The latest in cutting edge coaching tips, strategic advice, instructional
videos, motivational tools and JUGS product information.

Hi Coach,

Welcome to the first issue of the JUGS Sports, 2015, 4 Bagger Online Newsletter.

We are excited and honored this year to have a who's who of college coaches and USA Olympiads writing for the newsletter. As always, it is our #1 goal to bring you the latest in cutting edge coaching tips, strategic advice, instructional videos, motivational tools and JUGS product information.

We are very interested in your feedback and we'd love to hear from you. Please email me at stevec@jugssports.com with any suggestions you may have to help make the 4 Bagger bigger and better this year.

Steve Candello,

Director of Marketing, JUGS Sports

Have You Checked Your Players Schedules

There is no doubt in my mind that kids are playing too much of the same sport and spending too much time traveling on that one sport. It is not only softball but in all sports. We are losing good players in every sport because of burnout.

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Michele Smith Dugout Chat:

Michele Smith on Overcoming Adversity--JUGS Sports

Having Fun Playing the Game

We play a team sport that depends on individual performances that result in team success. Without these simple traits that we try to instill in our athletes, as you participate in the higher levels of the game, it becomes obvious that when we do not control and develop these characteristics, our chances for success and being involved in a environment that is fun to coach and participate in is greatly diminished.

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Thinking Outside the Box... Turn Early

Tribalistic Ritual vs. Thinking Outside The Box: I asked myself, how many things do I do or am afraid to do as a result of Tribalistic Ritual? How inhibited am I? If I deviate from the norm will the other coaches think I don't know what's going on or will they think I'm a Bush Leaguer?
One situation in particular gave me an opportunity to think outside the box. It proved to be a highly effective offensive weapon for over a 35 year period.

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Baseball Fungo Drill

The Fungo drill is designed primarily for infielders and catchers. However, outfielders may be used and may also be needed to either hit fungos or catch up depending on the number of pitchers you have on your team.

The Fungo Drill has a three-fold purpose:

1) conditioning, 2) increase throwing accuracy and strength, and 3) ground ball repetition. The drill can be done in approximately 30 minutes but it can be modified for shorter or longer times.

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Coaching Youth Baseball

While my previous articles have focused primarily on coaching the high school and college athlete, this article is geared towards those who coach the younger players. The "Little League years" from ages 8-12 are so important, as they provide the foundation for players who will develop and continue to play at the higher levels.

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