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BVSA Teaches: Banana Turn Drill

BVSA Teaches: Banana Turn Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the banana turn drill. Hey guys, here’s a quick little easy drill that the kids love for teaching them the banana turn at first base on a base hit. Kids love running the bases, so be as creative as you can with drills for running the bases. They love to make it a competition, so use cones, baseballs, or whatever you have. They can practice directing their run and come up with a nice little gradual arc.

Have them start out on the play and then coming down hard. If they start that gradual arc and catch the inside of the bag while running by, they can practice their breakdowns over here. Another really good thing is to have one of the coaches or a ball bucket just right here off the bag. This forces them to catch the inside of the bag, whether it’s the right or left foot. This way, their body doesn’t hit whatever you put in place there. It’s really effective and really fun. Hope that helps!

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: Baserunning from 3rd Base

BVSA Teaches: Baserunning from 3rd Base

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about baserunning from 3rd base. Hey guys, today we’re talking specifically from third base. One thing that I haven’t mentioned on all the other bases and this is really, really important and this is another tool to throw your players to have in their toolbox. You’ve got to pay attention to the pitcher and his tendencies, his release point, and you could get really good jumps on bad pitches just by watching the pitcher’s release point. So you’re watching him, he’s throwing a lot of curveballs or a lot of sliders or a lot of dirt balls in general, you can kind of tell from his release point that he let go of that ball way too late and that’s really good chances of being a spiked ball that the catcher is not going to be able to stop. 

Being aggressive with your footwork, be aggressive anticipating that you’re going to take another base. The same thing when it’s up. Guys throwing high, throwing balls to the backstop, pay attention to his release point a little bit, give yourself every advantage you can. So now, especially at third base, you know you can taste it now, your whatever field you’re playing on that many feet away from scoring.

Coaching and Foul Territory

Alright, so third base, your third base coach here is giving you instructions and I’ve coached third base a lot my life and usually tell your player with less than two outs, whatever you’re choosing to do whether you’re playing contact and they’re going on any ball hit on the ground, that’s up to you in that particular situation but you’re teaching them that they need to freeze on the line and tag on a ball in the air. Of course you’ll tell them, they’ll take their lead, there will be a fly ball, and there they go. Let’s hope you’re really going to hammer that home. That when they’re on third base with less than two outs, they have to tag on a fly ball.

Okay, so your lead at third base has to be in foul territory. If the hitter hits a ball and unfortunately hits the baserunner, it’s going to hurt. But, in foul territory you’re not out, in fair territory you are. So when you take your lead, you need to be watching the pitcher, he’s the only guy that can get you out. At some of the younger ages, the third baseman will hold you on which is really weird. At the higher levels, there will be nobody holding you on but you should know where the third baseman is. You can take a peek back to see where he is. After that it is just between you and the pitcher. You’re watching his arm slot, not many pick offs at third but you have to look for the pickoffs. For more information, click the video below!

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: Tagging at 2nd Base

BVSA Teaches: Tagging at 2nd Base

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about tagging at 2nd base. Another point on the baserunning: When hitting a base hit to the outfield and rounding the base, you need to be aggressive and force the outfielder to stop. The distance you run before breaking down depends on where the ball is hit. If the ball is hit to right field, I make a hard turn with my right foot inside the bag. If it’s hit to left field, I break down a little shorter. The farther away the ball is hit, the more aggressive you should be with your turn before breaking it down. This is important because if the outfielder bobbles the ball, you can take the extra base easily.

In another scenario, when you’re on second base with nobody out and there’s a fly ball to the outfield, you need to be tagging. If you go halfway and the outfielder catches the ball, you have to go back to second. This puts your team in a bad position with one out and a runner on second. But if you tag up, you can get to third base, and now it’s first and third with nobody out. The setup for tagging will be different depending on where the ball is hit. For example, for a long fly ball to right field, you should hug the base like you’re in a stolen base position.

Instincts

Conversely, when there is one out and you’re on second base, you’re not automatically tagging. You’re going halfway, and if the ball drops, you need to score and get back to the base to tag up. Good baserunners will have an instinct for reading the play. They’ll know when a ball is hit really deep but really high. If the outfielder is running away, they can go back and tag up and still score. The rule of thumb is when there is one out, you’re going halfway and reading the play.

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: Judging the distance of your turn

BVSA Teaches: Judging the distance of your turn

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about judging the distance of your turn. Hey guys, I have another point on the base hit to the outfield and rounding the bases aggressively. The distance you run and how far you round the base depends on where the ball is hit. For example, if the ball is hit to right field and I know it’s a base hit. I’m going to make a good hard turn with my right foot inside of the bag. But if the ball is hit to the right fielder, I break down a little shorter. Opposed to if it was a base hit down the left field line or to the left-center field gap. 

The farther away the ball is hit, the more aggressive and far you get with your turn before you break it down. If the fielder bobbles the ball, you can take advantage and easily get to second base. However, if the ball is hit to right-center or right field, you need more of a bobble or kick to take that extra base. It’s important to teach players these techniques.

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: Baserunning from 2nd Base

BVSA Teaches: Baserunning from 2nd Base

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about baserunning from 2nd base. This video is about baserunning and leads, specifically at second base. Knowing where the defense is playing is critical for getting good jumps to score or get back on line drives. It’s important to not be scared at second base and to teach kids how to be a threat on the basepaths. When getting off the base, it’s essential to keep your eye on the pitcher, the only person who can get you out. Many kids turn around to look at the shortstop, but this shows the pitcher that the baserunner is scared. 

It’s also important to know the situation of the game. The outs, the hitter, and everything else to become a better baserunner. When shuffling off with your secondary lead, make sure your shoulders remain square to the plate to avoid giving the catcher an invitation to throw in behind you. Timing is crucial, and you should be prepared to react in any direction. If the ball is in the air, you must read it and freeze or run depending on the situation. The first base coach is your eyes for the shortstop, so be prepared when in your lead position. To learn more about baserunning from 2nd base, click the video down below!

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: Baserunning from 1st Base

BVSA Teaches: Baserunning from 1st Base

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about baserunning from 1st base. Hey everyone, today we will be discussing some important aspects of baserunning, specifically from first base. We teach a lot of kids at different levels, some that have leading, some that don’t. Here are a couple of key components to being a good baserunner and doing things the right way:

Firstly, when you get a hit, whether it’s to the outfield or infield, it’s not the time to celebrate. You need to listen to your first base coach and look at your third base coach for signs. Once you know what’s next, smart baserunners survey the land and check out the players’ positions. Especially the outfielders, so that you know without looking, or before looking, you have an idea of where they are.

You do not have to be fast to be a good baserunner; it helps, but I’ve seen lots of fast-paced runners who are not good baserunners. There are a lot of guys who aren’t as fast but are even better because they have instincts. They’re checking out and anticipating what’s going to happen. They give themselves every advantage they can to succeed at what they’re about to do.

Timing when Baserunning

The key element to successful baserunning is timing. Whether you’re in little league and leading off the bag or higher levels and taking your lead, timing is essential. When the pitcher throws the ball and the batter is about to hit it, you’ve got to be ready to go. You can’t be napping or daydreaming. You must anticipate the ball’s movement to be ready as soon as it reaches the point where you need to go.

As a baserunner at a level where leading is allowed, you need to talk about your leads. We like to lead off the base with our left foot, then right foot, and then shuffle off. We feel that this puts you in the best position not to get tricked by the pitcher. A quick step off when your legs are crossing over one another can get you picked off. The leads you take depend on the individual, but as a rule of thumb, you don’t want to take a lead that’s too short you have no chance to steal a base or beat a throw that you should beat to the base. 

Similarly, you don’t want to take a crazy long lead that will get you picked off. You’ll be thinking, “I’m going back, I’m going back.” You need to determine what that lead is for you, and usually, a couple of shuffles put you in a good position. The rule of thumb is that you should get far enough so that if the pitcher throws over you are a step and a dive away. For more information on baserunning from 1st base click the video below!

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: 3-Ball Drill

BVSA Teaches: 3-Ball Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Mike Abate talks about the 3-ball drill. Hey there, this next drill is designed for outfielders to catch balls hit over their heads. The first thing you want to work on is the proper drop step. Make sure that the outfielder gains distance on their first throw by dropping first, instead of prepping and then dropping. For younger players, you can work on the drop step while they catch the ball over their shoulder and open up to throw. Progress the drill by turning it into a two or three-ball drill.

It’s important to teach outfielders to turn and run to a spot instead of just running at a ball. Especially because the ball can be slicing or hooking. The earlier they can get comfortable taking their eyes off the ball and running to spots, the better they’ll perform and the more ground they’ll cover. In the drill, make sure to emphasize whipping their head around to get to another ball in flight.

The video demonstrates a three-ball drill progression where the outfielder gains depth and distance with a proper drop step. The athlete takes his eyes off the ball for the first two or three steps and then gets them back on the ball. Make sure to teach them to run with their arms up and work their arms to create better movement with their legs.

The progression can be adjusted to include one, two, or three balls. It’s important to have the outfielder look at the instructor or become comfortable taking their eyes off the ball. Whipping the head around is crucial in this drill as it helps the body follow. Lastly, try to throw the ball up before the outfielder gets their head around to pick up the ball.

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: Tee Ball Reaction Drill

BVSA Teaches: Tee Ball Reaction Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Mike Abate talks about the tee ball reaction drill. Hey guys, in this drill, we’re going to be working on tee ball reaction. This is a great drill to practice for outfielders because it allows them to get a good jump on the ball, whether you’re in a facility or outdoors. The idea is to simulate a game situation as much as possible, and by hitting the ball off a tee instead of a fungo, it adds a different element for the outfielder to react to.

To perform this drill, watch how we take our prep steps and then break on the ball. It’s essential to get a good jump on the ball, just like in a game. This drill is similar to the stuff we do in straight-up batting practice as an outfielder.

When you’re getting live reps in batting practice, it’s some of the best drills you can do. If you can’t simulate that in practice, then it’s just one-on-one with you and an outfielder. I think this tee ball reaction drill is the next best thing. Thanks guys!

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: Wall Drill

BVSA Teaches: Wall Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Mike Abate talks about the wall drill. Hey guys, our next drill is called “The Wall.” It’s designed to help outfielders get comfortable going next to the wall. Also knowing when they can make a catch or when they have to pull up and take a bounce. Specifically, at the younger levels, you can get them close to the fence to get a feel for it. Then have them practice robbing home runs like their favorite outfielders. 

As they progress and get older, they will understand that every field feels different, and adjustments need to be made. They’ll also learn how many steps they have on a warning track and about handling different dimensions of the field. The wall drill takes the outfielders to the next level. 

Notice what Frankie was doing as he approaches the fence, feeling with his other hand to let him know how close he is. In the advanced outfield, he knew when to pull up when the ball was going to be off the wall. He would take the ball off the wall, throw it in, and he knew how much he had to go to make the catch. Obviously, the younger outfielders won’t be as advanced as him, but it’s a fun drill to get them comfortable going to the wall.

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: Fly Ball Reaction Drill

BVSA Teaches: Fly Ball Reaction Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Mike Abate talks about the fly ball reaction drill. Hey guys, this next drill is called “fly ball reaction.” It’s a reaction drill that starts with a player on their belly. You can do this drill in different ways, depending on your facility. If you’re indoors, you can throw the ball. Obviously if you’re outdoors, you can use a machine that shoots the balls up to get more hang time. You can also do it with one player or two or three. Correspondingly, have the balls go up at the same time, and they communicate to figure out which one they want to catch. 

The goal of this drill is to train the outfielders’ brains to catch with their eyes on the ball in flight after running to the spot. Evidently, here’s how it works: the coach pops up the baseball, and the player has to pop up and catch it. Meanwhile, you can start moving them each way if you want. Obviously, you can have one, two, or three outfielders down at the same time, communicating to make the catch. This is a fun drill to do.

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