Thought I'd summarize my thoughts on the game this Sunday. Here's how I break it down:
The Diamondjaxx were the best opponent we've had all year. But we were clearly their equal. We were close to getting 3 outs on them in two innings. We made some great infield stops to keep them from advancing and some fantastic outfield stops and throws to stop potential runs. Some really good hitting on our part as well. I was impressed with several hard hit balls by our boys.
Overall, the D-Jaxx were a good opponent and I expect to see them again come postseason. I think our boys responded well to the game and I know they loved the cheers from the crowd. I think we have the most enthusiastic crowd in the league. I stayed around for the game after ours and they are definitely not as supportive. So, what a fun game and what great support for our Rattler Nation.
Hitting-Overall, good effort by each boy. I think every hitter has advanced his swing each game. We will be working on rotating the hips through the ball and on getting a strong grip on the bat. When you work with them at home, have them swing without a bat and focus on turning their hips first and then letting the hands follow. Also, we need to focus on not getting the elbows quite so high. The back elbow should be level and extended. When the swing occurs, the elbow should drop no further than even with the side of the body. The back should not swing any further. Some of the boys are pushing their elbow so that their hand is turning under the ball and "handcuffing" their swing. You can see it in some of the pictures Jeff Koke distributed last week. So, our work is going to be on driving the hips through the ball, getting the elbow in position, and keeping the hands level and the elbow from extending too far forward.
Base Running- I think every boy made it on base. That's great! So, now we need to work on being agressive when we get on base. We'll be working on watching the coaches and hustling to first after the hit. The boys have a tendency to watch the hit, instead of sprinting to 1st. We've been working on this in a drill we did before the game and in practice.
Throwing- The position I would like to see their arm is similar to an L. Not a shotput. Not a slingshot. Not a catapult. So, work with your son on getting that L. Also, they need to work on using their back foot as leverage to throw as they step forward. It's so important that we develop this skill in making solid, accurate throws.
Catching- Many times during the game, we had pop flies that were catchable. We will continue working with them on moving their feet and their glove. We'll work on glove position and feet positioning this week.
Grounders-Overall, a good job here. We had some great stops in the infield and outfield. I remember two or three hard hit balls that were cleanly played in both the infield and outfield. We want the boys to use their knees to get in position, and not kneeling on one knee.
Dugout-I'd like to see better transitions from the dugout to the field. Talk to your son about listening and getting their glove and hat in one place when they get in and out of the dugout. They're boys so it's going to be chaotic, but we can always make it smoother.
So, let's get ready for this week! See you all Thursday
