Youth & Travel Baseball Blog, Updates, Coaching & Instruction

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Quality at-bats are key to hitting success

Joe Maddon teaching Youth Coaches

Maybe some were not surprised, but people just learning about Joe Maddon must have been impressed with his initial press conference as the new manager of the Chicago Cubs. Being about youth sports, I like to relate all things to that level, and he blew me away. Everything he talked about struck me as being great coaching lessons for youth coaches.

Quick Reversal about Sports Specialization

After further reading, I know more about the dangers with early sports specialization. I also agree with study results, but that doesn't make the solutions to many scenarios any easier.

Mental Game of Fielding takes Time

The Major League Batting Coach

Why Opposite Hitting Drills are Necessary

When a hitter is struggling in batting practice, I ask them to show me how it's going to look when they make contact. I then make sure they have the correct body, hand and bat positions. Once it is correct, I tell them to "picture that" before the next pitch. It is amazing how often they "smoke" the next pitch. Visualization works, along with refocusing ones mind on the end result, instead of pressing to hit balls better.

Many young baseball players feel like they can only succeed when everything is perfect. When they have fundamental swing problems or have less confidence, they defeat themselves before at-bats by thinking they will fail. That should not be the case. I prepare my baseball students with two thoughts that address that situation.

Coming this Summer - Jack's new book - another thing worth catching

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In need of a Friday laugh - Baseball Style - Watch this from my funniest home baseball videos https://youtu.be/GtlD6cEHIgw

Funniest Home Baseball Videos

rap time hitting video

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I never pitched in a baseball game after the age of fourteen. The good news is that I went out on a high note. If I would have known then, what I know now, my career may have been better.

Here are the youth baseball coaching tips I want my young baseball players to know. Of course, the sooner in their careers coaches teach these the better, so kids do not ruin their arm like I did.

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Yes, there will be tears. Following is an excerpt from my bookRaising an Athlete: How to Instill Confidence, Build Skills and Inspire a Love of Sports. It is a fun read and helpful to parents. It has been out for seven years and still a consistent seller on Amazon. If you know of young athletes, pass the book info on to their parents - much appreciated.