BASEBALL HITTING & DEFENSE PROGRAMS

Baseball’s Finest Defense Program

The game of baseball is the only sport where the defense puts the ball in play. The value of a solid defense is endless, and can lead to many successful seasons. Baseball’s Finest Defense Program is designed to help individuals develop and grow into exceptional defenders.

The focus of the fielding program isn’t to just catch fly balls or pick up ground balls. It is imperative for our young athletes to develop multiple facets of their game and use them collectively.  Whether it is infield or outfield, the foundation of solid defense is balance, weight control and footwork. Our kids learn how to control their bodies and become better overall athletes. Repetition of fundamentals is key, and must be performed with a purpose and correctly all the time.

The program includes, but is not limited to:

• Learning a good approach
• Proper footwork and mechanics
• Inputting throwing techniques for more velocity and ‘carry’ on throws
• Repetition and Drillwork to control body weight and balance
• Overall athletic development and application to all facets of baseball

Instructors: Leon Shade – 4 year outfielder at Rutgers University and 6 year coach at Montclair State University. Craig Conway – Hall of Fame infielder at Montclair State University, 5 year infielder with the NJ Jackals, and 13 years coaching at the collegiate level.

Baseball’s Finest Hitting Program

Coach Craig Conway still holds the record for Most Hits All Time at Montclair State University, and is an expert to the game when it comes to hitting.  After coaching hitters for 13 years at the college level, Conway has now focused his attention developing young hitters before bad habits are formed. Baseball’s Finest Hitting Program is strategically designed to develop hitters through a process.  Each week, our ballplayers will be taught a different skill to hitting, and will be coached specifically to each individual’s needs in accomplishing the task at hand. The baseball swing is very intricate and must be treated as such. Correct, repetitious swings are crucial, and should be taken all year long.

There are many different helpful drills to correct and advance your child’s baseball swing.  Having an educated pair of eyes watching will help to make the necessary adjustments and be ready for spring time.

Hitting program includes:

• Tee work (the most essential tool in all of hitting)
• Front flips – for timing and tracking development
• Mirror drills – seeing proper balance and swing techniques on each individual
• Heavy bag – to maintain correct contact points and body positioning
• Cage work – Live Batting Practice and Pitching Machine (for repetition, timing, and learning other pitches and how to hit them effectively)

Lead Instructor: Craig Conway – Montclair State University’s All-Time Hits Leader