Major League Baseball has compiled the definitive instruction manual on
learning to play the game. Fully illustrated with action photos of MLB
stars illustrating key points and drills for each defensive position,
this book also includes special tips from MLB players on batting, base
running, the rules of the game, and coaching. Easy-to-follow
instructions and diagrams of all the skills beginning players need to
master the game--how to throw, hit, and field all the positions--while
also promoting good sportsmanship. Each skill and position is presented
separately, with photographs and drawings of a player executing the
specific skill, advice on how to perform it, and when to use it, and the
most common mistakes. Written and compiled by the best baseball
instructors, coaches, and players in the world, this comprehensive
how-to is informative enough to help even the brightest young stars
shine brighter. With keen insights from instruction and developmental
coaches, the need to create a positive environment in practice and
encourage creativity as well as technical correctness is stressed. Most
importantly, the coaches understand that kids are not just small
adults--and they back up their understanding with advice on how to help
kids fall in love with America's pastime. Model training sections
construct excellent practice sessions--from warm-up through cool-down
exercises and hundreds of drills and games to reinforce--this is an
essential tool for all coaches as a guide to improving performance and
enjoyment of practice and playing the game. This must-have resource
covers it all: Batting, Pitching, Base running and sliding, Specific
drills for playing all defensive positions, Coaching and rules,
Offensive and defensive strategy. Partial list of Big League tips on How
to Play the Game: Tony Gwynn (hitting), Sammy Sosa (judging fly balls),
Bernie Williams (playing the outfield), Mark Grace (approach to
hitting), Alex Rodriguez (fielding ground balls), Jeff Bagwell
(hitting), Roberto Alomar (fielding ground balls), Jaret Wright
(pitching mechanics), Edgar Renteria (how to play SS), John Lackey
(improving your pitching), Carlos Delgado (mastering 1B), Rocco Baldelli
(basic approach at plate), Cristian Guzman (fielding ground balls),
Danny Kolb (good approach on the mound), Dontrelle Willis (pitching
strategies), Torii Hunter (playing the outfield), Jason Marquis
(pitching with control), Chone Figgins (sliding), Orlando Cabrera
(improving your game), Gary Bennett (becoming a better catcher), Ervin
Santana (pitching under pressure), Mark Teixeira (playing 1B), Ryan
Howard (hitting), Joey Gathright (playing the OF), Troy Tulowitzki
(succeeding at the plate), Joel Zumaya (pitching with poise), Josh
Johnson (pitching with confidence)
