Tagged With "improving"
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In The Box Academy Tryouts
In The Box Athletics is a performance facility in Sunnyvale (Just east of Mesquite) that mainly works with baseball players. Our goal is to improve players recruit-ability through increased athleticism. Think Michael Johnson Performance...
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Preparing for a camp
I have interest in a school and have attended camps in the past for the school. While the schools assistants have been pleased with me, They've never seemed to be blown away. I have a month until the camp, and have been preparing like crazy, lifting...
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Re: External Rotation-What it is and how to improve it
Are you advocating forearm 'flop/lay back' backwards with your forearm at 90 degrees? Is that what MLB pitchers do? In video 3, you are advocating using weighted balls to increase your range of motion in external rotation. Why does my ROM need to increase? What is the ideal ROM angle?
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Re: External Rotation-What it is and how to improve it
Essentially, yes. And depending on what major leaguers you look it, it is what I tend to see. I would like to promote more of a focus of 90 degrees with the angle of your back, but there are guys that very on this part of mechanics. I have found that when my external rotation is at its max potential, the rest of my mechanics are where I want them to be. I will address the rest of your questions in two ways. ROM can refer to both static and dynamic ROM. A good way to tell the differences is...
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Re: External Rotation-What it is and how to improve it
Just to add two cents, most of the players I work with have too much external rotation and not enough internal rotation. Most players that develop elbow issues have this exact imbalance: Internal Rotation Deficit. Not trying to be negative or argumentative in any way, but just what I have seen over 20 years. Not sure why a player would want to create that type of imbalance of ER to IR. additionally, it is not just the shoulder (glenohumeral joint) that allows these folks to get into these...
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Re: External Rotation-What it is and how to improve it
Do you have an example of a pitcher who has that issue? I'm curious to see an example of a pitcher with that issue. Throughout the process of changing my arm action and overall mechanics, I was pretty consistently told that I have good internal rotation, when my external rotation was poor. So that is something I have little to no focus on that part of my mechanics. I also did very little research on internal research in general, so I am not very knowledgeable about the issues associated with...
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Re: External Rotation-What it is and how to improve it
Jimster- The DriveLine article you reference in your write up talks about the IR issues. Specifically the Sleeper Stretch. This is all new to me but has become a hot topic in my household since my son has developed scapular issues. He has very limited IR on his throwing arm compared to his non-throwing arm. This is typical of throwers acording to his Physical Therapist. Also he has been doing Jaeger bands 3 times a week for 2 years now and they are great for the rotator cuff, but don't do...
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Re: External Rotation-What it is and how to improve it
I remember the part the article a little. Is internal rotation lack of ROM just referencing a static stretch comparison or you're mentioning? Or is their something when those pitchers throw that show an issue too. I have read about pitchers having the issue your son is having, but I have not heard of any issues in the actual pitching motion. Similar to how I talk external rotation. You can see the level of external rotation you achieve. Is there something that you can see when you look at...
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Re: External Rotation-What it is and how to improve it
I am not sure of a way to tell in the actual throwing motion. I am just a dad and know very little about this. The PT showed his lack of IR by comparing his IR via the Sleeper Stretch on both sides. His throwing side would not rotate without his shoulder blade moving forward with it. He had done normal stuff (only 14) not heavy lifting. Pushups and light weights etc.. Unfortunately if your scapular muscles are not activating then instead of these exercises making them stronger your body...
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Re: External Rotation-What it is and how to improve it
If you're interested in finding exercises to work those muscles you can search http://exrx.net/ . A great resource for anything related to working out. And free too. That's the best part. Also check out the body map here http://exrx.net/Lists/WtMale.html You click on the areas of the body that you want to find workouts for and it will show you stuff that you can do. If you are having him do push-ups, then you can add other body weight exercises to work the upper body as well. Pull ups and...
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Re: External Rotation-What it is and how to improve it
Anybody want to take a guess on how many baseball players I've stretched into external rotation of the shoulder? Volleyball hitters? That's right--- Exactly ZERO. They already have excessive ER and by stretching it, all I would do is stress the already stressed joint..
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Re: External Rotation-What it is and how to improve it
Not everyone has excessive or complete external rotation nor am I promoting static stretching of it. Or any type of stretching. My article talks improving arm action so external rotatiom(that naturally occurs)can happen. I don't really understand the purpose of your post and it seems kind of combative. If you have seething to add to the conversation, please do. But please add comments that relate to the topic on hand. Thanks!
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Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
15 yo, only been playing ball for four years, catching for two. He's a wall behind the plate, coachable, and as a bonus, can hit. Since he was a late-comer to baseball, he attended a few camps. He did learn quite a bit. Now that he's primarily a catcher, he'd like to do a camp that concentrates more on those position-specific skills. HS coaches aren't much good on instucting, and son needs a better throw. Florida Baseball Camp has been recommended, but perhaps y'all have other thoughts?
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Tips on improving outfield footwork and reading fly balls
Anyone have tips on improving my footwork in the outfield and getting quality reps on reading fly balls. My dad never really played baseball so he is out of the question as far as someone that can help me. I feel the best way is to just immerse myself in the game so that I can see as many fly balls as possible, but to do that I need an instructor in the Dallas area (if you know of one please tell me!). Besides this does anyone have drills or certain things that I can focus on by myself?
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
Catchingcamp.com Worth every penny. Following them on social media will give you a good idea of their philosophy.
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
I'm glad you mention them. Looked at their Road Trip Camps this past winter, but I didn't know if it was worth the time/travel/price. I already follow them on FB, so I'll keep an eye on it.
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
I see you are in Florida... a hotbed for current AND past players. I'll bet you can find an ex-college/pro catcher that will work with your son one-on-one where the learning curve and progression will likely be quicker than at a camp setting. It also affords the opportunity for refresher check-ins, homework, etc. If the guy is local, there is a chance that he will attend an occasional game of your son's and give ongoing constructive feedback. Meanwhile, if you aren't familiar, the "catching...
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
Can 2nd Jay Weaver in New England + Xan Barksdale. Tom Griffin @ Carson-Newman is an excellent instructor + an engaging speaker at conferences https://www.cneagles.com/sport...amp_brochure_-1-.pdf . All top notch, first class people passionate about catching.
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
Completely agree with cabbage here. My son (2019) had "lessons" from several catching coaches over the years, starting at about eight years old. It wasn't until we found THE guy in our area that his skills took off. After training with this particular individual for a while, it was very easy to go around to the various youth tournaments and spot the kids who trained with him and, in my opinion, what you want is true "training." Not sitting in a cage, or in a group of 20, with a guy getting a...
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
Tequila, I would *love* to find an effective coach for regular lessons. He has a great hitting coach, and one who gave lessons for blocking. Just haven't found one that clicked for the other aspects. We are within reasonable driving distance of Orlando & Tampa. I'm not really plugged into a network. I lurk on a few FB groups, but haven't found them to be useful for our needs. Son has only played travel ball for a couple of years, and it's been a steep learning curve, to say the least. I...
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
This is a great time to contact colleges in the area... season is just ending for most and a HC or AC may be able to refer you to a coach on staff, a player/catcher, a previous coach or player/catcher or another local guy they might suggest who may be able to provide regular lessons, at least for a period of time. Another avenue is the local club/travel/training organizations... they may have someone on staff or someone they can refer you to. They are usually tuned in to the local instructor...
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
I know that Eric Cressey has one of his sports performance facilities in Jupiter, which is not close to you I wouldn't imagine but, though he's not a catching coach, I suspect he has a wide network of players and coaches he's worked with over the years. He has also been very responsive via email when I was considering sending my son down there for a training program and motion evaluation. Just a thought.
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
Email the coach of a local college. See if the coaches are open to giving lessons. If not, head to a college game. Catch one of the players coming in/out. See if they're willing to give lessons in the offseason. They will be - assuming you keep it discrete and in cash. UCF and USF aren't too far from you. Ask around. Two local D1 guys helped run our winter workouts. $80 every Sunday for a few months goes a long way for most college kids. Especially those unable to work. Catching lessons...
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
I don't disagree with you here PA but I think the trouble is in the bolded above. No, there aren't a ton of philosophies but there are a few that differ dramatically e.g. "gain ground, no step, jab step, knee down, knee up, let it get deep, stick it out front, hand in fist behind mitt, hand in seam of hip, et al., ad nauseam." I follow 12 or 13 different catching guys on twitter and the debates on a few things seem never ending. There are a lot of universally agreed upon things but if a...
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
Great idea about calling the colleges. There are a few JuCo and D1 programs fairly close to us. I talked with some parents of college players this weekend, and it seems like most of the players are headed out to play summer baseball in the league that their coaches have chosen for them. Still, the assistant coaches would have some insight. I have never thought about contacting them, simply because they are probably inundated with inquiries, and I worry about the "etiquette" of such calls.
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
It doesn't really matter much. Hey, I have a catcher who is a sophomore in HS. He's looking to train defensively with somebody this summer. Is there anybody on your staff who trains kids or any former/current players in the area that you would recommend? If that doesn't work, try talking to some batting instructors at academies. I'm sure some have trained a college catcher at some point that they could put you in contact with. Not sure if you're north or south of Orlando/Tampa, but if...
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
PABASEBALL : Especially so when you consider what some of those guys are making. Isn't that the truth. Very little. I'm north of Orlando/Tampa, but I don't mind driving there, or Stetson, etc. if it's a great coach. One thing I've learned is that someone can be a great player, but still not know how to impart knowledge to the student.
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
My son makes decent money as a college softball coach but still does lessons in baseball since he played D1. Very few college guys are turning down cash. I don't think it is inappropriate to email or call and ask for their recommendations. Read their profiles and see if any of the coaches played catcher in college or pros. That would be your best source. Keep an eye out because many will do pitching/catching camps especially in the fall/winter. They bring in these two to help each other and...
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Re: Best Camp that don't give catchers short shrift?
Thanks to all for some useful feedback. I have put some feelers out, and I think I have found a good prospect only 30 minutes from us.
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Re: Tips on improving outfield footwork and reading fly balls
You can also buddy up with teammates, head to the field and take turns hitting each other reps. You can youtube some good OF drills and mechanics. ABCA stuff is always solid.
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Re: Tips on improving outfield footwork and reading fly balls
Ball over brim of cap you must "open the gate" that means if it is to your left your left foot should drop taking your left shoulder away from home plate. Same move on balls hit to your right except it is right foot dropping. If ball is below brim of cap hold your ground or step forward toward ball. Know your field.... for Corner outfielders the ball will bend toward the line. Center fielders have to play slice and hook. Left hand hitter to left field gap will slice to LF line. In Right...
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Re: Tips on improving outfield footwork and reading fly balls
Here's what I've done to bring new HS outfielders up to speed on fly balls: Set up a two-wheel pitching machine to shoot 300 foot very-high fly balls. It's best to use leather baseballs with torn seams, which randomly hook or slice. (Torn seams, not torn covers.) When our regular BP balls get torn seams, I save them in a bucket for this purpose.