Everything "baseball-wise" revolves around the coach. He must be organized, have a good working knowledge of people, the game including skill development and be somewhat flexible in his demeanor.
"No coach or teacher ever won a game by what he knows; it is what his players have learned that wins." To play baseball to the best of your ability you must have a healthy mind as well as a healthy body. Many players want to practice what they do best. I suggest that a player practice what he does worst. Certainly, one cannot lose sight of continuing to work on his strengths as well. "Proper mental attitude is the basis of success in any player. It consists of the will to win, eagerness to learn and the intelligence to retain what was learned."
Some examples of Basic Strategy includes:
- Make the routine play
- Anticipate that every ball will be hit to you
- Always get the lead man (the force out) -- double plays take care of themselves
- Stay in front of the ball as opposed to "side-stepping" it
- Run through 1B NOT to 1B
- Be alert to advance when the ball is "in the dirt"
- Always watch the base coach (not the ball)
- If you do not swing the bat, you cannot hit the ball
- The pitcher must throw the ball across the plate
