““The 4 G’s”The 4 G’s”Guts, Game Goals,Guts, Game Goals,

Grade Cards & Game Speed Drills Grade Cards & Game Speed Drills

Greg Guilliams & Todd Greg Guilliams & Todd GuilliamsGuilliams

Embry-Riddle UniversityEmbry-Riddle Universityhttp://daytona.embryriddlesports.comhttp://daytona.embryriddlesports.com

PHILOSOPHYPHILOSOPHYPurpose: What does your program believe?Purpose: What does your program believe?

How do you accomplish team goals?How do you accomplish team goals?Establish standards by which your club can be Establish standards by which your club can be evaluatedevaluatedSomething your players can focus on, buy into Something your players can focus on, buy into and ultimately hold each other accountable forand ultimately hold each other accountable forEliminate speculation-we guess & theorize on Eliminate speculation-we guess & theorize on what is important and why we get the results what is important and why we get the results we dowe doMOST IMPORTANT-It has to be something that MOST IMPORTANT-It has to be something that everyone can easily remember and makes everyone can easily remember and makes sensesense

GUTSGUTS

T ToughnessT Toughness A positive reaction to a negative situationA positive reaction to a negative situation

E EffortE Effort Total Intensity Daily (Best Effort)Total Intensity Daily (Best Effort)

A ApproachA Approach Execute a specific skill at the correct time (Grade Execute a specific skill at the correct time (Grade

Intent)Intent)M Master the FundamentalsM Master the Fundamentals

Play a high level of catchPlay a high level of catch Throw quality strikesThrow quality strikes Pressure defense by running the bases aggressively Pressure defense by running the bases aggressively

and intelligentlyand intelligently Pressure defense by putting the ball in playPressure defense by putting the ball in play Have a great team spirit while playing against the Have a great team spirit while playing against the

gamegame

“I want players with brains and guts.”

-Casey Stengel

““THE FOUR Gs”THE FOUR Gs”

“TEAM”GUTS

PRACTICEGAME SPEED DRILLS

PLAYGAME GOALS

EVALUATEGRADE CARDS

PURPOSEPURPOSE Teach and motivateTeach and motivate

Execute our systemExecute our system Play against the gamePlay against the game Stay in the presentStay in the present

Sell philosophySell philosophy

““It’s a question of sell, sell, sell; of It’s a question of sell, sell, sell; of challenging them. Selling is an challenging them. Selling is an ongoing job and the hardest part of ongoing job and the hardest part of coaching.”coaching.” Joe Paterno Joe Paterno

GAME GOALSGAME GOALS

77

RunsRuns4 4

RunsRuns

ProducProduce Big e Big

InnInn +3 +3

PrevenPreventt

Big InnBig Inn -3-3

FreebiFreebies es

+9+9

FreebiFreebies es

-4-4

Q-ABQ-AB

60%60%PitchePitche

ss

< 150< 150

OFFENSE DEFENSE

PRESSURE ATTACK

“Front Line”Batter vs. Pitcher Confrontation

“Freebie War”

Big Inning Battle

Pivot Point

QUALITY QUALITY AT-BAT AT-BAT CHARTCHART

String 5 QABs = a big inning 90% of the time

50-60% QABs (-4) = 37-1 (2006)

Hit 3 to 8 8 pitch AB BB HBP Bunt Advance RBI runner

3-TO-8 CHART3-TO-8 CHART

THE FRONT LINETHE FRONT LINE Retire lead-off hitter (29% vs. 49% Retire lead-off hitter (29% vs. 49% D1 Post-D1 Post-

SeasonSeason)) 11stst pitch strikes (.300 vs. .400 OBP pitch strikes (.300 vs. .400 OBP MLBMLB)) No 3-ball counts (63% OBP No 3-ball counts (63% OBP ERU Post-ERU Post-

SeasonSeason)) In 2000, the average American League In 2000, the average American League

pitcher won 65% pitcher vs. hitter pitcher won 65% pitcher vs. hitter confrontations (Martinez 80%). confrontations (Martinez 80%).

In 2000, the average AL hitter won 35% of In 2000, the average AL hitter won 35% of match-ups (Giambi 47%).match-ups (Giambi 47%).

““FREEBIE WAR”FREEBIE WAR”

20052005 ERUERU OpponentOpponent DifferenceDifference

WalksWalks 252252 * * 124124 +128+128

ErrorsErrors * * 6868 131131 +63+63

SBsSBs 157157 4747 +110+110

HBPHBP 108108 4343 +65+65

* Led nation* Led nation +366+366

5.815.81/game/gameIn 2001, Birmingham Southern won the NAIA national title and averaged 5+ freebies per

game.In 2005, Embry-Riddle finished NAIA runner-

up and averaged 5.81 freebies per game.

BIG INNING BATTLEBIG INNING BATTLE

20062006 40-340-3 9-129-12 40-740-7 9-89-8

20052005 40-240-2 13-813-8 44-344-3 9-129-12

20042004 40-240-2 13-813-8 42-242-2 12-712-7

20032003 39-539-5 9-119-11 43-543-5 5-115-11

20022002 37-237-2 15-1015-10 38-338-3 14-914-9

TOTALTOTAL196-196-1414

49-4949-49 207-207-2020

49-4749-47

93%93% 55%55% 91%91% 51%51%

PRODUCE PREVENT

In 2006, when Embry-Riddle reached its goal of 7 runs a big inning occurred 97% of the time.

PIVOT POINTPIVOT POINT1994-2006 (13 Years)1994-2006 (13 Years)

7 Runs7 Runs 4 Runs4 Runs

367-25 (94%)367-25 (94%) 449-60 (88%)449-60 (88%)

195-158 (55%)195-158 (55%) 118-121 (49%)118-121 (49%)

(runs scored) 2

= winning percentage(runs scored) 2 + (runs allowed) 2

THE PYTHAGOREAN FORMULA - Bill James, Baseball Abstract (1980)

’’05 & ‘06 Game Goal 05 & ‘06 Game Goal ResultsResults20062006 20052005

OFFENSEOFFENSE AchievedAchievedNot Not

AchievedAchieved AchievedAchievedNot Not

AchievedAchieved

7 Runs7 Runs 34-234-2 15-315-3 35-135-1 18-918-9

Big Inning Big Inning +3+3 40-340-3 9-129-12 40-240-2 13-813-8

Freebies +9Freebies +9 23-323-3 26-1226-12 30-430-4 23-623-6

60% QAB60% QAB 25-025-0 24-1524-15 22-022-0 21-1021-10

DEFENSEDEFENSE AchievedAchievedNot Not

AchievedAchieved AchievedAchievedNot Not

AchievedAchieved

4 Runs or <4 Runs or < 41-641-6 8-98-9 44-144-1 9-99-9

Deny Big Deny Big InningInning 40-740-7 9-89-8 44-344-3 9-129-12

Freebies 4Freebies 4 29-429-4 20-1120-11 42-142-1 11-911-9

150 Pitches 150 Pitches or <or < 39-739-7 10-810-8 48-748-7 5-35-3

SUCCESS IS IN THE MIXSUCCESS IS IN THE MIX

46

94 9991

0102030405060708090

100

Shut OutEither

1 Each Side 2 Each Side 7 or 4

Win %

16-19Record

87-6Record

100-10Record

68-1Record

2005 & 2006 Combined

““THE FOUR Gs”THE FOUR Gs”

“TEAM”GUTS

PRACTICEGAME SPEED DRILLS

PLAYGAME GOALS

EVALUATEGRADE CARDS

GRADE CARDSGRADE CARDS Five grading periodsFive grading periods Every 11 games (56 regular season Every 11 games (56 regular season

games)games) 66thth grading period is reserved for the grading period is reserved for the

post-seasonpost-season Team meeting after each grading Team meeting after each grading

periodperiod

a.a. Individual stats – 11-game blockIndividual stats – 11-game block

b.b. Team stats – Team Grade CardTeam stats – Team Grade Card

PURPOSEPURPOSE Goals for each grading period (9-2)Goals for each grading period (9-2)

a.a. Consistency! Avoiding ups/downs of Consistency! Avoiding ups/downs of long season.long season.

Teach and motivateTeach and motivatea.a. Failure/SuccessFailure/Successb.b. AdjustmentsAdjustmentsc.c. Fresh start/New seasonFresh start/New season

““A leader’s most important question: A leader’s most important question: How can we improve?” How can we improve?” John WoodenJohn Wooden

Mirrors the post-seasonMirrors the post-seasona.a. Regional: 3 + Super-Regional: 3 + Regional: 3 + Super-Regional: 3 +

CWS: 5 = 11CWS: 5 = 11

TEAM GRADE CARDTEAM GRADE CARD

GRADE CARD HISTORYGRADE CARD HISTORY

8489

84 82

70 71

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Winning Percentage: ER '02-'06

1-11 12-22 23-33 34-44 45-55 56+

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Post

9-2 = 82%

8-3 = 73%

7-4 = 64%

GOAL EACH GRADE PERIOD IS 9-2 RECORD (82%).

KEY STATEMENTSKEY STATEMENTSConstant improvementConstant improvement– Individual and Team gradesIndividual and Team grades

Short-term goals are more Short-term goals are more manageable targetsmanageable targets– Thinking “9-2” not “45-10”Thinking “9-2” not “45-10”

ConsistencyConsistency

Play our best baseball at the end Play our best baseball at the end of the yearof the year– Regional, Super-Regional, World Regional, Super-Regional, World

SeriesSeries

GAME SPEED DRILLSGAME SPEED DRILLSSmall GameSmall GameTwo teamsTwo teams

Infielder at every position, ½ players bunt while Infielder at every position, ½ players bunt while other ½ run basesother ½ run basesCan use either a Pitching Machine, Coach or Pitchers Can use either a Pitching Machine, Coach or Pitchers Batter starts with a 1-2 count (penalty)Batter starts with a 1-2 count (penalty)5-7 minute game then switch teams (15 min. max)5-7 minute game then switch teams (15 min. max)Works on the bunting game and defending the bunting Works on the bunting game and defending the bunting gamegameWe try to get a bunt in the hurry zone where there is a We try to get a bunt in the hurry zone where there is a chance for a hit chance for a hit Bunt the ball off of the last two inches of the batBunt the ball off of the last two inches of the batMark hurry zones: 1B & 3B: Mark hurry zones: 1B & 3B:

– 28’ – 32’ from home28’ – 32’ from home– 6 feet wide6 feet wide

GAME SPEED DRILLSGAME SPEED DRILLS

Scripted Intra-Squad GamesScripted Intra-Squad Games

4 days incorporate 8 different 4 days incorporate 8 different hitting situationshitting situations

Start with a bunting or defensive Start with a bunting or defensive situationsituation

1:30 min. game1:30 min. game

GAME SPEED DRILLSGAME SPEED DRILLSScripted Intra-Squad GamesScripted Intra-Squad Games

DAY 1: Line Drive Down - Ground Ball Day DAY 2: Line Drive Up - “Automatic”

ROUND SITUATION COUNT ROUND SITUATION COUNT

1 Drag / 2K 1-2 1 Push / 2K 1-2

2* Over-and-In 0-0 2* 1st and 3rd 0-0

3* 3rd / Back 0-0 3* Loaded 0-0

4 2K / 3rd Back 1-2 4 2K / 1st and 3rd 1-2

DAY 3: RBI Day DAY 4: Bat Control

ROUND SITUATION COUNT ROUND SITUATION COUNT

1 Safety / 2K 1-2 1 Slash / 2K 1-2

2* 3rd / In 0-0 2 Nobody On 0-0

3* 2 Out RBI 0-0 3* Runner at 1st 0-0

4 2K / 3rd In 1-2 4 At 1st / Start Runner

3-1

•Round begins with one pre-selected batter leading off with 0-0 count, 0 outs and no runners on base. Five batters hit then inning is completed.

GAME SPEED DRILLSGAME SPEED DRILLSTwo Strike HittingTwo Strike Hitting

49% of all at bats are with two strikes 49% of all at bats are with two strikes (Source: (Source: Between the NumbersBetween the Numbers))

Hitters start with a 1-2 countHitters start with a 1-2 count

Hitter make their 2 strike adjustmentsHitter make their 2 strike adjustments

Offense: ½ hitters & ½ run the basesOffense: ½ hitters & ½ run the bases

Every position covered (Two teams)Every position covered (Two teams)

15-20 min. game15-20 min. game

2 or more pitchers throw in drill; 2 Rounds2 or more pitchers throw in drill; 2 Rounds

Toughest situation we put our hitters inToughest situation we put our hitters in

GAME SPEED DRILLSGAME SPEED DRILLSDrill SeriesDrill Series

Good Conditioner; rotate every 2:15-3:00 min.Good Conditioner; rotate every 2:15-3:00 min.

9 different stations9 different stations

2-3 coaches2-3 coaches

Review plays that are tough to find enough Review plays that are tough to find enough time for in daily practicetime for in daily practice

Helps coach know what you need to spend Helps coach know what you need to spend more time onmore time on

Make sure you have covered every drill in a Make sure you have covered every drill in a slowed down environment before implementingslowed down environment before implementing

GAME SPEED DRILLSGAME SPEED DRILLSDRILL SERIESDRILL SERIESStation 1Station 1

1.1. OFOF Drop steps (LF)Drop steps (LF)2.2. INF/CINF/C Tag plays (Infield)Tag plays (Infield)3.3. PITPIT Pick Plays (RF)Pick Plays (RF)

Station 2Station 2

1.1. OFOF Fence Drill (LF)Fence Drill (LF)2.2. INF / P INF / P Come-backers (Infield)Come-backers (Infield)3.3. CAT / 3BCAT / 3B Throws to 3rdThrows to 3rd4.4. 1B1B Pick Low ThrowsPick Low Throws

Station 3Station 3

1.1. OF/MI/3BOF/MI/3B Double cuts to 3Double cuts to 3rdrd 2.2. P / 1B P / 1B Right-side coverageRight-side coverage3.3. CATCAT Pop-ups Pop-ups

GAME SPEED DRILLSGAME SPEED DRILLSDrill SeriesDrill Series

Station 4Station 4

1.1. OFOF Hit Relay Man (LF)Hit Relay Man (LF)

2.2. INFINF Communicate on Balls in 6 Hole and 4 HoleCommunicate on Balls in 6 Hole and 4 Hole

3.3. P / CP / C Wild PitchesWild Pitches

Station 5Station 5

1.1. P/C/1B/3BP/C/1B/3B Bunt Plays w/ Ghost runner @ 1B Bunt Plays w/ Ghost runner @ 1B

2.2. Middle INFMiddle INF Double Play Feeds (Coach behind Double Play Feeds (Coach behind mound)mound)

3.3. OFOF Do-or-Die groundballsDo-or-Die groundballs

GAME SPEED DRILLSGAME SPEED DRILLSDrill SeriesDrill SeriesStation 6Station 61.1. P/Middle INFP/Middle INF Pick Plays @ 2BPick Plays @ 2B2.2. Extra PitchersExtra Pitchers Back up HomeplateBack up Homeplate3.3. OF/3B/1B/COF/3B/1B/C Throws to Homeplate (OF-LF & RF)Throws to Homeplate (OF-LF & RF)

Station 7Station 71.1. OFOF Deke Play in OF (LF) Groundballs turn into pop-up footworkDeke Play in OF (LF) Groundballs turn into pop-up footwork2.2. P/INF/CP/INF/C Drill as follows: Pitcher throws a pitchout. Catcher throws Drill as follows: Pitcher throws a pitchout. Catcher throws

to second base. Coach fungos ball to the 1B; P receives flip at 1B to second base. Coach fungos ball to the 1B; P receives flip at 1B bag. 2B & SS simulate 1bag. 2B & SS simulate 1stst & 3 & 3rdrd Defense. 2B cuts in front of SS and Defense. 2B cuts in front of SS and gets all throws from Cat. that are off-line and returns ball to gets all throws from Cat. that are off-line and returns ball to Catcher If the throw is on-line the SS will put a tag down and Catcher If the throw is on-line the SS will put a tag down and return the ball to the Catcher, the 2B will then fake a throw to return the ball to the Catcher, the 2B will then fake a throw to third. The C puts a tag down. The coach after hitting a fungo to 1B third. The C puts a tag down. The coach after hitting a fungo to 1B will then roll a bunt down the 3B line after the 1B flips the ball to will then roll a bunt down the 3B line after the 1B flips the ball to the Pitcher. The 3B will field the slow roller and make a throw to the Pitcher. The 3B will field the slow roller and make a throw to 1B.1B.

*Extra Pitcher*Extra Pitcher’’s are on the 1B line with a baseball waiting to hustle s are on the 1B line with a baseball waiting to hustle to the moundto the mound

after the play is completed. Extra INF are back on OF grass waiting after the play is completed. Extra INF are back on OF grass waiting to go in after play is completed. to go in after play is completed.

GAME SPEED DRILLSGAME SPEED DRILLSDrill SeriesDrill SeriesStation 8Station 81.1. OFOF Communication on balls in gaps Communication on balls in gaps 2.2. P/INF/CP/INF/C Drill as follows: Two Pitchers go to the mound with Drill as follows: Two Pitchers go to the mound with

one baseball each. First P throws a dirt ball to C who then one baseball each. First P throws a dirt ball to C who then blocks the ball, recovers and throws to 3B. The third blocks the ball, recovers and throws to 3B. The third baseman puts a tag down then returns ball back to the C baseman puts a tag down then returns ball back to the C who then puts a tag down. After the first P throws a dirt ball who then puts a tag down. After the first P throws a dirt ball the coach fungothe coach fungo’’s a ball to the first baseman and the P s a ball to the first baseman and the P covers 1B. After the first P receives the flip from the first covers 1B. After the first P receives the flip from the first baseman, the second pitcher who was standing the mound baseman, the second pitcher who was standing the mound steps up on the rubber. The coach then fungosteps up on the rubber. The coach then fungo’’s a ball to s a ball to either the P/2B or SS. Turn a doubleplay.either the P/2B or SS. Turn a doubleplay.

Station 9Station 9All players at their regular position. Extra pitchers are in the All players at their regular position. Extra pitchers are in the

dugout and extra position dugout and extra position players are on one knee. players are on one knee.

Pop-Up CommunicationPop-Up CommunicationDrill as follows: One Coach feeds the Pitching Machine and Drill as follows: One Coach feeds the Pitching Machine and rotates pop-ups around the field. The other Coach rotates rotates pop-ups around the field. The other Coach rotates hitting pop-ups with a fungo. Fielder throws strike to home.hitting pop-ups with a fungo. Fielder throws strike to home.

GAME SPEED DRILLSGAME SPEED DRILLSLive StealsLive Steals

3 throw-down bases behind 1B (4 total bases)3 throw-down bases behind 1B (4 total bases)Coach/Pitchers and Catchers vs. Base RunnersCoach/Pitchers and Catchers vs. Base RunnersPitchers use holds, glide steps, throw over Pitchers use holds, glide steps, throw over (make it tough). Rule: can throw over every 3(make it tough). Rule: can throw over every 3rdrd pitchpitchBase runners work on getting a jump, extending Base runners work on getting a jump, extending lead (getting picked-off), dive backs (game like)lead (getting picked-off), dive backs (game like)Base runners either slide or peel offBase runners either slide or peel offMiddle Infielders work on coverage & proper Middle Infielders work on coverage & proper footworkfootwork

““THE FOUR Gs”THE FOUR Gs”

“TEAM”GUTS

PRACTICEGAME SPEED DRILLS

PLAYGAME GOALS

EVALUATEGRADE CARDS