Tag: softball

3 Mistakes Outfielders Make – And How to Fix Them

In the game of baseball, each inning is a team effort. Outfielders, infielders, pitcher, and catcher – the whole team must be ready at all times to make the play and get off the field. 

Each position on the field comes with its challenges, and outfield is no exception. Here are 3 mistakes we often see in the outfield – and how to fix them:

Losing Focus

This can happen at any position, but proximity to the mound (or lack thereof) makes it a particular issue for outfielders. It’s easy to get distracted when you see so much of the field and so many things going on. Maybe the infielders and pitcher have handled all the balls that inning and you’re feeling restless. Regardless of the reason, stay in ready position and keep mental focus through each play. Stay focused by thinking through what you’ll do each time a batter comes up to bat. 

Not Backing Up the Infielders

This one happens often. Coaches often forget the importance of this role until a ball is overthrown and the outfielder isn’t there to back the player up. As an outfielder, always remember to stay alert and move to backup an infielder as you can to prevent stolen bases, and ultimately, more runs by the opposing team.

Lacking Communication

This one goes out to center fielders in particular. It is your job to call out information to your fellow outfielders. What position in the lineup is this hitter ? How did they hit last time? What’s the count? All outfielders need to be strong verbal communicators with each other on what’s going on, but center fielders need to make sure they are loud and vocal throughout the game to keep the entire outfield engaged and ready. 

Ready to practice your fielding skills? If you want the best baseball or softball training the in the country, look no further than D-BAT. Our facilities are second-to-none and our expert staff will take your game to the next level. Call us today to schedule lessons. Find the closest location to you HERE!

How Sleep Impacts Performance

There is a lot on your plate and we get it. 

Most people understand that sleep plays a powerful role in their overall well-being, but few give it it’s due when it comes to being ready to play your best on game day. In fact, studies have shown that sleep is equally important to hydration, mental toughness, physical conditioning, and nutrition. Here are a few areas of your baseball/softball performance that are impacted by sleep:

Accuracy

Accuracy is vital to all sports, including baseball and softball, and it may come as no surprise that accuracy is affected by sleep. A recent study of Stanford University basketball players took accuracy results both after regular sleep schedules and then with 10 hours of sleep per night. Athletes saw noticeable improvements in accuracy and speed with 10 hours of sleep.

Injury

Injuries increase when less sleep is involved, and a study by the University of California confirmed this. They showed that risk of injury increased if the athlete got less than 6 hours of sleep at night, plus less sleep means less time for your body to use sleep for regeneration and healing. Sleeplessness also contributes to a weakened immune system, which impacts play as well.

Problem Solving

Try making a decision with a little sleep deprivation involved and it’s hard. Reaction times are slower and the cognitive processes are too. Getting ample sleep means a sharper mind come gameday.

Shorter Career

Not many of our athletes are going to make a career in baseball or softball, but a study of major league baseball players found that not getting enough sleep was directly correlated to shorter careers in the MLB. Just another indicator that you’re not your best when you’re fatigued, and a marker athletes at all levels should pay attention to.

At D-BAT, we care about developing the whole player. Come see us to learn more about how to be play your best on gameday at one of our ongoing clinics (clinic specifics vary by location). It’s just one of the ways we strive to be the best baseball and softball training facility in the country! Find the location nearest you HERE!

Mistakes Batter’s Make When Up Against a 2-Strike Count

Batting with a 2-strike count can be unnerving. At D-BAT, we get it. We know the pressure you feel when you’re in the box, and we want to help your mental toughness to get over the hump and be more successful when the 2-strike count is upon you.

We’ve coached a lot of players over the years, and here are 4 common mistakes we see players make over and over:

Mistake #1: Not Swinging

With 2 strikes, you’ve got to swing! Swing hard and aggressively at anything that’s close, and if it goes foul, it’s no big deal. A foul ball keeps you in the count and gives you the opportunity to nail the perfect pitch.

Mistake #2: Swinging Too Softly

As we said earlier, you’ve got to swing hard every time! Hitting it too softly could result in a weak grounder that is easily fielded. Also, don’t forget to swing through as you make contact.

Mistake #3: Getting Down on Yourself Because you Struck Out

We must rethink the way we think about strikeouts. Cade Griffis – founder of D-BAT and former scout for the Chicago White Sox/former player for the Kansas City Royals – says the following about strikeouts: “I don’t judge a kid (any worse) who goes 1-for-3 and strikes out twice. It’s the same thing if he goes 1-for-3 and hits two weak ground balls to the pitcher. An out is an out. I think we create outs because we put too much emphasis on the strikeout, and we get them out of their comfort zone.”

Mistake #4: Ignoring Cues Around You

When you’re batting, let all your senses in on the action because you might be surprised what you can hear or see that will tip you off. Listen for cues from the coach and watch the wind-up of the pitcher. If a coach yells, “be smart!” then the pitcher might be playing it safe with his pitch.

Want to run batting practice with the best? Schedule private batting lessons at D-BAT – the best baseball training facility in the country. Find the location closest to you HERE!

What Does D-BAT Have to Offer?

D-BAT began as a one location baseball training facility in Addison, Texas and has since exploded to offer the best baseball/softball training in locations around the country – and even worldwide! Each location varies in terms of services offered, but here are a some of the things you can expect from D-BAT Sports:

Batting Cages

Practice in our state-of-the-art, climate controlled facilities just once and you’ll never want to practice anywhere else! Our facilities are second-to-none and our cages are class leading. Sign-up for lessons with one of our coaches on staff, rent the cages for practice on your own, or just hit off of our state-of-the-art pitching machines.

Baseball and Softball Lessons

Speaking of lessons, our coaches offer the best baseball/softball coaching around. Each of the coaches at D-BAT are extremely experienced in the game, with most (if not all) with experience in collegiate level baseball or higher. Take your pitching, hitting, fielding, and personal training routine to the next level at D-BAT.

Camps and Clinics

Camps and clinics are held throughout the year, typically during holiday periods, to offer an opportunity to improve your game – and have fun while you’re doing it! Contact your local D-BAT to find out what camps are still being offered this summer and get ready for Fall Ball!

Fully Stocked Pro Shop

Time to get a new bat, glove, batting glove, helmet, or just want some cool new gear? You’ll find exactly what you need at the D-BAT Pro Shop. We’re loaded with the latest baseball and softball gear to get your player ready to perform at the next level.

Membership Packages

Want to get a discount on lessons, clinics, camps, pro shop merchandise, and more? We offer membership packages to cater to your individual needs. Plus – members can use the pitching machines for free daily!

Call your local D-BAT today to learn more about what is offered near you! Find the closest location to you HERE! 

5 Ways to Earn More Playing Time

“It’s so fun to sit on the bench.” – said no one ever! Chances are, you play baseball because you love the game and want to perform. The bench is the last place you want to be. Want to avoid that dreaded bench time? Here are 5 ways to earn more playing time:

Train for the Game

If you want more playing time, then showing up to practice is not going to cut it. You’re going to have to work harder. You’ll want to do things that will improve speed, agility, batting, and fielding. This can be a combination of weight lifting and one-on-one baseball training sessions with expertly trained coaches, but whatever it is, do it. Pretty soon, that added training will pay off.

Focus On Yourself

You can wallow in the “whys” of why someone else gets to play more or worry about how the game will go next week, but those thoughts aren’t constructive. Instead, just focus on yourself and things you can control. Focus on your skill level, making strides to improve. Positivity and mental toughness can go a long way toward improving your gameday play.

Show the Coach You Want It

Beyond additional training, the little things matter when showing your coach you’re ready to play. Show up first for practice. Be the last one off the field. Be an encouraging teammate. A good attitude shines.

Improve Your Batting

If you can hit, you’ll have a better chance of playing. You won’t sit the bench for getting too many hits, but you will for striking out too often. If hitting is a weakness, get in the cages and improve your game.

Talk to the Coach

Don’t whine that you want extra playing time, but do ask the coach where your weaknesses are and where he would like to see improvement, then do something about it! Take his feedback and do work!

As always, D-BAT – the best baseball/softball training facility in the country – is here to help with state-of-the-art facilities and an expertly trained coaching staff. Find the nearest location to you HERE! 

Build Arm Strength with These 5 Exercises

Arm strength is a big part of success in baseball and softball, and at D-BAT, we recommend a well-rounded training regime that includes weight training to increase bat speed, quicken throws, and make you an overall better player. Here are 5 exercises that will increase arm strength and make you unstoppable on the field:

Bench Press

The classic bench press is an excellent way to strengthen your triceps – a muscle group that is imperative for throwing. To maximize efficiency, place your hands about shoulder width apart, then try 3 to 5 reps every day. Gradually add weight as you strengthen.

Wrist Throwing

Pitchers aren’t the only ones who need a strong wrist. The stronger your wrist, then harder and faster you’ll be able to throw. A great way to work your wrist is to hold your throwing elbow in your hand, then “throw” the ball with your wrist only. These light flicks on the wrist will build strength you’ll see on the field.

45-Degree Dumbbell Raise

Each muscle in your arms and shoulders is imperative for throwing, and dumbbell raises are a great way to strengthen all of those muscles at once. Start with your arms holding 5 pound weights by your side, then slowly raise the arms to a 45-degree angle with your body, stopping at shoulder height. Raise and lower, performing 3 or 4 sets.

Push-ups

Don’t discount the effectiveness of this simple exercise! It requires no weights and can be done anywhere. Oh – and it’s a powerhouse for strengthening those arm muscles.

Quick Toss Drill

Here’s a good warm up in practice: grab a partner and stand 10 feet apart from each other. Practice throwing the ball back and forth as quickly as possible. These quick, short movements build arm strength and make you more nimble come game time.

Need more intensive baseball or softball training? Visit us at the premier baseball/softball training facility – D-BAT. We specialize in all things baseball, from throwing, catching, fielding, pitching, hitting, and more. Find the closest location to you HERE!

The Great Debate: Pros and Cons of Wearing Baseball Batting Gloves

Ever since the first MLB player wore batting gloves to Spring Training in 1949, there has been a debate about whether or not baseball batting gloves are necessary. Some pros wear them; others don’t. But why? At D-BAT Sports, we find this subject to be a matter of personal preference, but here are the common pros and cons for wearing batting gloves:

Pros of Wearing Batting Gloves

·      Grip: This may seem obvious, but this is the biggest reason players use batting gloves. Even the slightest slip of the bat during a swing can affect the trajectory of the bat – and the ball – and in a high stakes game, you just can’t have it. This is especially true when it’s hot outside and hands can otherwise get sweaty.

·      Prevent the Sting of the Bat: As you advance in the sport, the balls come at you faster and the swings are harder. When you make contact, many bats (particularly aluminum) have the tendency to vibrate and sting.

·      Protection from Injury: Batting gloves add an extra layer of protection for your hands, preventing blisters and cuts.

Cons of Wearing Batting Gloves

·      Less Connection with the Bat: Some players actually like that “sting” and vibration that comes from the bat. Often, the sting can be worse when the ball is not well hit, incentivizing the batter to hit better to avoid the pain.  

·      Wood Bat & Pine Tar Preference: Many batters who use wood bats like to use pine tar to grip the bat instead.

We’d love for you to weigh in – what is your preference on batting gloves?

If you’re in the market for new batting gloves, wood baseball bats, baseball gloves, and other baseball gear, come visit one of our many D-BAT Pro Shops! We are well-stocked with the highest quality baseball gear on the market and our knowledgeable sales staff will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Find the location closest to you HERE!

Open Your Eyes: 4 Tips for Seeing Each Pitch More Clearly

Do you find that you’re in a rut at the plate?

Have you ever considered that you aren’t seeing the pitch as clearly as you should? There are lots of mechanics involved in swinging and hitting the ball, but one very important factor is your vision. D-BAT has a few tips on how to see each pitch more clearly, thus improving your chances of a great hit every at-bat:

1.   Fix Both Eyes on the Pitcher

You might be thinking, “I do that,” but as we’ve learned, many batters have a tendency to focus on the pitcher with their left eye (if they are right handed) and not with their right. An easy way to determine this is to close the left eye and then see where you are looking with your right eye. The results might surprise you! By focusing both eyes squarely on the pitcher, you vastly improve your eye-hand coordination.

2.   Maintain Fluid Movements

As you swing, if your body is jerky or your movements are rigid, then it’s going to affect the focus your eyes have on the ball. Maintaining a fluid swing that starts in your lower body and spirals up to your arms last, will help keep your head still and eyes focused on the ball.

3.   Posture is Key

As you step up to the plate, make sure you are in a balanced position with your knees slightly bent and a slight angle to your body. The proper batting posture keeps your head aligned, with makes it easier to keep your eyes focused on the ball. The last thing you want is for your head to bobble, making it difficult to focus. The less your head moves, the better your vision.

4.   Clue Into the Pitcher

Make it your goal to see the ball. Strain to see the pitcher’s finger positioning on the ball as it’s released – or even the ball’s seams. This may seem impossible given the speed, but clueing into the pitch, picking up on any tells about the pitch, and then straining with intensity to see the ball as clearly as possible, will all make you a better hitter and help you see the ball better as it makes its way to the plate.

Ready for some batting practice? Come see us at D-BAT! Our state-of-the-art batting cages are designed with the player in mind. Click HERE to find the nearest location to you!

The Sacrifice Bunt – What You Need to Know to Be Successful

In baseball, there are times when it makes sense for a batter to sacrifice himself in order to advance the other runners along to the next bases.

This is called a sacrifice bunt, and while many may think they’ve got it down, it’s pretty embarrassing when it’s game time and you don’t get it right. Let’s have a little refresher on what it looks like to sacrifice bunt properly, brought to you by the baseball training experts, D-BAT:

Know Where to Hit It.

Before you ever hit the ball or even think about a stance, know where you need to bunt to maximize the play. If there is only a runner on first base, then aim your bunt toward first base. If there are runners on both first and second base, then aim for third base. But whatever you do – have a plan before you step into the box.

Move Your Stance Toward the Pitcher.

Square up in the box, just as you would for a normal hit, but move a step or two closer to the pitcher. Why? It’s easier to hit a fair ball when your bat is closer to the infield.

Keep the Barrel Up.

When sacrifice bunting, many batters fail to keep the barrel up. Your goal is to have one hand down near the knob of the bat; the other up near the top of the bat. Keep the barrel positioned on a nice level playing field, with the barrel even just slightly higher than the knob of the bat. This will give you the perfect angle to hit the ball downward, not pop it up.

Aim to Keep the Bat at the Top of the Strike Zone.

While holding the bat, try to focus on keeping it near the top of the strike zone. This gives you an easy guide at what not to hit (anything over it would be a ball) and, naturally, it’s easier to lower the bat vs. move it up to hit.

“Catch” the Ball with your Bat

Again, the goal is to get the ball into fair play and to move the runner over. When the pitch comes, don’t jab at the ball with your bat, that will make ball go further than you are wanting it to go and possibly get the runner out. Instead, “catch” the ball with your bat so it creates soft contact with the bat.

Whether you want more help perfecting your sacrifice bunt, or want other individualized baseball/softball instruction on hitting, fielding, catching, or pitching, call D-BAT today! With state-of-the-art baseball facilities across the United States, and even worldwide, our instructors are sure to help take your baseball game to the next level. Find the nearest location to you HERE!

Stay Focused: What You Need to Know to Be Mentally Prepared for the Game

Baseball and softball games are won and loss daily due to mental toughness. Typically, the team who stays focused and is mentally prepared comes out on top.

But how do you get your baseball or softball player mentally prepared for the game? Here are a few tips from D-BAT on how to stay focused:

Start with Practice

Practice time is your chance to work out the kinks. It’s your time to build confidence and learn what to do in each and every situation. Taking full advantage of practice helps you know how and where to focus during the game. It’s also a great time to practice staying in the game without distractions. Staying focused and having a plan creates mental toughness that translates on game day.

Know Common Distractions – And How to Beat Them

Talk to your player about what distracts them. Are they often distracted by parents in the stands? Or does their mind tend to wander to the game being played on the next field? Have your baseball or softball player identify his or her distractions and then formulate a plan to beat them on game day. It’s good to come up with a saying that they can tell themselves any time they get distracted, or even a signal you can do to alert your player they seem distracted.

Establish a Pre-Game Routine

Routine is good for establishing order – and good for establishing mental focus before a game. Have a consistent pre-game routine that gets your child ready and motivated to perform their best on the field.

Don’t Let Fear Be a Distraction

Often, fear of failure can paralyze a player and cause them to focus on nothing but the negative. Remind your player to stay positive and that all players have good days and bad days and that focusing on fear will not help them perform to their full potential.

Mental toughness starts with practice and knowing what to do and when to do it. If you’re ready to experience the best baseball and softball training facility in the country, call us at today and sign up for a lesson. Find the closest location to you HERE!