Husson College assistant John Winkin has coached baseball for approximately 60 years.

He has held thousands of clinics and cordially supplied a list of fundamentals for youngsters and coaches to follow.

Pitching: Winkin says it is of the utmost importance for coaches to “take some time to learn the proper mechanics from someone who knows pitching.” Proper mechanics involve getting to a position of balance before delivering the ball. You break the hands and lift to a position where your arm is up and then you deliver the ball. You never want to go forward unless the arm is up. You do not want the arm ahead of or behind the shoulder.

The pitching elbow finishes past the front knee and the armpit ends up over the front knee.

Catching the ball: The glove should be held with the fingers up for a ball from the knees up and with the fingers down on a ball at or below the knees.

Infielders handling ground balls: They should envision a tunnel to the stomach as they approach a grounder. They should be positioned the way a basketball player would be when they are guarding the opponent with the ball: knees bent, legs spread, rear end low but balanced, and the head up. With fingers down, the infielder should bring the ball into his body. On balls hit far to their left or right, Winkin likes them to initially take a small, quick crossover step toward the ball with the leg farthest from it.

Infielders throwing to first: Winkin said infielders should get momentum toward the base they are going to throw to. Then take a crow-hop [similar to a jump-step] and point the front shoulder in the direction of the intended base before throwing. Throwing overhand is preferred for accuracy and velocity. On balls hit to their left or right, it is important for them to “arrest their momentum” as soon as possible, get their feet planted, get their front shoulder pointed toward the base to which they are throwing, and throw.

Outfield flies: The first step involves opening the leg and foot closest to the ball at a 45-degree angle as they begin tracking it. That enables them to gain depth. On a ball hit directly over a fielder’s head, he should open at a 90-degree angle to the glove side.

Players should pursue a fly ball on the balls of their feet [top half and toes] to reduce the jarring motion that makes the ball appear as though it is bouncing.

Backpedaling is a no-no.

Also, catch the ball with two hands when possible and get into the habit of catching it over your throwing shoulder.

Hitting: Winkin said to make sure the barrel of the bat covers the plate by fully extending the bat with the hand closest to the pitcher to the corner of the plate.

Line up the front foot even with the front of the plate.

Get a comfortable and balanced stance. Shift your weight from your back foot to your firm but not rigid front knee in the direction of the pitcher. Always take the same stride. Turn the back foot so the back knee and belly button go in the direction you are hitting the ball. The hips must be involved because they help generate bat quickness.

Then you want a short, quick, compact swing with the top hand even with the armpit from where you stop your swing.

The back elbow should be down and the hands should be in the best position in order to move the hands quickly.

Grip the bat in your fingers, not your hands, just as you would an ax. Envision chopping wood. Chop from shoulder to contact with the ball and then roll the top hand as the bat continues from back shoulder to front shoulder. Think of driving the top hand and pulling the bottom hand in sync.

Never move the chin and always look through the ball. You want both eyes looking squarely at the ball from the point it is released through contact.

Larry Mahoney can be reached at 990-8231 or by e-mail at lmahoney@bangordailynews.net.