Ask the Coach   Tyler in Tampa, FL asks: I'm in a hitting slump right now and it's more mental then my swing. I'm not sure what to do. Before game time I'm loosy goosy and ready to play. But once I hit the field I freeze up and I don't know why. Any suggestions? Coach...

Ask the Coach Al asks: I run a 10 week baseball camp every year for our local baseball organization. This year we have added a very young group (age 6-7) and I am struggling to keep their interest. The area of most concern is the hitting station. Can you suggest games...

Ask the Coach Joe in Jacksonville, FL asks: How can I get my team to stay motivated? After two innings we seem to lose complete focus, especially if we're behind. We start to make error after error. These are 10 and 11-year olds. We have been in every game until my...

Ask the Coach Roger in Illinois asks: 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....

Ask the Coach J.T. asks: 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...

Ask the Coach Rollie Pike in Kentucky asks: 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...