Player resources

Baseball Tips

Practical guidance to help young players build stronger habits in pitching, fielding, hitting, bunting, and base running.

Watch and learn

PitchingPitcher pick-off move to first base PitchingMastering the change-up FieldingHolding runners on at second base FieldingCovering second on a steal FieldingShortstop covering second on a steal

Build the details that win plays

Holding runners at second

Stay aware of the runner, third-base coach, pitcher, and game situation. Vary your positioning and communication so the runner cannot get comfortable.

Keep the runner and third-base coach guessing with varied positioning, movement, and communication.
Know your pitcher’s time to home and any predictable looks toward second base.
Read the score, outs, pitch selection, and runner speed before deciding how aggressively to hold the runner.

Catching a pop-up

Turn the right way, gain position behind the baseball, and stay aware of your mask.

Work behind the baseball with your back to the mound and keep your center of gravity low.
Remove your mask, identify the landing area, and toss the mask safely in the opposite direction.
With runners on, use two hands when possible so you can quickly make the next play.

Two-strike hitting

Make one clear adjustment to improve contact without changing the swing you have practiced.

Try choking up, widening your stance, or moving closer to the plate—then practice that change before using it in games.
Choose one mental cue, such as hit it up the middle, see it deep, or stay short and quick.
Change your setup and approach, not your fundamental swing.

Bunting with purpose

Use sound setup, hand position, and lower-body control to make bunting a reliable offensive tool.

For a drag bunt, show late, set the barrel above the knob, and direct the ball toward the third-base line.
For a push bunt, use your legs and momentum to send the ball toward the second baseman.
On sacrifice bunts, square up, pivot toward the pitcher, extend your hands, and catch the ball softly with the bat.

Base running

Good leads, fast decisions, and awareness of outs and defensive positioning create extra-base opportunities.

Keep your eyes on the pitcher and avoid crossing your feet as you take your lead.
Use controlled shuffle steps for secondary leads, then be ready to continue or return quickly.
Know the number of outs and the defensive alignment before reading each batted ball.

What makes a quality at-bat?

A productive plate appearance is more than a hit. It can mean moving a runner, challenging the defense, or making the pitcher work.

A sacrifice fly or productive ground ball that scores a runner.
A sacrifice bunt, hard-hit ground ball, or line drive.
A walk, hit by pitch, or long at-bat that makes the pitcher work.
A two-strike effort that protects the plate and puts the ball in play.

Keep developing

Questions about player development or Captains training? Reach out to our coaching staff.

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