OnDeck
Baseball/Softball
 
 
 
 
Volume 9, Issue 1
 
 
 
 
January, 2016
 
 
 
 
Greetings from CoachDeck!

Time to get busy planning for 2016 seasons! Some are starting soon, some in a few months, but all have one thing in common: Busy volunteer coaches who don't have time to prepare for practices! Give them the help they need by providing them with their very own CoachDeck!

In this issue:
Mike Epstein's final in a four-part series addresses the correct mindset for hitters to have with two strikes. Brian Gotta discusses the fine line coaches must walk between doing what's best for each player and what's best for the team. And, Jeffrey Rhoads is back with great advice for parents who want to be sure their child is playing in the proper environment.


Before you begin the season, we recommend taking a look at this checklist and seeing if there is anything here you want to address. Better now than after Opening Day.


Please visit our sponsors: Unique Sports Mega Tac is the best bat grip made. Want an American-made metal bat with serious "POP"? Get the Mother of All Bats here. The ultimate product for coaches looking to bring organization to their dugout with a professional style helmet and bat rack system is The Bench Coach. Top-of-the line batting tees? You know it must be from Jugs Sports! Want your youth ball players to hit with wood. Now with Viper Bats you can get youth size with 8-10 ounce weight drop! And coaches who read Winning Secrets will have and edge on their competition and have more fun!
 
 
 
 
 
Proper Thinking
By Mike Epstein

In two-strike hitting situations, "proper" thinking helps the hitter to get to all his hitting zones and "time" every pitch. The hitter has to prepare himself for every speed pitch in the pitcher’s arsenal that day. Read Article
 
 
 
 
 
Making the Right Coaching Decisions
By Brian Gotta, President of CoachDeck

I received an email from a mom of a sixth-grade boy who was playing basketball for the first time. She said that, while her son does get to play in games, his coach has instructed him never to dribble. When he gets the ball he can only pass to someone else. She asked if I thought this was wrong. ​ Read Article
 
 
 
 
 
 
Choosing the Best Sports Program for Your Child
By Jeffrey Rhoads

Ideally your child plays for a coach who is an excellent instructor-one who recognizes teaching opportunities and communicates lessons in a positive, uplifting manner. But in addition to a good coach, participating in the right youth sports programs is essential to your child's enjoyment of sports. Choose the wrong program or league, and you risk damaging your child's desire to play sports.​ Read Article
 
 
 
 
Take Your Team's Dugout to the  Next Level
The Bench Coach portable dugout organizer works at every level of play for baseball and fast-pitch, providing the functionality of a professional style helmet and bat rack in any dugout. The most complete, team-centered organizing system providing individual storage compartments for player game equipment. The BenchCoach is the best product for coaches looking to bring organization to their dugout with a professional style helmet and bat rack system. Order now with coupon code CDECK731 to receive $15 off (offer expires soon) Learn More