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BVSA Teaches: Where to hold the bat

BVSA Teaches: Where to hold the bat

For this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen will be talking about where to hold the bat. To start, have the kid hold the bat in their stance is if they put the bat flat on their shoulder. You’ve got to tell them to hold the bat in their fingers, not to rotate it. Those knock knuckles kind of line up nice and loosely, and then just kind of raise it up. Go from the bat laying flat on the shoulder, to raising it up rather straight. So that’s just for the kids that really don’t understand where to hold the bat. And again, these things are so important. This needs to be done as you introduce a kid to hitting. All the drills for stance and where to hold the bat have to happen before you progress on to the rest of the swing. 

BVSA Teaches: Where to hold the bat

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: Bat Grip

BVSA Teaches: Bat Grip

Natural Feel

A really simple drill to do is having them stand there in that balanced position. Then, put the bat right in front of them, hold it with their right hand and then just reach down with their left hand. There’s just a natural way to grab that bat that’s not going to turn their hand. Then you pull it up to here, put the other hand on and bring it up to about shoulder height. Let them know that bat should be a little bit on an angle and pointing upwards, not flat like this.
 
A lot of kids will get to a lot of crazy places and it’s not so important that they get here. It’s when they load and transfer that they need to be in the right position. But just to give them an idea the bat will kind of fall into their fingers as they lift it. There’s already a tendency to grab it with their fingers. You can guide them through it, mention it to them that the bat should be more in your fingers and not so much in your palms. Also, it should be about shoulder height with the bat pointing up towards  the ceiling a little bit at a 45 degree angle.
 
BVSA Teaches: Bat Grip

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: 6-4-3 Shortstop Feed

BVSA Teaches: 6-4-3 Shortstop Feed

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the 6-4-3 shortstop feed. Okay, so there are a couple of different ways to do this. Obviously it changes based on where the ball is hit. If it is to your left you will get down in a nice low position and stay there when flipping the baseball to second. When flipping the ball you will keep moving with it afterwards. Be smart with the power of the flip, especially when you are closer to the bag. If you are farther away, you will need a little more behind it. 

Another important part of this feed is where you should keep your glove. You do not want to block the second basemans view of the ball when preparing to flip. The ball should be in your hand giving a clear view for your teammate to catch and make a throw. The biggest take away from this is that we always want to have movement through the ball. This also means fielding these ground balls slightly left of center. 

Groundballs Hit in the Hole

If there is a ball that is hit in the hole to our right, we want to get our body there. If you do not need to backhand it, you will actually be fielding the ball on the right side of your body. This way you can get the ball out quickly. Meanwhile, you will properly shift your weight when throwing the ball sidearm to the second baseman. 

When you are forced to make a backhand play you will have to plant your right foot to get your energy going towards the target. There’s also the famous Derek Jeter play where you jump off your left foot to make the throw to second. These are all of the basic, standard moves that we want to teach correctly!

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: Double Play Footwork for Shortstops

BVSA Teaches: Double Play Footwork for Shortstops

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about double play footwork for shortstops. Okay, so shortstops turning a double play from either the second or first baseman. The footwork is a little different but the concept is the same. You want to attack the ball and move towards the guy who has it. You want to get the angle so that the ball is going directly towards you. 

For positioning, you want to be pinching towards the middle. This means two steps in and two steps toward the bag. You can’t be too far where you are just getting there in time to get that out and not able to make the throw. You’ll start your baby steps as you get close as not to get there too early. The only time you want to be at the base waiting for the ball is if you have no chance at the second out. The footwork will be sliding to the back corner of the bag and you drag your right foot.

Different Scenarios

The higher the level of play becomes, the more you will have to make sure you are getting out of the way. A ball up the middle will give you a much different angle at the bag. You have to keep those feet moving and angle yourself towards first once you receive the ball. Receiving a ball from the first baseman is much easier. You can get around the bag and go straight through back to first. If you want the throw inside the baseline, you will have to make that adjustment. This means you will get your left foot to the inside of the bag as to avoid the runner. 

Lastly, there is the situation where it is a groundball to you. First off, you need to make sure you call the second baseman off. You won’t need to go to the back corner of the bag with your right foot. Instead, you’re going to use the front of the bag to protect yourself. You will start your throw before the bag and then land with your left foot on the bag once releasing the ball. Teach it right boys and girls.

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: First Baseman footwork on ball near home

BVSA Teaches: First Baseman footwork on ball near home

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about first baseman footwork on ball near home. So one other play at first base that we need to discuss is receiving a throw from the catcher. Whether it’s a past ball, dropped third strike, bunt, etc., you need to run and straddle the bag. You’re immediately going to see where the ball is going. Your job is to create a lane for the throw at first base. The biggest thing is avoiding a throw that is going over the runner. This could be yelling “outside” or “inside” to help the catcher determine which side to throw on. 

You also have to be ready to slide if needed. If the throw isn’t great you want to shuffle your body out of harms way. This means switching feet and getting to the other side of the bag. You have to know where the bag is at all times. This can be a great drill for your first baseman. Have them slide to either side to catch throws at different angles. Team them right, boys and girls.

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: How to Take a Throw from the Catcher

BVSA Teaches: How to Take a Throw from the Catcher

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about how to take a throw from the catcher. Okay, here’s a big debate for shortstops and second basemen. Should you straddle the bag or be out in front of it when receiving throws from the catcher? The way I learned from Bobby Valentine, and after discussing it with him recently, we confirm that straddling the bag is the correct approach.

Being out in front of the bag for a bad throw may seem like a good idea. However, our focus should be on the catcher making a good throw and us making an easy tag. The problem with being out in front is that baserunners can slide to the back corner of the bag. The time it takes to catch the ball and swipe the tag is not very efficient. Meanwhile, if the ball traveled and we caught it at the bag and immediately put the tag down there is a much better chance of an out. It often looks like we’re chasing the tag, which is not desirable. Straddling the bag and dropping the tag appears quicker and gives the impression that the runner is out.

Difficulties

One concern raised during our discussion was getting tied up on a bad throw and needing to get out of the way while the runner is coming in. In that case, the shortstop or second baseman, who are typically top athletes on the team, need to get out of there and try to swipe the bag to position themselves for the play. It doesn’t mean they have to stay in that position. However, that is the way we teach it here is for middle infielders to straddle the bag and drop the tag.

Another point to consider is how difficult it is for a second baseman to come in and get in front of the bag while knowing its exact position. Straddling the bag provides a clear reference point, just like we teach at first base.

That’s the approach we teach here at Bobby Valentine Sports Academy. Remember, straddle the bag, drop the tag, and know where the bag is. Keep up the good work, both guys and girls.

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: Turning Two as a Second Baseman

BVSA Teaches: Turning Two as a Second Baseman

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about turning two as a second baseman. Alright guys, I want to get everyone on the same page. I’ve been observing our practices over the past few weeks and noticed some mistakes in how our players execute the Double Play at second base. I want to ensure that you are all teaching it correctly. Let’s go through the key points.

First, let’s talk about positioning. In a Double Play situation, our players need to pinch towards the middle. As a general rule, take two steps in and two steps over, but adjustments can be made based on the hitter and their speed. Meanwhile, the goal is to come in and move slightly towards the back.

Now, let’s focus on the angle the second baseman takes to the bag. It depends on where the ball is hit. If the ball is hit towards the shortstop, the second baseman should come into the bag with hands up, ready to receive the throw on a straight line. Obviously, we don’t want them positioned like a wide receiver in a pass play. On the other hand, if the ball is hit towards the third baseman, the second baseman should angle in towards the third baseman, again to make the throw easier for the person throwing it.

Sequence to the Bag

When approaching the bag, remember the sequence: left, right, left. Come in hard but take small steps if necessary to wait for the throw and determine its direction. The right foot plays a crucial role in changing direction towards the target. It stops the momentum and allows for a throw in the desired direction. Adjust the footwork based on the throw location and hit type.

Consider the runner’s speed and use the bag as a defense mechanism to avoid getting hurt. For slow runners, left, right, left is sufficient. However, for faster runners, you might need to adjust and go back towards the base.

All these different moves – left, right, left – lead to different areas around the base. It’s essential to make the second baseman aware of the foot positioning when crossing the bag. The ankle bone should face the target, so adjustments may be necessary to make accurate throws. We draw an arc around the bag to visualize where the foot should angle, ensuring proper throwing angles.

In summary, our goal is to help players reach their full potential. By teaching these techniques effectively, we can improve both individual players and our teams as a whole. Good luck!

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: Backhand Drill

BVSA Teaches: Backhand Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the backhand drill. Hey guys, Frank here at an empty field. I hope you’re doing okay at home. I know this has been tough, but let’s stay patient, strong, and productive. Here’s a quick tip for you—a drill for the backhand play. As a shortstop moving to your right, sometimes you need to run towards the ball, stick your right foot in the ground to stop yourself from going further, and make a strong backhand throw. It’s important to be confident in your backhand play. 

Here’s a great drill you can do at home. Set up balls at a shorter distance than what I have here, and imagine yourself as the shortstop throwing to first base. Come in hard for the ball, plant your right foot to change direction, simulate the backhand, and get into your throwing position. Repeat this drill over and over to improve your backhand skills. Keep working on it, even if there’s no game or moving balls. It will make you better. See you soon.

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: Solo Footwork Drill (Ground Balls)

BVSA Teaches: Solo Footwork Drill (Ground Balls)

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the solo footwork drill (ground balls). Hey guys, I wanted to check in and share a tip with you today. It’s a basic fielding drill that you can do at home or outside if the weather is nice. I have a few balls lined up on the ground here, and you can imagine yourself as a shortstop with plates placed at first base. Let’s simulate fielding a ground ball with proper footwork. 

Start by moving right left, fielding the ball slightly left of center, and then right left to get into your throwing position. Keep moving through the ball. Repeat this drill for each ball. Meanwhile, make sure you stay low, bend your knees, and get your gloves out in front of you. Remember to move through and aim your throw properly. You can even record yourself doing these drills to see how your form looks afterwards. There are plenty of things you can do to stay productive at home, so let’s stay positive and talk soon.

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: Good Habits for a Shortstop

BVSA Teaches: Good Habits for a Shortstop

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about good habits for a shortstop. Hey guys, Frank here. We’re down here at an empty baseball field, and I hope you’re all doing well and staying safe and healthy. Here’s a tip for today, specifically for shortstops. Delayed steals are a big part of the game at a higher level, and they can be very effective. We’ve had a lot of success with delayed steals in our team.

Usually, delayed steals catch the infielders off balance, not necessarily the catchers because catchers are always ready to throw. So here’s the tip of the day: as a shortstop, when there’s a runner on second base, whether there’s a runner on base or not, you should always move toward second base with your prep step. Every pitch, for the rest of your life, move towards second base, unless there’s a runner on third. This will help you get into the habit.

Meanwhile, if the ball is hit and the runner on second base is stealing, you’re already moving to your bag to catch the throw from the catcher and not get beat by the delayed steal. Give it a try and practice it.

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