The Watchung Hills Baseball Plan for Team Development

STRONG LEADERSHIP______

A strong leadership is one that has identified what the Team stands for (or values) and who it serves. It also identifies a vision that inspires everyone to contribute toward the vision. Then, it communicates those values and its vision throughout the Teams (Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Frosh). All successful teams are well grounded in the fundamental skills of baseball.

COMMON GOAL______

Everyone on the Team should know why they were selected and how they fit into the Team Concept, “the Larger Picture”. Working toward a common goal, finding ways to work together helps the players acquire a “work ethic” and a sense of pride and contribution.

RULES OF THE TEAM______

The rules of the Team are policies and procedures. Players need to be clear on what their responsibilities are, as well as the Team's policy on everything from how to wear a uniform to game management. It’s how they are able to repeat the model over and over again. The result is a consistent performance, not necessarily spectacular every time, but consistent.

ACTION PLAN____________

There needs to be a solid plan that includes the teaching of fundamentals, strategies that the Team will implement in order to accomplish their goals. The action plan should include S.M.A.R.T. goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Result oriented and Time framed. Incorporating milestones along the way insures that everyone is on track. An analysis should be done for any goal that is not reached so as to learn how to get past the obstacle the next time. And, don’t forget to celebrate the wins with the entire Team.

SUPPORT RISK TAKING______

Establish a loose/tight culture, in which players are aware of the boundaries or limitations, yet are able to move and perform freely within those boundaries.

100% INVOLVEMENT and INCLUSION______

Ensure that 100% of the Team is involved by actively including everyone. This is an all or nothing proposition because if any individual team member doesn’t buy into The Plan, then they begin to erode the motivation of the other team members.

SKILLS TO BE TAUGHT______

PitchingCatching ____Infield______

` Proper Mechanics` Stance and Giving Signs` Pre-pitch ready position

` Pitching from the wind-up/stretch` Receiving and framing` Ground ball approach

` Grips` Throwing techniques` Throwing techniques

` Pick-off moves` Blocking techniques` Double Plays & Pivots

` Pitching the count/zone` Fielding bunts` Slow Rollers & Charge Plays

` Fielding the Position` Leadership Responsibilities

HittingBase Running

` Bat Selection & Grip` Out of the Box

` Stance & Plate Coverage` Leads/Each Base

` Stride/Swing Separation` Reading the Pitcher

` Increasing Bat Speed` Balls in the Dirt

` Situational Hitting` Turns around the Bases

` Bunting` Tag-ups

` Sliding

Hustlin’ Warriors

Watchung Hills Baseball

The Basic Principles of Coaching Baseball at Watchung Hills…

”The Power of One”

“One Goal, One Way, ONE TEAM…”

Principle 1: Focus on the Primary Objective.

Win if possible. Lose if necessary, but at all times maintain high standards of sportsmanship. Sub-Varsity, your sole objective is player analysis and player development…Don’t worry about the Wins and Losses, know the mold and get the right players to fit that mold.

Principle 2: You Can’t Play the Game for Them

It is easy for a coach to follow this principle because there are all sorts of rules that prevent a coach from physically participating. It is our job to train our players for the contest. They will learn a great deal if you train them and then let them play the game. “Practice belongs to coaches, games are for players”

Principle 3: The Team You Meet in March is Not the Team You Leave in June

If we have done our job, by the end of the season the team is trained in the fundamentals of baseball. Then that particular year leaves. When the new season starts, a coach greets a team whose members may be partially trained or totally untrained. Therefore a coach must remember to start from square one with the new team. Like many of our principles, this is not as easy as it sounds.

Principle 4: Teach Fundamentals on Day 1 and on Day 101….

Winning teams are those that are fundamentally sound. Winning coaches teach and re-teach fundamentals every day. A good high school baseball coach will teach and re-emphasize throwing, fielding, stance and position all year long. If he doesn’t, things will get sloppy very quickly.

Principle 5: Never Underestimate Your Team’s Ability

A well-coached, fundamentally sound team, can overcome many obstacles. Many games that are called upsets are just cases of well-coached teams overcoming some of their weaknesses and beating less prepared teams. If you coach them properly and prepare them for the game, your players will surprise everyone with the quality of their achievements.

Principle 6: You Play Like You Practice.

We don’t expect players to take the field without practice and we don’t expect players to play well unless they practice well. The old saying, “a bad dress rehearsal means a good show” is about as wrong as wrong can be. We get our work done in practice, so the players are prepared and game day is for them to show you what they’ve learned.

Principle 7: Never Criticize Your Own Players; They are the Only Players You Have.

The opportunities for a coach to criticize his players are too numerous to list. The faculty lounge offers just one opportunity. We must remember that our teams will lose games and that our players will make mistakes. After all they are teenagers who are, for the most part, just learning the game of baseball.

Principle 8: Discipline and Praise Must Be Consistent and Fair.

The Teams must understand and believe that “first teamers” will be subject to the same discipline and rules as the “third teamer”. Nothing can destroy team morale quicker than the concept of special rules for special people. Praise in public; chastise in private. When it is necessary “to deliver a chewing out” do it in private. Make sure the player being reprimanded understands that it is their behavior or actions that are wrong, not the person. By criticizing in private, egos are less involved. Players are more likely to respond positively to criticism if they do feel they have to defend their ego.

Principle 9: Individual Performance Is Important, but Remember, It Is a Team Sport.

We must keep reminding everyone that if we lose it’s a team loss, not an individual’s fault. Individual awards during the season are good as long as they emphasize the contribution the individual made to the success of the team. Teach the Team stuff, and the individual stuff will take care of itself.

Principle 10: Prepare Your Team to Meet the Opponent.

To be successful, not only does each player need to know what he must do, but also what obstacles stand in the way. Get all the teaching you need done in practice. Failure to prepare your team lies solely on the coach.

Principle: 11: Evaluate Past Performance, ButDon’t Live in the Past: The Season Is NotOver Yet.

Any coach can tell you the value of watching game films and of evaluating the team and each member’s performance in each baseball game. The thing to remember is, once the evaluation is over, move on. One game will not make or break the entire season. Evaluate, criticize, praise, and move on to the next game.

Principle 12: Ultimately, It Has To Be Fun or Significant.

Students play baseball because they want to, not because they have to. They continue to participate because they are having fun or because they are accomplishing something significant. Don’t confuse having fun with not working. Student-athletes, even more so than adults, are capable of working very hard, accomplishing meaningful things, and having a great deal of fun at the same time.

Principle 13: Lead by Example

The team is always watching the Coach. If the coach shows fear, the team will be afraid to compete. If the coach does not believe in what he is doing, neither will the team. If the coach is disorganized and confused, the team will be disorganized and confused. If the coach doesn’t obey the rules, neither will the team. If the coach loses focus, so will the team. The coach must set the example.

Principle 14: Above all else….Teach the “Hustle” Game

At the end of the day/season, we as coaches cannot always control each and every outcome. There will be many times where things work out the way you planned, but like in the game of Baseball, you’ll fail more times than you’ll succeed, so make sure you and your team fail the right way. As a member of the Watchung Hills Baseball Community and traditions, make sure your players understand what it means to be a Hustlin’ Warrior and make sure they demonstrate those qualities on/off the field, in practices and in games, in everything they do.

The 5 C’s of Accountability theHustlin’ Warriors will

abide by:

1)Character – Shares the core values of the team

2)Competent- has the mental and physical ability to get the job done

3)Consistent- every practice, every game, every day

4)Committed- without question, to doing the right thing…on/off the field

5)Cohesive- Team First mentality

Spring Training Goals for the 2017 Pitching Staff

Physical Goals

-Stamina up to 60 pitches by opening day in March

-Lay a foundation for durability and gains during the season

-Total comfort/command/control out of the slide step

-NO INJURIES

Mental Goals

-Complete grasp of pitching to contact: why we want action within 4 pitches or less

-Comprehend the value of location

-Learn about who to try and when to try and pitch for the strike out

-Understanding the concept of changing eye level

-Embrace leadership

-

Organizational Goals

-NO behavioral or discipline problems off the field

-Continue to gain academic success in the classroom. Win on and off the field

Hustlin’ Warrior Definition of Success :

If I act for the team, then I am successful

If I perform with confidence, then I am successful

If I compete on the pitch, then I am successful

If I compete in the classroom, then I am successful

If I concentrate on the task at hand, then I am successful

If I learn from the situation, then I am successful

Hustlin’ Warriors Pitching Philosophies

  • Face the zone, not the hitter:
  • The Zone: The strike zone. The zone does not know, nor care about the score, the inning, temperature, or guy standing in the batter’s box.
  • Battle Plan:
  • Win one pitch at a time: execute mechanics and release point for PRECISE velocity and location
  • Identify the Bad rhythm and kill it: Take an extra breath, walk around the mound, run through your mechanics.
  • Adjust: Umpires are not always good or consistent, be better than them and adjust to their zone, DON’T MAKE EXCUSES!

Control the run game to the best of our ability:

  • Lower each Pitchers individual time to the plate
  • Work on quick feet, quick arm speed on pick offs
  • Make sure our throws are to the correct side of the base on pick offs
  • Be able to intentional walk batters and throw pitch outs on command

Hustlin’ Warriors Good vs. Great

What separates the average and good pitchers, from the ABSOULTEY GREAT PITCHERS?

  • Great pitchers get an out after giving up a walk
  • Great pitchers get an out after giving up a hit
  • Great pitchers get an out after their team makes an error
  • Great pitchers get the first batter out in the 5th, 6th and 7th inning
  • Great Pitchers get the following critical situations:
  • 2 outs runner on 2nd
  • 2 outs runner on 3rd
  • 1 out runner on 1st
  • 1 out runner on 2nd
  • Great pitchers throw a strike after a pick-off attempt
  • Great pitchers overcome early crooked numbers
  • Great pitchers get outs on bunts and field their positions well

Relaxation/Concentration Technique-

  • Each player/pitcher will have their own word/gadget that the He or the Coach can use to settle themselves down, clear the mechanism, and get ready to play the next play

Hustlin’ WarriorsKeys to Success

1)Great and consistent pitching

2)Play great defense

3)Timely hitting as well as two out hitting

4)Execute all small ball situations and run game scenarios

Commitment:

1)Shrink the gap between the most committed players on the team and the least committed.

2)Be the most invested team in the county, conference, and state.

HUSTLIN’ WARRIORSPractice Tempo

1)White Line Rule: Players will run on and off the field at all times. Once the white line is crossed, Hustle at all times. Practice or games. HUSTLE!

2)Stretch: stretch each time with the same importance and passion as any game day, or regular practice. Preparation is key to a successful day of work.

3)Practice the way you play: each practice should be handled with the same intensity and work ethic as a game. Do not take opportunities given to work on your craft and skills lightly, embrace those situations and leave the practice or playing field exhausted.

It is not your choice! –Hustlin’ Warriors will:

1)Give great effort

2)Finish Drills

3)Hustle from drill to drill, station to station, play to play

4)Run on and off the field

5)Be coachable and open to change

6)Put the Team First

Stretching/Throwing (PRACTICES/HOME GAMES)

  • STATIC (4-WAY BATTALION):
  • Feet together touch toes
  • Right over Left
  • Left over Right
  • Legs apart:
  • Left ankle
  • Right ankle
  • Middle – walk the hands back (finger tips back)
  • Arm Circles
  • Palm up (forward/backward)
  • Palm down (forward/backward)
  • Dynamic - CROSSING:
  • Frankensteins
  • Walking quad stretch (every 3rd step)
  • World’s Greatest
  • Lateral lunges (alternating)
  • High knees
  • Butt kicks
  • Carrioca (up and over, in the front)
  • Carrioca (up and over, in the front)
  • Open the gate (quick)
  • Slide step w/ glove out
  • Slide step w/ glove out
  • Front-to-back
  • Back-to-front
  • Static (Partner Arm Stretches) – CIRCLE:
  • Right/Left
  • Up, down, out
  • Arm back (pec)
  • Arm over (triceps)
  • Both arms back
  • Back crack
  • Throwing:
  • 10 throws from each position:
  • 2 knees
  • 1 knee
  • 10 toes
  • Flash and throw
  • Carrioca
  • 5 going out
  • Long toss
  • 5 crow hop
  • Carrioca
  • 5 coming in

Position/Technique Checklist

PITCHERS

  • Mechanics - Pitcher Dry Runs with Towel
  • Start step, Knee up Balance, Balance to Plant, Breaking Hands, Follow-Thru
  • Pitching from the Wind-up/Stretch
  • Grips: 2-Seem, 4-Seem, Change, Curve, Cut/Slider
  • Pick-Off Moves:
  • Runner on First-Base…………..
  • Right-Handed
  • Poor Move- Slow feet, Slow Arm, Soft Throw
  • Good Move- Quick spin, Short Arm, Hard Throw
  • Balk Move- same as Good Move with a hitch in the back knee before you spin
  • Left-Handed
  • Poor Move- Balance, Look At, Step At, Soft Throw
  • Good Move

1)Balance, Look Away, Step At, Hard Throw

2)On way to balance, Look Away, Quick Step Off, Side-Arm, Hard Throw

  • Balk Move- Balance, Look Away, Knee up, Balk Step, Hard Throw

~ Runner on Second-Base/Runners on First and Second…………..

  • Spin/Glove Move- Balance, Eyes on Catcher, Quick feet, Hard Throw to designated base when catcher’s glove drops
  • Leg Over- “Joe Call”- Balance, Leg up to 90 degrees, As Leg is on the decline, Rotate Over Rubber Leg, Hard Throw
  • Pitching the Count/the Zone
  • Fielding the Position

CATCHERS

  • Stance and Giving Signs
  • Receiving and Framing
  • Throwing Techniques
  • Blocking Techniques
  • Fielding Bunts
  • LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

INFIELDERS

  • Pre-Pitch Ready Position and Movement
  • Ground Ball Approach/Backhands
  • Throwing Techniques
  • Double Plays and Pivots
  • Depths and Positioning
  • Slow Rollers and Charge Plays
  • Priority Rules/Communication on Infield Fly Balls

OUTFIEDERS

  • Pre-Pitch Ready Position and Movement
  • Fly Ball Approach
  • Direct Fly Ball Approach
  • Ground Ball Approach
  • Safety Knee
  • Runners On
  • Relays with Infielders
  • Back-Up Positions on Steals and Bunt Defenses
  • Priority Rules/Communication on Balls in the Gap/Short Fly Balls

BULLPEN ROUTINES:

  • DAY BEFORE GAME ROUTINE
  • 10 THROWS ON ONE KNEE
  • 10 KARAOKE THROWS (HALF BACKING UP/HALF COMING FORWARD)
  • 10 SHORT BOX THROWS at 70%
  • FINISH WITH GOLD SEQUENCE ON THE MOUND
  • On practice days Start the Pre-Game Routine as the rest of the Team starts conditioning
  • When games fall back to back…have the next day starting pitcher Start his Pre-Game Routine in the 5th inning when Away and the 6th inning when Home of that Game…and Finishing with a Gold Sequence on the mound after the game (at Home) and in the 7th inning in the Bullpen (Away)
  • GAME-DAY ROUTINE
  • AT HOME:
  • WARM-UP/STRETCH with TEAM
  • BANDS/DUMBELL WHEN TEAM IS THROWING
  • START BULLPEN WHEN TEAM GOES OUT FOR PRE-GAME with BULLPEN CATCHER
  • GOING FROM RED TO GREEN DURING OPPOSING TEAM’S PRE-GAME with STARTING CATCHER
  • “ON THE ROAD”:
  • WARM-UP/STRETCH/THROW with TEAM with STARTING CATCHER
  • GOING FROM RED TO GREEN with BULLPEN CATCHER WHILE OUR TEAM PRE-GAMES
  • DAY AFTER GAME ROUTINE (25 MINUTES)
  • WARM-UP/STRETCH/LIGHT CATCH with TEAM (BANDS IF TOO SORE)
  • 10 POLES
  • 10 100-YARD SPRINTS
  • 3 SETS of TEN
  • BODY SQUATS
  • SPLIT SQUATS
  • RDL’s
  • 25 of EACH
  • BICYCLES
  • LEG LIFTS
  • CRUNCHES
  • SUPER-MANS

INDIVIDUAL POSITION DRILLS/SKILLS (IPD’s)