INTRODUCTION
The unique self-coaching methodology outlined in this book is designed to solve hitting and pitching problems systematically. It provides players with their own coaching resource and also serves as an excellent management tool for coaches at all levels.
These drills and strategies are based on 25 years of hands-on teaching experience at one of the great baseball laboratories: the San Diego School of Baseball. In developing this system I have collaborated with a team of professional baseball technicians who are also co-directors at the school: perennial batting champion Tony Gwynn, six-time All-Star Alan Trammell, 19-year veteran and two-time All-Star pitcher Dave Smith, former Padres Assistant General Manager Reggie Waller, and former major league pitcher Brent Strom.
Since its inception, in 1971, the San Diego School of Baseball has helped more than 10,000 players reach their potential. Many have gone on to enjoy outstanding college and professional-even major league-careers. Here is a partial list of former guest instructors at the school: Roger Craig, Pete Rose, George Brett, Dave Winfield, Ozzie Smith, Graig Nettles, Dave Dravecky, Goose Gossage, Joe Morgan, Willie Stargell, Rollie Fingers, Robin Yount, Sparky Anderson, Tom House, Bob Skinner, Glenn Ezell, Dave Garcia, Ray Boone, Bob Miller, Bob Boone, Don Sutton, Mike Scott, Randy Jones, Dave Campbell, Gary Mathews, Darryl Kile, Deron Johnson, Nate Colbert, Norm Sherry, Steve Garvey, Kevin Hazlett, Don Alexander, Dave Engle, Waller, Rob Picciolo, Carlos Alfonso, Billy Beane, Chris Jones, Marty Nellis, Bernie Flaherty.
Gary Brown, Ed Olsen, Dave Roberts, Gary Sutherland, Jerry Da Vannon, Fred Kendall, Tim Flannery, Mike Floyd, Davey Lopes, Scott Nichols, Oren Freeman, Bobby Tolan, Von Joshua, Jim Skaalen, Gary Lucas, Matt Galante, Eric Swanson, Bob Vetter, Frank Tanana, Steve Watson, Tom Whelan, Dave Buttles, Bill Doran, Joe Niekro, Mark Lee, Bobby Klaus, Bill Sandback, Ron Pietila, Clay Kirby, Bob Horner, Kurt Bevacqua, and Bud Black.
Throughout How to Hit / How to Pitch are highlighted pitching and hitting tips from some of these guest instructors, who are among the game's greatest players and coaches. Most of these quotes were taken directly from instructional sessions at the school.
Both the hitting and the pitching sections of this book are organized in the same sequence: First, a mechanics chapter highlights proper fundamentals. The next chapter is devoted entirely to drills designed to hone your skills. Finally, an extensive troubleshooting chapter helps you use your newly acquired understanding of mechanics and familiarity with drills to plot out solutions to a wide range of hitting or pitching problems.
ADVICE FOR COACHES
Any coach can learn to be a good problem solver. Here are a few suggestions for aspiring baseball technicians:
Do some research-read books on baseball, attend clinics.
Develop the ability to identify the roots of players' problems- you can't waste time working on symptoms.
Teach basic mechanics to your players-they must understand your terminology clearly when you are trying to solve their problems.
Keep communication lines open-if you listen to your players, they will help you help them solve their problems.
Avoid using cliches; instead, give players specific information that really helps them.
Use your imagination. If problems come up that you can't solve, invent something-don't just let players continue to struggle.
Remember what methods you used to solve each player's specific problems-those same problems will without a doubt crop up again.
Remember that most players are inconsistent when they are young. Don't jump in and start changing mechanics too quickly. Be patient-some problems will work themselves out with a little positive reinforcement, good practice habits, a few quality drills, and old-fashioned hard work.
Is it necessary to have played professionally in order to become a good coach? Superstars like Tony Gwynn, who are serious students of the game, certainly make fine teachers. But on the other hand, one of the greatest instructors I've ever known, Marty Nellis, never played a game of pro ball.
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