Outfield Relays

I am coaching an 11-12 year old baseball team and would like to know the proper cut-offs for hits to the outfield. I have searched the internet and various baseball books but have not been able to find anything on this.Coach Swift answers:For all cut-offs there are a...

Helmet Decals

I was thinking about using some helmet decals for my team this year and was wondering what you think about using them as a way of recognizing effort, hits or whatever. What criteria would you use in giving out the decals and how would you do it? Attendance is...

Developing Pitcher

Which is the best way to begin developing a young pitcher, pitching from the stretch or the wind-up? Or does it matter, as long as you teach proper mechanics? Coach Swift answers: There is little question about how most coaches teach it and that’s from the full...

Making The Team

I’ve played travel baseball on a nationally ranked team every year for the last 6 years. I’m in 10th grade and hoping to make Varsity this year for my school. The only problem is the coach. I know I’m good enough to make Varsity and even start. But...

Youth Prodigy

I have a 3-year old son who appears to have a great aptitude for baseball. He now has the Little Tikes pop-up pitcher (we replaced the tee) and he can consistently hit 4/5 right handed and 3/5 left handed and they were going over the 6 foot fence when it was in the...

Junior College

I am coming back from a recent calf tear and meniscus tear. I’m a junior in high school and going through a tough decision about college. I have the grades to go to a 4-year University but I’m thinking about going to a Junior College to get a better chance...

Catcher’s Throw

As a catcher, how can I improve the velocity of my throws to second base? Coach Swift answers: Focusing on good mechanics will improve your throwing velocity. With runners on base, start with your right foot back a little. Then you do not have to make a quick step...

Confidence

My son will be turning 12 this month. He really has a great pitching arm and a good potential to be a hitter. At practice he is always on his “A” game, but in a game he seems to let up and only plays a “B” game. His pitching speed drops...

Left Foot

I have an age old question. I have been teaching my high school aged players to round the bases touching the inside corner with their LEFT foot. I was taught to use the left foot as a child, I have read that one should use the left foot, but I have trouble answering...

Sore Arm Treatment

What treatment should be given to a player if he develops a sore arm? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Coach Swift...