365 Days to Better Baseball - Putting Players in Position to Succeed

English: "La Mala" Torres in batting order Español: "La Mala" Torres al bat. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Saturday Secrets to Great Baseball Coaching Finding Players' Comfort Zones is Sign of Good Coach

It is always interesting to see, even major league players, struggle when they are in an unfamiliar position. Some players hit well when batting 7^th in the batting order, but the minute they are placed higher in the order, they no longer have the same success.

One often hears professional coaches mention that they look to place players in positions where they have the best chance of succeeding. There is something to that and it applies even more to youth baseball players. Finding the comfort zone for each player gives teams and players the best opportunity for success.

Good youth baseball coaches learn as much about their player's skills and mindsets, so they can put them in baseball situations where they have the best chance at success.

At the young ages of baseball, it is never a bad idea to give players experience at different positions but it is important that their skills match the position. For example, it does no good for players' self-confidence or chance at success to put a weak armed player at shortstop, knowing he cannot make the throw across the diamond. On offense, it makes no sense to have some players leading off, who do not want to be lead off men.

Finding Players' BaseballComfort Zone on Defense

1. Arm strength often determines what positions players are capable of playing
2. Footwork fundamentals and range determines which positions may best suit players
3. Position Desires knowing which positions players are most comfortable playing is important, especially in most important games and game situations

Finding Players' BaseballComfort Zone on Offense

1. Batting skills contact hitter versus power hitter helps determine spot in batting order, of course
2. Spot in Order Desires of player some kids want to be in the prime spots in the order where others do not.
3. Likewise, some kids want to be up to bat with game on line and others not this is helpful with knowing when to pinch hit for players.

These are just a few of the things that baseball coaches consider when making out lineups and positions. Other things come into play and, of course, coaches learn more about players as the season goes on, as well as adjusting as games go on.