Rob Holmes asked:

i want to take my pop warner 7-8 on a football retreat what do u think ?

Ron’s answer:

Sounds like a lot of fun but make sure you clear everything with Pop Warner at the conference and National level or you could run afoul of the rules unknowingly. Sometimes these things are not covered by insurance automatically and also could be calle... Continue reading »

Carl Kozlosky asked:

How to correct a pitcher who occasionally short-arms his throws?

Ron’s answer:

Carl, I just posted this as an answer to another question, hope you find it useful.

This drill can be done indoors or out...
Take a small towel, (dish towel for instance) and tie a knot in one end. Get yourself in proper throwing position (athleti... Continue reading »

Robert Drumm asked:

Throwing Techneque practice tips?

Ron’s answer:

I try to coach throwing in differrent ways but here is one drill we use to simulate the throwing technique without actual wearing your arm out doing a ton of throwing. (I do like the above suggestions as well).

This drill can be done indoors or out... Continue reading »

John Marousky asked:

should you take a step before you load, after, or the same time when batting?

Ron’s answer:

Coach Moore really nailed this one for you. I will add that perhaps you want to think less of a step and more of a tap. The stride doesn't help you hit, your hips do. The foot action is simply a trigger as Coach Moore mentions. In your case, less m... Continue reading »

Daniel Jan Chu asked:

How can I break-in my new baseball glove fast?

Ron’s answer:

These days, there is a product you can get at your local sports store which you rub into your glove and cook. Literally, you put your glove in the oven. Gloves are pliable within an hour or two. You still have to play catch and work it but it is pla... Continue reading »

Maurice Brown asked:

Is a 3-5-3 defense to hard for 8 and 9 year olds to learn

Ron’s answer:

I think this really depends on your approach to the roles of the "5" and their ability to engage at the line of scrimmage and attack points. While I agree with the above, my 7-8-9 year olds did fine this year by going with less up front and letting ou... Continue reading »

Brad Moberg asked:

Is a sports drink or water better during practices?

Ron’s answer:

Water is great during activities and a sports drink is best after the activity to help replenish.

Eddie Canes asked:

At what age group should you start serious conditioning drills

Ron’s answer:

I would offer at the earliest age possible assuming that by serious you also mean age appropriate. Proper training never starts too early.

Keith Garrigan asked:

My son is afraid to stay in the box after getting hit, how do we work past this?

Ron’s answer:

It might help, as Joel mentions above, to pitch from a closer distance. I would start with wiffle balls pitched underhand from the side. If one of these hits him, it certainly will do no damage and will help him to stop thinking about getting hit. A... Continue reading »

asked:

My son is 8 and left handed. He wants to start throwing right handed so he can play more infield position on the baseball field. Good idea

Ron’s answer:

I agree with just about everything above. Please explain to your child that all 9 positions on the baseball diamond are important, not just the infield positions. As a 9U travel/tournament ball manager, I run into this "I want to play the infield" bu... Continue reading »