To the naked eye, baseball is not that complicated. You catch the ball, throw the ball, and hit the ball. Not that troublesome, till you begin to play the game. It is then that you realize you are consistently learning, but never achieving perfection. The more you practice, the more you improve, and the more you improve the more you realize there’s much more to learn. One never achieves perfection. That’s the reason why we repetitively practice the straightforward things in this game. Usually it’s not the trick play, or the great play that makes the difference; it is the routine play that puts the game in the win column.
-Did the pitcher cover first on a ball to the right?
-Did the infielder take a step to the right to line up for a precise throw?
-Did the batter put the ball in play, even with two strikes?
-Did the batter move the runner over whether or not making an out?
-Did the batter get the bunt down to advance the runner?
The list of routine elementals is unending, yet the routine plays should be made nearly each time. Yet, that won't happen unless they're practiced repeatedly. If you watch a top game, where the players are considered the best in the world , you'll see these plays frequently screwed up.
Here’s an example: One of the jobs of the catcher is to remind the pitcher to cover first on an every ground ball to the right side. Easy, right? Pitchers, regularly pitching since Tiny League, mess this play up more times than one can count. This easy play that's practiced continually in spring coaching , as well as during the season, is screwed up almost every night.
The trick is to be mentally and physically prepared to play the game. Before a play occurs, one has to grasp all the possible options. Ask before each play what could occur, and what would I have to do to make the play turn out right? Practice the routine fundamentals so they become natural. Only then is the brain ready to make that split second decision. If one stops to think, it is far too late.
Take the basics seriously during practice therefore giving you the best opportunity to succeed.
Sure, mistakes will still occur, but more infrequently with more repetition. Remember, practice makes better, less than perfect.
Kevin Gomez is a baseball coach who strains practicing the fundamentals of baseball to his team. He utilizes old school baseball drills to practice these abilities.