SLYBSA Coach Scott VanLaer and his son Clancy demonstrate the proper way to go back to catch a fly ball in a Virtual Skill Clinic video. (Photo provided)

SARANAC LAKE — The youth baseball and softball season is still on hold, but local kids will now be able work on improving their skills at home with the help of their coaches.

The Saranac Lake Youth Baseball and Softball Association and Bloomingdale Boosters Youth Baseball and Softball are teaming up to launch a series of Virtual Skill Clinics for players that are designed to be both fun and instructional.

Each day for two weeks starting Friday, May 8, the associations will post or share a short video from one of their coaches showing a drill, game or skill that players can practice at home. Fielding, catching, throwing, pitching, hitting and baserunning skills will all be covered in these videos, which will be geared for baseball and softball players of all ages and ability levels.

“This is the time of year when our players would be starting practices and getting excited about the upcoming season,” said Mark Gillis, SLYBSA President. “Since we can’t be together in person just yet, these virtual clinics are a way to stay connected with the kids, keep them thinking about baseball and softball, and help them improve.”

The videos will be posted daily in three locations:

¯SLYBSA’s new website, www.slybsa.org

¯The SLYBSA Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Slybsa-291931834299667/

¯The Bloomingdale Boosters Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1538338276467191/

Kids are encouraged to have their parents share photos or videos of them completing each day’s drill to either Facebook page.

Once the virtual clinics are completed on May 22, SLYBSA and Bloomingdale Boosters are looking at a series of “remote” contests and other ways to keep their players practicing and excited about baseball and softball.

As for the potential of an actual youth baseball and softball season, Gillis said the Tri-Lakes area associations are hopeful they may be able to get practices and games in, even if it’s a shortened season that doesn’t start until later in the summer or early fall.

“Even though Little League baseball canceled their World Series for the first time ever, we are not a sanctioned Little League organization so we’re able to make our own decisions about starting our season,” Gillis said. “We will follow the appropriate guidance in making that kind of determination. But for now, we look forward to seeing what our players can do at home to keep their skills sharp.”

For more information on the Virtual Skill Clinics, contact Chris Knight at cknight27@yahoo.com.