Have you ever played baseball before? Maybe not but you’re just a really good fan? Perhaps you don’t know how to play but want some information to help you follow the game? No matter your reasons for being here, the following article has something for everyone to learn about baseball, so keep reading!
You can practice alone. A pitching machine allows you to set the speed of the ball. By loading several baseballs into the machine, you can practice hitting without needing a pitcher. This electronic machine is perfect for those who wish to practice baseball alone. Pitching machines can be picked up at your local sporting goods store.
Make sure you use the proper grip when hitting a baseball. You should go with a “standard” grip. The middle knuckles of your hands should be on the bat. Make sure the bat is across the callus line of your fingers instead of the back of your palms. This grip betters quickness and bat speed.
Everyone at bat must wear a batting helmet. These helmets protect against head injuries. They should also shield your face.
For kids in baseball, make sure they their hands are placed properly for hitting. The top hand on the bat needs to be sitting near the same height as their rear shoulder, about 3 to 6 inches from that rear shoulder. Their rear elbow needs to be around 45-degrees. The front elbow needs to be lower and about even with the back elbow.
Always follow the signs given to you by your manager or base coach. Remember, baseball is a team sport. It’s not just about your statistics. Sometimes the coach may give you a sign you don’t like, but trust in the fact that it’s likely the best move given a lot of different factors.
Be a hustler. Your teammates should look to you as a model and try to imitate your work ethic. People who lead by example have a much stronger presence in the clubhouse. You can be the player who makes the difference on your team.
When coaching baseball, it’s important that your practice schedule is solid so all players are aware of what’s happening and are able to set personal goals. For the best results, start with a warm up that lasts at least 10 minutes and then get into team and individual practice drills for another 20. Then five minutes or running the bases followed by 10 minutes situational drills along with defense. Finish up with ten minutes of drills on position-specific defense and a cool down time. Don’t forget to end each practice with a team meeting.
Practice sliding during every practice session. Sliding is one of the harder skills to master in baseball. For those that aren’t well-practiced, a slide can look very awkward. It can even be downright dangerous, not only for you, but also for the defender. Take the time to become a pro at it for the safety of everyone involved in the game.
Learn how to use your glove to block the blinding sun and stay focused on the ball. By covering your eyes with your glove, you block out some of the glare from the sun while still keeping your eyes focused on the ball.
Don’t be afraid to get your uniform dirty. Baseball is a game played in grass and dirt. You aren’t playing to 100% if you come out of any game with your uniform as pristine as it was when you first put it on. Make it a goal to get as dirty as possible.
If you wish to get more from a stretch when you’re on first base, your foot should be beneath where your throwing hand is on base. Reach toward the ball as you step with the other foot, making sure that one foot remains on the base at all times.
Watch the top players play to become a better ball player. Professional baseball players mostly have gotten where they are today because of their skills, their teamwork, and their good attitude. You need all three to succeed in Major League Baseball. Take a page from these players. Study what makes them great, and learn whatever you can from them.
To keep a left-handed pitcher from picking you off at first base, keep an eye on his right foot. As soon as it passes back across the rubber, he has to pitch it. If he throws it to first, it’s a balk. If he brings the foot straight up, he is likely to throw it to first.
Make sure that you and your infield squad mates practice your double plays. A double play is much appreciated by the pitcher. Lots of permutations of the double play exist, so infielders must be ready for each and every type. Repeat these drills regularly until you know them like the back of your hand.
Always remember when out in the outfield to make sure you call the ball if you plan to make the catch. As well, you must also listen for other fielders to be sure that you’re not trying to take a catch they have called. Also, if you happen to be the center fielder, you’re call overrules another simultaneous call.
After reading the above article, you are now able to follow a game of baseball more closely. The tips in this article should give you motivation to be a better baseball fan, and really pay close attention the next time a game is on. Remember to keep learning about the game so your enjoyment only continues to grow.
