Coaches Corner: Offensive Plan

Coaches Corner: Offensive Plan

Date: 1/17/19
By: Brendan Dougherty

Baseball is a game that is always changing and evolving. We are seeing that more so now more that ever. We have the ability to gather more information than we ever thought possible. We have arguments on all forms of social media about what is better the data or the mechanics? We have the ability to take this information and form our own opinions. There is not one way to teach or learn something. Everyone learns differently and our job as coach’s is to take the information and present to our players the best way that will help them succeed.

I believe both are very important Data vs. Mechanics. You have to understand who your players are! So many times either coaching or evaluating you can watch a player and know that they are in the box with a focus on what they are trying to do. There are also times when you are watching and you know the players are just swinging to swing. Most of the time when a player gets asked what is your approach they can’t give you an answer or they will just say “gap to gap”. They really don’t understand the true concept of developing a plan or how to even create a plan. The reason why players become good hitters is because they HIT!

They are always working on their swing and they know and understand what a good swing should feel like. They do not a coach or instructor standing over them telling them every mechanical adjustment. This game is about adjustments, you have to be able to know and understand how to make those adjustments during a season. Mechanics and Data are big parts of being a great hitter. You also must be willing to work and compete. The best hitters on any team are typically the most competitive as well. They want to be successful and they want to understand how to make adjustments.

I have put together a cage routine that can be done before practice or games. There are things you may like to do or may not like to do but the key is to have a routine and make it competitive so that you are focused and concentrating on what your plan is for that day. Be your own coach!!

OFFENSIVE DRILL SERIES

PRE-PRACTICE/PRE-GAME

TEE WORK:  (8-10 Swings)

  1. Regular Tee Middle
  2. Low Tee Middle
  3. Regular Tee Away
  4. Low Tee Middle
  5. Walk-Ups                                                                                                                          

FRONT TOSS: (8-10 Swings)

  1. Middle away (SHORT BAT)
  2. Middle
  3. Middle (Reg. BAT)
  4. Torque DRILL

 Hack/Attack Machine: Short Step/2 strike stride

* 2 or 3 Rounds       (5-7 Swings)

*THIS DRILL SERIES SHOULD BE DONE EACH DAY BEFORE PRACTICE AND ALL HOME GAMES*

*WE ARE WORKING TO BE CONSISTENT IN EVERYTHING WE DO!*

*OUR SWINGS SHOULD BE CONCENTRATED AND FOCUSED*

“DO NOT BE AFRAID TO DROWNED IN YOUR OWN SWEAT