I receive e-mails from the Leffews (north east ohio pitching coaches) and I just wanted to share Amie's most recent e-mail with this board- it discusses tryouts, finding a team and off season training. It's geared towards pitchers but some areas of it are applicable to all players:
"Off season is all about IMPROVING! The beginning months of off season are spent correcting any fundamental issues that may have presented themselves during season. Once those are addressed... its all about SPEED! I have many new training techniques to help everyone reach their goals. We expect our pitchers to increase 4 - 6 miles an hour each off season. Keep in mind, there is a time when the only way to get faster is to improve how efficiently your body works! So if you're at that higher level and not working out and hope to get faster... you better hope you're lucky!
Work outs in addition to your pitching practice is the fastest way to increase speed and prevent injury!
I'm so excited as OFFSEASON is my FAVORITE season!!!!
Lastly I know a lot of you are trying out for teams or have tried out for teams and are trying to decide where to go... here are the tips from Dave Leffew...
"Here are some thoughts on tryouts!!
Does the team fit your level of play? If the level of play is too low, then you will not improve, but you will be a star. Not a good scenario. If the level is too high, then you might benefit from the practices, but might have to sit on the bench a lot. Pick a team that can challenge you, but you can also pitch on.
Pick a team that has an indoor facility. .
Pick a team with good coaching. Teams with coaches who have contacts with college coaches. Research the coaches.
Beware of "Daddy or Mommy" ball. There are may good parents who are very fair in their coaching but there are some who are not. Be careful.
Know how many pitchers will be on staff. The best situation is to have two number 1's and another pitcher who plays a position and can eat up innings.
CHECK OUT THEIR TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE!!! College coaches follow the good teams and the good teams play in the good tournaments. Pick your team accordingly.
Beware of new teams. they will probably have trouble getting into the good tournaments.
Should you play up an age bracket??? If you dominated in your age bracket this year, then you can consider playing up. If you expect to play high school varsity ball in your freshman year, then you should look to play 16 U. Otherwise, stay with your age group.
Should I play with my high school team as a travel ball team? This can work, but for you very talented pitchers, I would try to get on those elite teams that can land you that college scholarship.
Remember, just as teams are trying to pick out the best players, it is your job to PICK OUT THE BEST TEAM FOR YOU!! I suggest that you try out for at least one team that is an elite team so that you can see what they are like, and at least 3 more.
Can I just stay with my team, I like the coaches and players? Yes, but encourage your team to play in good tournaments if they aren't doing so. There is a lot to be said about getting along with your teammates.
ANOTHER POINT!!!
If you are one of our pitchers who not only pitches on travel ball, but also on Rec Ball, League Ball, High school summer league ball, Little League Ball or whatever ball, BE CAREFUL!! We feel that if you are good enough to be a Number 1 or 2 on your travel ball team, then you SHOULD NOT PLAY on other teams as you run a SERIOUS RISK OF INJURY. We have seen some very good pitchers get ruined at this time of the year when they are trying to keep everyone happy by pitching in a whole lot of games."
"Off season is all about IMPROVING! The beginning months of off season are spent correcting any fundamental issues that may have presented themselves during season. Once those are addressed... its all about SPEED! I have many new training techniques to help everyone reach their goals. We expect our pitchers to increase 4 - 6 miles an hour each off season. Keep in mind, there is a time when the only way to get faster is to improve how efficiently your body works! So if you're at that higher level and not working out and hope to get faster... you better hope you're lucky!
Work outs in addition to your pitching practice is the fastest way to increase speed and prevent injury! I'm so excited as OFFSEASON is my FAVORITE season!!!!
Lastly I know a lot of you are trying out for teams or have tried out for teams and are trying to decide where to go... here are the tips from Dave Leffew...
"Here are some thoughts on tryouts!!
Does the team fit your level of play? If the level of play is too low, then you will not improve, but you will be a star. Not a good scenario. If the level is too high, then you might benefit from the practices, but might have to sit on the bench a lot. Pick a team that can challenge you, but you can also pitch on.
Pick a team that has an indoor facility. .
Pick a team with good coaching. Teams with coaches who have contacts with college coaches. Research the coaches.
Beware of "Daddy or Mommy" ball. There are may good parents who are very fair in their coaching but there are some who are not. Be careful.
Know how many pitchers will be on staff. The best situation is to have two number 1's and another pitcher who plays a position and can eat up innings.
CHECK OUT THEIR TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE!!! College coaches follow the good teams and the good teams play in the good tournaments. Pick your team accordingly.
Beware of new teams. they will probably have trouble getting into the good tournaments.
Should you play up an age bracket??? If you dominated in your age bracket this year, then you can consider playing up. If you expect to play high school varsity ball in your freshman year, then you should look to play 16 U. Otherwise, stay with your age group.
Should I play with my high school team as a travel ball team? This can work, but for you very talented pitchers, I would try to get on those elite teams that can land you that college scholarship.
Remember, just as teams are trying to pick out the best players, it is your job to PICK OUT THE BEST TEAM FOR YOU!! I suggest that you try out for at least one team that is an elite team so that you can see what they are like, and at least 3 more.
Can I just stay with my team, I like the coaches and players? Yes, but encourage your team to play in good tournaments if they aren't doing so. There is a lot to be said about getting along with your teammates.
ANOTHER POINT!!!
If you are one of our pitchers who not only pitches on travel ball, but also on Rec Ball, League Ball, High school summer league ball, Little League Ball or whatever ball, BE CAREFUL!! We feel that if you are good enough to be a Number 1 or 2 on your travel ball team, then you SHOULD NOT PLAY on other teams as you run a SERIOUS RISK OF INJURY. We have seen some very good pitchers get ruined at this time of the year when they are trying to keep everyone happy by pitching in a whole lot of games."
