It is the night before the big game. As a coach, you are looking over your roster to figure out the best batting order for the matchup. How do you maximize your players' strengths and create the most productive lineup?

Many coaches will look at their stats and create a lineup based strictly on batting average and on-base percentage. However, the most effective coaches will look at quality at bats to determine the order. What does that mean?

Quality at bats (QAB's) is a measure of productive at bats for each game. As an example, the Texas Rangers define a productive at bat by the following. In fact, this chart hangs in their dugout.

1) Hit
2) Walk
3) Hit By Pitch or Catcher Interference
4) Sac Bunt
5) Sac Fly
6) Move runner with an out
7) Move runner with an error
8) 8 or more pitch at bat

Coaches that explain the importance of a QAB will begin to see their batters take a different approach at the plate.....an approach that will produce better results.

If you are a coach, I encourage you to begin keeping stats on QAB's, and set your lineup accordingly. Explain it to your team and stress it at practice. I can assure you the results will follow......

When it's the middle of winter, most people aren't thinking about softball and baseball. I mean, these sports are played in the summer sun, right?

While softball and baseball may be summer sports, the best players in the game develop and hone their skills during the offseason.....in the cold winter months. That is the time when good players can become great, and great players can reach elite status.

How do you spend your offseason? Just as important....how are your competitors spending theirs? Are they building strength, speed and agility while you are at home? How many more swings have they taken in the cage than you? Have they gotten the edge on you without you being aware? If so, it will definitely show once the season rolls around.

Don't lose your edge. Make the decision to be great! Dedicate yourself to working hard in the offseason.....because that is when champions are made. Remember, hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.

If you're interested in an offseason regimen for you and/or your team, contact Strike Zone Academy today. Don't delay......because your competition isn't. 

Call Rob at 615-516-5311 or Derek at 615-829-4531 and regain your advantage!

The instructors at Strike Zone Academy are leading several teams
and groups through Young Guns arm strength training….and seeing great results!
Did you know that this training program not only strengthens your core and the
muscles used for throwing…..but it also results in increased velocity? Some
extra pop on that fastball could come in handy when you are facing your rival
team for the championship!
 
This program is designed for baseball and softball as well. Not
only will your strength increase, but the instruction regarding proper mechanics
will decrease your chances of injury as well.
 
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to improve your game! Spots are
available for the next round of training. In fact, invite your entire team and
receive a group discount! Call Derek at 615-829-4531 or Rob at 615-516-5311 and
get in the Zone!

We are excited with the positive response we have received thus far from the community. We are still in the process of finishing the buildout of the facility…..and our calendar is booking up quickly!

We have several baseball and softball squads that have already placed team practice memberships, and we have multiple Young Guns strength training programs going on simultaneously. Not to mention the many individual hitting and pitching lessons that are taking place each night.

If you’d like to check out the facility, sign up for team or individual memberships….or if you want more information on individual lessons, please call Derek Hunley at (615) 829-4531 or Rob Brown at (615) 516-5311. Or, you can go to www.strikezoneacademy.net

Softball and baseball season is around the corner…..so get in the Zone!!