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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 

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BVSA Teaches: Get Up & Go Drill

BVSA Teaches: Get Up & Go Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Mike Abate talks about the get up & go drill. Hey guys, our next drill for the outfield is a way for these outfielders to come hard, get going full-speed, and make that kind of shoestring catch. Obviously better, older and more advanced outfielders will go down and slide on a knee to make an easier catch. However, this is a drill for these guys to really come full speed and make that shoestring catch. This is followed by coming up and making the throw.

Meanwhile, notice his glove placement, and the angle of his glove. The ball is lower, so his fingers are down, making that catch. Now, the progression in this drill doesn’t have to go from his belly. I think it’s a good start-up drill to let the players push off something, getting off the ground if they fall or slip in the game. But you can go from a prep step position and then make that initial descent in. Thanks.

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: Spin Reaction Drill

BVSA Teaches: Spin Reaction Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Mike Abate talks about the spin reaction drill. Hey guys, this is a nice outfield drill that can be done as an infielder or outfielder. It’s just something to get the reflex going. Many times a good outfielder understands that he has to take his eyes off the ball while he’s running to a spot. He’ll then have to pick up the baseball in flight. So we have to be able to train our minds and our eyes to create that snap. We’re able to see that picture of the ball in flight and we’re able to make the play.

Basically, this is a little signature that we used to get the body going and get the eyes right. As he’s doing that, he’s whipping his head around, and his body’s following. Once we start doing other drills, our outfielders start taking their eyes off the ball and get comfortable with it. It’s all about the head movement that’s going to make the body follow, and that’s a good drill to start up. Thanks.

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: Outfielder Star Drill

BVSA Teaches: Outfielder Star Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Mike Abate talks about the outfielder star drill. Hey guys, we’re about to show you a star drill for the outfield. It’s a fun outfield drill where they can work on their prep step and coming through. Every angle is attacked during this drill. So we have one of the better outfielders in the area right now, Frankie Ramppen. He’s gonna help us and show you guys what it looks like.

In the game, the prep step is important. So notice that when he was doing it every time, he broke out before he went to a proper prep step. Meanwhile, it was good footwork on the break each way. Even with the ball over his head, you got to really overcome to get to 12 on that, so you’re in the right direction. This can be done each practice with your group of outfielders. You don’t even need a huge field for this, it can be condensed slightly when needed. That’s the star drill, and it’s a lot of fun.

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: Do or Die Drill

BVSA Teaches: Do or Die Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Mike Abate talks about the do or die drill. Hey guys, this next drill is called a do or die drill. As an outfielder, we need to understand where we should go before the ball is hit, whether it’s in the air or on the ground. If the ball is hit on the ground, we need to come up firing to get the runner at home. This is a do or die play, and the outfielder needs to get into a good athletic position. This helps with fielding the ground ball and working through it to make a good throw. The idea is to get the ball out as quick as possible while staying in control of your body.

Ideally, we want to be in a good athletic position with the glove on the outside of the front foot. Obviously, when you get the ball, the next step is up and throw. Notice what he did, he was fielding the ground ball out front, front foot glove side. Meanwhile his next step, he was up, and the ball was out. The faster we can understand this movement in control, the faster we get the ball out. Obviously, that’s how we throw people out. Every step that we take as an outfielder, if a runner is full speed on the bases, takes about two and a half to three seconds. I’d rather have a guy have great footwork and an average arm because that ball is going out and getting to the base on time.

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