9 Pitching Grips | Baseball Pitching

Learn how to do nine baseball pitching grips from Coach Darren Gurney in this Howcast video.

Glove Guru Aso: How to Break In a Baseball Glove

Wilson's Glove Guru, Shigeaki Aso, breaks in gloves for MLB stars such as C.J. Wilson, Brandon Philips, David Wright, and Hanley Ramirez. Watch as he takes us through the steps of breaking in a brand new baseball glove.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from The Baseball Barn!

MIKE EPSTEIN HITTING IS COMING TO THE BARN! Jan. 24 & 25, 2015

Come and train with Jake Epstein in our January Hitting Camp for Baseball and Fastpitch

 

(Players attend both days)

Saturday (1/24):  10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 

Sunday (1/25):  10:00 AM - 2:00 PM  

 

Hosted by Certified Epstein Instructor Rich Lovell and The Baseball Barn (Camp will be run by Jake Epstein)

 

Click Here to Visit Mike Epstein Hitting for more information and to enroll in this very special 2 day event!!.

How It's Made - Aluminum Baseball Bats

Discovery / Science Channel's "How It's Made" Aluminum Baseball Bats episode

Open Hitting Today

Sundays 12 Noon to 2PM

Come in and get a great hitting workout with our staff throwing soft toss in our hitting tunnels. A great way to get swings in for a very low cost!

Open Hitting is limited to 30 people per day, so Sign Up Now using our online scheduling system. Cost $10 per session.

The Baseball Barn's Holiday Hours

 

The Baseball Barn will be closed on the following days in observance of the holidays:

12/24, 12/25, 12/31, and 1/1/15

Please make a note of these dates

BASEBALL BARN WELCOMES TRACY RECH

The Baseball Barn is very pleased to announce that Tracy Rech has joined our team of instructors.  Tracy's focus will be on softball hitting and softball catching instruction. Login to your account now to schedule a lesson with Tracy.

Stats:

Being from Santa Ana (Orange County), CA, softball was a mainstay of my youth sports. After several years of playing Little League Baseball and Little Miss Softball, I began playing with travel softball teams at the age of 13.  During my time playing with those teams, I had the opportunity to be the catcher for several outstanding pitchers including Lisa Fernandez and Lori Harrigan.  Additionally I had the experience of being teammates with other outstanding players like Kelly Inouye, Kim (Kostyk) Sowder.

I attended Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana) and then accepted a full athletic scholarship to Creighton University (Division I) in Omaha, Nebraska.  During my time at Creighton University, I participated in several softball camps teaching both hitting and position/catching.

After successfully completing my college career and receiving my BA in Psychology, I moved back to Southern California in 1996. I began teaching hitting and catching lessons at Diane Lewis’ School of Softball in 1997 until relocating to the Vacaville area with my husband in 1998. Since moving to the area I have coached two years in Bobby Sox and have been the Player Agent for the Vacaville National Little League.

Current: Vanden High School Assistant Varsity Softball Coach

Career Highlights
- Member of 1984 15U ASA National Championship Team (Gordon’s Panthers)
- Member of 1987 15U ASA National Championship Team (Orange County Batbusters)
- Four year Varsity Letter Mater Dei High School
- All Angelus League 1990
- Angelus League MVP 1990
- All CIF Southern Section 1990
- Four year Varsity Letter Creighton University

1991
WAC - All Conference Team Honorable Mention
WAC – All Tournament Team
Played in back to back 31 inning (DH) and 25 inning (catcher) games (2 of the 3 longest games in NCAA history).

1993
MVC – Conference Player of the Week (.550 BA)
MVC – All Conference 1st Team
All Region – 2nd Team

1994
MVC – All Conference 2nd Team
MVC – All Tournament Team    

Batting Practice: Pitching Machine Vs Hand Toss Baseball - Baseball Barn

Rich gives some ideas about using a pitching machine versus a hand tossed ball. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

How To Throw A Good Baseball Toss - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over some of the mistakes made in throwing a baseball during batting practice. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

How To Teach New Players To Hit Baseball - The Baseball Barn

Rich gives a step by step process to get younger or new players to hit a baseball with a bat. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

MIKE EPSTEIN HITTING IS COMING TO THE BARN! Jan. 24 & 25, 2015

Come and train with Jake Epstein in our January Hitting Camp for Baseball and Fastpitch

 

(Players attend both days)

Saturday (1/24):  10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 

Sunday (1/25):  10:00 AM - 2:00 PM  

Hosted by Certified Epstein Instructor Rich Lovell and The Baseball Barn (Camp will be run by Jake Epstein)

Click Here to Visit Mike Epstein Hitting for more information and to enroll in this very special 2 day event!!.

Baseball Training : Arm Exercises for Baseball Pitchers

When doing arm exercises for pitching in baseball, it's important to stretch out the rotator cuff to avoid injury. Discover the proper amount of stretching for a baseball pitcher with help from a baseball instructor in this free video on baseball arm exercises.

Baseball Tips : How to Size a Baseball Bat

To size a baseball bat properly, first make sure it is legal for your league. Choose the right sized bat for you with help from a professional coach in this free video on baseball tips.

Baseball Equipment : How to Wear High Baseball Socks

Wearing high baseball socks means pulling up the pant legs to the knee in order to expose the baseball socks. Find out how to make sure that baseball socks are being held up with help from a baseball instructor in this free video on baseball socks.

How To Use A Bat Effectively - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over the dynamics of a baseball bat and how to use it effectively. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Breaking it Down with Bill: Winter Conditioning

Bill Ripken shares a great winter conditioning drill using baseball movements and introduces the appropriate "first step" when playing the infield.

Base Running Tips - The 3 Ways to Become a THREAT on the Base Paths

Join Host Matty Maher as he breaks down the three ways to run to first base. This video will help you beat out that infield single, turn a single into a double, and turn an otherwise close play at 2nd to a stand up double! Through proper mechanics and an understanding of the situation, Coach Matt gives you the secrets to becoming a "threat" on the base paths. Note: You don't need to be FAST to be a great baserunner!

GoPro Baseball: CJ Wilson - Behind the Eyes

Get an intimate look into the mindset of professional pitcher, CJ Wilson, as he throws a standard, off-season bullpen. Wilson is touted as one of the hardest working players in the league, learn why he believes October is really won in the offseason and what he does to prepare for the post-season.

Efficient and Effective Batting Practice - The Baseball Barn

Rich from the Baseball Barn goes over using the Swing Away for effective batting practice. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Batting Training Aids - The Baseball Barn

Rich from the Baseball Barn talks about using different batting training aids. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

5 Pro Tips for Throwing a Baseball Harder and More Accurately

5 pro tips for throwing a baseball harder and more accurately. PBI founder and pro player Doug Bernier talks about 5 aspects of proper throwing mechanics that can help you learn how to throw harder and more accurately.

Breaking it Down with Bill: Off-Season Catching Drill

Bill Ripken explains the "Fingers Up" approach to catching using a simple off-season baseball drill that can done at home with a tennis ball.

Mariano Rivera Teaches 3 Important Pitching Tips

Join Coach Matty Maher with special guest Mariano Rivera as they dissect the proper mechanics of pitching for more velocity as well as increased accuracy. See Mariano in action as he instructs a few  athletes to "stay closed, don't fly open, and look down their sights."

 See why Mariano Rivera is considered the greatest closer of all time!

Open Hitting Sundays

Sundays 12 Noon to 2PM

 

Come in and get a great hitting workout with our staff throwing soft toss in our hitting tunnels. A great way to get swings in for a very low cost!

Open Hitting is limited to 30 people per day. Cost $10 per session.

Where To Stand In The Batters Box - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over where to stand in the batter's box. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Extending Your Arms In MLB Swing - The Baseball Barn

Rich explains the proper way to extend your arms in a correct baseball swing. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

The Pitching Towel Drill - Dangerous And Reduces Velocity

In this video you will see a college and high school pitcher performing the towel drill.

This video also shows a pitching instructor using the towel drill to demonstrate it to his student...the college pitcher. However, the instructor is also using the towel in a manner that does not replicate the correct arm motion that pitchers should be using when throwing a baseball.

If a pitcher cannot do the towel drill in way that replicates what happens when throwing a baseball, you should question how the towel drill will create any improvement...or if it is actually building in more errors.

In the above video, you should easily be able to see why the towel drill reduces velocity and adds stress to the elbow because the arm action is incorrect and the position of the arm just prior to elbow extension and ball release shows the elbow is leading the chest or trunk. That is a common pitching arm action error that is incorrect, reduces velocity, adds stress to the arm.

Core Movements of the MLB Swing 3 of 3 - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over part 3 of 3 core movements of a successful baseball swing. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Core Movements of the MLB Swing 2 of 3 - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over part 2 of 3 of key core movements of a baseball swing. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Core Movements of the MLB Swing 1 of 3 - The Baseball Barn

Rich shows part 1 of 3 for key bat swing core movements. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

How To Increase Bat Speed and Power 5 of 5 - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over part 5 of 5 of how to increase bat speed and power. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

How To Increase Bat Speed and Power 4 of 5 - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over part 4 of 5 on how to increase bat speed and power. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

How To Increase Bat Speed and Power 3 of 5 - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over part 3 of 5 on how to increase bat speed and power. See more http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

How To Increase Bat Speed and Power 2 of 5 - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over the step 2 of 5 on how to increase bat speed and power. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

How To Increase Bat Speed and Power 1 of 5 - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over how to increase bat speed and power in the first of a 5 part series. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

3 Tips to Become a Better Pitcher with Former Red Sox Frank Rodriguez

Join Coach Matty Maher and Former Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twin FRANK RODRIGUEZ as he discusses basic pitching mechanics. This video focuses on the upper half of the body and will give you some key tips on getting the MOST out of your pitches.

The Boston Red Sox drafted Frank Rodriguez out of high school with their 2nd round pick in the 1990 amateur draft, but he elected to go to junior college in 1991. Rodriguez led the JUCO ranks in home runs (26) and pitching strikeouts (139), and was named MVP of the Junior College World Series, when Howard College beat Manatee Community College in the title game.

In 1995, Rodriguez got the call up to the majors, and spent eight years playing pro ball with the Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, and the Cincinnati Reds.

Baseball Catching Tips - The Set Up

Join Coach Matty Maher as he explains the basic fundamentals of catching. He'll discuss the proper way to set up your body as a catcher, with nobody on base, as well as base runners. Understand how good posture and form can expand the strike zone for your pitcher.

Start improving your baseball game today!

Breaking it Down with Bill: SS Set-Up

Bill lets young shortstops know the proper way to set-up to turn the double play around the bag.

OPEN HITTING

Sundays 12 Noon to 2PM

Come in and get a great hitting workout with our staff throwing soft toss in our hitting tunnels. A great way to get swings in for a very low cost!

Open Hitting is limited to 30 people per day, so Sign Up Now using our online scheduling system. Cost $10 per session.

ANDREW HAMEL IS COMING TO THE BARN!!

The Baseball Barn is proud to announce that Andrew Hamel from Prodigy Performance is teaming up with the Baseball Barn to offer a dynamic new baseball performance training class to help you take your fitness and conditioning to the next level:

This dynamic total body conditioning program will help athletes of any fitness level improve fitness and performance specifically related to baseball activities.  Do you want to get functionally stronger?  Do you want to be quicker/faster?  Then this is the training you need.  Fall is when the work is done so that you will be ready to go when Spring arrives.  If you aren't training, you can bet your competition is!

The baseball performance training program will have twelve (12) sessions: two (2) times a week for six (6) weeks.  The class will meet Wednesday evening from 6-7p and Saturday morning from 10-11a. Sessions will begin on September 10th and will end on Saturday October 18th.  

The baseball performance training program is limited to 6 athletes per class so sign up now to guarantee your spot!

Program Cost:

$360.00

Here is a bit about Andrew:

Andrew Hamel MS, CSCS

Andrew Hamel is the founder of Prodigy Performance. Andrew, has quietly become a highly sought-after strength coach for athletes and everyday people alike. Whether healthy or injured, Andrew has helped athletes of all levels, from youth sports to the professional level, achieve their highest levels of performance in a variety of different sports. Over the past several years, Andrew has developed a niche working within the

local baseball community.

Rotational Hitting - MLB Swing - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over rotational hitting or Major League Baseball swing. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

Breaking it Down with Bill: Pitch Count

Bill Ripken offers advice when it comes to pitching and young baseball players.

Ask Your Instructor "Why?" If You Don't Understand - The Baseball Barn

Rich gives a great tip to help a student get better results from what their instructor is telling them to do. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

David Belisle's Full Little League World Series Ending Motivational and Inspirational Speech

David Belisle, one of the most inspirational coaches in Little League World Series history, speaks to his Cumberland American LL team after it's crushing 8-7 loss to Jackie Robinson West of Chicago, Illinois.

How To Stop Collapsing On Back Leg - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over some different techniques to help a player stop collapsing on their back leg. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

Fixing Batting Swing Problems - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over some techniques they use at The Baseball Barn to help correct swing problems. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com/

Icing the Pitcher's Arm - Why It's Harmful and Doesn't Work

Research has proven that icing a pitcher's arm after pitching does not provide any useful benefit, despite being used by many MLB pitchers.

The real research has proven that Icing is actually harmful. Icing the arm actually slows down recovery time and does not reduce inflammation or swelling. The opposite actually happens.

This video is an interview I did with author and icing expert Gary Reinl.

Even though many college and MLB pitchers ice after pitching the current research proves there is no benefit to icing the pitching arm and there is no benefit of ever icing any injury whether shoulder,elbow, knee, hip or ankle.

Here are 4 things you will learn in the video that icing does:

1. ice delays healing
2. ice increases swelling
3. it causes additional damage
4. shuts off signals that alerts to harmful movement

As you can see icing actually create more damage and problems for the body.

So the next time you see someone icing you may want to help them by sharing this video and the link above to the article and the research.

How To Fix Bat Drag - The Baseball Barn

RIch goes over the causes and cures to bat drag.  See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Pitching Video Analysis Explained - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over how The Baseball Barn uses video analysis to help improve pitching. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Hitting Camp Video Analysis - The Baseball Barn

Rich gives some overview of the hitting camp put on by The Baseball Barn in Vacaville, CA. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Breaking it Down with Bill: Off the Wall Throwing Drill

Bill Ripken demonstrates an easy baseball throwing drill that kids can do on their own during the off-season or while at home. All you need is a ball and a wall!

3 Day Hitting Camp - The Baseball Barn

Rich checks in with us at a 3 day hitting camp put on by The Baseball Barn in Vacaville, CA. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

The Swing Away Hitting Training - The Baseball Barn

Rich talks about how they use The Swing Away hitting trainer. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Chris Davis - Advice

Get advice from Baltimore's first baseman and Eastbay Field Tester Chris Davis.

How To Hit An Outside Pitch - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over how to effectively hit an outside pitch. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

How To Use A Bat Effectively - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over the dynamics of a baseball bat and how to use it effectively. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Video Analysis Program - The Baseball Barn

Rich from The Baseball Barn goes over their video analysis program for both pitching and hitting. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Miguel Cabrera's Hitting Tips

Detroit third baseman Miguel Cabrera gives young athletes tips on how to hit the ball and get to the next level.

Brandon Phillips Talks About His Favorite Drills - Eastbay

Brandon Phillips talks about and demonstrates his favorite baseball drills.

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing You and Your Family a Safe and Happy 4th of July!!

The Baseball Barn Facility Tour - Cages and Training Area

Rich from The Baseball Barn gives a tour of the facility with it opened up to maximum training areal. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Breaking it Down with Bill: 2B Set-Up

Bill gives pointers to young infielders on how to properly set-up to turn the double play as a second baseman.

Mariners, Padres Pay Tribute to Tony Gwynn

6/16/14: The Mariners and Padres pay tribute to Tony Gwynn before the game, holding a moment of silence in memory of the Hall of Famer

The Baseball Barn Facility Tour - Indoor Batting Cages

Rich with The Baseball Barn gives a tour of the facility set up for maximum indoor batting cages. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Don't Miss Out!! Mike Epstein Hitting Camp 6/23-25th

MIKE EPSTEIN HITTING IS COMING TO THE BARN!!                                                                                                                  June 23, 24, & 25th

We still have a few spots available for this unique opportunity to take your hitting to the next level!!

Come and train with Jake Epstein in our June Hitting Camp for Baseball and Fastpitch

(Players attend all 3 days)
Monday (6/23):       1:00 PM - 3:30 PM  

Tuesday (6/24):       1:00 PM - 3:30 PM   

Wednesday (6/25): 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

 

Hosted by Certified Epstein Instructor Richard Lovell and The Baseball Barn (Camp will be run by Jake Epstein) 

Click Here to Visit Mike Epstein Hitting for more information and to enroll in this very special 3 day event!!

For more information or if you have questions, call or stop by The Barn.

The Importance of Baseball Hitting Drills

The most exciting part of playing baseball is getting up to bat. Learning to watch a pitch and how to connect with it is a huge part of learning to play the game, but it is one that too many players tend to ignore. If you really want to be the best player that you can be, you have to spend time perfecting baseball hitting drills.

Why Hitting Drills are Important to Every Serious Player

Consistency is one of the most important parts of developing any baseball skill. Batting, even more than fielding, is a process that requires honing a very specific set of actions over time. When a player steps in for batting drills, he or she is learning how to perfect a swing and how to perfect his or her timing - something that can only be done with practice, and lots of it. If a player neglects his or her hitting drill, he or she will be left with only half a game - and left as a liability for his or her team.

Key Components for Baseball Hitting Drills

Crafting a good set of batting drills means boiling down the process down to three elements - reading a pitch, timing, and the swing itself. Each element is an important part of learning how to connect with the ball on a regular basis so you can be consistently great. A good set of drills will not just concentrate on something as simple as getting more distance out of a pitch - a major part of the process should be learning when to swing and why. Knowing how to place a ball in right field if the fielder has been weak all night is more important than being able to hit a home run off of a lucky shot. Learning how to exercise control while batting is perhaps the most important part of baseball hitting drills.

If you want to succeed with hitting drills, you have to use an approach that is going to make you better at the whole process of batting. You have to learn when it is time to swing and when it is time to wait. You also have to learn when it might be better to drop the ball into the infield and when you need to swing for the fences. More than anything, though, you have to learn how to be consistent - and that takes the right coach. Be sure to get a coach who will work with you to bring out the best in you so that you can be consistently great at the game, because it's fun to play, but even more fun to win.

The author has spent a lot of time learning about Baseball Hitting Drills and similar topics. Click here to read more about this at the author's website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Faith_Kaltenbach

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Cespedes Throws Out Kendrick at the Plate

6/10/14: Yoenis Cespedes makes and unbelievable throw to nab Howie Kendrick at the plate, keeping the game tied at 1 in the 8th

How It's Made- Baseballs

This clip about professional baseballs from The Science Channel's, "How It's Made," hits a grand slam.

Proper Baseball Bats For Youth

Batting is an extremely important, and some say the most difficult, element of baseball. Along with strong hand-eye coordination and strength that is gained through age and body mass, having the right tool for the job is something you must keep in mind when figuring out how to make the most of your turn at bat.

Baseball bats come in a variety of sizes, materials and weights. As your baseball player grows in age and size it's important to change their bat to optimize their batting successes. In order for a child to be comfortable hitting the ball they must be comfortable with their bat. One bat will not work for an entire baseball team; it's actually a very personal piece of sporting equipment.

Bat Length

One of the first things you can do to match your child up with the correct bat is to measure your child's height. For this purpose, make sure your child is wearing his/her baseball shoes. Children who measure between 3-feet and 3-feet, 4-inches tall should probably be using a 26-inch bat. If your child is taller than 3-feet, 5-inches start with the 26-inch bat and add an inch in size for every four-to-five inches your child has in height.

Once you've got a good idea of where to start with bat length, stand the bat next to your child to see where it measures up against your child's body. If the bat is too long it may be too heavy and awkward for your child to be comfortable with. With the top end of the bat on the floor next to your standing child, the knob area at the other end of the bat should be hitting your child right at their hip. If the knob area is hitting at your child's waist the bat is too long and you may want to go back down a few inches.

You can also size a youth bat according to your child's weight. This is not as effective as sizing for their height, but if you have an exceptionally tall and thin child who may not have the strength for a longer bat, this is a good way to have a secondary option. Children under 60 pounds will typically benefit from a 26- to 29-inch bat. Children weighing between 70 and 90 pounds can start with a 28-inch bat going up to a 32-inch bat if they are also over 5-feet in height.

It's probably a good idea to measure your child's bat range both with height and weight and see if they have a common thread where you know you are getting the correct bat for them undoubtedly. And while these are terrific starting points, the ultimate factor will be having your child actually swing the bat and get a good feel if they are comfortable handling the bat before you commit to it.

Bat Material

Most baseball leagues and starter teams use aluminum bats. Professionals and very specific leagues use wood bats; otherwise you probably can't go wrong with aluminum. If you're looking for non-wood bats here are some choices:

• Alloy - made completely with aircraft-grade alloys
• Composite - made of composite fibers
• Half and Half - handle is made of composite and barrel made with aluminum, alloy or hybrid
• Hybrid - made of two different materials, such as alloy and carbon

Composite bats are different from alloy in that their hits sound more like a wood bat, and once they are broken in they are able to surpass the ability of standard alloy bats. The break-in period before a composite bat reaches its optimal performance is such that a player should hit roughly 200-300 real leather baseballs while rotating the barrel of the bat so that the barrel's surface gets broken in. These are more expensive bats, but after getting broken in, they will be worth the extra price.

As your child gets older and joins a league, it is good to research what requirements their specific league has. Most leagues to have specific bat requirements and restrictions, so before you spend the money make sure you know kinds of bats to be looking for.

By Christopher Douglas Donohue

http://www.unique-sports.com/
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Douglas_Donohue

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Open Hitting at The Baseball Barn

Sundays 12 Noon to 2PM

Come in and get a great hitting workout with our staff throwing soft toss in our hitting tunnels. A great way to get swings in for a very low cost!

Open Hitting is limited to 30 people per day, so Sign Up Now using our online scheduling system. Cost $10 per session.

Hitting With A Heavier Bat - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over how to adjust hitting with heavier bats as you go up leagues. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

INTRODUCING THE WARM UP CORD

It is not too late to improve your arm strength for the upcoming season, but the clock is ticking.  When we refer to arm strength, most people think we are referring to your ability to accelerate a baseball; however this is not the most critical component of arm strength.  Training the decelerating muscles of your arm (the brakes for your arm), needs to be a primary focus for all ball players.  The latest research shows that strengthening these vital decelerating muscles throughout the year will help protect your arm from injury, as well as increase your throwing velocity.

Yes, you heard that right.  Strengthening the decelerating muscles will actually improve your ability to accelerate a baseball or softball.  That may sound crazy, but your body doesn't want to hurt itself and will only allow you to accelerate your arm to the point where it can slow it down.

Rick Stassi, our fitness and nutritional expert, has a great analogy for this:  He says "it is like driving a Ferrari with Volkswagen brakes, how fast are you going to drive if your brakes don't work?"  The primary brakes for your arm are the external rotators (posterior rotator cuff muscles) and the scapular stabilizing muscles.

A majority of baseball injuries occur during the deceleration phase of a throw.  After the ball is released arm deceleration forces are estimated to be twice that of acceleration forces while acting over a period of time that is twice as long.

Here at the Baseball Barn, we have a revolutionary product that we endorse and use every day when training our athletes, called The Warm Up Cord.  The Warm Up Cord is designed to train all of the decelerator muscles used in throwing.  In just minutes a day you can safely and effectively train the entire posterior chain of decelerator muscles.  The Warm Up Cord is suitable for every fielding position in baseball and softball, and is also used for training athletes in other sports which involve a throwing or swinging motion such as football, water polo, volleyball, tennis and golf.

Come in to the Baseball Barn & try it out!  We offer free demonstration!  Once you try it we know you will find the value in The Warm Up Cord.

Fixing Bat Drag - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over how to fix the habit of bat drag. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

MIKE EPSTEIN HITTING IS COMING TO THE BARN!! June 23, 24, & 25th

Come and train with Jake Epstein in our June Hitting Camp for Baseball and Fastpitch

(Players attend all 3 days)
Monday (6/23):  1:00 PM - 3:30 PM 

Tuesday (6/24):  1:00 PM - 3:30 PM   

Wednesday (6/25):1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

 

Hosted by Certified Epstein Instructor Richard Lovell and The Baseball Barn (Camp will be run by Jake Epstein) 

Click Here to Visit Mike Epstein Hitting for more information and to enroll in this very special 3 day event!!.

Training Props For Baseball - The Baseball Barn

Rich talks about the various props and equipment used for training baseball. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

Ripken Baseball Hitting Tip - Bunting

Bunting becomes an important offensive baseball weapon at the advanced levels of the game. In this baseball instructional video, Bill Ripken shares a simple Ripken Way bunting technique that can be executed when bunting to both sides of the field - keeping the barrel above the ball.

Bat Against The Shoulder Explained - The Baseball Barn

Rich talks about why putting the bat against your shoulder helps technique. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

Breaking it Down with Bill: Using Your Hands

Bill Ripken shows a quick and easy drill to help you focus on getting your hands through the zone quickly.

Breaking it Down with Bill: Aluminum Bats vs. Wood Bats

Bill Ripken goes over the differences in using an aluminum or wood bat, and what level of player should be using each.

Fan Makes One-Handed Grab With Kid In Arms

5/3/14: A fan sitting behind home plate makes a terrific one-handed catch on a foul ball while holding a kid in his arms

Easton - Hitting Techniques with David Ortiz

MLB legend David Ortiz takes you through the basics of hitting.

Mets' Matt Harvey's Pitching Velocity vs Justin Verlander

Watch as the pitching mechanics of MLB pitchers Mets' Matt Harvey vs Justin Verlander are compared, who are two of the MLBs higher velocity pitchers throwing in the upper 90s. Who do you think has better mechanics?

Science of Hitting -- Style of Hitter

Fastpitch has three distinct hitting styles. You the the Contact Hitter, the Slap Hitting (or Slapper) and the Power Hitter.

The Contact Hitter has constant control in the hands looking to drive the ball to get on base.

The Slapper gets up to the plate with one thing in mind and that is to drive the ball hard on the ground to use her speed to get on base or to move the runners over.

The Power Hitter steps up to the plate to bring the runners home by dropping the barrel on the ball and hitting is hard and far.

Hitting and Pitching Video Analysis - The Baseball Barn

Rich talks about the use of video analysis for hitting and pitching. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

How To Grip A Bat Properly - The Baseball Barn

Rich from The Baseball Barn goes over proper grip technique when batting. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

OPEN HITTING SUNDAYS

Sundays 12Noon to 2PM

Come in and get a great hitting workout with our staff throwing soft toss in our hitting tunnels. A great way to get swings in for a very low cost!

Open Hitting is limited to 30 people per day, so Sign Up Now using our online scheduling system. Cost $10 per session.

Pitching and Throwing Without Pain - The Baseball Barn

Rich from The Baseball Barn talks about teaching proper pitching and throwing techniques to reduce pain and injury. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

MIKE EPSTEIN HITTING IS COMING TO THE BARN!! June 23, 24, & 25th

Come and train with Jake Epstein in our June Hitting Camp for Baseball and Fastpitch  

(Players attend all 3 days)

Monday (6/23):  1:00 PM - 3:30 PM  

Tuesday (6/24):  1:00 PM - 3:30 PM   

Wednesday (6/25):1:00 PM - 3:30 PM 

 

Hosted by Certified Epstein Instructor Richard Lovell and The Baseball Barn (Camp will be run by Jake Epstein)    

 

Click Here to Visit Mike Epstein Hitting for more information and to enroll in this very special 3 day event!!.

Kinetic Chain - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over the kinetic link in a proper baseball swing. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.

MATT CERIANI CATCHER'S CLINICS!!

Come and train with Mattt Ceriani, a 14 year professional catcher.  We are only taking 6 catchers in each group for these clinics to sign up NOW!.

SUNDAY, April 6
2pm-3:30pm 8-12 year olds (only 6 catchers!)

4pm-5:30pm 13-18 year olds (only 6 catchers!)


SUNDAY, April 13
10am-11:30am 8-12 year olds (only 6 catchers!)

11:45am-1:15pm 8-12 year olds (only 6 catchers!)

1:30am-3:30pm 13-18 year olds (only 6 catchers!)

 

Matt began his professional catching career in the Milwaukee Brewers organization in 1998.  Matt has 14 years of professional baseball experience and in 2006, played in the inaugural World Baseball Classic for Italy (with this other little Italian catcher Mike Piazza).  Matt has been doing private lessons and clinics for catchers of all ages for many years and is regarded as one of the best instructors around.  His "suit up the gear" style is hands-on with the players who thoroughly enjoy working and learning with him. 

 

Cost is $50.  Click Here to Sign Up using our online scheduling system, or for more information. (No credits or refunds for no shows, Sorry, NO EXCEPTIONS for this one)

Science of Hitting - Barrel Compression

In recent years, the NCAA has started testing the barrel compression of Fastpitch bats prior to games and tournaments, making sure the bats are compliant with the rules.

Barrel compression is the force to compress the bat barrel a certain distance. If the force to deflect the barrel is less than the leagues' specified force limit, the league notes that the bat may no longer comply with the performance regulations and should be removed from play.

The barrel compression limits were initiated when the composite bat designs and barrel compressions were very similar. There are many ways to design bats to comply with association regulations and recently some solutions have lower barrel compression values than other bats. This does not mean that they are hotter than bats with the higher compression, as all bats must still meet the performance regulation, regardless of their barrel compression, period. All bats must comply with the overall performance limit.

Technique vs Style - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over the difference of technique vs style on a quality baseball swing. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

Epstein Hitting System and Process - The Baseball Barn

Rich goes over the simple processes that make it easier for students to improve their swing and technique. See more at http://www.vacavillebaseballbarn.com

Science of Hitting -- Evenly Balanced vs. End Loaded

Choosing a bat with the right length to weight ratio is an important decision.

High end Fastpitch bats are designed to be either "evenly balanced" or "end loaded".

Bats with a bigger length to weight ratios; -10, -11 or -12 are usually considered "evenly balanced" bats. The weight of an "evenly balanced" bat is distributed evenly through the barrel. The lighter the weight, the easier it will be to get it through the zone. Younger players will generally have more success with an "evenly balanced" bat.

Bats with smaller length to weight ratios; so lower numbers like -9 or -8, are usually considered "end loaded" bats. The extra weight is an "end loaded" bat is distributed more towards the end of the bat, making it a little heavier swinging bat.

Most players prefer a lighter swing weight, but if you are a stronger player and can handle a little more weight, an "end loaded" bat is going to be the bat for you.

Momentum Pitching...How To Instantly Boost Velocity By Moving Faster Into A Long Stride

Momentum Pitching was developed in 2007 by Dick Mills and Dr. Brent Rushall. It is a new way for all pitchers to increase velocity.

By taking a step back instead of to the side and pushing into the pivot, the pitcher automatically will increase his momentum because his body will have to move a longer distance toward the plate while moving faster. In Momentum Pitching the pitcher pushes twice. He pushes after he steps back so he forcefully moves into the pivot and he pushes again once he initiates back leg drive.

Thus that added energy from the body stretching out fast into a stride 100% of the pitcher's height or more...more elastic energy is created which is the source of velocity for all pitchers.

Sport science research has proven that arm strength has little to do with improving velocity. Velocity is all about momentum, speed of movement going from the back leg to the front leg and a long stride...plus getting the arm involved as late as possible.

Sports science research has also proven that the faster an athlete moves the less chance of mechanical error...which is completely opposite to what most coaches believe and teach. Thus why so many pitchers today do not maximize their velocity because they are moving their bodies much too slowly and robotically.

What has been learned since January of 2007, when Momentum Pitching was developed is that it is much easier to teach and learn than conventional pitching where tempo is slow and every pitcher is told to reach a balance point. There is no balance point to get to. All a balance point does is slow the pitcher's forward momentum. Balance is easily corrected by all athletes by simply making them aware they are off balance.

If pitchers want to throw fast...they must move fast like Giants's Tim Lincecum...who has the fastest tempo of any starting pitcher in the big leagues and the longest stride to body height ratio. 

Hitting Instruction Tour - The Baseball Barn

Rich gives a tour of the hitting instruction section of The Baseball Barn. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Video Analysis Program - The Baseball Barn

Rich from The Baseball Barn goes over their video analysis program for both pitching and hitting. See more at http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Science of Hitting -- MOI: Moment of Inertia

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There are two different kinds of weights, when talking bats. Dead Weight and Swing Weight.

The Dead weight is the standard weight if you were to put the bat on a scale and tells you how hard it is to lift a bat.

The swing weight measures how hard it is to swing a bat.

The measure of this resistance is called Moment of Inertia (MOI). The MOI considers where the weight is placed in the bat, not just the amount of weight.

Think of the hammer example. When the head of the hammer is far from your hands it is harder to swing than if you hold the head of the hammer. The further the hammer head is from your hand, the harder it is to swing the hammer.

This is the same with a bat. The lower the MOI, the faster the swing speed.

Pitching Mechanics Produce More Velocity And Less Stress

Pitching Mechanic's that are efficient will produce more velocity with better control and less stress to the arm. Both of these major league pitchers Rockies Jiminez and Royals Greinke have efficient mechanics which allows them to throw 95 mph plus. This means their bodies are producing the force instead of their arms .

Pitching Velocity Comes From Powerful Well Timed Pitching Mechanics

Pitching velocity can be reduced with poor pitching mechanics, if for example the lower body is not used efficiently and correctly to deliver the trunk which delivers the arm. This means the throwing arm must do more work thus more stress to the arm.

Science of Hitting -- Length to Weight Ratio

The length-to-weight ratio (also know as the "Drop Weight") is the difference between the bat's length and the bat's weight.

Bats are generally measured in inches and ounces. So for an example, if a bat is 30 inches long and weighs 20 ounces, it will be referred to as a -10 or a "drop 10".

In high school and college baseball all bats must be -3's. But in youth baseball and in fastpitch softball, the bat's length-to-weight ratio is an important attribute when selecting a bat. A bat with a greater length-to-weight ratio will have a little swing weight, which enables the player to have a faster swing speed.

Science of Hitting -- Composite vs. Aluminum

Today's bats are made from aluminum or composite.

There are several different grades of aluminum. Lower price point bats are made with lower grade aluminum and are great for beginning players or recreational players.

If you're playing at a more competitive level, you're probably going to want a bat made with a high performance alloy. A high performance alloy will allow the bat to have a longer barrel, a bigger drop weight and lower MOI (or faster swing speed).

Bats made from Composite materials are usually the best performing. Composite materials are usually lighter than aluminum and can be engineered to maximize both barrel length (sweet spot), and the swing weight.

Easton - Bat Selector Guide

Today we're going to talk about choosing the right bat.

Choosing the right bat has become a little tricky over the last few years, as there are a lot of different restrictions, depending on the governing body and your level of play.

Lets get the easy part out of the way. If you're playing College baseball or High School baseball, you're going to have to have a BBCOR Certified bat.

If you're 12 or under, and play Little League Baseball or Cal Ripken Baseball, you're going to have to swing a bat with a 2 1/4" diameter barrel. And if you choose to swing a composite bat, it has to be on the Approved For Play List on either the Little League or Cal Ripken website.

Now comes the tricky part, Big Barrel Bats. Big Barrel bats will have anywhere from -5 to a -12 length to weight ratio. A lighter bat with a bigger length to weight ratio, like a -10, is likely to be the choice of a smaller, younger player. The lighter swinging bat will allow you to get through the zone faster. A heavier bat with a smaller length to weight ratio, like a -5, is likely to be the choice of a stronger, older player, whose looking to get a bit more mass through the zone.

Determining which bats are legal in your league, that's the most difficult part. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a bat for your upcoming season. If you're playing Little League Juniors Division baseball or Babe Ruth baseball as a 13 or 14 year old, you have to swing an all aluminum bat. If you're playing Pony baseball, you can swing any bat any material; aluminum or composite, as long as it doesn't have a barrel diameter bigger than 2 5/8". If you're playing Travel baseball under the USSSA umbrella and are 14 years or younger, you can swing any bat you want, as long as it has this USSA 1.15 BPF stamp on it.

Simple Pitching Mechanics To Teach Any Beginner Little League Pitcher

Any parent can easily teach this simple delivery to a beginner pitcher but by making some improvements could enhance these mechanics even more. Here is Yankees Don Larsen pitching a perfect game in the 1956 World Series using his no wind-up delivery. Few understood then that this delivery made a lot of sense....especially starting with his lead leg already back behind the rubber. However, Don Larsen could have increased his velocity considerably by making a couple of minor adjustments...first by getting lower with some more bend in his back leg, by gaining more momentum by moving his entire body faster sideways into a longer stride using more back leg drive and by breaking his hands later so his arm got the energy to the ball as late as possible. Also, if he used a step-back technique instead of starting already with his leg back that too could have added to his overall momentum.

Glove Guru Aso: How to Break In a Baseball Glove

Wilson's Glove Guru, Shigeaki Aso, breaks in gloves for MLB stars such as C.J. Wilson, Brandon Philips, David Wright, and Hanley Ramirez. Watch as he takes us through the steps of breaking in a brand new baseball glove.

Pitching Mechanics - High School Pitching Mechanics Fault That Reduces Velocity And Control

If high school pitchers want to improve pitching velocity they must improve their pitching mechanics...not their arm strength.This high school pitcher displays a common pitching mechanic fault that reduces pitching velocity and control. The back leg leaving the ground before ball release reduces force production. Plus with only one foot on the ground, there is less stability so trying to control the ball is like throwing at a moving target.

Little League Pitching Mechanics - Faults That Reduce Velocity and Increase Arm Injuries

Little League pitchers have poor pitching mechanics or technique that reduce velocity and can lead to arm injuries. Here is a 9 year old youth/Little League pitcher who does not know how to use his body to produce pitching velocity so he gets his arm involved too soon. This reduces pitching velocity and will add stress to his arm.

Where's the Oomph - High Intention Needed for More Velocity

Just a little "Oomph" and you will see your velocity increase after only a couple of bullpens. What do I mean by "Oomph"? Grunting of course. In this episode of the "Pitching Factor" I will talk about the importance of grunting while pitching and the difference it can make.

A.C.E.S. Classes at The Baseball Barn

Monday & Wednesdays each week from 7pm - 8pm

Come and train the Rick Stassi way!! With our new A.C.E.S. classes, we will help you improve your AGILITY, CONDITIONING, AND EXPLOSIVE SPEED!! These hour long classes will help get you ready for the upcoming season and improve your quickness, fitness and functional strength. Come in and try out this safe, effective and fun workout. Classes start January 13th.

Cost is $15 per class. Monthly memberships offered with discounted pricing. Please contact our staff for membership details. Space is limited so Sign Up now. Contact Us

How to Prepare Your Arm For Game Day

How are you preparing your arm to pitch in games? In this episode of the "Pitching Factor" I will go over the correct way you should be preparing your arm a few days from game day, all the way up to your pre-game bullpen. This will ensure you're ultimately prepared to strike out the first batter you face.

Services - Pitching Tunnel

The Baseball Barn's full length Pitching Tunnel allows pitchers of all ages to get their bullpen work in. Adjustable from 35’ all the way to 60’6”, both baseball and softball pitchers are welcome. Our pitching tunnel features two mounds so two pitchers can work out side by side. No catcher? No problem we have strike zone targets to give you the ability to get your workout in, even if your regular catcher is unavailable.

Need help with your pitching? Just check out our online scheduling system ans schedule a personal instruction session with one of our qualified pitching instructors.

To schedule your pitching tunnel time or instruction just click HERE

It's Not Crazy, It's Sports -- Sign Language

The game within the game is as old as baseball itself. Thousands of signs are given each game, thrown by coaches and players throughout each play. Some are decoys, others are not. Fastball up and in. Look the runner back. Squeeze bunt. Over and over, until the next play. It's not crazy, it's sports.

1 DAY SPECIAL - Conditioning, Agility and Nutrition Class with Rick Stassi

 

Please join us for a "Special" 1 day Conditioning, Agility & Nutrition Class put on by Rick Stassi.

February 1, 2014   10am - 1pm

Download Flyer For More Info

A Brief History of Baseball

Baseball is a sport that prides itself in the strength of its history. Learn about the basics of baseball's history with expert baseball tips from a former baseball player in this free sports instruction video clip.

Services - Hitting Instruction

Hitting a baseball and teaching the major league swing have been an endeavor I have taken to heart over the past few years. Being mentored—and certified—by Ted Williams has given Mike Epstein insights into the science of proper hitting technique that very few have ever had access to; For baseball or softball. They continually upgrade their products and teaching instruction methods to keep you on the leading-edge of what is being taught in today's hitting community. As a Certified Epstein Hitting Instructor let me put these techniques to work to help your son or daughter improve.

We live by one simple measure of success.Yours.

Personal Instruction
Awareness is the first step; let's take it together

"I realize that we live in a "microwave society" where everyone wants everything "yesterday.” Unfortunately, Mother Nature makes no allowances for hitters in this regard. Becoming a good hitter takes time—and patience. Believe me, talking with many players who have been there and done it at baseball’s highest levels, everyone agrees that there are no shortcuts-None.

Teaching hitting should be presented in a logical, progressive, and straight-forward manner to the student. It should also make sense. There is little to gain from a haphazard, non-structured approach to the learning process. It's a waste of time and money.

In sports, players rarely get a second chance to make a good first impression. Taking the time necessary to choose a hitting instructor and the philosophy you can live with, is very important to their continued advancement."

Take the first step...

Our individual and group lessons typically last 70-90 minutes and always include full use of theEpstein Swing Analyzer motion analysis computer with a 32" flat screen display. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend, watch, and learn with their son/daughter to make this a one-of-a-kind learning experience.

For local players, we offer no-risk swing evaluations to determine the player's current mechanics. The evaluation typically lasts 75-90 minutes and encompasses the player's swing analysis, mechanics review and history, as well as frame-by-frame on-screen synchronization with current MLB All-Stars. The evaluation is a wonderful way to not only see one's swing compared to MLB players, but also former Epstein and Baseball Barn hitters of the same age and ability level.

Awareness is the first step; let's take it together. I urge you to contact us today to find the right program for your son or daughter.

For more information, please visit http://www.vvbaseballbarn.com

Don't Miss $10 Open Hitting Sundays!

 

$10 OPEN HITTING SUNDAYS

From 12pm - 2pm

Come in and get a great hitting workout with our staff throwing soft toss in our hitting tunnels. A great way to get swings in for a very low cost.

Open Hitting is limited to 30 people so Sign Up now. Contact Us

How to Make Proper Pitching Mechanic Changes to Any Pitcher

Do you want to learn how to properly make mechanical changes that won't increase the risk of arm injuries or reduce velocity? In episode 6 of the "Pitching Factor" we go over why pitching drills do NOT improve pitching mechanics. I also give you the information that you need to maximize your pitching when you work on your specific mechanics

Services - Pitching Instruction

Our passionate pitching instructors have learned that “belief based” styles of instruction lead to improper development of pitching mechanics that can lead to unnecessary arm strain, especially in youth pitchers. Recent studies have demonstrated that nearly 50% of Little League and High School pitchers regularly pitch with some degree of pain. Here at the BB we focus on correcting pitchers mechanical faults, through the use of video analysis. The entire pitching delivery takes on average less than 1.5 seconds! Far too quickly to accurately analyze with the naked eye. Through our system of fault recognition, we teach pitchers not only how to correct their mechanical faults, but just as importantly we teach them to use their body in an explosive way to generate velocity using the entire kinetic chain. Whether you are a Little Leaguer starting out, or a High School senior trying to play at the next level, come to the Baseball Barn for a video Analysis and Assessment.

 
Our instructors will create a plan for improvement to help you with all of the following:
 
• Correcting mechanical faults

• How to move effectively to maximize your velocity potential

• How to create an Explosive Delivery through our Pitcher specific fitness training that focuses on power, agility and speed.

• Improve your Mental Focus and learn how the best pitchers can be calm even in the highest pressure situations

• Improve your pick off moves and keep base runners from advancing

• Recognizing hitting styles and how to keep batters off balance and guessing, through proper pitch selection. Remember, pitching in more than just throwing hard.


To schedule a personal pitching instructional lesson or video analysis just click here: