Home of 7 ⚾️&🥎 State Championships & 7 runner ups.
If you want high IQ hitters who are tough outs this is the place for you.
Train different, get BIG results
Coach Turco has been a part of 7 state championships & 7 state runner up teams including a run of 6 consecutive yrs reaching the title game as head coach
Check out the leadership lessons that have sustained this success
Back for free for a limited time
COMPLETE OFFENSES have a short game element if needed.
Station 1 - steal breaks (1st)
Station 2 - bunt for base hits (2nd)
Station 3 - safety/ squeeze reads (3rd)
Station 4 - safety/ squeeze (home)
Been a while since Ive posted.....been busy grinding towards another STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!
Next blog post will be about how our softball offense put up an astounding .427 AVG, .524 OBP, 44 HRs, 75 2bs, and 187 free bases vs 102 Ks en route to the 2019 AAAAAA STATE Championship!
Fiddling around with a new drill we dreamnt up....
Helps players to "feel" themsleves staying in their legs on offpseed pitches & helps make repeatable / consistent swings on Fastballs
#no1way2win
The final NHSBCA/
@baseballAmerica
Top 50 rankings for the 2022 season are out.
Congratulations to all teams who made the list and to
@MSDHighSchool
for securing the top ranking!
See the full list:
Many simple takeaways that I can attest work in HS BB/SB
1.hunt a speed or location
2.commit to process not outcome
3. WIN NEXT PITCH
4.fake it til u make it
5.mixed BP that is challenging
6.eliminate pitches in gm
7.BIG body language
8. Be prepared for velo 2k
9. Score w/o hits
🚨 NEW EPISODE 🚨
📌
@CoachT_RZRBacks
On the show we talk what he looks for on the recruiting trail, how he elevates players, and training competitiveness!
Powered by:
@StickandBallTV
🎙
📲
HI IQ offenses are in the battle TOGETHER every pitch!
@NDBaseball
player
@jaredmiller1616
signaling to his teammates what pitch he is seeing.
Great way to pick up on tendencies & help the offense build a plan of attack.
Dugout time is LEARNING time, not just time off!
MLB believes they have found the most efficient and MEASURABLE way to win at offense.....
What if another equally effective way to win juat can't be measured yet?
#Hitting
There are so many power arms in HS baseball that teams have to beat if they want to win state that a 2K approach is more important now than ever.
A 2K foul ball is like gold,
A 2K hit is like a diamond!
#Toughout
ABOVE ALL ELSE!
#no1way2win
0K & 1K counts hitters have LUXURY of hunting speeds &/or hunting pitches.
2K counts hitters no longer have this luxury. How do your hitters account for the added variable of a possible K?
Full video:
HOLIDAY 🎁
If you know a coach who still says baseball & softball swings are different here's my holiday season gift to them!
All high level swings....11 college players and one draft pick (8 D1)
#No1way2win
2020 version of the annual discussion - "Hangers" vs "Hammers"
Discussion was particularly productive as our guys defined the actual characteristics of a hanger at end of talk. Didn't realize until today that all our guys have diff opinions about what a hanger is.
#Hittingtwitter
Shared this with a coaching buddy today. Maybe someone else out there can get aome usage out of this to help build or simplify your hitting plan.
#ParadisecityUSA
Championship Recipe
1. Be in "perfect" rhthym with pitchers FB
2. Be able to adjust to OS pitches using lower 1/2
3. Work identifying pitches early with optimal 👁 patterns
4. In 0 or 1k counts ALWAYS stride in time for FB
5. In 2K counts let ⚾️ get deep & quiet the body
Baserunning is a differentiator between good & GREAT offenses.
Hits don't matter if you can't get around the bases!
This was playoff prep for a LHP with a GREAT pickoff move
Line 1: steal (read pitcher)
Line 2: 1st move
Line 3: dirt ball reads
Line 4: hit & run or delay
If the mind isn't relaxed & prepared for action performance wont be at the highest level!
Same stretch EVERY day from June until May...doesnt matter what venue, doesn't matter what's "at stake"
Routine helps athletes to relax & learn how to prepare mind!
#Beststretchofyourlife
During a long playoff AB an opposing player asked "does your team practice fouling balls off? geez"
Great 2K approaches ALLOW hitters to cover every speed & zone so they can battle on tough pitches.
15% of playoff pitches we saw we fouled off & We only missed on 4% of swings!
0K barrier screen BP. Emphasizing proper launch angles through immediate feedback.
Points for line drives over screen and up middle. Nothing for GBs & flyouts.
Points go towards our weekly
#Toughout
Trophy competition.
Typically score a variety of 2-3 different rds per BP
42 days away from tryouts & getting the cage set up!
Tarp pictured is approximately a 15-22° hit depending on where ball strikes tarp
To check "MLB" batting averages vs 79 mph exit velo visit
*79 mph is avg exit velo for 18 yr old according to
@rapsodo
Learned about "timing window" BP from reading about it in Gary Ward's chapter in "Coaching Baseball Bible"
This is instrumental in our playoff prep routine.
Paired with front leg/rear leg offspeed adjustments, this helps players to stay under control with load vs Elite pitching
During
@AttackAngle1
podcast we discussed how we setup BP stations.
Todays BP plan for V on attached tweet. This is the location of field we typically do station 4....(outside station) this is our JV guys doing mini wiffle 2K. During V practice we'll pair this with Eye patterns
Overspeed training is 1 tool used to prep our hitters that we've had sucess using.1st session of 2021 2day! During session hitters had to identify & TAKE offspeed & hit FB in zone. Later in wk we'll hit all pitches in zone. Throwing from 35 ft. 58=equiv. to 99 mph
#Hittingtwitter
From last January's
@ABCA1945
convention....
Takeaways
1. In HS especially, high OBPE wins gms due to pressure/distraction to pitcher
2. "Sitting" on pitches/locations is essential for success
3. K Zone discipline is a skill EVERY hitter can do & it needs to be trained daily
Presentation follow up:
This is the setup for our "leadup" drills we do daily.
3-4 Tee stations in each cage with partners at each station.
After 1st 2 tee drills players take 7-10 regular swings then congregate by dry erase board for BP instruction
This is back end of drills
Team hitting success comes from 3 simple concepts that must be ingrained into TEAM DNA!
1. Be one of best 2K teams on the planet /embrace being a toughout
2. Be SELECTIVELY aggressive in 0k counts & understand what you're hunting
3. Understand the exponential value of a BB/HBP
HS age & below greatest gift coach can give to hitter is foundational knowledge of hitting
- Timing, K zone discipline,eye patterns, pitch ID knowledge & a plan (all can be taught)
Without foundational concepts hitter will never maximize potential
The best gameday prep is live arm, game speed equivalent BP!
71 MPH from 49 ft = 87mph equivalent
Figure out what velo you will face and pick a distance close to 60 that you can maintain an equivalent velo.
60/49 × 71...
1st 2 gms of season reminded me of important concept....
1st time through order hitters need to share info on what they are seeing in box (location, movement, K zone)
2nd & 3rd Abs should be DAMAGE TIME! ABs should get better as game progresses. LEARN IN DUGOUT!
#NO1WAY2WIN
1st Velo rd of yr - not bad, our guys will continue to get better. Throwing from 35 FT at equivalent of 90-95. To get total benefit from these rounds must mix in breaking ball AND Changeup! Guys HAVE to use eyes properly to suceed as this velo from this distance.
#Hittingtwitter
We realized we'd have to hit multiple ELITE velo arms to advance in playoffs. For 3 wks we worked visual tracking by shrinking distance b/t hitter & pitcher & working speed comps above what we would see. We hoped brain would self organize a way to react.
3 foundational concepts to make your team as successful as possible
1. model emotions expected of players
2. if your hitter gets out, so did you
3. There's always an adjustment to be made in game....what's the best way to quickly & effectively disseminate this info to the team?
The best gift for a coach is when the alumni come back to visit & get some work in together! Blessed beyond belief to have been able to work with such talent! Hope your holiday season is equally as rewarding!
#MerryChristmas
#HappyHanukkah
🎄🎄☃️☃️❄❄🎅🎅
When asked to do what hasn't been done sometimes you have to train in ways you never have.
Neuroscientist don't know the limits of the brain & performance.
The brain is malleable.If you ask your hitters to push the limits of performance the brain CAN adapt
If doing a camp, find empty space, get some wiffles / square screens and get creative.
Also, put your players with a coach but let your players teach concepts. Once the players can teach it, they can DO it more effectively!
Sample Itineraries attached:
Jacked about being invited to
speak about hitting at our state softball convention! Attached is the outline of what I'll be covering! Cant wait to see everyone on Friday!
@gadcsoftball
It's been an interesting process building a covered batting cage. Seeing it go from graph paper to reality has been awesome but challenging. Let me know if you ever build one as I have learned so many helpful pointers in regards to lights, nets, & turf. Almost DONE!
#no1waytowin
Did variations of "hitting lanes" EVERY practice past 2 yrs.(Runner up '18 State Champs '19) Asked ALL coaches 2 figure out some type of pitching motion to give hitters diff timing looks. 4 diff skills being worked on here. Player talent needed but effective practice just as imp
NEW BLOG POST!
How establishing mental processes and working on "process journals" contributed to the 2019 Georgia AAAAAA Fastpitch State Championship!
Indoor tryouts again.....Star coach
@rk5cats
throwing some live speed differential 2K round....check his grip on his different pitches. Little rusty on day 3 with his CB but were getting there!
#GDN
Sitting outside cage for past 2 days watching ABs, cant sress enough about the importance of pre pitch body timing / rhthym.
Need something quiet, repeatable & fluid that can be easily sychronized with pitcher. These skills learned off the T and on front toss.
#Hittingtwitter
0K approach vs 2K approach
This is how its done!
0k - Leg Kick, load into back hip & Energy flow in rhythm with FB & adjust lower 1/2 on OS or take OS
2K - load into back hip & simplify to be able to attack anywhere from 105mph - 65mph cannot necessarily take OS
@MLBDraft
Its not a "new school" vs "old school" thing.....
There are so many other factors in play.
It's why I always say:
"We play High School Baseball not major league baseball"
With how "backwards" pitchers throw now it is ESSENTIAL to be ready for the FB & have elite enough lower 1/2 mechanics to stay in a strong position to hit OS
1. Make swing repeatable
2. Perfect eye movement
3. Practice vs mix EVERYDAY
U R ready for FB or ready for nothing
The game winning at bat never happens early in the game!
What are we doing to help our hitters manage failure between at bats so that they can succeed with the game on the line?
#no1way2win
Started season last year 8-6
Finished season 33-7 & state champions (
#17
in nation)
We didn't practice differently or change our process, but we found our
#MUDITA
Once our guys stopped worring about PT & began caring about their "brothers" we became unstoppable
#MUDITAmatters
This is an amazing episode packed w/ perspective from one of the most genuine people in our game:
🥎
@UACoachMurphy
We talk affirmations, accountability, the power of Mudita & so much more!
Get dialed in!
📱
🎧
#DugoutChatter
Cleaning out videos in prep for 2021. Stumbled across this gem
GREAT 2K approaches=essential for championships. A great 2K approach doesn’t always create less K’s but enables selectiveness & lengthening of ABs
This AB is State semis vs a D1 90+ LHP video starts at 0-2 count
Here's a "metric" to evaluate HS offense...OBPE
If you're offense can get in the .460 range you'll have a chance to win state.
To get to .460 you have to influence errors through "speed pressure"
Very few teams practice vs game speed & u never know which E will flip momentum
Home to 1B. Talented player who will never know he was on our radar and perhaps other colleges watching. This time isn’t only to measure speed, but an indicator of a prospects passion and effort for the game. Too many good players to not hustle on the bases 4-5x a game. Next…
Timing window/Rhythm Adjustment BP. Learned about this from Gary Ward - Coaching baseball Bible:
Threw from 40 ft yesterday with FB & no radar gun. Later in yr will add gun & offspeed pitches.
Working on 2 C's (comfort/control)
@ABCA1945
#Hittingtwitter
At Decembers
@gdcbaseball
clinic I spoke on offense & the importance of OBPE.
HS gsmes can be won by creating opportunities through sheer volume. Its not just about hitting,its about figuring out how to get on base!
OBPE is KING
.490 OBPE = STATE CHAMPS
Variable speed BP vs a live arm....
Hanger vs HAMMER 🔨 round with FB Mixed in.
Were looking for hitters to do 3 things:
1. Stay in FB rhythm & crush FB
2. Be adjustable enough in their lower 1/2 to crush "hangers"
3. Identify & take "Hammers"
Help your hitter have adjustability to tailor swing to situation they face. Besides being physically gifted
@nathaniel_lowe
is an INTELLIGENT hitter who since HS has understood how to combat pitchers attack plan & combat pitch sequences.
#HembreeRoadGrown
27-29 Minute mark = hitting MAGIC!
"It's all about timing"
"Hitters also need to learn to hit off balance"
This stuff still plays. These concepts have led the way to our championships!
Timing and swing adjustability are KING!
@EricCressey
@GreekGodOfHops
Rain in the forecast again this week.....
No team likes being in the gym....If you're in there at least try to make it fun and competitive
Hit and Run challenge
"You get out of practice what you put in"
Live BP is absolutely integral to offensive success.
100 days to figure it out....
@WHarrisonPHS
is already pretty solid!
If anyone has tried this and has tips on best way tonlearn this skill please send our way!
Bayes' Theorem=mathematical formula that allows one to make educated conditional predictions based on previous outcomes. It has an impact on the strikezone being called on any given day.
Understanding of this concept can be built into hitting approach
…
Its essential to get offensive staff on same page for the season before season begins
1. What are teams overarching core hitting tenants?
2. What will team focus be this yr?
3. How will practice be organized & implemented?
4. What areas need to addressed with individual swings?
Practice is a time to work stuff out. It's often not pretty to and and it sure isn't glamorous but hopefully it translates on gameday.
Same guy from practice video shared earlier.
Runner on 2nd..... RBI basehit right up the middle of field.
Super FIRED up to get to speak on hitting philosophies at the
@gdcbaseball
clinic in Dec! Here's the outline of the talk.
I'll be posting PPT on website after Dec 11 & hoping to capture it on video as well.
Humbled to speak at the same event as this AMAZING panel 9f coaches
(1/2)2017 we hung "launch angle" nets in our cages.
@CoachSavvy
& I had to use trigonometry (calculations below) Sifting through data on we found optimal angles are b/t 15° & 22° with max exit velo
We put up nets/tarps for self feedback & self organization
EEPPA - Energy expenditure per plate appearance
AKA - How hard does the pitcher have to work to get you out?
After Donaldson struck out on 5 pitches Higoshioka K'ed swinging on 3.
Target gift cards for the holidays get turned into tools for player development & implementation of our system / philosophy.
If it's important:
- CHART IT!
- EMPHASIZE IT!
- CELEBRATE IT!
Get a few ABs out of the way before the start of the series!
Utilize DIFFERENT arms and different velos!
This allows for more freedom and comfort for hitters on gameday.
MONEY MAKING AB "barrier screen" BP round-Runner on 2nd
Barrier screen in a spot to emphasize location/height of hit we want. Gap line drive that makes OF move laterally.
We paired this with a "bracket challenge" to make it competitive
Not our best vid ever but you get gist
If it's important to "system"/ philosophy TEST to see if it's UNDERSTOOD!
-If team doesn't understand they can't implement
-If team can't implement system it can't come to fruition
-If it can't come to fruition practice time is wasted
-If they dont understand COMMUNICATE better
Stats that drive STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
SB runner up in 2018 - 25% GB rate. Won state 2019 - 20% GB rate.
2018 - .391 avg 1.074 OPS 116 BB
2019 - .427 avg 1.226 OPS 159 BB
Limited SAC bunts to specific situations, worked on turning barrel in 0&1 K counts and stressed 2K approach.
We knew we'd suffer K's b/c we had to train vs machine. In gm ABs of gm1 would be used to calibrate to live arm.We K'ed 27 times in 1st 2 gms(18inn) we weren't sure if we succeeded but GM 3 it clicked. 9 hits & 5 runs against staff that allowed 25 runs in 32 gms
Hope 2 keep going
A thread 🧵🪡 on refining HS offense.
MLB LOVES ❤️ OPS, HS should love OBPE
The importance of OBPE in HS is equivalent to OPS importance in MLB
If your teams OBPE is 460+ YOU WILL be sucessful
How does a team go about sucessfully reaching base 46% of time?
So many takeaways from day 1 at
#ABCA2020
Highlights:
- Independence vs Interdependence
- Cant live too long in grief or elation
@TimCorbin
-Growth Centered not goal centered
@DrKevinElko
- Vertical Shin angle
@Esnide25
-Alan Zinter timing windows A$$ & Arm
Want to humble a "super coach's" ego real quick? Have them coach an 8u coach pitch team where only thing that captivates player attention is FUN, not KNOWLEDGE! Forces a coach to create a new form of translation!
The best coaches / teachers don't always work at highest level!
The best coaches will be the best translators. Translating their procedural explicit knowledge of the task into terms that a hitter can implicitly execute. Translate with patience & teach without ego.
TAKEAWAYS:
- create ind plan / goals
- OBE - trust plan & hitter
- FMS - need to do in 2020
- BP VELO/vary pitches
- NO Mechanics on gameday!
- HS NEEDS BETTER IN GAME DATA
Got motivated, made team sharepoint will begin ind. plan / goal 2day
@JasonOchart
Another super simple progression in working on offspeed adjustments....
Eventually we train off live arm, but hitter has to focus on being on time for FB & being able to make lower 1/2 adjustments
Will discuss more at
@gdcbaseball
on 12/10 - 4:30 PM
#HembreeRoadGrown
#GDN
With 0 outs in an inning does bunting a runner to 2nd actually decrease or increase your chances of scoring IN A HS GAME?
If you're a HS coach preparing for the season think about this for a minute....
Stats for run expectancy in HS baseball don't actually exist en masse
As cool as 2K hitting may be, we all love to MASH! Upcoming blog post will be about 0k hitting, or as we call it in
#statechampionshiphitting
lingo, "0-0 FLOW". Will be discussing how to implement & practice 0-0 Flow.
#GTMAD
#hittingtwitter
#hitting
(1/3) IT ALL STARTS with eyes! Can't stress this enough! Hitting happens in brain.Eyes=the portal to brain! If your hitters aren't taking in all data possible than they are not maximizing read time from pitch & not properly building brains predictive capabilities
#Hittingtwitter