Underhand feed from second base

The latest video explains the underhand double play feed from second base. Similar in technique, the toughest part of this play is the footwork is backwards from what a infielder is used to. Because the momentum of the second baseman is going from left to right the footwork here differs. Instead of our typical RIGHT - LEFT - FIELD; now, to get our momentum going towards the shortstop, the footwork is LEFT - RIGHT - FIELD - FEED, all in one motion. The timing here again is key in making this a fluid play where the feed is made with the legs.

Bottom Hand Drill

I'm going to continue a series of hitting and fielding drill videos. This one explains the bottom hand drill in hitting. Almost all hitters are one hand dominant over the other. The one hand drills teach each arm how to work independently. I like using these drills quickly as warm up drills. The bottom hand drill teaches path. If done correctly it will quickly clean up a poor bat path. Check the video to see how to execute this drill.

Underhand feeds from shortstop

The underhand feed should be the easiest feed to do, but for some reason, young middle infielders struggle with the technique of this feed. In this video I discuss how to teach this feed effectively.

Infield receive and release drill - 1st and 3rd Defense

This is an infield drill I do that promotes good feet and a quick release. I incorporate this into our daily catch routine.

Stride and Seperate Drill

Most flaws at ball strike are a direct result in flaws of the set up. The stride and seperate drill foucuses on the set up. This is one of the first drills we do with our students. It is one of the few drills we will do that breaks momentum. The reason I believe in this drill is that it is so important to make the first forward move correct, landing in a 50/50 position. By pausing at footdown, players can feel their 50/50 position while walking away from their hands. These two areas are key in the set up.

Elite Hitting Club Homework

Based on your video ananlysis, go to Gettyimages.com and find a picture that represents the correct mechanic of the flaw we discussed in your swing. Save that picture and email it to me at elitebaseballtraining@hotmail.com.

#1 trait consistant in pro infielders

I often get asked by coaches, "What do I look for when evaluating infielders?" or "What makes high end infielders stand out?" My answer may surprise you. . . Great hands: Yes, that is important. Good feet: Equally as important. But those are byproducts of what I think makes high end infielders stand out. That trait is great timing. Most coaches related timing to hitting, but it is equally important as a fielder.

Our goal as an infielder is to play through the baseball without breaking momentum. The most common factors for infielders who fail are 1) Infieders who break down way too soon, collapsing on the ball and letting it play them. 2) Breaking down too late and getting the ball underneath them. This is a result from poor timing in the last two steps before fielding the ball.

The last two steps when fielding are critical. On a play where the infielder is throwing to first base, the last two steps will be RIGHT, LEFT, then FIELD. The feet come down one at a time, as a opposed to a "basketball jump stop." This is so our feet can continue throught the ball in one fluid motion in a RIGHT, LEFT, THROW.
The timing of those last two steps is critical. Too early, and the ball will play the infielder (often getting caught between hops), or too late and the ball gets underneath the fielder.

Finding timing requires a lot of practice. I do drills starting with a stationary ball, then gradually working back at a farther distance with a faster ground ball. Like hitting, you have to have success in practice, slow and close, before you can work far and fast.

In the pictures above of Jeter, you see this Right, Left step demonstrated with perfect timing. There is no one correct answer on when the athlete should break down, because all balls are at different speeds. The one way an athlete can figure this out: 1,000's of ground balls.

Elite Infield Class Homework - Week 4

Find three pictures and send them to me on my email that illustrate things we worked on in class. Explain two coaching points in each picture that you learned in class.


Directions:

1) Go to gettyimages.com
2) Go to images, then click on "Sport" under the editorial section.
3) Search any player's name you wish and scroll through the pictures.
4) Find the picture you want, double click it, then save it to your computer.
5) Attach it in an email to elitebaseballtraining@hotmail.com

Overhand Double Play feed from Second Base

Earlier this week I described the overhand double play feed from shortstop. This video will show the overhand feed from second base. There is more technique involved in this feed because the athlete has to throw against their body. There are a few teaching que's here that make the feed quicker and more comfortable. Check it out.

Hand Path - Whip Drill

I like this drill for several of reasons. First, it teaches the hitter the proper position of the hands at launch. To get the hands in a position to whip, the hand will get about as far back as the rear elbow. Next, this is a good connection drill that will help the athlete use the body with good synchronization. The lower body beginning rotation will slot the back elbow and synch up the body. This is the only way to get maximum output from the swing. Finally, this is a good way to get the hitter to feel extension out in front.

This is a good drill to do with hitters in a big group, because several can throw at the same time into the side of a cage. Just watch to make sure their path is correct (similar to throwing side arm).

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Overhand feeds from shortstop

Part of my pre game or pre practice catch routine, is going from our infield clock drill to overhand double play feeds. Check this short video where I explain the overhand double play feed from shortstop. If you haven't seen the clock drill video, scroll down below and watch it first!