When you are young you are taught to listen and look for your coaches.  This is very true especially if you hit a ball to right field that will surely be a double and possibly a triple.  The rule when running bases is any ball in front of you means you have to decide if you can make it to third or if you should pull up for a double.  You know your speed you can see the ball and you should be able to judge if you will be safe or not.

Now on a ball behind you it is your responsibility to pick up your coach.  If you hit a ball over the right fielders head and you know for sure you have a double about half way to second you need to pick up your third base coach to find out if he wants you to push it or hold at second.  Why so early?  you do this early so you can make the adjustment with your eyes back to the bag if he wants you to come over to third.  You don’t want to get your feet crossed up and trip over the bag.  Also, if you are going to push it you want to take a small arch like you do at first on hit, just on a smaller scale.  So picking your coach up early will allow you to do this.  Also, if he wants you to hold up you can make sure you have time to pull up in order to not over run the bag.  Also, this will keep you from pulling a muscle with an abrupt stop.

Remember do not make the first or third out at third so on the ball in front of you, you must be 100% sure you will be safe.  I count this as mental error for players not a physical error.  I can deal with physical mistakes or errors but mental mistakes and errors drive me crazy.  Play hard and play smart, now go have some fun.

In Baseball third base is the easiest base to steal.  I know that it is a bold statement but if it is done properly stealing third is much easier than second base.  Why? Because you have a moving lead so your momentum is already going to the bag.  Yeah I know the throw is shorter but if you pick your spots and get a good lead and momentum you should be very successful at stealing third base.

Advantages to stealing third:  Right handed hitter make it a tough throw for a catcher, you get to move toward the base you are stealing before you go, if you know the signs you see what pitch is coming and you can pick an off speed pitch.  Some can do it from first, but I do not like guys taking their eyes off the pitcher at first.

Explaining lead plus momentum.  First you have to have your lead off, all coaches coach this differently but I simply have my players take four steps off the bag to begin with and then expand from there.  What you are trying to do here is be moving toward third base when the pitcher throws the ball.  So take your lead and continue to gain ground as long as the pitcher and infielders let you.  You are always trying to steal third and if the pitcher is going to let you then you might as well take it.  You must make sure you have a combination of lead and momentum.  You can have a huge lead but if your feet are stationary you will not have a lot of success stealing third, or if you have momentum but a very small lead you can forget about it as well.  Keep your feet moving all the time, even if you are not gaining ground.  Keep them moving a little bit up and down, you don’t even have to pick them up just a little movement to get your body ready to run on a hit.

Things to take advantage of:

Pitchers who always one look- this means the pitcher checks you and as soon as he turns his head he is going to the plate.  Some pitchers actually do this, and it allows the runner a great advantage so look for it and use.  Do not yell out to your teammates he is a one looker, tell them in private.

Lazy middle infielders- if the infielders are not forcing you back to the bag then keep gaining ground.  Your coach should help you out with this.  I tell my kids plenty, hold, back.

A pitcher who does not make you stop.  Pitchers should never pitch if the runner is gaining ground toward third, but it happens and if he is going to gift wrap the bag you must take it.

PLENTY, HOLD, BACK SYSTEM:

Plenty means the infielders are further from the bag then you are, so keep gaining ground.

Hold means you are an even distance from the bag as the fielders so do not take anymore ground but keep your feet moving.

Back means just that- the infielders are breaking toward the bag so it is time to get back in there.

If my players have a good lead and I am saying plenty when the pitcher goes to the plate, they should steal the bag.  If a player gets picked off listening to me I can deal with that.  We practice this whenever we do base running drills.

Some coaches do not like to be this vocal on the field but it works for our program, give it a shot, as a coach it gives you involved in the game and it allows you to be a little more aggressive on the bases which is a great thing.

WHEN TO  BE CAREFUL:

If there is a lefty up you should be a little more cautious because the catcher has a clear throw.

If there are two outs you do not steal third.  You know the rule never make the first or third out at third base.

If you are up or down by a lot: this should be obvious, but if you are winning by a lot you do not want to rub it in and if you are losing you do not want to take unnecessary risks.

As a pitcher the one thing you want to avoid is having runners on base due to having to leave the wind up and going into the stretch.  Also, runners on base distract a pitcher from the task of getting a hitter out.  As you know runners getting on base is unavoidable, this is going to happen so instead of worrying about it try and get better at holding runners on without paying too much attention to them.

If you get a guy on first you have a few options, first you can go to the plate, you can give the guy an “I know you are there move” (pick off move that is not your best), you can try to pick him off, or simply confuse him.  As a runner I found the majority of pitchers had a rhythm and I wanted them to keep that rhythm because it allowed me to get the best jump.  What does this mean, it means most pitcher come set for the exact same amount of time every time.  I used the UCLA method of stealing bases.  When the pitcher came set in my head I would say U-C-L-A and what I found was most pitchers would go on L and once I figured that out if the situation was right, I was gone.

So what does this mean for pitchers?  The easiest way to stop a runner is mix up your timing.  Hold long, hold short, or throw over before you actually come set.  Personally I like a pitcher to hold the ball a little longer, because the runner will either get uncomfortable and shut the steal down or he will jump early.  You want him to jump early, as long as you are prepared for this.  You have to practice in live situations (scrimmage games or at practice) stepping off the rubber with your back foot and simply giving the ball to the shortstop or second baseman depending on how your coach runs this play.  Rule number 1 is to stay calm.  You must remember the runner is the one who is in a bad position caught between 1st and 2nd.  You must remain under control and get the ball to your position guys and then follow your throw in case a run down occurs.

What I always thought was great as a runner and what I don’t like my pitchers to do as a coach.

I don’t like head fakes from my pitcher, it acknowledges the runner a little too much and I have never seen anyone picked off with a head fake, because runners are not looking at your head.  Runners use different cues when stealing but never in my life have I heard a runner say they watch the pitchers head.

A pitcher who never picks off or only has one move.  As a runner you can settle in when a pitcher doesn’t throw over, you can relax and get a good jump.  Also guys who only have a certain pick move, For example if a guy never comes set when he picks off, meaning on his way to the set position is the only time he will throw over.  Great for runners bad for a pitcher.  Again as a runner you can get comfortable once the pitcher comes set.

Pitchers, mix up your timing, throw over from multiple positions, and stay calm if the runner leaves early because at this point you are in charge.  Now settle down and get the hitter.

Holding a runner on second is important for a few reasons.  One being third base is a pretty easy base to steal if the runner has a good lead and momentum (for a later post), also you want to give your outfielders a shot to throw the runner out at home on a base hit.  Who holds the runner on?  This is purely situational, at lower levels coaches usually say if a lefty is up then shortstop holds the runner and if a righty is up second base holds the runner on.  This is because most kids at that age will pull the ball, but as you progress you will learn how to switch coverage with signs between short and second depending on the hitter, the pitch, and location of the pitch.  Regardless of who is holding the runner on there are things you want to do and things you do not want to do.  Things you want to do consist of making the runner aware you are there, make him have his momentum stopped, and keep your feet moving so you can get back to your position on the pitch.  Things you do not want to do would be let the runner get a good lead and have his momentum moving toward third, go all the way to second base unless you have pick play on (you will be out of position when the ball is pitched), and make sure you are not going toward second base when the pitch is delivered.  You want to jockey with the runner, kick dirt, hit your glove, get in his hip pocket, anything so he knows you are in the vicinity, but you must remember you still have to cover ground.  Getting back to your position is very important.

Now if you want to pick a runner off you want to be quiet and let him feel safe and then in one quick motion break for the bag.  This play is usually called by a coach or with direct communication between the fielder and pitcher.

One way I like to communicate with the pitcher while i’m holding the runner on is with my open hand or my glove.  If I am playing shortstop I use my glove to let the pitcher know I am breaking to the bag and he should instantly spin and throw.  I simply will extend my glove up and out toward right field.  If I feel good about the runners lead I will give the pitcher my open hand extended toward third base and move back to my position.  As soon as the pitcher sees my bare hand he goes to the plate.  Try to implement this with your team and see what you think about it and let me know.

samflamont@tumblr.com or 231-633-8326

For all you youth coaches and players out there Please understand you do not hold a runner on third base.  This drives me bonkers, I actually coach kids from other teams while i am in the third base coaches box who are holding runners on.  I tell them not to do it and they say,  Why not?  The purpose of holding a runner on is to keep him from stealing, keep him close in case a ground ball is hit you can get the force at the next bag, and to give your outfielders a shot on a guy trying to advance an extra base (first to third) on a base hit.  So what is the problem with holding a runner on at third.  He isn’t going to steal home and if he does your pitcher and catcher can take care of that.  I wish I had a stat to prove how little home is swiped but I will tell you I have played or coached for 25 years and have not one time seen home plate swiped live, only on replays.  Also, on a ground ball the runner is going to score unless either the corners are in and it is hit to first or third, or the entire infield is in then he probably won’t go anyway.  On a base hit the runner is surely going to score.  So I beg you please teach your players that holding a runner on third base in not necessary.

The Cons of holding a runner on third, Everything.  You leave a huge hole for the hitter, you are not set and ready to field your position and unlike first base you have to field the ball clean and make a throw.  You actually cause confusion with the pitcher and there is a much better chance for a balk.

Third baseman please play your position and coaches please make sure your players are playing their positions.  You may think this is no big deal but it is, one it shows the player and the coach do not know what they are doing and two it leaves your defense vulnerable.  So field your position and if a guy steals home on you then so be it, you will save more runs with one back hand with a guy on second and third by playing off the bag then you will give up because a runner stole home in your entire career.

The biggest thing as an infielder is being able to read the ball off the bat and get a good hop.  As an infielder you are looking to get a short hop or a long hop.  This means you catch the ball just as it hits the ground and bounces back up or you get a nice soft big hop that is easy to field.  What you don’t want in an in between hop, this is where the ball is on the way up and is about knee high.  These balls are tough to handle and you will usually get tied up and bobble the ball.  So how do we learn how to read hops?  Lots of reps on the field is good but I have a drill that will work inside or outside.

Have the player get in the fielding position and you call out a number either 1,2, or 3.  This number represents the number of hops the player is going to field the ball on.  After you call out a number you throw the ball and the player begins working on their read.  Now obviously if you call out 1 that represents a big hop that a player must come get (all or nothing) either you make the play on the run or the runner was going to be safe anyway so just go all out.  At first you do not need to incorporate throws just let the player get used to fielding the ball first.  2 represents a ball that is hit that is hopping but not like a big all or nothing.  This requires the player to move their feet and really start setting up to field the ball.  3 would be a more routine ground ball.  The objective is to always field the ball on a short hop or a big hop.

Remember sometimes a ball will be hit and the best way to field it is by stepping backwards a little first so the the player can get a good hop and move through the ball, the key is to field it cleanly and by learning how to read the ball and the hops you will become a better fielder.  You do not need to stand at home plate to make this drill work, actually that would be very hard.  If you are on a field both the player and the coach should be in the dirt.  I have used real baseball with this drill, but if you field is extremely soft you can use a ball that will bounce a little more.

If you have any questions on how to perform this drill please ask.  This is a drill that will really help.

samflamont@tumblr.com or 231-633-8326

Sam, everyone, EVERYONE needs to hear what you said about wood. Implement it in your training. The wood bat fad as I call it is spreading like an epidemic. People hear what you say and completely twist it. I love every word you wrote. I’m a huge fan of using it as a strengthening tool, and a training tool, but can you believe there are 8U and 10U wood bat leagues. These kids can hardly get the bat off their shoulder. Don’t use the wood bat just to use it, use it for a purpose. Hundreds and hundreds of coaches and parents have come up to me in my facility and asked if they should use wood and at what age should they start. I say, I love wood as a training tool and even eventually in games. But my question to them is always, can they control the barrel of the bat without changing their swing with wood? If the answer is yes, then use it all you want, if not, stick to what Sam said.

Thanks again Brad you keep bringing useful insight to the blog and I appreciate it.  Anyone else who sends in a response I will post it as well, as long as it is appropriate.  Thanks for reading.

For some reason I have seen a trend of middle infielders using tiny (10-10.5) gloves.  I think most of it comes down to looks but it just does not make sense.  The ball needs to go into the glove, therefore the glove should be an appropriate size for the position you play.  Middle infielders should use no smaller than an 11 inch glove and I would prefer shortstops to use an 11.5 to 11.75 inch glove.  The object is to cover ground and get to the ball, a mini glove will not help that cause.  If you are worried about the ball getting stuck in your glove, there are two things you can do.  One is break the pocket in correctly and the other is to work on your hands especially when turning double plays.  On double plays you do not want the ball deep in the glove and no matter what size glove you have you can keep that from happening by practicing.  Turn double plays or at least have someone give you some feeds so you can work on getting the ball out of your glove.  So parents next time you go glove shopping make sure you get the right size.  Also, let me point out that the age of the player has an affect on this as well but this is for kids who are 13 and up.  Younger players will have smaller gloves because their hands are smaller.  If you have any questions about glove selection or size please fell free to ask.

samflamont@tumblr.com or call-231-633-8326

I will be glad to answer any questions you have about baseball.  Thanks for reading I appreciate it very much.

With baseball comes many frustrations and it is very easy to get down on yourself if you forget how hard this game actually is.  Remember 3-10 is hall of fame numbers, I know you have heard that but you have to remember it.  The frustration I am going to talk about is hitting line drive after line drive and getting out time after time.

This is something that bugs every player and it happens to people as long as they play the game.  I will tell you like this, you have to keep your head up and roll with it.  This goes back to being process oriented, making sure you are ready and give yourself the best chance to succeed, if you do that then you can’t worry about what happens after you hit the ball.  One at bat is one at bat don’t let it ruin the rest of your game.

That being said I know it still stinks when you hit a missile and you get out.  So what I want you do is next time you hit a blooper that falls in for a hit is jump up and down and get really excited.  Sounds stupid right, that is because it is, but when you think about it, it is the exact opposite reaction that players have to hitting line drive out.  They get mad and drop their head and maybe even add a helmet toss or slam your bat in the bat rack.  First of all, don’t act like that it is embarrassing and you look foolish, second of all what else can you do.  If you could guide the ball with your super powers and still got out then I would understand your frustration.  But since you cannot do that, just hit the ball hard and run harder, don’t let the things you cannot control bother you.  Also, remember your blooper hits and line drive out even out in the end.  Keep your head up and get back in the box and put another good swing on the ball, because when it comes down to that is what it is all about, making contact with a good swing.  If you do this the hits will come.

samflamont@tumblr.com

Something I see all the time with players and especially young players is pulling off or away from the ground ball when it is bouncing and the ball ends up going through the players legs.  Positive glove action goes along with moving through the ball but this post deals with short hops and unexpected hops.

When the ball is hit and the player is making their original read to set up and field the ball and they see it is a bouncing ball that they will have to go get they must be prepared and have it conditioned in their muscle memory that their glove goes to the ball.  What this means is when they approach the ball instead of pulling their glove up toward their body like you see so often with young players they need to extend their arm toward the ball making sure their glove is open (meaning their wrist is relaxed and hanging) then go get the ball.  Like I said at the top of the post this goes hand in hand with moving through the ball with proper right left footwork.  If a player has their feet planted and they are on their heels then positive glove action is virtually impossible because like always, even though you are extending your arm toward the ball your feet still field the ball.

Drill #1:

You and your kid or your kid and a friend should set up about 20 feet apart and on your knees, I suggest you get on your knees and do the drill to in order to actually feel how it is done.  What you will need is one ball and each of you need a glove.  You are going to work on throwing short hops to each other so the player gets used to using a positive glove action.  When you start off I want you to throw the ball to the players glove side so they get used to using this glove action comfortably.  As you throw the ball the player should be extending their arm with a soft wrist and meeting the ball with the glove going forward.  Note the player does not want to have a straight arm prior to fielding the ball because they won’t have their glove in the proper position.  As you progress through the drill start to throw the ball to the backhand side making sure the player uses the same positive glove action.  The back hand side is where players really begin to bring the glove straight up from the ground instead of forward.

Drill#2:

Same Drill, just on your feet, do not move your feet yet.  Make sure the player is bending at the knees and in a good athletic position.  On the back hand side make sure not to throw the ball to far over because we are not incorporating feet yet just hands for now.

Drill #3: Now we are moving

Throw the ball to the player and make sure it is bouncing and have him come through the ball with their feet and incorporate the positive glove action they have been working on.  At first just work on the forehand play.  You may stick with the forehand for a few practices before you ever try the backhand in order to make sure the player is comfortable with the glove action.  The backhand play on balls that are hopping are important but difficult for young players so for now lets just get the basics.  The back hand requires very precise footwork that will be better suited for a video post.   If their feet are moving properly and they are using the glove action they just worked on they should have no problem fielding these balls.  Also, mix in a few routine ground balls so the player isn’t always running after the ball.  This will also help the player make their reads.