Denison Little League: Baseball Tips
Tuesday, October 1510/14/02- Thrower's Checklist
9/30/02 - Defending Trick Plays
As you know Baseball Excellence does not believe in wasting valuable practice time on a host of trick plays. But other teams may use them so it is necessary to understand how to defend against them.
Runners at first and third - Balk Play - As soon as the pitcher comes set, the runner at first base breaks for second. This play is designed to fluster the pitcher into committing a balk or throwing to a middle infielder who is moving to cover second base, allowing the runner at third to score. To defend this play the pitcher steps back off the rubber, checks the runner at third base and throws the ball to the second baseman who comes straight toward the pitcher into the base line. He is in an optimum position to either throw home or tag the runner. It is possible to get a double play out of this defense. The second baseman tags the runner and throws home for the out there. If the runner runs hard past the second baseman the pitcher throws to the SS covering for the tag there. (The pitcher does not leave the dirt area of the mound on this play.)
Rundown between first and second with a runner on third - the key here is to teach the players with the ball to run half speed or less. This allows him to concentrate on the runner at third base. Running hard causes the player to lose concentration and makes it more difficult to get the body in a good position for a throw to the plate should the runner break.
Monday, September 23
9/23/02- Defensive Tips With A Runner On Base
9/23/02- Defensive Tips With A Runner On Base- (When there is a base hit) Keep it simple!
1. As long as the outfielder keeps the ball in front of him, it is considered and played as a single.
2. If the outfielder has to turn his back to get the ball, you have an extra base hit and the relay man should run toward him until the outfielder picks the ball up; usually 30-40 (20 or so feet on a LL field) feet into the outfield.
3. It is vital that when a ball is thrown to a base that the infielder keep the ball from traveling any further. Do whatever it takes to prevent this. Block the ball like a catcher; block it with his body, whatever it takes if the ball short hops him.
4. Throw through the cutoff man, head-high.
5. On a regulation field when balls are hit deep to the gaps, use the two middle infielders as tandem relay men.
Relay men are middle infielders that go into the outfield to catch balls thrown by an outfielder. Relay men are not needed on singles. Cutoff men are the two corners, first and third base that set up approximately 60 feet from home or the SS who sets up 60 feet from third base on a throw from the outfield.
Monday, September 2
9/2/02- Pitchers Must Field Their Position
Monday, August 19
8/19/02- The Winning Pitcher
Monday, August 12
8/12/02- Perception is Reality
Monday, August 5
8/5/02- Rounding First (Bobble Drill)
7/29/02- Outfield Tips (From A Skill and a Drill)
Monday, July 22
7/22/02- Tips on First Base Play
Monday, July 15
7/15/02- Tips for Infield Play
Monday, July 8
7/8/02- Head First Slide Into First Base
Monday, July 1
7/1/02- Offensive Signs
Monday, June 24
6/24/02- Signs, Signals & Situations
Monday, June 17
6/17/02- "Hit The Cutoff Man"
Monday, June 10
6/10/02- Game Objectives
Monday, June 3
6/3/02- Coaching 101
Monday, May 27
5/27/02- - Simple Sportsmanship Reminders
Monday, May 20
5/20/02- General Middle Infield Rules
Monday, May 13
5/13/02- Double Plays, The Shortstop