Coaches Insider

Everything Counts: Build a Winning Culture with Dan Cimini – De La Salle Collegiate High School (MI)

Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:39:41 +0000

Watch as 5-time Michigan State Champion and Hall of Fame Coach Dan Cimini explains his team's success that is based on culture, not talent. His culture is based on his beliefs and not on someone else's and he recommends that coaches follow their own as well. His program's motto is "Everything Counts" and the culture is based on doing things the right way, being on time, going to class, and giving 100% in everything that you do. He explains that culture not only impacts success in baseball but also in the classroom and in life.

Dan Cimini was previously a coach at Northville High School (MI).

Hitting: Swing Decision Drill with Robbie Britt – Eastern Michigan Univ.

Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 08:00:25 +0000

Watch as Coach Robbie Britt explains that for him, swing decisions are a very valuable part of hitting. Many young players need to work on their swings, but to improve your team offense the low hanging fruit is working on swing decisions. Coach Britt will explain, and a hitter will demonstrate this colored ball front toss drill that works on making good swing decisions. In this example the hitter will take all red balls and swing at everything else. If the batter swings at the wrong pitch, he still must commit to it and swing 100%.

Visualization for Success with Dan Cimini – De La Salle Collegiate High School (MI)

Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 14:48:52 +0000

Watch as Coach Dan Cimini breaks down the importance of timing and visualization in practice routines. He shares how his team enhances pre-game infield and outfield drills by using visualization techniques, even without a ball. This approach also extends to pitchers and hitters, reinforcing the idea that when players visualize success, they're more likely to achieve it.

Dan Cimini was previously a coach at Northville High School (MI).

5-Step Pitching Warmup with Rob Fay – Schoolcraft College

Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 18:20:32 +0000

Watch as Coach Rob Fay explains, and a pitcher demonstrates this 5-step pitching warmup drill. The purpose is to get the pitcher's body ready for what they need to do in a game situation. It is important to explain to the players the 'why' of the drill, so they understand the focus and purpose of what is being asked of them. Run the drill in a five-foot area and have the players move back and forth. Each segment is between 30 seconds and a minute for a total of five minutes. Coach will cover each segment in detail, explaining how it relates to certain aspects of pitching.

Catchers: Keep the Body Quiet and Move the Arm with Jim Mancuso – Lawrence Technological Univ.

Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:00:16 +0000

Watch as Coach Jim Mancuso explains, and a catcher demonstrates this "keep the body quiet and move the arm" drill. The catcher will get in the receiving stance and receive four pitches in a row. The focus is on keeping the body quiet and having the catcher feel the arm move and not the whole body.

Infielder’s Relay Technique with Jason Crain – Alma College

Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:33:38 +0000

Watch as Coach Jason Crain explains and demonstrates with an infielder receiving the ball from the outfield with two hands and getting into a good throwing position. The infielders can receive the ball and drop step and throw or align in a 45-degree angle. The drill starts with the infielder catching a mini basketball with their hands and progressing to a baseball and glove.

The Big 3 Lower Body Hitting Drills with Scott Carden – Albion College

Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 16:07:52 +0000

Watch as Coach Scott Carden explains, and a batter demonstrates the 'big three' of lower body hitting drills. The Swing Backs Drill is used to control the batter's forward move as they get to a load position and swing the front foot behind the back foot. The Hover Drill works on lower body timing and rhythm. The Crossover Drill focuses on the hip, leading the swing and not getting the front foot down early.

Building a Winning Culture with Dan Cimini – De La Salle Collegiate High School (MI)

Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:05:37 +0000

Watch as Coach Dan Cimini discusses how success in sports hinges on a strong culture that values punctuality and commitment. He says having clear standards helps guide players' behavior, while uniformity in attire fosters teamwork. Coaches must build deep relationships with players, emphasizing rigorous practice preparation. The focus on skill development, particularly in outfield play and hitting cutoffs, is essential. High goals and a commitment to the process lead to championship victories, showcasing baseball's transformative impact.

Dan Cimini was previously a coach at Northville High School (MI).

Baserunning with Drew Maki – Cleary Univ.

Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:04:27 +0000

Disclaimer: Technical difficulties at the event venue could possibly impact the production quality of the video but does not hinder the quality of the information.

Watch as Coach Drew Maki discusses the critical role of base-running in baseball. He outlines an aggressive strategy that includes reading ball trajectories and understanding game signs. Mackey emphasizes situational strategies for scoring and advancing bases, as well as the importance of lead distances for runners. Consistent practice and communication are key to improving base-running techniques and overall performance.

Middle Infield Play with Jason Crain – Alma College

Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:03:25 +0000

Watch as Coach Jason Crain discusses the importance of training for defensive plays, focusing on daily practices that include stretching, fundamentals, and team strategies. He says the second base position is crucial for double plays. He highlights techniques for fielding ground balls and proper throwing positions, along with drills to enhance skills and endurance, ensuring players are prepared for gameplay.