I’m not really sure where the term “On Deck” originated, but if I were to venture an educated guess I’d say it came from the Navy’s call to “All on Deck”, when sailors scramble to their battle stations and await combat.

That is exactly what a batter on deck is doing, preparing to do battle with the pitcher…. Which is a little melodramatic, but it sounds cool.

In reality as a player, while the game is going on you have responsibilities whether you’re on the bench or getting a drink of water and the “On Deck” position is no different than taking your fielding position, you have responsibilities.

Your responsibility begins the moment you take your position in the on deck batting circle, you’re preparing to hit. You should immediately begin to prepare your bat, which may include wiping the bat down with a rag, placing a weight (donut or sleeve) on it and swinging it. Should there be no weight available, swing two bats, which will make your bat feel lighter than it actually is, which will help increase your bat speed through the hitting zone.

While performing your swinging exercise you must visualize yourself hitting the baseball. Mentally see yourself initiating the starting mechanism, performing a fluid strong swing, contact with the ball and your follow through.
In case you’re wondering it’s been scientifically proven that visualization of an action increases the chances of actual re-enactment. Think it …do it.

Focus on the pitcher as he throws to the current batter. Pick up any telltale signs? Is he throwing a lot of fastballs, or having trouble getting his curve ball in for a strike? These are key indicators of what you may face when you step into the batter’s box. You’re looking for any scrap of information which may help you as you hit, and noticing he always throws a first pitch fastball gives you the advantage of looking for it.

Now let’s exam some of your other duties.

1. When the batter hits the ball and after locating where the ball is, check to see where the batter dropped his bat. He’s done with it so if possible, grab it and quickly remove it from the field as it could pose a safety hazard. There doesn’t have to be a play at the plate for someone to turn and trip over it.

2. If there are runners on base and the ball is hit to the outfield, after dropping your bat, quickly position yourself well behind the plate and out of being called for a possible inference, but in line with third base. From that position you can see where the ball is and should a runner be attempting to score you will act as a coach, signaling the runner to slide or stand up. This could mean the difference between the runner being out or safe because runner doesn’t lose any momentum by turning his head to locate the ball. He’s looking straight ahead at you for directions.

Don’t be afraid to Exaggerate your signals. If there’s no play at the plate, distinctly raise your arms waving your hands in an upward motion, letting the runner know to not slide. (Normally players are not hurt by sliding, but why take the risk if it’s not necessary?

Should there be a play at the plate do whatever it takes to let the runner know what to do. Drop to your knees and wave inside if the throw is up the third base line, letting the runner know to slide in on the infield side of the plate.

If the throw is slightly up the first base line, wave him to the foul side of the plate. While performing these coaching tasks make sure you don’t interfere with the play. There should be a pitcher backing up the play, don’t interfere with him.

That’s a quick overview of your responsibilities while being on deck. Are you beginning to recognize there is something going on and some responsibility being fulfilled every minute of the game no matter where you’re at or what you’re doing?

Author Bio: Jim was a social activist, writer and researcher for the UAW while working as a plumber/pipe fitter for Chrysler Corp. Jim (Coach) Bain is a former Minor League Baseball Player and successful Coach of Youth Baseball for over a decade and a half. He has drawn from fellow successful coaches’ experiences and combined them with his own extensive experience to create a Baseball Teaching Website. The site is packed with 100s of tips, drills, history and instruction on how to play and coach the game of baseball. http://www.Learn-Youth-Baseball-Coaching.com

Category: Sports
Keywords: Baseball, Hitting, Baseball hitting Tips, Hitting Drills, catching, outfield, infield, sun blindness