All pitchers will be put on a progressive throwing program consisting of long toss, short range, and mound work. They will learn to develop “command” of their fastball regardless of how hard they throw. We will develop a change-up that feels good to them and a curveball they are capable of throwing consistently. In February, pitchers will compete in live innings and live game situations. Pitchers will learn how to throw bullpens properly developing an in-season throwing routine. Pitching strategy will be a main focus as well. The pitchers will be put on a full shoulder and elbow maintenance program and learn how to care for their arm throughout the season. Defensively, we will improve quickness and assist them in learning to field their position as overall pitchers fielding practice (PFP). Offensively, pitchers will hit.

All catchers will be put on a progressive throwing program. The health and strength of a catchers’ arm is just as important as the pitchers’. Catchers will work on all the physical and mental skills required to be proficient behind the plate. Areas of concentration are: Receiving, blocking, throwing to all bases, pick-off throws, fielding bunts, fielding pop-ups, “plays at the plate,” tags, double plays, 1st & 3rd responsibilities, and run-downs. Throughout the program catchers will be working very closely with the pitchers. Classifying hitters, understanding pitchers, and calling a game will be discussed. Catchers will not only learn and develop the physical skills needed to be a good catcher, but the mental aspects of how to control the game, the team, and how to be a leader on the field. As a catcher, your priority is defense. Making your pitcher look good and keeping your team “in the game” is your job. There are many aspects to the position that need to be mastered. Offensively, catchers will work with our hitting instructors & practice their base running.

All infielders will be put on a progressive throwing program to develop arm strength and health. During the course of a game infielders need to execute throws from a wide variety of arm angles and body positions. Each position on the infield will work on the proper mechanics of these throws and learn how to treat every throw “with a purpose”. 1st & 3rd basemen and middle infielders will work on their position specific skills throughout the program. This includes routine, backhand, glove side, slow-rollers, high-choppers, short-hops, hard hit balls, and line drives. Proper footwork, double plays, making tags, relay throws, 1st and 3rd responsibilities, run-downs, and bunt defenses will all be taught according to position. Offensively, all infielders will work with our hitting instructors & practice their base-running.

Outfielders will be put on a progressive throwing program to develop arm strength and health. As an outfielder, footwork is KEY. Footwork on all ground and fly-balls must be highly developed. All outfielders will work on routine ground-balls, angles of approach to ground and fly balls, and getting a strong and accurate throw to the infield quickly. Offensively, outfielders will work with our hitting instructors & practice their base running.

n December, hitters will learn and develop hitting skills through tee work, drills that focus on mechanics and proper fundamentals for each individual hitter and batting practice (BP). Live BP will be the norm in January, and in February, hitters will compete in live situations against the pitchers and catchers. This program will reinforce the absolutes of hitting.