Listed are the 5 Tools required from a baseball player to be successful in the game of baseball. Varying in importance by position, these tools are critical components of an individual players make-up. 1. RUNNING SPEED. Speed is the most innate (genetically predisposed) of the 5 Tools. It is possible to enhance a ballplayers speed, but substantial gains are dependent upon the athlete himself. Players with speed are counted on to make things happen and are catalysts both offensively and defensively in the game of baseball. Scouts look at speed, and know that if a player has it he is well on the way to becoming a 5 Tool player. 2. ARM STRENGTH. Arm strength is often rated as the least important of the 5 Tools, but arm strength can be a lethal weapon in any defensive position. Along with arm strength, muscle endurance is an often overlooked area for baseball players. Pitchers realize the importance of muscle endurance - being able to throw hundreds of pitches weekly - but what about the shortstop who needs to make plays day in and day out, or the outfielder looking to gun down a baserunner at the plate? Arm strength AND endurance are two critical areas. 3. HITTING FOR AVERAGE. Let’s face it, to score runs you need baserunners. Good hitters hit for average first and power second. Hitting for average requires the ability to hit to all fields and assess defensive situations - knowing when to hit to the right side, when to bunt, or being able to make contact when the hit and run is on. Hitting for average requires good decision-making ability and good pitch selection at the plate, foundational skills that are highly emphasized. 4. HITTING FOR POWER. The most obvious benefit of this Tool is that extra base hits increase a teams chances of scoring. Power hitters also add an intimidation factor. Power hitters have recently emerged because athletes recognize the importance of strength and conditioning programs, and the fact that power hitters generally demand the best contracts. Home runs and doubles off the wall are a fan, and scout, favorite. 5. FIELDING. Scouts will often say a player has good hands. In reality, good hands - or good fielding position - are the result of a number of factors working together that make difficult plays look simple. Middle infielders, catchers, and outfielders must have the defensive skills required to take away base hits, know how to read a hitter, and know how to react and position themselves for the best chance for success. 360BaseballClub
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 17:17:49 +0000
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