Dodge Suprun

They say practice makes perfect, but I definitely believe perfect practice makes perfect.

I’ve been playing since I was 3 so baseball is kind of routine, but I also think that is what we are talking about when we talk about the grind. How do you find a way to spice up your routine to keep practice fun so you have the skills you need to deliver on the field for game day.

When I was eight I went to Atlanta for a Ripken Coaching Clinic. I got to meet Cal Ripken Jr. and it is one of the many reasons I am an Orioles fan. The session was really focused on adults, but I learned a lot about breaking down plays then an that has been invaluable both as a player and trying to help team mates on the field.

Practice Options

The video above is from D Bat Keller where I try to keep my hitting and pitching strong. I have also done workouts there designed around High Intensity Impact Training (HIIT) as well as fielding.

My instructor team of Hestand Foster and Grant Powers have me improving my swing for power while Matt Custred has helped both my velocity and command on the bump.

The point is coaches like these can help you see things you do not. It is not enoough to go out and just throw or just take swings off a tee. Coaches can help guide a practice session and set goals for a given time period which is important I think to strengthen your approach whether on the mound, at the plate, or standing in the field ready to make that game ending out.

When I think about practice, I think about “The Flip.” The flip was Derek Jeter’s play against Oakland where he took up position as the third part of a relay from the Outfield – a spot never needed – until it was needed in the 2001 playoffs.

We all remember the flip itself, but we need to remember the time put in being ready for when that play would happen. That is why we practice.