Multiple tips All positions (Port Dover Minor Baseball)

PrintMultiple tips All positions

All Red entries are hyperlinks to pro tips for each position

Base Running
12 Signs of a Good Base Runner	Twelve things that every good base runner does.You can use this as a test to see if you have mastered this skill.
Base Running Tips 1: Rules of Thumb	Three “rules of thumb” that every baserunner needs to know.
Base Running Tips 2: How to Slide	How to pop up slide, hook slide, sliding head first, and other important sliding fundamentals.
BaseRunning Tips 3: Getting to 1st base	Tips for getting to 1st after hitting a ground ball
BaseRunning Tips 4: How to Take a Lead at 1st and 2nd Base	How to take leads at 1st and 2nd.Base running tips for taking leads that can greatly enhance your chances of avoiding pickoffs and advancing to the next bag.
BaseRunning Tips 5: Reading Batted Balls from second Base	Reading hits when on 2nd can be difficult.Here are some points to help you out.
Base Stealing
3 Things to Know before Stealing 2nd Base	Three important things to know before you steal 2nd. If you know these three things, you will know whether you should challenge the pitcher and catcher and go for the steal.
How to Steal 2nd off a Righty	Several strategies for reading right handed pitchers, including strategies for reading the pitcher and some common tells that will help you predict the pitcher’s moves and improve your stolen bases.
How to Steal 2nd off a Lefty	How to tell if a pitcher has a pre-determined move or is reading the baserunner, and several strategies for for each when stealing 2nd
Stealing 3rd Base	Pro tips for stealing third base.
Advancing on a Wild Pitch	Couple things to help you advance on wild pitches, balls in the dirt, or passed balls. To create havoc and be disruptive on the bases, anticipating pitches thrown in the dirt will allow quality offensive baseball player to take advantage of opportunities and move up to the next bag.
What is a Balk?	This article answers the question “What is a Balk?” and describes how to recognize when it happens.

Specific Skills for 1st Basemen
1. Holding Runners on 1st Base	Is only applicable when there is a runner at first base only or at 1st and 3rd. When there are runners at 1st and 2nd base, or bases loaded, you will usually play behind the runner at 1st, but you will not hold the runner on at 1st.
2. Throws To 2nd Base	There are two different positions you would be throwing from when making your feeds to second base. You are either holding the runner on 1st, or you are playing behind the runner (certain situations, or runner at 1st and 2nd, or bases loaded).
3. Footwork At 1st Base	Proper footwork can make your navigation around the bag a lot easier. This will aid in where your feet should be on the base and how to set up your body on all throws from the infield.
4. Flips To 1st Base	After a ground ball is hit your way and it’s a little too far for you to touch the bag yourself, you need to flip the ball to the pitcher. There are a couple different ways to complete this play. Underhand and overhand flips.
5. Knock The Ball Down	1st base is a position where you have a lot of time to make the play. When in doubt on any ground ball, use your body to keep the ball close to you, so you can gather yourself and finish the play.
6. Picking Balls In The Dirt	This is a play that can instantly turn you into the most popular guy on the team when you can pick an errant throw out of the dirt. This takes skill and a lot of work, and the drills (link) for working on this is probably going to be your main practice. A couple first base tips to give you the best chance to dig any ball out of the dirt.

Positioning for 2nd Basemen
5. Double Play Depth and other Infield Positioning	Where is double play depth? How will this help me on turning double plays?Also, infield-in, no doubles, and other infield positioning.Includes diagrams and pro tips.
6. Bunt Play Positioning	Bunt play positioning for a second baseman is pretty basic as long as there are no pick off plays on. Learn the different types of bunts and how to position yourself and defend them properly.
7. Relay Positioning: Part 1	The 2nd baseman’s role and positioning for balls thrown from outfield to home plate, or cut-off for a play at 3rd base.
8. Relay Positioning, Part 2, Double Cuts	This article discusses the following: What is a double cut relay? What is the 2nd baseman’s role in each scenario, and particularly for every ball hit to an outfielder where there is a potential play at home plate? Includes diagrams for clarity.
9. Pop Fly Priorities.	Everyone needs to know the chain of command so players won’t be fighting over who will catch a pop up – or having dangerous collisions. Visit this page to learn who you can call off and who you defer to when a high pop fly is hit, as well as some other important protocols you will be expected to know.
Specific Skills for 2nd Basemen
10. Double Play Feeds to Second Base.	There are three types of feeds you can use as a second baseman when starting a double play. The ground ball will dictate which one to use, and with the feeds there are variations of all three. If you are confident and c an perform these feeds, you will help your team out tremendously by getting two outs on one play rather than one.
11. Double Play Turns for Second Baseman	Learn the art of working around the second base bag on a double play when a runner is trying to take you out to avoid the completion of the play. Getting two outs on one pitch can be a huge momentum shift from the offensive team to the defensive team.
12. Holding Runners Close to Second Base.	Holding runners close to second base is a skill and an understanding between you and your pitcher. There are a second base tips to think about when keeping the runner on the bag.
13. Tag Plays at Second: Receiving Throws from Catcher on Attempted Stolen Base	Being in position to make a tag on a runner is a basic concept that often times doesn’t get executed. The idea is to make the tag as quick as possible so you can have a better chance to get an out, and having your body in a good position to counteract a hit and run. Many times the difference between an out and safe call is milliseconds.
Misc –Left handed second baseman	Tips for turning a double play when you’re a left-handed second baseman

Specific Skills for 3rd Basemen
5. Double Play Feeds	As the third baseman, it helps to know how the second baseman likes to take the feed, and how you can help make the double play turns easier.
6. Unique Defensive Plays	Bare hand plays, difficult plays to handle on tough hops, and utilizing long hops on your throws are unique plays that can make an average 3rd baseman very good, if used correctly.
7. Tag Plays: Receiving Throws from Catcher on Attempted Stolen Base	Being in position to make a tag on a runner is a basic concept that often times doesn’t get executed. The idea is to make the tag as quick as possible so you can have a better chance to get an out, and having your body in a good position to counteract a hit and run. Many times the difference between an out and safe call is milliseconds.
Positioning for 3rd Basemen
8. Double Play Depth and other Infield Positioning	Where is double play depth, infield-in, no doubles, and other infield positioning? Situational positioning for 3rd basemen.Includes diagrams and pro third base tips.
9.Beware the danger zone when playing third base	Did you know there is an area near 3rd base where everything is harder?Learning where this “no fly zone” can improve your range, making more plays and reducing errors.
10. Bunt Play Positioning	Learn where to properly align yourself as the third baseman in bunting situations. Third base tips include the different types of bunts and how to position yourself and defend them properly.
11. Relay Positioning: Part 1	The 3rd baseman’s role and positioning for balls thrown from outfield to home plate, or cut-off for a play at 3rd base.
12. Relay Positioning: Part 13, Double Cuts	This article discusses the following: What is a double cut relay? What is the 3rd baseman’s role in each scenario, and particularly for every ball hit to an outfielder where there is a potential play at home plate? Includes diagrams for clarity.
14. Pop Fly Priorities	Everyone needs to know the chain of command so players won’t be fighting over who will catch a pop up – or having dangerous collisions. Visit this page to learn who the third baseman can call off and who you should defer to when a high pop fly is hit, as well as some other important protocols you will be expected to know.

Infielder_(2).jpg

Critical Skills for Infielders
1. Fielding Tips and Instruction	Whether you want professional tips to fine-tune your game, or basic instruction on fielding mechanics, click here to learn how to consistently secure routine ground balls and make outs. The Pro Infielder’s Secret Routine Ground Balls Backhand Plays Forehand Ground Balls Plays on-the-run, and slow rollers If you can show that you are a strong defensive player you will be wanted to be on the field when the game is on the line. Everyone loves offense, but pitching and defense win games.Bonus* Check out ourGuide to Best Infield Gloves
2. Throwing Mechanics	Throwing the ball around the infield is the second part of making plays. After we field and secure the ball we need to be able to throw it to the base that will give us an out.How to Throw a Baseball: Grip Mechanics of Throwing Feet Position, Upper Body and Feel Being able to throw properly takes work, but with a few basics for throwing correctly you will be able to increase arm strength and accuracy – of which accuracy is more important.
3. Cut-Off fundamentals	How to be in the best position possible for taking a throw from an outfielder as a cut off man. Where to align yourself and how to make the quickest, most accurate throw possible.
4. Rundowns	Rundowns are when you have a base runner caught in between two bases. This article gives tips and instruction for how to get out of a pickle (i.e. executing a rundown).

Critical Skills and shortstop tips
1. Fielding Tips and Instruction	NOTE:You’ll find these first 4 sections on all infielder’s pages. Skip down to #6for shortstop specific tips. Whether you want professional tips to fine-tune your game, or basic instruction on fielding mechanics, click here to learn how to consistently secure routine ground balls and make outs. The Pro Infielder’s Secret Routine Ground Balls Backhand Plays Forehand Ground Balls Plays on-the-run, and slow rollers If you can show that you are a strong defensive player you will be wanted to be on the field when the game is on the line. Everyone loves offense, but pitching and defense win games.
2. Throwing Mechanics	Throwing the ball around the infield is the second part of making plays. After we field and secure the ball we need to be able to throw it to the base that will give us an out.How to Throw a Baseball: Grip Mechanics of Throwing Feet Position, Upper Body and Feel Being able to throw properly takes work, but with a few basics for throwing correctly you will be able to increase arm strength and accuracy – of which accuracy is more important.
3. Cut-Off fundamentals	How to be in the best position possible for taking a throw from an outfielder as a cut off man. Where the shortstop should be, and how to make the quickest, most accurate throw possible.
4. Rundowns or “Pickle”	How to do a rundown or pickle. Rundowns are when you have a base runner caught in between two bases. There are many must do’s when trying to get the runner out as quickly as possible with the least amount of throws

Positioning for Shortstop
5. Double Play Depth and other Infield Positioning	Where is double play depth, infield-in, no doubles, and other infield positioning? Situational positioning for shortstops.Includes diagrams and pro tips.
6. Bunt Play Positioning for Shortstops	Learn where to properly align yourself as the third baseman in bunting situations. Learn the different types of bunts and how to position yourself and defend them properly.
7.Relay Positioning: Part 1	The shortstop’s role and positioning for balls thrown from outfield to home plate, or various cut-off situations.
8. Relay Positioning: Part 2, Double Cuts	This article discusses the following: What is a double cut relay? What is the shortstop’s role in each scenario, and particularly for every ball hit to an outfielder where there is a potential play at home plate? Includes diagrams for clarity.
9. Pop Fly Priorities	Everyone needs to know the chain of command so players won’t be fighting over who will catch a pop up – or having dangerous collisions. Visit this page to learn who the shortstop can call off and who you should defer to when a high pop fly is hit, as well as some other important protocols you will be expected to know.
Specific Skills for Shortstop
10. Double Play Feeds	As the shortstop, it helps to know how the second baseman likes to take the feed, and how you can help make the double play turns easier.
11. How to Turn a Double Play	For shortstops, learn the art of working around the second base bag on a double play when a runner is trying to take you out to avoid the completion of the play. Getting two outs on one pitch can be a huge momentum shift from the offen sive team to the defensive team.
12. How to prevent the base runner from stealing	For shortstops and 2nd basemen, holding runners close to second base is a skill and an understanding between you and your pitcher. There are a few things to think about when trying to keep the runner as close to second base as possible.
13. Receiving a throw from the catcher on an attempted stolen base	Being in position to make a tag on a runner is a basic concept that often times doesn’t get executed. This article gives shortstop tips for how to make the tag as quick as possible so you can have a better chance to get an out, and having your body in a good position to counteract a hit and run. Many times the difference between an out and safe call is milliseconds.

Skills

Essential Skills for Outfielders

1.Basics of the Outfield	There are many types of basic techniques used in the outfield. Having an understanding of how to use these techniques will help you cover more ground, and take more hits away from the other team.This article provides pro fielding tips for outfielders looking to create a solid foundation for their defensive game.
2.Tracking Fly Balls	When a fly ball is hit in your direction, determining where the ball is going to end up, and how to go after it, is a learned skill.
3.How to Avoid Losing Balls in the Sun	From a bright sun to a tough cloudy sky, these and other elements can make catching a routine fly ball very challenging. We will discuss outfield tips and technique – including which pair of sunglasses – that will help make these plays easier.
4.What is a Crow Hop and How to use it	Pro outfield tips and instruction for fielding ground balls, as well as explaining what a crow hop is, and why it can be so effective in the outfield.
5.How to Use the Long Hop	As an outfielder making long throws, using a long hop opposed to a rainbow throw will be more accurate and quicker. Throwing the ball with velocity and accuracy from the outfield makes you a weapon that the other team will be conscious of when trying to run around the bases.
6.Throwing Mechanics	Throwing the ball around the infield is the second part of making plays. After we field and secure the ball we need to be able to throw it to the base that will give us an out.How to Throw a Baseball: Grip Mechanics of Throwing Feet Position, Upper Body and Feel Being able to throw properly takes work, but with a few basics for throwing correctly you will be able to increase arm strength and accuracy – of which accuracy is more important.

Positioning

Positioning for Outfielders

7.Pop Fly Priorities	Breaking the field down into sections to help prevent any miscommunication. What the outfielder’s responsibilities are and who he has priority over.
8.Backing Up Bases	The biggest thing with being in the right position to back up the correct base is thinking ahead and analyzing the situation. We will cover all the scenarios and what base you should be backing up.
9.Where to To Throw the Baseball	This section will take the guesswork out of deciding which base you should throw to in various baseball situations with runners on base. Understanding when to take a chance and when to keep the double play in order are explained.

Pro Tips
Catcher’s Stance 1 – How to protect signs to the pitcher	Texas Ranger’s catcher Matt Treanor offers expert advice on the proper catcher stance and how to protect signs to the pitcher.
Catcher’s Stance 2 – Blocking Situations	The catchers ready stance (also called blocking stance) is used anytime a runner is on base or there is 2 strikes on a hitter. These are blocking situations and you need to be in the most athletic position possible to keep the ball in front of you.
Fun Blocking Drill, from MLB Catcher	Major League catcher and 2013 World Series champion Ryan Lavarnway demonstrates how making your catcher blocking drills measurable and competitive can bring a new spark to your catcher practices
Catcher’s Stance 3 – No one on base	This stance happens after you give your signs to the pitcher and he is ready to pitch the ball home. There are 6 steps to follow that will get you in the perfect catchers stance for no one on base and less than 2 strikes.
Best Catchers Mitts	What catchers mitts do the pros use? This page is a guide to help you choose the best catchers mitt and gear for you.
How to break in a catcher’s mitt (the RIGHT way!)	There’s a million BAD ideas out there on how to break in a baseball glove. Washington Nationals’ catcher Cole Leonida shares how to break in a catcher’s mitt the right way.
Baseball Catching Tips from 10 former MLB catchers	10 Major League catchers answer the question, “What is the MOST important skill a baseball catcher needs?

Pro Tips for How to Hit a Baseball
Baseball Swing Mechanics	These five articles give an in-depth breakdown of good hitting mechanics. Containing free professional hitting tips and instruction, these articles will help you take your swing to the next level. The Baseball Swing 1 – Rhythm The Baseball Swing 2 – Load The Baseball Swing 3 – Separation The Baseball Swing 4 – Weight Shift The Baseball Swing 5 – Decide and Release
7 Absolutes of How to Hit a Baseball	Doug breaks down the baseball swing and give you seven things which all great hitters have in common when they hit a baseball.These are some solid baseball hitting tips that can help you swing faster, hit harder, and bat more consistently.
The Ideal Bat Path	Doug breaks down the difference between a good bat path and a poor one.A good bat path will keep your bat in the zone longer so you can connect with more baseballs on the sweet spot and have a better batting average.
Hitting philosophy and lineup	How to accurately evaluate yourself and know what kind of hitter you are.The great thing about this game is there is room on every team and in the big leagues for all types of hitters.
Two Strike Hitting	Doug Bernier discusses common two-strike hitting approaches, and how to develop the two strike approach that works best for you.
How to Sacrifice Bunt	How to bunt like a pro. Learn when the hitter should consider a sacrifice bunt, the best placement for the situation, and the proper way to execute the bunt so you can get it down every time.
How to Bunt for a Hit	How to drag bunt or push bunt for a hit.A well-placed bunt can be an effective weapon against a tough pitcher. It can also be a good way to take advantage of a team with poor fielding skills, or it can be a good way for you to change things up if you are having a rough day. All in all, bunting is an important strategy to have in your hitting arsenal.
5Pro Bunting Tips	5 Pro Bunting Tips to improve your bunting mechanics
Advanced Bunting Strategy 1	How reading the pitcher can improve your odds of successfully bunting for a hit.This is advanced bunting strategy for players with good control over their bunt location
Types of Pitches	How to identify types of pitches, and know what each pitch does.
3Tips for Hitting the Inside Pitch	When a pitch makes a mistake over the inner part of the plate, it’s time to make him pay!3 common mistakes to avoid, plus tips for hitting the inside pitch
Baseball Hitting Strategy	The mental side of batting is just as important as your physical hitting approach.This article provides mental hitting tips from professional players.
Proper Bat Grip and Angle	Your grip is what connects you to the bat. The way the bat is held in your hands significantly affects how the bat moves through the strike zone.
Open, Square, & Closed Batting Stances	What the advantages and disadvantages are of open, square and closed batting stance.This article is designed to help you understand your swing better and know which stance works best for you.
Situational Hitting	Situational hitting is important slice of a balanced offensive attack. Understanding baseball situations and how to hit properly in those situations set you up for a productive at bat, even if you don’t get a hit.These batting tips will help you to be a valuable member of your team and more points on your scoreboard.
Offensive Routines	What is an offensive or pregame routine? Why is it important? How do the pros get ready for a game? Doug explains batting practice, pregame, and game routines.