Coaching

The Batter’s Box Mindset: How to Win Every Battle at the Plate in Baseball and Softball

Baseball and softball players spend countless hours fine-tuning their mechanics and swings. However, success at the plate is often more about what happens inside the batter’s box than the swing itself. For years, the mental side of hitting has been overlooked, with an emphasis placed only on technique and physical preparation. The truth is, the […]

Developing a Pre-Game Hitting Routine: A Comprehensive Guide

In the highly competitive world of baseball and softball, success at the plate often hinges on what happens long before the first pitch is thrown. A meticulously structured pre-game hitting routine is crucial for players aiming to optimize their performance, maintain consistency, and build unwavering confidence. This guide delves into the essential components of an […]

Types of Pitches

Understanding Types of Baseball Pitches: A Guide for Hitters

Understanding the different types of pitches thrown by pitchers is not just about recognizing the ball’s movement; it’s a crucial element of strategic hitting. Whether you’re a beginner looking to make contact or an advanced player aiming to refine your timing, recognizing and reacting appropriately to various pitches can drastically elevate your performance. In this […]

Must Read Books for Baseball and Softball Coaches

30 Books for Baseball and Softball Coaches

A great to take a deeper dive into the analytics in baseball. Keith debunks some of the most famous stats in baseball, and also takes a closer look at the new stats that are starting to dominate the game. I get asked frequently what it takes to be a great coach, and I can honestly […]

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Three Goals for Hitting Coaches

It’s not always clear what the role of a hitting coach is. Should a hitting coach strive to give as much information as possible in the time they have, or is it important to internalize the concept of “less is more?” Can we best serve our hitters by teaching them the same exact swing as […]

internal-vs-external-focus

Internal vs. External Focus for Baseball and Softball Hitters

As hitting coaches, our primary role is to serve as a translator for our players. We have to understand complex scientific concepts about how the body moves during the swing and design drills (and cues within those drills) that our hitters can actually put into practice. In fact, communicating effectively with athletes is such an […]

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What is the Role of a Hitting Coach?

Over the past few years, teaching baseball and softball swing mechanics has become exponentially more science-based. For some coaches, that’s been an empowering development. Innovations in measurement and analytics have given them valuable new insights into their players’ movements, helping them better understand what’s working and what needs improvement.  For other coaches, that science revolution […]

drills-for-first-time-coaches

8 Basic Drills for First-Time Baseball & Softball Coaches

Thousands of first-time baseball and softball coaches take the field each year, and many wonder where to start. How do you keep a group of 10 or more Little League players engaged and learning over the course of a 90-minute (or longer) training session? Your first step should be to develop a written practice plan […]

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Coach Update: Alexa Peterson

This is Alexa Peterson letting you know what I’ve been up to! I just got back from the Netherlands where I spent two weeks playing in their professional league for the Haarlem Sparks. It was my first time to Europe, and I really enjoyed my experience. I felt right at home (I’m from Oregon) with […]

Q and A with Coach Lisle

The Hitting Vault Coaches Group: Live Q+A

Here’s an sneak peak into an hour-long Q&A that Coach Lisle hosted on The Hitting Vault’s COACHES ONLY private Facebook page last night. This group is only for our COACH members, but we had such a good time we thought we’d share it with you. Pop-up Q&A with Coach Lisle One of the biggest benefits […]