AboutJohn Priest Expertise I currently work for the Nokona Baseball Factory as the Baseball Fudamentals expert. I design all training programs and work closly with the major league baseball players. I can answer all questions regarding baseball fundementals from the little league to the professional level. I have the most knowledge in hitting mechanics and fundamentals and the development of power and batspeed. I can also answer all questions for catchers, pitchers, infielders, and outfielders. I also have experience coaching at the high school and AAU levels.
Experience I am currently the Nokona Batman (www.nokonawreckingcrew.com). I am the baseball fundamentals expert for the company. I have played through college, and semi pro baseball. For the past 10 years I have been doing instruction for all age and ability levels. Numerous clients of mine have gone on to play in college and some are playing in the minor leagues.
Publications I produce all baseball fundamental publications for the Nokona Baseball Factory.
Education/Credentials I am currently back in school to finish my major.
Question what is the best way to get a little leaguer used to erratic kid pitch, from coach pitch
Answer Rob,
This is a tough situation for little league coaches. At the little league level you want to see the players hit and not take walks. Due to the lack of accuracy of some little league pitchers you may walk or swing at bad pitches. I would recommend that you make your hitters disciplined at the plate. Train them to see the strike zone with discipline not to swing at pitches out of the zone. Teaching the hitters the correct way to avoid getting hit by the baseball coming at them will make them see the baseball better. Not many coaches teach the little leaguers this but it will build their confidence.
Overall the best way to prepare the hitters for erratic pitching is to teach them the correct way to approach hitting. If the hitters go up to the plate with good fundamentals and plate discipline they will do fine. After they have the correct fundamentals talk to them about having a plan at the plate. For any age, if you go to the plate without a plan you will be timid and guess. If the hitters have a plan they will be aggressive and not have to think, they will react.
