How To Have A Successful Baseball Tryout

It's that time of the year again! Tryouts are coming up! I will be republishing the monthly blogs that I created last year (when I was an amateur blogger - haha). 

This first blog will be on how to have a successful tryout. I will show the key elements to get your name at the top of every coaches list. Here we go!

 http://youtu.be/89-064_FLdE

The Night Before

• Get to bed earlier than usual.

The Morning of Event

• Eat a healthy breakfast in the morning.
• No sugar!
• Less bread carbs, more protein and fruit.
• 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon, some granola with yogurt and some orange juice.
• When getting dressed, be sure to wear a full matching uniform.
• Hat (Matching)
• Uniform (Baseball T-Shirt if you don't have a uniform) TUCK IT IN!
• Belt (Matching)
• Sliding Shorts
• Cup
• Pants (Matching if colored)
• Socks (Matching)
• Cleats
• ALWAYS LOOK LIKE A PRO!
• Check your gear bag(s). Make sure you don't leave anything behind.
• Helmet
• Bat (be sure it is legal)
• Batting gloves (optional)
• Mitts/Gloves (depending where you play)
• First baseman's mitt
• Catcher's mitt
• Regular fielding glove
• Catcher's Gear (optional)
• Shin pads
• Chest protector
• Mask
• Knee savers (optional)
• Bring lots of water and a healthy snack in case you are needed to stay late to help

Arrival and Getting to the Field

• Try to arrive to the field about 20 - 30 minutes early
• Remember to set up your tryout and find out when it is supposed to start and end
• Offer to stay after your tryout to help with the other tryouts
• Stretch ALL muscles and warm up your arm with a friend or another player

Starting the Tryout

• Be confident!
• Encourage the other players that are trying out before you. (Be a baseball cheerleader)
• Listen to the coach and the directions he gives to the players before you
• Be one step ahead
• Give 110% effort and always have a great attitude
• When the coach tells you to do something, always try to "do it better"
• If he says to hit the ball and run to 2nd base, even if you didn't get a great hit, after contact, drop the bat (do not throw) run your fastest, round first with a banana turn and do a hard SLIDE into second. Then immediately jump to your feet and get into ready position.

http://youtu.be/c54l_RwrPlw



The Sections of the Tryout

• Hitting
• Be confident and aggressive. SWING THAT BAT!
• If not a good hitting day, keep a great attitude (don't show anger)
• Fielding
• Don't be afraid of the ball (they have ice in the dugout)
• Be in ready position at all times
• Keep your spirit up
• Don't be afraid to be vocal
• Outfield
• Be vocal and call the ball (LOUDLY)
• Be sure to get under the ball (don't over run it)
• Catch it out front, not behind
• If you need to dive, DO IT! It shows great effort, even if you miss it
• Pitching
• Try to zone in on the catcher (don't get distracted)
• Attack the Strike Zone and don't be afraid to LET IT RIP!
• Give it all you've got!
• Catching
• Confidence is key!
• Get in front of the ball
• Stop it in any way you can, including using your body to block the ball
• Don't be afraid to show off your arm when you throw to second or third
• Know your pitcher's signs

http://youtu.be/J5RprE1tyZE

 

End of Tryout

• Be the last one to leave.
• Offer to help the coaches pack up all of the gear and clean up the equipment on the field.
• Show your winning attitude at ALL times

 Most importantly... Have a GREAT time!

If you have been forwarded this issue and would like to be placed on the mailing list, please send an

 e-mail to jakeplaysbaseball@gmail.com

If you want to be taken off the e-mail list, please let me know at jakeplaysbaseball@gmail.com

Special thanks to Jake Carrillo, owner of the Golden Gate Sliders Travel Team & Baseball Camps
http://www.GoldenGateSlidersBaseball.com/

Special thanks to Personal Trainer and Coach, Tom Alva.

Special thanks to my baseball buddies at the park, Wilder, West & Ryan.

The Ins and Outs of Travel Ball

http://youtu.be/br-Xw8vRmqI

Hello! My name is Jake Nordstrom and welcome to my new blog on the Basics of Baseball. Today, I will  talk about the "Ins and Outs of Travel Baseball". I have interviewed some of the guys on my team, and have asked them what their favorite part is about playing Travel Baseball. Hope you enjoy!

http://youtu.be/hd-qO2bwjKY

Mom’s Corner

http://youtu.be/dKIwSXTNZgc

1.     Get a list of all of the team members from the owner of the team.  Create an Excel spreadsheet of everyone’s contact info on the team.  When traveling, it is very helpful to have parent info, because the boys will tend to “go with their friends…and meet Mom and Dad later”.  A list of contacts helps reduce stress.  Attached is an example of what can be used.

This list also comes in handy when setting up the Saturday Night Team Dinner.  One simple email for a head count of “who’s in” will make it easier for Mom to organize.  Some restaurants will even allow a set menu with 4-5 items and will include a drink, a dessert, and a tip for one set price.  Just ask.  You’d be surprised how many restaurants will do this for you.  (Be sure to add enough to cover the coaches in your estimate.  They always enjoy being invited).

2.   Encourage the parents and siblings to wear team colors and spirit wear.  Shirts and hats can usually be ordered with the kids’ uniforms.  But if not, simply wearing team colors to help the boys to know that you are there is very supportive.

 

 

            a.     In the first games of the year, print out your team roster and parent contact list.  Learn the kids’ names.  Learn the parents’ names.  This is key to becoming a good, encouraging team.  Then, when every team member comes up to bat, makes a great play, or even when they make a mistake…the stands are encouraging them.  This is what makes a team…a REAL TEAM!   It’s not just the boys…remember that!

The Team Ice Chest

http://youtu.be/0LMSShikLXo

3.     Take turns packing a team ice chest.  Some kids will bring their own “goodies”, but the team ice chest should be healthy.  Some suggestions for the ice chest are:

            a.     1 case of bottled water (if it’s really hot, have an extra case of water in the car for games 2 & 3).

            b.     1 gallon bag of oranges, sliced into 1/6’s or 1/8's.

            c.      Either small whole apples or sliced apples with a tub of peanut butter for dipping.

            d.     2-3 bags of beef jerky

            e.     Salted peanuts or assorted nuts for quick energy

            f.      Sunflower seeds (just isn’t baseball without them)

            g.     Power bars (Cliff, Luna, Granola, or Kind)

            h.     NATURAL SUGAR ONLY.  NO GATORADE.  NO SNICKERS…in the team ice chest!

 

4.     If the tournament is in a HOT location, pack a bag of towels.  You can purchase a bag of small, white towels/rags at Home Depot.  As needed, soak a towel in the cold, ice chest to get it wet and cold.

            a.     Encourage the kids to put a wet towel around their necks when in the dugout.

            b.     Encourage the kids to drink water and to replenish their bodies with oranges, etc.(They always forget to do this and might need some “subtle” encouragement from you).

Thank you for tuning into JakePlaysBaseball.Blogspot.com for the last year!  Try outs start this month.  Tune in for a refresher course on how to have a good tryout.

 

http://youtu.be/mOQRuFqXMOY

If you have been forwarded this issue and would like to be placed on the mailing list, please send an

e-mail to jakeplaysbaseball@gmail.com or press the subscribe button in the upper right hand corner.

All newsletter archives are located at http://JakePlaysBaseball.blogspot.com/

If you want to be taken off the e-mail list, please let me know at jakeplaysbaseball@gmail.com

Special thanks to the Sliders Family that went to Cooperstown and made my dream come true. Thanks everyone so much!

I would also like to thank my parents for making the Cooperstown Journey possible.



Nutrition And Fitness

Hello! My name is Jake Nordstrom and welcome to my new blog on the Basics of Baseball. Today, I will talk about Nutrition with my Grandma, Willie Victor, and Fitness with my Sliders' coach, Tom Alva. Hope you Enjoy!

Nutrition

http://youtu.be/6A0aVnrpXPI

http://youtu.be/EI0H8XBT2bE

What is a good diet for a player to go on who is under 12 years old?

·      Balance- Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates.

•        Protein- Builds Muscles.
•        Carbs- Give Energy.
•      Fats- Keeps blood sugar stable.

·    Carbs are not only in chips and potatoes. They are in fruits and vegetables, too. 

·   Proteins come from foods like meat, fish, and chicken. 

·   Fats come from foods like meat and nuts.

·      Breakfast- Important to bring in some protein. Less cereal, more eggs, bacon, and sausage.

·   Lunch- More proteins, carbs, and fats (balance).

·   Dinner- More proteins, carbs, and fats (balance).

·    Healthy Snacks- Like deli meats, guacamole, hummus, apple and banana with nut butter.

http://youtu.be/FCzutkxWmvQ

Before the game, people say that you should eat carbs. Why should this not be a big plate of spaghetti?

·      Carb loading is an old idea.

·      You need a balance to sustain energy!

·       Protein and Fat- (Steak, Fish, Chicken) Should take about 1/4 of the  dinner plate.

·      Veggies and Fruits- Broccoli (or other dark green veggies); use different colors of veggies like carrots and bell peppers; fruits.

·   Now add your starch/carbs. (Rice, Potato, Sweet Potato).

·   Most important is to have a balance at every meal!

http://youtu.be/k8kUBQ7Ub_I

During a game when you are losing energy, what are some good snacks to have in the dugout?

·      No Snickers!!  It only gives quick, fast energy. Then comes the crash.

·      Kind Bar, Sliced Oranges, Sliced Apples (Carbs) with nut butter (Protein/Fats), Luna Bars.

·   A balance is always better.

http://youtu.be/ywCF3mFW_ZA

A great thing to have is an ice chest or an igloo for your snacks and drinks at games. So why would you not want to have Gatorade, and have water instead?

·      Gatorade it used to “replace” electrolytes that we lose when we sweat.

·   Hydration is very important in any sport!

·      Gatorade is made by Pepsi.

·      Has 34 grams of sugar in a regular bottle of Gatorade (red).

·      Larger bottle-21 grams of sugar x 2.5 servings = 52 grams of sugar.

·      A regular bottle of Gatorade has about 13 teaspoons of sugar.

·      Gatorade has a bunch of different sugar names (sucrose/dextrose)... doesn't mean it is any different than regular sugar.

·    Gatorade has modified food starch in it; not gluten free.

·      Red dye makes people hyper. When you are hyper, you can't think straight. (How to make a good play, where to throw the ball, think quick on your toes).

·      Gatorade has twice the sodium than potassium, which puts your electrolytes out of balance.

·     Water makes you feel stronger, and makes you feel less fatigued (tired).

·  When you have water, it pumps the nutrients and oxygen through your blood, giving you the energy to play.

·      Water regulates your body temperature.

·      Water removes waste.

·      2 hours before a practice or a game, you should drink 2 glasses of water slowly.

·     Never have caffeine or soda because it releases water, rather than retains it.

·      Before the game, drink more water (8 oz.)

·      During the game, drink more water (when in the dugout)

·   After the game, drink more water.

http://youtu.be/1VFM82jOCic

More suggestions from Grandma Willie, the nutritionist.

·     Most athletes are used to carb loading.

·     Most athletes are used to drinking Gatorade.

·   When explained what balance is, their time improves, and their endurance increases.

http://youtu.be/JRnW5PJ7r4U

Thank you Grandma, I really appreciate what you have done today! 

http://www.essentialsforhealth.info

So now that we've learned about nutrition, let's take a look at some fitness and conditioning practices!

Fitness

http://youtu.be/itO0pkRUlPQ

Exercise is a very important factor in baseball. Without it, you won't be able to excel. Today I have my U13 Assistant Coach with me to teach you about conditioning.

So I just wanted to thank Tom Alva for helping my blog readers learn a little bit about baseball fitness and conditioning, so let's get started!

http://youtu.be/UbHdCHQzf28

What is a proper stretch or warmup you should do before a game starts?

·   Get to the field about an hour in advanced.

·   Start with a light jog, The do some dynamic stretches (High knees, high skips, karaoke). Then, maybe some push ups, and sit ups to build strength and keep the blood flowing.

·   You want to do a good throwing regiment. At first, throw at a close distance (knee to a stationary position), and then gradually get far enough apart from your teammate that you are making a further throw than normal.

·   A growing child should eat about 2250 calories a day.

·   REMEMBER TO STAY HYDRATED

http://youtu.be/V4zcivP9w_s

What should someone do for conditioning?

·   You need to find an individual workout that suits your needs.

·   Your heart gets stronger with conditioning.

·   The more oxygen, the better you are going to be conditioned.

·   Example: Do a routine 3 times a week at medium energy for about 30 to 40 minutes per session for about 4 weeks. Then increase the amount you do as you go along.

·   Do about 8-10 minutes of jogging and warming up and doing jumping jacks and dynamics. Then increase the amount of time you do as you get stronger.

http://youtu.be/L3P4KybmUMU

What are different exercises for the different positions on the field?

·  Its not so much the position, but the sport.

·  You need a strong core, legs, arms, and shoulders.

Some examples of a good workout would be (See video for examples):

·   Push ups.

·   Sit ups.

·   Squats.

·   Push up wheel (to build core muscles).

·   Light dumb bells (rotator cuff exercises).

·  Use the bands in different ways for the different muscles.

http://youtu.be/ZuPs2T5SdEY

What is a good daily/every other day workout for somebody to go on?

·   Find a good pace, start out every third to fourth day, and work your way up once you get stronger.

·   Again, it is important to warm up your muscles.

·   Use the mirror drills.

·   Get in your stance and really make sure everything looks in line.

·   Make sure you take your time, and  use proper technique.

·   Slow things down. You don't have to do things fast to work on the muscle memory.

·   You can do pitching, and fielding this way too.  See video for examples.

http://youtu.be/21weZ_gbwDU

http://www.goldengateslidersbaseball.com/coach-thomas-alva.html

Next month, join me for The Ins and Outs of Travel Baseball. Help me out my clicking the "Join This Site" Button in the upper-right hand corner of my blog. Thank You!

REMEMBER...TRYOUTS ARE AROUND THE CORNER...TO REVIEW ON HOW TO HAVE A GOOD TRYOUT, SEE MY 1ST BLOG, DATED DECEMBER 2012...THEN FOLLOW EACH MONTH FOR MORE ON "THE BASICS OF BASEBALL".

If you have been forwarded this issue and would like to be placed on the mailing list, please send an 

e-mail to jakeplaysbaseball@gmail.com or press the "Join This Site" button in the upper right hand corner of my blog.

All newsletter archives are located at http://JakePlaysBaseball.blogspot.com/

If you want to be taken off the e-mail list, please let me know at jakeplaysbaseball@gmail.com

Special thanks to Grandma Willie for helping us understand Nutrition.

Special Thanks to my Sliders' coach Tom for the help on Fitness and Conditioning.