To the naked eye, baseball is not that complicated. You catch the ball, throw the ball, and hit the ball. Not all that difficult, until you begin to play the game. It is then that you realize you are continually learning, but never achieving perfection. The more you practice, the more you improve, and the more you improve the more you realize there's much more to learn. One never achieves perfection. That's why we repetitively practice the straightforward things in this game. Routinely it isn't the trick play, or the great play that makes the difference; it is the routine play that puts the game in the win column.
-Did the pitcher cover first on a ball to the right?
-Did the infielder take a step to the right to set up for an accurate throw?
-Did the batter put the ball in play, even with 2 strikes?
-Did the batter move the runner over even though making an out?
-Did the batter get the bunt down to advance the runner?
The list of routine basics is endless, yet the routine plays should be made virtually every time. Yet, that won't occur unless they're practiced again and again. If you watch a top game, where the players are regarded as the best globally , you'll see these plays often screwed up.
Here's an example: One of the roles of the catcher is to remind the pitcher to cover first on an every ground ball to the right side. Simple, right? Pitchers, frequently pitching since Small League, mess this play up more times than one can count. This simple play that is practiced endlessly in spring training along with in the season, is screwed up pretty much every night.
The key is to be mentally and physically prepared to play the game. Before a play occurs, one has to understand all of the possible options. Ask yourself before each play what could happen, and what would I need to do in order to make the play turn out right? Practice the routine basics so they become natural. Only then is the brain ready to make that split second decision. If one stops to think, it's much too late.
Take the basics seriously during practice so giving you the best opportunity to succeed.
Sure, mistakes will still happen, but less often with more repetition. Remember, practice makes better, less than perfect.
-Did the pitcher cover first on a ball to the right?
-Did the infielder take a step to the right to set up for an accurate throw?
-Did the batter put the ball in play, even with 2 strikes?
-Did the batter move the runner over even though making an out?
-Did the batter get the bunt down to advance the runner?
The list of routine basics is endless, yet the routine plays should be made virtually every time. Yet, that won't occur unless they're practiced again and again. If you watch a top game, where the players are regarded as the best globally , you'll see these plays often screwed up.
Here's an example: One of the roles of the catcher is to remind the pitcher to cover first on an every ground ball to the right side. Simple, right? Pitchers, frequently pitching since Small League, mess this play up more times than one can count. This simple play that is practiced endlessly in spring training along with in the season, is screwed up pretty much every night.
The key is to be mentally and physically prepared to play the game. Before a play occurs, one has to understand all of the possible options. Ask yourself before each play what could happen, and what would I need to do in order to make the play turn out right? Practice the routine basics so they become natural. Only then is the brain ready to make that split second decision. If one stops to think, it's much too late.
Take the basics seriously during practice so giving you the best opportunity to succeed.
Sure, mistakes will still happen, but less often with more repetition. Remember, practice makes better, less than perfect.
About the Author:
Kevin Gomez is a baseball coach who strains practicing the fundamentals of baseball to his team. He utilizes old school baseball drills to practice these abilities.
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