CREATE A VIDEO

Remember coaches are busy - they get lots of emails, tapes and mail from interested players. Make it easy for them to watch your tape. The following are some simple tips to consider when you create your videotape:

• Keep the tape in the 4 to 5 minute range
• BE SURE TO PUT A STICKER ON THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR VIDEOTAPE THAT INLUDES YOUR NAME, POSITION, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER
• Keep it simple - include hitting, fielding, throwing and pitching. Don't go to the extra expense of putting music and special effects. Special effects are a distraction. You want the coach to concentrate on your mechanics.
• Use a tripod. Eliminate any 'bouncing'.
• Turn off the audio - avoid having the cameraman making statements like "great pitch", etc.
• Shoot the footage in a practice setting - it's too difficult to get useful footage from an actual game.
• When filming your batting portion of the tape, include 3 or 4 practice swings and 2 or 3 bunts
• Be sure to edit non-action parts. For example during hitting, if you take 3 or 4 pitches then hit a ball, edit that portion out
• Warm up before you begin taping. Don't film the first 8 to 10 ground balls hit to you. Get loose, relax - be comfortable.
• Be smart. Be sure you look like a baseball player. During the filming be sure your hat is on at all times and you are in uniform. And whatever you do, don't be wearing a hat or uniform that bears the logo of the coach's rival school. Wear your high school hat.

Pitchers

1. Tape about 20 pitches

2. Throw at least 3 of each pitch you have

3. Be sure to include throwing from the stretch position for each pitch that you have

4. Use a radar gun - create a chart that indicates by pitch, the type and speed of each pitch - list them by category (First 6 - 8 pitches are fastballs, second 6 - 8 pitches are curve balls and last pitches are changeups) - when you send the video include the chart

FOR EXAMPLE
o Pitch 1 - fast ball - 82 mph
o Pitch 2 - fast ball -84 mph
o Pitch 3 - fast ball - 84 mph

5. Film half of the pitches with the camera positioned half way between home plate and the mound - slightly towards third base for righties and slightly towards first base for lefties

6. Film the second half of the pitches with the camera behind the pitcher - slightly towards the Shortstop side for righties and slightly towards second base for lefties

7. You should include a set of pitches throwing from the stretch

Outfielders

1. Stand in right field - about 250 feet from home plate

2. The cameraman should focus on you - not the flight of the ball - need to show your footwork, positioning and mechanics.

3. Tape about 12 to 15 throws

4. Place the camera at the Second baseman's position - Make 4 or 5 throws to third base - use a cut off man but tell him not to 'cut' the ball

5. Place the cam area behind the third base - make 4 or 5 throws to home so that the coach can see the flight of the ball

6. Place the camera behind home plate - make 4 or 5 throws to home

Middle Infielders and Third Basemen

1. Player should be positioned at deep shortstop

2. The cameraman should focus on you - need to show your hands, footwork, positioning and throwing mechanics.

3. Place the camera between the mound and home plate - Throwing to first - take 2 ground balls right at you, 2 to your left, 2 to your right and 1 slow roller - then turn 2 double plays

4. Place the camera behind the first baseman just off to the infield side so that the coach can see the flight of the ball - Throwing to first - take 1 ground ball right at you, 1 to your left, 1 to your right and 1 slow roller

First Baseman

1. Player should be positioned at deep first base position

2. The cameraman should focus on you - need to show your hands, footwork, positioning and throwing mechanics.

3. Place the camera between the mound and home plate - Throwing to third - take 2 ground balls right at you, 2 to your left, 2 to your right and 1 slow roller

4. Place the camera behind the third baseman just off to the infield side so that the coach can see the flight of the ball - Throwing to third - take 1 ground ball right at you, 1 to your left, 1 to your right and 1 slow roller

Catcher

1. With equipment on, get in your crouch position behind home plate.

2. Position a pitcher about 40 feet from home plate to throw balls to you.

3. Place the camera between home plate and the mound -Take 2 or 3 pitches and throw to Second Base - Take 2 pitches in the dirt directly at you (no throw) - Take 2 pitches in the dirt to your right (no throw) - Take 2 pitches in the dirt to your left (no throw)

4. Place the camera behind home plate - Take 2 pitches and throw to second base - Have someone throw 2 slow rollers out front to stimulate a bunt, field and throw to first base.