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Baseball Instruction/Questions Answered by Expert Willie Ansley Jr.
| Subject | Date Asked |
| 3rd baseman help? | 7/8/2011 |
| Q: I'm 16 and just started playing this year on a organized team. I've played before just not on a ... A: Sorry without seeing your swing or you giving me a little more info its hard to tell you what to do ... | |
| Slumps | 6/30/2011 |
| Q: I coach a 11U travel team. We have had many successes and failures over the last 2 years. With ... A: I would say more batting practice and practice hitting the ball to the opposite field. You may ha e ... | |
| increasing pitch speed and control | 5/17/2011 |
| Q: I am a first year majors coach(10-12 year olds). i was aksed to coach the night before the draft. i ... A: You can have them do whats called the towel drill. You have them take a towel or sock ( you can put ... | |
| Fear of Hitting | 4/27/2011 |
| Q: My son was hit by a fast ball last year when he was 9 while hitting. This was a very bad hit and he ... A: Get him everything he can wear for protection. By the elbow protector. The football under armor that ... | |
| How to defeat mental walls | 2/5/2011 |
| Q: My name is Emanuele, I am 21 year old and after almost 2 years without playing baseball due to an ... A: Emananuele, its sounds like when its time to perform you are putting to much pressure on yourself.If ... | |
| Youth hitting | 1/7/2011 |
| Q: My son, who will turn 11 in March, set his New Years resolution to be a better hitter. He's a very ... A: Jeff here are two things I think is causing the problems with his swing without seeing him.First I ... | |
| 3rd pitch/pace on how hard I could throw | 12/3/2010 |
| Q: 5 yrs old 5.1 88 lbs I throw a 68-73 mph fastball and a 60-65 slurve. I have trouble finding a 3rd ... A: I can't say or I don't think anybody can tell you how hard you maybe throwing at age 17.I think you ... | |
| arm strenght | 10/31/2010 |
| Q: Guys, What is the best way to increase arm-strenght? A: Weight lifting, throwing and stretching. Get on a good program in all three. You should be lifting 3 ... | |
| Fair ball rule | 10/24/2010 |
| Q: During a recent MLB game, the first baseman fielded a ball that landed on the line in front of first ... A: In my game a short time ago I had this same play happen. I went and read the rule because the umpire ... | |
| hitting | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: I have an eleven yr old who is 5'5" and 145lbs. He bats and throws left. He is reaching out to hit ... A: You can have him to load then count to 2 and then swing. This will give him the feeling of waiting. ... | |
| 9yr Old Batting Struggles | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: My 9 year old moved up to 9-12's this year. He's always been one of the better players on his team. ... A: I would just say to not compare your son with the other kids because they are all different.As far ... | |
| Fun Drills for Youngsters | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: I am running a Pee Wee baseball program over the summer for 7-8 year olds. It's very hard to design ... A: I think instead of worrying about fun you make sure the kids are doing the fundmentals ... | |
| Force Out Discrepancy Involving a Tag | 5/26/2010 |
| Q: We were on defense and had bases loaded, 1 out. I was on third, fielded a grounder to me. The ... A: I would have to say that the umpires got it wrong. Once the fielder caught the ground ball the ... | |
| batting out of order | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: in our game tonight, the other team batted out of order and we called it and the umpire called the ... A: Can you tell me which number in the batting order batted out of order?Lets say the 4th batter hits ... | |
| 3rd base | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: How far off third base does a 3rd baseman need to be? Also, if the ball is hit between shortstop and ... A: well this depends on who is pitching.If you have a guy who throws very hard and you don't think ... | |
| hitting | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: I have a 9 year old son who is having problems adjusting to hitting kids pitching. He was a great ... A: If that is the case throw him balls and have him call out ball and strike as soon as possible.This ... | |
| hitting | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: I have a ten year old who has always been a great power hitter. this season we put him on a new ... A: I would say to go talk to the coach and tell him the situation and that you would like him to go ... | |
| How to get my little leaguer son (age 8) to be more aggressive at the plate? | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: We live in Southern California and are playing in an AA Division (7 - 10 year olds) little league. ... A: I have to give you the advice from personal experience with dealing with my son.When he was six he ... | |
| switching from coach pitch to kid pitch | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: My son is 8 years old and is playing on a league that is all kid pitch. Up until then, he was a ... A: I think you must keep the point in mind that he is still 8.He will do all the things you said.I ... | |
| Pitching | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Ansley, I am 15 I pitch for my highschool, but i throw sidearm and allways have. I have a great ... A: I would say you need to know how to run the ball in on right handers. Learn how to throw a sinker. ... | |
| Batting Practice | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: I am coaching a Majors level (11-12 yr old) Little League Team for the 1st year after previuosly ... A: I personally dont like to use pitching machines if I dont have to.Some kids develop what I call the ... | |
| Getting Cut from the High School baseball team | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I have a 15-year old son and just read another story on your site similar to ours. We just moved ... A: Sorry to hear of your story which is not uncommon.I'm sure you know by now that what is considered ... | |
| fear of being hit | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: My son is 8 years old and has played one season of fallball kid pitch.He has been hit several times ... A: Buy him all the protective equipment he can get.They have the under armor with the rib and back ... | |
| Workout | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: Hey Willie, This is Hector M. ... A: It is good to hear from you and I am doing fine.Well this time of the year you should be trying to ... | |
| JAYDEN | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: A: I think the best thing you can do is buy him a tee and let him hit off a tee.Take him around the ... | |
| Catcher's throws | 10/6/2009 |
| Q: My 15 year old catcher, Jake, has, within the last two weeks, struggled with his throws back to the ... A: First I would try to get in his head.Find out why he thinks he started to do it.What fear does he ... | |
| base running interference | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: During softball tournament, ball was hit to out field and 3rd baseball did not get out of the ... A: It is interference but the question is did the runner try to score? If he stopped then it is a ... | |
| Baseball Throwing | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: right now im 15 about 5'8 and play third and second base. Now i have been training with weights ... A: If you want to improve your arm strength try getting on a good long toss program at least two days a ... | |
| Pitching Accuracy | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: Ansley, I am a Varsity high school pitcher in northeast Ma. I am going into my senior year of High ... A: If you want to throw more strikes them it is simple, start throwing more.You can set a tire up and ... | |
| pitching speed | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a son who will be 12 for the 2010 little league season. This past season he was clocked at ... A: I think that you should not get caught up on the number on the rader gun.Many kids in america throw ... | |
| Pitching | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: I am 15 i didn't tryout for high school this year and stuck with town but i had 16 K's in a game and ... A: Building arm strength is a process and there is only so much you can do.One thing is get on a good ... | |
| Switching throwing hand! | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: My left handed year old son wants nothing more then to play shortstop or catcher and no couch will ... A: I would say that the coaches are right. I believe if it is something he wants to do then he needs to ... | |
| Long Toss | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: I have searched this message board about the "Lomg Toss". The problem is that i have read to many ... A: I think you need to worry more about time than the distance. They need to throw at least 20 ... | |
| dropping of hands when hitting | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: my 10 yr old son is getting very frustrated as we continue our all star tournament play this year. ... A: Putr him on a tee and set the ball about chest high.Have him take swings and if he hits the tee he ... | |
| getting beaned | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: hey, this is deshaun. i love the game of baseball. i love playing and watching it. but when i step ... A: Learn how to duck fast! No just kidding. You can learn to roll away from a pitch.That means if I am ... | |
| Returning to base after foul ball. | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: In a little league game Junior division, umpire called runner on second base out after foul ball for ... A: To be honest I dont know if that is a rule or not.I know that no other league has that rule.I have ... | |
| Batting | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: My 10 year old is on an All-Star team and he is being benched alot due to his low batting average. ... A: I think your situation happens alot in LL because parents seem to forget that they are coaching a ... | |
| When do you start the front foot? | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: When do you start the front foot moving? As the pitcher turns? As they get to their release point? ... A: It all depends on how much movement you have in your timing but the place to start is when he puts ... | |
| stepping out of box | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: We have an 11-yr. son that has been hit by pitches since T-ball. This year, he's been hit by a pitch ... A: I think it is a mental thing and you can try all day to change the physical side but if mentally he ... | |
| arm slot | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: Hey Willie i was wondering how can I change my arm slot to overhand or at least a 3/4 arm slot ... A: HARD WORK!!! It is going to take a lot of hard work.You will have to just move your arm in a ... | |
| hand placement - by ears or lower? | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: My son is 13 and has played travel baseball for five years. Currently he is receiving differing ... A: What I will say is that the right way is what is successful for your son. every batter is ... | |
| coach pitch 7&8 yr old boys | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: we(our team)keep having trouble with the opposite teams it all started with one team. We live in a ... A: Amber I am sorry you are having this same problem as many people through out the country are having. ... | |
| Fielding errors and batting slumps | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: I coach a 14U Dizzy Dean All-Star team and I have two questions for you, 1. One of my players seems ... A: on the fielder i would move him to the outfield until he has worked his confidence back up inorder ... | |
| Son Can't Hitt in Games Just Practice | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: Our son moved up this year to the 9 year old.. All winter we had him in hitting instruction classes ... A: If he is swinging and missing then he is more than likely pulling his head off the ball. Sometimes ... | |
| batting swing | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: what is the proper way to hold the bat ,and swing it. A: Everyone will tell you that the best way to hold the bat is to line the nuckles up but that is not ... | |
| Base running from 3rd | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: Runner on 3rd runs for home as the pitcher is in his wind up,the runner is hit buy the pitched ball ... A: I had this happen to me and I am not sure what the answer to the question is.The difference my ... | |
| 13 y.o pitching | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: My 13yo son likes to catch, short-stop, center field and pitch. He love the game of baseball and ... A: I think it is important to give it your best wherever the coach puts you but it is even more ... | |
| Pitching | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: Im 6'0, 180 lbs. Im 19 yrs old and now throw 80-83. Is there I can Increase my velocity? A: I think the best thing to do would be to get on a good weight lifting program. Getting stronger may ... | |
| game awareness mental attitude | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: i coach my sons 9 and 10 year team. i tell my pitchers to try and block out all the excitment and ... A: I would really say that is good advice to your pitchers.Yes the only way the kids will remember is ... | |
| slump | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: i think its more mental than it is with my swing cause when i get behind the count my coach says i ... A: Well you just need to change your approach. Be aggressive early in the count on fastballs.If you ... | |
| work outs | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: im 6 ft and weigh about 180.i bat lefty and im a right handed catcher.i want to know a good way to ... A: I really cant help you without seeing your swing. What I can tell you is to try to hit the ball the ... | |
| Is it in his mind? | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: I have a nephew who is a Redshirt Freshman at a D2 baseball program. He isn't a "lights out- 95 mph" ... A: I think the best thing you can do is remind him of what he can do.Help him to build his confidence ... | |
| 12 year old pitching | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: Two questions actually My son is 12 years old and plays catcher, pitcher, first baseman. He has ... A: I think he gets down because his arm is hurting.If he is 12 and catching and pitching that is ruff ... | |
| TBall instruction - attention span | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: I am one of 3 coaches for our T-ball instructional team that consists of 13 players total. We (the ... A: I think you have to take the players who pay attention and put them in the infield and the ones who ... | |
| Pre-set stretch position | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: What can the pitcher do once he has engaged the rubber,but not yet come to the set position? After ... A: After he has engaged the rubber he can no longer fake a throw to any base.He can wipe his face with ... | |
| pitching | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: I have a 16 year old son that is 6'4" and has just started pitching last year. He has played first ... A: I think he would need to continue to improve his arm strength. That means getting on a good long ... | |
| hitting and throwing | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: I have two sons with some of the same issues ages 9 and 12 who both step out with their front foot. ... A: With the stepping out it could be several things going on.They could be standing to close to the ... | |
| What's a 15 year old to do? | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: My son is 15 years old 6'3" 182 lbs and began playing baseball when he was in 3rd grade. He played ... A: As I read your letter this place sounds exactly like two small towns I lived in.The one I recently ... | |
| Retrospect in Pitching | 1/3/2009 |
| Q: I'm a lefty pitcher now in my late thirties. I started pitching at an early age and pitched until my ... A: Well I would say that we will never know. just not throwing curve balls does not mean your fastball ... | |
| Hitting (Point of Contact) | 12/29/2008 |
| Q: I am 14 years old and during my days in little league and so far i am in pony, hitting coaches teach ... A: What I teach is that you dont worry so much about that back side. So many big leagueers dont squash ... | |
| work outs | 12/19/2008 |
| Q: im 6 ft and weigh about 180.i bat lefty and im a right handed catcher.i want to know a good way to ... A: i hate to say this but stonger forearms does not always lead to more bat speed. Its like saying go ... | |
| hitting | 12/14/2008 |
| Q: im 6 ft and weigh about 180.i bat lefty and im a right handed catcher.i want to know a good way to ... A: This is a easy fix I believe.Take a tee and sit it on a bucket.Make sure the ball is just below the ... | |
| Fielding, Pitching, and Showcases | 11/23/2008 |
| Q: I'm Logan and i was wondering what can i do to improve my fielding mechanics i mostly play the ... A: Logan it would be hard to tell you how to improve on the fielding unless you tell me what has been ... | |
| Mental qhuestion AFRAID OF THE BALL!!! | 11/2/2008 |
| Q: Hey Im 14 and ive loved the great sport of baseball since my tball days at age 7, but I took off a ... A: THROW THROW THROW THROW AND KEEP THROWING!The more you throw the better your control will get.Throw ... | |
| How to strengthen the pitcher in all aspects. | 10/24/2008 |
| Q: I hear that long-toss can help strengthen the arm, but how should it be performed? Also I am a high ... A: I know long tossing is good.You should try to throw the ball on a line not real high.Will you throw ... | |
| force out/runner tag out | 8/31/2008 |
| Q: Bases loaded, one out... Ground ball is hit to third baseman who fields the ball at third base ... A: I believe you are correct.If the runner is on his occupied base and was tagged he cannot be ... | |
| & year old and what to expect and when to push further | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: My son is a good player...sometimes better then most children his age. He can throw accurately and ... A: I will tell you that it sounds like he is doing quite well.Always remember you want the best 17year ... | |
| throwing mechanics and fielding | 6/20/2008 |
| Q: You have given me some valuable advice this year regarding hitting and my son responded well, making ... A: I would say to use the towel drill.Have your son stand in front of you with a towel in his hand.Have ... | |
| throwing mechanics and fielding | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: You have given me some valuable advice this year regarding hitting and my son responded well, making ... A: TERRY GET HIM OFF THE BAD FIELD.I seen this happen to a kid on my team and he was 13 when it ... | |
| baserunning speed | 6/18/2008 |
| Q: Willie, my son is 11 yrs old and has long legs and big feet which has slowed him way down. He used ... A: The honest truth is that most fast 11 year olds are not fast 17year olds. So I would not be to ... | |
| getting short | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: i am a very stalky player, about 5'8 and all butt and thighs. i just completed my first college ... A: Since I never seen your swing(I can now do this thru my website) I would say that maybe in a game ... | |
| coaching | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: How do you refocus a team that started the year off undeafeated, and mid way through the season are ... A: Yes maybe go the other way.Maybe start to hold them accountable for the dragging around.Tell them if ... | |
| bailing out | 6/1/2008 |
| Q: My 10 year old grandson plays ball for our local little league. He has developed into a pretty good ... A: With his confidence, just keep trying to let him know how good he is and can be if he does not step ... | |
| Catching | 5/31/2008 |
| Q: I was wanting to know if it is ok to stagger your feet whenever a runner is a threat to steal, why ... A: It all depends on how much your feet are staggerad.If they are slightly, then it is no problem.If ... | |
| Ethical Punishment | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: I manage a Major girls (9-12) little league team. After staring the season 3-1, we have made a ... A: I think when you do something out of the blue that you have never done before.I think it is ... | |
| Taking pitches in Little League (9-10 yrs) | 5/12/2008 |
| Q: I coach a Minors Division Little League team consisting mainly of nine year olds who have never ... A: I think that is not a bad approach except I would start to turn them aloose now and see if they ... | |
| release point | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: what are good drills or excercises i can do to pitch more accurately and get a consistent release ... A: To be honest you can do all the drills you want to but since baseball is 90% mental you more than ... | |
| hitting | 5/2/2008 |
| Q: I have a 9 and 10 yr. old team. They are all beginers in baseball. I have been practising them on ... A: Nothing is a easy fix but here are a few things you can try.First have the kids start to work on ... | |
| Kid afraid to hit off kid pitchers | 5/1/2008 |
| Q: My 8-year old son has great mechanics in his swing, and has always hit well, but this season has ... A: A few things I would try.First get him as much protective equipment as you can find so that he feels ... | |
| catching | 5/1/2008 |
| Q: as a sophmore catcher in high school i was wondering what is the key to get a solid throw down to ... A: The key is two things, quick feet and quick release.These are the two skills that ca help you be ... | |
| hands too far ahead of the bat barrel | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: Atlete is a junior and a 2nd basemen for the varsity high school baseball team. How can you get the ... A: I would say try to set a tee on the outside corner and have him take some swings there.Also try a ... | |
| Missing the fun of baseball | 4/25/2008 |
| Q: Our son who just turned 10 has played baseball from Teeball until now. This is his second year in ... A: I think you may want to try to get him in a more competitive league.Try finding a select team in ... | |
| hands too far ahead of the bat barrel | 4/24/2008 |
| Q: Atlete is a junior and a 2nd basemen for the varsity high school baseball team. How can you get the ... A: Well if I am correct in my understanding of what you are saying what it sounds like is your son is ... | |
| Side-arm | 4/5/2008 |
| Q: My son is 13yrs.old and plays in a league. He is a 1B, 2B, 3B. He is a natural side-armer,he has ... A: Alot of infielders throw side arm.I think a player needs to learn how to do both.It may also limit ... | |
| The roll | 3/29/2008 |
| Q: My son is 7 and in his first year of kid pitch (he has 3 full seasons of t-ball-1 & machine ... A: You can teach him how to roll but if I where you I would just teach him how to hit and field ... | |
| Baseball IQ | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: Willie, I coach a Minors LL team (9-10 yrs old), however my team is loaded with young players - 2 ... A: First I must say I have a son who is left handed.My approach with him at that age was to hit ... | |
| Baseball IQ | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: Willie, I coach a Minors LL team (9-10 yrs old), however my team is loaded with young players - 2 ... A: I think the biggest thing you can do is take the time to walk them thru different situations.Make ... | |
| arm strength | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: my son is 7 turning 8 in april he is a good hitter and fielder but he has no pop on his throws or ... A: I think weighted balls for him is not a good idea.He just needs to get on a throwing program.He ... | |
| Lead-off Hitter | 2/17/2008 |
| Q: I am 15, a freshman, at an elite baseball program in Texas. I hit last on my select team, but here I ... A: A lead off hitter can't be afraid to hit with two strikes.He has got to take alot of pitches.His job ... | |
| Rating Players in a Tryout | 2/8/2008 |
| Q: What would be the best why to rate a player during a tryout consisting of Throwing, Fielding, and ... A: I would have all the kids throw fron a certain distance in the outfield.Then I would rate them as ... | |
| How to pick the right bat | 1/26/2008 |
| Q: My son will be 11 1/2 this spring during the season, and he is about 100 pounds and approx. 4 feet ... A: I could not tell you if the bat is the correct length for him because it really does not matter ... | |
| Hitting problems | 1/6/2008 |
| Q: I am having big problems with my hitting. I am 15 years old and have always focused on pitching. I ... A: Shawn it sounds like to me you need to tape yourself hitting in the cage and then in a game. This ... | |
| Baseball | 10/23/2007 |
| Q: My name is Jack and im 18 years old. I've been playing baseball since i was 4. I have recently ... A: Now the easy answer would be to stop snapping the elbow.The hard part is trying to see what you are ... | |
| Hitting | 10/22/2007 |
| Q: I have a boy (9) who is a terrific hitter. His mechanics are just text book. He has moved up to kid ... A: If your son is not already I would say move to selesct ball.Pitchers will more than not have way ... | |
| Hitting a change-up | 10/8/2007 |
| Q: I'm a volunteer dad who helps out our 10 & under baseball team. When facing a pitcher who can throw ... A: I never recommend a kid move in the box.He should learn how to read the ball.A good change will ... | |
| Youth Baseball Mental Block | 10/8/2007 |
| Q: My question revolves around my 8 year olds son. I have seen him hit beautiful homerun balls in the ... A: One thing you may watch is in practice is the instructor throwing the ball in your sons hitting ... | |
| where to throw? 3rd grade baseball league | 10/4/2007 |
| Q: Here's myrunners are on first and second with one out, a ball is hit to my son who is playing third ... A: Yes that is the case with most coaches.Get the easy out first.Had he been playing short and the ... | |
| stealing | 9/30/2007 |
| Q: how can I get a good jump on a left handed pitcher and a right handed pitcher PLEASE HELP ME A: Off of a left handed pitcher you can watch his shoulders.Most of the time the left handed pitcher ... | |
| Choosing a bat | 9/21/2007 |
| Q: My daughter is 13, and will be playing upper division/junior league baseball, and we are being told ... A: On the bat weight you would be looking for a -8.5,-5, or a -3.The bat should say on there too light ... | |
| Moving into Pony | 9/19/2007 |
| Q: My question is about my son who has recently moved into a pony league. In t-ball, its all about ... A: Well I would say try a reward system with him when you are at practice.Maybe try baseball cards or ... | |
| How to stop turning my wrist when throwing | 9/13/2007 |
| Q: I have been catching since I am 5 years old. I sometimes turn my wrist when I throw the ball to ... A: When you say turning your wrist which way do you mean? To improve on hitting off speed pitches and ... | |
| Size? | 8/19/2007 |
| Q: I am a pitcher and most people think that in baseball size matters. I clearly break that assumption ... A: I think size matters to Major league scouts I'm not so sure about college scouts.I think in college ... | |
| Bat size and Brand of bat | 8/14/2007 |
| Q: My son is 7 years old, about 4ft 1 in and weighs around 55 - 60 lbs. Which length and weight bat do ... A: If he is 7 I would say dont overspend on a bat.Spend the money on a really nice glove or a really ... | |
| mental part of baseball | 6/29/2007 |
| Q: My son is a junior in high school, and has the ability to play college ball. He hits great one ... A: Please understand that you never get enough in practice.A player may get 60 swings at practice.I ... | |
| mental part of baseball | 6/29/2007 |
| Q: My son is a junior in high school, and has the ability to play college ball. He hits great one ... A: Your has to learn that baseball is a game where you can't get to high when you do good and you can't ... | |
| hitting control | 5/28/2007 |
| Q: I'm thirteen and I just moved up to the big fields. The pitcher's are much better when I hit the ... A: When you say you moved up that most likly means you are facing kids who throw better breaking balls ... | |
| little league rule | 5/25/2007 |
| Q: runner was coming from 3rd to home plate. The catcher was on home plate without the ball. Batter ... A: Now this is just my view. If there was no play at the plate the catcher does not have a right to be ... | |
| weight loss baseball program | 5/24/2007 |
| Q: I'm trying to figure out a program for a 13 yearold who is 5feet and weighs 174lbs.and loves to play ... A: I think at 13 and with school out he can do it very easily.First I would say make sure he eats small ... | |
| Son has become afraid | 5/21/2007 |
| Q: My son is 9yrs old.I have coached his little team for three years,this being the first year that us ... A: Give him confidence in being able to get out of the way.Teach him to roll out of the way of the ... | |
| overall game | 5/10/2007 |
| Q: hey coach, i wanted to ask you how i could possible improve my defense and offense. I mean im pretty ... A: To improve anything you must go back and think about plays you didn t make and work on that.Ask your ... | |
| Baseball Hitting | 4/29/2007 |
| Q: I am a right-handed batter and generally pull the ball. How can I learn to hit to the opposite ... A: The best thing you can do is set a tee on the outside corner of the plate and take swings trying to ... | |
| arm health | 4/22/2007 |
| Q: I am a senior high school pitcher. My coach has decided that this year the entire team will wear ... A: I do not think the 82 degrees is a standard for coaches.But it doesn't matter about what other ... | |
| pitching | 4/9/2007 |
| Q: Can you tell me all the different pitches and how to use them? But don't tell me the bad things ... A: To answer your entire question may take some time if you could ask something a little more specific ... | |
| in game focus | 4/3/2007 |
| Q: My son Chris is 10 yrs. old, he loves the game of baseball. He is left handed and currently plays ... A: I think the in game focus has to come during practice.If its not being reinforced in practice it ... | |
| Throwing Drills for Accuracy & Strength | 3/30/2007 |
| Q: I coach 7-8 year old boys. Do you know any drills that could teach them to throw more accurately and ... A: Throw,throw,throw! Try to have your kids throw at least 20 min every practice.Throw in 5 min. ... | |
| Son with hithc in throwing arm | 3/20/2007 |
| Q: My 17 yr old son who is 5'9" and 165lbs has always been a pitcher/3B since he was 8 years old. He ... A: On the throwing hitch from the mound if he will not be allowed to pitch during the high school ... | |
| Son with hithc in throwing arm | 3/20/2007 |
| Q: My 17 yr old son who is 5'9" and 165lbs has always been a pitcher/3B since he was 8 years old. He ... A: Now when you say a hitch is it kind of like Rob Nen used to do?I would say have him do the towel ... | |
| Pitching | 3/4/2007 |
| Q: I'm looking to send my son to a baseball camp for pitching, do you have any idea where the best ... A: My honest opinion on taking your son to a camp for pitching instruction would be a waste of ... | |
| right size bat | 1/2/2007 |
| Q: He is twelve and plays little league he also plays in a drafted Cerbo League ... A: Well I think it depends on how much money you want to spend on a bat.If you are going to buy him an ... | |
| throwing sidearm | 12/13/2006 |
| Q: First of all I would like to say that my mom, Sylvia, remembers you. She graduated from Plainview ... A: I will tell you what if you will ask your mom to bring you by Lamar High School in Houston on 59 ... | |
| pitching | 12/4/2006 |
| Q: i want to learn how to pitch more than the fast ball and i dont have the money to get a pitching ... A: First of all let me say this there are a lot of pitchers in high school who think they have three ... | |
| avoid stepping out | 11/26/2006 |
| Q: How can we avoid from our son stepping out instead of stepping into the pitch. He is a good contact ... A: Vidal One of the things you can try is have him hit with his front foot inside a tire.This will ... | |
| pitching | 11/12/2006 |
| Q: Coming back from a dissapointins season. Record 0-9 with an era of about 14.0. I really want to ... A: Dennis,the first thing I would tell you on developing your control would be to go out and practice ... | |
| help me | 10/14/2006 |
| Q: I can play in rec leagues without being nervous in the game. When playing for a school team or non ... A: Ray, it sounds like to me you dont have the same confidence in the team games as you do in the rec ... | |
| mental coaching of youth | 10/9/2006 |
| Q: I am the father of a seven y/o boy, and I am the assistant coach of the team he plays for. The ... A: Santi,first of all I must say that I think 7-8 is way to young for a kid to be pitching.Secondly,if ... | |
| Overcoming fear | 10/5/2006 |
| Q: My son was hit by a pitch in the back of the neck. Since that time, three months ago, he has been ... A: Tim one way to help him over come this fear is to teach him how to get out of the way ... | |
| How often | 10/3/2006 |
| Q: You said I should throw long distance, I am going to do that. How many throws should I throw per ... A: Tyler, I would not worry about the number of throws I would go by time.I would start out throwing ... | |
| More Pitching Q's | 10/2/2006 |
| Q: Sounds great. Thanks. 1. I used to pitch in high school, some 6 years ago. 2. I am right handed. ... A: Tyler, please don't spend alot of time throwing off a mound.I believe that is a easy way to hurt ... | |
| Pitching Q's | 10/1/2006 |
| Q: I am a former college football quarterback. I have a pretty strong arm, football wise. I have ... A: Tyler, to answer your question I would have to ask several questions. 1.Have you ever pitched ... | |
| pitching | 9/21/2006 |
| Q: I'm currently a senior in high school. I have 75-80 mph fastball and a decent slider. my problem is ... A: Alex when it comes to pitching a good pitcher knows how to set his pitches up.If a team is sitting ... | |
| bat size | 9/12/2006 |
| Q: I want to buy a bat as a gift for a boy age 12 I know he likes aluminum bats . what size of bat ... A: Tam Bui, first of all thanks for the question.When buying a bat the thing you must pay attention to ... | |
| mental confidence | 8/29/2006 |
| Q: Hey, im 16 and a prospect from buffalo ny, i often have trouble dealing with mentality i always get ... A: Jake, please understand that a great MAJOR LEAGUE HITTER MAKES AN OUT 7 OUT OF 10 TIMES HE ... | |
Baseball Instruction
Answers by Expert:
Willie Ansley Jr.
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer all questions on baseball instruction from hitting to baserunning,pitching and defense.I can also deal with the mental side of the game. After all baseball is 90% mental.
Experience
I was the Houston Astros #1 pick in 1988.I have been doing private instruction and coaching select baseball in the Houston,Tx. area since 1996.
Past/Present clients
I have worked with such players as Carl Crawford(while at Jeff Davis High)first pick in second round of the 2000 MLB draft.Also Vince Blue(Lamarr High) a 10th round selection.John Hale(Lamarr High) committed to Rice Univ.Eric Iland(Lamarr High) a top prospect in the 2007 MLB draft.
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