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BVSA Teaches: Golf Grip – Baseball Throw

BVSA Teaches: Golf Grip - Baseball Throw

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the golf grip – baseball throw. Here is a good drill to help a student understand extension through the ball without getting all tied up and rolling over. Start by getting into a golf grip with an interlock. Basically, you’ll interlock your pointer finger of your left hand and your pinky of your right hand (for righties). Next, you’ll hold the ball like you’re in a normal throwing position in baseball. Then get into your stance and load, transfer, and fire, throwing the ball straight back out to the pitcher. 

The key is to focus on getting a nice extension through the ball. You’re not trying to manipulate it or throw it with just your arm. Meanwhile, if you feel the ball going too far to the left or too low and right, or even into the ground, it’s a sign that something is going wrong with your extension. This immediate feedback can be really helpful for students to understand the importance of extension. Hopefully, this drill will be helpful for you and your student.

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 Develop Killer Swag

BVSA Teaches: How to Develop Killer Swag

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about how to develop killer swag. Hey guys, today we’re going to talk about what I call swag, confidence, and presence, whatever you want to call it. We teach the mechanics and do an awesome job of getting our kids to a higher level mechanically, but then comes the different approaches and routines. That swag as a hitter carries through to all portions of the game, but I’m just talking about hitting right now. And this is almost impossible to teach. I don’t know, but I think kids get a little bit. We have to teach them how to have some type of a presence.

I know hitting smoking balls all over the field and having success will generate more of this, and I know every person, every kid is different. You can’t expect them all to be flashy and flamboyant. But just an inner presence, and I’m just talking in terms of getting into the batter’s box. When a kid gets into the batter’s box, and I use this example with all my kids, I’ll say, “So you’re pitching, and especially for the younger kids, your pitcher. When you’re on the mound and you see a guy walk up to the batter’s box and doesn’t look athletic and doesn’t look ready and looks timid versus a guy walks into the batter’s box, same kid, same size, same uniform, same thing, and smacks his bat down on the ground, and he looks at you. He’s got this waggle going on. Which kid do you rather pitch to as a pitcher? The first guy, because you’d think he’s got it.

Mentality

Now, I know that’s not always the case. I know there’s guys that don’t have that part to a T. But from what I’ve found in doing lots of lessons with these little kids, that it factor, that thing that allows them to execute in games versus in the cages or in the lessons, is such a tough thing to bring out. And I think you have to practice it. I think you have to practice some type of a routine. In another video, we talked about the whole routine and working your way to the plate. We just went through a little routine, but this one’s focused on this alone. Something that’s a little bit swaggy and a little confident, whatever it is, to make that pitcher think he knows what he’s doing. That his balance and his stance alone look athletic and like he knows what he’s doing. But he’s got some type of a routine, whatever it is. Kids like to do stuff they see on TV, whatever it is, and to look at that picture and get ready in this athletic position to compete.

And that’s the big word. We have to teach the kids to compete a little bit more. And again, it’s a tough teach, and I don’t have all the answers. But my plate presence thing is just one. You probably will have your own techniques, but we have to teach it. The point is we have to teach it. We have to teach the kids that there’s a presence and there’s a swag to good hitters. And all good hitters have it, whether it’s the flamboyant ones or the quiet confident ones. Let’s try to teach it in every way we can. Let them know it’s part of the game. Hope that helps. Hope you can do that.

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: Timing

BVSA Teaches: Timing

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about timing. Today, we will discuss the importance of timing in hitting. In a story shared by the speaker, Bobby had gathered around 60 players and front office staff in Japan to discuss the hitting philosophy and swing techniques. Thereafter, the discussion went on for two hours, and every aspect of hitting was covered. This ranged from bat position to load and transfer. At the end of the session, Bobby shouted, “None of it matters if you don’t have timing!” The players were startled but knew that Bobby was right. Even with the best swing, hitting is impossible without proper timing.

Teaching timing is a challenging aspect of hitting, and it involves repetition and various drills. Obviously, the goal is to make contact with the ball at the exact spot to hit it the hardest. It’s essential to teach kids that mechanical techniques like load, stride, and bat position are efficient. However, they must execute the swing at the right time to hit the ball in the right place.

To improve timing, coaches use different techniques like bouncing balls, dropping balls, throwing underhand, overhand, and curved pitches. They also use smaller balls and frisbees to create game-like scenarios for kids to practice timing. However, the bottom line is that teaching timing is a field, and kids must practice game-like reps to execute their swings and get the barrel to the ball at the right 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 

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BVSA Teaches: Routine as a hitter

BVSA Teaches: Routine as a hitter

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about your routine as a hitter. Hey guys today I want to talk about your routine as a hitter and your approach to hitting. The mental aspect of the game can be challenging, even with good mechanics. We often teach kids proper mechanics, but they struggle to execute in games. Therefore, it’s essential to have a plan and set up routines before the game starts.

For the serious players, visualization and thinking about the game beforehand can be helpful. Knowing your opponent and the pitcher can also provide an advantage. But even for younger players, having a plan and approaching the game with an aggressive mindset can make a difference.

It’s crucial to pay attention to the game and develop patterns to understand the pitcher’s strategy and the umpire’s strike zone. You should have a routine before you get on deck that includes mechanical thoughts and a clear mind once you reach the deck. When on deck, you should focus on timing the pitcher, not just practicing your swing.

When you enter the batter’s box, it’s time to put the routine into action. Have a consistent and comfortable routine that you repeat every time. Remember your mechanical adjustments, approach, and timing from earlier, and go after pitches that you can drive early in the count.

Overall, it’s essential to have a routine and approach to hitting to maximize your success. It’s not just about mechanics but also about mental preparation and focus. Coaches and instructors should emphasize this to their players.

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: Approach as a hitter

BVSA Teaches: Approach as a hitter

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about approach as a hitter. Today’s topic is about approaching pitches in baseball. The mental part of the game is critical. There is a pre-plan routine that should be followed before going up to bat. It is important to have an idea of what your plan is and what you’re looking to do when you’re in the batter’s box. The approach can vary depending on the situation in the game.

When the game is close, and the pitcher isn’t throwing strikes or blowing you away, different approaches may be required. In general, you’re looking to hit pitches that you can crush early in the count or when you’re ahead. A device with numbers 1 – 8 is used to help hitters determine the area they should be looking to hit the ball. For example, early in the count, hitters may be looking for pitches in the range of 4-5-6, or 3.5-4-5-6.

What to think about

At higher levels, hitters need to be more selective. Many kids don’t swing the bat when they get in the game. This is despite all the work put into developing good swings and mechanics. Coaches don’t want to teach kids to go after only one or two types of pitches. However, they need to understand that early in the count or when they’re ahead in the count, they should be looking to hit a specific area.

When they get behind in the count, hitters need to expand the zone. Specifcally with two strikes, they should be more aggressive and swing at pitches one through eight. It’s too hard to teach kids to change their swing with two strikes, but they can choke up a little bit. Coaches should pay attention to what the umpire is calling on that day and help the kids adjust their approach accordingly.

The general rule of thumb is to be aggressive and think “swing on every pitch” until you see that it’s a ball. Hitters should look for pitches they can drive when they’re ahead in the count. They can expand the zone when they get behind, and be more aggressive with two strikes. Even kids that aren’t that good yet can foul off outside pitches. This way they can live to see another pitch by taking a pretty good balanced swing.

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: Getting out of the Batters Box

BVSA Teaches: Getting out of the Batters Box

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about getting out of the batters box. Hey guys, in this video, we’re going to talk about baserunning, specifically getting out of the batter’s box and running through first base on a ground ball and the turn to make at first base when the ball gets away. 

First of all, getting out of the batter’s box, I don’t think there’s any real teach other than to have balance. Our main objective when we’re in the batter’s box hitting is to hit the ball as hard as we can somewhere and get on base. So balance is what we teach from our stance throughout our entire sequence. Our dynamic balance. Right after we take our swing and make contact, some little kids have to be taught not to throw the bat. They’re in such a hurry to get that swing out of their hand, and they end up throwing the bat and hitting the catcher. So, some drills are needed to ensure that they know that they have to finish their swing and drop the bat.

Opposite Arm, Opposite Leg: BVSA's Guide to Proper Running Position

Obviously, you make your swing, make your contact, and put the bat back down. The key is to get into your runner’s position as quickly as you can right after. That is opposite arm, opposite leg, in a good athletic position, not standing up too tall. Different swings are definitely going to have slightly different positions. Meanwhile, we have to get into that running position as quickly as we can in line.

It’s important to run in a proper line. If you run too far inside the baseline and not in that little box that’s halfway or three-quarters of the way down the baseline, and the catcher throws and hits you, you could be called out for interference. So we have to make sure that we run in a proper line. Sometimes you may take your swing and you’re too far out at first. You have to get towards the line and in that proper track running in as athletic a position as you possibly can.

Now, we’re going to talk about the two different ways to work through the bag. We’re out of the box in a good sprinter’s position, running down the box on line down the line. We’re inside where that box is normally. We don’t want to be out here. We’re running down the line as hard as we can. We’re not watching the ball. Many little kids, as soon as they get out of the box, they’re watching the ball. Keep your eyes straight.

The first base coach will take care of what they need to do with that ball. So many kids watch the ball, and that’s a very important teach. Head up, running through the bag, we want to touch the front of the bag as we come through. We want to catch the front of the bag over here, away from the first baseman to avoid contact. Try to time it and make sure that you’re catching the front of the bag, not stopping. Continue your acceleration, and then your break down over here, always looking over your shoulder.

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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Jack Patterson – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Jack Patterson
Jack Patterson

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for January is Jack Patterson. Jack currently plays for Stamford Little League and Stamford Travel, and spends more time at BVSA than some of our own staff.

“Jack Patterson is easily one of the most consistent and dedicated kids we have in the building. His drive to become a better player, let alone athlete, is unmatched with the amount of swings he takes, pitches he throws, and simply minutes here in the building…
 
It is a pleasure to have Jack here on a regular basis and we are seeing the development of one of the next great baseball players from this area right in front of us!” – Justin Virgulak, BVSA Director 
Jack, who recently turned 11 years old, played over SIXTY games last season, batting over .500! As if that wasn’t impressive enough, he had more extra base hits than singles AND hit his very first home run! On the mound, he averaged over two strikeouts per inning. When he wasn’t on the mound, he also played first base and center field.
 
“Relentless. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of Jack. He simply does not stop. I feel like every day at some point he ends up in the cage next to me putting in work. I’ve seen him come in after having the flu, nothing stops him from accomplishing what he wants to accomplish.” – Joe Wanderlingh, BVSA Instructor
 
Jack is currently in fifth grade at Newfield Elementary School where he excels in the classroom. When he is not on the baseball diamond, he is on the football field playing for the Stamford First Down Club. Whatever spare time he has left, he loves to play wiffle ball and football which comes as such a big surprise!
 
We here at BVSA want to congratulate Jack once more on earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for January. Safe to say this is just the beginning for Jack, and we cannot wait to see where he goes from here. It is an absolute joy seeing him around BVSA, and we look forward to continuing watching him grow into the baseball player that he is. Congratulations Jack!
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BVSA Teaches: Moving Plate Drill

BVSA Teaches: Moving Plate Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the moving plate drill. Hey guys, today we’re going to talk about the mechanics of swaying and how to practice timing. Some people think regular batting practice isn’t good for timing because it’s at a different speed than what you see in a game. In a game, you’ll see all kinds of pitchers with different speeds, angles, deliveries, and ball movement. So, it’s important to practice timing by throwing in different speeds and changing the placement of the pitches. 

As we get closer to the season, we focus less on mechanics and more on timing. You can do live pitching and make it up as you go, gauging your students’ frustration level and achievement level. Take X amount of swings from one spot on the map and then move up to another station. Moving closer to home plate in your rounds of batting practice is real effective in timing as you get closer to the season. Remember, part of being a good hitter is being able to make adjustments.

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: Load & Transfer (Stride Drill)

BVSA Teaches: Load & Transfer (Stride Drill)

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the load & transfer (stride drill). One of the biggest issues with the transfer is the distance that you need to go to travel with your stride and the distribution of your weight. A lot of times, the kids don’t gain enough ground towards the pitcher and/or they don’t get their weight moving to their front side. They may have a long stride, but they really never transferred their weight. They’re still back here on their backside.

One really simple drill you can do is with no swings, drop swings, or on the tee. You can do it at every level of hitting. When they get ready to hit, line their foot up with this corner of the plate. Tell them they should stride to the front corner of the plate. That’s a good enough distance for most older kids. For 8 and 9-year-olds, it should be a little bit shorter, and if so, you could use a little foot fence.

Just give them an idea of when they do their load and transfer. then they could look down after their swing and see where their foot was. A lot of times, especially off the tee, we’ll be surprised that they’re barely moving their foot forward. It’s really hard to have a really efficient, effective transfer of weight when you’re not gaining any ground.

That’s a simple little one that you could use at the beginning, and you could do it throughout all their lessons or during the BAP’s to make sure team practices whatever to make sure that they’re gaining that ground. Then, obviously, work on the weight, which I’ll show you some other drills for.

 

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: Load & Transfer (Small Bat)

BVSA Teaches: Load & Transfer (Small Bat)

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the load & transfer (small bat). Hey guys, here’s a drill that might help. It’s good for kids or even older players who tend to disconnect when they get down and ready to swing. We don’t want the player to half-rotate and get a big looping swing. Instead, we need to stay connected up here and drive that left arm back. Accordingly, we need to be in the position to get down to contact, which should be with arms bent and staying connected at that point. Keeping those arms bent to generate power from the back leg is what we need to do.

To practice this, use one hand and put the short back with the one hand to help work through your load and transfer. Basically, drive straight to the ball without letting the arms lock out here. This drill may or may not work for you, so find what works best for your swing. Keep at this if it does help and work it into your routine.

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