Repetition-Repetition-Repetition

The key to elite level performance in baseball is to be able to execute fundamentals and techniques, the right way, under pressure. Simply put, the ability to hit your cut offs, turn an inning-ending, bases loaded double play, lay down a bunt, execute a hit & run, stay back on a curveball and hit the ball hard the other way or execute an important pitch with the game on the line is what separates big time players from the rest.

Without the context of a game, or without the pressure situation, these are just baseball fundamentals. What it takes to put players in position to execute them under pressure is consistent repetition and concentrated drills. These are two of the most critical components of making the complete ball player. As baseball players, we are what we repeatedly do. And success on the baseball field then becomes the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.

However, drills must be creative, fun, and stressed to the athlete of how important they are. It is very easy for a player to lose focus, concentration, and interest in the drill as it is often seen as unnecessary and boring. Many players have a high level of competitiveness and intensity so when they are forced to do a drill that breaks down their flaws and mechanics, they get frustrated or bored and would just rather go at full speed. At times you can tell when they are just going through the motions to make you happy as the coach or instructor.

But doing drills is important because it isolates problem areas. Do you think the players you see on TV don't do drills or are "too good" to do them now? NO chance! It is the complete opposite, they understands that to be able to play at their level it takes a total comitment to the basics of the game.

Recognizing what a player needs to work on is a large part of the battle, but then knowing which drills to consistently do to cure the problem is just as important. The key word is consistent! Drills specific to a particular mechanical flaw must be executed on a routine basis and done PROPERLY. It takes another set of eyes to ensure the player is doing the drill the right way, otherwise, he could "think" he is doing it the right way when in reality he is simply practicing more wrong fundamentals and developing even worse habits. These must be done in front of a coach or instructor who knows what to look for. There are many drills out there for even the smallest corrections in baseball mechanics. I encourage to mix the drills up and keep them short, fun and entertaining because that will only make the player want to do them more AND do them correctly with complete dedication. I am always looking for new drills because there will always be a certain drill that works for one player - but it may not work for another. And in those instances, you must have a few back up drills that accomplish the same task. I have learned that the most effective coaches or instructors use drills to fix mechanical flaws, without even bringing attention to what that flaw is.

If any of your players, or your son, have specific mechanical flaws that you would like to address and you are not sure what drills to use - feel free to email me at ltoyens@ltgsports.com and I will be more than happy to share some drills with you.