Baseball Coach's Survival Guide

Book excerpt: Here is a comprehensive, practical resource that makes building a successful baseball program considerably easier for both the new and the experienced coach. Included are proven techniques and ready-to-use materials for virtually every aspect of the coach?s job, from recruiting to training talent for each position. For easy use, the Guide is printed in a handy spiral-bound format that folds flat and is organized into 15 sections focusing on 15 different coaching concerns: Getting Started Recruiting and Tryouts Game Control From Start to Finish Pitching The Pitches Catching General Infield Play Outfield Play Defensive Strategy and Positioning Team Defense Hitting The Short Game Base Running Offensive Strategy and Techniques Scholarships and Professional Baseball Each section is packed with inside tips, drills for skill development, and winning strategies for a variety of game situations and for dealing effectively with a wide range of problems. Here are just a few examples of the ready-to-use help you?ll find: Guidelines for setting team goals, establishing standards, and marinating positive relationships with players and parents Pitching mechanics and skills including the pitching sequence form starting position to landing, special issues with right and left handers, and insights into various pitches Tested ways to prevent and treat arm soreness 39 defensive play diagrams for cutoffs and relays, bunt defense, first and third defense, and more Techniques and drills to help players improve their hitting in all situations Guidelines for stealing against left- and right-handed pitchers Tips for helping outfielders establish the proper psyche, state of readiness, and way to react to the ball And that?s not all! Baseball Coach?s Survival Guide includes nearly 140 photos showing stance, position, and technique ... plus 85 reproducible forms, checklists, and charts for recording progress and performance that can be photocopied for immediate use to help even the most veteran coach save time!