Erwin Warriors Base Ball

Warriors Baseball Pitcher's Academy

The Warriors will be starting a pitcher's academy that will meet once a week for an hour from November through May. Space will be limited to 10 pitchers between the ages of 10-14 (5th-8th graders). Skills dealing with mechanics, fielding, controlling the running game, backing up bases, long toss, arm care, and changing speeds will be drilled routinely to prepare Erwin baseball for continued future success. Pitchers will be introduced to a college level, Divison I, pitcher's program putting them world's ahead of their competition. Parents welcome and encouraged to attend and their will be a small fee of $10 per week for each member of the academy.

Outfielders – Will be taught how to read the ball “off the bat”; get their bodies “behind the ball”; how to field a fly ball, line drive, and groundball properly; they will learn their areas of responsibility; be taught the importance of using a crow hop to “save their arms”; and learn how to throw the ball “through the chest of the cut-off man”.

Infielders – Will learn how to field a groundball properly through stance, glove position, footwork, and shoulder position. Skills will be taught to make the routine and difficult throws, including throwing across the body and back-hand throws (by position). Special attention will be given to 1st basemen on how to: apply a tag, use good footwork, set-up picks, and make flips (to pitchers).

Catchers – Will learn how to receive the ball and block pitches. Will be taught the importance of being the “field general” … communicating with teammates. In addition, footwork and body position on throws will be emphasized.

Throwing – The art of throwing will be taught to minimize injury and maximize arm speed and strength. Arm and overall conditioning will be stressed with a focus on using a proven regimen to build arm strength, speed, and accuracy.

Running – As it applies to baseball offensively and defensively, will be taught in great detail. This will include: teaching how to run the bases to turn any runner into an offensive threat; and how to develop running skill through better footwork, positioning, and use of the hips to reach the ball quickly while getting in position to make the play.

Hitting – We will teach skills specifically for: stance, load, and finish, with a heavy emphasis on grip and contact through the ball. Various drills will be used to breakdown the various stages of hitting to maximize the contact ability of the player. A video analysis of each hitter will be available upon request ($).

PITCHING CAMPS – The finest craft on the field will be divided into four instruction components: Form – balance, lead leg, arm swing, extension, and finish; Product – arm motion, grip, velocity, and location; Fielding – not being a spectator on the field, using communication, footwork, and “helping your cause”; and Tempo – controlling the running game, and keeping the infielders engaged in the process. Special time will be devoted to explain and demonstrate arm and body conditioning required to reach and operate at peak performance.

Dates of the camps will be posted at a later time for 2011-2012 season with separate dates for each camp.