The Strike Zone Program regards each player as the "Most Valuable Player" in each of our programs and realizes that their dedication deserves special recognition. As baseball and softball teachers, we

understand how challenging baseball and softball skills can be to master and value the idea that baseball is a game designed principally for enjoyment. Players are provided ample opportunity to develop their

skills in a friendly, controlled atmosphere designed to be constructive and encouraging. Key elements in our program include; a disciplined environment; qualified instructors; cooperative

learning and an ethic of hard work. Overall, the Strike Zone’s main objective is to offer the very best in baseball and softball training.

Dear Coaches, Another year of Strike Zone Fall Baseball is upon us! All of us at the Strike Zone are very excited to be starting another season of Fall Ball. Thank you for choosing Strike Zone as your place for Fall Baseball. We would like to take this moment to remind you of some of the responsibilities you have as a Strike Zone Fall Coach. In order for this season to go as smoothly as possible, we ask that you make sure the following gets done:

• Make sure the included release form is completed at the Parent/Player meeting. Please return to front desk before leaving the Parent/Player meeting. • Competitive Coaches—Have practice plans ready for your practice, we’ve included

suggestions. • Instructional Coaches—Have lineup sheets prepared before hand. (Eraser boards are awesome) • Be on time for all practices and games. • Distribute playing time and positions equally. • Make sure your players/parents have a way to contact you, as well as you them. • Competitive Coaches—Call in your scores shortly after the completion of both games. • Competitive Coaches—Fill out your All Star Ballot each week. • Keep a med kit including ice packs with you. • Report any serious problems/injuries immediately to Joe Siwa

Again, a majority of the success of Fall Ball is determined by you, the coach. Remember that when you are on the field, you are not only representing yourself, but you are representing your family, your organization, and the Strike Zone. Thank you again for your commitment to us. We appreciate all our coaches and what they do.

Strike Zone Management

THE STRIKE ZONE FALL COACHES GAME PLAN 1. The most important thing to remember is that you are not only teaching baseball, you are

teaching children.

2. The players at your games and practices are not little Major Leaguers—THEY ARE KIDS.

3. Team Discipline—achieved by subtle control through organization.

4. Strive to make sure you are communicating with each player by using points of reference that they understand. Make it as simple as possible, it is easy to talk over their heads.

5. Fall Baseball is more than just another baseball season, it is a growing experience. In addition to baseball skills, players develop socialization skills, character, and confidence. We are investing in the player’s future. The players want support and encouragement from the coaches.

6. Winning is not about wins and losses—it is about building confidence and player development.

YOUR M IS SION A S A COA CH

1. To ensure that every player has FUN and enjoys every part of his experience in Fall Ball.

2. To communicate with each player so that the player understands so that you are on the same level.

3. To teach proper baseball fundamentals.

4. Build confidence in each and every player.

5. Always be encouraging, have a positive attitude, and be upbeat.

6. To act and conduct yourself as a role model to players. You are a role model to them and they will imitate you.

7. Demand Respect/Command Respect. Kids expect discipline; not physical discipline, but strict control and guidelines. They NEED to know what is expected of them and know that mean it. However, no discipline should be implemented without the approval of the site director or league manager.

8. The key word is awareness: be alert for player’s unhappiness as well as opportunities to strengthen your bond with them.

9. BE RELENTLESS ABOUT SAFETY EVERYWHERE! Be conscious of everyone in every area. Be aware of any possible dangerous situations. If you are unsure, assume the worst. Every coach must personally accept the responsibility and take action as needed.

10. Assume the responsibility along with the other coaches to HELP the entire season run smoothly.

11. Have fun! If you are not having fun, the players are not having fun.

Shout Praise…

Whisper Criticism.

If you’re a good coach, you’re probably doing most if not all of these things instinctively.

1. Make everything into a game -Every drill; every exercise can be made into a game. If you tell a kid to go pick the equipment on the other side of the field, he’ll moan and groan. Tell him, I bet you can’t get all that stuff together in thirty seconds and he’ll sprint to get it done. Even older players will respond when you turn a drill into a challenge. You think you can hit that outside corner, four out of the next five pitches? 2. Repeat yourself -Don’t be afraid of saying something more than once. Supposedly, something has to be repeated at least seven times before it sinks into the human brain. Explain something, then explain it again in a different way and then explain it a third way. By doing this you’re giving someone different ways to grasp the material being taught, and you’re also buying a little time for those who are slower in processing information. 3. One idea at a time - A teacher’s main job is to reduce information to the simplest most understandable level. Let your players go home each day focused on one important idea. 4. No bad questions - Dialogue is always valuable. Even if the questions are just repeats, that’s okay, because dialogue is how some people learn. Never chide someone for asking a question. 5. Avoid sarcasm - While some players can handle a little joking, others are hypersensitive to anything resembling criticism. Don’t dwell on mistakes; emphasis should always be on how to do something better the next time. 6. Peer models work best - You showing it a dozen times is not as valuable as teammates showing each other once. 7. People like structure - Even if they rebel against it, people for the most part appreciate structure. In our especially lax world, many crave it. Make your expectations clear and design a concrete plan for achieving them with each player. 8. Avoid no -win situations and setting up for failure - Don’t put players into situations where they have no chance. 9. Be honest - Certainly accentuate the positive, but don’t tell a player he did well when he did poorly: your credibility will be shot. 10. Fair and equal are two different things - Some people need more guidance than others, and they should receive it without any concerns about fairness. 11. Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals - Basics are everything, but if you make their practice tedious, they won’t get mastered. 12. Teach your players how to practice on their own - The one who learn the most, learn most of what they know on their own. Help your players develop the ability to think and problem solve on their own. Instill in them the attitude that they have to take charge of making themselves better. Make sure they know the difference between practice and practicing the right things. 13. Don’t blame a player for his parents – Treat everyone as a blank slate; don’t over-concern yourself with whatever tree the apple fell from. 14. Mistakes and discipline should be forgotten immediately – Any player that hangs onto his mistakes will surely make more of it. It may not be over until it’s over, but when it’s over, it has to be over. When offering criticism be sure to offer a solution as well. 15. Teach your players how to be teachers – Everyone learns best from his peers and teaching something is the best way to learn that thing inside out. Respond to a player’s needs rather than react to his behavior – When a player, especially a young one, exhibits a maladaptive behavior, chances are he isn’t any happier about it then you are. Acting out behaviors are indicative of needs not being met. Rather than retaliate against a behavior, ask yourself what is it that this person really needs? Does he need more attention? Does he need to feel more productive? Make the person a partner in dealing with his behavior rather than setting yourself up in opposition.

Rules For

Teaching

This plan is written for the first 2-hour practice. For any additional practices you choose to schedule, you can do something

similar or build on what you’ve already covered. We’ve left space for you to fill in any additional points you would like to stress.

12:00 Introduction To Parents and Players 15 Minutes

12:15 Jog & Stretch 15 Minutes 12:30 5 Step Throwing 20 Minutes

12:50 Take Infield and Outfield how you want it done 25 Minutes before a game. (8 Minutes) PFP’s, Pop-Up Priority, Bunt Defenses 1:15 Have pitchers throw flat ground work with catchers 30 Minutes One team works on Ground Balls — then switch One team works on Fly Balls — then switch 1:45 Go over signs and any team rules you may have 15 Minutes 2:00 Practice Ends

If there is anything else you want to add, feel free. Please remember that we ask that you do not do any live batting practice at the Strike Zone scheduled

practice.

REMIND YOUR PLAYERS OF THE INDOOR HITTING CIRCUITS, PITCHER/CATCHER BULL PENS AND SPEED AND AGILITY

WORKOUTS INCLUDED WITH THE LEAGUE.

Strive to be as good in the classroom as you are on the field

Five Step Throwing FROM THE COACHES AT THE STRIKE ZONE

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Keep hand on top of the ball at all times

• Get throwing elbow as high as possible when throwing

• Point non-throwing shoulder at target every time

• Don’t wrap throwing arm behind body

• Concentrate on throwing at partner’s chest each time

• Don’t drop throwing elbow when throwing

• Grip ball across fat seams – Four seams

STEP 1: FLICK DRILL

• Down on throwing-side knee, glove-side knee extended

• Throwing elbow above shoulder, supported by glove

• Flick with wrist, encouraging good rotation of ball

STEP 2: BACK KNEE, FRONT FOOT UP

• Front leg extended when foot flat on ground

• Keep front shoulder down – don’t tilt up

• Back of hand toward partner

• Bring throwing shoulder forward to throw

• Chest over front knee – chin at target

STEP 3: STRIDE LEG – POWER - THROW

• Point front foot directly at partner

• Back of hand toward partner while bringing ball back

• Open hips when throwing

• Turn back foot over on follow-through

• Follow-through low – take throwing shoulder to stride knee – pivot on back foot

Check 5 key areas –

Front toe pointed in slightly

Flat back

Chin up

Chicken wing front side

Rotate laces on back foot

STEP 4: SWING BALL UP TO THROWING POSITION

• Swing straight back and away from partner

• Starting power position

• Finish over front knee

• Check 5 key areas listed above

STEP 5: STEP – CATCH – THROW

• Step with throwing foot first

• Catch with two hands

• Throw at target on partner

• Remember important points mentioned above

Set high standards and know the steps to attain them.

THROWING IMAGES

FLICK CATCH DOWN

BACK POWER THROW

CATCH DOWN BACK

POWER TURN THROW

STEP TO CATCH STEP TO POWER POWER

Pract ice the way you play games… Al l go, no qui t

Hard work beats ta lent when ta lent doesn’ t work hard .

Life is not fa i r. You contro l your dest iny.

Wind up

Stretch

20

Love the game.

Pop Fly Priority FROM THE COACHES AT THE STRIKE ZONE

• All outfielders have priority over infielders.

• Shortstops has priority over 3B, 2B, and 1B. • Second baseball has priority over first baseman. • Third baseman has priority over the catcher. • First baseman has priority over the catcher. • Pitcher should only catch any short Popfly that no other infielder can get to.

5 Step Throwing Program

This is the throwing program we use for all of our camps, clinics and lessons. We encourage that you promote this program for your players’ pre-game catch routine. Please make sure your players are

properly stretched and warm before they begin their throwing warm up.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

Keep hand on top of the ball at all times Get throwing elbow above shoulder when throwing Point non-throwing shoulder at target every time Don’t wrap throwing arm behind body Concentrate on throwing at partner’s chest each time Don’t drop throwing elbow when throwing Grip ball across fat seams – Four seams

STEP 1: FLICK DRILL Down on throwing-side knee, glove-side knee extended Throwing elbow above shoulder, supported by glove Flick with wrist, encouraging good rotation of ball

STEP 2: BACK KNEE, FRONT FOOT UP Front leg extended when foot flat on ground Keep front shoulder down – don’t tilt up Back of hand toward partner Bring throwing shoulder forward to throw Chest over front knee – chin at target

STEP 3: STRIDE LEG – POWER - THROW

Point front foot directly at partner Back of hand toward partner while bringing ball back Open hips when throwing Turn back foot over on follow-through Follow-through low – take throwing shoulder to stride knee – pivot on back foot Check 5 key areas – 1. Front toe pointed in slightly

Flat back Chin up Chicken wing front side 5. Rotate laces on back foot

STEP 4: SWING BALL UP TO THROWING POSITION

Swing straight back and away from partner Starting power position Finish over front knee Check 5 key areas listed above

STEP 5: STEP – CATCH – THROW

Step with throwing foot first Catch with two hands Throw at target on partner Remember important points mentioned above

Five Step Throwing

Batting Order / Defensive Positions Game # _____

INNING

NAME 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Please feel free to make copies of this to use at your games or to create your own, similar chart.

Dear Coach,

Please use this All Star ballot so that you can keep track of potential players that you feel could compete in the end of the year All Star game. Please include your team color and age division in the space provided below. Included at the bottom of this sheet is a form for you to make your nominations for this season’s All Star Team. We have broken the season up into weekly space, and we ask you to nominate 1-4 players from each week’s opposing team, noting the color of the team you played that week, and include the positions of the players you nominate. We have also placed a space for you to nominate 1-4 players from your own team. After your last game, please return this form to The Strike Zone as soon as possible, so that we can select the All Star Team for each age division. Thank you for all your efforts this fall! Yours in Baseball,

Joe Siwa

for The Strike Zone Staff

WEEK 1 VS. _______________

1._______________Pos___ 2._______________Pos___ 3._______________Pos___ 4._______________Pos___

The Strike Zone * 2900 S. 110th St. * Omaha * NE * 68144 * (402) 398-1238 * Fax (402) 399-2019

WEEK 2 VS. _______________

1._______________Pos___ 2._______________Pos___ 3._______________Pos___ 4._______________Pos___

WEEK 3 VS. _______________

1._______________Pos___ 2._______________Pos___ 3._______________Pos___ 4._______________Pos___

WEEK 4 VS. _______________

1._______________Pos___ 2._______________Pos___ 3._______________Pos___ 4._______________Pos___

WEEK 5 VS. _______________

1._______________Pos___ 2._______________Pos___ 3._______________Pos___ 4._______________Pos___

YOUR TEAM 1._______________Pos___ 2._______________Pos___ 3._______________Pos___ 4._______________Pos___

Your Name: Age Group: Division: Color:

AUG 5 PLAYER REQUEST DEADLINE AUG 12 REGISTRATION DEADLINE UNLESS FULL AUG 18 PARENT/PLAYER MEETING 12 PM @ SZ

AUG 27 PRACTICE 1—PITCHING/ CATCHING 7-9 HITTING DEFENSE 10-12 Time: 6—7:30 PM Location: TBA

AUG 29 PRACTICE 2—PITCHING/ CATCHING 10-12 HITTING DEFENSE 7-9 Time: 6—7:30 PM Location: TBA

SEP 3 GAMES START

AUG 5 PLAYER REQUEST DEADLINE AUG 12 REGISTRATION DEADLINE UNLESS FULL AUG 18 PARENT/PLAYER MEETING 1:00 PM @ SZ

FRIDAYS: AUG 30, SEPT 6, 13, 20, 27 OCT 4, 11 SESSIONS BEGIN 6PM @ SZ

SUNDAYS: AUG 25, SEPT 8,15,22,29 OCT 6, 13 SESSIONS BEGIN 5PM @ SZ

OCT 18 FRIDAY-DRESS REHEARSAL ALL PLAYERS

OCT 20 BIG GAME—TBA ALL PLAYERS

AUG 7: POSITION PLAYERS & HITTERS TRYOUTS

AUG 9: PITCHERS & CATCHERS TRYOUTS

AUG 11: SCRIMMAGE Must complete registration in order to participate

AUG 13 PARENT/PLAYER MEETING 8 PM

ELITE TEAM PRACTICE DATES: TBA

GAME DAYS: SEPTEMBER THRU OCT

GRAND SLAM MEMBERSHIP INCLUDED

AUG 5 PLAYER REQUEST DEADLINE

AUG 12 REGISTRATION DEADLINE AUG 18 PARENT/PLAYER MEETING 1:00 PM 9/10 2:00 PM 11/12 3:00 PM 13/14 4:00 PM 15-16 5:00 PM WOOD BAT

AUG 21 HITTING SEMINAR 5:30 PM: Ages 9-12 6:30 PM: Ages 13-15 8 PM: Ages 16 UP Wood Bat Location: Strike Zone

AUG 23 PITCHERS/CATCHERS SEMINAR 5 PM: Ages 15 H.S 6:00 PM: Ages 9-14 Location: Strike Zone

AUG 26 SPEED & AGILITY TRAINING 5:30 PM: Ages 9-14 6:30 PM: Ages 15 UP

(Strikezone, TBD 5 sessions)

TEAM PRACTICE DAYS: AUG 25 TBA

AUG 28 HITTING CIRCUITS START

( Strikezone, TBD 6 sessions)

AUG 30 PITCHING BULLPENS START

(Strikezone, TBD 6 sessions)

GAME DAYS SEPT 8, 15, 22, 29 OCT 6, RAIN MAKE-UP13

OCT 20 ALL STAR GAME/RAIN MAKEUP

.

HITTING CIRCUIT FORMAT 1. Players will check themselves in before starting circuit. You will circle the number in the column

left of your name.

2. Players will form a line outside of Tunnel Number 3, the starting point of the circuit.

3. Players will enter in pairs and go through each station with a partner.

4. Each station will last 2-3 minutes, a head coach will keep time and instruct when to switch and

rotate.

HITTING CIRCUIT RULES 1. Do not bring any equipment other than your bat

2. All players must check in and go through the circuit only within their designated times.

3. Players will be allowed to repeat the circuit ONE time, but must go to the end of the line.

4. Do not swing your bat unless it is your turn at the station.

5. Carry your bats with the barrels down while in line and rotating between stations.

FLAT GROUND FORMAT 1. Players will check themselves in before starting. You will circle the number in the column left of

your name.

2. Players will read weekly goals and pitch limits before entering flat ground area (pitchers will never

throw more than 40 pitches).

3. Players will stretch on their own before starting catch.

4. Players will go through a series of 5 stations working on all aspects of their game.

5. Once warmed up pitchers will start with 5 fastballs and then proceed to work on weekly goals.

FLAT GROUND RULES 1. Do not bring any equipment other than your glove.

2. All players must check in and go through the circuit only within their designated times.

3. Catchers must wear their full gear.

4. Players may not exceed the pitch limits set forth by the head coach.

5. Players will rotate with every 5-10 pitches if there is a line of players.

PARENT/GUARDIAN RELEASE STATEMENT: We (I) hereby give our (my) permission to Strike Zone Fall Baseball League to provide medical attention to our (my) son/daughter in the event of injury or illness. We (I) hereby release The Strike Zone Fall Baseball League and all its employees from all claims (present or future) resulting from any injuries which may be sustained by our (my) son/daughter while participating in Strike Zone Fall Baseball. Player’s Name and Date (Print Clearly) Parent/Guardian Signature

Coaches,

All parents/guardians must sign this before the first practice. If a player’s parent/guardian has not signed this, the player is not allowed to participate until a signature is obtained. After you have received all signatures, you are to make a copy and turn it into The Strike Zone before the first games. You are to keep the original.

Thank You, Strike Zone Management