Layla Bartlett

Layla,

Your performance at the Red River Rage ProFile Combine showcased some promising aspects of your infield play, but also highlighted areas where focused practice can lead to significant improvements. When fielding grounders to your backhand side, it was observed that you tended to stab at the ball rather than moving your feet to get in proper position. This approach can lead to inconsistent fielding and reduced control over the play. To address this, it's crucial to work on your lateral movement and body positioning when approaching ground balls.

To improve your fielding technique, focus on staying low and maintaining a wide base as you move towards the ball. Practice drills that emphasize getting your body behind the ball, even on backhand plays. This will allow you to field the ball more smoothly and transition into your throw more efficiently. Additionally, work on your footwork to ensure you're in the best possible position to field each grounder, reducing the need for last-second adjustments or reaching for the ball.

Your throwing velocity of 47 mph to first base is a solid foundation to build upon. As you continue to refine your fielding mechanics and body control, you'll likely see improvements in your throwing accuracy and potentially your velocity as well. Remember, smooth fielding and a quick, accurate transfer are often more important than raw throwing speed. Keep working on your overall infield skills, and don't hesitate to ask your coaches for specific drills to address these areas. With dedicated practice and attention to these details, you have the potential to become a more reliable and effective infielder.

Outfield - Glove to Release:

Layla, your outfield play shows promise, but there's room for improvement in your glove-to-release technique. The key area we've identified for enhancement is your follow-through. A proper follow-through is crucial for accuracy, distance, and overall throwing efficiency from the outfield.

To improve your follow-through, focus on extending your throwing arm fully after release. This extension should feel natural and fluid, not forced. Practice visualizing your hand reaching towards your target even after the ball has left your hand. This will help ensure that you're not cutting your throw short, which can lead to decreased velocity and accuracy.

Incorporate follow-through drills into your practice routine. Start with short tosses, emphasizing the complete arm motion. Gradually increase the distance as you become more comfortable. Remember, a good follow-through not only improves your current throws but also helps prevent arm injuries in the long run. With dedicated practice on this aspect of your outfield play, you'll likely see improvements in both the power and precision of your throws, making you a more formidable defensive player.

Layla,

Your swing shows promise, but there are areas where we can make significant improvements to enhance your hitting performance. Currently, your swing path is choppy and tends to move downward towards the ball. While this approach can sometimes result in contact, it limits your ability to drive the ball with power and consistency. To address this, we need to focus on creating a smoother, more level swing path that allows you to extend through the hitting zone.

One key aspect we'll work on is developing a swing that stays behind the ball and extends through it. This approach will help you generate more backspin on the ball, which is crucial for achieving better distance and lift on your hits. By staying behind the ball longer, you'll be able to maintain a strong hitting position and drive through the ball with more force. We'll practice drills that emphasize keeping your hands back and using your lower body to initiate the swing, allowing for a more fluid and powerful motion.

To improve your extension through the zone, we'll focus on exercises that promote a full follow-through. This will help you make contact with the ball in front of the plate and continue your swing path beyond the point of contact. By doing so, you'll increase your chances of squaring up the ball and driving it with authority. Remember, the goal is to create a smooth, continuous motion from the start of your swing through to the finish. With dedicated practice and attention to these details, you'll see significant improvements in your ability to hit for both average and power.