Area young baseball players will have an opportunity to sharpen their hitting and pitching skills by participating in the annual Hitting and Pitching Indoors for Youth Clinic scheduled during February at East Central Community College in Decatur. 

“We are pleased to once again offer the hitting and pitching clinic to assist players in preparation for their upcoming seasons,” said Neal Holliman, ECCC head baseball coach.

Holliman said instruction is designed for ages 6 to 12 and will be provided by Diamond Warrior coaches and players.

Hitting instruction is offered from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. each Thursday. 

The pitching clinic will be held Monday evenings, and participants may choose, upon availability, between two sessions. The first session is scheduled from 6 to 7:15 p.m. followed by a second session from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.

Coach Holliman said players will be divided into groups for participation in batting practice, tee drills, soft toss, wiffle balls, bunting techniques and other hitting-related exercises. Pitchers will learn the fundamental steps of a delivery as well as throw a supervised pen each week. Participants will also be instructed in other aspects of pitching including arm care, pick moves and grips. 

Instruction will be provided in the Indoor Practice Facility in Founders’ Gym and the South Campus Gymnasium. The indoor facility includes two full-length cages, an area for bunting, a pitching machine and several hitting stations. 

Cost is $100 for the Hitting Clinic and $75 for the Pitching Clinic. Participants can attend both clinics for $150. Fees include insurance and a camp T-shirt.

Deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 28, 2011.

For more information, contact Coach Neal Holliman (601-635-6374) or Coach Michael Avalon (601-635-6226). Their e-mail addresses are nholliman@eccc.edu and mavalon@eccc.edu.