we do it

o Energy and effort with direction / Taking in information

o Live it, breathe it, believe it

Toughness vs. Confidence

Subtle differences

Confidence level giveth and taketh away

Expose fears

o Little voice and warm gut

Player examples

Build in to Routines

Player Control

o Throwing programs – Demand focus!

o Strength and Conditioning

o PFP’s

o Arm Care

o Baseball IQ

In Game

Body Language

Controlling Tempo

Attacking Strike Zone

o Use your last pitch

Controlling running game

o Game before the game

“Blue collar” vs. Good Arm


TOPIC: Develop Major League Leadership: Strategies to Lead Your Team from Joe

Maddon, Davey Johnson, John Farrell and Other Baseball Greats

PRESENTER: Dr. Howard Fero, Leadership Expert, Author, Professor, and Consultant


1. Find Your Passion - Be passionate about your cause and let

others see your excitement.

2. Lead by Example - Set the tone for your organization and

work with your team to throw the right pitch.

3. Earn Respect - For yourself, for those around you, and for

the organization you are a part of. If you want others to

follow your lead then you need to show them you can be

trusted.

4. Know Your People - Learn the different ways each of your teammates is inspired and under what conditions they

work best. Once you know this you can help them to succeed.

5. Cultivate Relationships - Get to know those around you on a deeper level so that they will want to work their

hardest for you and your organization.

6. Support Your People - Let those around you know that you are loyal to them and will go to bat for them whenever

necessary.

7. Communicate Effectively - Be clear with your message and listen closely when spoken to.

8. Know Your Game - Know your business, whatever it is. Become an expert in your domain.

9. Foster Teamwork - Teams which work together are stronger than individuals working alone. Create an

environment where people will follow your lead and all exhibit the bases we have identified...when you do that

the team will work together.

10. Create a Winning Culture - Keep a focus on the short term, day to day goals, but always be mindful of the end

goal, winning the season, the big contract, and being a leader in your industry.


TOPIC: Fundamentally Sound Hitting Mechanics

PRESENTER: Kevin Seitzer, Current MLB Hitting Coach, Atlanta Braves


SETUP 1. Bat size-whip action but not too heavy; Plate coverage-able to reach outside corner in set up

position.

2. Stance- feet parallel/even with home plate and at shoulder width (base stealing/defensive position)

3. Weight on balls of feet; Knees slightly bent.

4. Back knee position, stays slightly bent, never straightens or bends all the way through swing.

5. Head/eyes- head is upright, eyes follow ball to bat, don’t turn head at contact.

6. Shoulders stay parallel to ground all the way through swing; Bat wrap/angle, not passed head toward the pitcher.

7. Grip- loose, knuckles may line up but not necessary if still able to whip bat and swing down and through the ball.

8. Back elbow up or down doesn’t matter unless elbow is too far up and causes a dip or lack of whipping action.

9. Hand position is back or near launch position outside armpit at shoulder height.

10. Tension free from waist up, tight stomach/loose hands all the way through swing, this keeps bat head in the zone longer and

increases power, should attack at 90 % effort, this helps keep tension from entering into swing.

11. Weight distribution- perfect balance at start and finish of every swing – STRONG LEGS.

12. Load, weight shift/stride, head on same plane, bug squish, don’t talk about hips unless it’s “be aggressive with the back hip” as

you swing; Heel position on bug squish is always up at finish, not down---crucial.

SWING 1. Begin swing by loading: slightly gliding back with your hips by picking the front foot up and putting it down as hands go back

slightly or gliding back with your back hip sliding slightly toward the catcher. MUST KEEP SHOULDERS LEVEL...not too

big, not too small...not twisting at the waist.

2. Make sure the “hands going back” starts load by “the hands pull the body back” (hands should not move after load).

3. Hand load is short, not big, so the hands need to be back outside the armpit.

4. Front shoulder closed-staying on pitcher; Body starts to “weight shift” back to balanced position w/ hands starting the swing.

5. Swing and bug squish/ back hip come at exactly the same time on every swing.

6. Swing takes front shoulder out- hands coming forward must start the swing, not the front shoulder.

7. Swing path, down and through the ball...”NOT LEVEL” (a level swing is an upper cut), inside the ball, hands/knob of the bat

travel between the body and line of the ball with hands loose past the back armpit to stay short (this will feel like a “push” to

start). Drive the knob inside and let the bat head come through...DON’T EMPHASIZE “Get the head out, throw the hands, throw

the head, etc”...this causes “jam shots” and dribblers off the end of the bat.

8. Stay inside the ball...RH hitters’ approach should be to aim for area between the pitcher and second baseman...LH hitters aim for

area between the pitcher and shortstop...”MAKE THE BALL GO THERE” is your thinking. Point of contact will dictate where

the ball goes. (Sometimes they will be early. Sometimes they will be late)

9. Contact deeper in zone- the reason we do the above is to teach hitters to make contact deeper in the zone which is the only way

to be a good breaking ball and off speed hitter.

10. The whole key to hitting off speed pitches is “staying closed” with the front shoulder, letting the ball break and get deeper in the

strike zone, then trying to make the ball go through the middle or opposite field.

11. Extension, can happen after contact or on contact, both arms may be bent at contact. ( talk about staying through the ball).

12. Shoulders stay parallel to the ground at all times, don’t let back shoulder dip under the ball, stay above the ball at all times with

back shoulder- don’t let it collapse. “If you’re late, let yourself be late” and hit the ball foul...don’t panic to catch up!

13. Don’t bend at the waist reaching for a pitch away, stand tall, sometimes have to break this rule on tough pitches down and away

in order “to stay on it, stay through it, and don’t leave it” all the way through the swing.

14. Finish with a good bug squish- heel up high with weight on balls of feet not the toe and back lined up with the pitcher.

15. EMPHASIZE HOLDING ON WITH 2 HANDS on the finish to stay short to the ball BUT they need to finish with both elbows

bent/hands behind the neck to stay loose through the swing...(hitters may release on pitches away and pitches they are fooled on)

FINISH 1. Don’t jump; don’t rush...DON’T BE LATE ON YOUR FASTBALL to make it go through the middle.

2. Better to start too soon and wait than start late and have to muscle to catch up. (Don’t talk about “get the front foot down

sooner”...start load sooner/start weight shift sooner/start the swing sooner/just don’t be late!

3. Let it all happen- don’t force the swing; Don’t panic, let the ball go foul if you start late, no “911” emergency swings.

4. Know the strike zone, but never ever yell at a kid for swinging at a bad pitch, encourage him to swing at a better pitch next

time. If you yell, you will take his aggressiveness away.

5. Remember- perfect balance every swing on the finish...STRONG BASE.


TOPIC: The Art of Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable (Drills that provide

stressful game-like situations)

PRESENTER: Phil Orbe, Head Coach, NECBL Mystic Schooners & Montville High School


I. Philosophy

a. Practices > Game

i. Structure your practices to simulate game situations/drills

ii. Coaching vs. managing

iii. “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball” - Patches O’Houlihan

b. Intensity breeds Confidence

i. It is not fair to treat everyone the same – expectations must differ

ii. Young people are resilient – challenge them

iii. Confidence comes from outworking people

II. Drills

a. Offensive Focus Drills

i. Base Running Drill

ii. Hit Run / Bunt Drill

b. Defensive Focus Drills

i. Circle - infielders

ii. Out and In

iii. Swirl – PUP

iv. Lay Out – I/O

v. Repetition, Repetition, Repetition

c. Pitching – Bullpens

i. Power pens

ii. Zone Busters

d. Team Drills

i. Batting Practice – not pregame

ii. Small Ball (infielders only)

iii. Hit Game


TOPIC: Scouting Evaluation Techniques To Determine Roles For Your Players

PRESENTER: Shaun McNamara, Current MLB Scout, New York Mets


The Importance of Knowing Your Own Players

1. POSITION PLAYERS

Can he hit?! If player can hit he will find a position

Balance, swing path, bat speed, set up

Feel for hitting

Power

Speed

Strength and development

Basic set-up adjustments

Pitch recognition

Finding a Position

Infield:

Body type, hands agility/range, body control, transfer/arm strength, instincts/game clock

Outfield:

Routes, jumps, speed to cover, arm strength, baseball intelligence

Catcher:

Hands/receiving, agility, feet, quickness, transfer, arm strength, leadership qualities

Discuss importance of repetitions at positions, instincts

Value of Versatility

What positions are interchangeable/where else on field can you develop a player

2. PITCHERS

Pitching evaluation absolutes

Arm action: Clean, smooth, loose, good extension; wrist wrap, stab, cuts off, full of effort

Delivery: Repeatable over time, in line, use of lower half, loose, easy; full of effort, off-line, thrower/slinger

Repertoire: Out-pitch, fastball (arm strength); Secondary arsenal – how many does a SP/RP own?

Command/control - and how they differentiate

Pitchability: Feel for pitching, knows who he is, game manager

Importance of establishing roles – in-game and in-practice preparation

Staying healthy; preparing the correct way

Moderate delivery tweaks, pitches/grips


TOPIC: Pitching Mechanics Video Session: Town-Hall Style - Get Your Questions

Answered

PRESENTER: Justin Blood, Head Coach, University of Hartford


Video Pros/Cons

Simplify

What sense is more important?

What to do with the information

Focal Points

What to look for?

o Load

o Hand Separation

o Maintaining Load

o Release

Open Analysis

Kyle Gauthier

Jake Mellin

Tyler Mitchell

Jake Regula

Problem Identified – Now Fix It

Drills

o Rhythm and Load

o Rhythm/Load/Stride

Playing Catch

Video Apps

Tools you can use


TOPIC: Preparing Your Player for the Next Level by Winning at This Level: An

Interactive Discussion on the College Recruiting Process

PRESENTER: Tracy Woodson, Head Coach, University of Richmond

Jim Penders, Head Coach, University of Connecticut


This Level vs. Next Level

o This Level

o Next Level

Definition of Winning o WIN – What’s Important Now

o Why Does Winning Matter to Decision Makers at the Next Level?

o Let the Decision Makers Make the Decision

There is a Level for You at the Next Level in Baseball

Why is the “Orphan” a Good Recruit?

Be Invested

On Campus Camps and Clinics

All-Star Games vs. Showcases/Pro Tryouts

How Do I Choose a School/Program?

o Questions for the Coach

o Questions Asked to High School Players

o Weeding Through the Nonsense

o The Full Ride (aka The Unicorn)

So Much Misinformation About Baseball Scholarships

Financial Aid (Academic/Need-Based)

Recruited Non-Scholarship Player

Walk-On

College or Pro Ball?


TOPIC: Creating A Championship Culture

PRESENTER: Scott Stricklin, Head Coach, University of Georgia


It Starts at the Top!

“They won’t care until they know you do.”

Have a Plan! “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

Attention to Detail! “Tiny details imperceptible to us decide everything.”

Do Your Job! “My job depends on you doing your job… and vice versa.”

SESSION: Thursday, January 15, 2015, 9:15AM – 10:00AM: Breakout #1

TOPIC: Make the Defense Stop You! Run the Bases Like Every Hit is an Inside-the-Park

Home Run

PRESENTER: Jim Penders, Head Coach, University of Connecticut


Practice Makes Perfect

Philosophy

Home to First Base

First Base Coach

Third Base Coach & Runner at First

First to Second

First Base Coach With Runner at Second Base

Third Base Coach With Runner at Second Base

Second to Third

Third Base Coach With Runner at Third

Third to Home

3 Lefts + A Couple of Coaches That Aren’t Flashing Yellows = 1 Run


TOPIC: Identifying and Addressing the Most Common Physical Limitations in Throwers

PRESENTER: Eric Cressey, Baseball Strength & Conditioning Expert, Cressey Performance

Founder


Baseball Training Culture

Opportunity #1: Appreciating Joint Hypermobility

Why does one feel “tight?”

Laxity Considerations

Programming Considerations: Strength Training

Opportunity #2: Gain active control of external rotation.

“Fake” Lay-Back

Opportunity #3: Individualize the management of scapular control.

One thing we do know…

o Takeaways:

Opportunity #4: Establish core control during arm care.

Action Items

Assess, don’t assume!


TOPIC: Pitching and Hitting the Target vs. Consequences of the Target

PRESENTER: Bruce Hurst, Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame Pitcher & Pitching Coach for China's

World Baseball Classic Team


• What is the Target?

• What are the Consequences?

• What we See when we Pitch?

• Developing a Good Pre-Pitch Routine

• Hitting Target Not Missing Bats

• A Little About Confidence


TOPIC: The Metrics of Quality At Bats: Scoring Runs in the Dead Bat Era

PRESENTER: Jim Penders, Head Coach, University of Connecticut


I. 1973 – 2014 Division I College Baseball Statistical Trends

a. 1973 (last year of wood)

b. 2014 – similar numbers

II. UConn Huskies Trends

a. 2010

b. 2014

III. The Definition of Insanity

IV. What is Different

a. Personnel

b. Pay to Play Influence

c. Showcase Phenomenon

d. Average Fastball Climb

e. Defense

f. Coaches game calling

g. Pitching Depth

h. Fear factor

V. Blending Philosophy With Personnel

a. Hard contact

b. QAB

c. Free 90’s

d. Charting systems

VI. Pay to Play

a. Individualistic practice and play

b. Less mental training, cross-sport training, team “buy in”, meaningful games

c. Marketing>Winning

d. Praise what we preach as coaches

e. Empowering your offensive player

VII. Showcase Phenomenon

a. Altering the important measurements

b. WIN

VIII. Average Fastball Climb

a. Pitch ID, patterns, and anticipation are at premium

b. Video, charting, advantage counts, zone awareness practice, drilling, communication

IX. Pitching Depth

a. UF-UConn illustration

b. The art of adjustments in the box – one pitch at a time

X. Coaches Game Calling

a. Thinking in box (is it an advantage or disadvantage)

b. Reports, charts, video are more pitcher-centric than hitter-centric

c. What is “Smart Aggressive”

XI. Fear Factor

a. Confidence begets more confidence and vice versa

b. More strikes, decrease of exit velocity

XII. Conclusion

SESSION: Friday, January 16, 2015, 11:15AM – 12:00PM: Breakout #1

TOPIC: Mental Side of Hitting -- Situational & Adjustments

PRESENTER: Kevin Seitzer, Current MLB Hitting Coach, Atlanta Braves


1. Look for fastball middle in to away till you have a strike (0-0, 1-0, 2-0, 3-1 counts) to

hit through the middle or right center. Don’t be LATE!

2. After one strike, look to hit the same fastball and any off speed pitch for a strike

through the middle (0-1, 1-1, 2-1).

3. After two strikes, stay with the same plan and battle covering the whole plate thinking more opposite field.

4. Stay aggressive, but under control, stay within yourself...think base hit, not TOO MUCH

5. Know the strike zone, learn the strike zone, discipline yourself to swing at good pitches to drive but don’t be late

on your fastball- aggressive. ALL GOOD HITTERS GET JAMMED & SWING AT BAD PITCHES

SOMETIMES.

6. Don’t swing at the pitcher’s pitch til 2 strikes- STAY AGGRESSIVE

7. Don’t panic, DON’T WORRY, DON’T DOUBT, and HAVE FUN! The game is FUN! ALWAYS...win or

lose...there is ALWAYS TOMORROW! It’s NOT WORTH IT to be miserable.

8. Don’t be afraid to hit with 2 strikes or with men in scoring position...EVER!

9. Be confident- the pitcher is scared, you’re the man! It’s easy to be confident when you’re hot...always know you

can hit...today you might get 5 hits!

10. Don’t be afraid to fail...don’t be afraid to be embarrassed.

ALWAYS REMEMBER...THE GAME IS HARD

11. Have fun competing.

12. If you’re not having fun...find another sport.

More Hitting Thoughts:

Situational Hitting:

Bunting:

Hitting Drills:


TOPIC: Get Your Pitcher to Throw Harder & Healthier

PRESENTER: Jamie Evans, Velocity Specialist & Toronto Blue Jays Consultant


The entire body works together #VeloCity focuses on 1 piece:

The Throwing Arm

A. Overload/Underload

a. Heavy strength

b. Lite speed

B. Accelerator/Decelerator

a. Front side is gas pedal

b. Backside Brakes

C. Accommodation and Adaptation

D. Long Toss vs. #VeloCity

a. Definition of Insanity

b. Intent

c. Ground Force Production

E. Big Whip and Little Whip

F. Drills

a. Knee

b. Weight Transfer

c. Get-After-It


TOPIC: The Four Fundamentals of Spider Defense (Cut-offs & Relays, Bunt Defense,

Rundowns & PFP)

PRESENTER: Tracy Woodson, Head Coach, University of Richmond


1. Cut-Offs & Relays

a. “SURE Doubles”

a. What is a sure double?

b. Read the Outfielders

i. In

ii. Crossover

iii. Drop step

b. Infielders Location

a. Where do they go?

c. Receiving throw

a. Hit me Relay Drill

d. Where to Relay

a. COMMUNICATION is Key

2. Bunt Defense

a. 3 Bunt Defense Plays

b. Most Important Part of Bunt Defenses…Pitcher Throw a strike

c. Get an Out

a. 1 of 27 they are giving you

d. Play Catch and Don’t Rush!

a. COMMUNICATE

3. Rundowns

a. Must Get Out

b. Player with Ball Initiates Throwing Lane…Stay in that Lane!!

c. Keep Ball in Hand and Sprint to Runner (Need Runner to Commit)

d. Communicate

e. Want Runner going to Previous Base if Possible. No Close Plays at Home Plate.

4. PFP - Pitcher’s Fielding Practice

a. Pitchers Get Over…No Hesitation

b. Communication Between Pitcher and 1st Baseman

c. Drills

a. Repetition and Full Speed

d. Get an Out

SESSION: Friday, January 16, 2015, 1:15PM – 2:00PM: Breakout #1

TOPIC: The Mental Game

PRESENTER: Bob Tewksbury, Mental Skills Coach, Boston Red Sox


Self-Talk

o The voice in our heads- “Don’t” , “Can’t”, “Gotta”, “Should”

o Creating awareness

o Trigger words- reframing

o Activity: Journaling

Imagery

o Body doesn’t know difference

o We learn by seeing

o Activity: Write script, practice

Concentration

o Broad external (flashlight) to narrow internal (laser beam)

o Infielders- 4 second game; circle.

o Outfielders- take off glove, move around

o Regaining concentration

o Activity: 100 square grids

Relaxation

o Awareness

o Proper breathing technique

o Implementing into practice

Hitters- before BP, during BP, hole, on deck, at bat

Pitchers- bullpen, before 1st pitch of inning, 2-0

o Activity: use in practice and games

Suggested Reading: Harvey Dorfman, Terry Orlick – In Pursuit of Excellence. Ken Ravizza – Heads Up

Baseball. Tim Gallowey – Inner Game of Tennis.


TOPIC: Coaching the "Little Things" in Your Daily Practice

PRESENTER: John Szefc, Head Coach, University of Maryland


1. Introduction into the ‘importance of the little things’

2. Well documented practice schedule with tasks and timeline

3. Efficiency BP/bunting setup-- three Hack Attack machines, ropes, cones

4. BP plan with rounds (all situations, 2-strike approach, FB/CB machines)

5. Bunting instruction (sacs, safety, squeeze, soft drags/pushes, hard pushes)

6. Base running drills:

a. SB techniques off of 1B (versus RHP/LHP-peak point read)--with and without a catcher

b. SB techniques off of 2B with verbal’s from third base coach—with and without a catcher

7. All base reads drill

8. Reads off of third base drill

9. Five crucial characteristics you need to successfully operate within the program:

a. Good person

b. Tough person

c. How much do you complain?

d. Get rid of your ego

e. PATIENCE


TOPIC: Game Management Keys for All Levels

PRESENTER: Torey Lovullo, Bench Coach, Boston Red Sox


1. Understanding your audience and who you are teaching

a. All concepts change at every age at every level…..Be prepared

b. Keep meetings brief

c. Make learning fun and keep rotations short

i. Practicing with a purpose should require focus and effort

ii. Scouting reports and advance meetings

d. Don’t be afraid to ask for help---It’s ok if you don’t know an answer

i. Relying on coaches

e. Manage the Parents/Agents/Scouts too

2. In game management and strategies

a. Play with the talent you have-Avoid the forcing mentality

i. What are your personal preferences---Speed, defense, power bats, power arms

b. Let the “players play”

c. Stay positive----Using the word limitation

3. Know Your in Game Challenges

a. Learn your opponent by understanding their habit, strengths and weaknesses

b. Scouting reports should be used as a reference and not a crutch - Helps the team deliver “Body

Blows”

c. Embrace the moment and remember to not let the pressure exceed the idea of having fun. This

will enable peak performance

d. Post Game evaluation can be done in a group or individually


TOPIC: Catching 101



The Set Up Signal Calling Stance

Primary Stance

Secondary Stance

Receiving/Framing 4 Aspects of Framing

Face Off

Rapid Fire

Wall Drill

Bull Pen

Throwing Ball Transfer

Footwork

One Knee

Transfer Drill

Dry Runs

In Between Innings

Blocking Ideal Blocking Position

3 Ball

Hands Down

Block and Stop

Block and Recover

Cheat Drill


TOPIC: Home To Home: Coaching The Bases -- Drills and Strategies That Will Produce

More Runs

PRESENTER: Torey Lovullo, Bench Coach, Boston Red Sox


SUCCESSFUL BASERUNNING KEYS

- Correct mindset once you reach base safely-Trying to make a difference

- Putting pressure on the defense by having a High Baserunning IQ.

1. Scouting reports/Pre game meetings

2. Overall field awareness

- Using “Buzz” words to get immediate focus.

-

- Picking up 3rd

base coach for sign and getting correct lead with confidence of at least 9 feet.

-

- Aggressive secondary lead with athletic stance-Anticipation of ball being put into play.

-

- Run with your head up and make sure the ball stops you while always practicing good habits

GAMES AND INCENTIVES

- Have players buy into making a difference by creating a contest and providing rewards

1. Advancing 2 bases

2. Balls in the dirt

SUCCESSFUL BASE STEALING KEYS

- Finding a way to get to the next base if you are a basestealer

1. Locate the pitchers hot spot and be aware of it before you get on base by watching video or

paying attention from the dugout during the game

2. Catchers “pop time” and accuracy while throwing to bases

3. Understand good running counts and good situations to make attempt

4. Know your limitations and be aware if you are a green, yellow, red runner

- “Stealing” signs to your advantage

1. Peeking in at catcher

2. Opposing coaches signs


TOPIC: Team Defensive Drills to Maximize Practice Time



PRACTICE IDEAS AND DRILLS FOR ALL SEASONS

Great practices revolve around Energy, Organization,

and a Vision

Be a leader, find a leader

Practice like you want the team to play- What is your

coaching vision?

Deal with Adversity…good teams “peak” because they

learn, adapt and grow

UTILIZE YOUR ASSETS:

Facilities: Be creative…Your players will appreciate

your effort and energy

Assistant coaches: develop them

Video/visual learning

TWO TYPES OF PRACTICES:

Skills and drills – transition from drill to drill at right

time and avoid the boredom factor

Game speed and simulation

INFIELD: USE THEIR ATHLETIC ABILITY

Look to improve 3 skills: FEET, HANDS, ARM

Good footwork improves hands

Work on hand/eye coordination

Throwing: the easiest part of the game to teach

DRILLS:

- Throwing progression

- Ladder Drills- for middle infielders for DP’s and Tag

plays

- Ladder Drills- for 1st basemen tag plays and picks

- 4 corner box drill: four different ways to practice

throwing

- Square Drills for infielders and outfielders

- 1st basemen throws for lefty first moves

- Fungo picks at 1B

- Mini DP’s: GET THE FIRST OUT!

- Plays at the plate

USES OF THE “PITCHING MACHINE”

Saves time with team drills

Fly ball priority

Relays and cutoffs

OF communication/gap drill

Blind drill

PITCHERS DRILLS: MAKE IT GAME SPEED Pitchers PFP 3 prong drill

Pitchers Diamond Defense drill

TEAM DRILLS

“LIVE LOOK DRILL”

o Incorporates infielders,

pitchers, and catchers

Work on the goal time of 3.3 seconds combined

o Allows base runners to work on SB’s

SEQUENCES

o Involves entire team

o Involves many aspects of the live game: tags, relays,

cuts, DP’s, GB’s, throws, Communication, etc.

o Game speed….players need to concentrate

DOUBLE PLAY SEQUENCE

1. 5-4-3 DP 4. 3-6-1 DP (PITCHER #2)

2. 1-6-3 DP (PITCHER #1) 5. 4-6-3 DP

3. 6-4-3 DP 6. 1-2-3 DP (PITCHER #3)

Finish with RF throw to 3b/plate

BUNT SEQUENCE

1. Bunt to 3B side with runners on 1st and 2

nd, double

down LF line

2. Bunt to 1B side with runner on 1st, double down RF line

3. Bunt in front of plate for catcher, throw to plate from CF

4. Squeeze to plate and tag plays around the horn

RUNDOWNS o No fakes

o Establish a lane

o Speed pressure

o Receiver runs the play…”BALL” call

Rundown drill from 1B to 2B, and missed

squeeze play

BASE RUNNING CIRCUIT o Time efficient and with a purpose

Singles circuit

- Inf. Single from plate, steal from 1B, steal

from 2B, Tag at 3B

Doubles circuit

- Double from box, H & R at 1B, single to CF

from 2B, squeeze at 3B


TOPIC: How to Throw the Curve Ball, Master the Change-up & Make Your Fastball Your

Best Pitch




• Best Tips on How to Throw a Curve

• Best Tips on How to Throw a Change-Up

• Fast Ball… Best Pitch in the Game

• Absolutes

• Two Book Titles: Science of Hitting. The Art of Pitching

• Feel


TOPIC: Developing a Professional Hitting Approach with Drills



What is our Approach at the Plate?

Mechanics vs. Approach

o In college, most hitters have a swing that is mechanically good enough to compete

o Big issue—lack of plan, aggression, competitiveness

o Don’t need to be swing guru

o Must have an approach/plan/2-strike strategy

Pretty swing mechanics + bad approach = .250

Average swing mechanics + great approach = .330

Our approach is built around three concepts

1. Hunt the fastball away

- More pitches are thrown away than in — put the odds in your favor

2. Back up the baseball — see it as long as you can

- Good hitters are not afraid to get jammed

- Pitch recognition will improve as you see the pitch deeper/longer

3. Swing hard to the middle and let the ball go where it wants

- Drive the ball to the middle/oppo gap

Our 2-strike approach—choke up, on the plate, look away--BATTLE

Mature Hitter vs. Immature Hitter

- Mature:

- Looks for the FB away with a middle of the field mindset

- Hunts the inside part of the baseball with an aggressive short swing

- Stays behind the ball and sees it to the zone with deep connected contact

- Immature:

- Tries to create power by looking for the FB in and is pre-set to pull

- Hooks the ball with a long swing—cheats to pull side

- Goes out to get the pitch in front of the plate with arms extended at contact

Communication – Lingo (create terms that work for you)

- Most important thing is getting hitter to FEEL what you are saying

- ‘Drive the ball in your oppo gap’

- ‘Work off the inner half of the ball’

- ‘One hopper mode’

- ‘Proper BP rounds’

- ‘Proper pitch recognition—FB efficient, early movement to be on time, hands loaded by release-NOT foot down,

see the pitch up or down out of hand’

How We Enforce our Approach

Short Bat Flips

Angle Hack

Two-Headed Monster

Competitions (use mostly situational rounds)

Why we compete

How we compete


TOPIC: Your Team Captains: Team Leadership Matters

PRESENTER: Mike Leonard, Head Coach, Bates College


1. What is your leadership style? a. Authoritarian

b. Balance of Power, Associate Head Coach or Assistant

c. Democratic Head Coach

i. Beware of the “inmates running the asylum”

2. Knowing who you are as a coach

a. Coaching Philosophy

b. How do you communicate with players?

i. Open door

ii. What are the limitations for your players?

3. Purpose of team captains/leaders

a. Liaison between players and coach

b. Model team values

c. Set the standard on the field

d. Motivator

e. Represent the school in campus and community events

f. Communicate and organize team events

g. Foster team unity

4. Selecting Team Captains

a. Players Vote

b. Coaches Choose

c. Combination

5. How many team captains/leaders?

a. Single team captain

i. Harvard football

b. Dual or Tri Captains

c. Captains Council

i. One representative from each class

6. Knowing your captains strengths

a. Not all leaders are good at everything

b. Four categories of team leaders

i. Motivator

ii. On Field Leader – clutch performer, best player

iii. Off Field Moral Standard Setter – A student, respected by school, and community

iv. Hardest Worker

c. Not every team has all four or needs them

Know yourself as a head coach, know your captains’ strengths, and work together to give the team what it

needs to be successful.

SESSION: Saturday, January 17, 2015, 8:30AM – 9:15AM: Nehantic/Pequot/Paugusset

TOPIC: Developing the Modern Infielder with Drills



1. Develop the Hands, Feet, and Athleticism of the Modern Infielder - Infield throwing program

- Hands drills

- Double play feeds

- Circle catch

- Fungo tags

- Playing clean catch

- V-cut, backhand, forehand fungos

- Double fungo infield in plays at the plate

- Double fungo infield in plays at first base

- All backhands

- Drop ball

- All dives

- 4-hole, 6-hole tweeners

- Slow rollers (two hands together, barehand)

- Single shuffle, double shuffle

- Double plays—every different feed

2. Other Important Infield Points:

- Two feet down on time

- MIF relaying signs to corner infielders and OF

- Late movement by pitch

- Protecting the middle and the 4/6 holes

- Taking bad ABs out on defense

- Running the game

SESSION: Saturday, January 17, 2015, 8:30AM – 9:15AM: Abenaki

TOPIC: Black Bear Offensive Drills to Increase Run Production



MAJOR PHILOSPHY: Put pressure on defense: Don’t be afraid to fail

BASE RUNNING: One of the most under taught aspects of

the game

- Practice during batting practice for live looks

- Utilize BP screens

1. Out of the Box Rule

- Fly balls get to 2nd base

- Ground balls get to OF grass

2. First Base:

- Primary leads: 3 ½ steps……off set feet like a

“sprinter”

- Secondary leads: 2 shuffles before action

3. Stealing second base: “7.2 runners can steal 20 bases”

- Clear hips with elbow, stay low like an airplane

taking off

- Look for tendencies in pitcher

- Draw out good moves…One way leads

- Run on off speed counts

- Look for lazy catcher with signs

- First move on LHP and RH right handed first

basemen (watch for flip move)

4. Stealing third base:

- Walking leads

- Utilize 3rd base coach- Verbal cues

- See grip of pitcher for running pitch

5. Hit and Run: An aggressive sacrifice (PLAYING FOR

A BIG INNING)

- Coaches…..hitter’s counts…need a strike….NOT

WITH 2 OUTS!!!!

- One way lead….do not get picked off

- In, out, over

- Do not get fooled on INF deke play

- Pop-up slide

6. Other base running points: - Delay steal- extra shuffle step in secondary lead

- Run and Hit- 3-1 and 3-2 counts… steal the base

- Fake bunt and Run(Squeeze situation)

- 2-2-2 running count

SLIDING:

- Why we slide

Avoid tag, Slow down, Avoid injury

- Bent leg slide… ”Figure 4” Pop-up slide… Great

vision and fastest to move on

- On deck hitters help at home plate

- Back door slides

BUNTING:

- Three Reasons why you would

bunt:

1. To move a runner into

scoring position. (Sacrifice)

2. To get on base. (Drag, Push)

3. To score a run. (Squeeze)

- Grip… Bottom hand middle of tape, top hand at label

- Don’t drop the barrel… Use knees to get low pitch

- Timing is only thing different for sac, base hit or squeeze

Sac: Pitcher movement

Base hit: Separation of hands

Squeeze: Point of no return

- Keep ball away from pitcher

- Left handed batter- left foot on ground stepping at

pitcher on contact

SLASH: - Automatic on crash defenses

- Early Square around

- Pitcher point of no return to load

- Weight on front foot

- Grip to middle of the tape

COACHING THE BASES:

- 1st base coach helps on pick offs

When trying to see a “LAZY CATCHER”

Back door picks from 1st baseman

- 3rd base coach:

Simple, but hidden signs

Give signs with runners on the bag

Have runner show number of outs

Help runners steal 3rd base

Only help runners with 1st to 3rd and ball to RF

Scoring with ball in OF

OTHER DRILLS:

- Tee hit games

- Ground ball scrimmage

- Hits games

- Base running circuits:

Time efficient and with a purpose

Singles circuit

- Inf. Single from plate, steal from 1B, steal from

2B, Tag at 3B

Doubles circuit

- Double from box, H & R at 1B, single to CF

from 2B, squeeze at 3B

- Live reads during batting practice

SESSION: Saturday, January 17, 2015, 8:30AM – 9:15AM: Shinnecock/Nipmuc

TOPIC: Building a Youth Pitcher: Mechanics and Drills that Produce Results!

PRESENTER: Mike Church, Diamond Kings Founder & Youth Baseball Instructor


Step 1 – Rocker Step

Rocker step only prepares the

back foot to square up against the

rubber or “hole”

Thumbs together, heart high

Head still

Step 3 – Leg Lift

Lift with the hip

Knee toward second base

Keep heel close to in-line with

the back leg

Up, Down, Slide – The “L”

Shoulders slightly closed

Head still as possible

Hands stay heart height

Dynamic balance

Lead with the heel to step 4

Step 4 – The Landing/Launch Position

Thumbs away

Foot lands slightly closed

80 percent

Hips, shoulders, knees, ankles

lined up with plate

Hips loaded

Looking over shoulder

Equal and opposite

Start to rotate from the ground up

Step 5 – Throw and Finish

Wait for something to happen

Get strong late

Between 1 and 2 o’clock

Elbow leads the hand

Keep good direction/head still

Where the head goes the ball

goes

Wrist action

Throw into a firm front side

Step 2 – The Pivot

Square up the back foot

Against the rubber, hole or

mound

Head still

Keep it simple

Throwing and playing catch from a tiny hill

Go to 20 coaches and you’ll get 20 different philosophies

Manage the process and you’ll get results

Be smart, limit innings and pitches thrown

Make your whole team Pitchers

DRILLS/NOTES

Duct tape, line in dirt

Mirror Drills

Socks/Straps

Metronome App

Deep Breath

Visualize

Hold the Weight

Eyes closed

Count to 5

Rapid fire

Rock and go

Leg lift balance toss and go

Warmup Target Throwing

Wrong foot throwing

Softball Throws Simon Says

Pitches and Grips


TOPIC: Increasing Your Pitcher's Velocity

PRESENTER: Jamie Evans, Velocity Specialist & Toronto Blue Jays Consultant


Long-term Pitcher Development program:

Set your players up for future success

A. Is Throwing Unnatural?

B. Injuries

a. Fatigue

b. Recovery

c. Pitch Smart Guidelines

C. Biological vs. Chronological

D. Long-term vs. Short Term

a. Winning vs. Development

i. Little League

ii. High School

iii. College

b. Windows of Training Speed

i. Pre-school

ii. Elementary

iii. High School

iv. Man

E. Genetics vs. 10,000-hour rule

F. Arm speed or Arm Strength

G. Biological vs. Chronological

H. Dominican Republic the Outliers


TOPIC: Advanced Catching: Being the Quarterback on the Field

PRESENTER: Nick Derba, Assistant Coach, University of Maine


What does this mean?

Priority: “Make a pitcher believe he has his A stuff when he has his C- stuff.”

Secondary: “Reminding fielders of situation”

Tertiary: “Relaying from bench.”

Making the pitcher believe

1. It starts in the bullpen

- Positive body language, verbal cues

2. Working between innings with the pitcher

- Understanding the personality, press the right buttons

- Knowing his strengths and weaknesses

Pitching to the situation

1. Setting up

- Early in count

- Late in count

- Giving the target

2. Making the pitch call

- Reading hitters

- Winning the outer half

- Not Making Adjustment for hitters

- H and R counts

- When to work chase

- Late game pitch calling

- Losing oppo gap

- Understanding what the role of each pitcher is, but understanding who they are

Eg. Might be a closer, but doesn’t throw hard

Making field aware of situation

- LHH, pitcher gets over

- No doubles!!

- Top of the lineup

- Action times

SESSION: Saturday, January 17, 2015, 9:30AM – 10:15AM: Shinnecock/Nipmuc

TOPIC: Developing Aggressive Baserunners to Increase Offensive Pressure

PRESENTER: Greg DiCenzo, Head Coach, College of the Holy Cross


I. Laying the Foundation Within Your Clubhouse

A. Mindset…allowing educated risks on the base-paths

B. Anticipatory vs. Reactionary

C. Recognizing/Valuing the importance of 90 feet

D. Personnel Attributes vs. Team Standards/Goals

II. Opposition Rolodex…understanding the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses

A. Arm-strength on the field…watch I/O, opponent’s BP

B. Pitcher-Catcher tendencies

C. Team tendencies (pickoff/rundown efficiency, bunt defense, etc.)

D. Pitcher cues/hot-spots

III. Venue of Game

A. Base-paths…grass vs. dirt vs. turf

B. Cut on bases

C. Perimeter measurements

D. OF/IF content

IV. Running the Bases…BID importance at each base

A. Home to First

B. Leads at 1B

C. Leads at 2B…aggressive at 2B…not worried about making 1st or 3

rd out at 3B

D. Leads at 3B

V. Collaborative Drills for Baserunning Pressure


TOPIC: Hitting Activities for Players at All Levels



Setup and Stance

Tee Work

One Knee

Top Hand/Bottom Hand

Soft Toss

Behind Toss

Angle Toss

Front Toss

Situational BP


TOPIC: Preparation is the Key to a Successful Practice

PRESENTER: Mike Leonard, Head Coach, Bates College


1. Philosophy

Who are you as a coach and what are you expectations for your team?

Standards and Expectations for team (uniform, language, on time, effort level)

Drills and fundamentals? Game situations or competitions? Teacher of the game?

Communication Style

Motivation Style

Role of Assistants Write a Coaching Philosophy

2. Curriculum

Set a general foundation for what needs to be covered over the course of the season

o Hitting philosophy

o Pitching

o Position specific defense

o Team Defense

o Team Offense

o Strength and Conditioning

o Mental Skills

What are your mechanical teaching points for each area? What drills will you use to improve your

players for each area?

The amount of time you have in your season will dictate the depth of each piece.

o Professional level, D1 and D2, D3, high school, youth teams

3. Daily Lesson Plan

Post daily before practice

Communicate new drills, changes ahead of time. At start of practice or in team meeting

Change week to week or day to day

o Opponent you are playing

o Things your team needs to work on

o Pulse of your team (exams, bad weather, long practices, lots of games)

4. Individual Player Plans

Create plan for long term development not just short term performance

Coach the entire player, skill development, physical development, mental development, and personal

maturation

Know who you are as a coach, define the areas that are important to your team’s success, then develop and

implement the plan to get them to achieve

SESSION: Saturday, January 17, 2015, 11:30AM – 12:15PM: Nehantic/Pequot/Paugusset

TOPIC: How to Develop the Proper Pitcher's Mindset




• Confidence

• Attitude

• Poise

• Between Innings

• One Pitch Away From Greatness and One Pitch Away From Humility

• Putting Hitters Away

SESSION: Saturday, January 17, 2015, 11:30AM – 12:15PM: Shinnecock/Nipmuc

TOPIC: Catching Fundamentals: Drills/Techniques/Preparation

PRESENTER: Mike Church, Diamond Kings Founder & Youth Baseball Instructor


THROWING LIKE A CATCHER

Catch, Feet, Throw

Progression--Catch, heart, right,

left throw

Arm action

High Transfer

Pull the elbow back

FIELDING BUNTS Footwork

1st base

2nd Base

3rd base

RECEIVING

Quarter Turn, Drop to receive

Catch Glove Flat

Inside Pitch

Outside Pitch

Low Pitch

High Pitch

Framing?

BLOCKING

Different pitches call for different styles

1. Fall forward

2. Replace the feet

Middle

Inside

Outside

POP UPS

Cleat the umpire

Back to infield – P, 1st, 3rd

Hang on to mask

See ball in front of your face at

11 o’clock

Receive above head

o Thumbs together

Find the next play

THROWING TO BASES

No faking pickoffs

Catch the ball deep

Footwork

Pop

Two step

Drop step

Roll the knee!!

Throws to 3rd base and 1st base

Footwork

DRILLS/NOTES

What is a catcher’s job?

Who is a good candidate for your backstop?

Properly fitting equipment


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2015 Event Information

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