Covering First:
* Reach out with your glove hand and step out with the same foot.
* Your throwing hand foot covers the bag.
* Put your foot on the side of the bag, not the top. This way you won't get stepped on.
* Never reach out for the ball until you see where it is coming from.
* Look down quickly to find the bag, then look for the ball.
Base Running Tips:
* As
you run to first base, try to hit the front of the bag with your foot. Run
through first base only.
* To slide, make the number "4" with your legs. Your bottom leg should
fold at the knee and tuck under your extended leg to form the number "4".
* When rounding the bases, step on the inside corner of the base with your outside (right) foot.
* When running to first base, run full speed for ten feet pass the bag to avoid slowing down as you approach first base.
* To avoid a sure out,
never run into a tag, stop and force a rundown. Always slide at home if there
is a play.
Batting Tips:
* To check for a proper batting grip, draw a
line down the knocking knuckles on your batting gloves. When you hold the bat, a straight
line from your top hand to your bottom hand will indicate a correct grip.
* For more power and quicker response for batting, turn your hips. When
you twist your hips, your hands will follow.
* For your batting stance, set your feet parallel (or a just a bit wider)
to your shoulders.
*When bunting, "catch" the bat with ball. You can practice this skill by taking a bunting stance and catching a soft toss ball with the hand that holds the bat barrel. Then try the same exercise using the the bat to "catch" the ball.
* Avoid overstriding for a more powerful and quicker batting.
* Swivel your feet to get into bunting position. Don't step into a bunt.
*To slap hit, run toward the pitcher as you hit the ball, prematurely running toward first base pulls the bat out of the strike zone.
Fielding Tips:
* Catch the ball with two hands. Use your glove
hand to receive the ball. Your throwing hand supports the glove hand and covers
the ball once in the glove.
Throwing Tips:
* For proper throwing position, place the ball behind and
above your ear. Get the ball out onto your finger tips so there is a
space between the ball and the palm of your hand. Thumb on the bottom and two or
three fingers on top.