Successful Baseball Hitting Systems and Techniques for Youth Players

Coaching is a demanding and rewarding experience all rolled into one. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching baseball is watching a player start the season batting 9th and moving up in the line up.  It can be equally frustrating as a coach to watch your 3rd or 4th slot hitter move to the bottom of the line up.  Especially when you have tried everything you've learned over the years to help your batter improve.  

Starting out as a new coach, I used the techniques that I gained from playing baseball for over 20 years.  I quickly found out that it's hard work to teach a player the correct way to bat during the given practice time.  Especially when you have 12 players to get through during an hour and half practice time.  

I've learned that it's better to not reinvent the wheel.  One of the best hitting coaches for youth baseball and beyond is Coach Joe Brockhoff, Tulane Athletic Hall Inductee and creator of Super 8 Hitting System.  I haven't found a better system for teaching players how to bat.

How many times have you told your players to "squish the bug" or "keep or get the back elbow up'"?  Do you know what actually should happen during the pivot?  Or why you are telling your player to  keep his elbow up?

The Super 8 Hitting System is designed to help your team or player become " a feared and respected coach or player in your league" in one week.  Joe Brockhoff has all of the tools that you need as a coach or a player to end the frustration of striking out at the plate.

Click here for more information on the Super 8 Hitting System. 

T-ball or Coach Pitch - How to Choose a Glove (ages 4-6)

How to Choose a Glove for T-ball or Coach Pitch (ages 4-6)

You’ve signed your Little League player up for T-ball/coach pitch and now he needs a glove.  Starting a new sport can be a drain on the wallet, especially if you’re not sure if your son will keep playing.  You don't need to spend a lot of money on a glove to get a good quality one that can be used throughout the T-ball and coach pitch seasons.  You just need to know how to pick out a good glove.

1.  Size does matter.  Contrary to popular belief, bigger is not always better for the beginner player.  Beginning players need a smaller glove so that they can hone the skill of catching and fielding a baseball.  Look for a youth glove that is 9 ½” to 10 ¾”.  At this age, players do not need an 11” glove or a specialized glove (one made for 1^st baseman, infielder, outfielder, etc.).

2.  Construction and Material.  Most youth gloves are constructed with a leather palm and synthetic material for the outer shell.  This allows for a lighter glove and one that easier to close.  Look for a glove that is mostly leather and leather laces.  If taken care of properly, a mostly leather glove can be used season to season.  You will also need to look for a glove that has a good rounded pocket and one that features “easy close” or “power close” technology.  Because beginning players are developing the muscles needed to squeeze a glove closed, gloves with closing technology make it easier for the player to squeeze the glove closed when a ball is caught. 

Once you get your player’s glove, have him try it on and practice catching balls with it before the season starts.  Not only will this practice help him, it will also help break in the glove.  Since most youth gloves are a combination of leather and synthetic material, it is not advisable to use a glove conditioner.  The best way to loosen up a youth glove is to USE IT!