Skill sets that incoming players should develop before they start at Richland
1. PLAY GREAT CATCH
Throwing and Catching the baseball are primary skills to nearly every play in the game. The ability to accurately deliver the ball to your teammate, and the ability to consistently receive/control the ball are paramount to success.
- Four-Seam Grip on all possible throws
- Intentional Target Focus (Aim Small)
- Intentional Throwing Mechanics (Footwork, Arm Path, Body Sequence)
- Mobility & Fluidity (Move to the Ball)
- Intentional Receiving (Seeing Ball in Glove)
- Transfer Ball with Security & Pace
- Ball Security (Body Up, No Loose Baseballs)
2. PACE OF THE GAME
Baseball is played and practiced at full speed with maximum intent on every play. Each player on the field must execute their job at maximum pace, while under control. Practice and Games will move faster and faster every year. Get accustomed to absolutely FLYING AROUND.
- Effort is not exceptional, it’s expected, ALL THE TIME
- Do not walk between the lines
- Move with purpose and intent
- Throw, catch, and run like it’s the bottom of the 9th, ALL THE TIME
- The High School game moves FAST…FLY AROUND
3. POSITIONING/CUT-OFFS/BACKUPS
Being in the right place at the right time is an expectation. You have at least one job to do on every ball in play. Learn your job based on your position(s). Know your job and do it.
- Learn positioning concepts based on batter, situation, weather, etc.
- You have a job on EVERY PLAY – KNOW IT
- Learn Cut-Off roles and positioning
- Communication & Cut-Off Language
- Cut-Off transfers and Ball Security
- Backup duties are 100% expected on every play
4. HITTING BACKSIDE
The ability to hit behind a runner when the situation calls for is a required skill. Understand how to do it and understand it will be expected. The simplest form of this is moving a runner from 1st to 3rd by hitting the ball on the ground into Right Field.
- Hitting behind a runner normally advances them 2+ bases
- Learning to hit opposite field helps you hit off-speed
- Team hitting concept vs. Individual statistic
- Puts additional pressure on defenses
- Helps open up running game
5. SKILLED BASERUNNING
The ability to put pressure on the opponent with advanced baserunning can make the difference in the outcome of many games. While speed is great, knowing when to run and making great reads create opportunities for every runner.
- Know the situation (Outs, Inning, Score, On Deck, etc.)
- Observe throwing ability (Catcher & Outfielders)
- Read pitch angles (See ball in dirt before it happens)
- Take great routes when rounding bases
- Get good leadoffs and read pickoff moves
- Run in throwing lanes when appropriate
- Know what do on flyballs (Halfway, Tagging, etc.)
- Run Smart – No Free Outs
