How to Get Better at Baseball

Tips for Getting Better at Baseball
By Guest Author Jack Perconte

How to get better at baseball? Of course, the easy answer is to play as much as possible. Increased play however does not guarantee that a ball player will get better. The secret lies in the quality of practice and play. Performing a skill numerous times and playing in games without the correct fundamentals only leads to tired ball players. Coaches and parents should stress quality first. Quantity is good only if the skill is being done correctly. Parents may have to search out a baseball coaching specialist in order to find out the correct fundamentals and drills that will help develop correct baseball skills. In my opinion, it is well worth it to get this information at a young age if baseball appears to be their favorite sport. Once bad habits are formed, they become much more difficult to change. Correct fundamentals, formed early in their career, will to give baseball players their best chance at success and reaching their potential. With this in mind following are other suggestions for helping players get better at baseball.

1. Observe - Young ball players should be encouraged to watch fundamentally sound players and picture those good actions in their own mind. Most behavioral experts will tell you how important this "visualization" is to improving performance. Putting a good fundamental picture in their mind and then trying to perform that action can help skill development. Watching good players performing a skill over and over will lead to quality practice time.

2. Make practice fun - Playing in games is usually fun for kids at least up to a certain age or competition level. Coaches and parents who can make practice fun go a long way to developing hard working, dedicated baseball players.

3. Teach strategy - It is one thing to know how to hit, field and throw and another to know the strategic details of the game. Good coaches teach game "know-how," also.

4. Play with good players - Playing with higher caliber players can bring out the best in players. Of course, some players may become over matched with this suggestion.

5. Encourage old fashioned neighborhood play - Teaching kids how to play baseball skill games like in the old days (when I grew up) is important. Playing pitch and hit, three flies up, pickle, pepper, etc... with a couple of friends can help players. Using safer baseballs in crowded areas can help encourage play when an open field is unavailable.

Often, I hear dads complain that their kids do not play baseball unless it is with their organized league. Part of the problem is that parents have not done a good job of passing along some of those above mentioned, small group games that were so much fun and helpful.

Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball hitting lessons advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his parenting blog can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com

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

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