Wednesday - September 28th, 2011

Long Toss
60' x 20
90' x 20
120' x 20
150' x 30
160' x 20
90' x 20 PULL DOWNS and really throw on a line
Long toss tonight looked really good.  Accuracy was right on point.  No balls thrown away!  His front side arm tuck looks really good and is allowing him to throw much more accurate.  Proud of his progress on this especially at these long distances!


Catching Throwing Workout
Throw down to 2nd x 25 balls
Throw down to 1st x 20 balls

Batting Practice @ Academy
40 Balls - Hitting today was cut short due to a huge Blister on Sway's left hand which has ripped. 

Receiving & Blocking Workout with CV Vargas

1. Receiving & Framing
2. Receiving & Framing - w/ Man on
3. Blocking - Rolling
1. Left
2. Right
3. Center
4. Perfect Block Drill
5. Side to Side Blocking Drill
6. Went outside and worked on Quick Transfer Drill
1. Catch, Turn, Secure the Ball, Power Seperate - With NO FOOT WORK
2. 60 Second Drill
7. Block no Block Drill

I was really proud with the effort shown today.  He was pushed today on the catching side and he really worked though it all with a great attitude. 

Tuesday - September 27th, 2011

Tee Work
10 Balls High Tee
10 Balls Hight Strike
10 Balls Low
10 Balls Power Position
40 Balls Middle

Soft Toss - Side
45 Balls

Front Flips 15' Away
50 Balls Away
30 Balls Middle Driving Away
20 Balls In (Pull)

Also did few rounds of flips with Zack Edler and Danny Oneil from Brevard Community College


Throwing
15 Min of throwing with JT Smith outside the Academy

Monday - September 26th, 2011

Tee Work
Contact Position x 15
Power Position x 10

High Tee x 10
High Strike x 10
Middle x 20
Low Tee x 20

Front Flips 10' & 20' Distance
Heavy Wood Bat Middle x 15
Wood Bat Away x 50
Regular Bat x 50 Middle
Away Regular Bat x 25
Changeups  from 25' x 25

Batting Practice
100 Balls mixing in changeups

Throwing
Threw for 15 min outside

Sunday - September 25th, 2011 - USSSA UFC PLANT CITY TOURNAMENT

Faced the Meteor in first game and lost.  Sway was 1-3.  First at bat was a very good one against a very good pitcher Krugg.  He doubled off him and drove in 2 runs.  His next 2 at bats he saw almost exclusively change ups.  We are going to start mixing in change up drills. 

We lost to them and they went on to win the whole tournement.

Saturday - September 24th, 2011 - USSSA UFC PLANT CITY TOURNAMENT

We played 2 games on Saturday & Won both.  Sway played well both games.

Friday - September 23rd, 2011

Light Workout Before Plant City Tournament

Tee Work
50 Balls Various Locations In Middle Away Up Down

Flips
80 Balls - Away, Middle - Driving them Away, Middle - Pull, In Pull, Hit em where they are pitched.

BP
80 Balls - All with Counts

Small Ball Machine
50 Balls

Blocking
Tennis Ball Blocking Routine

• Secondary Stance - Roll Ball In, Middle, Away drop and block
• 30' Away Secondary Stance - Various Positions drop and block
• Half Receive Half Block

Thursday - September 22nd, 2011

Throwing
Threw for 10 min inside Academy

Catching
Receiving Drills x 40 Balls
Plays @ Plate x 15 Balls
Throws to Second Footwork x 15 Balls

Tee Work
20 Balls High Tee
20 Balls Low Tee
60 Balls Target Hitting - Hit Ball off Tee 5 Times.

Front Flips
50 Balls 15' away (hitting away) - Flipped by Zack Edler BCC Catcher

BP - off Danny Oneil Righty
50 Balls

Wednesday - September 21st, 2011

Tee Work
Target Hitting - Tee 20' Away Chest High
All Balls Middle Today Change Height up and down each ball x 80
Record how many times he can hit the ball off Tee: ______

Flips
80 Balls = Hit them where they are pitched.
TAKE BALLS - Tell me where they were (AWAY, HIGH AWAY, ETC)

Batting Practice
Situational Hitting for 80 Balls

1. Hit & Run
2. Get em over - Right side of Field
3. Sac Fly
4. Runner on Second - Need Ball through
5. Man on third 2 outs tie game

4PM - Pitching Lesson with Chris Hamper
Working on keeping balls low in zone

Change, two seam, and 4 seam today.  Locating on both sides of plate.  50 Pitches

6PM - Catching Workout tonight with CV Vargas
Receiving, Blocking, Footwork and Throwing outside

Tuesday - September 20th, 2011

Tee Work
High Tee x 10 Balls
High Strike x 10 Balls
Middle x 15 Balls
Away x 15 Balls
In x 10 Balls
Low Tee x 10 Balls
Low Away x 10 Balls

Flips
Away x 20 (Distance 10')
Middle {driving away} x 10 (Distance 10')
In x 5 Turning on it (Distance 10')

Away x 20 (Distance 20')
Middle {driving away} x 10 (Distance 20')
In x 5 Turning on it (Distance 20')

Away x 20 (Distance 30')

BP
100 Balls mixing in Fast balls and Changeups
50 of the 100 Balls have him work pitch counts (20 Balls 0-2 counts)


Heavy Bag Hand Position
20 swings - Focus on Staying Connected @ contact
10 Swings off Bag getting to Extension

Catching
1 Hand with Tennis Ball receiving (Focus on 3 fingers and working below the ball)  Show ball to pitcher x 30
***** HOLD STRIKES / Throw Balls back Quick ****** 

ALL STAR Catching Trainer Mitt - Receive Live Pitches from Me x 30

Switch to All Star Mitt and Receive Balls off the Machine x 50 {25 Balls No on one / 25 Balls Runners on}

Catch Bullpen for JT Smith if he can get to Academy today

Monday - September 18th, 2011

Big Week of Training to get ready for Plant City

Tee Work (HEAVY FOCUS ON EYES STAYING DOWN)
20 balls High Tee
20 balls low Tee
20 balls Away Middle
20 balls Away LOW

Flips
50 Balls Away
30 Balls Middle - Driving them Away
20 Balls In - Turning on them

BP
100 Balls (Half with Counts)  Also working on PERFECT TAKES (Following ball back then telling me where he would have hit it!)

Catching Routine
Transfer Drill with All Star Trainer
Blocking

Pitching Lesson
Working with Chris Hamper.  Starting to work a third pitch 2 Seam Fastball.  FOCUS on Higher Leg Kick in delivery.

Sunday - September 18th, 2011 - Mario Garza Catching Clinic Day 2 (ON FIELD)

Day 2 of Catchers Clinic from 11-2.  We are on the field today.

Below is a Pro Early Work Routine for Catchers.  I wanted to add this to Today's Blog so that we can take pieces and add them to our hitting routine each day. 

Receiving
-Underhand with no glove to all parts of strike zone and outside strike zone
-Machine from game distance (both FB's and CB/SL's)
-Coach pitch to C from close distance to work on timing and setup

Blocking
-Dry quick block warmup
-Sequence (Chin tuck, Glove to ground, Roll ball, Close blocks from coach on knee)
-Increase distance and throw CH and CB's to block
-Reaction drill (strike or block) with C calling pitches to simulate game situation

Footwork/Exchange
-Dry quick footwork warmup
-Quick hands drill (With partner, 30 ft away, feet spread, throw back and forth using quick exchange technique)
-Flip to barehand (Right Hand) drill and short throw for clean arm action and footwork
-Block/Throw stance exchange out front drill (flip from angle to ensure out front exchange)
-Reach back drill to teach cheat w/ left knee

Throwing to Bases
-Flip to barehand (Right Hand) drill and short throw for clean arm action and footwork-Add Throw
-Block/Throw stance exchange out front drill (flip from angle to ensure out front exchange)-Add Throw
-Reach back drill to teach cheat-Add Throw
-Approx 10 throws to each base

Tag Plays
-Fungo or throw to C covering plate from every angle

Bunts
-Roll balls for dry footwork to each side (3B side, in front, and 1B side)
-Same thing with throw

PopUps
-Machine popup-first two or three let land in front of you (to make sure you are staying behind ball)
-Catch 10-15 successfully

Saturday - September 17th, 2011 (Mario Garza Catching Clinic)

Pre Camp work
20 High Tee
60 Working Down

Catching Clinic from 11-2

• Recieving work
• Exchance Work - Made out front
• Blocking Work
• Proper Footwork - Cheat with left knee, Jab step with right foot, stay low and explode

I learned a TON of stuff today from Mario.  He was able to break catching down into its finest details which is something all the kids will one day appreciate if they work the drills they were taught. 

Post Camp Workout
Sway and I went to Eat @ Wendys and I was impressed with all the things he had questions about for Mario.

Went back to Academy and:
 Tee Work
20 High
60 Middle and Low
(Emphesis on keeping Head perfectly still)  I told him I will give him $20.00 if he can remember to work on that the entire week without me having to keep reminding him.  Lets see what happends

Front Flips
80 Balls half away driving them away, half middle still staying inside driving them other way.

We took a break after camp and hitting then Sway wanted to workout outside.  I was so proud when I was cutting the grass and he came outside and begged me to throw with him.

Throwing
10 Min of from 60' - 90'  Arm looked Live today.  We worked 3 grips while throwing (4 seam, 2 seam, Circle)

Accuracy Game from 90' (have to hit the guy in chest)
Sway wins 10-7

30 Pitch Bullpen - Worked 3 pitches.  Starting to develop a 2 seam.  When he throws it right its is suprizingly nasty.  We NEED to work this more!

Catching

As prep for tomorrow's catching camp on field - Sway asked we do our throw to bases workout.

2nd Base x 25
3rd Base x 15
1st Base x 15

Bunts - Throwing directly to 2nd x 10
Bunts - First x 10

He was VERY ACCURATE on all but the Bunt coverages to first. 

Watched Video
We watched a special Video from one of the best hitters in the world.  It had some amazing things in the video!

Overall today was a special day for both me and Sway.  Looking foward to a great day tomorrow!

Friday - September 16th, 2011

Tee Work
80 Balls Tee Middle

Front Flips
100 Balls from Danny O'neil 1st baseman from BCC. 

BP
50 Balls BP GAME

Thursday - September 15th, 2011

Long Toss Workout @ Crane Fields from 2:30 - 2:45
60' / 90' / 120' / 150'  Approx 10-15 Throws from Each Distance once we warm up.


Catching Workout - Throwing to Bases

• 20 Balls to First
• 30 Balls to Second
• 20 Balls to Third

Plays @ Plate - 20 Balls thrown and getting Tags down
We also worked throws to SS on 1st & 3rd Situations with quick throw back for play at plate


Tee Work
100 Balls - High Tee, Low Tee, & Target Hitting

Batting Practice @ Academy x 100 Balls

Pitching Lesson
Threw a 50 Pitch Bullpen with Chris Hamper.  Worked Inside Middle Away Fast Ball Change.
Working on getting his Knee higher at his Balance point.  Threw really well today.  Good Velocity and about 60% of pitches he threw with command. 

Wednesday - September 14th, 2011

Tee Work
5 Balls Contact Position
5 Balls Power Position
15 Balls High Tee
50 Balls Various Inside Middle Away 

Short Toss (Front)
25' Away - 25 Balls Driving them Away
25' Away - 30 Balls Middle Driving them Away
25' Away - 25 Balls Pull

Batting Practice
60 Balls
BP Game for 50 Balls


Underload Swings
20 Light Quick Stick

Overload Swings
20 Heavy Wood Bat

Hand Position Drills
20 Swings Heavy Bag


Ground Balls
50 Ground Balls

BCC Players came in today and Sway hit more flips with those guys for about 20 min. 

Tuesday - September 13th, 2011

Tee Work
20 Balls Contact Position
20 Balls Power Position
25 Balls High Tee
100 Balls Middle  (Target Hitting - Hit Ball off Tee 25' in front of him 14 times)

Short Toss (Front)
10' Away - 80 Balls Driving them Away
10' Away - 30 Balls Middle
10' Away - 20 Balls Pull

Batting Practice (Small Ball Machine)
50 Balls (Pitch Counts)

Underload Swings

20 Light Quick Stick
Overload Swings
20 Light Quick Stick
Hand Position Drills

25 Swings Heavy Bag

Night Workout with Zack Edler starting catcher for Brevard Community College -30Min
Worked on Receiving, Body Position in Primary & Secondary Stance, Worked on Transfer and Footwork throwing to different bases.

After Catching workout - He hit some more Tee and Batting Practice with BCC Starting Infield. 

Monday - September 12th, 2011

Made him take a day off after a long weekend of baseball. 

Sunday - September 11th, 2011

Mizuno NIT

beat Team Orlando 17-2
beat Gators 10-5
lost to Gators 8-3

Very average day hitting.  Slower pitchers was getting out front more than usual.  Didnt see much to hit either, was walked a lot. 

Pitched a complete game win.  Only walked 1 person.  I was impressed with his performance on the mound against a good hitting team! 

Caught VERY WELL.  Did a realy good job holding runners and not allowing people to run.  Still need work on blocking LIVE PITCHING

Saturday - September 10th, 2011

Mizuno NIT USSSAbeat Gators 16-1
beat Team Orlando 11-3

Hit the ball very well and did a good job catching.  Overall performance was good.

Friday - September 9th, 2011

Day of Rest before Tournament in Leesburg.

Thursday - September 8th, 2011

Practice @ Academy with Melbourne Muckdog Players

Throwing
Threw with Dario & Tristan for 10 Min

Pitching & Catching
40 Pitch Bullpen
10 Middle
10 Away
10 In
10 Changeups

Caught Tristan & Dario's Bullpen

Tee Work
80 Balls before Practice

Ground Balls
50 Ground Balls

Batting Practice
Each Player about 15 @ Bats with Live counts

Wednesday September 7th, 2011

Tee Work
100 Balls
High Tee (CHEST HIGH) x 25 Balls
Low Tee (Knee High) x 20

Front Flips (Short Distance 10')
Away x 25 Balls
Middle Away x 25 Balls
In x 25 Balls
Hit them where they are pitched 25

Batting Practice

1 Bucket of 80 Balls (Counts)

Catching Drills

Receiving - 25 Balls
Blocking Middle - 25 Balls
Blocking Away - 25 Balls
Blocking In - 25 Balls

Tuesday - September 6th, 2011

Tee Work
15 Balls Contact Position
10 Balls Power Position
25 Balls High Tee
100 Balls Middle


Short Toss (Front)

10' Away - 40 Balls Driving them Away
25' Away - 20 Balls Driving them Middle

Batting Practice
75 Balls (Pitch Counts)

Underload Swings

25 Light Quick Stick

Hand Position Drills

 25 Swings Heavy Bag

Throwing

20 Min with Dario

Blocking

20 Balls Middle
10 Balls Glove Side
10 Balls Arm Side
10 Balls Mix up Recieve / Block

Monday - September 5th, 2011

Throwing & Catching Workout

15Min Throwing

1. 30'
2. 60'
3. 90'
4. 120'

Catcher - Throwing to bases

1. 2nd Base x 25Balls
2. 1st Base x 5 Balls
3. 3rd Base x 5 Balls
4. 1st & 3rd Situation - Option 2 with added throw back to plate for Tag x 10

Reviewed Calling of All 4 options x 5 times

Receiving Drills - Tennis Ball x 65 Balls

1. Inside x 10
2. Middle x 10
3. Away x 10
4. Random x 10
5. Out of Secondary Position x 10
6. Quick Transfers with Flat Glove (Adding a Pop up and getting to Throwing Position)

Blocking Drills (emphasis on tucked chin, rolled shoulders, elbows tucked and body wide, great chest positioning to keep ball in front)

1. Down in Blocking Position taking 10 balls off chest.
2. Middle x 10
3. Glove Side x 10
4. Arm Side x 10

Break Hitting today 

Sunday - September 4th, 2011

Second Half of Muckdog Madness

I worked a lot @ Shortstop with JT Smith.  We worked on turning double plays with Flips, Short turns, & Taking them ourself.  We did about 100 balls each in the two sessions we did. 

Worked on past balls with pitcher covering plate.  Worked on throwing down to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd.

Hit live BP against Brody for 4 at bats

Pitched about 30 Pitches in live BP. 

Saturday - September 3rd, 2011

Beginning of Muckdog Madness

3 Hour Practice @ Viera Regional Park
Worked @ Catcher a lot.  Receiving & Blocking during Individual work.  Throwing out runners to second, first, & third.  We also worked a lot on passed balls with throws back to the Pitcher covering.

Following on field practice

2 hours of Hitting @ Elite Athletes Training Academy

High Tee - 40 Balls
Low Tee - 40 Balls
Front Flips - 40 Balls
Batting Practice

Friday - September 2, 2011

Tee Work

20 Balls High Tee
100 Balls Middle

Video Work off Tee

Short Toss (Front) Dario Zeppieri

40 Balls

Underload Swings

25 Light Quick Stick

Hand Position Drills

Heavy Bag

Thursday - September 1st, 2011

Tee Work

20 Balls High Tee
130 Balls Middle

Soft Toss (Side)

45 Balls

Short Toss (Front) Coach Arrowood

60 Balls

Over Load / Underload Swings

25 Heavy Wood
25 Light Quick Stick

Hand Position Drills (Heavy Bag)

35 working on perfect connection with lower half

Batting Practice

100 Balls including pitch counts and situation
10 Bunts