Surviving Baseball: How to Catch Grounders

This is another video helping you to scoop up ground balls.

Surviving Little League: How to Catch a Fly Ball

Check out this video that teaches kids how to catch a fly ball.

Surviving Little League: Pitching Tips

How to Pitch

Cal Ripken’s steps for great pitching:

1. Take a baby step back
2. Turn your foot
3. Lift your leg
4. Point your shoulder
5. Throw the ball

Don’t forget to:

• Warm up for at least 10 minutes
• Start with the ball in your glove
• Keep your eyes on the target (catcher)
• Use your front arm for leverage and torque
• Anchor your back foot on the “rubber”
• Step toward the plate with a follow-through

Four Seam Fastballs

Little Leaguers do not throw anything other than a four seam fastball. The grip is shown above.

By the way, this grip should be used by all infielders and outfielders because it is the quickest and most accurate way to throw. Practice the grip by taking the ball out of your glove and rotating it until your fingers are over the backwards “C” of the seams. Keep it up until you can find the seams without looking.

Surviving Little League: Batting Tips

Ever wonder how the pros approach hitting? Here are some great tips for you:

The ideal hitter would probably have a combination of these qualities: strength, determination, coordination, confidence, vision, rhythm, style, body control, quick hands, and the will to learn and to take advice. The following is a list of batting tips that can help anyone become a better hitter.

• Select a bat you can handle.
• Learn the strike zone – don’t swing at bad pitches.
• Keep your front shoulder and chin tucked in, and your hands back. Turn your head so that both eyes are on the pitcher – don’t look around your nose. Stay on the balls of your feet – keep off your heels. Keep your head still.
• In order to get the bat started, move your hands back slightly as the pitcher is getting ready to release the ball. If you like the pitch, go ahead and hit it. If you don’t like the pitch, then hold up your swing.
• Take a short step and stride – a long stride will only throw you off balance.
• Stay on top of the ball. A slight downward swing allows this and is a good way to keep from upper-cutting. Keeping the front shoulder in and down also allows a hitter to get the bat head out in front and prevents dropping the back shoulder.
• Learn to hit your strength. Every hitter has a strength just as every hitter has a weakness. Hit your pitch. When you get it, don’t let it get away. Concentrate on solid, hard contact.

- from Cal Ripken, Sr: The Ideal Hitter