8/14 Practice Notes

New Season, New Division

Expectations for the Upcoming Fall Season (Video Below)

The purpose of the fall season is to prepare for the competitive spring season.
Remember that past accomplishments do not dictate future outcomes. We have now reached the majors and are the newest, youngest team. We must work hard to get up to speed and compete effectively with high-level 12-year-old teams.
All playing positions are a clean slate. The coaching staff will evaluate each player with a fresh perspective, and positions will be earned. Everything is up for grabs.
Players are encouraged to watch the LLWS, which is currently ongoing. That tournament showcases our division and age group, and the talent level displayed is the standard we are striving for.
Expect fielding practice to be held on the dirt field at Fern Lake on weekdays and hitting practice at Chapman on weekends. This is a general plan for the season, but our on-field performance will ultimately determine what we need to focus on and when.

The Roster

Hudson
Luke
Owen
Holden
Jameson
Logan

Nicholas
Benjamin
Henry
Orlando
Lane
Tanner

Throwing and Catching

Throwing

At this level, throwing needs to be one of the least of our concerns; it's a fundamental expectation. We expect every player to be able to throw the baseball across the diamond with accuracy, firmness, and consistency.

We've dedicated practice time to perfecting throwing motions and mechanics, and it's essential that you apply what we've worked on

Catching

We also discussed proper catching. Here are the key steps:

Move your head and body to the ball. Just like aiming a BB gun, you need to get your eyes directly behind your glove. This gives you the best accuracy for a firm, clean catch.
Show the ball the pocket. Keep your wrist cocked so the pocket of your glove is the deepest part, ready to swallow the ball.
Work your glove forward into the ball. Don't wait for the ball to get to you; meet it with your glove.

Fielding

Reading the ground ball

The first thing a fielder must do is "read" the ground ball. To read the ball means to judge its movement, which will dictate how you position your body to field it. The first question to ask yourself is: "Is the ball rolling or skipping?"

Rolling

When you see a rolling ball, you need to attack it. We know this means moving in a more forward direction.

For a play at first base, maneuver yourself to the third-base side of the ball. Then, field the ball off your left foot while your momentum carries you toward first base.

Skipping

When you see a skipping ball, your job is to settle and judge the hops. Your goal is to position your body to field either the long hop or the short hop. These are the two easiest and most reliable locations to make a play, which helps reduce errors.

The short hop avoids a bad hop because you catch the ball almost immediately after it leaves the ground.
The long hop gives you enough room to judge and adjust to the bounce before the ball gets to you.

The key is to avoid getting caught in-between hops. Being in the wrong spot means you're too far for a short hop and too close for a long one, which is where most errors happen.

Body Movements

Once you've judged the hop, you have a few options for how to best position your body. Remember that the best movement might even be backwards.

Yes, to field a long hop, you'll often need to add a drop step. Depending on whether you're fielding forehand or backhand, you'll step backwards with the corresponding leg to create the distance you need to make the catch.

Front and Center

Forehand

Backhand

Eyes and Gloves

In all cases, we must focus on these fundamentals:

Align your eyes with the ball and behind your glove. This gives you the best perspective and allows you to track the ball all the way into the pocket.
Present the pocket of your glove to the ball. Don't just stick your glove out; make sure the pocket is facing the ball to create the biggest target.
Get your glove under and into the ball. Work your glove low and forward to meet the ball and secure it.

Infield Fly Rule

The following video will explain the infield fly rule in depth. But first, let's keep it simple with some basic principles for both baserunners and fielders.

If you hear the umpire announce "Infield fly!" or "Infield fly if fair!", here is what you need to do:

Fielding

Catch the baseball
If a baserunner does not tag up, throw the the base that they left early to double or triple up the baserunners.
If you accidently drop the baseball no worries the batter is automatically out.
If a baserunner attempt to move to the next base, get the out by tagging the runners. It is not a force play, you must tag them.

Baserunning

Stay on the base!
Stay On The Base! Even if the ball is dropped you do not have to run.
Only attempt to take the next base if the fielders commit an error allowing you to reach the next base safely.

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