Expert: John Priest - 7/11/2008

Question
John-
I have been coaching baseball for the past 7 years and next year look forward to coaching a 12U elite travel team in Illinois.  I am also the proud owner of a baseball academy where my players can train year round.  I know and have studied most of the basics and most recently I purchased and watched Pete Caliendo's coaching made easy dvd's which had some great tips, but my question is do you have or reccommend any books or dvd's with more advanced hitting, fielding & pitching tips and advice.  I want to make sure what I teach is helping these young athletes.

Answer
Matt,
One of the greatest baseball books is Ron Polk's baseball handbook.  This book is great for coaches because it has every drill explained in detail.  As far as instructional books or DVD's I couldn't tell you what is the best.  I don't watch them.  The most important hitting style is the rotational hitting style.  It is the most advanced and it is what the MLB hitters use.  I believe Mike Epstein has hitting videos of this style.   His web site is www.mikeepsteinhitting.com.  For pitching I like Dick Mills and his web site is www.pitching.com.

I hope this helps and goo luck.
Thank You,
John Priest