Infielders
Defensive Pre-Pitch Footwork in Baseball
Pre-Pitch/Prep step is an important step to put yourself in the best position possible when fielding a ground ball. It starts before you even know the ball is coming to you.
-Be in a relaxed and athletic position while the pitch is being thrown.
-Once the ball enters the hitting zone take a small hop (doesn't have to be big). This helps react quicker to a ball and getting yourself in the best possible position you can.
If you're a corner infielder. (First Base/Third baseman) I would get deeper in my legs and then hop. You have a lot less reaction time than a middle infielder. ex. Miguel Andujar in video
Middle infielder you can be more upright, but still maintaining an athletic position. A lot more variety of balls are hit to you. Ex. Carlos Correa and Javy Baez in video
How to Train Like a Big League Infielder: Kai Correa
Good video on finding good tempo when fielding. Knowing the runner if they are fast or slow. Fast runner you're going to typically go with one shuffle and throw. (Also knowing the speed of the ground ball will determine your footwork) Slower runner you'll have time and go with a shuffle-shuffle-throw.
After catch we'll try to get a daily infield routine in. Must watch for all infielders.
1. On our knees working out front, killing the last hop. W/ training glove
2. Rolling gb’s funneling to center and getting the ball out quick to our throwing hand. W/ pancake
3. Short hop picks funneling to center. W/ pancake
4. Short hop picks 1 hand out front and funnel to center, glove side and with back hands start with taps then push through the ball. W/ training glove
5. Short hop picks glove side 1 hand, center 2 hands, backhand 1 hand. W/ training glove.
On feet work:
1. Directional short hops, 1 hand make sure your body, eyes, and glove are in the same lane as the ball. Working 1 hand. W/ training glove.
2. Directional short hops w/ rapid fire. Glove side, middle, backhand. All one hand. Hinge at waste be in line w/ the lane of the ball. W/ training glove.
3. Inside the right foot short hop picks. Weight is in middle and we shift weight forward when pushing through the ball. W/ training glove.
4. Outside the left foot picks. W/ training glove.
5. Back hand picks w/ the left hip cleared back hand picks w/ left hip closed right in front of toes W/ training glove.
6. Side to side shuffles with 2 hands. Side to side shuffles, 1hand outside left foot. Shuffle back w backhand w left hip cleared. W/ training glove.
Ron Washington runs Braves rookie Ozzie Albies through fielding drills
More in depth explanation to build off of our daily routine.
College Baseball Highlights
Coach Jake Nell: "Every week I'll try to post one game that I find interesting. If you want to watch more game highlights subscribe to Wheels on Youtube. Does a good job compressing full game highlights into 10-12 minute videos. Covers a lot of different teams."
#21 Texas vs Texas A&M highlights--At 4:35 is a good example of a tandem 3. Nobody on, ball hit to the right center wall, shortstop takes the lead while the second baseman trails.
Tennessee Vs. LSU--When watching highlights have an intent and purpose. Look at the situation. How many outs? Where are the runners at? Did the team execute what they are trying do? Be a student of game, but have fun with it and get some good mental reps.
Pitching
If you're wanting to get into plyos here's a good starting point. Colors I'm going based on the two sets of Driveline Plyos we have.
Reverse Throws 1x8 (Heaviest Ball/Green)
Pivot Picks 1x8 (Blue Ball) 1x8 (Orange)
Roll Ins 1x5(Blue) 1x5(Orange)
Drop Step 1x3(Blue) 1x3 (Orange) 1x3(Yellow)
Atlanta Braves Kyle Wright Warm Up Routine
Pitching: Torso Counter Rotation
What makes Jack Leiter so dominant?
This is a great and simple routine to do after you have thrown. This will be your responsibility to do when you get home from a game or practice--time doesn't afford us the luxury to do it after games and practices. Most of you have the equipment: bands and plyo balls, but there is a "mini- rebounder" that is part of this. It has a link of how to purchase one at the end of the routine. You can also use a basketball as an accommodation.