US Sports Track & Field. 3 Must-Try Offseason Shot Put Drills and USA earns two of three podium spots in men’s shot put at WIC

 

 Spring and Summer Sports Are Underway! Now Streaming On US Sports Radio!

• By William Markey

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As coaches, we know the offseason is a crucial time for shot put athletes to refine their technique, build strength, and stay sharp for the upcoming season. These three indoor drills, demonstrated by Coaches Scott Barrett, Phil Olson, and Justin St. Clair, help maintain form and improve key mechanics. 

These drills target posture, balance, and synchronization between the lower and upper body, emphasizing proper chest positioning, reducing shoulder movement, and using the lower body for acceleration. They help train important factors such as keeping the chest up, avoiding unnecessary shoulder movement, and using the lower body to generate acceleration throughout the throw.

Shot put requires a precise blend of strength, technique, and timing, and structured drills ensure athletes develop proper form to maximize distance and reduce injury risk. These drills cater to varying skill levels. Target physical attributes like explosive power and balance enhance performance, while consistent practice allows coaches to track progress and adjust training. Engaging, adaptable drills, can help athletes remain committed and prepared for the season ahead.

US Sports Track & Field Feat. USA earns two of three podium spots in men’s shot put at WIC

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CRACK THE WHIP

This drill “Crack the Whip” is taught by Coach Scott Bennett, from his “Discus Drills” video series. 

It primarily focuses on synchronizing the hip and sweep movement to generate acceleration in the throw. 

It is a great way to help athletes practice controlling unnecessary movements, it emphasizes creating the correct shin angle, pushing off the foot, and turning the hips together with the sweep while avoiding unnecessary shoulder and arm rotation, as well as foot turning, which could disrupt the shot put technique. 

Coach Scott Bennett brings over 40 years of experience coaching athletes from high school to the Olympics. He has developed 5 Olympians in the field events, including a gold medalist. Notably, Coach Bennett has worked with Aretha Thurmond, a 4-time Olympian and 4-time national discus champion, and Andy Bloom, a 4th place finisher in the shot put at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Bloom is one of the most accomplished shot/discus ‘doublers’ in history, with personal bests of 71'7" in the shot put and 224'7" in the discus. He also won NCAA titles in both events.

STICK DRILL

This “Stick Drill” comes from Coach Philip Olson from his course, “Discus and Shot Put Training for the Young Thrower Thrower”.

It focuses on refining the finishing position by ensuring the chest remains up and the body extends fully overhead, promoting proper alignment and balance. 

This drill emphasizes maintaining a tall, controlled finish to avoid leaning forward and to reinforce the correct posture during the delivery.

Coach Philip Olson is the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Stephen F. Austin University, where he has led the men’s and women’s programs since 2000. Under his leadership, the Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks have won 34 conference championships, with the Ladyjacks holding the most women’s titles in Southland history. Olson has earned 17 Southland Conference Coach of the Year honors, coached 30 SLC champions in throwing events, and produced 7 Academic All-Americans.

TOWEL DRILL

Finally, the “Towel Drill” comes from Coach Justin St. Clair’s course, “Throwing the Discus: Start to Finish”.

This drill emphasizes the importance of using the lower body to generate movement, focusing on balance and posture. 

The focus remains on maintaining a strong foundation with the lower body to avoid relying too heavily on the upper body. 

Coach Justin St. Clair was named associate head coach and throws coach at Nebraska in 2021 after a decade of success at North Dakota State. St. Clair was voted USTFCCCA Midwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year nine times and coached Payton Otterdahl to the 2021 Olympic Games and NCAA titles in shot put and weight throw. He guided five throwers to All-America honors in 2021 and led NDSU to national dominance, producing 30 NCAA All-Americans in throwing events. St. Clair’s athletes have broken numerous records and earned top finishes at national and international competitions.

US Sports Tennis. Three Keys For Correcting Tennis Serving Mechanics and Novak Djokovic Takes On Sebastian Korda In Miami Quarter-Finals 🤝

 

March Madness Updates and More. Now Streaming on US Sports Radio

 

 

By Grant Young

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For those who have been playing tennis for a long time, improving your tennis serve can be a tricky task. 

For one, the serve is an intricate motion that requires the seamless synchronization of multiple body parts, including the legs, core, and arms. Even the slightest flaw in this coordinated effort can lead to ineffective serves, making it essential to address several components simultaneously. This complexity can overwhelm players, especially if they struggle to pinpoint the specific mechanical issues affecting their performance. 

Muscle memory further complicates the correction process. Players often develop deep-rooted habits over time, which, although familiar, may hinder their effectiveness. Breaking these established patterns demands time, patience, and relentless repetition, as the body must essentially retrain itself. This can lead to frustration, as progress may feel slow or inconsistent, causing players to doubt their ability to improve. 

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While feedback from coaches and seasoned players is invaluable for identifying necessary adjustments, integrating this guidance into practice takes time and effort. Psychological barriers, such as lack of confidence and anxiety, can also impede a player’s focus on mechanical changes during competitive play. When a player's mind is preoccupied with worry about their serve, it limits their willingness to experiment and embrace new techniques. 

Athletes must appreciate that incremental improvement is an integral part of the development journey and, with commitment and perseverance, they can unlock their full serving potential. However, this potential can be reached much sooner with an open mind and the knowledge of which tips and drills will be most effective when trying to fix any mechanical flaws with the serve.

This is why we’ve pulled three key serving lessons from the clinics of three proven tennis coaches that will help put you on the right path to fixing any mechanical serving flaws you may have accrued during your career. 

Jeremy Malfait - The Contact Point

Jeremy Malfait has an Elite Certification with the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). He has spent the last 13 years studying stroke technique, while looking at the smallest of details, and has experience coaching high school tennis and teaching high-performance players. 

For 3 of the 4 years when he played high school team tennis, Coach Malfait was undefeated without dropping a set. As a top junior in the United States, he played in nationals and was victorious against several players who are now on the pro tour. 

In his ‘Serve Fundamentals’ clinic, Coach Malfait discusses why nailing the contact point during a serve is crucial. 

He explains that the key to nailing the contact point is loading and unloading properly. If these two aspects of the serve are synchronized, along with making sure the upper body and lower body are in sync, the server will be in a much better position.

He also notes that focusing on the contact point isn’t something a player should be worrying about when actually executing the serve (unless they want to use the contact point as a reference.) 

When it comes to ensuring synchronization before the contact point, the timing of the racket drop and the legs coming up need to occur at the same time. According to Coach Malfait, this is one of the biggest keys to ensuring the correct timing on a serve. 

Gilad Bloom - Practice Tips for Improving Serves

Gilad Bloom played on the ATP Tour from 1983 to 1995. Having competed in the Davis Cup on Israel's behalf for 11 years and represented his home country in the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games, Gilad reached his highest ranking as a pro at No. 60 in 1990.

In his ‘Master Your Serve in Tennis’ clinic, Coach Bloom discusses some of his key practice tips when trying to improve the serve. 

One is that the focus should be on two things: keeping your repetition down and putting more quality on your serve. Quantity over quantity, in other words. This is because if a player is just trying to hit as many serves as possible, their focus and attention to detail will dwindle, which will lead to bad habits getting formed. 

Therefore, a coach should ensure that with each practice serve, the player knows the spin and direction they want the serve to go. The best way to do this is by setting up tape or cones on the court, giving a visual representation of where the shots would go. 

Cosmin Miholca - How to Correct the Racket Back Drop

Cosmin Miholca is a certified tennis coach who has been playing tennis for over 30 years and teaching it for more than 20 years, both in Southern California and more recently in Europe.

Coach Miholca has developed many online tennis courses to share his knowledge with anyone who wants to enjoy tennis, regardless of whether they're a coach or player, or whether they want to play recreationally or competitively.

In his free ‘How to Correct the Racket Back Drop’ clinic, Coach Mihlca provides details on doing exactly that. The racket back drop is a common mechanical flow where an athlete will open up their racket face too early before serving. 

To address this, Coach Miholca suggests a drill where the athlete is standing with their back against a wall. From there, they will get into the trophy pose. And if their mechanics are correct, the racket won’t be touching the wall or fence during the entirety of their backswing. 

US Sports Lacrosse: Power Yoga for Sports FULL Lacrosse Training Kit and NLL Highlights: Colorado Mammoth vs Ottawa Black Bears

 The Coolest Sports, Talk, Music, and Fun! Now Streaming on US Sports Radio

by Gwen Lawrence

Whether you are a Coach, Trainer, Professional Athlete, Student Athlete, or Parent that wants to give their kid the extra edge.

This kit is a no-brainer easily a $1,500.00 value, Gwen’s services and advice is sought after from the world’s highest-level elite athletes.

Ask yourself what is the cost of:

1. Lost playing time
2. Fear of losing your place on the team
3. Cost of physical therapy
4. Mental and monetary cost of surgery
5. Mental drain of not playing

Isn’t it clear that investing $9.50 now to offset these worries is PRICELESS

This kit will give you all the tools you need

• From yoga poses relevant to the game and position
• To nutrition tips,
• Hydration advice
• 17 exclusive videos not sold anywhere else,
• 83+ page Power Yoga for Sports Lacrosse manual,
• How to evaluate your problem and imbalanced areas (9pages),
• Power Yoga for Sports Pose book 1 & 2, learn the how and why of yoga poses for your game
• All About Joints 80 page lesson,
• Mindfulness worksheets (14 pages), face it if you are not training the mental game you are putting yourself at a disadvantage to win.
• Athlete evaluation video,
• Goal setting book,
• 2 hours of LIVE taped workshops "how to spot imbalances before they become injuries",
• Dominant eye video and why it is important to know,
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Don’t wait…take your health and success into your own hands in your own home, just like Pro Lacrosse players did with Gwen Lawrence and many other Professional athletes do, now you can too! Learn more. Click here

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Check out other opportunities too like a personal online evaluation by Gwen herself, The Way of the Mindful Athlete online Course the same course Gwen wrote and taught to the entire NY Giants staff and team and now uses with the NY Knicks under the Zen master himself Coach Phil Jackson.  Gwen was named “The Best Innovation in Sports Medicine” by ESPN Magazine…now is your time to work with her and WIN!

 

Gwen Lawrence – The Game-Changer in Athletic Performance

Gwen Lawrence, ECYT500, is a world-renowned sports performance yoga coach revolutionizing the way athletes train, recover, and compete. With over 30 years of experience, she has worked with 3,000+ elite athletes across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS, as well as top college programs like Columbia, Yale, and UNC.

As the creator of Power Yoga for Sports, Gwen has helped legendary teams—including the NY Giants, NY Knicks, NY Mets, NY Rangers, NYC FC, and Red Bulls—enhance mobility, strength, focus, and injury prevention. Her 6 Power Yoga for Sports philosophies are designed to give athletes an unmatched competitive edge, ensuring peak performance, faster recovery, and career longevity.

Why Coaches, PE Teachers & Athletes Trust Gwen Lawrence

 Injury Prevention & Recovery: Proven techniques to keep athletes strong, flexible, and resilient
 Performance Optimization: Increases range of motion, agility, and power for all sports
 Mental Toughness & Focus: Teaches athletes how to stay calm, confident, and sharp under pressure
 Custom Training Programs: Tailored for teams, schools, and individual athletes at all levels

Recognized by ESPN Magazine as "The Best Innovation in Sports Medicine," Gwen has been a trusted advisor on NBC’s TODAY SHOW, Good Day NY, Dr. Oz, and ESPN, and has been featured in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Shape, and Yoga Journal.

As the founder of a Yoga Alliance-registered training school, Gwen offers 200-hour and 300-hour yoga certifications, as well as an internationally recognized Power Yoga for Sports Teacher Training—available online in 19 countries. This program equips coaches, PE teachers, and trainers with game-changing tools to integrate into their athletic programs.

Train Smarter. Prevent Injuries. Perform at Your Best.

Get the full course here

 Watch & Train: YouTube: Gwen Lawrence Yoga
 Follow for More: Twitter & Instagram @gwenlawrence | Facebook: Gwen Lawrence Yoga

 

US Sports Basketball: Kentucky Coach Mark Pope’s Five Guard Rules For Offense and Colorado State vs Maryland 😱 INSANE ENDING 🔥 2025 NCAA March Madness

 From Buzzer Beaters To Round Trippers We've Got It. Now Streaming On US Sports Radio!

By Grant Young

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In his inaugural season as head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, Mark Pope has engineered a breathtaking offensive transformation that has reinvigorated one of college basketball's most storied programs. The 2025 NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen appearance serves as a powerful testament to Pope's innovative approach to basketball strategies on offense.

Pope, who arrived from BYU with a reputation for dynamic offensive systems, immediately reimagined Kentucky's traditional basketball philosophy. Where previous iterations of Wildcats teams relied heavily on individual talent and defensive intensity, Pope implemented a free-flowing, analytics-driven offensive scheme that empowers players and maximizes scoring potential.

The statistical evidence of this transformation is compelling. Kentucky has dramatically increased its three-point shooting volume and efficiency, spreading the floor with multiple shooting threats and creating unprecedented spacing. The team's offensive rating skyrocketed, ranking among the top ten in NCAA Division I, a remarkable achievement for a first-year coach inheriting a program with massive expectations.

US Sports Basketball Feat. Colorado State vs Maryland 😱 INSANE ENDING 🔥 2025 NCAA March Madness

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Pope's system emphasizes ball movement, player motion, and strategic spacing—principles that stand in stark contrast to Kentucky's more rigid offensive approaches of recent years. He has encouraged his players to play with greater freedom, allowing their basketball instincts to flourish while maintaining disciplined offensive structures.

The Sweet Sixteen run validated Pope's offensive philosophy. Kentucky dismantled opponents with a blend of perimeter shooting, smart cutting, and intelligent ball-screen actions that left defensive coordinators scrambling to adapt. Players who might have been marginalized in previous systems found new roles and confidence under Pope's guidance.

Perhaps most impressively, Pope accomplished this transformation without a complete roster overhaul. By teaching existing players new skills and reimagining their potential, he demonstrated a coaching acumen that extends far beyond traditional X's and O's.

As Kentucky continues its tournament journey, one thing becomes crystal clear: Mark Pope hasn't just changed an offense—he's revolutionized a basketball culture.

Before coming to Kentucky, Coach Pope was the head coach of the BYU men’s basketball program. While there, he conducted a ‘TABC: Mark Pope - Offense the BYU Way’ clinic that details several crucial aspects of what he has done to develop offenses wherever he has coached. We have pulled several of his prevailing tips to share with you. 

Guard Rules

At one point in his clinic, Coach Pope discusses some of the essential rules he has for guards on his teams: 

1. Pace, Space and Extra Pass 

All three of these things are pretty self-explanatory, as he wants all of his players who could potentially be handling the ball to look to push in transition at every opportunity, create and reinforce spacing when the team is in a half court offense, and look to make the extra pass to get an even better shot than the one that’s available. 

2. Deep Corner

Coach Pope believes in occupying the deep corner for guards, and not just for within the dribble handoff and the pistol offense. For every offensive set, especially when it comes to anything that involves penetration into the paint, he believes that having somebody in the deep corner is crucial.

3. DHO Below FT Line, Dribble at Defender, Jump Stop

Coach Pope’s third guard rule centers around always executing the dribble handoff below the free throw line, as that’s what will open up the most offensive opportunities. 

Off of that, he asserts that a ball handler should always be dribbling at the defender if they’re going downhill in order to force them into making a defensive decision. The last aspect of this rule is coming to a jump stop to keep control and not play too recklessly.

4. Turn Ball if Stalled

Not only does Coach Pope say that the ball should get turned if a guard’s isolation attack comes to a stall, but that should always be the first point of emphasis when the half court offense gets stalled, as well. 

In addition, the guard should dribble hard at the corner in this situation, because everybody in the offense knows where to go when the player does this. 

5. Driving Line

According to Coach Pope, a player should always be looking to maintain their driving line, because that’s going to open up scoring opportunities for teammates because of how it forces defending players to squeeze inward to stop the drive. 

Put Away Personal Agendas

This is equally important as everything on this list, or maybe more important, for an effective offense: Finding ways to convince your guys to put away their personal agendas,” - Coach Pope

Coach Pope notes that while all players are going to be bought into being team players at times, the differentiating component is that it has to be every day because that’s the only way selflessness on offense can become a core part of a team’s culture that translates from one season to the next. 

And it’s on the coaching staff to keep themselves and the players accountable to re-affirming this on a daily basis and checking players whenever personal agendas start to become apparent. 

Coach Pope also conveys that he always wants to have the best locker room in America. While there’s no formal award for this nor any way to turn it into a statistic, a coach knows deep down whether their team has a good locker room, in terms of chemistry and camaraderie. And this is an extension of players committing to being selfless on the offensive end of the floor.

US Sports Football: Game Changer RPO Football : Wing-T Offense and 10 Minutes of Geno Smith Highlights

 

We make sense of March Madness. Now Streaming On US Sports Radio

 

Game Changer RPO Football : Wing-T Offense

• By Andrew Dohre

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In the evolving game of football, offensive strategies are continuously changing to stay one step ahead of defensive schemes. One such evolution is the incorporation of the Run-Pass Option (RPO)on (RPO) into the traditional Wing-T offense offense. The Wing-T has long been the standard of high school and college football, known for its out of the box formations and deceptive running plays. But as defenses adapt, coaches are looking for innovative ways to take advantage of their offensive strengths. Enter the RPO—a game-changing concept that is giving Wing-T teams new life.

The Starting Point: Moving Out of the Traditional Under Center Formation

Before diving into the specific RPO Offense concepts, it’s important to establish one key point: to successfully run an RPO in the Wing-T offense, you need to make the shift from under center to the shotgun formation. Why? The change in positioning immediately creates a better perspective for both the quarterback and the offense as a whole to execute successfully.

When a Wing-T team lines up under center, it typically sees eight or more defenders in the box. This formation can often lead to unfavorable run situations, as there are simply more defenders in the area where the offense plans to run the ball. By transitioning to the shotgun formation and spreading out a receiver or two, the offense can gain a better count of defenders in the box, giving them a better opportunity to exploit mismatches in both the run and pass game.

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This was something Nick Gerhts Gerhts, the head coach of Canyon View High School in Arizona, immediately recognized as a significant benefit. In his view, the move to the shotgun offers a clearer look at the defense, creating more opportunities for both the passing and running game. As Coach Gerhts explains in his video breakdowns, the key is not just the shotgun formation itself, but the variety of RPO concepts  that can be run once you’re in that setup.

Three Key RPOs for the Wing-T Offense

Once the offense is set up in the shotgun formation, the possibilities for incorporating RPOs to your playbook are infinite. Let’s take a look at three specific RPO concepts that can be run within a Wing-T scheme, each one simple to execute yet capable of creating explosive plays.

1. The "Chevy" RPO: A Simple, Effective Hitch Route

Coach Gerhts is a firm believer in keeping things simple, and one of his favorite RPO concepts is the "Chevy". This RPO play combines a Belly running play with a quick passing option: the hitch route. The idea is to have the quarterback read the defense and make a quick decision.

Execution: The offense runs a Belly play to the right. The quarterback has 3 receivers running short hitches—one to each side of the field. If the quarterback notices an open window with one of the receivers, he throws a quick hitch route. If no one is open, or if the secondary is playing well against the pass, the quarterback hands the ball off to the running back on the Belly play.

Why It Works: The simplicity of the hitch route makes it an easy and consistent throw for the quarterback. Since it is a quick pass, it does not require elite arm strength, making it accessible to almost any quarterback. Note, for this RPO play, quarterbacks should be aware of throwing the ball too much inside on the hitch route, as it increases the chance of being picked off. By pairing the hitch route with the Belly run, this RPO effectively keeps the defense honest and forces them to respect both the run and the pass, keeping the defense off balance.

2. The "Buck Out" RPO: Using the Speed Out to Stretch the Defense

The next RPO concept to consider adding to your playbook is the "Buck Out" RPOOut" RPO, which pairs the Buck Sweep with a speed out route for the receiver. The speed out is a quick, boundary-oriented route that is incredibly effective against soft cornerbacks or defenses that are overplaying the inside running game. Coach Danny Norris explains:

Execution: In this RPO, the offense runs a Buck Sweep, a traditional Wing-T running play designed to stretch the defense horizontally. The quarterback has the option to throw a quick speed out to the receiver lined up on the boundary. This route gets the receiver away from the outside linebacker and provides a quick pass option for the quarterback if the defense is giving up space on the edge. 

Why It Works: The Buck Sweep Sweep is a well-established play in the Wing-T offense, and the addition of the speed out route puts even more pressure on the defense. The defense now has to cover both the outside and inside of the field, stretching their coverage and creating more opportunities for big plays. Because the receiver and running bak are moving in opposite directions, this exposes the defense and allows the quarterback to make an easy read. Plus, just like the Chevy RPO, the speed out requires minimal arm strength, making it a viable option for almost any quarterback.

3. The "Trap Pop" RPO: Exploiting the Guard Pull with a Short Throw

The third RPO concept is the "Trap Pop"rap Pop", which leverages the well-known Trap running play and adds an effective short passing option. The Trap is a highly successful run play, but without an RPO tag, it can sometimes attract too many defenders to the line of scrimmage, particularly linebackers who are disciplined in reading their keys. The Trap Pop RPO fixes that by introducing a quick pass to exploit the resulting defensive movement. Coach Mike Morrisey of Moline HS explains the “Trap Pop” RPO play here:

Execution: The offense runs a Trap play, where the guard pulls and leads the running back through a hole in the defense. The linebackers, reading the run, flow toward the trap action. As they do, the quarterback has the option to throw a short pass, known as the Pop pass, to a receiver or tight end who is likely to be open due to the defensive shift created by the guard pull. The pass is short, making it easy for the quarterback to execute, but it can open up a huge seam in the defense, allowing your big tight end or receiver to make a play in open space.

Why It Works: The Trap play is a strong running scheme, but it often draws extra defenders into the box. By pairing it with a quick Pop pass, the offense can take advantage of this extra pressure and find a vulnerable area in the defense. The beauty of this RPO is that the pass is short and simple, yet it can lead to big plays when executed well due to how it spreads the defense.

The Beauty of RPOs in the Wing-T Offense

What makes these RPO concepts so valuable in the Wing-T offense is that they do not require elite arm talent to be effective. The passes in all three RPOs—Chevy, Buck Out, and Trap Pop—are short and simple, but they create huge advantages for the offense. The key to success is the ability to read the defense quickly and make a fast decision, something that any quarterback can do with some training and practice.

These RPOs give the Wing-T offense a modern twist, allowing coaches and players to continue using the traditional running schemes they know while adding an additional layer of complexity to confuse the defense. The end result is an offense that is difficult to defend, forces the defense to respect both the run and pass, and keeps defenses on their toes throughout the game.

Conclusion: Always Be Growing

Incorporating RPOs into the Wing-T offense is a simple yet powerful way to stay ahead of the defense. As coaches like Nick Gerhts, Danny Norris, and Mike Morrisey have demonstrated, adding just a few RPO concepts to your playbook can have a massive impact on your ability to stretch the defense and make big plays. Whether you’re running a simple hitch route, a speed out, or an explosive Trap Pop, RPO plays provide a way to keep the defense guessing and create a more dynamic offense in this ever changing era of offensive football.

US Sports Baseball: Keys For Scoring More With Runners on First and Third Base and Dodgers vs. Cubs Tokyo Series Game Highlights

 

When they swing for the fences it's now streaming on US Sports Radio!

 

Keys For Scoring More With Runners on First and Third Base

• By Grant Young

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Few baseball game situations can have more of an impact on winning than how an offense executes with runners on first and third base. 

One reason why is that having a runner on third base with less than two outs places immense pressure on the opposing defense. Teams are forced to make quick decisions on plays, which can lead to errors or miscommunications. This scenario also garners attention from the pitcher, who becomes more focused on the baserunners rather than executing pitches effectively, often leading to mistakes. 

Not to mention that scoring with runners on the corners can open up strategic options for coaching staff. By successfully scoring, teams can have more flexibility with their lineup choices, using speedsters as pinch runners or aggressive base running tactics. It also frees them from worrying about maintaining a close game and allows for more risk-taking, which can lead to even more runs. 

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A team that can consistently bring in runs from first and third base has a better chance of winning close games. This ability can translate to favorable standings, potential playoff berths, and may even define the competitive nature of the season in tight divisions. 

All of this is another way of saying that a team that adeptly scores with runners on first and third not only enhances their chances of winning individual games but can shift the overall outlook of their season.

But being aggressive in these situations is risky, and can cost runs (and therefore games) if coaches are reckless or don’t understand the best ways of maximizing success in these make-or-break scenarios. 

This is where Steve Healy comes in. 

Coach Steve Healy is the head coach of the BC High varsity baseball team, a role he has held since the 2022 season. It hasn’t taken him long to produce success, as he guided the Eagles to a 20-5 record in 2024, which resulted in the 2024 Division 1 Massachusetts State Championship. In his three seasons with BC High, Coach Healy has produced a 51-20 overall record. 

Coach Healy’s ‘1st - 3rd Offensive Strategies with Steve Healy’ course dives deep into the art of creating scoring opportunities when runners are on first and third base, covering a wide range of tactics, from fundamental plays that will emphasize situational awareness, teaching viewers how to read pitchers, catchers, and infielders to maximize offensive potential. We’ve pulled some crucial tips from his clinic and included them below. 

Pitching Matchups and Defensive IQ

Coach Healy explains that the most important factor to consider when deciding whether to run a play with runners on first and third is what pitcher is on the mound for both your team and their team. 

When it comes to your team, it might only take a few runs to win if your ace is on the mound. Therefore, it makes more sense to try to steal one run in a first and third situation early in a game compared to a game where you might need to put up multiple crooked numbers in order to compete. 

In addition, if the opposing pitcher is an ace, teams might have to scratch and claw to get any runs across. So when any opportunity presents itself, teams would be wise to take advantage. 

It’s also important to consider the entire opposing infield and catcher. Are these all experienced guys, or are they freshman or more inexperienced up the middle? Have they played together for a long time? How athletic is the first baseman, and can they execute a strong and accurate throw to home in a pinch if need be? Is the first baseman a lefty, which makes for a more awkward and slower throw home when receiving a throw from the pitcher or from second base?

These are all questions and scenarios that a coach should know when deciding whether to put a first and third play in place. 

Safety Squeeze: When to Play it Safe (And When Not To)

When deciding whether to execute a safety squeeze in a first and third scenario, a coach needs to keep in mind when in the game they are and how many runs they need. 

If they’re up a couple runs late in the game and want some added insurance, a safety squeeze is a great option. If it’s early in the game and you’re already down by four, you should test your luck with a timely hit.

In addition, Coach Healy discusses how the difference between being safe and out at home plate during a safety squeeze is the runner’s feet. 

The entire time, the baserunner on third needs to be anticipating seeing that ball get bunted, which will prompt them to head home. But they also need to be gaining ground with their feet down the line. 

Of course, there’s a fine balance with this, because they can’t have too much forward momentum to the point where the catcher can back-pick them if the bunt isn’t laid down, but they need to be able to score if the bunt is executed, even if it isn’t perfect. 

Coach Healy also discusses how the runner on first needs to be aware of what’s happening. If safety squeeze fails and the runner on third gets caught in a rundown, they should be making an effort to get to third base before the runner is tagged out (especially if there are no outs in the inning).

The Rock Almighty Visionary Leaders: Lessons from Historical Figures

 

Christ-centered Rock 'n' Roll For Your Soul. It's The Rock Almighty Shaker Of Heaven and Earth. Now streaming on US Sports Radio

 

• Author Peter Tarhanidisd

Marked by a world that is constant and rapid transformation, the need for visionary leadership is ever more critical. Visionary leaders throughout history have led their followers to achieve remarkable outcomes while leaving enduring legacies. Examples from Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance to Martin Luther King Jr.'s pursuit of civil rights, historical figures embodied leadership qualities that continue to encourage one to act. This article explores the leadership styles and characteristics of select influential leaders, providing actionable insights that leaders of the 21st century can adapt to rise to modern challenges and shape a better future for their organization and its stakeholders.

Visionary leaders are characterized by their ability to articulate a clear, compelling vision of the future and inspire others to pursue it. Traditional leaders focus on maintaining the status quo, visionary leaders challenge conventions, catalyzing innovation and change. According to a 2004 study published in The Leadership Quarterly, visionary leadership is defined by its emphasis on long-term strategic thinking, emotional resonance, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact (Westley & Mintzberg, 1989). The qualities that visionary leaders exhibit—empathy, courage, and persistence—are universal traits observed in history’s most transformative figures. Below are five select historical leaders who demonstrated key traits of visionary leadership.

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1. Mahatma Gandhi driven by his philosophy of “Satyagraha,” a policy of passive political resistance, defined his values that empathy and compassion could outweigh aggressive measures and achieve his desired outcomes. Gandhi’s passive resistance against British rule in India was rooted in his deep empathy for the oppressed and his vision of a unified, independent nation. He famously stated, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," which serves as a call for self-transformation as a foundation for societal change. Gandhi’s approach points out leaders who understand and share the feelings of those they lead can foster trust and loyalty, enabling collective commitment to shared goals.

2. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill inspired a nation with his unyielding resistance and genius use of rhetoric during World War II. A study by the University of Minnesota on leadership communication noted inspirational speeches that convey hope and resilience can increase confidence, particularly throughout crises (Strohminger & Nichols, 2014). Churchill’s speech, "We shall fight on the beaches," is an example of how his leadership relied on the power of language to motivate a war-weary public to tolerate hardship with resilience and courage. This demonstrates how visionary leaders confront difficult times will focus on clear, powerful communication to inspire and mobilize their teams to action.

3. Martin Luther King Jr. visionary pursuit of racial equality and his moral courage transformed American civil rights. His famous "I Have a Dream" speech typifies his capacity to render a prevailing vision of a just society. His leadership embraces moral conviction in achieving social change. A study published in American Psychologist emphasizes the role of moral conviction in motivating individuals to engage in transforming behaviors (Van Kleef et al., 2019). Leaders can learn from Dr. King’s legacy the importance of having a clear, values-driven vision. By perpetuating moral principles, leaders inspire a sense of purpose that resounds profoundly with followers.

4. Eleanor Roosevelt was a champion of human rights and social equality. Her sponsorship redefined the role of a First Lady. She demonstrated compassionate leadership and the impacts it could influence in leading humanitarian effort. Such as her ability shown in development of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She established herself as a beacon for humanitarian leadership. She believed that “with great freedom comes great responsibility” highlighted the importance of leaders advocating for social justice. Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy emphasized leaders who prioritize fairness, equality, and social justice contribute positively to society. Today leaders can prioritize ethical decision making and champion diverse viewpoints.

5. Steve Jobs was known for his ability to see beyond current trends and predict future needs, bringing innovations like the iPhone to the market. Jobs stated, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower," noting his certainty of pushing limits. Research on transformational leadership highlights leaders who encourage innovation generate an atmosphere that inspires team creativity and continuous improvement (Bass & Riggio, 2006). Jobs' leadership style reveals visionary leaders anticipate and actively drive change. Leaders who encourage their teams to foster innovation enable a culture of experimentation.

Visionary leadership is psychologically sound and an effective style validated by scientific studies. Research established by Bernard Bass, expresses visionary leaders inspire followers by ideal influence, inspiring motivation, intellectual stimulus, and personalized attention. Visionary leaders provide a sense of purpose, challenge norms, and show an obligation to the well-being of their followers (Bass & Riggio, 2006). These qualities resonate deeply and foster loyalty and performance in followers, leading to organizational success.

Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in visionary leadership. According to Daniel Goleman, a leader’s self-awareness, empathy, and ability to manage relationships are vital for creating a vision that others are willing to follow. Leaders who exhibit high emotional intelligence are better equipped to inspire trust, commitment, and collaboration (Goleman, 1998).

One may consider how historical lessons can be applied pragmatically in today’s modern leadership. Building on these historical lessons, today’s leaders can improve their leadership styles and prepare for future challenges with the following actionable steps:

 Articulate a Compelling Vision. Begin with a clear understanding of your values and long-term goals. Use visioning exercises to crystallize what you want to achieve and communicate this vision to your team in a way that resonates emotionally.

 Cultivate Emotional Intelligence. Practice self-awareness, empathy, and active listening. Developing these skills will enhance your ability to connect with your team, understand their motivations, and foster a supportive environment.

 Encourage Innovation and Embrace Change. Create a culture that values creativity and experimentation. Reward team members who take calculated risks, and celebrate successes and failures as learning opportunities. Regularly encourage out-of-the-box thinking to stimulate innovation.

 Model Integrity and Moral Courage. Reflect on your core beliefs and let them guide your decisions. Lead by example, and be willing to take a stand for ethical practices. Inspire your team by showing that integrity is non-negotiable, even in difficult situations.

 Invest in Resilience and Self-Care. Foster resilience by providing support systems within your team, recognizing achievements, and encouraging a growth mindset. Emphasize the importance of self-care and mental health to maintain peak performance, especially during challenging times.

In studying historical visionary leaders, one common theme emerges: each of them embraced a higher purpose that transcended individual gain, focusing instead on creating meaningful change. Today’s leaders can cultivate resilience, empathy, and innovation to guide their teams through the complexities of the modern world. Leadership requires not only vision but also the courage to act on it. By adopting these traits, leaders can prepare themselves for future challenges and inspire a new generation of visionary thinkers and doers.

Take the first step today by reflecting on your values and defining a vision that aligns with your personal and organizational goals. Embrace the spirit of historical leaders and cultivate a leadership style that drives progress and inspires lasting impact. Your journey as a visionary leader begins now—rise to the challenge and lead with purpose.

Warm Wishes,

Peter

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Dr. Tarhanidis is a distinguished senior strategy and operations executive, trusted industry advisor, dedicated board member, and a well-respected academic. Influences purposeful action among leaders in advancing healthier firms and society.