Hitting a baseball is a difficult and complicated skill to master. Trying to hit a round object that's moving at an accelerated speed with the potential for movement either in or out, and down, and trying to hit it with a cylindrical shaped object - a bat, hitting a baseball is possibly the most difficult feat to accomplish in all of sports!
Coaches teaching hitting mechanics try cover everything from the proper placement of the bat in the hands and alignment of the knuckles to the proper stance, the load process, keeping the head on the ball, follow through, etc. All are important but there are 5 main ingredients or ABSOLUTES that make for a successful swing and are used by every good Major League hitter.
The Absolutes of Hitting used by all of the best hitters in professional baseball include the following:
1. The front knee must coil, at least slightly, in order to start your loading process. Think of it as taking the front knee toward the back knee, in short it's "knee to knee". This is where torque is developed.
2. As you coil your front knee, the hands must start back and the wrists must be cocked in order to generate power. The bat head should move just slightly behind the hitter's helmet. Do not wrap the bat around your head though.
3. You step away from your hands when you stride. Some coaches talk about walking away from your hands, but you actually step away while your body stays back. This action of staying behind the stride foot is one of the main elements in generating power in your swing. If you move your body toward or even worse, move out over the front foot, you have no power to hit!
4.Then, the stride foot must land before you start your swing. If your late getting the stride foot down, you lose momentum and of course you consequently lose power in your swing. And, of course, you must keep your eyes on the flight of the ball all the way to the bat.
5. Finish high. Your swing should finish above the front shoulder. This where all professional power hitters finish.
Watch yourself in a mirror or have your swing video taped so you can see what your swing looks like. Use a Tee and over emphasize your front knee coil during practice swings. Also use the "walk through" Tee Drill and again exaggerate the knee coil during your swing. This will help train you utilize good hitting mechanics come game time!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
My 2009 Baseball Goals
MY GOAL SCHEDULE
Today’s Date: ______________
Signature: _____________________________
Following is a list of my GOALS for the 2009.
My OUTCOME GOAL # 1: (Where I want to be and/or what I want to accomplish this year)
1. ______________________________________________________
My PERFORMANCE GOALS: (This is my plan, my road map of how I’m going to achieve my outcome Goals)
1. ________________________ 4. ___________________________
2. ________________________ 5. ___________________________
3. ________________________ 6. ___________________________
My OUTCOME GOAL # 2: (Where I want to be and/or what I want to accomplish this year)
2. ________________________________________________________
My PERFORMANCE GOALS:
1. _________________________ 4. ____________________________
2. __________________________ 5. ___________________________
3. __________________________ 6. ____________________________
My OUTCOME GOAL # 3: (Where I want to be and/or what I want to accomplish this year)
3. ________________________________________________________
My PERFORMANCE GOALS:
1. _________________________ 4. ___________________________
2. __________________________ 5. ___________________________
3. __________________________ 6. ___________________________
Today’s Date: ______________
Signature: _____________________________
Following is a list of my GOALS for the 2009.
My OUTCOME GOAL # 1: (Where I want to be and/or what I want to accomplish this year)
1. ______________________________________________________
My PERFORMANCE GOALS: (This is my plan, my road map of how I’m going to achieve my outcome Goals)
1. ________________________ 4. ___________________________
2. ________________________ 5. ___________________________
3. ________________________ 6. ___________________________
My OUTCOME GOAL # 2: (Where I want to be and/or what I want to accomplish this year)
2. ________________________________________________________
My PERFORMANCE GOALS:
1. _________________________ 4. ____________________________
2. __________________________ 5. ___________________________
3. __________________________ 6. ____________________________
My OUTCOME GOAL # 3: (Where I want to be and/or what I want to accomplish this year)
3. ________________________________________________________
My PERFORMANCE GOALS:
1. _________________________ 4. ___________________________
2. __________________________ 5. ___________________________
3. __________________________ 6. ___________________________
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Lost Art Of Long Toss By Alan Jaeger
Originally Appeared in May, 1999 "Collegiate Baseball"
"I'll start playing long toss in January. If I can throw it 200 feet, I try to throw it 300 feet. I don't stop at 120 feet, I throw it as far as I can." - Greg Maddux, Atlanta Braves
Kerry Wood, Matt Morris, Kerry Lightenberg, Alan Benes, Paul Wilson (twice), Jason Dickson, Jeremi Gonzales, Jason Isringhausen, Bill Pulsipher, Ben McDonald, Jeff D'Amico, Jason Bere, Mike Grace, Jeff Wallace, Mike James, Roger Salked , a who's who of extremely promising pitchers struck down by a major arm injury -- and that's just the beginning.
Coincidence? I don't think so.
For every famous case, ala Kerry Wood, there are those lesser known examples where arms are breaking down before they have the opportunity to reach the Big Leagues... to sign a professional contract... to step foot on a college campus... to finish their high school careers.
In your hometowns, you will find the Dan Oppermans and Darren Kerkreits of the world. First round draft picks that you may never hear of. The Drew Pearces (Cal Berkeley) and John Phillips (UCLA) -- promising college pitchers that never got the chance to play pro ball. The Joel Zamudios (Monroe High) and Justin Dunns (St. Francis High), high school pitchers who can only hope that their careers can be preserved.
"Last year (1998), three pitchers from my team all had major arm surgery (two "Tommy Johns," one major shoulder reconstruction) on the same day." - Anonymous Member of a Division I power
The numbers are mounting and the Dr. Frank Jobe's, Dr. Lewis Yocum's, and Dr. James Andrew's of the world are getting busier. As a baseball community, it's time to WAKE UP. There's a serious flaw in our system, a weak link in our development of baseball players' arms, and it's undermining their futures.
Why?
"Without the opportunity to long toss the arm isn't able to gain the strength, length, and endurance it needs. Your arm will eventually reject you." - Seth Etherton, Cincinnati Reds, Former 1st Round Draft Choice
There are many reasons a pitcher's (baseball player's) arm breaks down, why a ligament in the elbow detaches, all or part of the rotator cuff tears, or the shoulder needs to be reconstructed.
These could be the result of poor mechanics, a lack of monitoring [a relief pitcher at a Division 1 program told me that he threw in 14 consecutive games. Later that year he had Tommy John surgery], throwing with pain on a vulnerable arm, throwing too many pitches in one particular outing, throwing too many breaking balls, not enough recovery period time between games, or throwing curves in Little League.
The good news is that most of these problems are obvious and can be corrected.
What really alarms me is a seemingly growing trend that is not so obvious, and perhaps, even more responsible for a deteriorating arm and a career threatening arm injury. And it comes in an era when our levels of instruction and technology are at a all time high. This growing trend is what I refer to as "short toss" (as opposed to "long toss"), a throwing regimen where players are advised not to throw beyond 120 feet.
The 120-Foot Phenomenon
"You do not clone pitchers. If an individual chooses to long toss, that's fine. You don't give him a distance. Why there's a limit on 120 feet I do not know." - Leo Mazzone, Pitching Coach, Atlanta Braves
When I think in terms of a baseball player's arm being deprived of throwing beyond 120 feet, I immediately feel a tight, tense, short and rigid sensation from my shoulder to the tips of my finger, the opposite kind of qualities I would use to describe a healthy arm or a healthy muscle.
When I think of a healthy arm I think of such characteristics as stretch, loose, length, strength and endurance. Qualities that are hard to attain when we're shortening, rather than, lengthening our arms.
I'm not sure who started it or where it came from, but it seems that in recent years this 120 foot theory has taken root at every stage of the development of baseball players. It seems to have become the rule rather than the exception.
"Actually, I realize that throwing 300 feet isn't such a bad idea...in fact I used to do it myself, but the manual says to stay at 120 feet, so you must stick by it" - Head of player development for a Major League Organization to his first round pick after player pleaded with him to do a long toss program in the off-season
The idea originally behind the "short toss" was that if you keep a player at 120 feet, he'll throw the ball on a line. This theoretically will serve two purposes:
1. The player will be able to keep his shoulders level (avoid "dipping")
2. The release point will stay in similar place because there is minimal change in the arc of the ball
Some even suggest that this "short toss" will save the players' arms by reducing the amount of throws they make.
"You make a living throwing a baseball so we encourage them to throw as often as possible." - Leo Mazzone
Mechanical reasons aside, there are two other major contributing factors to the evolution of the 120-foot throw:
1. Timed throwing
2. The influence of Major League Organizations
Timed throwing occurs because coaches are often pressed for practice time and pitchers have to be at a certain station by a specific time. But, may I ask, how do you time throwing? After all, isn't the amount of time that you need to throw a personal thing? Should your arm become a casualty because the bell rings or you need to go out and shag?
Off-season training programs given out by certain Major League Organizations have contributed to the short toss phenomenon by specifically stating not to throw beyond 120 feet in the off-season (which then tends to carry over into Spring Training). They do this in order to insure that pitchers have a structured throwing program in January/February and that they come to camp under the same homogenous throwing program. But how can one regimen be good for all players? Players are unique, players have different needs. Many need a lot of time or a lot of distance to get properly conditioned.
The reality is that not throwing beyond 120 feet just so you can keep the ball on a line prevents the arm from getting stretched out, loosened up, and opened up to it's potential. It deprives the arm and muscles of much needed length, extension and stimulation. It inhibits the growth of the arm by placing boundaries and limits on the arm. And for what reason? Because coaches value keeping the ball on the line. Because coaches have a packed practice plan and Major League Organizations have to keep everyone at a "secure" distance. But what could possibly be more important than the health and longevity of a pitcher's arm?
The arguments against long tossing are that the back shoulder dips a little and the release point is slightly altered. Before we go any further, let's take a look at these two misconceptions.
Pulling Down: Reinforcing A Lower Release Point
"The pull down phase of the "long toss" has actually solidified my release point on all three of my pitches, especially my curve ball." - Barry Zito, 2002 Cy Young Winner
When a player throws beyond 120 feet, granted, there does comes a point where his front shoulder must lift slightly and the release point is slightly altered. This must be done in order to get the much desired stretch and distance that the arm needs to build length, strength, endurance and health. It is unavoidable.
But the irony is that the same slight adjustments that are created by the lifting of the front shoulder and the altering of the release point are actually regained and reinforced at a lower release point as the player works his way back in from the desired distance (pull down phase). This is because when you begin to take a 250-300 foot throw into 150, 120, 90 and eventually 60 feet, the release point must get lower. This occurs because the pitcher must learn not to decelerate the arm as he gets closer and closer to his partner. In other words, he must take the arm action of his maximum throw that day (i.e. 250 feet) and "pull it down" into 60 feet.
A 300 foot throw at 60 feet (without decelerating the arm) will force pitchers to finish through their release point on a downward plane without trying to throw hard. Concentration skills are developed because the pitcher must learn to pick a very low focal point to pull down through (i.e. his partner's shoe), otherwise the ball will end up going a long way over his partner's head. There is no way around it.
A number of additional benefits take place when a 300 foot throw is correctly compressed into a 60 foot throw:
The arm can generate natural arm speed and strength because the arm is throwing through a stretch.
The player must learn how to lower, and ultimately accelerate, through his release point.
The mind must learn how to concentrate and finish through a specific focal point (accuracy).
The looseness and power of an arm that's been properly stretched out into a shorter throw (60 feet) takes sound mechanics, balance, rhythm and concentration, which translates into further reinforcement for a pitcher in a game situation.
"I think long toss is a great way to build your arm up, to get in shape to throw off the mound." - Greg Maddux
So the pull down phase actually helps to reinforce a lot of the same principles that are critical for a pitcher on the mound: loose arm action, maximizing arm speed and strength through a properly stretched out arm, acceleration (finish) through a lower release point, maintaining concentration, balance and composure. A far cry from the criticisms of those who discount throwing distance.
The trade-off is simple. Promote health, length, strength, acceleration, and endurance by long tossing. Promote a shorter arm, tighter muscles, minimal endurance and vulnerability to arm injuries by throwing short distances.
Realizing Your Potential
Put a four-foot snake in a five-foot cage and its expansion is limited. Put that same snake in a twenty-five foot cage and an opportunity of growth presents itself.
My experience from working with pitchers is that if they can throw in the low to mid 80's they can easily build up to throwing a baseball 250 feet. If they throw from the mid to high 80's, they can build up to 250 to 300 feet. Pitchers who throw in the high 80's to low 90's should be able to build up to 300 feet without any problem. If we use 300 feet as a model for the potential distance a college or professional pitcher can throw, than a 120 foot throw equates to 40 % of that pitcher's potential distance.
That means his arm is only stretching to 40% of its capability. Now forgive me if I'm having a hard time with this, but how can it make any sense to suppress the arm's need to expand? I mean, why do we stretch before we play any sport? Isn't it to enhance our performance, to give us agility and flexibility, to avoid injury? So then why is it okay to stretch our arm to only 40% of its need? Would a sprinter only stretch 40% of his hamstrings before running a 100-meter race? Would a hockey goalie stretch only 40% of his groin before a game? Would a golfer enter a long drive contest after stretching just 40% of his back?
"If you don't stretch your arm out, you are more susceptible to an injury. I know that from experience." - Rudy Seanez, Boston Red Sox
The point is that a pitcher who throws a baseball 80 to 100 miles an hour without properly stretching his arm puts himself in jeopardy. It may not be obvious because 120 feet is just far enough to feel like a stretch, but it is not a real stretch. It is not the kind of stretch that the arm truly needs to open up, lengthen out and establish a base.
"Organizations, coaches, etc. discourage pitchers from throwing or put so many limitations on them as to what they can do because they feel that they will get blamed if there is a breakdown." - Leo Mazzone
Can you tell I'm frustrated? Wouldn't you be if you put a pitcher into a training program to stretch, strengthen and condition his arm, only to watch his arm regress because he's been put in a throwing program that does not allow him to exceed 120 feet? Or worse, to watch him spend a year and a half rehabilitating his arm after a major arm surgery because he wasn't given the proper time or distance that is necessary to keep his arm healthy.
I haven't seen the throwing program at every High School, Junior College and four year College. I haven't seen every Major League's off season throwing manual. But I have seen enough and heard enough over the past several years to be alarmed. If we don't make an adjustment soon, we are going to continue to see this growing trend of major arm injuries. In other words, shattered dreams and broken hearts.
"Long Toss is a very important part of conditioning and training for everyone." - Dr. Lewis Yocum, Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic
For those coaches who subscribe to distance throwing, to some form of long toss, I can only say that you are doing your best to insure that your players are optimizing their arms and staying healthy. For those of you who have subscribed to the theory of the 120 foot toss or timed throwing, I hope that you will take this article to heart and reevaluate your throwing program.
We are, after all, all dedicated to the same thing: the well-being and success of our players.
Note: I would sincerely like to thank Atlanta Braves Pitching Coach Leo Mazzone and his pitching staff and all of those players who have contributed to this article and cause. - Alan Jaeger
Return to Main Articles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alan Jaeger is the founder of the Jaeger Baseball Academy in Woodland Hills, CA and has worked with several High School and College players, as well as over 70 professional players, including Major Leaguers Barry Zito, Randy Wolf, John Snyder, Mike Lieberthal, and Glendon Rusch. He holds a degree in psychological training from California State University at Northridge and his post-graduate studies include a certificate from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. For more information about Alan's long toss program and other philosophies, check out his Armed & Ready Program, currently available exclusively at Baseball Tips.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'll start playing long toss in January. If I can throw it 200 feet, I try to throw it 300 feet. I don't stop at 120 feet, I throw it as far as I can." - Greg Maddux, Atlanta Braves
Kerry Wood, Matt Morris, Kerry Lightenberg, Alan Benes, Paul Wilson (twice), Jason Dickson, Jeremi Gonzales, Jason Isringhausen, Bill Pulsipher, Ben McDonald, Jeff D'Amico, Jason Bere, Mike Grace, Jeff Wallace, Mike James, Roger Salked , a who's who of extremely promising pitchers struck down by a major arm injury -- and that's just the beginning.
Coincidence? I don't think so.
For every famous case, ala Kerry Wood, there are those lesser known examples where arms are breaking down before they have the opportunity to reach the Big Leagues... to sign a professional contract... to step foot on a college campus... to finish their high school careers.
In your hometowns, you will find the Dan Oppermans and Darren Kerkreits of the world. First round draft picks that you may never hear of. The Drew Pearces (Cal Berkeley) and John Phillips (UCLA) -- promising college pitchers that never got the chance to play pro ball. The Joel Zamudios (Monroe High) and Justin Dunns (St. Francis High), high school pitchers who can only hope that their careers can be preserved.
"Last year (1998), three pitchers from my team all had major arm surgery (two "Tommy Johns," one major shoulder reconstruction) on the same day." - Anonymous Member of a Division I power
The numbers are mounting and the Dr. Frank Jobe's, Dr. Lewis Yocum's, and Dr. James Andrew's of the world are getting busier. As a baseball community, it's time to WAKE UP. There's a serious flaw in our system, a weak link in our development of baseball players' arms, and it's undermining their futures.
Why?
"Without the opportunity to long toss the arm isn't able to gain the strength, length, and endurance it needs. Your arm will eventually reject you." - Seth Etherton, Cincinnati Reds, Former 1st Round Draft Choice
There are many reasons a pitcher's (baseball player's) arm breaks down, why a ligament in the elbow detaches, all or part of the rotator cuff tears, or the shoulder needs to be reconstructed.
These could be the result of poor mechanics, a lack of monitoring [a relief pitcher at a Division 1 program told me that he threw in 14 consecutive games. Later that year he had Tommy John surgery], throwing with pain on a vulnerable arm, throwing too many pitches in one particular outing, throwing too many breaking balls, not enough recovery period time between games, or throwing curves in Little League.
The good news is that most of these problems are obvious and can be corrected.
What really alarms me is a seemingly growing trend that is not so obvious, and perhaps, even more responsible for a deteriorating arm and a career threatening arm injury. And it comes in an era when our levels of instruction and technology are at a all time high. This growing trend is what I refer to as "short toss" (as opposed to "long toss"), a throwing regimen where players are advised not to throw beyond 120 feet.
The 120-Foot Phenomenon
"You do not clone pitchers. If an individual chooses to long toss, that's fine. You don't give him a distance. Why there's a limit on 120 feet I do not know." - Leo Mazzone, Pitching Coach, Atlanta Braves
When I think in terms of a baseball player's arm being deprived of throwing beyond 120 feet, I immediately feel a tight, tense, short and rigid sensation from my shoulder to the tips of my finger, the opposite kind of qualities I would use to describe a healthy arm or a healthy muscle.
When I think of a healthy arm I think of such characteristics as stretch, loose, length, strength and endurance. Qualities that are hard to attain when we're shortening, rather than, lengthening our arms.
I'm not sure who started it or where it came from, but it seems that in recent years this 120 foot theory has taken root at every stage of the development of baseball players. It seems to have become the rule rather than the exception.
"Actually, I realize that throwing 300 feet isn't such a bad idea...in fact I used to do it myself, but the manual says to stay at 120 feet, so you must stick by it" - Head of player development for a Major League Organization to his first round pick after player pleaded with him to do a long toss program in the off-season
The idea originally behind the "short toss" was that if you keep a player at 120 feet, he'll throw the ball on a line. This theoretically will serve two purposes:
1. The player will be able to keep his shoulders level (avoid "dipping")
2. The release point will stay in similar place because there is minimal change in the arc of the ball
Some even suggest that this "short toss" will save the players' arms by reducing the amount of throws they make.
"You make a living throwing a baseball so we encourage them to throw as often as possible." - Leo Mazzone
Mechanical reasons aside, there are two other major contributing factors to the evolution of the 120-foot throw:
1. Timed throwing
2. The influence of Major League Organizations
Timed throwing occurs because coaches are often pressed for practice time and pitchers have to be at a certain station by a specific time. But, may I ask, how do you time throwing? After all, isn't the amount of time that you need to throw a personal thing? Should your arm become a casualty because the bell rings or you need to go out and shag?
Off-season training programs given out by certain Major League Organizations have contributed to the short toss phenomenon by specifically stating not to throw beyond 120 feet in the off-season (which then tends to carry over into Spring Training). They do this in order to insure that pitchers have a structured throwing program in January/February and that they come to camp under the same homogenous throwing program. But how can one regimen be good for all players? Players are unique, players have different needs. Many need a lot of time or a lot of distance to get properly conditioned.
The reality is that not throwing beyond 120 feet just so you can keep the ball on a line prevents the arm from getting stretched out, loosened up, and opened up to it's potential. It deprives the arm and muscles of much needed length, extension and stimulation. It inhibits the growth of the arm by placing boundaries and limits on the arm. And for what reason? Because coaches value keeping the ball on the line. Because coaches have a packed practice plan and Major League Organizations have to keep everyone at a "secure" distance. But what could possibly be more important than the health and longevity of a pitcher's arm?
The arguments against long tossing are that the back shoulder dips a little and the release point is slightly altered. Before we go any further, let's take a look at these two misconceptions.
Pulling Down: Reinforcing A Lower Release Point
"The pull down phase of the "long toss" has actually solidified my release point on all three of my pitches, especially my curve ball." - Barry Zito, 2002 Cy Young Winner
When a player throws beyond 120 feet, granted, there does comes a point where his front shoulder must lift slightly and the release point is slightly altered. This must be done in order to get the much desired stretch and distance that the arm needs to build length, strength, endurance and health. It is unavoidable.
But the irony is that the same slight adjustments that are created by the lifting of the front shoulder and the altering of the release point are actually regained and reinforced at a lower release point as the player works his way back in from the desired distance (pull down phase). This is because when you begin to take a 250-300 foot throw into 150, 120, 90 and eventually 60 feet, the release point must get lower. This occurs because the pitcher must learn not to decelerate the arm as he gets closer and closer to his partner. In other words, he must take the arm action of his maximum throw that day (i.e. 250 feet) and "pull it down" into 60 feet.
A 300 foot throw at 60 feet (without decelerating the arm) will force pitchers to finish through their release point on a downward plane without trying to throw hard. Concentration skills are developed because the pitcher must learn to pick a very low focal point to pull down through (i.e. his partner's shoe), otherwise the ball will end up going a long way over his partner's head. There is no way around it.
A number of additional benefits take place when a 300 foot throw is correctly compressed into a 60 foot throw:
The arm can generate natural arm speed and strength because the arm is throwing through a stretch.
The player must learn how to lower, and ultimately accelerate, through his release point.
The mind must learn how to concentrate and finish through a specific focal point (accuracy).
The looseness and power of an arm that's been properly stretched out into a shorter throw (60 feet) takes sound mechanics, balance, rhythm and concentration, which translates into further reinforcement for a pitcher in a game situation.
"I think long toss is a great way to build your arm up, to get in shape to throw off the mound." - Greg Maddux
So the pull down phase actually helps to reinforce a lot of the same principles that are critical for a pitcher on the mound: loose arm action, maximizing arm speed and strength through a properly stretched out arm, acceleration (finish) through a lower release point, maintaining concentration, balance and composure. A far cry from the criticisms of those who discount throwing distance.
The trade-off is simple. Promote health, length, strength, acceleration, and endurance by long tossing. Promote a shorter arm, tighter muscles, minimal endurance and vulnerability to arm injuries by throwing short distances.
Realizing Your Potential
Put a four-foot snake in a five-foot cage and its expansion is limited. Put that same snake in a twenty-five foot cage and an opportunity of growth presents itself.
My experience from working with pitchers is that if they can throw in the low to mid 80's they can easily build up to throwing a baseball 250 feet. If they throw from the mid to high 80's, they can build up to 250 to 300 feet. Pitchers who throw in the high 80's to low 90's should be able to build up to 300 feet without any problem. If we use 300 feet as a model for the potential distance a college or professional pitcher can throw, than a 120 foot throw equates to 40 % of that pitcher's potential distance.
That means his arm is only stretching to 40% of its capability. Now forgive me if I'm having a hard time with this, but how can it make any sense to suppress the arm's need to expand? I mean, why do we stretch before we play any sport? Isn't it to enhance our performance, to give us agility and flexibility, to avoid injury? So then why is it okay to stretch our arm to only 40% of its need? Would a sprinter only stretch 40% of his hamstrings before running a 100-meter race? Would a hockey goalie stretch only 40% of his groin before a game? Would a golfer enter a long drive contest after stretching just 40% of his back?
"If you don't stretch your arm out, you are more susceptible to an injury. I know that from experience." - Rudy Seanez, Boston Red Sox
The point is that a pitcher who throws a baseball 80 to 100 miles an hour without properly stretching his arm puts himself in jeopardy. It may not be obvious because 120 feet is just far enough to feel like a stretch, but it is not a real stretch. It is not the kind of stretch that the arm truly needs to open up, lengthen out and establish a base.
"Organizations, coaches, etc. discourage pitchers from throwing or put so many limitations on them as to what they can do because they feel that they will get blamed if there is a breakdown." - Leo Mazzone
Can you tell I'm frustrated? Wouldn't you be if you put a pitcher into a training program to stretch, strengthen and condition his arm, only to watch his arm regress because he's been put in a throwing program that does not allow him to exceed 120 feet? Or worse, to watch him spend a year and a half rehabilitating his arm after a major arm surgery because he wasn't given the proper time or distance that is necessary to keep his arm healthy.
I haven't seen the throwing program at every High School, Junior College and four year College. I haven't seen every Major League's off season throwing manual. But I have seen enough and heard enough over the past several years to be alarmed. If we don't make an adjustment soon, we are going to continue to see this growing trend of major arm injuries. In other words, shattered dreams and broken hearts.
"Long Toss is a very important part of conditioning and training for everyone." - Dr. Lewis Yocum, Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic
For those coaches who subscribe to distance throwing, to some form of long toss, I can only say that you are doing your best to insure that your players are optimizing their arms and staying healthy. For those of you who have subscribed to the theory of the 120 foot toss or timed throwing, I hope that you will take this article to heart and reevaluate your throwing program.
We are, after all, all dedicated to the same thing: the well-being and success of our players.
Note: I would sincerely like to thank Atlanta Braves Pitching Coach Leo Mazzone and his pitching staff and all of those players who have contributed to this article and cause. - Alan Jaeger
Return to Main Articles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alan Jaeger is the founder of the Jaeger Baseball Academy in Woodland Hills, CA and has worked with several High School and College players, as well as over 70 professional players, including Major Leaguers Barry Zito, Randy Wolf, John Snyder, Mike Lieberthal, and Glendon Rusch. He holds a degree in psychological training from California State University at Northridge and his post-graduate studies include a certificate from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. For more information about Alan's long toss program and other philosophies, check out his Armed & Ready Program, currently available exclusively at Baseball Tips.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Pitching Inside
Throwing inside is one of the most valuable skills a pitcher can learn. It has been a skill that has been somewhat taken out of baseball for a number of reasons. I feel that kids are afraid to throw inside. Here's why.
Number one, they are afraid to hit a batter. It is a real fear that pitchers have. There is no doubt about it. They are afraid for two reasons. First, they do not want to hurt anybody. Second, they do not want to put anybody on base. You hear coaches talk all the time about how walks will kill you, giving up free bases will kill you, and that is a part of it.
The other reason kids are afraid to throw inside is that they are afraid they cannot control the pitch and making a mistake inside can be very costly.
Here are a few tips I think are really important for a pitcher who wants to learn how to throw inside.
1. You cannot have fear.
You have to put that out of your head. If it helps, try this. Draw a circle where you want to put the ball and paint everything else black so that you are just going through one little circle and not looking at the hitter. You cannot have the fear of hitting the batter. That is part of the game whether we like it or not. Nobody wants to get hurt. Nobody wants to be the one who hurts somebody, but a properly placed inside pitch, even if you hit a batter, will not hurt him.
2. You have to know where to place the pitch.
A good spot to place an inside pitch is right underneath the hitter's hands. Remember, what is in the hitter's hands? The bat. What does the hitter have to hit the ball with? The bat. So in order to move his hand, he has got to move the bat, which takes the bat out of his natural position of power. Also, throwing in that area gives the hitter a lot of leeway with their hips.
Throwing too high or throwing too low can be very, very dangerous. Throwing too high could get someone hurt. Throwing too low makes it hard for a hitter to get out of the way. Most hitters move back, instead of out of the batter's box. Throwing too high and throwing too low is very dangerous, but throwing right in the middle means a hitter can easily either move forward, back, or turn and take the pitch, either in their rear end or in their lower back; a place where there is really low risk of injury.
3. You have to be very clear on what you want to do.
I tell my pitchers that it has got to be perfect or the hitter has got to move. There are no two ways about it. You cannot have a hitter take away the inside part of the plate. I think it was Bob Gibson who said that intimidation is an extra pitch and intimidation is a part of the game.
Let's face it. Intimidation does not mean that you are being mean or you are being a bad person, but it is part of the game. If the hitter hits one off our shins they do not seem to mind, but they do mind when someone gets brushed back. In today's age of aluminum bats and substance injection we have to be able to guard the inside part of the plate. If you do not guard the inside part of the plate you are going to be very vulnerable and you have to practice this.
The best way to practice is obviously to have a hitter stand in. Another great way is to use a model or a portable device. There are several good ones on the market today and you can do your research, but one of the great things is that practicing throwing an inside pitch will help you gain confidence. I feel that when a lot of pitchers go to throw an inside pitch they feel that they are going to make a mistake, but if you are perfect or if the hitter has got to move your mistakes are going to be a lot less.
Another tip I will close with. is you can take a mile or two off of an inside fastball. Remember, when you are locating a pitch, it is not how fast it gets there, it is where it goes. That is the most important thing. Sometimes guys will try and rear back and throw harder. Remember that nobody knows what is coming out of your hand. Nobody knows you are going to take a mile or two off to locate your fastball. The faster you throw, the harder the pitch is to control. That is just physics, but if we are good at really pinpointing our control we can take a mile or two off and we will have the added benefit of a slight change in speed, which is also good.
So take those four tips and put them to use. The best thing to do is to practice and remember if you throw a hundred inside pitches you are going to hit a couple of batters. That is just the name of the game. If you hit a hundred ground balls to Derek Jeter he is going to miss a few and that is just the way the game is played. The hitter knows this getting into the box. That is why they wear helmets. That is why catchers wear gear. It is part of the game. It is not a great part, but nevertheless, it is part of the game. You must throw in to win.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul Reddick is a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates and co-authored the book, The Picture Perfect Pitcher. In addition, Paul has been a state delegate for USA Baseball and has traveled extensively providing baseball and fitness consultations. Visit www.PaulReddickBaseball.com for more info.
Number one, they are afraid to hit a batter. It is a real fear that pitchers have. There is no doubt about it. They are afraid for two reasons. First, they do not want to hurt anybody. Second, they do not want to put anybody on base. You hear coaches talk all the time about how walks will kill you, giving up free bases will kill you, and that is a part of it.
The other reason kids are afraid to throw inside is that they are afraid they cannot control the pitch and making a mistake inside can be very costly.
Here are a few tips I think are really important for a pitcher who wants to learn how to throw inside.
1. You cannot have fear.
You have to put that out of your head. If it helps, try this. Draw a circle where you want to put the ball and paint everything else black so that you are just going through one little circle and not looking at the hitter. You cannot have the fear of hitting the batter. That is part of the game whether we like it or not. Nobody wants to get hurt. Nobody wants to be the one who hurts somebody, but a properly placed inside pitch, even if you hit a batter, will not hurt him.
2. You have to know where to place the pitch.
A good spot to place an inside pitch is right underneath the hitter's hands. Remember, what is in the hitter's hands? The bat. What does the hitter have to hit the ball with? The bat. So in order to move his hand, he has got to move the bat, which takes the bat out of his natural position of power. Also, throwing in that area gives the hitter a lot of leeway with their hips.
Throwing too high or throwing too low can be very, very dangerous. Throwing too high could get someone hurt. Throwing too low makes it hard for a hitter to get out of the way. Most hitters move back, instead of out of the batter's box. Throwing too high and throwing too low is very dangerous, but throwing right in the middle means a hitter can easily either move forward, back, or turn and take the pitch, either in their rear end or in their lower back; a place where there is really low risk of injury.
3. You have to be very clear on what you want to do.
I tell my pitchers that it has got to be perfect or the hitter has got to move. There are no two ways about it. You cannot have a hitter take away the inside part of the plate. I think it was Bob Gibson who said that intimidation is an extra pitch and intimidation is a part of the game.
Let's face it. Intimidation does not mean that you are being mean or you are being a bad person, but it is part of the game. If the hitter hits one off our shins they do not seem to mind, but they do mind when someone gets brushed back. In today's age of aluminum bats and substance injection we have to be able to guard the inside part of the plate. If you do not guard the inside part of the plate you are going to be very vulnerable and you have to practice this.
The best way to practice is obviously to have a hitter stand in. Another great way is to use a model or a portable device. There are several good ones on the market today and you can do your research, but one of the great things is that practicing throwing an inside pitch will help you gain confidence. I feel that when a lot of pitchers go to throw an inside pitch they feel that they are going to make a mistake, but if you are perfect or if the hitter has got to move your mistakes are going to be a lot less.
Another tip I will close with. is you can take a mile or two off of an inside fastball. Remember, when you are locating a pitch, it is not how fast it gets there, it is where it goes. That is the most important thing. Sometimes guys will try and rear back and throw harder. Remember that nobody knows what is coming out of your hand. Nobody knows you are going to take a mile or two off to locate your fastball. The faster you throw, the harder the pitch is to control. That is just physics, but if we are good at really pinpointing our control we can take a mile or two off and we will have the added benefit of a slight change in speed, which is also good.
So take those four tips and put them to use. The best thing to do is to practice and remember if you throw a hundred inside pitches you are going to hit a couple of batters. That is just the name of the game. If you hit a hundred ground balls to Derek Jeter he is going to miss a few and that is just the way the game is played. The hitter knows this getting into the box. That is why they wear helmets. That is why catchers wear gear. It is part of the game. It is not a great part, but nevertheless, it is part of the game. You must throw in to win.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul Reddick is a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates and co-authored the book, The Picture Perfect Pitcher. In addition, Paul has been a state delegate for USA Baseball and has traveled extensively providing baseball and fitness consultations. Visit www.PaulReddickBaseball.com for more info.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Goal Setting - The Key to Achieving Success
When a hunter sets out with his gun and hunting dog, he knows what he's going hunting for. He know his TARGET! Do you as an athlete or coach know what you're aiming for? What's your TARGET? What's your GOAL?
One of the best ways to get to where you want to go in your sport, or in life for that matter, is to set GOALS. You must have a plan, a road map on how you will achieve the things you want.
First and most important, what is it that you want to achieve? Is it to make your school's Varsity High School Baseball Team. To be a star pitcher on your summer travel team? To be a stud hitter or an all-star caliber infielder? Maybe your GOAL is to get a scholarship to play at a Division I college? What ever your GOAL, you must first identify it and then write it down. This becomes your Out-Come GOAL. The thing(s) you wamt most to achieve.
After you determine your Out-Come GOAL, the most important step is to make a written list of Performance GOALS, drills or routines that if done routinely, will help you reach your Out-Come GOALs. For instance, your GOAL SHEET might look something like this:
My Athletic Out-Come Goal is to be an impact Pitcher for Michigan State University my freshman year in college.
My Performance GOALS to help me achieve my GOAL of Pitching for MSU are as follows:
1. I will condition myself by jogging at least 2 mile a day 5 days a week
2. I will use the interval running principle to increase my stamina and build leg strength and lung capacity when making my 2 mile runs.
3. I will jump rope 5 minutes a day 6 days a week.
4. I will execute form running excercises 20 minutes a day 5 days a week and include carioca, high knees, backwards, high skip, spider crawls, high kicks, side to side shuffles, butt kickers.
5. I will run 10 - 40 yard sprints 3 days a week.
6. I will throw long distance by throwing 25 times from 120 feet every other day while weather permits.
7. I will go through 12 minutes of specific towel drills every other day during the off-season or when weather prohibts me from working outside plus visualize throwing a 50 pitch bull pen using a hand towel.
8. I will work my arms and upper body with rubber tubing exercises 3 times a week. 3 sets of 10 reps each: See Dr. Jobe Program.
9. I will perform 3 sets of 25 push-ups 5 days a week.
10. I will practice fielding my position at least once a week when weather permits or when I have access to a gym or other facility. I will field 25 bunts and throw to 1b, I will field 25 bunts and throw to 2B: I will field 25 come-backers and throw to 2B; I will practice covering 1B on balls hit to 1B side 25 times. I will practice covering 1B on 3-6-1 DP's (25X). I will practice covering home plate on WP/PB 10X.
These are a few examples of drills and excercise you can do to, and need to do, in order to achieve the lofty Out-Come GOAL in this example. You, however, must set your own performance goals, goals that are achievable, ones that you can and are willing to do. No one else can set goals for you. It just won't work. If you're interested in playing at the next level and eventually at the collegiate level, only dedication, desire and determination to prepare will get you there.
Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail,
Coach Bob Harris
One of the best ways to get to where you want to go in your sport, or in life for that matter, is to set GOALS. You must have a plan, a road map on how you will achieve the things you want.
First and most important, what is it that you want to achieve? Is it to make your school's Varsity High School Baseball Team. To be a star pitcher on your summer travel team? To be a stud hitter or an all-star caliber infielder? Maybe your GOAL is to get a scholarship to play at a Division I college? What ever your GOAL, you must first identify it and then write it down. This becomes your Out-Come GOAL. The thing(s) you wamt most to achieve.
After you determine your Out-Come GOAL, the most important step is to make a written list of Performance GOALS, drills or routines that if done routinely, will help you reach your Out-Come GOALs. For instance, your GOAL SHEET might look something like this:
My Athletic Out-Come Goal is to be an impact Pitcher for Michigan State University my freshman year in college.
My Performance GOALS to help me achieve my GOAL of Pitching for MSU are as follows:
1. I will condition myself by jogging at least 2 mile a day 5 days a week
2. I will use the interval running principle to increase my stamina and build leg strength and lung capacity when making my 2 mile runs.
3. I will jump rope 5 minutes a day 6 days a week.
4. I will execute form running excercises 20 minutes a day 5 days a week and include carioca, high knees, backwards, high skip, spider crawls, high kicks, side to side shuffles, butt kickers.
5. I will run 10 - 40 yard sprints 3 days a week.
6. I will throw long distance by throwing 25 times from 120 feet every other day while weather permits.
7. I will go through 12 minutes of specific towel drills every other day during the off-season or when weather prohibts me from working outside plus visualize throwing a 50 pitch bull pen using a hand towel.
8. I will work my arms and upper body with rubber tubing exercises 3 times a week. 3 sets of 10 reps each: See Dr. Jobe Program.
9. I will perform 3 sets of 25 push-ups 5 days a week.
10. I will practice fielding my position at least once a week when weather permits or when I have access to a gym or other facility. I will field 25 bunts and throw to 1b, I will field 25 bunts and throw to 2B: I will field 25 come-backers and throw to 2B; I will practice covering 1B on balls hit to 1B side 25 times. I will practice covering 1B on 3-6-1 DP's (25X). I will practice covering home plate on WP/PB 10X.
These are a few examples of drills and excercise you can do to, and need to do, in order to achieve the lofty Out-Come GOAL in this example. You, however, must set your own performance goals, goals that are achievable, ones that you can and are willing to do. No one else can set goals for you. It just won't work. If you're interested in playing at the next level and eventually at the collegiate level, only dedication, desire and determination to prepare will get you there.
Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail,
Coach Bob Harris
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Sunday, November 16, 2008
It Takes More Than Talent
Former Coach and college recruiter Mike Kostoff , discusses the importance of academics to earn an athletic sch0larship in his new publication: "Win All Four". The following article appeared in the Sunday, November 16th edition of the "Oakland Press.
Sunday, November 16, 2008 12:19 AM ESTBy TYLER CAMERON Special to The Oakland PressFrom a young age, kids are often introduced to sports with passion for competing, winning and being the best of the best.For many, their hearts and dreams are filled with the hope that one day they will receive an athletic scholarship that will pave the way for an education at a great college, and the possibility that they will get the chance to play the game they love professionally.But what if an athlete was denied a college scholarship because they didn’t do well their freshman or senior year of high school, or if their SAT or ACT scores were low, or if they were absent too often?Unfortunately for many high school student-athletes, this is the case for one simple reason: Their transcript wasn’t good enough, according to Mike Kostoff, former high school football coach and college recruiter, and author of “Win All Four,” a four-year guide and workbook for high school athletes aiming for college.“I’ve given seminars at the Michigan Football Camp for the past two years, and I say to them ‘Stand up if you want a scholarship’. Of course almost all of them want a scholarship,” said Kostoff, a teacher at Detroit Country Day Middle School in Beverly Hills.“And so I ask them, ‘What’s the one scholarship that’s guaranteed across the country?’ Of course they don’t have a clue, and I say ‘It’s an academic scholarship.’ If you get a certain GPA, or a certain SAT or ACT score, they will give you an academic scholarship,” Kostoff said.“Why not go for an academic scholarship? That’s a guarantee. You could have the greatest talent in the world and not qualify because of a bad GPA, and there goes your athletic scholarship out the door,” Kostoff added.His message is that the most important thing for a student-athlete looking for an athletic scholarship to do is focus on academics.Unfortunately, most student-athletes and even educators don’t understand how the college recruitment process works, or what the academic and motivational standards are for college recruitment, he said.Kostoff believes it’s his job as an educator to ensure the student-athlete understands how to qualify for college recruitment every step of the way, and that it’s a four-year process, about 740 school days.“There’s a big disconnect between what colleges require and expect, and what high schools think they want, in terms of both the NCAA Clearinghouse and admittance through the admittance office of that college,” Kostoff said.“For example, out of 800 kids, Hope College will let in 15 ‘at risk’ kids. And for high school coaches, they think that ‘at risk’ means a GPA of 2.0 or 2.5, and an 18 on their ACT. What they don’t know is that Hope College defines ‘at risk’ as at least a 2.9 with a 23 on the ACT. And where are those kids going to go with a 2.8? Nowhere,” Kostoff said.Educating students and educators themselves on the college recruitment process is just part of the battle, though.Kostoff said it’s the parents who sacrifice countless time, energy and money driving to out-of-town tournaments, buying new equipment and getting up early on weekends for practice, all in the name of their children’s dreams of playing college sports.Parents then too must understand that academics is the most important thing if they want to see their children fulfill in their athletic dreams. And even if they do succeed, that success comes at a price — the college tuition.“The average scholarship for any athlete in the NCAA is $6,000. If they qualify for a college on the East Coast that’s $35,000 a year, where’s the rest of that money going to come from?” Kostoff said.The transcript is the student-athlete’s resume for college athletics, and will tabulate everything from grades to tardies throughout their high school career, and ultimately will determine if an athlete will be eligible for college recruitment.“If your GPA doesn’t qualify, then you can’t get a scholarship, simple as that. A bad ninth-grade year could cost you that scholarship,” Kostoff said.For more information about Mike Kostoff and his workbook and guide “Win All Four,” visit http://www.totalstudentathlete.com/.
Sunday, November 16, 2008 12:19 AM ESTBy TYLER CAMERON Special to The Oakland PressFrom a young age, kids are often introduced to sports with passion for competing, winning and being the best of the best.For many, their hearts and dreams are filled with the hope that one day they will receive an athletic scholarship that will pave the way for an education at a great college, and the possibility that they will get the chance to play the game they love professionally.But what if an athlete was denied a college scholarship because they didn’t do well their freshman or senior year of high school, or if their SAT or ACT scores were low, or if they were absent too often?Unfortunately for many high school student-athletes, this is the case for one simple reason: Their transcript wasn’t good enough, according to Mike Kostoff, former high school football coach and college recruiter, and author of “Win All Four,” a four-year guide and workbook for high school athletes aiming for college.“I’ve given seminars at the Michigan Football Camp for the past two years, and I say to them ‘Stand up if you want a scholarship’. Of course almost all of them want a scholarship,” said Kostoff, a teacher at Detroit Country Day Middle School in Beverly Hills.“And so I ask them, ‘What’s the one scholarship that’s guaranteed across the country?’ Of course they don’t have a clue, and I say ‘It’s an academic scholarship.’ If you get a certain GPA, or a certain SAT or ACT score, they will give you an academic scholarship,” Kostoff said.“Why not go for an academic scholarship? That’s a guarantee. You could have the greatest talent in the world and not qualify because of a bad GPA, and there goes your athletic scholarship out the door,” Kostoff added.His message is that the most important thing for a student-athlete looking for an athletic scholarship to do is focus on academics.Unfortunately, most student-athletes and even educators don’t understand how the college recruitment process works, or what the academic and motivational standards are for college recruitment, he said.Kostoff believes it’s his job as an educator to ensure the student-athlete understands how to qualify for college recruitment every step of the way, and that it’s a four-year process, about 740 school days.“There’s a big disconnect between what colleges require and expect, and what high schools think they want, in terms of both the NCAA Clearinghouse and admittance through the admittance office of that college,” Kostoff said.“For example, out of 800 kids, Hope College will let in 15 ‘at risk’ kids. And for high school coaches, they think that ‘at risk’ means a GPA of 2.0 or 2.5, and an 18 on their ACT. What they don’t know is that Hope College defines ‘at risk’ as at least a 2.9 with a 23 on the ACT. And where are those kids going to go with a 2.8? Nowhere,” Kostoff said.Educating students and educators themselves on the college recruitment process is just part of the battle, though.Kostoff said it’s the parents who sacrifice countless time, energy and money driving to out-of-town tournaments, buying new equipment and getting up early on weekends for practice, all in the name of their children’s dreams of playing college sports.Parents then too must understand that academics is the most important thing if they want to see their children fulfill in their athletic dreams. And even if they do succeed, that success comes at a price — the college tuition.“The average scholarship for any athlete in the NCAA is $6,000. If they qualify for a college on the East Coast that’s $35,000 a year, where’s the rest of that money going to come from?” Kostoff said.The transcript is the student-athlete’s resume for college athletics, and will tabulate everything from grades to tardies throughout their high school career, and ultimately will determine if an athlete will be eligible for college recruitment.“If your GPA doesn’t qualify, then you can’t get a scholarship, simple as that. A bad ninth-grade year could cost you that scholarship,” Kostoff said.For more information about Mike Kostoff and his workbook and guide “Win All Four,” visit http://www.totalstudentathlete.com/.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
"What Umpires Dislike About Coaches
Baseball columnist, John Herbold revealed in a recent article in "Collegiate Baseball" , what umpires don't like about baseball coaches. Following is a summary:
1. They object to coaches constantly asking the catcher: "Where was that pitch?"
2. The coach that comes up after a close play and says, "Now Blue you know you missed that one. You know the runner was safe." The umpires position is, "If I new he was safe I would have called him safe!"
3. The coach that says: "Come on Blue, you're better than that!" The umpire's thought is, "Better than what?"
4. The coach who'll come out and plead: "Come Blue, just tell me you missed it and I'll go away."
5. A big complaint is the constant chirping from the dugout about pitch location and minor nuances.
6. The coach that tries to get some technical infraction called on the opposing team.
7. Also, the coach that comes out to argue something of little significance or prolongs an argument when it's obvious the decesion won't be changed.
8. Umpires especially dislike like static from players or assistant coaches. They particularly hate ragging from players! A good head coach will control his players and assistants.
9. Hollering from the dugout, "Be consistant", is another pet peeve.
10. They also hate trite comments like: "What game are you watching?" "Open the other eye", Have an idea",
and "It's not automatic".
11. Umpires have names. Most prefer to be addressed by their first name, not "Hey Blue" or ump.
Coaches remember, umpires are human too. They try to do a good job. They expect you to come out an get explanations and they understand that you must show your players that you're standing up for them. Just show them the same degree of respect that you expect from them.
1. They object to coaches constantly asking the catcher: "Where was that pitch?"
2. The coach that comes up after a close play and says, "Now Blue you know you missed that one. You know the runner was safe." The umpires position is, "If I new he was safe I would have called him safe!"
3. The coach that says: "Come on Blue, you're better than that!" The umpire's thought is, "Better than what?"
4. The coach who'll come out and plead: "Come Blue, just tell me you missed it and I'll go away."
5. A big complaint is the constant chirping from the dugout about pitch location and minor nuances.
6. The coach that tries to get some technical infraction called on the opposing team.
7. Also, the coach that comes out to argue something of little significance or prolongs an argument when it's obvious the decesion won't be changed.
8. Umpires especially dislike like static from players or assistant coaches. They particularly hate ragging from players! A good head coach will control his players and assistants.
9. Hollering from the dugout, "Be consistant", is another pet peeve.
10. They also hate trite comments like: "What game are you watching?" "Open the other eye", Have an idea",
and "It's not automatic".
11. Umpires have names. Most prefer to be addressed by their first name, not "Hey Blue" or ump.
Coaches remember, umpires are human too. They try to do a good job. They expect you to come out an get explanations and they understand that you must show your players that you're standing up for them. Just show them the same degree of respect that you expect from them.
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