Building Blocks Approach

1. Start with the basics

2. Increase the complexity as players improve

3. Continue to review and reinforce the

fundamentals

4. Individual competitions help kids gauge themselves

Every practice, concentrate on the

fundamentals

You win with fundamentals

Vince Lombardi

_____________________

At Wisconsin Rapids – Lincoln

High School

We stress the basics at every practice: throwing, fielding, hitting, and base

running

_____________________

KISS

Keep It Simple Smart

Stick to the basics until the kids are ready for the next challenge

Coaching

Youth

Baseball

An

Efficient

Fundamental

Practice

Practice Routine

1. Jog a lap (followed by stretching for older kids)

2. Play catch – gradually increasing distance (as long as each can still hit their target consistently)

Play catch with two hands and always throw to a target

Competition: 21

Catch the ball in your circle

3. Ground balls – coach rolls from short distance. All kids participate (2 lines, if possible)

3 Down (Butt, Glove, Eyes)

Glove Out/Ready

Competition: Elimination

4. Fly Balls – Coach throws from short distance. All kids participate (2 lines)

Center, “Mine,” 2 hands, Throw

Tennis ball communication drill

Pass Patterns

5. Cut-Offs – 4 per line. Skip and Relay

Hands – up: target, throw to glove side, turn to glove side on relay

Competition: Twice through and sit

6. Bunting – tennis balls: slide hands, bend knees, turn hips, angle bat, “catch” the ball

4 person pepper – bunting to a line

Competition: 5 bunts – total points

7. Hitting – Hands top of zone, same stride, chin on the ball (head steady), laces to the pitcher

Tennis ball flips, rotate at 7 swings, fielders in “ready” or creep position

Coach throws from 40 feet (L – Screen), 7 swings and rotate

Competition: game: hitters start with a 2 – 1 count. Coach discusses situations

8. Baserunning – first 3 steps, proper angles, watch your coach

Increase complexity as kids improve w/ criteria of age, numbers, and safety

Contact me with any practice or

game situation questions. I will NOT discuss playing time or your child’s

coach’s decisions or qualifications

Bob Gawlitta 424-5358 bob.gawlitta@wrps.net

The Three Foot Tunnel Backward – Balance – Forward

Backward 1. Use your side of the rubber 2. Hands together 3. Short step straight back 4. Rotate foot 5. Back knee bent slightly 6. Head remains steady

Balance 1. Bring front knee up – load 2. Back knee bent slightly 3. Chin over bellybutton 4. Hands at chest level 5. Head steady

Forward 1. Separate hands, then #3 2. Fingers behind the ball 3. Start forward with heel 4. Eyes on target: head steady 5. Elbows equal & Opposite 6. Hand – elbow - shoulder 7. Front side closed ALAP 8. Glove stays inside elbow 9. Stride & chest to target All momentum toward home

Finish 1. Chin over front knee 2. Fielding position ________________________

Smooth gets better, faster You are only as efficient as your worst mechanic.

RAPIDS pitching strategy R outine: form, motion, delivery

A ttack and own inside corner

P itch intelligently; have a plan

I ntensity: Bull Dog mentality

D evelop several pitches (3)

S ituations: batter, inning, game

Keys to efficient pitching

1. Location is #1 (not velocity) 2. 1 inch movement is worth 2 MPH

3. Change speeds 4. Work fast – helps your defense

5. Trust your defense 6. Study each hitter’s weaknesses

7. Always look for an edge

_____________________________

Primary Goal Give the team a chance to win every time out _____________________

Primary means to Goal 1. Keep pitches low 2. Study hitting charts 3. Talk with my catcher 4. Pitch smart on 0-2, 1-2 5. Keep runners close 6. Field my position well _____________________

The Four C’s of Pitching Control Confidence Courage Composure

Pitch smarter, not harder

Rapids Pitching

Location Location Location

Get Ahead

Throw Strikes

Change Speeds

Hitting is timing. Pitching is upsetting timing.

Warren Spahn

_____________________________

Everything works off the Fastball 1. Four seam: power

2. Two seam: movement 3. Splitter: movement down, late

4. Cutter: moves toward glove side

Pitcher and Catcher need to know where to locate the fastball for each

hitter. _____________________________

If we mix up pitches, we create

indecision by the hitter. The wider fingers are apart - slower the pitch.

Curve Ball Moves up to down (12 – 6)

Slider Moves down and away sharply

Knuckleball

Moves spiral and down with little rotation on seams

____________________________

Perfect each pitch from the stretch

before using it in a game. Use the

same motion/arm path consistently.

The outside corner is bigger

than the inside corner – hard stuff in, soft stuff away.

_____________________________

Remember: Where the head goes, the body goes

** Brochure made by Coach Gawlitta

The straight change is the best pitch

because it looks like a fastball, is almost 100% effective when thrown

down at the knees, and will have a little action at the end without

causing any strain on the arm.

Dr. John Bagnozi

4 Change-up grips

1. Palm: push ball back in the hand 2. 4 finger: pull down window shade

3. 3 finger: great lead to circle ch. 4. Circle Change

Pick-Offs

GOAL: keep the runner close 1. Vary the glances

2. Off the rubber or stepping off 3. Throw while going up or down

4. Vary set time

5. Catcher signal MEANS: practice knee to knee

Quick to home and quick to first Runners steal off the pitcher!

Get Ahead 0-1 = .199

0-2 = .118 1-2 = .151

1-1 = most significant pitch

Win 2/3 of games when: 1. Strike one to each hitter

2. Get first hitter out each inning

3. Allow no runs after we score

Use weather to your advantage

Cold: hitters don’t want to hit Hot: You’re loose; good breaking ball

Windy: more movement

Throw often It will rust out before it will wear out

Jim Kaat

RAPIDS pitching involves both physical and mental development.

The effective pitchers, especially the great ones, have great control and

can throw the baseball for balls as well as they can for strikes. Location

is extremely important in pitching,

but the ability to recognize when and where to locate your pitches is

paramount to success.

Game Day preparation 1. Eat properly

2. Come mentally charged & focused

3. Warm-up efficiently 4. Get a lather going – take a jog

5. Pitch an efficient bullpen 6. Sit with your catcher always – talk!

7. Study and prep off hitting charts

8. Run and ice postgame 9. Long-Toss next day – always!

Situations 1. Bunts: attack, MINE, step & throw

2. Cover 1B: line – ball – base – look 3. Cover Home: receive – tag – leave

4. Backing up: 10 – 15 feet behind

5. Look to cover vacant base

Drills and Skills

1. Experiment with grips during catch 2. Reverse Crow: keeps front closed

3. Dry Drills: form and mechanics

4. Skip Bertman: location/control 5. Mound: Control work w/catcher

6. Live: Hitter’s weaknesses 7. Long-Toss: arm strength

8. Jobe: stronger key small muscles

9. PFP: be the team’s best fielder Prepare better than your opponent!

_____________________________ Have a purpose when playing catch

Never throw a ball without throwing at a target!

Rapids Philosophy Prevent the big inning and win the next pitch

You have to get 27 outs to win. It

doesn’t matter how you get them.

Greg Maddox

Be Smart: where are you going

with the ball once you have it? Catching the ball is a pleasure.

Knowing what to with it is a business Tommy Heinrich

Defense and pitching go hand in hand. Good defense helps pitching

and good pitching helps defense Cal Ripken, Jr

Defensively, you play your pitcher because everyone throws differently. You play the situation in the game.

You play the count (hitters tend to be aggressive on 2-0 and defensive on 0-2)

Tony Kubek

Defense isn’t just fielding percentage, it’s also range and being in proper

position to make the play (physically and intelligently)

Every kid has quick feet, if in the proper position

Good defense means taking momentum away from the other team

at bat and giving it to your team Ozzie Smith

Defensive tenets * Always keep the double play in order * Never give up runs after we score * Sacrifice speed for accuracy * Never bare-hand a moving ball * Anticipate the bad hop, bad throw * Be in position to help * Never let the trail runner advance

Always play catch with a purpose: Dry drills, long toss, footwork

Throw to the circle: if the player can’t hit your circle, move your circle (feet)

Wherever your chin is, it’s where your eyes are pointing & throws heading.

1. Get to the ball 2. Field the ball 3. Throw the ball

Communication is Key * Acknowledge Signs * Calling the ball * Who’s got the base? * How many outs are there? * Fly ball priority * Special plays/signals * Hitter’s tendencies (Charts) * Share what you know

Know the Situation * Inning * Score * Outs * Hitter

Rapids Defense Infield

Outfield

Shrink the Field

Feet Feed the

Wolf

THREE DOWN

* Head – Butt – Glove

* On the balls of your feet

FIELD

* Pocket in the path of the ball

* Soft hands/elbows

LOAD

* Feet under you

* Hips/shoulder closed, elbow up

EXPLODE

* Momentum to your target

4 SECOND FEET

Field Conditions

* Sunny/Cloudy sky

* Windy/Calm

* Long/Short cut grass

* Wet/Dry conditions

* Fences: Deep/Shallow

* Bumpy/Soft Infield

--Monitor: pre + during game--

Cut-Offs

* Know arm strength

* Communicate position

* Know the situation

* Arms up: open glove-side foot

* Adjust to the throw

* Who cuts to where/when

* Sure Doubles: Double cuts

** Brochure made by Coach Gawlitta **

Run-Downs

* Two throw maximum

* Ideal: Get an out

* Minimum: No one advances

* Receiver calls “now”

* Tag: ball in glove thru runner

* Rotate inside baseline

* Back-up the play

Bunt Defense

* Know what defense is on

* Have each base covered

* Goal: Get an out

* Field – Set – and Throw

* Back-up the play

* Know the speed of runners

Fly Balls

* Run on the balls of your feet

* Know fly ball fielder priority

* Two hands when possible

* IF never calls w/back to infield

* Where to throw after the catch

Backing up

* Each base covered/backed up

* Always look for a place to help

Pick-Offs

* Ideal: Get an out

* Objective: shrink the lead-off

* May help indicate if bunt is on

Steal Defense

* Know the defense called

Outfield

* Learn to Crow hop

* Take the proper angles

* Know the real estate

* Bust – n – Camp

* Backing up plays

* No Doubles approach

* No cheap advances

* Be smart and aggressive

* Throw over the top

Job #1: Know where the ball is going and beat it there.

OF is the only position that can have a running start

Middle Infield

* Who has the base?

* Double Play depth: 7 & 7

* Field – Flip – Follow

* Bunt defenses

Corner Infield

* 1B trails on sure double

* 3B back-up return throws (1B)

* Dropped 3rd

strike

* Bunt defenses

The prerequisites of a good infielder: Quick feet and soft hands

Ryne Sandberg

21 OUTS It’s as simple as that!

R ecognize pitches A nticipate situational hitting

P ractice proper fundamentals I ntensity and focus, always D iscipline w/ your strike zone

S tudy the pitcher’s tendencies

Tenets of Hitting * A bat you can control * Plate Coverage * Know your strike zone * Know the situation

Team-First Mentality Winning percentage is more

important than batting average. Rod Carew

3 Keys to Hitting 1. Recognize the pitch

2. Recognize velocity

3. Recognize location

Find a pitch you like and hit it

No matter where they start from or how they get

there, all good hitters arrive at the same spots at

critical moments. Charley Lau

You can’t have any lost motion Ted Williams

Stance

* Balance

* Knees Bent * Toes to the plate * Lead elbow in * Loose hands * Knocking Knuckles * Bat at 45 degrees * Hands: top of strike zone

Stride (Load) * Test the ice/short & soft * Load: Hands Back * Stretch the rubber band * Elbows stay bent

Pivot * Back elbow into the slot * Hips mostly closed * Back knee bent * Knees inside feet * Back laces to pitcher

Swing (Explode) * Body is under control * Stiff front side: locked * Bat barrel above hands * Palm Up, Palm Down * Power V * Chin: shoulder - shoulder * Head behind center * Hands through the swing

Rapids

Hitting

Stance

Load

Pivot

Explode

4 ZONE BREAKDOWN 1. Feet and Knees 2. Hips

3. Head and Shoulders 4. Hands

Analyze these parts individually when breaking down a player’s swing

The key to ADJUSTING: What can I see or do to bring the situation to my favor? (take a pitch, sit on a FB)

Adjustments * Patience * Choke Up * Move up/back in the box * Bunt/Hit opposite field * Selection w/1- 2 strikes

* Take what the defense gives you * Hitter’s pitches: 2 – 0 & 3 – 1 * Take the off-speed on 1st pitch. Those who don’t = .067 BA at all levels.

Do what will help the team win

1. Always look fastball 2. Hit middle/top of ball 3. Contact in front of plate 4. Use all fields 5. Never give away an AB 6. Be contact-conscious: don’t strikeout or pop-up

Hitting is 50 percent from the neck up

Ted Williams

When you’re in the on-deck circle, you’re concentrating on the job of

hitting. Get an idea of release point, ball movement, what’s he

starting hitters with.

Stan Musial

Points to Ponder * Pitcher’s Control * Pitcher’s Out-Pitch * Pitcher’s pitch count * Umpire’s strike zone * Field/Weather condition

* Infielders depth/shading

There’s no such thing as a good hitter who is a dumb hitter

Hank Aaron

The thing about hitting is this: You have to know your strike

zone Stan Musial

The greatest hitters living can’t hit bad balls well

Ted Williams (Don’t get yourself out)

Comfortable at the plate

Consistent in your approach

Confident in your abilities

Concentrate on the little things

Every great hitter works on the theory that the pitcher is more afraid of him than he is of the

pitcher Ty Cobb

Know your strengths/weaknesses

A great hitter isn’t born, he’s made . . . out of practice, fault

correction and confidence

Rogers Hornsby

Drills 1. Tee: CONTACT POINTS 2. Flip 3. Pepper 4. Pickle Balls (15 feet) 5. Live – baseballs Focus on MIDDLE-AWAY

The greatest teacher of hitting is pepper.

Ted Williams

Have a “soft focus” on the pitcher

I know I’m good when I’m hitting the ball the other way

Albert Pujols

When a pitch fools you with less than two strikes, take it always

Ted Williams

Keeping your eye on the ball and not moving your head is first and

foremost in hitting Reggie Jackson

You must learn to make the first time up a key time by striving to

find out as much about the pitcher as possible, and you do that by making him pitch. The

more information you log the first time up, the better your chance

the next three. Ted Williams

Brochure made by Coach Gawlitta

Calling a game

* Every hitter has holes 1. Study the hitting charts

2. Know our pitchers strengths 3. What’s working today? 4. What’s the umpire’s zone?

5. Sit & Talk w/our pitcher 6. Vary signs w/men on base

Stances

Arms length - hitter’s shoulder 1. Sign Giving: knees tight 2. Receiving: athletic &

balance - square to pitcher – hand behind glove – hips down & shoulders upright

3. Baserunners: hand behind glove – hips under shoulders

4. Move feet to position (In/Out)

Receiving

Don’t give target too early 1. Flash target, then relax

2. Receive to bellybutton 3. Keep shoulders square 4. Understand ball spin-pitches

5. Ankle sway (subtle) - centers 6. Stick (hold) the pitch

7. Look ball into glove _________________________________ Pitch location

1. High: keep arm bent 2. Low: thumb down-glove over

3. Out: beat ball out – control 4. In: side of ball – full glove Hint: if setting up outside

w/thumb down – keep thumb down until left shoulder _________________________________

Recognize and Adjust The strike zone is whatever the

umpire says it is.

Framing

Keeping strikes – strikes The catcher can effect the

marginal pitch 1. Be smooth and subtle

2. Receive ball away from body 3. Catch ball close to the plate 4. Beat ball to spot – push back

5. Control ball firm but smooth

Throwing

Be Quick - Be Accurate Get to Power position

1. Get feet underneath quickly 2. Front side must close

3. Keep hips below the ball 4. Front arm up (E & O) 5. Back elbow above shoulder

6. Perfect rotation (12 – 6) 7. Be aggressive on all throws

_________________________________ 1. Pivot: ball over rt shoulder * Let ball “close you”

2. Jump Shift: middle or left * Exchange ball under chin * Keep butt low

* Quick shift–momentum to 2B * Get front side closed

_________________________________

Your number one job: To help your pitcher

Blocking

NOTHING gets by!!! 1. Glove deep in crotch

2. Fingers into ground 3. Bare hand behind glove 4. Shoulders forward and in

5. Head down – watch the ball 6. Hips low – Stay low!

7. Catch ball in belly 8. Surround outside ball in dirt Keys

* Anticipate * Keep ball close to the plate

* Deaden ball – ball w/in 5 feet * Keep runners from advancing _________________________________

Block–Scramble–Load-Explode _________________________________

Bunts

1. Stay low from Catcher’s box

2. Belly button over ball 3. Sweep w/2 hands, always

4. Get feet under your body 5. Feet angled to target 6. Balance/Power position

_________________________________ Different Bunts 1. Inside: feet ready to go to 1B

2. 3B line: step over ball 3. 1B line: ball-step back-throw

_________________________________ Hints * On whiff bunt – throw behind

* 3B covered on regular _________________________________

** Brochure made by ** Coach Gawlitta

Force Play

Anticipate a bad throw 1. Start behind home-drag foot

2. Face thrower 3. Power step to ball on force 4. Quick feet, close to 1B

Tag at Home

Take the Plate away! 1. Look relaxed – deception

2. Face throw in front of home 3. Toe & Knee towards baseline 4. Butt low – exagarrate

5. Receive throw – step to line 6. Tag with back of glove 7. Turn gloveside – scan field

8. RF throw – deeper on plate _________________________________

Keys * Catch the ball – Job #1 * Leave the mask on

* Protect the ball * Knee & Toe to baseline

* Stay low _________________________________

Pop-Ups

Locate – Mask – Catch – Look

1. Up quick, mask in hand 2. Back to pitcher – ball spin 3. Throw mask away from you

4. Call – catch with two hands

Passed Ball

1. Find the ball

2. One knee slide to ball 3. Belly button over ball 4. One knee power position

Some little things

* Be the best communicator * You’re the coach on the field

* Field conditions * How far is the backstop? * Weather conditions

* Team tendencies * Back-up 1B – 15 feet back

* Give targets on the black * Throw with a purpose * Catch with a purpose

_________________________________

Drills

1. Framing zone - rotate 2. Sit and get hit blocking

3. Dry blocks – footwork 4. Short “live” blocks

5. Block and Recover 6. Block ball into bucket 7. 4 – Corner throws

8. Sweep drill for bunts 9. Coach behind drops bunt

10. Force and quick feet 11. Making the tag 12. Passed ball slides

13. Pop-ups _________________________________

During warm-ups: practice “dry” throws to bases, glove ball exchange, making the tag, force play, framing as you receive ____________________________ The Catcher sets the tone with hustle and attitude

Rapids Catching

Everybody’s watching you!

Team Leader

Calling a game

Framing Pitches Blocking Pitches

Throwing

Rapids Coaching

Patience Perspective

Pride

A Teacher

A Leader A Role Model

Good Coaches know what the end is supposed to look like. If a

coach doesn’t know what the end is supposed to look like, he won’t know it when he sees it.

Vince Lombardi

Start with the belief, your kids want to succeed.

Mike Dee Illinois State

You get what you emphasize. Gordie Gillespie

Tenets of Coaching 1. Communicate your Expectations & Rules 2. Be Organized and have a Plan 3. Be Consistent and Fair 4. Make a commitment to teaching every day 5. Be an example you can be proud of

The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their

commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field

of endeavor. Vince Lombardi

It’s not the X’s and O’s, It’s the Jimmies and Joes

Pat Casey

Oregon State

Don’t mistake activity for achievement

John Wooden

Team Management Anger Management Time Management Upper Management

Players don’t care what you know, until they know you care

Mike Brumley Texas Rangers

Bedrocks Integrity

Honor Trust

Respect Accountability

Mental Toughness

Make practice game-like so you can make games practice-like

John Wooden

Brochure by Coach Gawlitta

Absolutes b4 stepping off base 1. Know game situation

2. Get sign from your coach 3. Check defensive positioning

4. Know where the ball is 5. Pitcher is on the rubber

Lead-Offs/Stealing

* One-Way Lead/Lean * Lead foot slightly open * Loose hands, back is straight

* Hands off knees * Low hard start: track meet

* Read the pitcher’s intentions * Always take a secondary lead * Dive back: outside ¼ of base

* On 3B return inside the line

_________________________________

Base-stealing Hints * 1B: read RHP’s back heal * 1B: read LHP’s back shoulder

* LHP tends to look oppo-throw * 2B: you can get a bigger lead * 2B: know where middle IF are

* 3B: RHP 3B man + one step * 3B: LHP 3B man + two steps

* Ball in dirt: always think go * Wind-up: P’s glove foot back

When stealing, your first three

steps are most important

Ricky Henderson

Rapids Philosophy Aggressive baserunning is an ATTITUDE, it’s simply

HUSTLE! Every player has control of the INTENSITY with which he plays each

day. Each pitch is an opportunity to advance a

base.

The shortest distance between two points is a

straight line

Home to First

1. Get out of the box fast 2. Forward momentum 3. Find the baseball

4. Break the tape at the bag 5. Outside ¼ of base

6. Look to foul territory

First to Third * Read the outfielder

* RF Ball: look to coach b4 2B * Hit inside ¼ of the base

* Read the eyes of the 3B man

The reason guys get triples is because they bust their butts

and run until someone makes them stop.

There are 26 ways to score

from third base – Get There!

Rapids

Baserunning

Intelligence on the Run

Be Aggressive Take Advantage One run/inning

The goal of every

base-runner is to score

Share what you Learn

When Willie Mays would reach

2nd Base he would look in at the catcher’s signs for one or two hitters then relay what he

found when he returned to the dugout

Things to look for while at 2B

1. Sign sequence from Catcher 2. Number of looks by Pitcher

3. How middle IF is covering

Man on 2B signals (left hand): * On hip = inside pitch

* Extended = outside pitch * Open = off-speed

* Closed = fastball

Sliding * When in doubt – Slide

* Never slide home head-first * Slide with right leg tucked * Face to the outfield

Bunts * Make sure the bunt is down

Squeeze Bunts

* Safety vs Suicide * RHP: Leave when ball above

P’s head

* LHP: leave on leg lift

_________________________________

Every fly ball is a double:

HUSTLE

Every outfield hit is a double

until I’m stopped – round the

base hard! (Tony Gwynn)

The Great Base-runners make the pitcher know he is there (worry): 1. Stretch their lead 2. Seek any advantages 3. Always Aggressive

_________________________________

With two outs, always advance

on batted ball – even if it’s in front of you (score from 2B)

Take a hard turn on first when

driving in a run – if the throw goes home, look to advance

Rule Book Musts * Slide into 2B when played upon * Run within 45’ 1B Line * You have a right to the base * No hands to interfere/distract

Remember, the man on-deck has a duty as well: Play at the plate/slide

** Brochure made by ** Coach Gawlitta

Rounding the Bases Always round the base as

if you will advance (on the inside ¼ of the base)

Potential ways to advance * Straight steal * Delayed steal * Early leave * Bunt * Sacrifice Fly * Errors

The Delayed Steal is based on whether the middle infielders are collapsing when the throw is returned to the pitcher

The goal of the Early Leave is for the man on 1B to stay in the run-down long enough for the man on 3B to score (1st & 3rd)

When on 3B, extend your lead when the pitcher

throws to 1B

You don’t have to be fast to be a good base-

runner, you just have to be baseball smart

If you settle for less than you can be, you will be unhappy the rest of

your life.

Abraham Maslow

Talents’ effects level off. Deliberate practice is

not mechanically repeating tasks that come

easily, but rather targeting and attacking specific

areas that need improvement.

Anders Ericsson

Psychology Professor (Florida State)

Innate talent is nothing,

success is 99 percent hard work.

Susan Polgar -World Chess Grandmaster

Don’t get by, get better!

Mike Dee (U of Illinois at Chicago)

Accept work as a gift, not a punishment

Stay Humble, Work Hard, and

Continue to Improve.

Billy Wagner

Your goals should be just out of reach, but not out of sight

Sportsmanship reveals one’s character,

regardless of the outcome.

Adversity doesn’t build character,

it reveals it

Peak performance isn’t about being

perfect, it’s about compensating and adjusting

Until you accept failure in baseball,

you will never enjoy the success.

Bobby Bonds to son Barry Bonds

Talent is God-given, be humble; Fame is man-given, be thankful;

Conceit is self-given, be careful.

John Wooden

Decisions Determine Destiny

Focus on the process, not the results

Ken Ravizza

You’re going to fail occasionally; the

goal is to minimize this and manage

your failures effectively Auggie Garrido (U of Texas)

There is no clock in baseball – play hard

until the last out!

To be successful, everyone needs to buy into the team concept and

philosophies

We had 25 guys pulling on the same rope. You can’t get to where we are

with just a couple of guys performing Scott Podsednik

2005 White Sox (World Champs)

We won because we played as a team and put the

team first. Individual stats are for losers.

Paul Warfield (1972 Miami Dolphins)

Competitive Spirit

1. How important is winning?

2. How do you feel when you lose?

* If this is our goal, then practice every day like

you want to accomplish it

You will NEVER see a great team where the most

talented players are not the best workers

Bruce Brown

You can’t expect a skill to simply show up in a

game if you haven’t practiced it first

Rapids Baseball

The Mental Game

One Pitch At a Time

Prepared

Composed Character Competitive = CONFIDENCE

As a team, winning is our mission

A mission fuels intensity – taking 15 groundballs at game-like intensity is

more valuable than taking 100 when you’re just going through the motions

Ken Ravizza

Have a Mission

1. Why do you play baseball?

2. What type of player would you like to be?

3. What would you like to accomplish in baseball?

Each day you get to make a choice whether you

are going to take a step forward, remain the

same, or take a step back

You can’t control what happens around you, but

you can control how you choose to respond

The Mental Game’s most versatile skill:

A slow, steady breath! (Relax and Refocus)

Ways to Refocus (find your focus)

AT BAT: step out and look at your bat, pick up dirt PITCHING: glove off- rub the ball/wipe off rubber ON BASE: call time and tie your shoe Happy Gilmore: find your happy place!

If I give up a home run, I wipe my foot across the

rubber and clean it off. Now the slate is clean.

It’s a new batter, a new situation.

Mark Langston

The most important thing is how a guy prepares

himself to do battle. (Are you focused?)

Hank Aaron

I tried to practice the way I played. You can’t

practice one way and then expect to do it

differently in a game

Al Kaline (Hall of Famer)

** Brochure made by Coach Gawlitta **

There’s too much at stake to spend time being

upset. You must develop the ability to learn from

what just happened, then forgive yourself for

doing it. Learn and forgive: Once you’ve done

that, you’ve done all you can do

Dr. Curt Tribble (heart surgeon)

“Confidence is everything”

The opinion of just about every pro

and college player you ask

The best athletes are successful because they’re

better prepared – they stay focused and work as

hard as necessary to maintain confidence

Confident people inspire others. Opportunities

seem to come their way more often – they

become magnets for success

5 P’s of Peak Performance Brian Cain

PRIDE in your effort PRESENT – stay in the moment only

PROCESS – not the end result POSITIVE mindset in a game of failure

PRACTICE being your best

Separating Talent and Character

The truth is you had very little to do with the

majority of your physical talents, and they will be

gone someday. What you can learn and take with

you the rest of your life is your character.

Bruce Brown

Be more concerned with your character than your

reputation. Reputation is what others say you are

whereas character is who you truly are,

and that is more important

John Wooden

Resources

Heads-up Baseball by Ken Ravizza

Life Lessons for Athletes by Bruce Brown

Peak Performance by Brian Cain

Various clinics, books, and videos

INTEGRITY

Actions follow your words and your beliefs.

Sleeping on a soft pillow (truthful)

Honesty, Reliable, Respectful, Humble, Loyal

TEACHABLE SPIRIT

Also called “coachable” - eager to learn

Take correction as a compliment & challenge

Being accountable and no excuses

CONFIDENCE

The expectation of a positive outcome

Based on preparation, not arrogance

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY

Compete in the classroom – goals

Teammates are depending on you – eligible

DISCIPLINE

Focused attention and effort

Unselfish sacrifice for the sake of the team

ACCOUNTABILITY and WORK HABITS

Work just as hard without supervision

Being dependable makes everyone better

MENTALLY TOUGH

Getting past the failures to continue to improve

Nothing can break your spirit

Control emotions and focus in pressure situations

PRIDE

Caring about your effort and production

Team’s inner circle of trust and care

Sense of dignity - We Are Rapids!!!

LEADERSHIP

Models values, standards, and team covenants

Serves the team first and expects the same

SELFLESSNESS – TEAMWORK

Understands and demonstrates team-first

Understands that all roles have equal value

Joy in team success over individual success

If you focus only on how you do in a game,

you will be miserable.

Enjoy the potential of the team.

Don Williams

WBCA Hall of Fame Coach

To be successful in this game, you need to

constantly have a penny’s worth of piss and

vinegar. Two pennies are two much. If you play

with a slight edge, you will stay focused and play

with more passion (with a purpose).

Mark Simon

We will not be denied.

John Randle (Vikings)

So much of the game is out of your control.

Really, all you can control are your preparation,

your efforts, and your mental approach.

Nolan Ryan

Life Lessons from Baseball

The difference between a successful person and

others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of

knowledge, rather a lack of will.

Vince Lombardi

Minimize the distractions

Do you like to compete?

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase

perfection, we can reach excellence.

Vince Lombardi

Honor, Integrity, Humility

The two most important things you can control

are your attitude and your effort.

I’m Fearless

I’m Intense

I’m Aggressive

Pedro Martinez

Everyone gets nervous

Goal is to control it!

Remember: no pressure, no diamonds

When you hustle,

something’s going to happen eventually.

Marv Fleming

Hughes (on deck hitter)

1st name = inside Last name = outside

Use your outs wisely

Sparky Anderson

We’re not selling the next four years, we’re selling

the next 40 years thereafter. We need to teach

things in addition to baseball.

Nutrition

And

Exercise

Out of Season

In Season

Game Day

SLEEP is often overlooked for its importance in both

physical energy and mental awareness

A sleep routine (going to bed and waking up at about the same

time every day) is ideal in maximizing alertness and overall energy.

Art Horne (Northeastern Univ.) Assoc Director of Sports Medicne

Routine

The biggest favor you can do your

body and brain is to stay in a routine of sleep, eating, and

exercise (routine means doing these things at about the same

time every day)

1. The body/brain will recognize when and how much energy it will need to

use and conserve

2. The body/brain will sleep

more soundly

Nutrition

Drink chocolate milk! Research suggests that low-fat

milk provides carbohydrates and protein to refuel after practice, as

well as replenishing fluids and

electrolytes lost in sweat.

Team Needs

At the varsity we only need 2 managers each game for: videotaping and scorebook

A varsity manager letter is earned by attending most of the practices when needed and all the games (with the exception of emergencies)

The JV manager needs may be different, and responsibilities and assignments are negotiated with the JV coach since the teams inevitably separate for practices and games

Your Role

As far as I’m concerned, the role of the baseball managers is just as significant as the players in the success of our team – the managers keep practices efficient, make sure the game statistics are accurate, are the inventory clerks, and make sure needs are met (water, equipment, etc)

With that essential role, managers need to be in constant communication with the head coach regarding team needs and personal conflicts concerning practices or games

Rapids

Baseball

Managers

Games

Practices

General Duties

Responsibilities

We need you at practices and games to:

Help set – up: water, nets, equipment

Videotape some practices and all games

Time practices

Help inventory, allocate, and track team equipment

Check-off equipment for away games

Learn to keep score for games/scorebook

Get lineups to coaches, radio, announcers

Game Days

We need you to be at the field at least 30 minutes before game time for home games

Be on time to the bus for departure times of away games (including weekends)

Have everything ready to go regarding your responsibilities when the game begins

Make sure the video camera batteries are charged/charging for 2nd games of doubleheaders, and have enough video tapes for the day

Take care of the equipment for which you are responsible

Ask questions as they arise (of me, other coaches, or players)

Practices

At the varsity, we need at least two managers at each practice. If between the three managers, a rotation is worked out, that is fine.

Be to practice on time. If there are times we don’t have as much for you to do, I’ll let you know ASAP.

Working on homework or other things during practice is fine as long as you are following through with team needs

For the most part, players will take out, set up, and put away equipment, though I may need you to do some things during practice – last second

Code of Conduct

Same as the players

Rapids

Coaches

Responsibility

List

2013

Gawlitta

Practice organization; focusing on infielders and pitchers

Fundraisers, purchases, booster club correspondence

PR: through radio, news stations, newspapers, schools

Equipment allocation

Correspondence and coordination with booster club

Practice and game responsibility list

Responsibility coordination with the managers: videos, water, equipment, score book

Grades, conduct issues

Phone tree

Sorenson

Focus on outfielders, corner infielders

Upper gym storage organization

Uniform and locker allocation and record list

Manager questions: keys, videotaping, med kit, timing

Post-practice/Post-game clean-up

Weight room station rotation

T-Shirt forms and money

Conditioning for OF

Insurance cards in respective med kits

JV equipment allocation – practices & games

Uniform and locker allocation and record list

Mlodik

Pitchers: PFP, conditioning, form, grips, routine, troubleshooting

Help managers with game scorekeeping

Conditioning

Post-practice/post-game clean-up

Pitching clinics and team video breakdown

Oswald

Catchers: fundamentals and bullpen work

Conditioning and routines for Catchers

Hitting drills, video, and stations

Post-practice/post-game bullpen and home plate care

Keep game book

Bailey

Catching and where needed

Help managers with videotaping names

Any youth coaches attending practice

Situations

Gustafson

Helping coach Peterson with JV

Help Coach Mlodik with pitching drills

Help with overall infield drills

All coaches will help with inventory allocation and collecting

Phone & e-mail

Bob Gawlitta 424-5358 bob.gawlitta@wrps.org

Kevin Mlodik 295-0362 kevin.mlodik@wrps.org

Bill Oswald 347-4706 william.oswald@wrps.org

Tom Sorenson 459-7333 coachtomsorenson@gmail.com

Mark Gustafson 815-985-4183 mnbguss@comcast.com

David Bailey 459-7243 david.bailey@wrps.org

Junior Highs

East 570-8266 Chris Feidt chris.feidt@wrps.org

West Isaac Holberg 424-7750 isaac.holberg@wrps.org

Baseball

Camps

&

Clinics

2009 – 2010

Fundamentals

Camps

All of these camps are relatively local and provide excellent instruction. Attending these camps is a great way to improve your game while learning from the best.

Though the exact dates change every year, the camps/clinics are offered at the same time of year. I post these at LHS when I receive notice of them. Contact me via e-mail if you have further questions.

Our local wrestling program is so successful because at a young age on up, the kids in the program are taking advantage of camps, open gym opportunities, and tournaments. This approach is a perfect one to mimic. Open gyms and camps such as those listed are ideal opportunities for local kids involved in baseball as well.

_______________________

Rapids Area Baseball Camp

Coach Bob Gawlitta 715-424-5358 bob.gawlitta@wrps.org

16th Annual Camp June 22 - 25, 2009 Grades entering 9 – 12 9:00 – 11:30 Grades entering 3 – 8 2:00 – 4:00 Cost: $35 Includes a T-Shirt Sponsored by Subway Restaurant

We cover the basic and advanced fundamentals of baseball in individual drills and team games.

Other camps listed on baseballwisconsin.com

UWSP Coach Pat Bloom

715-346-4412 pbloom@uwsp.edu

Five-Tool Christmas Camp December 27 & 28, 2008 Cost: $100

Hitting Camps (2009) February 1, 8, 15, 22 Cost: $125 (or $50 per date)

Pitcher/Catcher Camp Nov/Dec 2008 (6 dates) March 1 & 8, 2009 Cost: $250 (Nov/Dec)

$100 (March)

Youth Hit & Pitch January 18, 25 Cost: $60

For more info. Go to: www.uwsp.edu/athletics/baseball

Discounts offered for multiple camps or single day attendance

UW – Oshkosh Coach Tom Lechnir

920-424-0374

lechnir@uwosh.edu

Hitting Camps December 20, 2008 *Grades 9 - 12

December 27, 2008 *Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 , 8

Cost: $95

Pitch/Catch/Infield Camp December 21, 2008 *Grades 9 - 12

December 28, 2008 *Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Cost: $95

Spring Hit & Field Clinic March dates TBA *Grades 1 – 8 *Grades 9 – 12

Cost: TBA

Elite Baseball Camps Coach Darin Everson

elitebaseballcamps@hotmail.com

Oregon, WI (near Madison) Coach Everson is a hitting coach for the Florida

Marlins

UW – LaCrosse Coach Chris Schwarz

608-385-0350

schwarz.chri@uwlax.edu

December dates TBA

Cost: $

Ripon College Camp Director: Eric Cruise

920-379-8792 CruiseE@Ripon.EDU

January 11, 18, 25 Hitting: 9 a.m. – noon Pitch/Catch: 1 – 4 p.m. Cost: $100 for each camp or $50 per session www.ripon.edu/athletics/baseball/do

cuments/2009camp