Coaching Youth Baseball - Team Building Ideas

Coaching Youth Baseball - Team Building Ideas
By Jake Wyatt

When coaching youth baseball, you often end up with a bunch of boys who may not know each other. Team building is very important to ensure a cohesive team, one where the players support each other rather than compete with each other.

At the first practice, you need to break the ice with the players. Some will be very outgoing, some will be shy. Try to gently get all the boys to introduce themselves and share something simple about why they like to play baseball, or perhaps what position they like to play. This will help you get a feel for the boys as well.

Here are some great ideas to help the boys become a team that plays well together:

1. Have activities outside of practice. One or two pizza parties or hot dog picnics gets the families together and lets the boys get to know each other outside of baseball. Have a few gifts (packs of baseball cards) to hand out for drills that center on knowledge of the sport. During the event, ask questions to generate conversation.

2. Pay particular attention to boys who are not fitting into the team during practice. Figure out ways to gently include them into the practice routines. For instance, if you are doing hitting drills, make this boy catcher for the day. Or put him in charge of counting or measuring. This can be difficult to do without being obvious, but with some thought a good coach can make it happen.

3. Have a rule that during games, the players in the dugout pay attention to the game. They should be making a lot of noise in support of team members who are on the field.

4. Make it clear, in your initial meeting with the boys, that you will not tolerate whining, bullying, or meanness. Point out that in order to win, all the players must support each other. Establish the consequences for unacceptable behavior right away, and stick to it.

5. Have some team-building activities during practices. For instance, have the players stand in a circle and pass the ball around the circle. Time how long it takes. Then ask them to try again and beat their time. Watch them work together to figure out how to go faster.

In coaching youth baseball, if you successfully build a strong team spirit, your team will play better and have more fun during games!

In order to be the best possible baseball player, training should happen year-round and be a joint effort between the coach, the player and the parents. Get more free tips to improve baseball performance, reviews of e-products related to baseball, and links to training resources at http://youth-baseball-training.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_Wyatt

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What You Need to Know About Batting Cage Nets

What You Need to Know About Batting Cage Nets
By James M Peterson

Batting cage nets are used to contain baseballs in an enclosed area during batting practice or training. To ensure longer periods of baseball fun, there are specific things to consider before buying cage netting.

The first thing you should look for is strength. Look for the strongest nets that can fit into your budget. Cage nets are usually constructed from polyurethane or wound nylon which offers high breaking strengths and abrasion resistance. When choosing from a variety of options, it is recommended that you choose nets that are made of high-density and non-corrosive polyurethane fibers. Sporting accessories made of these materials will last longer and will prove to be a good investment.

Construction is the next feature to look out for when purchasing this important baseball fixture. It is important to look for netting that comes with a square net construction if you need a net that can withstand wear. Additionally, it is ideal to get a net that has a baffle net installed behind the batter, since this is the part of the net where deterioration mostly occurs. This feature provides additional safety and protection for both the batter and the net.

There are also sag-free types of nets which are hung on the square instead of draped; these kinds provide a more professional look and appearance to the batting cage.

The last thing to look for in good batting cage nets is the color. Black-colored nets provide more resistance to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Some nets are also immersed in UV inhibitor solutions for complete UV stabilization and protection against harsh weather conditions.

Resource Box:

Complete information on batting cage nets is available at SPINets.net. South Padre Island Nets Inc. (SPINets) is a Texas-based company that provides netting products to a variety of industries including sports, marine, and industrial fields. When it comes to baseball supplies, the company offers its selection of durable batting cage netting, training aids, and turf mats. For more information, visit SPINets.net or call 866-243-6387.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_M_Peterson

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www.BattingCagesDirect.com

BATTING CAGE NETS without FRAMES
Message to Baseball and Softball Parents

Your Own Batting Cage Makes All the Difference

Your Own Batting Cage Makes All the Difference
By Tom Weis

"There's just too many people at the ball field today. There's no way to get any extra hitting in. At least not quality hitting. Besides, I'm not very good yet and I really don't want to work on my problems in front of all the kids I know". Have those been some of your young athlete's excuses for not getting enough batting practice in? As a coach and a dad I've heard all of these and many more.

Being able to set up in your own yard or garage without interruption is some of the most beneficial hitting time that you will ever get. Nowadays, getting a cage of your own to practice in is extremely affordable, and saves on the gas and travel time to and from the park. Being able to take ten minutes to work on a particular hitting drill is so easy since you don't have to walk the whole ball diamond picking up baseballs. They are all right there close by in the batting cage.

It's also amazing how much more time kids will hit on their own when a friend is over because mom doesn't have to worry about something being broken when they hit in the batting cage in their own yard.

No more torn up baseballs from hitting against a chain link fence, or out on a parking lot somewhere. So don't waste valuable time and money. Check into getting the right size cage with the right price for you today and start making the difference in your player's baseball career now!

If you would like to check into the possibility of getting your own batting cage, check us out at http://bighitbattingcages.com and get started today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Weis

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The Joe Mauer Baseball Batting Trainer now comes with a battery operated automated ball feeder. The feeder can be set at your choice of three ball feed timing cycles. The Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer is easy to use, has varying difficulty levels, and has adjustable height setting for all ages and ability levels.

Batting Cages - Some Information

Batting Cages - Some Information
By Michael C Logan

Baseball, which is widely known as America's pastime, is a sport that is popular in several countries all over the world. Kids start playing or practicing this game at a young age. A baseball hitter may have to put in hours of practice and thousands of swings to get a great swing and what better place to practice than a batting cage.

A Batting cage is an enclosed cage made of netting and is usually rectangular in shape. They are designed for professional and home use. This is where baseball players can practice and improve their batting skills by themselves. There is a pitching machine that is placed at one end which throws the ball at regular timed intervals. The batter stands opposing the pitching machine hitting the baseballs it pitches.

The cage is effective in keeping the balls within close range so they are not lost and also easy pick up. These cages are a great help if you want to play the sport indoors. The cages simulate a real baseball field, complete with the grass covered pitch, which gives you a feel of the game. It is also a safe place for the kids to play. Building a cage is fairly easy, and with a little bit of planning, one can build it from scratch without having to shell out a whole lot of money. You can also purchase a kit to build a cage, though it may cost a bit more. All you need is netting material (nylon is the most common) for the fencing and adjustable aluminum poles to serve as the cage.

Though there are many types of batting cages, there are three which are most popular. The first one is the non-automated cage which requires players to retrieve balls after they have hit them. The second type is a sloped automated cage. This uses a sloped floor, so the balls roll towards the pitching machine after being hit by the player. The third one is a mechanical automated cage, in which a conveyor belt runs down the center of the cage and carries the balls back to the pitching machine and re-feeds the ball into the machine.

A player using these batting cages should make sure never to enter a cage without the protective gear on especially a batter's helmet. Never enter a cage when there is already another player in there batting. The force at which the ball swings can inflict serious harm and injury. A fast moving pitch of a baseball can cause serious head trauma. There are cases where people have died due to a strike of the ball to the head. So it is always better to be extra safe when it comes to the gear you use while playing.

Batting cages range in width and height. They can be anywhere between 10 to 18 feet either way. The depth of the cage can also be varied. And the best thing about these cages is that they can be altered to fit into any space you like. You can even put one up in the garage or your backyard.

Our entire selection of pitching machines are on sale now. Also enjoy free shipping on your Batting Cages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_C_Logan

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YouthBaseballDigest.com
Homepage
Today's Youth Baseball Coaching Feature Article
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BaseballParentGuide.com
Homepage
Baseball Parent Guide: Today's Post
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Guide to Choosing Batting Cage Nets: Nylon Versus Polyethylene Materials

BattingCageDoor.com

Guide to Choosing Batting Cage Nets: Nylon Versus Polyethylene Materials
By James M Peterson
Batting cage nets and frame components should be given enough attention during the selection to ensure safe, well-protected, and enjoyable batting game and practice.

A cage net is available in two types of materials: nylon and polyethylene fibers. While both materials are known for their strength and for offering excellent abrasion resistance, these two differ mainly in terms of the type of location where they are best used.

The nylon netting is perfect if you are planning to set up an indoor cage. While this type of netting is known for its durability and for resisting ball abrasion, one downside to using nylon is that it tends to easily mildew and rot especially if used outside and/or exposed to moisture. The polyethylene netting, on the other hand, is best if you are setting up an outdoor batting cage. This is because polyethylene netting is generally made of non-corrosive, high-density materials, which allow it to resist damages brought about by extreme weather conditions and constant exposure to harmful outdoor elements. Whether you choose nylon or polyethylene netting depends on your needs and budget. It is, however, important to give extra attention to the durability and strength of the nets.

It's also recommended that you choose the color of the batting cage nets wisely. Although they are available in different colors, even bright and dazzling colors, it's really best to choose colors that resist sun's UV rays especially if you are setting up an outdoor cage. This way, players won't get distracted during batting game and practice.

Resource Box:

SPI Nets is a leading online retailer of reasonably-priced netting products and accessories such as batting cage nets, baseball backstop nets and batting cage frames. For more information, visit SPInets.net or contact 1-866-243-6387.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_M_Peterson

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Baseball Hitting Instruction by Don Slaught - 3 Attributes of a Great Hitter

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Attention Coaches, Players and Parents; If you own or use a batting cage, this post is for you.

Attention Coaches, Players and Parents; If you own or use a batting cage, this post is for you.If you own or use a batting cage, this post is for you. The new Batting Cage Door is a must for anyone that owns or uses a batting cage.



Batting Cage Door

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