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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 [email protected] 

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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 [email protected] 

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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 [email protected] 

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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 [email protected] 

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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 [email protected] 

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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 [email protected] 

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BVSA Sports Show: Episode 20

BVSA Sports Show: Episode 20

Alright, what’s up guys Joe Wanderlingh here BVSA Sports Show episode 20. As you can see I am riding solo today with a lot to get into with the NFL but I’ll save that for when Matt is back with us. Tomorrow is the start of March Madness. Favorite time of the year, brackets are out, upsets all over this bracket. I want to take a couple minutes and dive into this with you guys before kicking it over to Frank and Bobby and the debut episode if the When of Bobby V so I’ll kick it over to you guys in just a couple of minutes. I just wanted to go through this with you how to share it with somebody don’t have too many guys around here to go back and forth with so might as well get myself on video giving you the not so expert picks. Obviously Friday morning we all wake up brackets are busted so going in clean slate feeling good thinking this is the year you’ll win some pools or go perfect all that good stuff, let’s dive right into it.

Let’s start upper left of your bracket in the South, just going through your first eight winners Alabama/Maryland pretty chalky. I’m gonna use the word chalk a lot that just means going with the favorites. 1 and 8 Alabama Maryland. Maryland beating West Virginia, sorry Frank, sorry Matt um Frank’s son Matt’s brother um don’t see West Virginia don’t see the Mountaineers coming away with this one I know it’s a heavy public pick but I’m going with Maryland um underneath that are my two my first two big upsets double-digit seeds both 12 and 13. Charleston and Furman over San Diego State and Virginia both teams historically not so great in the tournament Virginia being the big one as they are the only team as a 1 seed ever lose to a 16 seed. As a 4 here I don’t think their luck is going to
change all that much I got Charleston and Furman in two double-digit teams meeting in the round of 32 this weekend towards the bottom it goes back to the favorites 3 and 6 Baylor Creighton. I’m a big big East guy, Providence, Xavier, Creighton, Marquette who you’ll see a little bit later on I have them going very far so I’m a big believer in the Big East. I was there last Wednesday for the first round those first three games so you tend to see a little bit of a trend here of me going a little further than I probably should with those big east teams but can’t help myself and then round it all out Arizona
and Missouri 2 and 7 so from top to bottom you got one eight got the big upsets in the middle 12 and 13, 6, 3, 7 and 2 seeds. Moving into the sweet 16 I’m gonna stay on that one side I’ll get you your one pick on each side of the bracket and then come all together with your final four. I’m sticking with the tide, Alabama, I have Charleston winning that barn burner of a 12 vs 13 seed. Creighton
upsetting Baylor, I think they’re too banged up they really haven’t gotten too much of a rhythm this year especially down the stretch. I think Creighton can handle them and then Arizona beating Missouri that gives you 1 vs 12 and 2 vs 6 in your Elite eight I’m sticking with Alabama sticking with Arizona I think these are the two far and away best teams in this side of the bracket that are going to meet in the elite eight and I’m gonna ride with that one seed Alabama being the first team I have
punching its ticket into the Final Four. 

Over on the top right Midwest we’re going to go Houston Iowa another 12 seed .Drake obviously a lot of us love those 12 seeds historically they do very well in this tournament it’s the first really big upset that people look at on each side of the brackets the 12 is beating the fives I got another one here and Drake beating Miami. Indiana, Iowa State, Xavier, Texas A&M and Texas this whole side of the bracket is one through eight for me minus Drake beating the five seed Miami in that next round. You got uh Houston and Indiana advancing I think Drake’s gonna be a one-win and done team on the bottom side 2 upsets 6 Iowa State excuse me and seven Texas A&M going up against two Texas. Texas is a big big favorite from the public for people to really come out of this out of the bracket even win the whole thing they’ve been red hot they won their conference tournament but I think Texas A&M, a little rivalry there they can out shoot them given us 1, 4, 6 and 7 in our Elite eight and then a couple more upsets. A little bit different than the other side of our bracket where we had 1 and 2 seeds in the elite eight. I’m going with 4 and 6 seeds on this side of the elite eight with Indiana and Iowa State where Indiana jumps over them, making them our second team into the final four so we got Alabama on the top left you got Indiana as a four seed on the top right.

For more on Joe’s NCAA March Madness picks and a look into the first episode of The When of Bobby V with Frank and Bobby click the link 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. If you don’t know who Bobby V is, it’s worth a quick google search. We teach a proven curriculum which has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. BVSA was founded in 2006 and has been growing steadily ever since.

We have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Check out our valued partners section above to learn more about them. Parties and events 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 [email protected] 

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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 [email protected] 

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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 [email protected] 

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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 [email protected]Â