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BVSA Teaches: Styrofoam Stride

BVSA Teaches: Styrofoam Stride

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the styrofoam stride. Alright, so we talked about the load, the transfer, and the proper effecient way to transfer. Generally speaking, you want to be getting that weight into your front side and back towards the pitcher. But a lot of times, with a lot of different levels, the kids will stride too closed into the plate or they’ll stride too open, putting them in a bad place. Getting in here you cut yourself off a little bit, it’s tough to get your hips through first. Out here you’re opening up, your hips are open, you’re giving away power, you’re giving away the outside part of the plate.

Different Options With the Beam

So, one of the devices that we like to use for a drill is just our styrofoam beams, again located throughout the facility. So, whether they have an open stance or a slightly closed stance, this I had set up for a student not to stride too close to the plate. You don’t want to be too constrictive. You want to give your athletes some independence to have a slightly closed stride or slightly open. However, you do have to gage whether it’s too much or too little. So, put the styrofoam here for tee work, for front toss, for regular BP. This will help them be aware that there’s something there and that they can’t stride into it. Conversely, if they’re striding too far out, you can put it behind them.

And obviously with the younger kids you’ve got to make them be aware that if they step out they might fall. They like that, it’s kind of fun for them. But again, just giving them a little bit of a guideline of where they shouldn’t go and where they should go. And for the little kids you can even put the foot down and give them an idea of where they should be striding to. So, just little guidelines, rep it out over and over. Give them some independence to be themselves and have little variations. Meanwhile, try and keep them in the right place that they’re going to land for the most success. Hope that helps.

BVSA Teaches: Styrofoam Stride

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 Drill

BVSA Teaches: Tee-Ball Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the tee-ball drill. Okay, so one of the issues with teaching younger kids how to hit is that they often just lift their front leg up in the air and bring it back down without properly loading their backside. Meanwhile, this can cause them to fall too far forward. One drill to help with this is to place a cone or small ball between their legs. You will teach them to turn their knee and point the bottom of their foot towards the pitcher when they lift it. This helps them get the feel of properly loading their backside and not rocking outside of their back foot. This drill can also be done on balance discs or a balance beam. The key is to make sure they are turning their knee into the ball to get their backside loaded.

BVSA Teaches: Tee-Ball Drill

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: Balance Beam for Load

BVSA Teaches: Balance Beam for Load

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about using the balance beam for load. Just like for the stance, we have the kids getting on this to establish a nice balanced stance, but we could also work the load here. It forces you to stay in balance. Some kids are going to do it really easily at first and some aren’t. You can put them on this beam and have them get into that balanced position. Then, begin to figure out what that move is that works for them. Being on this will keep you from rolling out here to far and will obviously keep you from going forward or back or else you’ll fall off. It will help the player understand that they really have to control this or else they’re going to fall down. So you can spend a lot of time here.

Correct Rotation

Here I’m holding the bat in one hand and get to the point where they’re holding the bat in two hands. They will be looking at the pitcher. You’re just working some type of a load here. Make sure you’re not overrotating, you’re not going too far back, your head is staying over your bellybutton. You’re getting this back hip loaded and there’s a little bit of a turn in your hip. You’re showing the bottom of your shoe to the pitcher, not just up and down. This doesn’t actually address the up and down, they can do it up and down and be in good balance. We want to get that knee turned in just a little bit, show the bottom of the shoe to the pitcher. And again, work this until they get it before you move on to the transfer.

BVSA Teaches: Balance Beam for Lo

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 Nolan – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

 

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for August is Jack Nolan. Jack is currently in eighth grade and playing for Mitch Hoffman and the Connecticut Baseball Club.

“Getting to coach Jack this year was an absolute pleasure. I have never come across a player with a better mindset than Jack. He was a leader on and off of the field and the definition of a true teammate. I am looking forward to years ahead with him!!” – Mitch Hoffman, CTBC Coach

You can find Jack all over the infield, from the pitcher’s mound to behind the dish to the hot corner. His summer was highlighted by playing tournaments with his team in Omaha, Nebraska and Hoover, Alabama, and winning the Perfect Game Northeast Tournament in Newark, New Jersey.

When not on the baseball diamond, Jack is at BVSA training either with the bat in his hands or working out in the gym.

“Jack and I have been working together for the past year and it has been an absolute pleasure. He is an incredibly talented baseball player with a serious power factor but what really makes him special is the person he is. He comes to every session in a great mood, with a positive attitude and enthusiasm to continue to improving. The combination of that attitude and his skill set is going to take him a very long way and I look forward to being a part of it! Congratulations Jack, well deserved!” Frank Ramppen, BVSA Managing Partner

In addition to baseball, Jack plays basketball in the fall and winter for High Rise and Darien Y Travel. During his downtime, chances are he’s either playing MLB The Show or watching some combination of the New York Yankees, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

We here at BVSA want to congratulate Jack once more for earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for August. We know Jack has big goals to play at the highest levels through high school and college, and we admire his dedication to the process of always looking to get even bigger and better. We can’t wait to see where Jack goes from here, congratulations again Jack!

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BVSA Teaches: High Jump Drill

BVSA Teaches: High Jump Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about another drill for balance and getting to the correct stance. This drill is having them jump into position and I have a chair that I’ll show you in a second. Have the kids take a couple of steps and jump as high as they can in the air and come down and land in a balanced position. Most times they’re going to land in a nice base position where their legs are roughly shoulder-length and they’re definitely going to bend their knees. And if they don’t then you have to teach them, explain to them what you want to do. This is if they don’t do it naturally but most kids will do it naturally.  Then you can put the bat in their hands and have them look at the pitcher and get a feel for where that stance is.

Advanced Version

A little more advanced, obviously requires someone watching but get them to get up on a chair. Bring a chair over to the cage or the field or even a bucket, buckets wobble a little bit but again tell them to jump in the air and land. And when they land, they bend and now stand up a little bit and now you’re in a nice position. So simple little things to get the kids to feel their balance, to feel their weight. Getting their head over their bellybutton, inside, shoulder-length apart. For the BAP’s, your clients, do it at the beginning of your lessons or the beginning of your BAP’s. Have them feel it until they do it correctly, keep repping it, alright.

BVSA Teaches: High Jump Drill

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: Balance Beam Drill

BVSA Teaches: Balance Beam Drill

For this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen will be talking about the balance beam drill. Another good drill for teaching kids the proper stance and balance are the balance beams that we have here. Just have the kid get on to the balance beam, slightly wider than shoulder length or about shoulder length. And again, it forces the student to get their weight in here in that pyramid position.

Some kids could just easily hop up here and be balanced. The biggest thing is getting them to bend their knees a little bit and feel that weight in here. Some of them are going to really struggle at first, some it will be easy. Once they get it, you have them hold the bat up in their stance, maybe have them look at the pitcher and just get the feel of their head being over their bellybutton and their weight being in here.

It’s a simple little drill, again, for the BAP’s, maybe it’s a station at the very beginning. Also, when you’re rotating through and the kids are doing their tee work and their front toss, you can have them standing on the balance beam. For private clients, maybe every lesson starts with this until they get that good stance that is comfortable for them. 

BVSA Teaches: Balance Beam Drill

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: Foot Print Drill

BVSA Teaches: Foot Print Drill

For this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the foot print drill.  A really simple drill or practice for a young kid and his balance is the rubber foot print we have here. We have them downstairs and upstairs in the facility. These you can just put down at the proper distance based on the height of the kid. This will be a little bit wider than shoulder length. Have them stand on there and hold the bat and get an understanding of where their feet should be.

Next you can talk about the pyramid there and getting their weight in to the inner part of their leg. Keep it really simple so that they have an understanding. Sometimes kids have to see it over and over again, so for the BAP’s maybe this is a station. For a private lesson, you start with this every lesson just to get your client to understand that’s where they need to be each time they step into the batter’s box.

BVSA Teaches: Foot Print Drill

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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Cassie Robotti – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

 

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for July is Cassie Robotti. Cassie started playing baseball at the age of five, and it quickly became her passion. She took that passion all the way to her freshman year of high school, before turning over to softball.

Cassie was dominating the field from the age of ten, switching back and forth between the pitcher’s mound and shortstop position. After winning districts that year as an all-star, she went on to be an all-star the following two years as well. The switch to softball came when the Stamford High softball coach approached her with the idea of becoming the starting shortstop on the varsity team. Hesitant at first, Cassie decided to make the move.

That winter, Cassie tried out and made the BVSA Lady Titans. Fast forward to her sophomore year, her first full softball season, she made Second Team All FCIAC.

A torn labrum in the fall of her junior year kept her off the field for a while as it required surgery and fifteen weeks of physical therapy. But Cassie bounced right back…

Despite playing only half the season, Cassie earned First Team All FCIAC and was named the only captain of the Stamford High Black Knights. Her current batting average is .419 with a .538 OBP.

Cassie is currently a rising senior and a Honors Student at Stamford High School, and looking to continue her playing career into college. The plan is to play while earning a degree in Physical Education and Health, and the dream is to coach softball after graduating college.

“Cassie exemplifies the meaning of being a great player and teammate. This kid has always been a die hard player since joining Lady Titans. Since bouncing back from her torn labrum injury Cassie has shown nothing but grit and determination. She never let her injury get in the way of her success. Cassie is an excellent hitter and a force to be reckoned with on the base paths. She is everything that a coach looks for in a player.” – Coach Beezer

Cassie’s favorite team is the New York Yankees, her favorite player being Aaron Judge. When she is not on the softball field or watching a Yankees game, she enjoys going to the beach, walking her puppies, and hanging out with friends.

We here at BVSA want to congratulate Cassie once more for earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for July. The admiration we have for both the desire to play baseball as long as she could, combined with the resiliency to fight back from injury is outstanding. We look forward to continuing to see Cassie around BVSA and can’t wait what she does at the next level!

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BVSA Teaches: Balance Disk Drill for Load

BVSA Teaches: Balance Disc Drill for Load

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the balance disc drill for load. Getting on these discs really makes you lock in, engage your legs, engage your core, and get into a balanced position. So now you’re here, you’re in that nice balanced position. Now you’ve got to work on that load, and this is even harder than the balance beam. So you work on that load here. Again, you’ve got to be doing it with a nice rhythm, keeping that head over the center of your body. You should be showing the bottom of your shoe to the pitcher, whether it’s small or big. 

Some kids can do this more easily than others, making sure you’re not rocking back out here; you’ll fall. Head gets too far out front, you’ll fall over here. Your head gets too far back; you’ll fall over there. So it forces you to stay in balance throughout that move, making sure you’re getting that weight into this back hip so you’re ready.

And that’s going to happen, and guys, make this fun. The kids love this. Make it fun, but keep them going. Fun lessons are good lessons. They’re going to want to repeat them, but keep going and keep them on track to keep working it until they really get it. And this drill, like a lot of the drills for stance, for balance, for load, for transfer which we’re going to get to, if you put the mirror right in front of them out here so they can look at themselves, and when you are telling them when you’re giving them that positive reinforcement that yes, that’s how it should feel, now they know how it feels. The mirror in front of them is going to show them how it looks, so any positive reinforcement that you can give, do it.

BVSA Teaches: Balance Disc Drill for Load

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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Jackson Koeppl – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for June is nine year old Jackson Koeppl. Jackson first started playing baseball three years ago when he was six years old, and was almost immediately thrown a curveball. The COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on his spring 2020 New Canaan rec baseball season, but that did not stop him from continuing to practice and progress.

Jackson played constantly with his Dad in the backyard, doing anything from swinging a bat to long tossing. He was able to restart rec ball in the fall before joining 8U New Canaan Travel Baseball in spring 2021. As his commitment to baseball grew, Jackson wanted to go a step further and began training with BVSA this past January. His last six months can be summed up by his latest Spring Championship Game for his 9U New Canaan team.

Jackson came in to pitch in the 2nd inning with his team already down 4-0 to Danbury on their home field. Ten strikeouts later, he and his teammates were putting medals around their necks celebrating a 10-4 victory. Jackson pitched five innings and only allowed one baserunner, a sixth inning single. His final line read…

5 IP, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 H, 10 Ks, W

“His stuff is electric. He is in complete control mentally when he takes the mound, regardless of the results. He can be dominant or he can be hit hard, his body language and his mindset does not change at all. I have never seen someone so young and understand this game so well.” – Joe Wanderlingh, BVSA Instructor and New Canaan Coach

Not only does he help himself with his demeanor, but he wears off on the rest of the team. The excitement and joy on his face when he plays is truly contagious. He loves the game, his teammates, and helping his team any way he can.

Jackson is a soon to be fifth grader that really excels in the classroom. When he is not playing baseball, he is definitely playing some other sport like flag football, basketball, and skiing.

As if that wasn’t enough for him, he continues to challenge himself and take on new things like archery, ninja warrior obstacle courses, and chess. He loves rooting for a wide variety of different teams like the New York Yankees, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, and Florida Gators.

We here at BVSA want to congratulate Jackson once more for earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for June. His progress in such a short amount of time is truly inspiring, and it is clear that this is just the beginning for Jackson. We are so excited to continue watching him grow and lead by example for everyone that takes the field with him!