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Coaching Management BASEBALL POSTSEASON EDITION 2010 VOL. XVIII NO. 7 $7.00 Handling Nay-Sayers Recovery Nutrition SPECIAL DELIVERY Preventing overuse injuries in pitchers

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Page 1: Coaching Management 18.7

Coaching ManagementB A S E B A L L P O S T S E A S O N E D I T I O N 2 0 1 0

VOL. XVIII NO. 7 ■ $7.00

■ Handling Nay-Sayers■ Recovery Nutrition

SPECIAL DELIVERYPreventing overuse injuries in pitchers

Page 2: Coaching Management 18.7

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Page 3: Coaching Management 18.7

CONTENTSCoaching ManagementBaseball EditionPostseason 2010

Vol. XVIII, No. 7

COVER STORY

Special Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Throwing pitch after pitch puts a lot of stress on the arm, but there are steps you can take to help your pitchers avoid overuse injuries and stay in the game .

LEADERSHIP

Quelling the Critics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Nowadays, coaches are bombarded with criticism from every angle . Learning how to handle it with composure is key to success (and staying sane) .

NUTRITION

Recovery Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27After giving their all in a game or practice, your players have a 30-minute window to start refueling their bodies properly .

21

LOCKER ROOM Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3New NCAA recruiting rules target early commitments … Coach writes his own baseball IQ test … Reducing smokeless tobacco use … Bocce ball tourney raises funds for high school program … How Oregon draws big crowds for a new team .

Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Over the course of three weeks in May, Dennis Martel watched his Illinois Wesleyan squad go from .500 to NCAA Division III champions .

On the cover: Chris Hernandez has thrown more than 300 innings in three years as one of the University of Miami’s top pitchers. Learn about avoiding overuse injuries from his pitching coach and others in our cover story starting on page 14. Photo by J.C. Ridley/Miami Hurricanes.

27

CoachesNetwork .com CoaChing ManageMent 1

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The Coaching Management Baseball edition is pub-lished in February, September, and December by MAG, Inc . and is distributed free to college and high school coaches in the United States and

Canada . Copyright © 2010 by MAG, Inc . All rights reserved . Text may not be reproduced in any man-ner, in whole or in part, without the permission of the pub lisher . Un solicited materials will not be

returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope . POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Coaching Management, P .O . Box 4806, Ithaca, N .Y . 14852 . Printed in the U .S .A .

Mailing lists for Coaching Management Baseball are provided by the Clell Wade Coaches Directory .

Publisher Mark Goldberg

Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Frankel

Associate Editors Abigail Funk, Dennis Read

Assistant Editors R .J . Anderson, Kenny Berkowitz, Patrick Bohn, Mike Phelps

Marketing Director Sheryl Shaffer

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Administrative Assistant Sharon Barbell

Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter

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Production Director Maria Bise

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BASEBALL FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34HITTING & PITCHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38TEAM EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40PRODUCT LAUNCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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Page 4: Coaching Management 18.7

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Page 5: Coaching Management 18.7

Rethinking RecruitingThe NCAA Division I Manual is 431 pages long, and at times it seems like recruiting is men-tioned on 400 of those pages. Rather than continuing to see the rulebook cluttered with annual changes, however, the Division I Recruiting and Ath-letics Personnel Issues Cabinet is taking a big picture look at recruiting rules with the hope of finding a set of streamlined regulations that won’t need annual revisions.

The first pieces of legislation to emerge from this effort address two areas of recent debate: early scholarship offers and telephone contact limits. While reports of eighth-grade basketball players receiving verbal scholarship commitments have received the most attention, early scholarship offers are com-

mon in most college sports—including baseball.

The cabinet’s proposal would prohibit schools from mak-ing a verbal scholarship offer before July 1 of an athlete’s senior year of high school. Col-leges would also be required to have five quarters of a high school recruit’s transcript on file before making such an offer.

Petrina Long, Senior Associ-ate Athletic Director at UCLA and Chair of the Cabinet, said that tying scholarship offers to established academic per-formance was a crucial part of the legislation. “We felt that the fifth term is a point at which someone can evalu-ate whether a young person is on track to meet [a par-ticular institution’s] academic entrance criteria,” she told the NCAA News.

Initial reactions to the propos-al from coaches were mixed.

Some welcomed the addition-al time to make both athletic and academic evaluations, while others worry it might make it difficult for prospec-tive student-athletes and their parents to gauge a school’s level of interest. Another area of concern is the difficulty in enforcing such a rule, which Long herself acknowledged can only occur if all parties have the same goal in mind.

“People who don’t plan to fol-low the rules don’t follow the rules whether we can monitor them or not,” she says. “There has to be an agreement among coaches and adminis-trators that the spirit of what we’re doing is as important as the rule itself, and the spirit is clearly that we do not want this behavior to go on.”

The Cabinet also proposed a rule that would allow coaches more opportunities to talk with prospective recruits or their

The process of joining top teams like the University of South Carolina and UCLA (shown above competing at the 2010 College World Series in Omaha) may change in the future as the NCAA is taking a big picture look at its recruiting regulations. One of the first products of the ongoing review was a proposal to eliminate early verbal scholarship offers in part by requiring schools to have five quar-ters of high school transcripts from a potential student-athlete before making such a tender.

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parents. Under the proposal, coaches would be allowed to call recruits once per month beginning Aug. 1 after their sophomore year of high school. Beginning Aug. 1 after an athlete’s junior year, they would be allowed to call twice a week. Currently, baseball coaches are limited to one call a week beginning July 1 after a high school athlete’s junior year.

Both proposals will work their way through the NCAA leg-islative process during the 2010-11 school year and could be rejected or modified signif-icantly at several points along the way. The measures will likely face their first vote at the 2011 NCAA Convention in January and could be in effect as soon as next summer.

It’s likely that the cabinet will return with more rules pro-posals aimed at cleaning up the recruiting section of the

CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 3

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Page 6: Coaching Management 18.7

4 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com

Manual down the road. The Cabinet began its most recent efforts by developing three models of regulation (restric-tive, moderate, and open) and coming up with examples of the kinds of rules the models might produce in four spe-cific areas: evaluations (both academic and athletic), com-munication, campus visits, and financial aid offers.

Although the various mod-els were grouped based on their level of regulation, Long emphasizes that new rules would not need to be bundled in the same way. For example, the proposed rules govern-ing early scholarship offers are

LOCKER ROOM BULLETIN BOARD

can share their thoughts with us either directly through the NCAA or through their various coaches associations.”

What’s Your IQ?The Worcester State College Lancers won the 2010 Massa-chusetts State College Athletic Conference tournament, part of 31-win season. But to Head Coach Dirk Baker, almost as impressive as the team’s record and on-field performance was its mental approach to the game.

“The team’s attitude was the best I had seen in my coaching career,” Baker says. “What did we do differently this year? We added the IQ test.”

Baker is referring to a 375-question exam he created to test his players’ baseball knowl-edge. It’s split into five sections on defense, pitching, hitting, base running, and “other,” which consists mostly of history and trivia questions. Questions include: “Can a shortstop block part of second base without the ball on a pickoff throw?” and, “How does a pitcher add movement to a pitch?”

“For years, my assistant and I have been saying the kids play the game, but they don’t know the game,” says Baker. “I final-ly did something about it to help my players get ready for baseball over the winter.”

Not surprisingly, most players weren’t happy about taking an exam home with them over winter break. The Lancers were not allowed to start spring practice until they completed the test.

The team spent one day a week during the preseason in a classroom going over the questions, as Baker called on players to answer each one. They argued intensely about details such as a left-handed pitcher’s pick-off move with runners on first and third, and

even reviewed the proper way to rake the baseline.

“A select few really got into it,” Baker says. “I thought it would be positive to educate them and get the juices flow-ing so when we got into prac-tice, I wouldn’t have to go over these things. It’s little things,

but any baseball coach will say that the little things add up.”

Baker says the hardest part of creating the test was making sure all his questions regarding NCAA rules were correct. He solicited input from his staff, coaching colleagues, and an NCAA umpire, who also pro-

Players at Worcester State College had some homework to complete over winter break last year. Before beginning their preseason practices, team members had to complete an exam consisting of nearly 400 baseball-related questions that were written by Head Coach Dirk Baker.

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On the Web

To take a closer look at the recruiting regulation models developed by the NCAA Division I Recruiting and Athletics Personnel Issues Cabinet, go to: AthleticManagement.com/NCAARecruitingModels.pdf for a downloadable docu-ment.

more restrictive than the cur-rent regulations while the new rules regarding phone calls to recruits are less restrictive than the current standard.

“We’re not looking at choos-ing one of the models over the others,” Long says. “We’re looking at what concepts the majority of people feel are workable and doable. That’s where we’re going to try to focus our efforts.”

Along with gathering feed-back from Division I schools on each of the models and how they could apply to dif-ferent areas of recruiting regu-lations, Long says the cabinet is interested in hearing from high school coaches. “Their feedback is very important and we’d love to know wheth-er they think we’re on the right track,” she says. “They

Page 7: Coaching Management 18.7

vided Baker with a copy of the umpires’ exam. He recom-mends thoroughly reviewing the rules of your league, cater-ing to your age group, and conferring with your peers.

Baker also received one slightly unexpected benefit from the IQ test. “My coaching style got better this year,” he says. “When I discussed a call with an umpire, I said, ‘Sir, what did you see? Explain the rule to me.’ I wasn’t out there to argue.”

Next year, Baker plans to trim the test down a little, and would eventually like to start grading it. He was satisfied with the initial results.

“Am I going to say we won a championship because of the IQ test?” Baker asks. “No. I’d like to say it helped, but it’s not the sole reason. If you can com-

bine 25 talented, knowledge-able guys who will do every-thing in their power to win with a positive attitude, that’s when you win championships.”

Down On Dip It used to be that chewing tobacco was touted as a safe alternative to cigarettes and considered as much a part of baseball as peanuts and pop-corn. Well, Babe Ruth also used to be the Major League home run champ and at one time the Pittsburgh Pirates reg-ularly competed for pennants.

Times have certainly changed, and education about the dan-gers of smokeless tobacco has evolved significantly over the years. A recent study, however, indicates that not all young people are getting the mes-sage.

Terry Pechacek, the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-tion (CDC) Associate Director for Science at the Office on Smoking and Health, recent-ly told a U.S. Congressional Panel that the use of smoke-less tobacco such as chewing tobacco and snuff is on the rise among teens. He added that the data, which will be released by the CDC in the next few months, will show an increase among young white and His-panic males.

Add this demographic to smokeless tobacco’s tradition of acceptance in the game—and its visible use by Major League stars—and you have a recipe for trouble, say many health experts. Although smokeless tobacco is out-lawed by the NFHS, NCAA, and minor league baseball, it is still used regularly by roughly one-third of all Major

Leaguers, according to Har-vard University professor Gregory Connolly.

At a hearing held by the House Energy and Commerce Com-mittee in April, Connolly told Congress that rampant use by high-profile professional ath-letes contributes to the prob-lem among young people. “The use of smokeless tobacco by players has a powerful role model effect on youth, par-ticularly among young males in sport, some of whom ironi-cally remain addicted in future careers as professional ath-letes,” he said.

At the hearing, House Ener-gy and Commerce Commit-tee Chairman Henry Waxman called on MLB to bar Major Leaguers from using smoke-less tobacco during games. In his opening statement, Wax-man said: “We don’t let base-

CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 5

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ball players go stand out there in the field and drink beer. Major League Baseball won’t allow them to step on the field and smoke cigarettes. So why should they be out there on the field—in sight of all their fans on television and at the ballpark—using smokeless tobacco?”

The MLB Players Association said it would be willing to dis-cuss the proposed ban when it negotiates its next collective bargaining agreement with baseball’s owners. The current agreement is set to expire in December 2011.

One group that appreciates the recent spotlight on smoke-less tobacco is Oral Health America, which established the National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP) in 1994 to reduce the use of chewing tobacco and help

6 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com

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Despite being banned by both the NFHS and NCAA, smokeless tobacco is being used by an increasing number of teen-agers. Some experts believe that younger players emulate Major League players, who are able to use such products.

ON THE WEB

For more information on the NSTEP program, visit: nstep.org.

break baseball’s connection with it. NSTEP produces edu-cational materials, including posters, brochures, and vid-eos. The program also has a speaker’s bureau that makes appearances at schools and youth groups.

“We applaud the commit-tee’s attention to this serious health issue today, and main-tain our ongoing commit-ment to providing educational outreach to young baseball and softball players through-out the country,” Beth Truett, President and CEO of Oral Health America said in a press release.

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Page 9: Coaching Management 18.7

with,” he says. “That’s one of the reasons why I kept going myself before I became the coach. It’s a very social gath-ering, and the community knows they’re helping the program in the process.”

Bocce involves two teams, each of which is assigned a different color ball. Though there are many variations, the basic premise is that the teams take turns tossing their balls at a smaller ball, which is placed at varying distances. Whichever team’s ball lands closest to the smaller one gets a point.

Planning for the fundraiser, which is geared toward an adult crowd, begins about three months before the event, and is mostly done by players’ parents. They spend count-less hours selling tickets, find-ing auction items, and securing

sponsorships to cover the costs of the event, including food for the dinner and the rental of Campo di Bocce, the facility in

town with bocce courts and a space to hold the party.

The auction items are usu-ally donated and range from a weekend at a vacation home to an autographed San Jose Sharks hockey jersey to a foot-

ball signed by Buffalo Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, who attended Los Gatos High. It’s key to find desirable items,

as most of the funds are raised through the auction.

“The toughest part of mak-ing this successful is the orga-nization aspect,” Denevi says. “If we didn’t have the parents working as hard as they do,

CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 7

A Different Kind of Ball GameHosting a dinner and auction as a fundraiser for your team is nothing out of the ordinary, but a dinner-auction and a bocce ball tournament? Now we’re talking different.

For the past five years, the baseball team at Los Gatos (Calif.) High School has done just that—and done it success-fully. The event has become quite popular with the local baseball community, and Head Coach Mike Denevi esti-mates the fundraiser brings in between $15,000 and $25,000 each year.

“People really enjoy coming because of the baseball con-nection, and it’s a chance for them to see people from as far back as youth baseball that they may have lost touch

“This year I put together a wish list of the things I want to do with the donations we receive. I tell everyone there are tangible things they’re giving toward, so they know their money is going to good use and helping to keep this program going.”

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we couldn’t do it. Toward they end, they meet every single night to pull it all together.”

Denevi believes the fundraiser would be successful even if bocce wasn’t part of the event, but adds that having the unique component makes it easier to sell sponsorships. The tournament features 24 teams of four players each, and the goal is to find sponsors for as many of the teams as possible.

“We ask for a minimum dona-tion of $550 per team, but sometimes we’ll get up to $1,000,” Denevi says. “They get a team, their logo goes on our Web site, and we thank them at the dinner. If we can find at least eight sponsors, it pretty much covers our costs for the event. A lot of them don’t even want to be recog-nized, they just want to help the program.”

To advertise and sell tick-ets—which can be purchased for the entire event or just for the dinner—organizers place an ad in the local newspa-per once a week starting two months before the event. They also send a direct mailer and e-mails to families in the high school program, anyone who attended the event in a previ-ous year, and contacts in the local youth baseball program.

The night serves as Los Gatos’ main fundraiser, and helps pay for uniforms, field improve-ments, and assistant coaching salaries, among other things. This year, Denevi was able to build a new bullpen and hopes to redo the dugouts and back-stop in the future. Each year, the school district provides the baseball program with a facili-ty, umpires, transportation, and baseballs, but everything else is up to the team.

Besides its unique format, part of the reason why the fundrais-er is so successful is because the community can clearly see where its money is going. “This year I put together a

8 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com

LOCKER ROOM BULLETIN BOARD

wish list of the things I want to do with the donations we receive,” he says. “I tell every-one there are tangible things they’re giving toward, so they know their money is going to good use and helping to keep this program going.”

Home Field AdvantageCollege baseball isn’t typically seen as a revenue-producing sport, especially when the team is only a year old. That’s reserved for the football and basketball teams. But at the University of Oregon, a multi-pronged approach is challeng-ing that way of thinking.

Joe Giansante, Senior Associ-ate Athletic Director for Exter-

nal Communication, says the revenue stream for Oregon baseball starts with its new facility, PK Park. Built in two phases, the field was complet-ed in time for the Ducks’ 2009 season—its first since 1981. And by the time the squad took the field again this spring, a multi-level concourse and permanent covered seating had replaced the temporary bleachers that sat behind the backstop last year.

“The first thing any college baseball program needs in order to make money is a proper ballpark,” Giansante says. “As we looked at places that have revenue success, the common element we saw was a concourse with visibility to the field. The University of Arkansas and Louisiana State

University both have one, as do the new College World Series park being built in Omaha and most new minor league ballparks.

“Our concourse will essentially operate like a mall while the game is going on,” Giansante continues. “There’s a lot of commerce that can take place on a concourse. A fan might walk by a popcorn stand, cot-ton candy stand, memorabilia stand, and our fixed conces-sions area, all on their way to the restroom. It pushed our numbers through the roof because no one has to leave the park to buy food and memorabilia.”

The concourse also gave the Ducks another chance to sell tickets. The Oregon ticket

The University of Oregon used promotions borrowed from minor league baseball teams, includ-ing an Elvis impersonator night, to help draw large crowds in its inaugural 2009 season fol-lowing a nearly 30-year absence. The Ducks averaged almost 2,400 fans per game, second in the Pac-10 and 23rd in the NCAA, and hold several special events aimed at kids, such as a Little League day where young fans are admitted free if they wear their baseball jersey.

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office set up kiosks along the concourse staffed with salespeople offering season ticket packages, future single-game tick-ets, and special group rate packages. Dur-ing its inaugural season, the Ducks aver-aged 2,399 fans per game, second best in the Pac-10 and 23rd in the NCAA.

Another theme Oregon observed while studying different parks was the impor-tance of suites. PK Park contains eight suites, which were sold out long before the season started and will generate about $200,000 in revenue each year. A deal sweetener for buyers is the ability to use their suite during football season, as PK Park sits next to Oregon’s football stadium.

The suites are also one of two areas where Oregon will sell beer. The other is locat-ed along the right field line in a closed-off area called Fowl Territory. “A lot of colleges worry about selling alcohol in their baseball facilities, but most of them already sell it in their football stadium suites,” Giansante says. “Why not expand that revenue producer in a very controlled environment? The 30 to 50 year-old male demographic has money, and we want them in our ballpark buying that beer and hot dog. There is no question that alcohol sales are a component to making money.”

The Ducks are also looking to minor league baseball for revenue produc-ing ideas in two ways. One is through a relationship with the Eugene Emeralds, a Class A team that pays the university $200,000 for three months’ use of the park each year. The second is by borrow-ing some of the quirky in-game promo-tions minor league teams are known for.

“We’re really trying to be creative in how we present games so that people have fun and will want to come back again,” Giansante says. “We have theme nights, for example. We did an Elvis night again this year where everybody who came through the door got mutton chop side-burns, we played Elvis music all night, rolled back the prices on some food, and had an Elvis impersonator contest. Last year and this year we gave the winner plane tickets for two leaving that night for Las Vegas.

“We’re also trying to tap into what peo-ple get excited about around here,” he continues. “Oregon football is extremely popular, so we had an Oregon football day where people who came to the park got to interact with the team on the con-course, get their autographs, and just hang out with them.”

Oregon has also been aggressively sell-ing season tickets, targeting alumni and donors. “One thing about college base-ball is that people will buy season tick-ets almost as a way to donate to the program,” Giansante says. “We’ve been pushing season tickets hard to our for-mer players, donors, and friends of the university. We’ve found there are people willing to pay $500, even if they only go to two games, just to help the team.”

The final piece to any baseball program making a buck might be the most obvi-ous one: winning. “We’re building this program to win, so we hired George Horton, one of the top coaches in the country,” Giansante says. “Just as we’re investing in building a quality ballpark, we’re investing in a quality coach. When you put it all together, this program is in a great position to produce revenue every year.”

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Circle No. 106

Page 12: Coaching Management 18.7

Hundreds of coaches from New York to California have learned the secret to running a more successful camp:

Let someone else do most of the work. And while working less, they are making even more money.

“It’s not often you can work less and make more,” said Brad Allen, head coach at St. Joseph-Ogden HS in Illinois. “But we took a local clinic with 50 kids and turned it into a 300-player camp that attracts the top talent from all over central Illinois. We make five times the money and the camp is actu-ally easier to run now than it was then.”

For Allen and hundreds of others, the secret was partnering with U.S. Baseball Academy, a Louisville-based company that has been helping coaches run camps since 1988. In the past few years, its growth has been nothing short of explosive. Since 2002, the company has grown to 90,000 players in 32 states and boasts an impressive Advi-sory Staff that includes Don Mattingly, Paul O’Neill and Cy Young Award winner Bran-don Webb. Beneficiaries of the expansion have been thousands of college and high school coaches, who have earned $4 million in hosting fees in the past eight years.

U.S. Baseball Academy founder and Pres-ident Marc Hoffman describes the concept as a kind of “camp in a box.” “We handle all the administrative functions that all coaches hate,” he said. “We not only give them the itinerary and equipment; we take care of ad-vertising, marketing, registration, payments, T-shirts, insurance, and paying the instruc-tors. The schools and coaches have no ex-penses, no risk, no phone calls from parents. They keep the biggest slice of revenue, plus all the equipment when camp is over.”

The company is seeking new host loca-tions for its rapidly expanding Spring Train-ing program, which offers six days of hitting, pitching and catcher lessons to local players in grades 1 through 12. A typical site runs indoors for six Sunday afternoons between December and March, before high school or college play begins. Host schools typically attract 150 to 250 players from an hour’s ra-dius and earn up to $10,000 for their local coaching staff. Because age groups are stag-gered throughout the day, there are never more than 50 players at a time, limiting the need for space.

Camps and CliniCs:

Double your money and decrease your work load

U.S. Baseball Academy Growth Chart

Year Total Players Paid to coaches2002 750 $33,750

2003 3,000 $135,000

2004 9,000 $405,000

2005 18,000 $810,000

2006 30,000 $1,350,000

2007 44,000 $1,980,000

2008 59,000 $2,655,000

2009 72,000 $3,240,000

2010 90,000 $3,950,000

“Sometimes coaches think they need a gi-ant field house, but with 30 or 40 kids per hour, it’s really not much different than run-ning a normal practice session in your gym-nasium,” Hoffman said.

Parents pay only about $100 for the six one-hour lessons, with the largest slice of the pie going back to the host school and coaches. Hosting coaches can do whatever they want with the money, which gener-ally ranges from $7,000 to $10,000. “Most coaches use some of the money to supple-ment their salaries,” Hoffman said, “but many put some or all of the money back into their program to pay for field upgrades, a spring trip or new uniforms. We send their money before camp ends, and they deter-mine who gets the checks.”

The company works like a franchise. Coaches reduce their workloads because they don’t have to develop itineraries, bro-chures and handle administrative tasks. They increase their numbers and revenue because of the panache of hosting a nationwide program.

“U.S. Baseball Academy made six weeks of instruction feel like it lasted only six hours,” said Youngstown State Uni-versity assistant coach Craig Antush.

“The administrative staff is highly organized and ef-ficient, making these camps very low-maintenance,” said Steve Farley, head coach at But-ler University in Indianapolis and a host for seven years. “We’ve been sold out each year.”

University of Findlay head coach Troy Berry agreed. “U.S. Baseball Academy has been nothing but great for our program. It has helped build relationships around the community and has been a great fundraiser. They do all of the leg work and we get to do the fun stuff: coach the kids. I highly recom-mend getting involved with them.”

Hoffman said the company’s biggest obstacle to growth has been that coaches are sometimes skeptical, often questioning whether it’s too good to be true. Skip Bai-ley, athletic director at Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y., and an ABCA committee member, thought exactly that four years ago when he was head coach at the school. But 1000 players attending four clinics has made him a believer.

“This was a home run for our baseball program,” Bailey said. “We have been run-ning camps for 25 years, and these have been our best. I thought their ad was too good to be true, but I’m glad I made the call.”

The company hopes more coaches make the call, but don’t delay. Registration for Spring Training 201 has already begun, and new sites must be finalized by the end of October. To learn more, contact Director of Baseball Operations Joe Marker at 800-592-4487 or by email at: [email protected]. Visit the company’s web site at:www.usbaseballacademy.com.

U.S. Baseball Academy’s advisory staff includes stars such as Cy Young winner Brandon Webb

Special Advertising Feature

1

Circle No. 107

Page 13: Coaching Management 18.7

With apologies to the Butler University men’s basketball team, the real NCAA Cinderella story of 2010 was the Illinois Wesleyan University baseball team. The Titans finished the regular season 19-19, earning the last spot in their conference tournament, where they battled through the losers’ bracket to advance to the Division III regionals.

IWU went undefeated there to reach the championship round, yet the clock never struck midnight. The Titans won four out of five games in Appleton, Wis., finishing with a 17-5 victory over Cortland State to claim the team’s first national title. Head Coach Dennis Martel says it was the most unbelievable run he’d seen in his career.

He can appreciate the comparison to Final Four darling Butler. In addition to serving as Head Coach of the IWU

baseball program for the past 23 years, Martel also spent 21 of them as an assistant men’s basketball coach, helping lead the Titans to a Division III title in 1997, and is cur-rently the Director of Basketball Operations.

After three years working in construction, Martel began his coaching career as head men’s basketball coach at a community college while obtaining his bachelor’s degree at the University of Maine. He came to Illinois Wesleyan as an assistant basketball and baseball coach in 1984, while getting a master’s degree at Illinois State University.

Since becoming Head Baseball Coach at IWU in 1988, Martel has led the Titans to seven conference champion-ships and two appearances in the Division III championship round. In this interview, he talks about his team’s turn-around, how a basketball coach shaped his philosophy, and the ways he’s changed as a coach.

Dennis Martel Illinois Wesleyan University

CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 11

CM: How did you turn a 19-19 team into a national champion?Martel: I still don’t really know. All year long I kept saying, “I think we’re pretty good,” but we just weren’t getting the timely hits we needed. Our pitching staff was good, but there was so much pres-sure on them to be perfect because we weren’t scoring runs.

At one point we were 14-17, and all of a sudden everybody started hitting. Our second baseman, Brett Moore, who was our MVP the year before, came back from an injury, and some other guys with nicks and bruises got healthy. The balls that we hit at people earlier in the year started finding holes. Best of all, there was always someone different stepping up. Once we started hitting, guys really started believ-ing and that was a big step for us.

What did you do to help your players break out of the hitting slump?We made some adjustments to their swings, and our kids did a great job of not taking offense to our suggestions. For example, Jeff Grebeck was hitting .175 midway through the year when one of my assistants suggested starting his hands in a different position. He ended up hitting .325 and was the NCAA tournament MVP.

Sometimes you just need to make a little adjustment like opening their stance. When they start thinking about fixing something small, they stop thinking about the slump they’re in.

How did you keep team morale up when you weren’t winning?With about two weeks left in the regular season, I gave my players a scenario. I told them, “If we make the conference tourna-ment, I think we can beat North Central [the top-seeded team]. Then, we can reach the championship game because nobody has number-two, three, four, and five start-ers like we do. From there, we go to the regional, where we do the same thing, and then we move on to the World Series.”

I know at first our players were thinking, “What’s wrong with this guy?” But when I asked them, “Don’t you believe we can do it?” they told me they did. Then, almost everything I said would happen, did. I’m not a prophet, but I always felt the opportunity was there.

They were a great group of guys. They’d laugh and joke with each other before practice, and every day they kept work-ing hard. It helped that we went to the tournament without any pressure on us. Nobody expected much from us, and that looseness helped us play well.

Were we the best team in the country all year? Not a chance. Do I think we were the best team during the last three week-ends of the season? You bet!

You’ve won NCAA titles in two sports. What advice do you have for coaches making their first trip to an NCAA championship?

Q A&

Late in the 2010 regular season, senior out-fielder Mike Morrissey and his teammates at Illinois Wesleyan University were 14-17. The Titans then went on a 17-4 tear to become the NCAA Division III national champions.

Hundreds of coaches from New York to California have learned the secret to running a more successful camp:

Let someone else do most of the work. And while working less, they are making even more money.

“It’s not often you can work less and make more,” said Brad Allen, head coach at St. Joseph-Ogden HS in Illinois. “But we took a local clinic with 50 kids and turned it into a 300-player camp that attracts the top talent from all over central Illinois. We make five times the money and the camp is actu-ally easier to run now than it was then.”

For Allen and hundreds of others, the secret was partnering with U.S. Baseball Academy, a Louisville-based company that has been helping coaches run camps since 1988. In the past few years, its growth has been nothing short of explosive. Since 2002, the company has grown to 90,000 players in 32 states and boasts an impressive Advi-sory Staff that includes Don Mattingly, Paul O’Neill and Cy Young Award winner Bran-don Webb. Beneficiaries of the expansion have been thousands of college and high school coaches, who have earned $4 million in hosting fees in the past eight years.

U.S. Baseball Academy founder and Pres-ident Marc Hoffman describes the concept as a kind of “camp in a box.” “We handle all the administrative functions that all coaches hate,” he said. “We not only give them the itinerary and equipment; we take care of ad-vertising, marketing, registration, payments, T-shirts, insurance, and paying the instruc-tors. The schools and coaches have no ex-penses, no risk, no phone calls from parents. They keep the biggest slice of revenue, plus all the equipment when camp is over.”

The company is seeking new host loca-tions for its rapidly expanding Spring Train-ing program, which offers six days of hitting, pitching and catcher lessons to local players in grades 1 through 12. A typical site runs indoors for six Sunday afternoons between December and March, before high school or college play begins. Host schools typically attract 150 to 250 players from an hour’s ra-dius and earn up to $10,000 for their local coaching staff. Because age groups are stag-gered throughout the day, there are never more than 50 players at a time, limiting the need for space.

Camps and CliniCs:

Double your money and decrease your work load

U.S. Baseball Academy Growth Chart

Year Total Players Paid to coaches2002 750 $33,750

2003 3,000 $135,000

2004 9,000 $405,000

2005 18,000 $810,000

2006 30,000 $1,350,000

2007 44,000 $1,980,000

2008 59,000 $2,655,000

2009 72,000 $3,240,000

2010 90,000 $3,950,000

“Sometimes coaches think they need a gi-ant field house, but with 30 or 40 kids per hour, it’s really not much different than run-ning a normal practice session in your gym-nasium,” Hoffman said.

Parents pay only about $100 for the six one-hour lessons, with the largest slice of the pie going back to the host school and coaches. Hosting coaches can do whatever they want with the money, which gener-ally ranges from $7,000 to $10,000. “Most coaches use some of the money to supple-ment their salaries,” Hoffman said, “but many put some or all of the money back into their program to pay for field upgrades, a spring trip or new uniforms. We send their money before camp ends, and they deter-mine who gets the checks.”

The company works like a franchise. Coaches reduce their workloads because they don’t have to develop itineraries, bro-chures and handle administrative tasks. They increase their numbers and revenue because of the panache of hosting a nationwide program.

“U.S. Baseball Academy made six weeks of instruction feel like it lasted only six hours,” said Youngstown State Uni-versity assistant coach Craig Antush.

“The administrative staff is highly organized and ef-ficient, making these camps very low-maintenance,” said Steve Farley, head coach at But-ler University in Indianapolis and a host for seven years. “We’ve been sold out each year.”

University of Findlay head coach Troy Berry agreed. “U.S. Baseball Academy has been nothing but great for our program. It has helped build relationships around the community and has been a great fundraiser. They do all of the leg work and we get to do the fun stuff: coach the kids. I highly recom-mend getting involved with them.”

Hoffman said the company’s biggest obstacle to growth has been that coaches are sometimes skeptical, often questioning whether it’s too good to be true. Skip Bai-ley, athletic director at Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y., and an ABCA committee member, thought exactly that four years ago when he was head coach at the school. But 1000 players attending four clinics has made him a believer.

“This was a home run for our baseball program,” Bailey said. “We have been run-ning camps for 25 years, and these have been our best. I thought their ad was too good to be true, but I’m glad I made the call.”

The company hopes more coaches make the call, but don’t delay. Registration for Spring Training 2010 has already begun, and new sites must be finalized by the end of October. To learn more, contact Director of Baseball Operations Joe Marker at 800-592-4487 or by email at: [email protected]. Visit the company’s web site at:www.usbaseballacademy.com.

U.S. Baseball Academy’s advisory staff includes stars such as Cy Young winner Brandon Webb

Special Advertising Feature

Page 14: Coaching Management 18.7

Don’t get overwhelmed. There are so many little things to take care of that you’ll probably forget something. But don’t get in a tizzy—some coaches get so wound up that their players feel it too and get all tight and nervous themselves.

The other thing is to enjoy the moment. Before the national championship game, I looked at all our players in the dugout and said, “Get out there and enjoy the moment. Look around at the crowd. Take some mental pictures. This is an experi-ence you won’t want to forget.”

How did you end up coaching junior college basketball while you were in college?Working three years of construction before I went to college was probably the best thing I ever did. I always wanted to get into athletics or recreation, but peo-ple talked me out of it. I quickly realized I

and the world’s greatest recruiter, be the world’s greatest recruiter because you win with talent.” When people asked what the key to his success was, he always said, “I tried to get off the bus with better players than the other guy.”

That’s underestimating his coaching abil-ity, but I think he’s right. I’ve been able to recruit pretty effectively, and beyond that my philosophy has been to keep it simple. I see some coaches who are so detail-oriented and run their programs as if they were in Division I, playing and working out year-round. I always tell my guys I want them to be part of the school.

What is your recruiting philosophy?We certainly want good players, and our reputation helps us get our foot in the door with some kids who have Division I talent. But some people are in love with the idea of getting a scholarship, even if

it’s a small one. There are times when kids go to a school just because they get a scholarship. That’s wrong. I tell them mak-ing a decision based on athletics instead of aca-demics can come back to haunt them.

Of course I want to make sure players have talent, but I also want to see how they act. When it’s 93 degrees and I see some-one at a showcase diving,

sliding, and getting upset when he loses, even though it’s basically a meaningless game, I know I’ve found the kid I’m look-ing for.

When I see a pitcher who can throw pretty well, but when he is taken out of the game he walks into the dugout, un-tucks his shirt and looks for his mom and dad to bring him Gatorade, I wonder how important baseball is to him. I’ll walk away from kids like that, even if they have a lot of talent.

How has your coaching philosophy developed over time?When you’re young, you want to win it all right now. I was like that, too. Then 15 years ago, somebody said, “Dennis, this is Division III baseball. Nobody outside this town knows or cares what you do.”

I figured they were probably right. I was putting an awful lot into it, and I was demanding a lot from my players. I’m certainly not downgrading it, but as much as it’s important to me, and the rest of the people in this program, it’s not that big a deal in the grand scheme of things—that was an eye-opening moment for me.

12 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com

“Before the national championship game, I looked at all our players in the dugout and said, ‘Get out there and enjoy the moment. Look around at the crowd. Take some mental pictures. This is an experience you won’t want to forget.’”

Q A&

didn’t want to work construction the rest of my life, so I decided to go to college.

I played pickup basketball down the road at Bangor Community College, and became friends with the athletic director. Then just before basketball season started, he told me the coach had left and asked if I would run practice until he found a new one. A couple of weeks later, I asked if he had found a coach yet and he said, “Yeah, you. If you want the job, I’ll give you $2,000.” That was a lot of money for a college kid. I didn’t know what I was doing half the time, but I learned on the fly.

What did you learn?The first few years were hard because I wasn’t much older than the players and I made a lot of mistakes. I kept trying dif-ferent things and never committed to one system.

In the end, I have to say got a lot of my coaching philosophy from Dennie Bridges, who was the basketball coach at Illinois Wesleyan and is now the athletic direc-tor here. He said, “If you have a choice between being the world’s greatest coach

After drills, his team chills. The workout’s fi nished, the body isn’t. That’s why the Screaming Eagles of Eugene Ashley High School drink chocolate milk after games, practices and workouts. They know that the two hours after exercise are crucial for taking in the right balance of carbohydrates and protein, plus fl uids and electrolytes to help replenish what’s lost in sweat. And that research suggests that lowfat chocolate milk may be just as effective as certain commercial sports drinks in helping athletes refuel muscles after a workout. Coach Jason Tindal checked out the data, and he’s a chocolate milk believer. See the science for yourself, or even tell us your success story, at milkdelivers.org. You could be our next winner, with a Milk Mustache ad of your own.

Jason Tindal, Head Coach

Eugene Ashley High SchoolWilmington, NC

© 2010 America’s Milk Processors.got milk?® is a registered trademark of the California Milk Processor Board.

Tell us your story. visit milkdelivers.org

milkpep-spotlight-jason-traincon.indd 1 4/13/10 9:51:09 PM

The workout’s fi nished, the body isn’t. The two hours after exercise are when rebuilding begins. And lowfat chocolate milk has the right mix of carbs and protein, plus fl uids that can help student athletes refuel and rehydrate.

Tell us how you’ve helped your athletes refuel with chocolate milk. You could win a got milk?® cooler, or other great monthly prizes, and maybe even be our Spotlight On Winner for 2010, with a Milk Mustache ad of your own.

visit milkdelivers.org

© 2010 America’s Milk Processors.got milk?® is a registered trademark of the California Milk Processor Board.

milkpep-spotlight-third-traincon.indd 1 4/13/10 10:52:27 PM

Page 15: Coaching Management 18.7

After drills, his team chills. The workout’s fi nished, the body isn’t. That’s why the Screaming Eagles of Eugene Ashley High School drink chocolate milk after games, practices and workouts. They know that the two hours after exercise are crucial for taking in the right balance of carbohydrates and protein, plus fl uids and electrolytes to help replenish what’s lost in sweat. And that research suggests that lowfat chocolate milk may be just as effective as certain commercial sports drinks in helping athletes refuel muscles after a workout. Coach Jason Tindal checked out the data, and he’s a chocolate milk believer. See the science for yourself, or even tell us your success story, at milkdelivers.org. You could be our next winner, with a Milk Mustache ad of your own.

Jason Tindal, Head Coach

Eugene Ashley High SchoolWilmington, NC

© 2010 America’s Milk Processors.got milk?® is a registered trademark of the California Milk Processor Board.

Tell us your story. visit milkdelivers.org

milkpep-spotlight-jason-traincon.indd 1 4/13/10 9:51:09 PM

Circle No. 108

Page 16: Coaching Management 18.7

BY kYle garratt

COVER STORY

n 1994, the Andrews Sports Medicine & Ortho-paedic Center performed a total of six Tommy John surgeries—none of them on youth or high school pitchers. In 2008, it performed the operation 89 times—31 percent of which were on youth or high school pitchers.

Other clinics around the country tout simi-lar statistics, and these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. The National Electronic Injury

Surveillance System’s latest round of data found that the number of overuse injuries in youth baseball is as high as ever.

Glenn Fleisig, Research Director at the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI), where he works with renowned orthopaedic surgeon James Andrews, has seen far too many Tommy John surgery candi-dates in his career. Hoping to reduce the number of young players needing the procedure, Fleisig conducted a study on pitchers 16 to 20 years old that showed those who reported pitching after fatigue were 36 times more likely to have surgery before the age of 20 than those who didn’t pitch when feeling fatigued.

The study also suggested that high school and college pitchers throwing faster than 85 miles per hour, for more than eight months in a year, at a rate of more than 80 pitches in a game are at increased risk for injury.

“Pitching injuries are all due to overuse,” says Fleisig. “They don’t come from pitching on one cold day or throwing one bad curve ball. When the sur-geon opens up the elbow or shoulder, the ligaments and tendons always look frayed, which means the injuries happened over time. Coaches have to realize it was a pattern that added up to injury.”

Numbers gameIf pitching too much is the root of overuse inju-

ries, then pitching less is the obvious solution. But how much less?

There are two views to using pitch counts. One approach sets firm limits on the number of pitches one player can throw within a certain window of time, usually based on a day or series of days. Another school of thought holds that pitch counts are important for monitoring a pitcher’s status, but the ultimate decision to take a player out of a game should involve other factors as well.

The ASMI and Little League subscribe to the same pitch count guidelines, which limit 15 and 16 year-olds to 95 pitches in a day and 17 and 18 year-olds to 105. The Institute also advises that adolescent pitchers make no more than two starts a week and

Kyle Garratt is a former Assistant Editor at Coaching Management.

Throwing pitch after pitch puts a lot of stress on the arm, but there are steps you can take to help your pitchers avoid overuse injuries and stay in the game.

14 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Page 17: Coaching Management 18.7

In three seasons, University of Miami lefty Chris Hernandez has totaled more than 300 innings. His pitching coach uses rest and pitch counts to help avoid overuse injuries. PHOTO BY JC RIDLEY/MIAMI HURRICANES

Page 18: Coaching Management 18.7

CoachesNetwork.com

COVER STORY

“We increase the count by 10 pitches each time out, but even late in the year we don’t let a guy start an inning after he hits 100 pitches. However, we treat everybody as individuals, and if something worked for them in high school, they can keep doing it in college.”

At George Washington High School in New York City, Head Coach Steve Mandl keeps a close eye on pitch counts, but doesn’t set any hard limit going into a game. “I do it not just for the pitch count, but also to see how the kid is throwing over time,” says Mandl, who hasn’t had a major pitching injury on his team in 27 years at George Washington. “If I don’t feel 100 percent about a kid, I will go back and look at his records. If he threw 110 pitches last time and 105 the time before I’ll check his pitch speed. If he usually throws 84 mph, but now he’s throwing 80 mph, maybe his arm is a little tired. Then we will adjust.”

Pitch counts can be a useful guide,

bases pitch counts for relievers on the amount of rest they’ve had. For example, pitchers ages 7 to 18 with one day of rest are advised to throw no more than 35 pitches, and on two day’s rest, the recom-mendation increases to 50 pitches.

“I would say 140 pitches a week is a good number for high school players,” says Charles Metzger, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Greater Houston Orthopae-dic Specialists. “Have them rest four days between starts and don’t let them pitch for multiple teams in the same season. I also recommend they don’t pitch and catch in the same game, don’t pitch when tired, and don’t pitch through any pain in their joints. A little pain in the muscle is no big deal, but if a joint hurts, they need to stop pitching immediately.”

For many coaches, pitch counts evolve through the season. “Our starters typi-cally throw no more than 65 pitches their first start of the season,” says J.D. Arteaga, Pitching Coach at the University of Miami.

AS common AS PITcH coUnT LImITS HAVE BEcomE, THEY STILL Don’T HAVE THE WEIGHT oF THE LAW. But that might change soon. Earlier this year, two New York City councilmen introduced a bill that would implement pitch count limits in all city high school baseball games by next spring.

Some coaches aren’t pleased. “I think it’s ridiculous,” says Steve Mandl, Head Coach at George Washington High School in New York City. “The premise is great because too many players are getting hurt, but it needs to be done differently. They need to first educate coaches and kids who don’t know how to condition well enough.

“I think a lot of coaches feel like, ‘Don’t shove this down our throat,’” he continues. “If the restriction was based on innings it would be a little different. That makes a little more sense.”

While New York City’s Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) cur-rently has no limit on how many pitches a pitcher can throw, many states restrict pitchers to a certain number of innings. In neighboring New Jersey, pitchers are limited to no more than 10 innings in a four-day period, and any pitcher who records more than six innings must get three days’ rest.

In May, the PSAL asked its coaches to start logging game-by-game counts on the league’s Web site to gather data. The league is in the process of reviewing the information and will soon decide whether or not to implement its own limits.

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circle no. 109

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but Frank Gonzales, Head Coach at Fort Collins (Colo.) High School, says the best strategy is trusting what you see and putting a foot down if a pitcher resists being taken out. “If one of my starters gets around 70 pitches and starts throw-ing pitches up in the strike zone, I visit the mound,” he says. “An inability to repeatedly throw strikes and repeat the right delivery is a major sign of fatigue. Non-verbal communication like body lan-guage, facial expressions, and posture are also important clues.”

Fleisig agrees. “During the game, look for any sign of fatigue,” he says. “That could be a performance change, such as velocity or location. It could be mechan-ics, such as the trunk being too upright upon release rather than leaning forward toward home plate. They might drop their elbow, walk around, or rub their elbow between pitches.”

Break TimeThe best way to keep overuse injuries

at bay is to have a staff of competent pitchers. But that is not every coach’s

CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 17

COVER STORY

reality. Gonzales says even if you don’t have a full roster, it’s best to emulate the professionals.

“I take a major league approach,” he says. “If a guy starts on Monday, then Tuesday is a running and limited toss day with bungee cords or arm manipula-tion exercises. On Wednesday, we throw a light bullpen and on Thursday we get into long toss. Friday is an off-day, and he should be ready to start again on Satur-day. For relievers, I throw some guys on back-to-back days. If they warm up and throw 35 pitches, they’re probably okay to come back the next day.”

Avoiding overuse injuries isn’t simply about managing workload on a game-by-game or weekly basis. Many players com-pete year-round, and that can do damage even if a pitcher adheres to conservative daily or weekly limits. Gonzales encour-ages his players to play year-round, but with a caveat.

“To me, year-round means throwing for nine or 10 months a year,” he says. “If they can have a 60-day window where they do nothing but aerobic conditioning and

some sort of strength training, that can make a big difference.”

At Miami, Arteaga decided to scrap summer ball for his pitchers last year. “Our guys were pitching all spring, sum-mer, and fall, with just a couple weeks off in December, and that’s just not right,” he says. “Grown men in the majors take two or three months off, so how could a 21- or 18-year-old not need a break?”

Relating and CommunicatingDespite paying close attention to pitch

counts and possible signs of fatigue, it can be difficult to tell before it’s too late that a pitcher should hang it up for the day. Knowing your players as thoroughly as possible makes the tough decisions easier.

“Coaches need good relationships with their athletes, their athletic trainer, and their pitching coach,” says Fleisig. “You can’t start that relationship in the seventh inning of a game when the kid is standing on the mound. You have to be able to read your pitchers and under-stand what their bodies are saying.”

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For Gonzales, becoming familiar with his pitchers involves more than just spend-ing time with them once they are on the team. He discusses each new pitcher’s

pitching history with him, going back six months to a year, and covering pitch volume and type over that time.

Fleisig believes coaches can further help in the overuse fight by being proac-tive in their communities. “To prevent high school and college pitchers from suffering injuries, kids have to start in the right direction when they are young,” he says. “Coaches who run camps or Little League look to the college and high school coaches for guidance. College

coaches can play the role of not only help-ing their own pitchers, but helping the younger pitchers in their community.”

Gonzales notes that youth coaches

aren’t the only ones who should be look-ing for more knowledge about overuse. “Even as a high school coach, it’s impor-tant to find somebody with a little more expertise than you have,” he says. “I ask pro scouts all the time, ‘Here’s what I’m doing, thinking, and seeing. Do you think we’re on the right track?’ That’s been huge for me, and there is somebody like that in every community.”

Parents can also play an important role in monitoring their son’s condition

and how much he pitches outside of team activities. “Parents are sometimes afraid to meddle in the business of the coaching staff,” says Gonzales. “They don’t say, ‘My

kid is tired and I don’t think it’s worth the win to hurt him.’”

It’s also important for your players to know that overuse injuries are a seri-ous matter. With so many examples of pitchers excelling after having Tommy John surgery, some players see the pro-cedure as a performance enhancer.

“There is a misconception that the surgery will make your arm better than it would be naturally,” says Fleisig.

“That’s completely not true. The purpose of the surgery is to return the elbow to natural strength and function, but some pitchers have become significantly better a year or two after the surgery.

“But there’s a misunderstanding of cause and effect,” he continues. “Play-ers think, ‘My friend had Tommy John surgery, and now he’s better than I’ve ever seen him.’ They think the surgery made him better. The surgery probably did fix the elbow, but the person making

COVER STORY

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Page 21: Coaching Management 18.7

COVER STORY

the statement may not remember that his friend wasn’t pitching well before surgery because he had an injured elbow.”

Body WorkA crucial part of making a pitcher’s

body resistant to overuse is preparing it in the off-season. When it comes to weight training, forget traditional images of ath-letes straining to hoist stacks of weights. “Stay away from heavy barbell lifting,” says Metzger. “Pitchers are far better off doing overall aerobic conditioning and body weight exercises. And they should concentrate on working their core, legs, and butt more than their arms.”

The ASMI recommends periodized training with a wide variety of exercises. “We recommend putting an emphasis on functional movement,” says Fleisig. “Instead of doing single-joint activities, do full-body activities such as squatting, lunging, and twisting.”

At George Washington, Mandl does a lot of flexibility exercises along with strength work. “In the winter, before we pick up a ball, we stretch for about

Figure One

Unassisted sleeper stretch

assisted sleeper stretch lift

assisted sleeper stretch pUsh

an hour and 15 minutes,” he says. “We warm up and do calisthetics, plyometrics, stretching, core work, and weight work.”

Miami pitchers perform maintenance work throughout the season. “Our pitch-ers do a core and shoulder routine with the athletic trainer and strength coach every day before practice,” says Arteaga. “They do rubber band exercises and light weights for about 10 minutes. It’s impor-tant to do preventative exercises—not to build strength, but to prevent injuries.”

Metzger believes one basic stretch can help prevent overuse injuries. His recent study of 1,267 youth baseball players

found that doing a posterior capsular stretch, also known as the sleeper stretch, for about 10 minutes after each mound outing can help avoid major injuries.

The stretch can be performed alone or with help from an athletic trainer, coach, or parent. (See “Figure One” below.) The player lies on his side with his throwing arm underneath his body at 90 degrees. His back should be at a 90-degree angle with the floor with the non-throwing shoulder facing the ceiling. His assistant then lifts the forearm of the throwing arm slightly off the ground and then applies a small amount of downward force. If

CoachesNetwork.com coaching ManageMent 19

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20 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com

unassisted, the player lifts his throwing arm and then applies a small amount of downward force with his other arm.

“Over time, a pitcher’s glenohumeral ligament will tighten and throw the shoul-

der out of balance,” says Metzger. “Every time a pitcher throws, it puts an excessive amount of stress on the cartilage in the shoulder called the labrum. Whether after a game or bullpen session, the play-er needs to lie down on his arm and do the stretch. This can prevent injuries that end a season or require surgery.”

In his study, Metzger found the inter-

nal rotation of the throwing arm was almost always less than the internal rotation of the non-throwing arm. By subtracting the internal rotation of the throwing arm from the internal rotation

of the non-throwing arm, he calculated the glenohumeral internal rotation defi-cit (GIRD) for each player in the study. If the GIRD is greater than or equal to the player’s age, it is considered excessive.

“Every pitcher over 12 needs to learn this stretch,” says Metzger. “Everyone in the study who had excessive GIRD was taught the sleeper stretch and came back

a year later. I measured them again and 94.5 percent of them had a lower GIRD.

“The older they are the more at-risk they are,” he continues. “If pitchers can learn this stretch and get it into their rou-

tine when they are 12, they can avoid hearing a pop when they’re being scouted at 16, which means surgery and missing a year. He’s not seen by scouts and not recruited. That’s how to hit home with some of these kids.”

The sleeper stretch is similar to other methods of preventing overuse injuries—a sustained good habit that can help stave off what would other-wise be inevitable. Overhand pitching is an unnatural motion, and when done improperly over time, it will

almost certainly result in injury. Most athletes fear the freak accident that takes the game away from them, but overuse presents greater —yet overlooked—risks.

“Several factors go into injuries,” says Fleisig. “But overuse and fatigue are the biggest and easiest to grasp. There is no reason that people shouldn’t be educated about it because it’s so preventable.” n

COVER STORY

Overhand pitching is an unnatural motion, and when done improperly over time, it will almost certainly result in injury. Most athletes fear the freak accident that takes the game away from them, but overuse presents greater—yet overlooked—risks.

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uring his 20-plus years coaching, Jim Long can recall only a couple of

instances when someone really got under his skin.

But one in particular stands out to the Brenham (Texas) High

School Head Coach. No matter what Long did, a parent

of one of his athletes took issue with the coach’s decisions. The parent constantly approached Long with complaints after games and eventually went to the ath-

leadership

CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 21

MiC

ha

el K

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letic director and school board to air his criticisms. Long even had to defend himself in front of school board mem-bers. Fortunately, the board sided with Long, but the whole process made him aware of an emerging reality: handling negative feedback effectively is part of a coach’s job.

“For whatever reason, I’ve found that fans today, especially parents, think they have a right to do or say whatever they want when it comes to coaches and ath-letics,” Long says. “We’re not going to

Mike Phelps is an Assistant Editor at Coaching Management. He can be reached at: [email protected].

BY MIKE PHELPS

stop them, so it’s up to each coach to understand the best way to deal with that criticism and not let it affect your team.”

Just Ignore It?In the middle of a busy season with

practices and games consuming all your time, it can be tempting to ignore criti-cism that comes your way and hope that

Quelling the Critics

DNowadays, coaches get bombarded with criticism from every angle. Learning how to handle it with composure is key to success (and staying sane).

Page 24: Coaching Management 18.7

it will eventually disappear. But that tac-tic can easily backfire.

Chuck Wilcoxen, Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field Coach at Principia College, says it’s important to engage with anyone who is delivering criticism or negative feed-back. “If someone is upset about some-thing, sooner or later they have to get it out,” he says. “If they sit on it, it’s going to simmer longer, and that makes them more upset, which isn’t good for you, and isn’t good for the program. Even if it’s the same parent again and again with things you don’t think are justified, you have to let the person be heard.”

That’s why instead of ignoring it, many coaches suggest developing a phi-losophy and strategy for dealing with negative feedback. And the number-one item of a good strategy is to always stay calm, even if the other person is not.

“Getting mad is not productive what-soever,” Long explains. “That can make you look worse than the person com-plaining, which you never want. You need to remember you’re dealing with

people who, because of their emotions, are making ignorant decisions. When I think of it that way, these situations are a lot easier to deal with.”

For Karen Kunka, Head Volleyball Coach at North Central College, staying calm means taking a step back. Rather than responding immediately, she sets up a meeting to discuss the complaint. “If you let a discussion go on in the heat of the moment, you can get backed into a corner with someone screaming at you,” she says.

Instead, Kunka likes to gain perspec-tive on the situation and think through her solution, rather than being forced into a snap decision or appearing defen-sive. “You have to allow yourself to pull back from a situation,” she says. “I also like to have someone I can run things past, like an assistant coach, before I react.”

Wilcoxen takes a similar approach. “Don’t react when you’re having the ini-tial discussion,” he says. “Hash things out by yourself when you’re not dealing with any feelings of defensiveness or anger. With a little perspective, you may even

leadership

22 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com

find that the person has an excellent point that will make you a better coach.”

In fact, Wilcoxen tries to learn from all feedback. “What may at first seem to be a petty complaint can actually be very valuable information,” he says. “For example, parents know things about their kids that coaches don’t. The first couple years I coached I was probably a little defensive, but the more open I was to others’ opinions, the more I learned. If a kid tells me they’re feeling great, and I find out from the parents that they’re not, that’s good information.”

The Parent TrapFor most coaches, the largest source

of complaints is parents. That’s why many coaches have developed formal policies on how parents should voice their concerns.

One standard and effective rule is to never talk to a parent about anything sig-nificant immediately following a contest. Whenever Long is confronted by a par-ent after a game, he’ll tell the parent that he’d be happy to speak with them and address the problem, but not right now.

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Page 25: Coaching Management 18.7

leadership

“I’ll ask them if we can set up a time the next day to discuss it,” he says. “It gives me and the parent a little time to relax and think about the situation. People usually make dumb decisions

when they’re really upset.” Kunka uses a similar policy, but with

an added twist. She insists the player her-self be involved in the discussion.

For example, North Central’s 2008 squad included 18 freshmen among

nearly 30 players, and playing time was limited. One freshman’s parent e-mailed to voice her displeasure over her daugh-ter’s playing time.

“In my reply, I said that I would be happy to discuss this matter—with the parent and the child present at the same time,” Kunka says. “Nine times out of 10, the player doesn’t even know the parent sent the e-mail or called. I’m happy to talk with parents, but not without their child knowing about it.

“Usually, I don’t hear from those parents again,” she con-tinues. “They want to express their complaint but they don’t want their child to know.”

The question of whether to discuss playing time at all with

parents can be a tricky one. Long is one coach who does not. He explains to par-ents that playing time is based on what he feels is best for the team and that his decisions must be respected. “Parents will often criticize and say their child

doesn’t have a fair chance, but they don’t see what happens in practice every day,” he says.

Ed Terwilliger, Head Football Coach at Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio, doesn’t shy away from discussing a player’s place within the team, but he always makes sure the par-ent understands one important ground rule. “I explain that my goal is to be as positive as I can be when talking about players in public,” he says. “But when we go into my office, you’re asking me to be brutally honest and I will be. If you’re going to challenge or question me, you better be ready for the real answer.”

Beyond playing time, there are a host of other complaints parents may have brewing. Long tries to keep an ear open to them so they can be addressed quickly. If he believes a parent is having an adverse affect on the team, he will speak to the parent immediately.

“I’ll bring the parent in and the first thing I’ll do is let them air things out,” he says. “Then I’ll try to explain exactly what’s going on and why we as coaches

“I’ll bring the parent in and the first thing I’ll do is let them air things out. Then I’ll try to explain exactly what’s going on and why we as coaches do what we do. Once the parent has a chance to speak in private and vent, they usually calm down.”

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leadership

do what we do. Once the parent has a chance to speak in private and vent, they usually calm down and you don’t have any further problems.”

At Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Ga., Head Girls’ Basketball Coach Kathy Richey-Walton has found it effective to have one parent serve as a liaison between her and the rest of the parent group. “This parent is very good at finding out what the problem is, then telling the parents he’ll talk to me and make sure I’m aware of their concerns,” she says. “From there, I’ll decide how the situation needs to be handled.”

Managing Media Of course, unsolicited feedback isn’t

limited to parents of players. Whether it’s on television, over the radio, in the news-paper, or on the Internet, the media are also a regular source of criticism.

However, criticism by the media should be handled very differently than that from parents. When parents com-plain there is a lot of emotion involved that will remain until the situation is

dealt with. Criticism from the media is part of what sells newspapers and often will be forgotten tomorrow.

Terwilliger’s football team gets a good deal of media coverage and he says the key with report-ers is to take a professional approach. Understand that their job is to analyze your team’s performance and that their criticism is not personal. When there is controversy, explain your decisions and then let it go.

“I embrace the media,” Terwilliger says. “I’m not the kind of coach who will get upset over an article and then refuse to return their calls. I understand the media has a job to do, and I tell my players the same thing.”

At Brenham, a local radio station broadcasts the school’s baseball games, and several newspapers regularly cover the team. Following each game, Long does a postgame interview with the radio crew, who can be critical of decisions Long makes during the contest. For example,

during the state tournament last year, Brenham twice had runners thrown out at home with two outs. Long knew he’d face some second-guessing during the

postgame show, but relished the opportu-nity to present his side of the story.

“I like to let people know where I’m coming from,” Long says. “They may dis-agree with me, but at least they know the reason I did it. If a parent comes at you after a game, they don’t really deserve a response, but it’s nice to explain yourself in the newspaper or on the radio so your side can be heard.”

If something is said or written in the media when Long doesn’t have the

“I don’t need to justify myself or call a reporter to ask why he or she wrote this. If people think a sportswriter has all the answers, that’s their problem.”

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Page 27: Coaching Management 18.7

chance to immediately respond, he’ll just let it go. For him, it’s not worth get-ting involved in a back-and-forth.

“It’s someone’s opinion,” he says. “I don’t need to justify myself or call a reporter to ask why he or she wrote this. I would never do that. If people think a sportswriter has all the answers, that’s their problem.”

Administrative SupportWhen complaints rise above gar-

den-variety venting, there is one more strategy to employ: Keep school adminis-trators informed. “Whenever a situation develops, I will go to our administrators to make them aware of what’s going on,” Richey-Walton says. “They appreciate being in the loop so they won’t be blind-sided if someone brings it up.”

Terwilliger agrees. “Administrators have so many things to do, the last thing they want is to be out in public and hear about how the football coach is an idiot,” he says. “Any information I give to par-ents, I also give to my athletic director and principal. It’s documentation that they

leadership

can read at their leisure and say, ‘This is what Coach Terwilliger is doing.’”

Keeping your administrators in the loop means little, however, if you’re not open and honest with them. “You head off a lot of problems just by being completely honest from the get-go,” Wilcoxen says. “Most misunderstandings are compounded by people at either end feeling they have to hide something. If you’re misrepresenting anything, your anxiety is just going to spiral.”

Also remember that administrators can be your allies. “I’ve learned is to always have someone else in on the conversation if you foresee a problem,” Kunka says. “There have been times when someone has been really upset about something and didn’t get the response they wanted from me. So I’ve brought in to the meeting an assistant athletic director. It’s important to have a third party present so there can’t be any ‘he said, she said,’ afterwards.”

Keeping administrators informed also garners their support, which can mean criticism does not escalate in the

first place. “If you do not have their backing, you can’t be successful,” Long says. “I don’t care what anybody says. You can be the greatest coach in the world, but if the school board and the athletic director do not back you up, you can still lose your job.”

Wilcoxen believes the support he receives from administrators also makes him more confident when dealing with criticism. “If you feel supported, you’re much more comfortable acknowledg-ing you might have made a mistake,” he says. “I’ve always had what I feel to be unconditional support from my athletic directors. So I can say, ‘Maybe I screwed up,’ and not worry about losing my job.

“But, even more important, that feel-ing of confidence then comes across to the people you’re speaking with,” he con-tinues. “That allows a productive conversa-tion where no one feels threatened—and really great things can happen.” n

A version of this article is appearing in other sport-specific editions of Coaching Management.

CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 25

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t’s 8:15 on a Saturday night. Your team begins its 90-minute bus ride home after an exciting double header—including an extra-innings win. The players are exhausted and eager to get some rest before they leave again at 7 a.m. for the second day of the tourna-

ment and another doubleheader.Most players drain a couple of water

NUTRITION

CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 27

Michelle Rockwell is a Sports Dietitian based in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., who serves as a sports nutrition consultant to North Carolina State University athletics. She offers sports nutrition consulting services in addition to educational products and workshops through RK Team Nutrition: www.rkteamnutrition.com.ri

ch

ard

orr

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ers are fatigued by the seventh inning stretch, your infielders’ legs feel impos-sibly heavy, and they struggle to execute

BY michelle rockwell

RECOVERY PLAY

I

After giving their all in a game or practice, your players have a 30-minute window to start refueling their body properly for maximum effort the next day.

bottles on the ride home, a few eat candy from their bags, and others snack on brownies baked by a player’s mom. Some wait until they get home to see if they’re hungry. Back at school, a few parents are waiting with fast food bags in hand. In all, only a handful of players eat a meal before going to sleep.

You might guess how the second day of the tournament turns out. The play-

Page 30: Coaching Management 18.7

what should be simple plays. They also have trouble maintaining mental focus. One of your biggest run producers goes 0-for-3 at the plate.

Afterward, players may blame the early morning wake-up or the strain of yesterday’s games, or simply say they had an “off day.” They’ll probably never think about the real reason they did so poorly: They completely ignored recov-ery nutrition.

Most athletes know the value of a healthy breakfast and a balanced pre-game meal. But all too often, they don’t know about arguably the most important time to provide their bodies with fuel to replenish and reload. Post-activity eating and drinking is an essential compo-nent of athletic success, and improving recovery nutrition is one of the easiest ways athletes can measurably boost their performance.

Must-HavesRecovery nutrition is best thought of

as a window of opportunity. Research has found that in the approximately

30 minutes after intense exercise, the body optimizes its ability to replenish energy stores—particularly muscle and liver glycogen. This is also a critical time because the body instigates muscle pro-tein synthesis for muscle tissue recovery and repair, replen-ishes fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat, and adapts to the stresses encountered in the workout.

The quantity and quality of nutrients and fluids con-sumed in the post-exercise period greatly affect recovery. And the longer and more intense a workout, the more important it is to kick-start the body’s recovery and replenishment mechanisms with ade-quate fueling. The three most impor-tant components of recovery nutrition are carbohydrates, protein, and fluids/electrolytes.

Carbohydrates. Hard exercise dramat-ically decreases the body’s carbohydrate stores. One recent estimate suggests that a 150-pound athlete may utilize 200

grams of muscle glycogen and 50 grams of liver glycogen in a typical rigorous training session or competition—that’s a total of 1,000 calories worth of carbs!

Athletes should consume .5 to .7

grams of carbohydrates per pound of bodyweight within the first 30 minutes after exercise. For someone weighing 150 pounds, that means roughly 75 to 100 grams.

Beyond the 30-minute “immediate” recovery window, it’s also important for athletes to consume more carbs—at least another 50 grams—about two hours after exercise. This helps complete the restora-tion of glycogen levels and ensure that

NUTRITION

28 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com

Circle No. 122 Circle No. 123

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Chocolate milk in particular is an excellent choice, because it rehy-drates and provides electrolytes while also supplying the body with carbs and protein.

Page 31: Coaching Management 18.7

muscle tissue will be ready to perform again at the next workout, practice, or competition.

Protein. Protein consumed within the recovery window provides amino acid building blocks for muscle tissue synthesis and repair. It also helps ensure a net positive protein balance, which means protein synthesis exceeds protein degradation (breakdown) in muscle tis-sue. Protein degradation is elevated after exercise, so failing to consume protein can actually result in muscle loss.

Researchers generally suggest that athletes need 10 to 20 grams of pro-tein in the 30-minute recovery window to provide adequate amino acids for synthesis and repair. There is limited evidence to suggest that one protein source is superior to another for pro-moting muscle recovery. Some research-ers have reported that whey protein is most favorable because of its unique amino acid composition and absorption rate, but most recommendations do not distinguish between protein sources. With so many protein-rich options, from

meat, dairy, and eggs to nuts, seeds, and legumes, athletes should choose the ones they like best, and perhaps even experiment with different combinations to see if they notice a difference in recovery with certain foods as compared to others.

Fluids/electrolytes. The total amount of fluid and electrolytes needed after physical activity varies by individual based on body chemistry, sweat rate and salt content, and other factors. The sim-plest guide for replenishment is weight loss during workouts: Athletes should weigh themselves before and after activ-ity, and consume 16 to 24 fluid ounces for every pound they lose. For example, someone who drops three pounds dur-ing practice needs 48 to 72 ounces of fluid during the recovery window.

Of course, athletes must also be encouraged to focus on hydration dur-ing activity, so ideally, their pre- and post-workout weight shouldn’t be much different. If the prospect of downing 72 ounces of fluid after a workout is unap-pealing, that’s one more reason to hit

the water and sports drink bottles early and often while working out.

Because sweat contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium, the best recovery hydration options are sports drinks, fruit juice, and flavored milk as opposed to plain water. Chocolate milk in particular is an excellent choice, because it rehydrates and provides elec-trolytes while also supplying the body with carbs and protein.

Meal Or Snack?Athletes crave simplicity in nutrition

advice. One of their most frequently asked questions is whether they are bet-ter off consuming a meal or simply a snack after workouts and games. Some ask this question because they have so little appetite after hard work that a snack is all they can stomach.

In most cases, my answer is both—or more specifically, first one, then the other. It’s fine if they only consume a snack in the 30-minute window, as long as it meets the criteria outlined above. A large glass of chocolate milk and a

CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 29

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Circle No. 124

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30 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com

NUTRITION

few handfuls of pretzels may be all they need to get enough carbs, protein, and electrolytes to begin optimal recovery.

If they go that route, they should

plan on consuming a full meal about two hours later, complete with at least 50 grams of carbs and 15 grams of pro-tein, and a larger quantity of whole food overall. This will ensure that muscle gly-cogen replacement continues and the body’s longer-term recovery processes receive adequate fuel. It will also allow replacement of the broader spectrum of micronutrients and amino acids that the snack didn’t provide.

For those who can eat a full meal within the 30-minute window, the advice basically flip-flops. They should con-sume a snack about two hours after their meal, again with at least 50 grams of carbs and 15 grams of protein. The overall goal is to kick-start recovery with immediate refueling, and then to follow up with further nutritional support after a couple of hours.

Making It HappenIn my work with athletes, I devel-

op individualized nutrition plans that cover daily intake before, during, and after exercise. With recommendations in hand, we work on realistic strategies to make sure the plan is followed.

Sometimes, we got creative to meet the players’ needs. An assistant coach for one team worked with concessions stands at home and on the road to pur-chase salted soft pretzels with mustard at a group discount for the team to eat after games. A parent provided either individual servings of chocolate milk or low-fat milkshakes from a fast food restaurant, and the athletic trainer got into the habit of bringing bananas and a cooler of sports drinks. Simple steps like those meant that players had easy access to quality protein, carbohydrates,

fluids, and electrolytes during the criti-cal 30-minute recovery window.

Of course, there are many ways to improve players’ recovery nutrition hab-its. I asked professionals at several ath-letic programs for their tips, and here’s what they shared:

Practice makes perfect. Chris Morland, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator at North Carolina State University, has implemented post-work-out recovery nutrition with his athletes and observed several benefits. “During the competition phase of the year, when intensity and energy expenditure are very high, I look to make quality calories directly available to athletes right after workouts,” he says. “We also provide athletes with an explanation of why recovery nutrition is important, so they connect recovery to personal choices.”

Morland offers NCAA-permissible nutritional bars and shakes along with sports drinks, nuts, and fruit to his athletes immediately after workouts. He believes that recovery nutrition habits acquired in the weightroom translate into better post-game and post-competi-tion nutrition practices.

Change the culture. Some teams have a well-defined routine they follow after practices and games. The athletes might get treatment in the training room, meet with coaches, hit the show-ers, hang out with friends, and talk to the media, and before they know it, an hour or two has passed and the immedi-ate recovery window has closed.

For these teams, you must find ways to build recovery nutrition into their post-game culture. This can happen through simple steps, such as passing out recovery shakes for consumption as athletes wait for treatment in the train-ing room, or making sure they have a sports drink in hand before they meet with family and friends after a game.

At Texas Christian University, Sport Dietitian Amy Goodson has made the “box meal” a post-competition staple. She typically provides a turkey or ham and cheese sub sandwich (two for ath-letes seeking weight gain) along with baked chips and fruit or a cookie. Because the athletes know a box will be waiting for them after every game, they’ve made it part of their routine and expect to swap game notes and observa-tions over a shared meal.

Account for low appetites. Since exer-cise can suppress appetite, many athletes struggle with a lack of hunger after working out. As Leslie Bonci, Director of Sports Nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, tells her athletes, “You need it the most when you want it the least.”

Athletes who don’t feel hungry after workouts often do better with recov-ery beverages. Flavored milk, drinkable yogurts, and fruit smoothies can provide everything they need without requiring an appetite. Ice-cold sports drinks, fruit juice, and low-fat milkshakes can be espe-cially appealing because of their cooling effect. Once athletes get in the habit of consuming something after workouts, even if it’s just liquid, they’ll usually end up looking forward to it.

Don’t ignore weight goals. Athletes trying to lose weight often resist recovery nutrition because they feel it is a source of unnecessary calories. Some even feel that eating a meal after physical activ-ity “cancels out” the benefits of their hard work by replacing calories they just burned.

Athletes looking to change their body weight require special attention. Even when they do eat, they often don’t make wise choices from a recovery standpoint.

Many athletes who restrict calories for weight loss find that a post-competition or post-workout recovery snack or small meal takes the edge off their appetite, allowing them to better control their portions at subsequent meals. It’s essen-tial to stress that the critical recovery window post-exercise is the worst time to shortchange the body’s fueling needs.

Every athlete interested in optimiz-ing performance should understand the importance of recovery nutrition. If they haven’t been paying attention to their post-workout fueling and you can get them to change their habits, you won’t need to spend hours lecturing them and coaxing them to stick with it. They’ll soon notice the difference for them-selves, and wonder why they didn’t start paying attention to recovery nutrition a lot sooner. n

A version of this article was previously published in Training & Conditioning, a sister publication of Coaching Management. More articles from T&C can be found at: www.Training-Conditioning.com.

ON THE WEBTo download a handout for athletes containing specific advice and recommendations on recovery nutrition, point a browser to: www.training-conditioning.com/Recovery.pdf

National Federation of State High School Associations

NFHS Certification ProgramDesigned to deliver the highest-quality professional development online

at an affordable cost, this certification will:

• Help coaches minimize the inherent risks faced by participating students

• Improve the sport experience of participating students

• Recognize coaches nationally

• Develop a sense of personal and professional accomplishment

• Enable coaches to increase liability insurance coverage through

membership in the NFHS Coaches Association

Level 1 – Accredited Interscholastic Coach

� The coach must complete the following courses:

� NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching

� NFHS First Aid for Coaches (American Red Cross) or its equivalent

� Fundamentals of Coaching (Sport-specific) or Teaching Sport Skills

Level 2 – Certified Interscholastic Coach

� Level 1 Completion + (Core Courses and Elective Courses)

Level 3 – Master Interscholastic Coach

� Level 2 Completion + (Core Courses and Elective Courses)

Elective Courses:• Engaging Effectively with Parents

• Teaching and Modeling Behavior

• Teaching Sport Skills

NFHS Coach Certificationwww.nfhslearn.com

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

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NFHS Coach Certification Ad 2_10:Layout 1 2/3/2010 12:41 PM Page 1

Page 33: Coaching Management 18.7

National Federation of State High School Associations

NFHS Certification ProgramDesigned to deliver the highest-quality professional development online

at an affordable cost, this certification will:

• Help coaches minimize the inherent risks faced by participating students

• Improve the sport experience of participating students

• Recognize coaches nationally

• Develop a sense of personal and professional accomplishment

• Enable coaches to increase liability insurance coverage through

membership in the NFHS Coaches Association

Level 1 – Accredited Interscholastic Coach

� The coach must complete the following courses:

� NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching

� NFHS First Aid for Coaches (American Red Cross) or its equivalent

� Fundamentals of Coaching (Sport-specific) or Teaching Sport Skills

Level 2 – Certified Interscholastic Coach

� Level 1 Completion + (Core Courses and Elective Courses)

Level 3 – Master Interscholastic Coach

� Level 2 Completion + (Core Courses and Elective Courses)

Elective Courses:• Engaging Effectively with Parents

• Teaching and Modeling Behavior

• Teaching Sport Skills

NFHS Coach Certificationwww.nfhslearn.com

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™

Get Certified! TM

NFHS Coach Certification Ad 2_10:Layout 1 2/3/2010 12:41 PM Page 1

Circle No. 127

Page 34: Coaching Management 18.7

The Making of a HitterThis is a “how to teach” hitting book that offers insight that will help hitters of all ages. The non-confrontational approach to hitting provides coaches and parents teaching methods that will make practicing hitting fun for all. Author Jack Perconte was a professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Chicago White Sox. He has taught baseball and softball for more than 20 years.

Price: $16.00Item Number: MM0001

Skills & Drills for Pitching VelocityRandy Mazey, whose pitching staff at TCU finished the 2008 season with a 3.63 ERA (fifth in Division I), identifies four areas that aid velocity - Linear movement, Finger placement, Large muscle strength and Rotation - and demonstrates simple, yet effective drills that will build each area in your pitcher. 39 minutes. 2010.

Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-03433B

Skills & Drills for CatchersLearn and develop the skills you need to play the most demanding position in baseball.Ryan Shotzberger takes you through the three “Catching Musts:” 1) Catching; 2) Blocking; and 3) Throwing.For each “Catching Must,” Shotzberger explains the common flaws associated with it and demonstrates drills to correct the problems. 36 minutes. 2010.

Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-03433F

Play Ball–100 Baseball Practice GamesWith more than 100 skill-this book covers everything from the fundamentals of fielding, pitching, catching, and hitting to special situations such as rundowns, base stealing, and bunting. Renowned ABCA Hall of Fame coach Tom O’Connell includes games for individual players as well as group competitions for infielders, outfielders, and pitchers and catchers.240 pages

Price: $18.95Item Number: 9780736081573

20 Drills to Build a Better OutfielderCoach Tom Riginos highlights more than 20 baseball drills that will keep your outfielders performing at their best! Coach Riginos’ throwing drills series will help your outfielders increase the back spin on the ball which will give their throws more carry and create a better hop for the cut-off man. Learn ground ball and pop fly drills and techniques that can be used every day in practice. 46 minutes. 2002.

Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-01825

The Nutrition EdgeLearn how proper nutrition can help your players reach their true potential through the valuable information presented in this collection prepared by Susan Kundrat, Sports Dietitian for the University of Illinois. Topics include recovery nutrition, nutrient timing, pregame meals, losing weight, caffeine, and hydration. It also includes case studies and a look at special situations including celiac disease and vegetarian athletes.180 pages Price: $16.95Item Number: 111002

ORDER FORM

Learning from Peers Looking to gain a coaching edge in the off season? Order these books & DVDs by using the form below. Learning from Peers

MAG, Inc.31 Dutch Mill Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 Code CM 18.7

Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Daytime Phone: (to be used if there’s a problem with your order.)Email address:

PAY M E N T M E T H O D

I T E M S

q U.S. check made payable to MAG, Inc. enclosed (sorry, only US orders)q VISA q MasterCard q Discover q AmerExCredit card #: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Expiration date: _ _ / _ _ 3 or 4 digit code: _ _ _ _Cardholder Name: Cardholder Signature:

QUANTITY ITEM # TITLE PRICE

S H I P P I N G P R I C E S

0-$49.99 = $8.00 $50-$99.99 = $9.00 $100-$149.99 = $10.00 $150-and up = $12.00

Fax this order to 607-257-7328 or Mail this order to MAG, Inc., 31 Dutch Mill Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850

Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

subtotal $ + shipping $ NY residents add sales tax $ = TOTAL $

Situational Basesball Drills for Team DefenseTwo of the most challenging aspects of coaching a baseball practice are keeping all of your players active and covering as many game situations as possible. Point Loma Nazarene coach, Joe Schaefer shares eight complete team defensive drills you can use to do both in your limited amount of practice time.These are the same drills Coach Schaefer incorporates everyday in practice that have helped produce two NAIA Gold-Glove winners over the past two years. 43 minutes. 2009.Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-03417

Secrets to Pitcher- Catcher RelationshipCoach Matt Walbeck, an 11-year major league catcher, presents a unique look at developing the Pitcher-Catcher relationship. Good communication between the catcher and pitcher before and during the game will lead to greater success. An overall pitching plan is devised between the coach, pitcher and the catcher. Topics discussed are reviewing signs and different counts you will encounter during the game. 30 minutes. 2006.

Price: $29.99Item Number: LD-02677B

Practice Perfect BaseballSuccessful seasons don’t begin on opening day. The game’s premier collegiate coaches share their approaches, experiences, and philosophies on every facet of practice. From structuring sessions to evaluating practice performance, the vast informa-tion allows you to choose what you wish to implement in your program. Developed by the ABCA and edited by Bob Ben-nett, Practice Perfect Baseball is essential reading for every coach at every level of the sport.256 pages

Price: $19.95Item Number: 9780736087131

Situational Pitching & Recognizing HittersChris Sinacori shares the secrets to becoming a successful pitcher which helped him win a gold medal as a member of the USA Baseball Junior Olympic team in 1988. Sinacori carefully demon-strates grips, and emphasizes the mechanics and follow-through of some popular pitches - such as the 4-seam fastball, 2-seam fastball, cut fastball, curveball, slider, and multiple forms of the change-up. Sinacori then goes over the thought processes a dominant pitcher must go through. 37 minutes. 2004.Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-02165D

Team Drills to Improve Infield PlayCoach Jack Leggett demonstrates the baseball drills he uses to improve infield play and practice efficiency in a team or group environment. More than 15 baseball drills are demonstrated including his 30 minute infield drill, the square drill and an excellent drill that combines batting and infield practice. Areas covered include ground balls, bunt offense and defense, game situations, tagging, and much more!38 minutes. 2003.Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-02001C

Secrets of the Short Game: Bunting Technique and DrillsThis baseball bunting DVD is your all-inclusive guide for learning and practicing the bunt and integrating it into your scoring philosophy. Watch as Coast Carolina Coach Gary Gilmore provides detailed strategy and offensive advantages to bunting. Take a look at an in-depth breakdown of bunting techniques, including footage from Coastal Carolina practices, and learn how to “sell” bunting to your players.45 minutes. 2009.Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-03349

CM1807_pg32-33.indd 32-33 8/26/10 5:39:35 PM

Page 35: Coaching Management 18.7

The Making of a HitterThis is a “how to teach” hitting book that offers insight that will help hitters of all ages. The non-confrontational approach to hitting provides coaches and parents teaching methods that will make practicing hitting fun for all. Author Jack Perconte was a professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Chicago White Sox. He has taught baseball and softball for more than 20 years.

Price: $16.00Item Number: MM0001

Skills & Drills for Pitching VelocityRandy Mazey, whose pitching staff at TCU finished the 2008 season with a 3.63 ERA (fifth in Division I), identifies four areas that aid velocity - Linear movement, Finger placement, Large muscle strength and Rotation - and demonstrates simple, yet effective drills that will build each area in your pitcher. 39 minutes. 2010.

Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-03433B

Skills & Drills for CatchersLearn and develop the skills you need to play the most demanding position in baseball.Ryan Shotzberger takes you through the three “Catching Musts:” 1) Catching; 2) Blocking; and 3) Throwing.For each “Catching Must,” Shotzberger explains the common flaws associated with it and demonstrates drills to correct the problems. 36 minutes. 2010.

Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-03433F

Play Ball–100 Baseball Practice GamesWith more than 100 skill-this book covers everything from the fundamentals of fielding, pitching, catching, and hitting to special situations such as rundowns, base stealing, and bunting. Renowned ABCA Hall of Fame coach Tom O’Connell includes games for individual players as well as group competitions for infielders, outfielders, and pitchers and catchers.240 pages

Price: $18.95Item Number: 9780736081573

20 Drills to Build a Better OutfielderCoach Tom Riginos highlights more than 20 baseball drills that will keep your outfielders performing at their best! Coach Riginos’ throwing drills series will help your outfielders increase the back spin on the ball which will give their throws more carry and create a better hop for the cut-off man. Learn ground ball and pop fly drills and techniques that can be used every day in practice. 46 minutes. 2002.

Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-01825

The Nutrition EdgeLearn how proper nutrition can help your players reach their true potential through the valuable information presented in this collection prepared by Susan Kundrat, Sports Dietitian for the University of Illinois. Topics include recovery nutrition, nutrient timing, pregame meals, losing weight, caffeine, and hydration. It also includes case studies and a look at special situations including celiac disease and vegetarian athletes.180 pages Price: $16.95Item Number: 111002

ORDER FORM

Learning from Peers Looking to gain a coaching edge in the off season? Order these books & DVDs by using the form below. Learning from Peers

MAG, Inc.31 Dutch Mill Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 Code CM 18.7

Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Daytime Phone: (to be used if there’s a problem with your order.)Email address:

PAY M E N T M E T H O D

I T E M S

q U.S. check made payable to MAG, Inc. enclosed (sorry, only US orders)q VISA q MasterCard q Discover q AmerExCredit card #: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Expiration date: _ _ / _ _ 3 or 4 digit code: _ _ _ _Cardholder Name: Cardholder Signature:

QUANTITY ITEM # TITLE PRICE

S H I P P I N G P R I C E S

0-$49.99 = $8.00 $50-$99.99 = $9.00 $100-$149.99 = $10.00 $150-and up = $12.00

Fax this order to 607-257-7328 or Mail this order to MAG, Inc., 31 Dutch Mill Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850

Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

subtotal $ + shipping $ NY residents add sales tax $ = TOTAL $

Situational Basesball Drills for Team DefenseTwo of the most challenging aspects of coaching a baseball practice are keeping all of your players active and covering as many game situations as possible. Point Loma Nazarene coach, Joe Schaefer shares eight complete team defensive drills you can use to do both in your limited amount of practice time.These are the same drills Coach Schaefer incorporates everyday in practice that have helped produce two NAIA Gold-Glove winners over the past two years. 43 minutes. 2009.Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-03417

Secrets to Pitcher- Catcher RelationshipCoach Matt Walbeck, an 11-year major league catcher, presents a unique look at developing the Pitcher-Catcher relationship. Good communication between the catcher and pitcher before and during the game will lead to greater success. An overall pitching plan is devised between the coach, pitcher and the catcher. Topics discussed are reviewing signs and different counts you will encounter during the game. 30 minutes. 2006.

Price: $29.99Item Number: LD-02677B

Practice Perfect BaseballSuccessful seasons don’t begin on opening day. The game’s premier collegiate coaches share their approaches, experiences, and philosophies on every facet of practice. From structuring sessions to evaluating practice performance, the vast informa-tion allows you to choose what you wish to implement in your program. Developed by the ABCA and edited by Bob Ben-nett, Practice Perfect Baseball is essential reading for every coach at every level of the sport.256 pages

Price: $19.95Item Number: 9780736087131

Situational Pitching & Recognizing HittersChris Sinacori shares the secrets to becoming a successful pitcher which helped him win a gold medal as a member of the USA Baseball Junior Olympic team in 1988. Sinacori carefully demon-strates grips, and emphasizes the mechanics and follow-through of some popular pitches - such as the 4-seam fastball, 2-seam fastball, cut fastball, curveball, slider, and multiple forms of the change-up. Sinacori then goes over the thought processes a dominant pitcher must go through. 37 minutes. 2004.Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-02165D

Team Drills to Improve Infield PlayCoach Jack Leggett demonstrates the baseball drills he uses to improve infield play and practice efficiency in a team or group environment. More than 15 baseball drills are demonstrated including his 30 minute infield drill, the square drill and an excellent drill that combines batting and infield practice. Areas covered include ground balls, bunt offense and defense, game situations, tagging, and much more!38 minutes. 2003.Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-02001C

Secrets of the Short Game: Bunting Technique and DrillsThis baseball bunting DVD is your all-inclusive guide for learning and practicing the bunt and integrating it into your scoring philosophy. Watch as Coast Carolina Coach Gary Gilmore provides detailed strategy and offensive advantages to bunting. Take a look at an in-depth breakdown of bunting techniques, including footage from Coastal Carolina practices, and learn how to “sell” bunting to your players.45 minutes. 2009.Price: $39.99Item Number: LD-03349

CM1807_pg32-33.indd 32-33 8/26/10 5:39:35 PM

Page 36: Coaching Management 18.7

34 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 35

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34 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 35

Baseball Fields

Circle No. 128

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cage nets, protective screens, and deflective barrier netting products. All custom nets are guaranteed to be of the highest quality, and are built in the USA to meet all your needs. Call SPI Nets toll-free or go online to learn more. SPI Nets • 866-243-6387www.spinets.net Circle No. 508

iN the redTurface Athletics has introduced Pro League Heritage Red to its leading line of infield conditioners. With a smaller, more uniform particle than Turface MVP, Pro League Heritage Red features a rich cherrywood color that is consistent on both wet and dry infields. It maintains a uniform color throughout the game, offering high ball visibility and a new look that will set your field apart. For more information, visit teh company’s Web site.Turface Athletics • 800-207-6457www.Turface.com Circle No. 510

improve your mouNdPro Mound, a unique blue gumbo packing clay, delivers all-star performance on the mound and in the batter’s box. It bonds to form a solid sub-surface that allows players to dig in and establish footing without leaving holes, and it holds up season after season. Pro Mound is the preferred pitching mound clay of professional baseball. Pro’s Choice • 800-648-1166www.proschoice1.com Circle No. 529

Circle No. 129

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Baseball Fields

Go DeepPro’s Choice is proud to have Pro Red topdressing on its all-

star roster of sports field products. This infield topdressing boasts the company’s deepest red color, which will give your fields the appearance you want and the conditioning you need. Pro Red is specially formulated to provide long-lasting red color that does not come off on players’ uniforms. It has all the advantages you have come to expect. Pro’s Choice • 800-648-1166www.proschoice1.com Circle No. 531

A Premier Team Building and Tournament Venue

Vero Beach Sports Village provides the ideal setting to enable your team to grow together and better prepare for your upcoming season. From the moment you arrive until it’s time to leave, everything you need is here at this 67-acre sports and conference center.

The complex can be configured for a variety of team sports, including baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and more. The facility features an abundance of competition and practice fields along with on-site housing, dining, and recreation, saving your group valuable energy and expense while providing more time for both on- and off-field activities to build that championship feeling.

Vero Beach Sports VillageP.O. Box 2887 • Vero Beach, FL 32961Toll-free 866-656-4900 • Fax: [email protected]

Built for the lonG haulMade of Vipol Matrix mesh, Tuffy is one of the world’s toughest windscreens. With over 50 percent more microfibers than competitors, it is virtually tear- and puncture-proof. It is the only windscreen with lock-stitched ends and corners, eliminating the unraveling problem of conventional chain-stitched competi-tive products. Now available in 15 colors and with Chroma-Bond multi-color imprinting, Tuffy will upgrade the longevity and appearance of any baseball, softball, or tennis fencing. It’s protected by a four-year factory warranty.Aer-Flo, Inc. • 800-823-7356www.aerflo.com Circle No. 515

Company News

topDressinG saves the DayWhat do you do if you’re hosting a regional baseball tournament, it has been raining all morning, and four of your five infields are mud? You move the tournament to the field that has the Game-On product applied. This scenario actually played out at a recent baseball tournament in Stark County, Ohio. When the rain stopped, the only playable field was the one that had been treated with Game-On Red topdressing. Using that field, the tournament was completed as scheduled. DiGeronimo Aggregates, LLC • 888-593-0395www.hayditegame-on.com Circle No. 541

Many satisfieD CustoMersBeam Clay has supplied products to every Major League Baseball team, more than 150 minor league teams, more than 700 colleges, and thousands of towns and schools from all 50 states and worldwide. Beam Clay supplies special mixes for infields, pitcher’s mounds, home plate areas, red warning tracks, infield conditioners, and drying agents, plus more than 200 other infield products, including regional infield mixes blended for every state and climate from bulk plants nationwide. Beam Clay • 800-247-BEAMwww.beamclay.com Circle No. 506

no Water neeDeD Not enough time to maintain your mound properly? Common mound clays require saturation, overnight drying, and screening before they can be used. They also require constant water and maintenance for play. Hilltopper Mound Clay is the first “waterless” mound clay that does not need water

DuraBle anD Grass-likeAstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D is a hybrid synthetic surface that’s more durable than polyethylene systems and accurately mimics the performance of natural grass. A double nylon Root Zone acts as a traction layer, providing fiber support, minimizing infill migration and reducing the compaction associated with other infill products. Recently installed as a conversion system for the MLB Toronto Blue Jays, this surface was designed and constructed for a wide variety of sports and multi-purpose facilities.AstroTurf • 800-723-8873www.astroturfusa.com Circle No. 549

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Baseball Fields

Circle No. 130

The new seventh-inning stretch.TurfCordz™ resistance products meet the extreme demands of high-level athletic training, from core strength and agility workouts to explosive start and quick-reaction drills.

• Safety Super Bungie Best seller for improving speed and endurance

• Modular Speed Belt Two-person system for speed-assisted and resisted running exercises

• Cuff Tuff Strengthens shoulder rotator cuff

TurfCordz help you overcome physical and mental barriersto enhance performance.

Order today! Call 800.886.6621 or visit turfcordz.com now.

Made in USA

For Better FieldsDiamond Pro offers a complete line of professional groundskeeping products: infield conditioners, calcined clay, mound and

home plate clay, bricks, marking dust, and infield and warning track mixes. The company offers fast and convenient delivery. Diamond Pro’s vitrified red clay infield conditioner is available in bulk nationwide, and is easy to handle and apply. Truckloads are available in 10-, 15-, and 24-ton loads that save you both time and money. TXI/Diamond Pro • 800-228-2987www.diamondpro.com Circle No. 543

Won’t Break doWnGame-On is a sports field soil conditioner that will not break your budget and will provide excellent results. It is a lightweight, expanded-shale product that absorbs more than 20 percent of its weight in water. Game-On is more durable than clay products and tends not to break down into fine particles. The Game-On product line also includes Game-On Red topdressing, Game-On warning track mix, and Game Dry drying agent. Game-On is available both in bags and in bulk. DiGeronimo Aggregates, LLC • 888-593-0395www.hayditegame-on.com Circle No. 544

Good enouGh For the Pros

C&H Baseball has been supplying quality equipment to professional teams since the

1960s. The company’s products have been in the field for more than 40 years, which shows a commitment to quality. C&H manufactures portable batting cages, field screens, field products, padding, netting, and the “Original” ball caddy. Buy direct from the manufacturer and provide your team with some of the longest-performing field equipment on the market today. The company also provides field maintenance equipment, tunnels, installation services, backstop systems, barrier netting, replacement nets, and more. C&H Baseball • 800-248-5192www.chbaseball.com Circle No. 502

or screening. The polymer coating makes it ready to pack right out of the bag, saving time and material.

Stabilizer Solutions • 800-336-2468www.stabilizersolutions.com Circle No. 542

keePinG CoolAstroTurf introduces Astroflect Technology, featuring Bonar Coolgrass. This cutting-edge technology reduces surface temperature when compared to a typical synthetic turf field. It allows the fiber to reflect infrared light and dissipate heat into the atmosphere instead of absorbing it into the yarn. Astroflect Technology has been implemented in the AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D surface at Wichita State University’s Eck Stadium to provide relief from elevated surface temperatures.AstroTurf • 800-723-8873www.astroturfusa.com Circle No. 550

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Hitting & Pitching

All In the hIpsHitting for power? Try the Power Bag. It is designed to teach hitters to use their lower half when hitting the ball—not just to rotate the hips, but actually to use them as a power source when driving through the ball. The Power Bag allows the hitter to power through contact and finish the swing. Use good point-

of-contact mechanics and the bag will swing higher for a visual reward. Use lazy hips, rolled wrists, or swing around the ball and the bag will not move nearly as much. Muhl Tech • 888-766-8772www.muhltech.com Circle No. 511

power plAyStrengthen the shoulder and improve throwing with the Power Throw-Ball. These durable, small, weighted balls fit easily in the hand and help develop dynamic strength when used with the throwing motion. The Power Throw-

Ball can also be used for upper-body rehabilitation after injury. It is available in baseball or softball sizes in seven, 14, and 21 ounces to accommodate most users, and can be purchased individually or in a set of three.Power Systems • 800-321-6975www.power-systems.com Circle No. 513

perfect pItchRecent customers of the Junior Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine include David Brisbane Baseball Academy (PA), Roane County High School (WV), Ravenscroft School (NC), Pinelands Regional High School (NJ), Hope Christian School (NM), Belton High School (TX), Stony Point High School (TX), Pleasant Valley High School (CA), Flatonia High School (TX), and Sacred Heart Catholic School (TX). To join these respected ranks, email [email protected], call the company’s toll free number or got to its Web site.Sports Attack • 800-717-4251www.sportsattack.com Circle No. 514

two GreAt pItchersSimply push a button on the TriplePlay Pro pitching machine to choose the type of pitch you want. It can automatically throw fastballs, curves, sliders, and sinkers. The pitch speed is adjustable from 40 to 90 mph in five-mph increments and is digitally displayed. The TriplePlay Pro utilizes a three-wheel pitching mechanism so the baseball is visible from the time it leaves the feeder’s hand until it is pitched. The TriplePlay Basic offers the same three-wheel advantage as the TriplePlay Pro, with pitches adjustable from 30 to 80 mph. It features AC/DC capability. Sports Tutor • 800-448-8867www.sportsmachines.com Circle No. 516

More thAn speedEasier to use than a radar gun, the RevFire measures the spin of pitches as well as the speed. Adopted by college teams and clinics across the country, coaches report dramatic results—pitchers throw a more effective breaking ball when they receive spin rate feedback. The RevFire is quickly becoming standard equipment among high school programs, private instructors,

and serious pitchers. Visit RevFire online to learn more. RevFire Corp. • 866-414-3040www.revfire.com Circle No. 536

portAble pItchInGThe UPM45 Blue Flame Pitching Machine is the ultimate training aid for coaches and players. It throws accurate, level pitches at 18 to 45 miles per hour using real baseballs and softballs. This machine is completely portable, mechanical, and easy to use. Take it anywhere, indoors or out, and throw accurate pitches, fly-balls, and hard ground balls without the need for electricity. Experience why the UPM45 is among the top-selling pitching machines in the world.GameMaster • 800-646-4225 www.sluggerUPM.com Circle No. 538

tIMInG toolThe SwingRite Home Run Hitter (SHRH) is the newest batting training aid that is revolutionizing the baseball industry. The SRHRH will increase bat swing speed, batting productivity, and improve hand-eye coordination. Listen for the “click” to tell you where you are making contact with the ball. Stop throwing away power by releasing your hands too early or too late, use the SHRH to develop muscle memory and get your timing just right!SwingRite • 978-887-2470SwingRiteHomeRunHitter.com Circle No. 546

pItch on dIrt IndoorsPitch indoors on real dirt with DuraPitch Mound Trainers. Recreate the outdoor pitching experience without

the commitment of installing a mound. DuraPitch Mound Double Trainers conserve floor space while allowing pitchers to comfortably practice side by side. DuraPitch Mound Trainers feature specialty clay that won’t dry out and require minimal maintenance. Comes in sizes 5’x9’, 12’x9’, and 14’x9’. Center platform double trainers come in paint or synthetic. Mobility packages are available. Single models start at $2495 + tax/shipping. Pictured is the 14’x9’ model w/Synthetic at $6195 + tax/shipping.Natural Sand Company • 724-530-2298www.naturalsand.com Circle No. 547

Page 41: Coaching Management 18.7

Programmable PitchingThe HomePlate pitching machine is the first programmable pitching machine designed for both batting cage and on-field use. You can store up to eight different pitches—including fastballs up to 90 mph, curveballs, changeups, sliders, and more—in eight different programs,

with only seven seconds between pitches. The programmed pitches in the HomePlate can be thrown sequentially for specific hitting drills, randomly for game conditions, or in a way that simulates an opposing pitcher. Choose the 80-ball auto-feed model at $6,595, or the hand-feed model at $5,295.Sports Tutor • 800-448-8867www.sportsmachines.com Circle No. 518

38 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 39

Hitting & Pitching

Feedback mattersWant to give your hitters instant feedback? Look no further than the Advanced Skills Tee (AST). The tee of choice for more than 3,000 high school and college programs, the AST’s unique forward arm design and outside barrier give instant visual and physical feedback. Eliminate casting, looping bats, and dropping shoulders with this portable and extremely durable batting tee. It comes with a two-year warranty.Muhl Tech • 888-766-8772www.muhltech.com Circle No. 512

select comPanyRecent customers of the Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine include the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Oakland A’s, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, University of Arkansas, Birmingham Community College (AL), St. Joseph’s College (NY) Penn State University, University of Santa

Barbara (CA), Berry College (GA), Neosho Community College (KS), McKendree University (IL), and Kirkwood Community College (IA). Sports Attack • 800-717-4251www.sportsattack.com Circle No. 517

Circle No. 131

www.CoachesNetwork.com

VIEWEducational videos, including skill instruction and drills

READ Coaching-specific articles and information

FIND Helpful tips on handling off-the-field demands

ONLINETHE SOURCETO LEARN MORE ABOUT COACHING

Page 42: Coaching Management 18.7

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Team Equipment

CoaChing BreakthroughsFor coaches who are serious about improving

performance, Athlete Assessments provides the key tools to breakthrough performances. Identify your players’ individual strengths, limiting behaviors, and unique motivation strategies. Know

how to push your players’ performance buttons, improve communication, and

develop stronger team bonds. Coaches can be confident about how their team “works” and turn around performance issues before they result in a loss. Get your free Coach’s Pack today. Athlete Assessments • 760-742-5157www.athleteassessments.com/cm Circle No. 519

tuff enoughThe TurfCordz Cuff Tuff can strengthen your shoulder rotator cuff through internal and external rotation exercises.

Whatever you’re training for, from baseball to golf, this single four-foot (1.2-meter) rubber tube with handle and combination mounting loop will help you achieve the ultimate workout. The Cuff Tuff is available in five resistance levels, from three to 34 pounds. For more on the full line of TurfCordz resistance products, all designed to meet the extreme demands of high-level athletic training, contact the company today.NZ Manufacturing, LLC • 800-866-6621www.turfcordz.com Circle No. 520

reflex aCtionImprove overall coordination and depth perception with the Reflex Ball. The random bounce of the Reflex Ball improves eye-hand coordination and the ability to make split-second decisions. The Reflex Ball comes in two sizes: the four-inch Jumbo (orange)

and the three-inch (green). The four-inch option has a softer bounce, and the

three-inch ball is faster and smaller, which makes it more difficult to catch. Power Systems • 800-321-6975www.power-systems.com Circle No. 521

faCtory-DireCt ValueIn five short years, Prep Gear Headwear has

become a national leader in factory-direct headwear products for high schools and

institutions. At Prep Gear, each hat is assembled from scratch using the highest-quality materials and expert

craftsmanship. In today’s economy, why pay an extra mark-up when you can buy premium products direct from the factory? Call or go online for more information. Prep Gear Headwear • 800-279-7060www.prepgear.com Circle No. 522

Web News

Site Focuses on Ankle Support and HealthActive Ankle’s newly designed Web site includes a wealth of offerings, from a Community of Sport forum and photo gallery where athletes, coaches, parents, and athletic trainers can post and share information to an entire section on ankle health. The company offers printable guidelines on injury treatment and prevention, step-by-step videos demonstrating the treatment and rehab of an ankle sprain, and strengthening exercises to keep ankles strong and healthy while wearing Active Ankle braces for added protection. www.activeankle.com

Multi-Functional and Easy to NavigateAt the BigSigns.com Web site, users can learn about the company’s newest and most popular products, see its proven versatility in design, and understand why it is a trusted national leader in stadium graphics. The user-friendly site showcases an electronic portfolio of projects with sharp photos and in-depth product detail. There are product installation manuals and instructions, tabs for art uploading and proofing, and a link for a quick quote. While online, see how BigSigns.com can help build your sponsorship revenue and elevate your stadium graphics. Get inspiration for your latest project as well. www.bigsigns.com

New Site Offers Advanced Features and User-Friendly FunctionM.A.S.A. is proud to announce its newest Web site. This enhanced site offers extensive search fields, high-quality photographs, and of course all the latest field maintenance, baseball, softball, football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and multi-sport accessories. Whether you’d like to purchase a gift certificate, get info on the pool truck program, find up-to-date info on M.A.S.A.’s next show or demo, get a quote, or just place an order, the new site is sure to get you what you need. The company would also love to hear suggestions on how to improve and make your experience even better, so check out the customer service tab and share your thoughts and ideas.www.sportsadvantage.com

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Product Launch

ADD THE BIGGEST NAME IN BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL TO

YOUR FIELDS...

Louisville Slugger® is a registered trademark of Hillerich and Bradsby Co.

www.gametimesportssystems.com

800-520-0512

Ballfi eld Maintenance MaterialsBallfi eld Maintenance MaterialsBallfi eld Maintenance Materials

OIP Back Saver Ball CaddyM.A.S.A., Inc. 800-264-4519www.SportsAdvantage.com

Circle No. 533

Unique features:• Voted 2010 Best of Show Winner at the Dallas ABCA Convention• 1 3/8-inch diameter flo-coated galvanized steel tubing• Osborne #72 braided nylon

Benefits for the user:• Handlebar design for a comfortable grip• Dolly-style design tips back and rolls easily on 10-inch pneumatic tires

Circle No. 134

Cool 360° vids of athleteshurdling, vaulting, jumping,kicking- all sorts of neatstuff. Very virtual.

Get up to date resultsthrough our site.Sports crawl and all.

who are we? Aluminum Athletic Equipment Co.wanna stop by? 1000 Enterprise Drive • Royersford, PA 19468phone ? 800-523-5471 • 610.825.6565fax? really? 610.825.2378what’re our games? Track & Field • Football • Soccer

Lacrosse Field Hockey • Baseball • Softball

On-Field Fantasy Vids

Sports feed24/7 fromESPN

Tons of other neat features on this free site, you gotta check it out.

.com

Athletic Management

1/6-Page Vertical2.125 x 4.8125

Hey Dude,check it out...

Louisville Slugger UPM Swing RepGameMaster • 800-646-4225www.sluggerupm.com Circle No. 539

Unique features:• Perfect hitting station for any age or skill level• Unique guideline system provides instant feedback to batters• Great for individual- or coach-driven practices• Lightweight and portable

Benefits for the user:• Can be used indoors or outside• Adjustable for height • Great for incorporating many different drills• Never need to retrieve balls

Circle No. 132

800,000 Teeth areKnocked Out Each Year

During Sports!Protect Your Athletes!

Save-A-Tooth gives you

time to treat more serious

injuries and get

athletes to the dentist or

emergency room.

Call (888) 788-6684 or visitwww.Save-A-Tooth.com

for more information

Circle No. 133

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Directory

Advertising Directory

Product Directory

Circle # Company Page # Circle # Company Page # Circle # Company Page #

Circle # Company Page # Circle # Company Page # Circle # Company Page #

515. .Aer-Flo (Tuffy Windscreen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36500. .Aer-Flo (Wind Weighted Baseball Tarps) . . . . . 34501. .Aluminum Athletic Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 34519. .Athlete Assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40506. .Beam Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36502. .C&H Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37525. .California University of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . 42543. .Diamond Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37544. .DiGeronimo Aggregates (Game-On product line) . 37541. .DiGeronimo Aggregates (Game-On Red) . . . . . . 36540. .Game Time Sports Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34539. .GameMaster (UPM Swing Rep) . . . . . . . . . . . 41538. .GameMaster (UPM45) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38503. .GameTime Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34524. .Gatorade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42526. .Gatorade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

549. .GeneralSports Venue/AstroTurf (Root Zone) . . . . 36550. .GeneralSports Venue/AstroTurf (Bonar Coolgrass) 37537. .Gourock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34504. .Heying Company (Infield Drag). . . . . . . . . . . . 34533. .M.A.S.A. (Ball Caddy) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41505. .M.A.S.A. (Home Plate Sports Turf Mats) . . . . . 34509. .M.A.S.A. (Poly-Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35545. .MilkPEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43512. .Muhl Tech (Advanced Skills Tee) . . . . . . . . . . 39511. .Muhl Tech (Power Bag) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38548. .Muscle Milk (Cake Batter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43547. .Natural Sand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 513. .Power Systems (Power Throw-Ball) . . . . . . . . 38521. .Power Systems (Reflex Ball) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40522. .Prep Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40529. .Pro’s Choice (Pro Mound). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

531. .Pro’s Choice (Pro Red topdressing) . . . . . . . . 36536. .RevFire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38527. .Save-A-Tooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42508. .SPI Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35517. .Sports Attack (Hack Attack) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39514. .Sports Attack (Junior Hack Attack) . . . . . . . . . 38518. .Sports Tutor (HomePlate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39516. .Sports Tutor (TriplePlay Pro) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38542. .Stabilizer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36546. .SwingRite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 510. .Turface Athletics (Pro League Heritage Red). . 35507. .Turface Athletics (Turface MVP) . . . . . . . . . . . 34520. .TurfCordz/NZ Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40528. .U.S. Baseball Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42532. .Vero Beach Sports Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

134. .AAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41101. .Aer-Flo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2123. .Athlete Assessments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28137. .Beam Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43125. .C&H Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25115. .California University of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . 22121. .Carolina Green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26131. .Coaches Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39109. .Diamond Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16133. .Game Time Sports Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41103. .Game-On Field Conditioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6128. .GameMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35124. .GameTime Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

139. .Gatorade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC138. .GeneralSports Venue/AstroTurf . . . . . . . . . . IBC119. .Gourock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24135. .Heying Company (Infield Drag). . . . . . . . . . . . 43102. .M.A.S.A. Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5108. .MilkPEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13110. .Muhl Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17129. .Natural Sand (DuraEdge) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35127. .NFHS Coach Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31113. .Osborne Innovative Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19111. .Prep Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18117. .Pro’s Choice Sports Field Products . . . . . . . . . 23112. .RevFire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

132. .Save-A-Tooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41116. .SPI Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22100. .Sports Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC105. .Sports Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7122. .Stabilizer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28126. .SwingRite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25106. .Turface Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9130. .TurfCordz/NZ Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37107. .U.S. Baseball Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10114. .Vero Beach Sports Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20118. .White Line Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

NEVER STOP LEaRNiNgCalifornia University of Pennsylva-nia’s Global Online programs offer a 100-percent online learning experience with the convenience of an asynchro-nous format. Complete your course-work anywhere, at any time that’s convenient for you—all you need is a computer and Internet access. California University of Pennsylvania • 866-595-6348www.cup.edu/go Circle No. 525

TimE maTTERSWithout proper care, a knocked-out tooth begins

to die in 15 minutes. The Save-A-Tooth® emergency tooth preserving system utilizes Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution to not only preserve, but also reconstitute

many of the degenerated cells. The patented basket and net container are designed to protect tooth root cells. This is the only system that keeps tooth cells alive for up to 24 hours.Save-A-Tooth® • 888-788-6684www.save-a-tooth.com Circle No. 527

HOSTiNg a CamPU.S. Baseball Academy partners with high school and college coaches across the country and is the nation’s largest network of baseball camps. U.S. Baseball Academy makes the camps hassle-free for coaches by providing the itinerary, equipment, marketing, public relations, registration, pay-ments, insurance, and even T-shirts. Coaches run the six-day program at their school and earn up to $10,000 as a hosting fee. The 2009-10 program included 250 locations in 32 states and approximately 40,000 players. The deadline for new locations is October 31.U.S. Baseball Academy • 800-669-6323www.usbaseballacademy.com Circle No. 528

HydRaTiON & RECOVERyGatorade Recover 03™, part of the G Series, is the first protein and carbohydrate beverage formulated with the consistency of a thirst quencher to provide hydration and muscle recovery benefits after exercise. In addition to the 16 grams of protein, Gatorade Recover 03™ has 14 grams of carbohydrates and electrolytes like sodium and potassium to help you replace nutrients after a tough

practice or game.Gatorade • 800-884-2867www.gatorade.com Circle No. 524

More Products

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Nature’s ProteiN DriNkResearch suggests that low-fat chocolate milk, with its unique mix of nutrients, is a naturally nutrient-rich protein drink that can help athletes refuel and rehydrate within the critical two-hour recovery window after exercise. Drinking low-fat chocolate milk after exercise not only provides the carbohydrates and protein to refuel and repair muscles, it also helps replenish fluids and electrolytes that are lost in sweat, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.Milk Processor Education [email protected] Circle No. 545

it takes a VillageVero Beach Sports Village provides the ideal setting to enable

your team to grow together and better prepare for your upcoming season. From the moment you arrive until it’s

time to leave, everything you need is at this 67-acre sports and conference center. The complex can be configured for a variety of team sports, including baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and more. The facility features an abundance of competition and practice fields along with on-site housing, dining, and recreation. This will save your group valuable energy and expense while providing more time for both on- and off-field activities to build that championship feeling.Vero Beach Sports Village • Toll-free 866-656-4900www.vbsportsvillage.com Circle No. 532

42 CoaChing ManageMent CoachesNetwork.com CoachesNetwork.com CoaChing ManageMent 43

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Ad No. PR72-E-166,c (B & W - 1/6 pg. Horizontal Ad) Ad Specs: 1/6 Page - Black & White 4-5/8” wide x 2-5/16” high Advertiser: Contact: Randy Heying Heying Co. 515 6th Ave. Alton, Iowa 51003 Phone (712) 756-8847 Fax (712) 756-8849

2-5/16”

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Infield Drag www.Infield-Drag.com The PR72 Pro Groomer keeps infields level, well-groomed

and in safe playing condition. 6 ft. wide. Also breaks up hard infields.

Control Weeds, Deter Water Puddling, & Save Labor!

Manual or electric lift available. Complete info on our

web site.

www.Infield-Drag.com Heying Co. 515 6th Ave. Alton, IA 51003 Ph. (712) 756-8847

PR72-E,166,c

NEW! Now available with Wireless Remote Control!

Untitled-13 1 12/30/08 11:38:50 AM

Prime ChoiCeGatorade Prime 01, part of the G Series, is a pre-workout or pre-game fuel in a convenient and functional four-ounce pouch. With 25 grams of carbohydrates, it is designed to be used

within the 15 minutes before a workout or competition to provide energy by maximizing the availability of carbohydrate energy to muscles. Gatorade Prime 01 also contains three B vitamins to help with energy metabolism as part of a daily diet.Gatorade800-884-2867www.gatorade.comCircle No. 526

BuilDiNg streNgth? PieCe of Cake

Muscle Milk is now available in an all-new breakthrough taste sensation: cake batter. Available in the 17-ounce ready-to-drink formula, Muscle Milk supplies high-quality proteins including caseinates (milk

protein isolates) that spur lean muscle growth and recovery post-workout. Each ready-to-drink shake provides 32 grams of lean muscle-building protein and is fortified with good fats in MCTs and monounsaturated fats. Muscle Milk is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and is lactose- and gluten-free. Muscle Milk888-298-6629 www.musclemilk.comCircle No. 548

Page 46: Coaching Management 18.7

Coaches Network offers an array of educational resources,

including instructional videos from some of the top coaches in the

country. You can now comment on videos you like and share them

with your coaching friends. We also have articles that can help

with the off-field side of the job, including nutrition, working with

parents, and developing leaders.

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Sign up for your free account today at www.coachesnetwork.com

Watch ItLearn ItTeach It

Help hitters become more explosive with this uphill tee drill.

Clemson Coach Jack Leggett talks about improving team defense.

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