In my almost thirty years of coaching, the games that haunt you when you look back are the close games that you lost that you should have won.
This article explains the three keys to winning the close baseball games.
The three keys to winning the close game are: 1) Getting the leadoff batter in the inning, on base.
2) Getting the Bunt Down when you need to move a runner into scoring position.
3) Getting the timely hit to score the tying or winning run.
Getting the Leadoff Batter on Base The key to getting the leadoff batter in each inning on base is to teach all of your players the "proper approach" off being a leadoff batter in an innings.
The first batter of the inning has a job.
That job is to get on base any way possible to start the inning off positively.
Every batter in the batting order will eventually be the lead-off batter in the inning.
They must learn their role when it comes and perform their duties.
The mentally of the player batting first in the inning is that he will do anything to get on base.
It does not matter how, he must get on base.
He must be willing to go deep in the count if the pitcher gets behind.
A leadoff walk can start a huge inning.
He must be willing to "crowd" the plate and "wear one" if the pitcher comes inside.
The batter should know hope to turn and defend his body to prevent serious injury from being hit.
The leadoff batter may use a base-hit bunt to get on if he handles the bat well.
Moving the Tying or Winning Run to 2nd or 3rd Base We must remember that we are referring to coaching strategies and situations related to a close game when the game is on the line.
If the leadoff batter gets to 1st base, you have got to bunt him to 2nd base to make sure that he can score on one hit.
If he is not moved, it is most likely going to take two hits to score him.
If the leadoff batter starts the inning with a double, you should consider moving him to 3rd with a bunt.
There are a lot more ways to score the tying or winning run from 3rd base than 2nd base.
A sac fly, passed ball, and balk or three ways he scores from 3rd and not 2nd.
Getting the Timely Hit The key to getting the timely hit is the approach or plan that the batter has at the plate.
He must know the situation and what is needed.
With a runner at third and less than two outs, he is looking for a pitch that is up so that he can lift a fly ball and drive it deep enough for the runner at third base to tag and come home.
If the tying or winning run is at second, he must get a base hit to the opposite field.
He is looking for a pitch to drive.
He will hit it where it is pitched and doe his best to hit a line drive.
He will concentrate on keeping his head down, keeping his front shoulder in, and strive to make good solid contact on the middle or top half of the baseball.
The key to having your team perform all of these three tasks properly during a game is to practice each often in practice.
Have inter-squad or game like drills with live pitching.
Each batter must exhibit the ability to be patience, smart, and willing lead-off batter.
Practice bunting often.
Have your batters and base runners involved in the drill.
The batters must execute the bunt properly.
Knowing which side and spot to bunt the ball in is crucial.
The batters will bunt during the drill and the base runners will practice seeing the bunt down and advancing to the next base.
Have your batters participate in different "game like" situations during practice.
Runners are put on the bases.
Batters practice hitting off live pitchers and they must get their job done.
Failure to get the job done should result is a consequence such as "push-ups" or other physical task.
I hope that you found this article useful.
You can go to the Baseball Coaching Digest, Baseball Coaching Digest Blog, or the Youth Baseball Digest for additional baseball coaching articles, tips and drills.
Thanks for reading this article.
Have a great day, Nick.