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Baseball Signals: How to Create an Effective System
Ron Polk
, Head Baseball Coach
Mississippi State University
Baseball Signals: Who's On First? - The Coach, that's who. Players depend on the Coach to know the game - inside and out. That's why a coach has to develop a baseball signals that feel comfortable - that allow players to respond without being distracted. Coach Polk offers up humor and reality in this introduction to baseball offensive signal systems.
Baseball Signals: What's on Second? - Don't know? Then your baseball signals may be too complicated. The key is to keep it simple. Start with a sign that says "Pay Attention" and then develop the signals that your athletes can quickly recognize and act on.
Baseball Signals: I Don't Know ...Third Base - If your athletes don't know, then they've forgotten their responsibilities in the game. It's not just a game of watching for the right sign. Players have a responsibility to know the "no-brainers" of the game - and the confidence to make the call.
Baseball Signals: I Don't Give a Darn! - That's not just the shortstop's name.... it's exactly what players will think if a coach's signals cause confusion more than giving direction. Coach Polk gives some tips on how to keep signals to a minimum while keeping communication at a maximum.
Baseball Signals: You Think Costello Was Confused?! - Well, you're right. He was - because there was too much chatter and no communication. Here's some sound advice on making signal changes without making players "batty".
Baseball Signals: Who to What to I Don't Know - Early in the count. No jump. No go. The steal is on. Don't leave your batter asking who, what, or feeling like he doesn't know the plan. Coach Polk goes through the options and related baseball signals that will keep the batter swinging...or not... depends on the signal.
Baseball Signals: The "Take" Sign - (Okay, so I ran out of Abbott-and-Costello-ish titles.) It's 2 and 0. You want the Hit and Run. Got to take the "Steal" off and put the "Hit and Run" on. Coach demonstrates the "take sign" and discusses ways to minimize excessive signaling so that players stay focused and alert.
Baseball Signals: Indicators and Disguises - Wow! Look at those hands go! It looks so complicated! Ha! Most of those moves are meaningless. Coach explains which signals mean action - and how to use signals to "misdirect" the opposition.