Description
Course Description:
Become a bigger asset to the next generation of baseball players! Learn drills, the proper
techniques, terminology and strategies of baseball. This 8-session, coaching program has
been created by some of the state’s best coaches. With over 100 years of combined coaching
experience, we are looking for parents and coaches who are serious about becoming a solid
coach for young athletes and their teams.
Each session will be hosted by a new coach focusing on different aspects of the game. Our
mission is to instill parents and team coaches with knowledge and experience to become the
best and most consistent teaching forces they can be. Our instructors coming from various
levels of the game, bringing their vast knowledge to Baseball’s Finest Coaching Program.
This interactive program will take you through every focal point of coaching the game,
conditioning players to maximize output and minimize injury, as well as how to run an
effective practice. Every session will be followed by a 10-minute question and answer period
to allow each individual to maximize their personal knowledge.
Course Focal Points:
- Hitting – mechanics, approach and consistency
- Infield – how to stay low, defensive positioning and strategies
- Outfield – first step, angles to the ball and cut offs
- Pitching – body control, PFP’s and pickoffs
- Catching – blocking, receiving, bouncing around
- Bunting – situational and why, hit and run, slash, execution at the plate
- Baserunning – 1st and 3rd offense, bunts, proper leads, technique & stealing
- Training With A Purpose – conditioning, stretching, injury prevention, body control
- How to Coordinate – plan and execute an effective practice
- From Little League To The Pros – expectations and proper development
Instructors:
Craig Conway – Owner & Lead Instructor of Baseball’s Finest. Former NJ Jackal and Montclair State University Hall of Famer. NCAA coach for 13 seasons.
Michael Lauterhahn – 2012 New Jersey Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Former Chicago Cubs players. Head Baseball Coach at William Paterson University 2007 – Present. Rutherford H.S. Head Coach from 2001-2007.
Trevor Marcotte – Former NCAA Division I pitching coach and 11 year veteran at the professional level.
Jack Smithlin – Recently retired High School Softball Coach with a career record of 288-103. Jack currently runs NJ Jackals Softball Camps and has assisted with Jackals Baseball Camps for the past 15 years.
Ani Ramos – Coached 18 seasons with the NJ Jackals, worked primarily with catchers and the bullpen.
Leon Shade – Head Outfield Instructor at Baseball’s Finest & NCAA coach for 5 seasons. 4 year standout outfielder at Rutgers University under Fred Hill.
Mickey Osso – USA Baseball Certified Coach with 30 years coaching youth baseball. Little League All Stars Manager/Assistant for 20 years. First Manager to bring travel baseball to Fort Lee in 1999.
Michael Ercolano -Owner of Next Generation Fitness and former college baseball player.
Course Outline:
Feb. 17th Jack Smithlin: Hitting
Feb. 24th Craig Conway: All Skills Drills
March 2nd Leon Shade: Infield & Outfield Learning Body Control
March 9th Mike Lauterhahn: How To Run An Effective Practice, Working In Small Areas
March 16th Trevor Marcotte: Pitching
March 23rd Ani Ramos: Catching
March 30th Mickey Osso: Safety, Sportsmanship, Dealing with Parents & Umpires
April 6th Michael Ercolano: Physical Development, Strength & Conditioning for Young Athletes
*no refunds or exchanges*
