Taking the field

[RSR_man]

We are going to sprint in and out of the dugout this season.

I'm talking....LIKE OUR HAIR IS ON FIRE.

I heard a college coach speak a few weeks ago about this. He said, "Our 9 need to beat their first 5". He meant when they get the last out they need to beat the other team's first 5 guys on the field.

I'll be attempting this philosophy.

Thoughts on the sprinting in and out?

[PutItInPlay]

I LOVE it. This is a lost art on the diamond. It is no longer cool to hustle. But, I heard an analyst say last year that Bryce Harper would make young players want to hustle again. Its important for kids to understand that this is something that scouts look at (not to mention its just the right we to play baseball). I was told long ago that you should hustle, work hard, etc because you NEVER know who is watching. I even use this on Little Leaguers. "Do you want to play in HS? You never know when the local HS coach may be out at the park."

[bkwrdkurout]

I've had teams that excelled at this --- and who failed. One suggestion for baseball coaches is pick your battles with certain teams. Hustle is important and as the old expression goes: "Hustle Never Takes a Day Off". The BEST I've ever witnessed was a summer team from Lakewood Post 496 from Southern California.

As you all know ANYONE can leave the field on the defensive end and "get in the dugout" Stanford University in Palo Alto at the Sunken Diamond - their three OF's must have a contest because they sprint to an unmarked spot in front of their dugout etc.

Back to Lakewood. They have a player empowered system when they are on offense and the third out is recorded - they - are on the field in a blink of an eye. Think about how hard this is to MASTER. Example. Bases Loaded two outs - three two pitch etc BUT they pull it off like a ballet. I asked their coach about it and it did not want to spill the beans.

What we teach is: P and C vs. both teams is a draw meaning the distance is equal for us or opposition. Our RF has to beat their LF, our 2b and their SS etc. Their 1b and our 3b etc. If PRACTICED kids pick it up and love it, otherwise it can be a cluster.

Since HS's still shake after the game and Colleges usually only after the final game of a series we ALSO make sure after a Win that our Post game Team congrats system is punctual and crisp as NOBODY wants to wait at home plate (the losers) and wait for a LAME routine or ritual that might not be done correctly.

[RSR_man]

good stuff bkwrd.

I like the player empowered stuff. I really don't mind if games are played with how people get off the field...but they just need to move their butts. I would think the "hard" one is taking the field. I would think that this would need to be worked on. But I think the key is that everyone needs to be in the game in regards to the speed you take the field.

These are the "little things" I like.