Because of some field problems I am thinking of having the JV practice with our Varsity. But I'm wondering, Does the Varsity bring the level of play of the JV up, or does the JV bring the Varsity down? Anyone with experience here?
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Coach, that's how we do it. However, you have to really be organized with cage time and rotations. NO, it doesn't bring the varsity down. However, the JV/Varsity does need time to be on their own. For example, on a Saturday, have the JV come in early or late. On the week, they need to be able to do their own infield without the varsity. You might have to find an open field for the JV to go do some work on 1st and 3rds or bunt defense or... You need that same time for varsity. You can't think of it all because something will throw your schedule off. However, if you have some type of plan, they'll do fine.
We have one field for 3 teams- JV, Varsity, and Freshmen. This leads to more inside time than we'd really like, but sometimes that's needed because it provides an additional batting cage. Our freshmen team has for the last couple years practiced over on the football practice field where they are able to set up a makeshift infield. Also, the underclassmen use the grass area beyond the centerfield fence for makeshift infield stuff. Our JV team practices more often with the freshmen than with the varsity, but they will sometimes scrimmage with us. The JV typically will stretch and play catch with the Varsity and then we split. Our JV coach does not work at the school so he is coming from his main job. Sometimes, our coach will take both the Varsity and JV when we split up into position drills. That allows another coach to be around and it ensures everyone is being taught the same stuff.
Hopefully, when we build our new school the baseball program will have two new diamonds at the new location. I'm not gonna hold my breath though. It's in the plans, but that doesn't mean much around here.
Hopefully, when we build our new school the baseball program will have two new diamonds at the new location. I'm not gonna hold my breath though. It's in the plans, but that doesn't mean much around here.
This has been an issue at Atholton H.S. since I played there in the early 80's. JV and Varsity would split time (50/50) on the field. One group was on the infield and RF, while a portable backstop was set up along the LF foul line facing CF. One group would hit for 1.5 hours, the other group work on defense/pitching. 1/2 way through practice, they would switch.
What are some of the things that others do to takew advantage of time with just limited space?
I guess I'm looking for specific drills and even practice outlines. I have Indoor hitting stations set up that allow for 11 stations in an area of a small gym 30'X 30'(wrestling room) one 2 court gym with a stage, and a cage. We took this same template outside to our field this year and easily got 150-200 swing in during 45-60 min of hitting time. I can email it or would appreciate anything others have developed for limited space. email me at: clabeots@baraboo.k12.wi.us
I guess I'm looking for specific drills and even practice outlines. I have Indoor hitting stations set up that allow for 11 stations in an area of a small gym 30'X 30'(wrestling room) one 2 court gym with a stage, and a cage. We took this same template outside to our field this year and easily got 150-200 swing in during 45-60 min of hitting time. I can email it or would appreciate anything others have developed for limited space. email me at: clabeots@baraboo.k12.wi.us
Coach we have done it for years. We have a schedule each day. For instance the JV might work on bunting while we work on bunt defense. The JV will work on first and thirds while we work on running the bases in first and third situations etc etc. When we go to the cage they have the field for infield and situations etc etc. It has worked fine for us. One thing about it you get to get a good look at all the kids on a daily basis. I would say that the only real way to make it work is to have a schedule each day planned out and then do everything you can to stick to it. There are alot of advantages to getting to see the young guys practice each day.
we actually run our kids together, though all drills and stations. middle infielder are the only ones we try to pair together, since their timing is crucial. what we've found is that our older kids start mentoring the younger, helping them and acting as coaches. and when we run hitting stations, an older kid or kids is/are held responsible for making sure everyone is working and doing things properly. we have anywhere from 30-35 kids each year and i have one assistant, so it helps us spread them out into smaller groups but they get more quality work in, and the kids have taken pride in working with their younger teammates.
Wow, until the last post I thought I was the only one who kept the Varsity and JV together.
While there are several players I KNOW will be on Varsity, and several that will clearly be on JV...I always have them together at least until we know who's going to be where. By that time there's only about a week or two until our first scrimmage, and I figure that it's better for me to keep all 30 together until we've got everything in.
We also have 3 teams and one field, so it's either to stay together and let the Freshman have the cages.
While there are several players I KNOW will be on Varsity, and several that will clearly be on JV...I always have them together at least until we know who's going to be where. By that time there's only about a week or two until our first scrimmage, and I figure that it's better for me to keep all 30 together until we've got everything in.
We also have 3 teams and one field, so it's either to stay together and let the Freshman have the cages.
Coach,
Also have your varsity pitch to the varsity.
JV to the JV.
Also have your varsity pitch to the varsity.
JV to the JV.
I like to run everyone together for the reasons mentioned above. Such as having mentors. But I have trouble with space and to combat this I run seperate practices for infielders and outfielders. I will practice the infielders for an hour, then the outfielders come and we all hit together. Then the infielders go home and I practice the outfielders. Works pretty good, when coaching at small school where the coaching staff is thin.
One thing we need to consider is how big are the teams you are talking about. I have around 35 - 45 players from 7th grade to 12th grade on a Frosh, JV and Varsity team. I have two asst. coaches, one field and one cage. I also have to share my indoor hitting facility with our softball team.
I try everything in my power to have an organized practice schedule and stick to it but sometimes I can't get everyone the necessary time somewhere. If I can't get the 7th / 8th graders time to hit on Tuesday then I make sure they start the hitting on Wednesday or plan something where they get to hit and my varsity / JV guys get some live defense.
One thing I have had some success in is letting each grade level hit as a group. You send the seniors to the cage and the rest stay on the field for stiuation defense. When the seniors get done send the juniors and go through the defense again with the seniors. You get a ton of defensive reps that way.
I also play a game like this with my classes. I let the seniors start hitting on the field and they get to score as many runs against a defense until they get 10 outs - the pitcher is a coach or a pitcher who just needs to throw some. It's a good way to get a lot of reps on both sides of the ball.
I try everything in my power to have an organized practice schedule and stick to it but sometimes I can't get everyone the necessary time somewhere. If I can't get the 7th / 8th graders time to hit on Tuesday then I make sure they start the hitting on Wednesday or plan something where they get to hit and my varsity / JV guys get some live defense.
One thing I have had some success in is letting each grade level hit as a group. You send the seniors to the cage and the rest stay on the field for stiuation defense. When the seniors get done send the juniors and go through the defense again with the seniors. You get a ton of defensive reps that way.
I also play a game like this with my classes. I let the seniors start hitting on the field and they get to score as many runs against a defense until they get 10 outs - the pitcher is a coach or a pitcher who just needs to throw some. It's a good way to get a lot of reps on both sides of the ball.
