Posted by: Sandman () on Sat Oct 11 08:24:34 2003

Coach C,

Thanks for the compliments.

We spent much of fall ball practicing other areas in which he wanted to improve, to increase his chances of more playing time in the Majors. We'd go to a field, setup an Instant Screen at 2B, and I'd hit 'em 100 fly balls to various parts of the outfield, then he'd throw 'em into the net. (Of course, w/ resting after each 20 or so).

As far as hitting, the big challenge this fall was "mental", as in "fear". Though he's still standing a bit far from the plate, at least he's not stepping out during the swing at all. He's just still starting a bit late (likely making sure he's not gonna get drilled before starting his swing).

What we've been working on in the cage is:
1) Actually getting the hips to start to TURN open during the stride, instead of just striding THEN turning.
2) Keeping the hands somewhat near the rear armpit during the stride instead of pushing the lead arm back, causing a longer swing.
3) Letting the ball get deeper when necessary. We've made up a game in which we award 3 pts for each (hard line drive) ball hit to the right side of the cage, 2 pts up the middle and 1 pulled. We'll vary the pts if, for instance, a pulled shot was hit so hard and was so inside that it was truly the right thing to do, etc.. But he likes this, and it motivates him to beat his last score. He'll do that for about 50-60 soft tosses.
4) Continued hand/eye coordination w/ the golf wiffle balls (pitched from 25' or so) and the Swift Stik.

As always though Coach C, being the glutton for knowledge that I am, I'll gladly accept any other thoughts you (or anyone else) might offer.

Thanks,
Sandman