MAJORS

    A Majors player should be taught and understand the following

    Safety

• ?  The player must understand not to throw a ball at another player unless the receiving

  player is aware and ready to receive the ball.

• ?  The player must understand not to swing a bat near other players.

• ?  The player must not throw his/her bat after hitting the ball.

• ?  Teamwork, sportsmanship & respect for the game

• ?  The player will strive to support other players and show respect for all participants.

  Fielding

• ?  The player will understand they have a role on every play and should never be just

  observing during a play. Players shall have mastered the concept of “The 3-B’s” - Ball,

  Base or Backup

• ?  The player will move to and through the ball when fielding.

• ?  The player will understand different fielding techniques based on position.

• ?  A player will strive to employ proper foot technique to position themselves to field

  ground balls hit to the right, left, and directly at him/her.

• ?  The player will demonstrate proper foot technique to position themselves for the throw.

• ?  Catching fly balls and outfield play

• ?  Players will strive to employ proper foot technique to position themselves to make a

  catch based on where the ball is hit.

• ?  The player will understand when and how to charge ground balls.

• ?  The player will demonstrate proper foot technique to position themselves for the throw.

  Stay behind the ball moving toward the target with the catch.

• ?  The outfield player will understand they have a role on every play and should never be

  just observing during a play. Players shall have mastered the concept of “The 3-B’s” -

  Ball, Base or Backup.

• ?  Players will have mastered the concept of when to “eat” (hold rather than throw) the ball

  instead of making a throw that will be late or wild.

  Hitting

• ?  The player will demonstrate a strong hitting stance as it relates to home plate.

• ?  The player will refine his/her understanding of the strike zone.

• ?  The player will employ a proper load and may incorporate a stride.

• ?  The player will demonstrate the ability to turn his/her hips and pivot on their back foot

  (squash the bug) during the swing.

• ?  The player will understand the concept of 'letting the ball travel' to aid in driving the ball

  to different parts of the field.

• ?  The player will understand 'sacrifice' and the concept of 'situational' hitting to advance

  runners.

• ?  The player will demonstrate a strong understanding of the fundamentals of bunting and

  may incorporate bunting for base hits.

      Throwing

• ?  The player will understand how to grip the baseball to facilitate a straight flight.

• ?  The player will emphasize accuracy and proper mechanics with every throw.

     Base Running

• ?  The player will understand tagging, stealing, and passed ball advancement.

• ?  When running to first base, the player will demonstrate the ability to hit the front of first

  base, 'nod', 'question mark', break down, round, and check for over throws.

• ?  The player will strive to 'read' the hit to determine if they can advance.

• ?  The player will demonstrate the ability to perform a pop-up slide (where legal) and begin

  development of other slides to help avoid a tag.

• ?  The player will listen & understand signs from base coaches.

  Pitching

     ? Fundamental pitching mechanics will be expanded upon.

      Catching   
      ? Fundamental catching mechanics will be expanded upon.

     General Concepts

• ?  The player should consistently throw to the proper base and back up plays instinctively.

• ?  The player should understand rules of play.

• ?  The player will anticipate offensive & defensive situations and be able to respond

  appropriately.

• ?  The player should understand cutoffs, double plays and special defensive plays.

• ?  Hustling on and off the field is paramount. No walking between the lines. When third out

  is recorded the defensive team should be off the field before the other team takes the field.