Dominate the Diamond with Coach Duke Baxter and Coach Steve Nikorak was created to help Educate Coaches, Motivate Players, and provide the tools everyone can use to Dominate the Diamond on and off the field. With 4 decades of baseball experience, Coach Duke’s knowledge is deeply rooted in all aspects of the game. Duke has played baseball both collegiately and professionally where he’s received numerous accolades and awards. Today, he dedicates his career to developing athletes both at Zoned Sports Academy in Bridgewater, NJ, the training facility he founded and through books and videos with Dominate the Diamond®. Coach Steve started playing baseball as a 6-year old growing up in Stroudsburg, PA. ... His love of the game continued in high school and college. Steve attended and played baseball for Temple University before being selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 32nd round in 2012. He spent 4-years in professional baseball and now dedicates his professional career to coaching. Steve has coached thousands of athletes, one of which being his younger brother, Mike Nikorak, 1st round MLB draft pick in 2015 by the Colorado Rockies. Our goal is to help fellow coaches teach the game that we love and keep the kids playing. We want to equip parents and coaches with all the tools necessary to become great coaches and get the absolute most out of their players.
Dominate The Diamond Powered By Stick & Ball TV
In this episode, we break down some popular questions and some topics we think are important to the continual growth of the game! We discuss popular baseball & softball terms as well as keeping players motivated no matter the situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we break down some popular questions and some topics we think are important to the continual growth of the game! We discuss taking coaching like an opportunity instead of a job, turning players into leaders, and what coaches mean to players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we break down some popular questions and some topics we think are important to the continual growth of the game! We discuss taking on the title of coach & communicating the lineup card. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we break down some popular questions and some topics we think are important to the continual growth of the game! We discuss keeping young players focused and coach/player/parent relationships with the umpires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, let's break down some popular questions and some topics we think are important to the continual growth of the game! We discuss the Pre-Game Routine & we address a question from a young player about BP vs. In-Game Hitting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, let's break down some popular questions and some topics we think are important to the continual growth of the game! Big Field v Small Field, Keep Kids Playing The Game, Transitioning From 12u-13u. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we discuss...What is a "Top Step" player? And, the mindset of "Do it for the team and not for the applause". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week Duke and Steve talk about what to expect the highlights from Cooperstown. Steve lays out the Perfect Tryout and how to execute it. And lastly how to handle those sometimes uncomfortable end-of-the-season conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we answer some great questions from our viewers like "When and how do you ask an umpire for help?". "How do you manage your pitches for a 3 or 4-day tourney with limited pitch count?". "What tips or drills should I use to get my players into the correct throeing position?". Thank you for joining us today! We will continue dive deep into topics like: taking on the title of coach, player development, communicating with players and parents, running efficient practices, in-game management, keeping your players engaged, having fun and keeping them playing the game! We will see you next week – Go out and Dominate the Diamond! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Live Q&A with Coach Duke & Coach Steve. Thank you for joining us today! We will continue to dive deep into topics like taking on the title of coach, player development, communicating with players and parents, running efficient practices, in-game management, keeping your players engaged, having fun, and keeping them playing the game! We will see you next week – Go out and Dominate the Diamond! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dominate The Diamond Episode #5 Overcoming a Slump. Responsibilities during games. Live Q&A Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do we teach players how to handle adversity? In a game of failure, how do we teach our players to stay positive? Focus on the 7 vs. focus on the 3. “Flush it”. Body language, attitude, picking one another up. Focusing on QAB vs. Batting Average. What causes a slump? 2 Strike Mentality: Approach in 0 strike counts, 1 strike counts, 2 strike counts. Defensive Approach vs. Tough & Competitive. What are the player's fears?. Ask questions & get in their head. Extend it 1 pitch at a time!! Developmental vs. Win at All Cost Mentality? Depends on the age, skill level, and talent level of the team. What are the goals & expectations of the coaching staff? Tournament schedule / league games / rec games. Batting the whole lineup? How many players on the roster? Goals for the players? (Make the Middle School team, Make the HS Team, Play in College, Play professional) Handling parents with unreasonable expectations. Thank you for joining us today! We will continue to dive deep into topics like taking on the title of coach, player development, communicating with players and parents, running efficient practices, in-game management, keeping your players engaged, having fun, and keeping them playing the game! We will see you next week – Go out and Dominate the Diamond! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What creates a Positive Team Culture? How to teach our players what it means to be a good teammate. Team before me, How to pick my teammates up, How to cheer one another on. Expectations for work ethic (sprint on and off the field, maintain eye contact, respect teammates, opponents, coaching staff, umpires, fans). We must teach our players to battle through adversity & be mentally tough. How to incorporate Pitching into team practices? Creating pitching stations-Doing flat ground work at the end of throwing programs-PFP fielding work-1 on 1 bullpens with coach on the side-Simulated games –controlled scrimmages How should coaches handle parent issues? Expectations need to be outlined before the season starts-Coaches –Coach / Parents –Cheer -The age will dictate how involved they should be. Food / Drinks during the game. Carrying equipment. Communicating During Games-Some Rules that need to be followed. Stay out of the dugout. No yelling instructions or mechanics from the stands. No arguing with umpires or other coaches. Thank you for joining us today! We will continue to dive deep into topics like taking on the title of coach, player development, communicating with players and parents, running efficient practices, in-game management, keeping your players engaged, having fun, and keeping them playing the game! We will see you next week. Go out and Dominate the Diamond! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Running the Perfect Practice: Being Prepared! Creating Practice Plans. Structure - Utilizing Assistant Coaches & Volunteer Parents. Using the Whole Field. Create Stations & Keep the Kids Moving. Have Competitions & Keep it Fun! Expectations of Playing Time: Depends on the Age of the Team. Travel Ball vs. Rec Team. Pool Play vs. Playoffs. We try to bat 12 if possible. Allows for free defensive changes and gets everyone in. Discuss with the players/parents before the season starts, No Surprises! Our goal has always been development but we also owe it to the players to try to win ball games. As they get older, real baseball is 9 players in the line-up so at a certain point (13-14U) it's good to start introducing 9 or 10 batters in a lineup. Communication & Assuming Your Players Know Nothing: Players Learn 3 Ways. Seeing - need to see video or example of skill. Hearing – can learn by hearing the coach explain it. Feeling – need to be put in a position to feel the skill. Don't just assume they understand what you're talking about. We need to be able to teach the same skill/drill in multiple ways & dummy it down to their ability level. Discuss Phrases we shouldn't assume they know:-“Split the Plate”-“Pitch w/ the Lead”-“Be on Time”-“No Doubles!” Thank you for joining us today! We will continue dive deep into topics like: taking on the title of coach, player development, communicating with players and parents, running efficient practices, in-game management, keeping your players engaged, having fun and keeping them playing the game! We will see you next week – Go out and Dominate the Diamond! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Dreaded Car Ride Home: How to communicate with your players after a bad game? What to talk about? Criticize performance or not? Kids shouldn't be nervous for the car ride home. When Should Coaches Start Focusing on 1 position for their players? - Depends on the Age of the player. PO vs. Position Player. Playing multiple positions keeps kids athletic. Helps them to understand the game as a whole, instead of specializing. As they get older – players are more valuable if they're able to bounce around the field and play multiple positions. What do you do when there are no cages? How to Get Creative? - Use Props! Smush Balls, Wiffle Balls, Heavy Balls, Mini Golf Balls, Catch it Deep Stations, Frisbee Station, Timing Stations We will continue dive deep into topics like: taking on the title of coach, player development, communicating with players and parents, running efficient practices, in-game management, keeping your players engaged, having fun and keeping them playing the game! To see more from Coach Duke & Coach Steve visit their channel at https://watch.stickandball.tv/page/5ea9b675a0e845001adabade full of coaching and player development videos! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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