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New School Catching Techniques

JT

New School Catching Techniques

The catching position is widely regarded as the most demanding position in the sport of baseball. It requires both physical & mental focus on every single pitch to be successful. That being said, the evolution of the position has been simultaneously subtle & drastic.  We are going to discuss some of the new school catching techniques that have been taking over.

Let’s start with one obvious new school technique. The one knee down approach to catching pitches.  Let me begin by saying I am open to any new technique that can improve the quality of the catcher, as well as, benefit the team and or pitcher.  I’m an “old school” catcher who used the traditional catching stances (primary & secondary).

With the adaptation of technology and the analytics used to grade catchers, it was only a matter of time before a new approach would be introduced. While we’re calling it “new school” this technique has been modified at the big league level before. With the most well known modification being former Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Tony Pena and his “kickstand “split stance used in the 1970’s & 80’s.  Safe to say it wasn’t used by many guys due to its difficulty. 

This stance could only be used by the most agile and limber catchers.

The one knee down approach has multiple benefits.  Firstly, it’s a less physically demanding catching position. I know what you’re thinking…”this stance makes you “lazy” back there.” This opinion is only true if the catcher isn’t being taught the proper use of the stance. The knee down stance should only be used by experienced catchers with the understanding that with runners on base, the traditional secondary stance still works best. 

Secondly, if taught properly, the one knee down stance can benefit the pitcher getting more strikes called. In this stance the catcher is lower to the ground. Therefore the umpire has a better view of the inside and outside corners of the strike zone. Especially with a bigger catcher behind the plate. Also, in this stance it may be easier for the catcher to frame pitches lower in the strike zone. If the glove starts lower to ground it’s easier to work up and make pitches look like strikes when they’re not. 

So, the synopsis here is that although the Major leaguers make the one knee down stance look easy. IT IS NOT.  It takes many reps in practice to perfect this stance.  

Please comment below and let us know what you think of these new school techniques or any others you would like us to discuss!! 

Jon Thomas

Jon Thomas

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First County Bank Athlete of the Month – Jack Hoch

First County Bank Athlete of the Month – Jack Hoch

Our January, First County Bank Athlete of the Month for January 2021 is Jack Hoch. Hoch is a 17 year old senior, switch hitting, captain at Stamford High School. The leader of the Stamford Black Knights team is one the most diligent, respectful and hard working athletes we are blessed to have coming into the Academy. Hoch in his senior year has plenty to concern himself with; school work, applications and school interviews. However, Hoch is the only captain on the Stamford roster and has taken complete responsibility for his squad’s winter workout. He is both leading the charge but more importantly leading by example.

Hoch is a big, lean, strong athlete who has found a home in the outfield and on the mound. His ability to cover ground out in that wide open space and have nerves of steel on the bump make him a dynamic player for Coach Rit Lacomis this upcoming season. 

Lacomis had this to say, “Jack is extremely deserving of this recognition. He’s a tremendous baseball player, fantastic student, and even better person. Jack brings everything a coach wants in a player to the SHS Baseball Program and uses it to continuously make everyone around him better. He is someone that willingly leads his peers and is looked up to by underclassmen. Although Jack’s on-field contributions to the SHS Baseball team are important, his main value to our program runs much deeper.” 

Although, what makes Jack Hoch even more impressive than anything we could say about his baseball skill and acumen is the level of achievement in school and what he does off the field. Hoch maintains a 3.96 GPA with the lofty (but achievable) goal of going to an academically competitive college with the plans to study neuroscience this coming fall. The school has yet to be determined but Hoch’s drive and ability to persevere will make this endeavor an awesome journey for our Athlete of the Month.

Jack has lived quite a baseball life, starting out as the die-hard Mets fan those around him have come to know and love, his playing career started in Stamford at just 4 years old. Hoch played in what is formerly known as Springdale Little League (now Stamford North), then progressed to Stamford Babe Ruth where at 15 years old Hoch made the 18U roster. In addition, Hoch got a lot of experience from his fall seasons with the Connecticut Blue Jays in Hartford as well. The best experience of Hoch’s baseball life has to be his coaching the Stamford North Little League 10U All Star team, where he passed on his knowledge and experiences to each of those dedicated players.  

Coach Conte at Bobby V’s had this to say about Jack, “Jack is the kind of person you bend over backwards to make time to work with!  He schedules his own training sessions, maximizes every minute of his training, somehow finds time to work in some Met’s or current science banter and he’s walked to BVSA in the rain multiple times!  As a coach we get blessed with a handful of players who push us to be better coaches and people.  Jack is definitely one of those people! The maturity and dedication to excellence is something we can all learn from.  Can’t wait to see what he does this spring for baseball as well as through and after college, beyond baseball.  My personal prediction after baseball, he helps solve some major health crisis in the future!!”

It is exciting to see what the future holds for Hoch, but without a shadow of doubt it will definitely be a bright one. A lot of things to look forward to; a senior season, getting accepted to the right college, and starting that next chapter of his journey.  We at BVSA who have seen you coming in over the past decade want to say congratulations and that we cannot wait to see what unfolds very soon. It is great to have such a shining example of what hard work and determination can create!

Justin Virgulak

Justin Virgulak

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Understanding Acceleration

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Understanding Acceleration

Understanding that acceleration is the most common and important motion in all team based sports is important. Points, games, championships are won on an athlete’s ability to get from point A to Point B the quickest. Acceleration and speed are often interchanged. However, according to physics, they’re not the same. Acceleration is the rate you change speed divided by time, and speed is the distance travelled divided by time.  When you’re moving at a constant of 20mph, your speed is 20mph and your acceleration is zero mph. As a strength coach it’s important to understand this distinction and have a basic understanding of physics.  Important components to understand acceleration in sports are Newton’s First and Second Laws of Physics.

Newtown's First Law

A body at rest will stay at rest. A body in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force.  Newtons first law predicts the behavior of objects when forces are balanced. The object will not accelerate unless forces become unbalanced. Next is Newton’s Second Law, the law of Acceleration.

Newtown's Second Law

Newton’s Second Law – The 2nd law states acceleration is dependent on the net force applied to the object and the objects mass.  Acceleration is equal to net Force divided by Mass. Let’s say Athlete A is 185lb and Squats 405lb while Athlete B is 205lb and Squats 405lb. Athlete A will have a higher potential to accelerate their body.  Newton’s second law explains how force production, rate of force development and the athlete’s relative body strength collaborate in developing acceleration ability.

In conclusion, Newton’s laws help us understand the laws that govern motion. BVT Lab uses that understanding to design the training framework which helps athletes improve their acceleration. The next part of this article series will cover Newton’s 3rd law and biomechanics.

BVT Lab

BVT Lab

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BVSA Teaches: 6-4-3 Shortstop Feed

BVSA Teaches: 6-4-3 Shortstop Feed

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the 6-4-3 shortstop feed. Okay, so there are a couple of different ways to do this. Obviously it changes based on where the ball is hit. If it is to your left you will get down in a nice low position and stay there when flipping the baseball to second. When flipping the ball you will keep moving with it afterwards. Be smart with the power of the flip, especially when you are closer to the bag. If you are farther away, you will need a little more behind it. 

Another important part of this feed is where you should keep your glove. You do not want to block the second basemans view of the ball when preparing to flip. The ball should be in your hand giving a clear view for your teammate to catch and make a throw. The biggest take away from this is that we always want to have movement through the ball. This also means fielding these ground balls slightly left of center. 

Groundballs Hit in the Hole

If there is a ball that is hit in the hole to our right, we want to get our body there. If you do not need to backhand it, you will actually be fielding the ball on the right side of your body. This way you can get the ball out quickly. Meanwhile, you will properly shift your weight when throwing the ball sidearm to the second baseman. 

When you are forced to make a backhand play you will have to plant your right foot to get your energy going towards the target. There’s also the famous Derek Jeter play where you jump off your left foot to make the throw to second. These are all of the basic, standard moves that we want to teach correctly!

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email info@bvacademy.com 

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BVSA Teaches: Double Play Footwork for Shortstops

BVSA Teaches: Double Play Footwork for Shortstops

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about double play footwork for shortstops. Okay, so shortstops turning a double play from either the second or first baseman. The footwork is a little different but the concept is the same. You want to attack the ball and move towards the guy who has it. You want to get the angle so that the ball is going directly towards you. 

For positioning, you want to be pinching towards the middle. This means two steps in and two steps toward the bag. You can’t be too far where you are just getting there in time to get that out and not able to make the throw. You’ll start your baby steps as you get close as not to get there too early. The only time you want to be at the base waiting for the ball is if you have no chance at the second out. The footwork will be sliding to the back corner of the bag and you drag your right foot.

Different Scenarios

The higher the level of play becomes, the more you will have to make sure you are getting out of the way. A ball up the middle will give you a much different angle at the bag. You have to keep those feet moving and angle yourself towards first once you receive the ball. Receiving a ball from the first baseman is much easier. You can get around the bag and go straight through back to first. If you want the throw inside the baseline, you will have to make that adjustment. This means you will get your left foot to the inside of the bag as to avoid the runner. 

Lastly, there is the situation where it is a groundball to you. First off, you need to make sure you call the second baseman off. You won’t need to go to the back corner of the bag with your right foot. Instead, you’re going to use the front of the bag to protect yourself. You will start your throw before the bag and then land with your left foot on the bag once releasing the ball. Teach it right boys and girls.

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email info@bvacademy.com 

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BVSA Teaches: First Baseman footwork on ball near home

BVSA Teaches: First Baseman footwork on ball near home

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about first baseman footwork on ball near home. So one other play at first base that we need to discuss is receiving a throw from the catcher. Whether it’s a past ball, dropped third strike, bunt, etc., you need to run and straddle the bag. You’re immediately going to see where the ball is going. Your job is to create a lane for the throw at first base. The biggest thing is avoiding a throw that is going over the runner. This could be yelling “outside” or “inside” to help the catcher determine which side to throw on. 

You also have to be ready to slide if needed. If the throw isn’t great you want to shuffle your body out of harms way. This means switching feet and getting to the other side of the bag. You have to know where the bag is at all times. This can be a great drill for your first baseman. Have them slide to either side to catch throws at different angles. Team them right, boys and girls.

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email info@bvacademy.com 

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BVSA Teaches: How to Take a Throw from the Catcher

BVSA Teaches: How to Take a Throw from the Catcher

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about how to take a throw from the catcher. Okay, here’s a big debate for shortstops and second basemen. Should you straddle the bag or be out in front of it when receiving throws from the catcher? The way I learned from Bobby Valentine, and after discussing it with him recently, we confirm that straddling the bag is the correct approach.

Being out in front of the bag for a bad throw may seem like a good idea. However, our focus should be on the catcher making a good throw and us making an easy tag. The problem with being out in front is that baserunners can slide to the back corner of the bag. The time it takes to catch the ball and swipe the tag is not very efficient. Meanwhile, if the ball traveled and we caught it at the bag and immediately put the tag down there is a much better chance of an out. It often looks like we’re chasing the tag, which is not desirable. Straddling the bag and dropping the tag appears quicker and gives the impression that the runner is out.

Difficulties

One concern raised during our discussion was getting tied up on a bad throw and needing to get out of the way while the runner is coming in. In that case, the shortstop or second baseman, who are typically top athletes on the team, need to get out of there and try to swipe the bag to position themselves for the play. It doesn’t mean they have to stay in that position. However, that is the way we teach it here is for middle infielders to straddle the bag and drop the tag.

Another point to consider is how difficult it is for a second baseman to come in and get in front of the bag while knowing its exact position. Straddling the bag provides a clear reference point, just like we teach at first base.

That’s the approach we teach here at Bobby Valentine Sports Academy. Remember, straddle the bag, drop the tag, and know where the bag is. Keep up the good work, both guys and girls.

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email info@bvacademy.com 

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BVSA Teaches: Turning Two as a Second Baseman

BVSA Teaches: Turning Two as a Second Baseman

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about turning two as a second baseman. Alright guys, I want to get everyone on the same page. I’ve been observing our practices over the past few weeks and noticed some mistakes in how our players execute the Double Play at second base. I want to ensure that you are all teaching it correctly. Let’s go through the key points.

First, let’s talk about positioning. In a Double Play situation, our players need to pinch towards the middle. As a general rule, take two steps in and two steps over, but adjustments can be made based on the hitter and their speed. Meanwhile, the goal is to come in and move slightly towards the back.

Now, let’s focus on the angle the second baseman takes to the bag. It depends on where the ball is hit. If the ball is hit towards the shortstop, the second baseman should come into the bag with hands up, ready to receive the throw on a straight line. Obviously, we don’t want them positioned like a wide receiver in a pass play. On the other hand, if the ball is hit towards the third baseman, the second baseman should angle in towards the third baseman, again to make the throw easier for the person throwing it.

Sequence to the Bag

When approaching the bag, remember the sequence: left, right, left. Come in hard but take small steps if necessary to wait for the throw and determine its direction. The right foot plays a crucial role in changing direction towards the target. It stops the momentum and allows for a throw in the desired direction. Adjust the footwork based on the throw location and hit type.

Consider the runner’s speed and use the bag as a defense mechanism to avoid getting hurt. For slow runners, left, right, left is sufficient. However, for faster runners, you might need to adjust and go back towards the base.

All these different moves – left, right, left – lead to different areas around the base. It’s essential to make the second baseman aware of the foot positioning when crossing the bag. The ankle bone should face the target, so adjustments may be necessary to make accurate throws. We draw an arc around the bag to visualize where the foot should angle, ensuring proper throwing angles.

In summary, our goal is to help players reach their full potential. By teaching these techniques effectively, we can improve both individual players and our teams as a whole. Good luck!

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email info@bvacademy.com 

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Bio Motor Abilities and Athletic Potential

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Bio Motor Abilities and Athletic Potential

As a strength and conditioning coach a little over the last four years, I’ve been lucky to train athletes across all levels and abilities. During my time as a coach, it’s apparent that not all athletes are created equal.  Some athletes possess innate abilities that others do not. It’s not by chance that some athletes improve significantly faster than others; once exposed to training stimulus, or learning a new sports skill. All sports require the mastery of certain skills and complex movements for athletic success. The athlete’s ability to learn and master skills and movements is strongly dependent on their genetic bio motor abilities and other biological systems.

What are the main Bio Motor Abilities?

Speed- The least trainable ability, it’s the function of your CNS to move your limbs and your body to perform movements as quickly as possible. Stride Frequency X Stride Length=Speed.

Strength – The ability to produce force

Endurance – The athletes work capacity, their ability to perform work at an intensity over a certain period of time.

Coordination – Intra-muscular and Inter-muscular coordination to perform movements and sports skills efficiently.

Flexibility – Range of a joint. Joint angle will dictate muscle recruitment.

There are countless other abilities that are the combination of the main abilities, Power (Strength and Speed), Mobility (Flexibility and Coordination), Agility (Power, Speed, Coordination, Flexibility).

Why understanding these abilities are important for athletic success?

It’s important to understand that most sports are going to be the combination of 2-3 of these abilities. As a coach, we analyze the physiological demands of their sport/event to help prepare an athlete for their specific sport. In order for the athlete to have a better chance at performing the skills and movements required to succeed in their sport, we have to train and develop the bio motor abilities and qualities demanded by the sport.  All athletes have a genetic ceiling. However, it’s only through training all these abilities can be maximized. Usain Bolt was gifted with more fast twitch fibers than most humans and the advantage of being 6ft5 while still having a stride frequency equal to other world class sprinters. However, he would’ve never reached his peak and set the world record for the 100m without hard work and dedication to training.

BVT Lab

BVT Lab

Director of Performance

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EPT Press Release

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EPT Press Release

Brian Wolfe, Mike Guinta, Bobby Valentine and their respective teams are excited to announce a new collaboration. Evolution Physical Therapy (EPT) and Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy (BVSA) are joining forces! EPT is now the official Physical Therapy program of BVSA’s 40,000 square foot indoor sports facility.

BVSA has been in Stamford for over 13 years and recently moved into its new facility located at 4 Largo Drive in Stamford, CT.  The new BVSA building boasts 40 foot ceilings, an almost 16,000 square foot turf field, six batting cages, an arcade area, a weight room and a sporting goods store. On any given day, you can observe one-on-one baseball and softball instruction, team practice on the full field, lacrosse skill training and IQ development, soccer team/small group training, football practice for local high schools and even large scale community events that can host over 1000 guests. 

EPT’s mission is to help all of their patients and clients perform at their highest potential, to completely redefine the profession of physical therapy and to provide the community with exceptional rehab services, fitness, performance training, injury prevention, wellness and recovery. Their doctors of physical therapy are highly skilled and knowledgeable, utilize modern equipment and techniques and have an unparalleled drive to help you get better. 

EPT’s physical therapists use unique methods of manual therapy and ultramodern recovery systems to separate and elevate the process of diagnosis, the treatment of injury and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. In addition to a customized treatment plan, they offer massage, pilates, yoga and distinguished circuit classes taught by our therapists to integrate with physical therapy treatment, optimize and maintain health and prevent future injury.

EPT’s fitness center was founded and is facilitated by physical therapists who are highly skilled in biomechanical movement and exercise. Their personal trainers and instructors are very meticulous with proper form and technique in order to provide the most effective and efficient workout while being safe and eliminating the risk of injury. They offer a variety of group classes, personal training and sessions with state-of-the-art workout and recovery equipment.

“We are really excited for this partnership with Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy.  Partnering with BVSA is a no brainer to continue raising the bar in sports performance and injury prevention.  Our goal is to redefine the profession of physical therapy by offering our services and becoming a resource to athletes and weekend warriors in the Stamford community.” 

Frank Ramppen, BVSA’s managing partner, has this to say, “We are very excited to be joining forces with Evolution. Having such an outstanding PT group on site will add an entirely new dimension to what we offer our clients, allowing them to overcome obstacles and reach their goals. Together with BV Training Lab and Evolution we will work to develop a state of the art scientific training methodology focusing on arm-care, throwing velocity, and rotational acceleration.”

EPT will be joining a group of great organizations that have already made BVSA their home.  Ramp3, Scouted Sports, BVT Lab, Abate Training, Instant Replay Sporting Goods, CT City Lax, JA Elite Soccer, First Glance Box Breaks, EB222 Dining/Catering and so many others are all under one roof with the same mission: to help as many of the next generation of student athletes, achieve their goals and more! 

Sign up for the EPT mailing list to stay up to date on all upcoming programs!

Anthony Conte

Anthony Conte

Writer and Editor

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