OBJECTIVES

HITTING

Hitters will learn the fundamentals of hitting. They will learn what needs to happen within there swing to put them in position to be a good hitter.   After they learn the positions they must achieve, we will spend the remainder of the program working to get into those positions. Every hitter will be video taped and graded on the radar gun at least 4 times through the program.  We will use a four-camera video system that will show the hitter from above, behind, and on both sides simultaneously on a split screen monitor.  This will enable players and coach’s to evaluate a hitter from every angle.  Videos will be reviewed by one of the coach’s so the player has the chance to make on-site adjustments to his swing.  Those videotapes will be available to take home each week for further review.  The radar gun will be used to measure ball speed off the bat.  Hitters will learn what they need to do create more ball speed, which relates into more power.  Hitters will learn how to hit the curveball as well as situational hitting. 

Players in the Hit Only classes will be video taped and graded on the radar gun each week.  Those classes will cover all that is covered in the other classes but will have the extra repetitions that a full hour and a half allows.

PITCHING

Pitchers will learn the mechanics of pitching.  They will learn how to have a more consistent delivery for more success around the plate.  Players will be video taped and graded on the radar gun at least four times during the program.  Video’s will be reviewed by one of the coach’s and will be available to take home between sessions for further review.  After pitchers understand the mechanics involved with the delivery they will be introduced to more advanced pitches.  Pitchers will learn how to create movement on the baseball; they will also learn how to change speeds.  Players will learn how to read hitters and situations to better help them understand what pitches should be thrown in certain situations. What pitch’s are taught will be determined on the players age and arm strength.  Player will not be taught any pitches that would put their arms at risk for injury any more so than the soreness sometimes associated with throwing a baseball.

FIELDING

Fielders learn the proper mechanics in catching different types of ground balls and fly balls.  Footwork will be the main focus for fielders whether in the infield or outfield.  They will be video taped and graded on the radar at least four times throughout the program.  Players will learn the techniques to play infield and outfield including double plays and cutting off balls with the proper angle.  Overall defensive skills will be addressed in this part of the program.

CATCHING

Catchers will learn proper receiving positions as well as how to block balls in the dirt.  They will learn how to decrease throwing times to the bases using proper footwork and how to make the exchange between glove and hand quicker.  Catchers will learn how to block the plate as well as fielding balls out in front of the plate.  How to read hitters and call the right pitches in the right situations will be stressed. Catchers will be video taped and graded on the radar gun through out the program. Catchers are welcome in the pitching classes if he is more advanced and wants the opportunity to catch pitchers.  

*We welcome players and parents to take the videos home for review during the week.  Video tapes are to be brought with the players to the next session.  If the video is forgotten the player will have the choice not to be video taped or another tape can be purchased for $3 from the Academy.