Dunham's Sports: Baseball/Softball Coaching Corner

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THE COACHING CORNERBROUGHT TO YOU BY:

GLOVE FIT TIPS:

GLOVE BREAK IN TIPS:

Coaches Corner - Spring/ Summer 2013 - Information

ADULTS:

• The largest sizes (13” to 14”) are manufactured for softball players.

• Outfielders typically wear gloves in the 12.5” to 13.5” range

because the large pocket makes for great catching.

• Infielders looking for quick transfer often use a slightly smaller

glove, between 10.5” and 12”.

• Pitchers, like infielders, usually prefer the quick transfer of smaller,

12” to 13” gloves.

• Middle infielders should look for a shallower pocket within the

recommended size range.

YOUTH & BEGINNER:

• The best way to learn the fundamentals of fielding and catching is

by wearing a glove that fits well. Gloves that are too big allow

“cheating”, preventing beginners from developing and refining

proper skills.

• Kids’ gloves should not be bought to grow into.

• Younger kids should stay in the 9” to 11” range.

• Kids 8 and older should try gloves in the 11” range.

• Kids up to 12 should not use a glove larger than 12”.

• Adolescents should choose the lower end of the adult size range

for intended position.

• Pour a small amount of glove conditioner or glove oil on a clean

dry cloth and carefully work the oil around the outer shell palm and

back. A light coating is all that is necessary.

• Allow the glove to dry for 24 hours.

• Wipe off any excess oil and play catch for 15 to 20 minutes or

50-70 throws. This stretches and forms the glove to your hand and

accelerates the break-in process.

• Put a ball in the pocket of the glove and tie the glove closed for a

few days with a string or rubber band.

• Laces will stretch with use. Keep the laces taught but do not

over-tighten them.

• Store in a cool dry place with a ball in the pocket when not in use.

Do not leave your glove in an area where temperatures will

become extreme, such as the trunk of your car.

• Do not over-oil your glove. Twice per season is sufficient.

• Do not submerge your glove in water - it will rot. If your glove

becomes wet, dry slowly and oil lightly. Do not put in the oven or

microwave to dry it.

HOW TO CHOOSE A BAT:

Buying a bat is a personal decision. New technology has delivered

bats that not only enhance performance but also are tailored to an

individual player's strengths. It is essential that you select a bat that

fits your unique body configuration and skill level, height, weight,

and hitting strength.

DETERMINE YOUR BAT LENGTH BY WEIGHT & HEIGHT:

DETERMINING THE RIGHT BAT WEIGHT:

• Bigger, stronger players prefer a heavier bat since they get the

benefits of both the heft and swing power.

• Smaller players with less strength should consider a lighter bat to

generate a quicker swing.

• Younger players should also consider that a lighter bat increases

control, great for single hitters, while also reducing the risk of injury.

• Selecting weight really depends on two critical factors - strength

and hitting style.

Height (inches)

Weight

(pounds)36-40

41-40

45-48

49-52

53-56

57-60

61-64

65-68

69-72 73+

Bat Length

< 60

61-70

71-80

81-90

91-100

101-110

111-120

121-130

131-140

141-150

151-160

161-170

171-180

180+

26”

27”

27”

27”

28”

28”

28”

29”

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28”

28”

28”

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29”

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P1

BASEBALL / SOFTBALL INFORMATION

®

THE COACHING CORNERBROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Coaches Corner - Spring/ Summer 2013 - Bat RegulationsP2

NEW BAT TESTING STANDARDS:

The new testing standards can make the purchase of a new bat slightly confusing. That is why we’veprepared a simple breakdown of the new standards by competition level to ensure you purchase theright bat for years to come. Batter up!

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE BASEBALL:Beginning on January 1, 2012, high school and college baseball officially made the switch to BBCORbats. The adoption of the BBCOR bat by the NCAA was not done for safety reasons. Instead, the NCAAsimply wanted a more wood-like performance from the bats. This only pertains to –3 BBCOR bats.

LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL, BABE RUTH BASEBALL, PONY BASEBALL, AND SOFTBALL,AMERICAN AMATEUR BASEBALL CONGRESS AND DIXIE BASEBALL: These five youth groups monitor the vast majority of children playing organized baseball. For childrenages 12-and-under, they currently use bats that are 2 ¼” inches in diameter. They are simply calledyouth bats. Currently, all those bats are made to the BPF (Bat Performance Factor) performance standard. All youth bats currently on sale in retail outlets should have a message on them that says“Approved for play by Little League, PONY, Babe Ruth, AABC, & Dixie”

At this time, a moratorium has been placed on all Little League Composite barrel baseball bats. Batswith aluminum barrels and composite handles are still approved bats. Even though Composite barrelbats meet the BPF standard when new, Composite barrel bats can sometimes become livelier with useand thus fall out of the BPF standards.

Check out our massive BBCOR and little league bat assortment at a Dunham’s near you!

CLEAT INFORMATION

Baseball players can choose from a rangeof cleats designed for different conditionsand playing surfaces.

Wedges provide cushioning and keep thefront of the foot low to the ground, anadvantage when running. Soft pads in theshoe minimize pressure, and cushioning isused in midsole areas to reduce discomfortfrom hours of standing and running.

Tongue flaps keep the tongue in placewhile keeping dirt out and zippered shrouds lock laces in place.

The cleats on the bottom of the shoe areusually made of metal, solid rubber ormolded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).Metal cleats are durable and can dig intohard dirt. Non-metal cleats reduce the riskof injury to opposing players and make fora more comfortable shoe. Maximum heightfor all types is ½-inch.

Generally, high school level players orabove use metal cleats, while juniorballplayers use a non-metal type. Someshoes are made with removable cleats soboth metal and non-metal cleats can beused and worn cleats can be replaced.

Baseball cleats are available in both low-top and ¾-height shoe configurations. Thelow-tops offer flexibility and are favored bybaserunners, while the ¾-height shoes provide more ankle support and are lesslikely to fall off.

Many shoes are made from a combinationof materials. Under Armour, a major supplier of baseball cleats, uses a combination of leather and a syntheticmaterial called nubuck in many of theirshoes. Nike baseball cleats use a rubbercompound called Diamond Guard in the toe area to enhance durability.

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THE COACHING CORNERBROUGHT TO YOU BY:

SOME OF OUR BEST-SELLING BATS:

__ Baseballs/Softballs

__ Bats

__ Bat Bag

__ Baseball Cleats

__ Catcher’s/Fielder’s Gloves

__ Batting Gloves

__ Batting Helmet

__ Bases

__ Pitchbacks

__ Pitching Machines

__ Batting Tees

__ Compression Apparel

__ Baseball Pants

__ Sliding Shorts

__ Cup & Supporter

__ Socks

New Baseball Bats are arriving daily, so check out our huge assortment of BBCOR,

Senior League and Little League baseball bats at a Dunham’s store near you!

NEEDS:

Coaches Corner - Spring/ Summer 2013 - Baseball

19999 19999 S3 -3 BBCOR BAT

• Speed series - lighter swing weights for more bat speed.• 100% aluminum. Stiff flex handle.• 2 5/8” barrel size.• BBCOR certified.

MORE “EARLY” SPRING TRAINING PRODUCTS:

P3

SUPER BASEBALL ITEMS

LITTLE LEAGUE CYCLONE BAT

• 12 1/4” expended barrel for long sweet spot.• Ultra-thin 29/32” handle with VRS cushioned grip.• USSSA 1.15BFP certified for league play.

3499 3499

REFLEX -3 BBCOR BAT

• 7050 alloy barrel for high performance strength and durability.• Pro-tack grip for ultimate comfort.• Thin 31/32” tapered handle.• BBCOR certified.

UA JUNIOR

LEADOFF IV MID....29.99

4499 4499

UA ADULT

LEADOFF IV MID

• Colors vary by store.POP-UP 5’ X 5’ NET

Orig. $90

7999 7999

$10save

WILSON PRO YAK

ELITE PLAYER

BASEBALL GLOVE

Orig. $150

9999 9999

$50save

PARASHOCK

BATTING GLOVES

• Sold in pairs.• Adult, youth & women’s.• Colors vary by store.Orig. $30

1999 1999

$10save

11999 11999

* Special order only in select stores.

®

THE COACHING CORNERBROUGHT TO YOU BY:

SOME OF OUR BEST-SELLING BATS:

__ Baseballs/Softballs

__ Bats

__ Bat Bag

__ Baseball Cleats

__ Catcher’s/Fielder’s Gloves

__ Batting Gloves

__ Batting Helmet

__ Bases

__ Pitchbacks

__ Pitching Machines

__ Batting Tees

__ Compression Apparel

__ Baseball Pants

__ Sliding Shorts

__ Socks

NEEDS:

Coaches Corner - Spring/ Summer 2013 - Softball

MORE “EARLY” SPRING TRAINING PRODUCTS:

P4

SUPER SOFTBALL ITEMS

FASTPITCH -9 CYCLONE SOFTBALL BAT

• Evenly balanced bottle bat with low M.O.I. for lighter swing weight and faster swing speed. • Thin 31/32” handle with cushioned grip.• USSSA 1.20 BPF certified for league play.

3999 3999

FASTPITCH -11 TYPHOON SOFTBALL BAT

• Aluminum alloy construction.• Evenly balanced with a lighter swing weight and fast swing speed.• Thin 31/32” handle with cushioned grip. • Certified for league play.

WOMEN’S

GLYDE RM CC

WITH TEAM

COLOR LACES

3999 3999

DEMARINI

WOMEN’S

CP3 BATTING

GLOVES

Orig. $30

1499 1499

50%save

2299 2299

6 PACK 12”

OFFICIAL SOFTBALLS

• Perfect durable practice softballs.

ATHLETES EDGE®

2499 - 44.992499 - 44.99

$5saveup to

A440 FAST PITCH

BALL GLOVES

• Available in 10” to 12.5” styles.• Sizes may vary by store.Orig. to $50.

TEAM COLOR LACES INCLUDED

4999 4999

New Softball Bats are arriving daily, so check out our huge assortment of

Slow Pitch and Fast Pitch bats at a Dunham’s store near you!