We probably said “prep step” 943 times this fall alone. The “prep step” is one of the most important things each fielder can do:
- For themselves, to be ready to make a move
- For coaches, so we know they’re consistently ready and paying attention
This, combined with a mantra of “what am I doing with the ball, what am I doing without the ball”, should become the pre-pitch mantra. When I play softball 20 years later, I still do this without thinking, because it was ingrained so deeply in my brain.
A good way we can work on this without being on the field, is turn a baseball game on! Put a replay on YouTube or MLB network, and have them choose what position they’re playing. Then, it’s simple: stand in front of the TV. Before each pitch, say OUT LOUD what you’ll do with and without the ball, and prep step with the pitch.
I guarantee before even 9U hits, these boys will never be able to play baseball again without “accidentally” doing this.