Posted by: Ronnie () on Fri Jul 22 21:23:22 2011

> Anyone have a thought on this....agree or disagree? I believe pre-game batting
> practice is best used for getting players tuned up. Seeing the ball well, focussing on
> mechanics,and getting a rythm locked in. Therefore batting practice pitches should be
> tossed in lightly and as accurately as possible. A coacing partner of mine beieives it
> should be more game-like and prefers to throw batting practice at fast speed from a
> short distance. I don't think this allows batters to get their rythm down before the game
> starts. Any thoughts????

Coach,
Take as much live BP as possible without wearing the kids out. When my son was 8-12 he wanted to hit live BP most days. I always started throwing good pitches to hit from a shorter distance with an equivalent velocity for the distance and we still do just not as often. The #1 thing is throw good pitches to hit..period! Once the timing is there and the kid is hitting well; work him away and in, mixing it up. You may be surprised at the results. Just my opinion........but for what it is worth and this not to promote my son, just to hi-light the results - my son (16U) just played in the 17U Perfect Game WWBA hitting 90 to 96 MPH FBs and being able to fight off the nasty sliders and curves. He went 3 for 5 against 95-96 from some of the best pitchers in this age group. Taking good live BP works; I believe it is because good hitters hit mistakes (we don't want to miss hitting a mistake) and fight off pitches that are borderline when behind in the count.
Pregame should be at what ever velocity that you can throw pitches that are down the middle that the kid can hammer. You want him to have his good swing when he steps in the box!
Best Wishes to your kids.