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Established in 2001, the mission of Ripken Baseball is to grow the game of baseball worldwide "The Ripken Way". With that mission in mind, Ripken Baseball has grown to include 3 minor league baseball teams; a professional design and consulting firm specializing in the feasibility and design of amateur and professional sports facilities; a sports marketing company specializing in the development of programs and services guaranteeing authentic hand-signed collectibles and licensed products; a foundation designed to build character and teach critical life lessons to disadvantaged youth through the games of baseball and softball; and finally two state of the art youth baseball complexes which plays host to thousands of kids each year participating in youth camps and tournaments. For more information, visit www.RipkenBaseball.com.Also, be sure to visit getgreat.com, a revolutionary new baseball tool from MLB.com and Ripken Baseball to make you a better player.
As a Pitcher, set a tempo on the mound; quick tempo is best
Keeping a quick tempo will keep the fielders on their toes. Often pitchers will find that when they work quickly, the defense behind them plays better. This is especially true at younger levels, where a short attention span can drag a fielder’s focus away from the game at hand.div>
Fall Baseball
Don’t assume that just because your child has played baseball or softball all summer long that he or she is ready to dive right into fall ball. Give your child the freedom to decide what they want to play. You want to avoid burn out from making your child play a particular sport until they get tired of it. This ultimately runs the risk of pushing your child away from that sport and even away from a healthier athletic lifestyle all together. And sometimes, it is necessary to let your child take some time off from sports—let them explore their other interests. Encourage your child to remain active, but a good break can often bring a child back to athletics with a renewed vigor.
Practice
"Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect." - Cal Ripken Sr.
Once a week make a point to monitor your team or your child during this part of practice to ensure that the kids are playing catch properly – not only as far as the fundamentals of throwing are concerned, but also in such a way that it will help them improve their game. Points of emphasis include:
- Catch the ball with two hands out in front of the body so that you can see the ball and make a quick transfer to the throwing hand.
- Start to move your feet as the ball is approaching, turning so that the front shoulder is pointing toward the target as the ball is received.
- Find a four-seam grip quickly when making the transfer; if you don’t find it, gather yourself until you do have it.
- Upon receiving the throw, bring the ball to the center of the body as you turn, raising the front elbow to chest level to help align the shoulders and keep them level.
- Stride forward toward the target as you take the ball back out of the glove.
- Keep the elbow above the shoulder and release the ball by coming directly over the top.
- Make sure you shift your weight over the front foot as the ball is released so that the back or throwing-side foot automatically comes forward.
- Follow the throw for a step or two toward the target after releasing it.
- Focus on having quick feet and a quick release.
- Aim for your partner’s head or chest.
How to properly grip a bat
The best grip a player can have on the bat is a loose grip. A correct grip is one in which the "door knocking knuckles" are lined up. This ensures the bat is placed in the fingers and that the wrists are unlocked. When the wrists are unlocked it allows the hitter to snap or throw the bat head at the baseball, the bat can stay on a level plane through the strike zone, and ultimately the hitter will be able to create much more bat speed with a loose grip.
Pitching – Holding the ball properly
As a pitcher, the most important thing to remember is when throwing a baseball you should always hold the ball lightly in your fingers; never jam the ball into your palm.
Throwing the ball as a defensive player
A defensive player should always throw the ball with a four seam grip. This allows for the ball to stay straight towards your target. Players should create momentum toward their target with their feet by pointing the front shoulder toward the target and following the throw.
Fielding a ground ball
When fielding a ground ball, no matter what position you are playing, you should always field with a wide base (feet at least shoulder width apart), your butt down (forces head up and hands out), and your hands out in front (allows for you to see the ball go into the glove).
Pitching
When working with a pitcher, it is very important to observe first before teaching. You should watch pitchers throw and look for the pitcher throwing strikes, demonstrating good velocity, and whether or not the ball is moving. If all three of these are occurring then you may consider not altering a pitcher’s technique.
Building Arm Strength
Arm strength is very important in the game of baseball. The best way to build arm strength is by throwing a baseball, and throwing a baseball over a long distance. Players should start by playing catch at a short distance and gradually moving further and further apart. Whenever you throw a baseball over a long distance with enough consistency that your arm becomes tired, you are building arm strength.
Hitting a baseball thrown on the inside/outside part of the plate
No matter where the pitch is thrown (inside, outside, down the middle) a hitter should always stride toward the pitcher. If a pitch is thrown inside, the hitter should focus on hitting the pitch more out in front than a pitch down the middle. An outside pitch should be hit a little further back than a pitch down the middle.
Proper Bat Selection
When choosing a bat, it is very important to choose a bat that features the following:
- A bat that feels good for you
- When you swing the bat as hard as you can you should be able to maintain your balance
- If you feel yourself stepping towards third base when you swing, bat may be too heavy
- A bat you can control, not a bat that controls you!
First Base Play
A first baseman can make the rest of the infielders better if they follow these keys points:
- Get to bag early
- Be a stationary target
- Stand tall; don’t crouch
- Square shoulders to fielder making the throw
- Don’t stretch too soon!
Double Plays
When turning a double play there are a few keys points to follow to ensure proper execution:
- Get to the bag early
- Be a stationary target
- Always try to catch the ball out in front and with two hands for a quick transfer and throw
- Concentrate on getting the feet and front shoulder pointing back toward your target
The Six Keys to Hitting
A successful hitter typically excels in six key areas of a swing:
- Stance – the stance is just a starting position, choose one that is comfortable and allows you to see the ball, have good balance, and have good plate coverage
- Weight Shift – a hitter’s first movement should be transferring their weight to their back side; this will allow the hitter to load their energy and then take that energy forward as they stride into the swing
- The Stride – the stride should always be towards the pitcher no matter where the ball is pitched; short, soft stride is preferred
- The Swing – an ideal swing is level, getting to the ball quickly, and taking the bat directly to the path of the ball
- Contact – making contact with the ball out in front of home plate allows for good extension and maximum bat speed
- Follow Through – swing through the baseball finishing with bat wrapping around the body at approximately shoulder height
Sitting on the Bench
When you are on the bench you can be as much of an asset to your team as those on the field. Use the time on the bench as an opportunity to learn by asking questions to coaches and players, and gathering as much information as you can. The bench is a great time to evaluate opposing teams’ tendencies, prepare for upcoming situations, and learn from other teammates.
Keeping your head in the Game
Whether you are out in the field as a starter, or on the bench as a reserve, everyone plays an important role in a game and it is very important for every player to stay focused and understand every situation that may occur in a game. Baseball is filled with different situations, every time an out is recorded, or a run is scored, the situation in a baseball game changes and it is important to be focused on those situations. Knowing a game’s situation can help you prepare both your mind and body for successful execution. Often situations change very quickly, therefore good players understand situations in advance.
Identifying a Pitcher’s Release Point
As a batter, it is very important to determine the pitcher’s release point. The best way to pick up a pitcher’s release point is by watching the pitcher during their warm up. Observe a pitcher while in the on-deck circle, and focus on the pitcher while on the bench to determine if the pitcher features multiple release points.
Always Run Hard
After making contact with the baseball you should always run hard. Simply running your hardest could lead to several extra hits per season and put pressure on the opposing team’s defense. If a ground ball is hit to the infield, think "single", if a ball is hit into the outfield, think "double.
Baserunning
You don’t always have to be the fastest player on the team to be a good baserunner. Being a good baserunner is a combination of understanding the game and being able to quickly read a play. This will allow for a runner to take extra bases and help the team score runs. Learning such fundamentals such as how to make proper turns and what part of the base to touch can help you beat faster players around the bases regularly.
Stealing
When attempting to steal, a baserunner should first get a lead that feels comfortable. The appropriate size lead depends on the player and should be a distance that allows for the runner to gain an advantage stealing a base, yet not get picked off if a pitcher throws to the occupied base. Once the pitcher commits to throwing the ball to home plate, the runner should use a crossover step and take off for the base they are stealing. It is important to stay low to the ground, run hard, and expect to slide.
Tagging from Third Base
If you find yourself at third base with less than two outs you should anticipate tagging up on any fly ball hit to the outfield. If a fly ball is hit into the outfield your first movement should be retreating back to the base as quickly as you can. You should then position yourself like a sprinter in the starting blocks, with one foot touching the base. Be sure to look over your shoulder to see when the ball is caught. As soon as the ball hits the outfielder’s glove, take off for home.
Third Base Running Rules
Always take your primary and secondary leads in foul ground. If you happen to be struck by a batted ball you will not be penalized for standing in foul ground; getting struck while in fair territory will result in the runner being called out.
Second Base Running Rules
If at second base with fewer than two outs, do not advance to third base on a ball hit to short or third. You should never run into a tag, rather always force the shortstop and third baseman to throw the ball. Runners at second base should always advance to third on ground balls hit to either first or second, unless the infield is playing up.
Executing a Rundown
Rundowns should always result in an out. The rundown begins with the infielder who has the ball removing the ball from his/her glove and holding the ball in their throwing hand high in a position to throw. Fake throws should never occur as it just confuses the player waiting for the throw. The player with the ball should run towards the base runner at full speed forcing the runner to also run at full speed. The player expecting to receive the ball should yell “Now” when they are ready to receive the baseball. One throw is ideal as it decreases the possibility of any errors occurring.
Covering on a steal
The most important part to covering the base on a steal is getting to the bag early. Your goal should be to get to the bag and be stationary for your catcher. An ideal throw is one that arrives to the bag belt high and is easy to handle. You should straddle the base with your shoulders square to the oncoming runner and let the ball travel all the way to you, rather than reaching out in front.
Catching Properly
In order to be a successful defensive player, you must be able to catch the ball before thinking about anything else. When receiving a throw, always provide a good target with two hands out in front. Be sure to see the ball all the way into your glove and squeeze the glove once the ball has entered. If a ball is thrown chest high or above, catch the ball with your fingers pointed up. If the ball is thrown below the waist, catch the ball with your fingers pointed down.
