While speaking with another coach the other day I came to an interesting realization. In the 12 years I have coached I have not had one, not one, player improve when they take instruction over a long period of time. I have seen some kids improve when they work with someone for a short while and then work on their own but none of the kids that go for an entire off-season and sometimes through the summer ever get better and most were worse. I should say that these kids are often working with very good instructors who know their stuff. My observations are that the kids that spend an extensive amount of time taking lessons become very analytical in their swing and pitching mechanics to the point that they cannot let their own athleticism take over and execute what they have learned. They become robots that over think constantly and freeze in situations where they need to perform, rather than think about their mechanics. I think that these kids develop a bad habit of always thinking about the mechanics of the swing every time they have a bat in their hands instead of letting a learned swing work for you. My advice, for what it is worth, is to take lessons (if you want them) for only about 3 weeks, then hit or pitch on your own. Don't think about mechanics all of the time. On your first few throws or swings in a work-out, think about what you need to do; then, clear your mind and let yourself do it while you focus on your location or picking up the ball out of the pitchers hand. I am curious to find out if some of you other coaches that have been around a while have seen the same things.

Coach, while I agree with you there is the possibility of "paralysis by analysis", to make a blanket statement that instruction does not work is way off the mark. I would bet 90%+ of the kids reaching the highest levels have had private instruction..and lots of it. My son has had years of instruction with many different instructors and former pros and it has definitely paid off for him. On the other hand, he knows that once he steps on that mound it is all one thing: "Smell the mitt" and "Clear the Mechanism".

The best "instruction" is experience. Play against the best competition and lose your fear of failure. Soon you begin winning--and dominating. But to say a kid can't learn by being taught seems a very suspect theory, coach.

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I have seen some kids improve when they work with someone for a short while and then work on their own but none of the kids that go for an entire off-season and sometimes through the summer ever get better and most were worse.

I agree with this statement.......Players who are helped by instruction must take charge of their own development after getting the instruction.....

Once the basic premise of what he needs to do to improve is understood, then it's up to him, and only him, to get better........

And, an instructor should know the player needs that independence and conviction to succeed.....

Coach,

One of the first things any "good" instructor would tell a player is that he can not spend time analizing his mechanics while executing them in a game.

If an instructor can not get this across to the player, he has failed at teaching the most basic lesson.

There is instruction... There is practice... These things prepare a player to perform during the game. Any thinking is done before the next pitch or the play. That is too late to be thinking about mechanics. During the pitch or the play the player has what he has practiced and worked on.

Coach. Probably your best players had private intruction all the way until they got to you and then you took over. Which is great their are many good coaches out there and there are also some lets say not so good.. My experience so far is that my son needs to work hard away from school to get better. I've watched just a couple of his practices and came away wondering how he would get better with so much time wasted. I know what you mean though and there could be a down fall of someone analyzing too much and not doing things instinctively. Instinct needs to take over.

I think some of you did not get a clear idea of the statement. Bluedog and PG did. I believe there is nothing wrong with instruction. I have been an instructor myself and have sent numerous players to college and a couple to pro ball. Instruction itself is not the problem. It is the idea that kids need it year round. There has been an explosion in recent years in the private instruction market. Many kids feel that they must go nearly year round to be successful. These are the kids that seem to get worse or fail to improve. And bb1, many of the kids that have had some instruction but do not over do it are the ones that blossom. I have had great experience with kids developing through the program and I believe in my methods and those of our staff. But I have serious doubts as to the benefits of year roundinstruction as opposed to some instruction and much practice regardless as to the ability of the instructor. I encourage kids to play other activities in the off-season, while still playing catch and going to the cages, to improve overall athletic ability.

Sorry if I misunderstood coach. My son does not get year round instruction. I could see how that would hurt. When he does get instruction it is much better than his "top rated" HS team gives. Playing other sports would be great but when basketball plays year round, football works out almost year round unsupervised off course, no violation. what do you do? His basketball coach actually suggested he not play summer baseball and play summer league basketball. He's also sat kids that are better because they didn't play summer. He starts working out in October on core training and hits in the cage whenever possible. Very little throwing until December. January.

With regard to pitching instruction, I would have to disagree with you and say that I have seen otherwise. However, that was for kids working with an excellent pitching coach.

You actually have a couple questions thyere and possibly that is why it is confusing.
My son thrives on year round throwing and working out. Others get bored, tired etc. My son lost a couple MPH over thye summer and almost 10 lbs because he didn't work out and has struggled.
That is the 1st time in 1o years he has not worked hard and I am concerned about him this year.

I saw some pros but very many cons in each and every post. Individual instruction has become one of the major drains on a parents' finances that has popped up in the last few years. You would be wiser to spend your money on an educational tutor. Paying some one, especially cash to sit on a bucket and play catch, or throw soft toss so they can take practice swings. These guys are looking for a way to make easy money and not pay taxes. Did you know it is tax deductable for a parent? Where are these guys when your son or daughter is playing? Nowhere to be seen.

Now, I'm not dismissing special instruction altogether. There are some "very special" athletes out there that really benefit from an instructor with the knowledge to really give them more than a competitive edge. It doesn't have to be baseball instruction. It might even be a physical trainer to increase strength and speed. Things such as hand/eye coordination, bat speed, and a strong arm are genetic gifts kids are born with.

These select leagues and teams have sprouted more as a cash cow, not so much as a spring board to the major leagues and a scholarship to college. At the Division I level, each is only alloted a total of 11.7 scholarships per team. Why do you think they are such gypsies?

Another drawback to these select teams, mostly at the pre-high school age is they start in late January and don't finish until the middle of November in some places. Good weather locals will play year round. Family life just disappears. Coaches question your committment if you don't want to play or want to participate in another sport. "We can always find somebody else if you don't want to be here".

Let kids be kids, and not what adults think they should be. If they're making the grades, and not getting into trouble, something's right somewhere.

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Have worked in sports with kids, mine and others full time (professionally and as a volunteer) for the last 35 years...

Some Observations...

- "Paralysis by anyalysis"?...Most instructors, and parents, particularly the inexperienced ones, rely on regurgitated technical Dogma. As a result they Micro-manage the technical details...and expect their charges to do so as well....Creates "Paralysis by anyalysis". The great instructors only use the details to emphasise and enhance athleticism. The ultimate big picture goal is "Zone" where simple technical, mental, and physical techniques are integrated and playing by instinct is acheived.

- Technical details to build champions?....There are actually five components to success when building champions...Technical, Physical, Repetitions/Experience, Mental, and Spiritual. Builders of champions are are magicians at understanding what part of the mix is needed at any particular point in time and emphasising it. That being said...The great instructors know EXACTLY what small portion of of the technical to tweak and what to leave alone...simplifying the process and avoiding paralysis.

- Using insrtuctors?...Here is where parents make their biggest mistake, It is not as easy as pay money and get better. I worked hard and listened to best understand what mine needed, when they needed it, where they ready for it(their timetable NOT mine, and at times it did drive me nuts to wait for them to be ready), and researched to find out who could best provide it for them (My role was parent). I can assure you that there some magicians out that are fully capable of helping willing players maximize their potential easily smoothly and with a minimum of disruption. It takes work to find them, not money.

- Family finances/comittment?...Each family must decide just how deep they want to go. There is no right answer. And if they go to deep and struggle there is value there as long as they ALL learn from their mistakes

- Should let kids be kids?...Yes, but on the other hand some are simply born thoroughbreds and want and need to run. The REAL problem is understanding and valuing the package of skills that each child brings and allowing them to find their passions, interests and God given talents at their own pace. Despite the current national mania for youth sports...athletic success is not simply created by hard work, rather it is developed by hard work with, and by youth who have talent, passion, and discipline. The players I work with could not have been concert pianists no matter how much their parenst wanted them to be.

IMO...In the end it is not about developing athletes, or getting college scholarships, it is about developing happy, healthy human beings who have learned the skills to cope and succeed in life. If youth sports, family sacrifice, money, instructors, even failure can help accomplish that task then it was all worth it.

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JIMI

Other than being an "old guitar player" what is your experience to be making posts as you do

I too am an old guitar player but also an old lead singer but that has nothing to do with my baseball acumen and ability to put a solid staff together for our organization

Please enlighten us---I know it irritates some but I like to see realistic profiles on this site since the "true" posters are so giving of themselves


Please be forthcoming JIMI


PS--I also find it some what of a sacriledge to be using the name you do---you are on hallowed ground

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That being said...The great instructors know EXACTLY what small portion of of the technical to tweak and what to leave alone...simplifying the process and avoiding paralysis.

Observer44
I agree with you 100%! You and I are on the same page , I believe, and I appreciate your feedback as well as the responses of others. I feel that you have a true grasp of what instruction is all about.

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hsballcoach...

Thanks...and I really could relate to this...

quote:

...become very analytical in their swing and pitching mechanics to the point that they cannot let their own athleticism take over and execute what they have learned. They become robots that over think constantly and freeze in situations where they need to perform, rather than think about their mechanics. I think that these kids develop a bad habit of always thinking about the mechanics of the swing every time they have a bat in their hands instead of letting a learned swing work for you.

The good ones (coaches/instructors) see the long term picture...results in games. They understand exactly what to tweak, how much it will impact a player, how long it will likley take to make an adjustment become second nature and then work diligently to integrate technical changes so that they benefit not hinder. It's easy to give a pat "dogmatic" instruction...much tougher, much more long term, and much more skill and experience required to see that change through to continued game day success.

For me when a player is thinking, or mechanical, He is simply letting me know that he does not "own" the skill...yet. Only renting it. In practice he may even have it, but presssure makes fools of us all. For me once a player can "get it" technically in practice, then it is my job to get him reps, and pressure, and my faith until it is second nature.

My experience is that there is a predictable a process of development...Learn the technical details....repetitions with some thought until there is no thinking involved...then test the skill, through pressure/speed until you make the skill break down...then a review of the techincal...more repetitions until there is no thinking involved...then testing once more through higher pressure/speed. This process is repeated over...and over...and over with increasing pressure and speed until the skill is no longer rented, but owned. Tempering.

The wild card in the process is how long such a process will take to complete. I have found that the better the athlete the quicker the change. I found that I was a genius with better athletes as they could adjust quickly. But I also found that my greatest success/satisfaction and admiration for athletes came for those kids who had less talent and worked long and hard without quick results, requiring blind faith in themselves and me...before finally seeing results. Alchemy, Gold out of straw...simply magic for both of us.

High school coaching and player development is not an easy proposition...particularly now. Players are getting advice from parents, hired coaches, travel team coaches, websites....expectations are off the charts...and they demand and expect instant success. My guess is that the players you are seeing are too wrapped up in the technical end, perhaps from multiple sources...and putting too much emphasis/faith on too many technical details and not enough on the second, harder, half of the process...work, diligence, focus, faith, sweat.

I am not at all against private lessons...but they are only a single misunderstood piece in a much bigger puzzle.

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hsballcoach, you are very accurate in my opinion. I have worked with lots of young men, sometimes it becomes too often and repetitive, so I let the kid and parents know that its time for him to work on his own and use what he's worked on in game situations. My best players see me about 3-4 times a year. Sometimes we just go over some things, talk visualization or visual training. Whenever I start with a new or younger student, I always look him over for 10 minutes and then discuss with the parents whether it would be beneficial for their kid to train. Sometimes I don't see it as beneficial and I let them know that. Sometimes a keen eye and experience can help a kid get over the hump, sometimes we might be breaking what don't need fixin'.

hsbaseballcoach, private lessons are what they are. Some players pay incrediable attention to detail and so, want instruction. Some will benefit and some will then have analysis paralysis. It'd be no different with you coaching them at the high school level. Those same kids do so under most circumstances when what they've been coached hasn't become fluid muscle/mental action.

If you were to discuss this in terms of philosophy, then I'd see a major hindrance. For example, a different hitting system or a differnt pitching system that, when incorporated, goes against what you are attempting to do at the high school level then you'll have problems if you personally can't adjust. Naturally, that'd have to do with the success of the kid as well. I remember a couple of years ago, we had a kid move in who was a lefty who had a former instructor try to get him to throw straight overhand. He was never comfortable but went along with the instruction. One of the first things he wanted to know was if I was going to try to keep him in that arm slot. All of the instruction that young man received that winter was wasted money in my opinion. Well, we could go on and on. Do you scapula load or not? Do you drop and drive or are you tall to fall? I won't even post any hitting philosophy since the chances of this thread getting hijacked would be greater than ...

Only recently (last 2-3 years) have we had players going to private instruction over the winter. I wanted to talk to the guys giving instruction to my players. I also would talk to any coach now that I'm giving some private lessons. That partnership can only help the kid.

This thread caught my eye because my son's private coach told him to be careful of High School coaches, particularly pitching, since "many don't know what they are talking about when it comes to pitching"

So there you have it - HS coaches don't think too highly of private baseball coaches and private baseball coaches don't think highly of HS coaches. Hmmm.....I wonder who is right.

In my son's case he has had exposure to 4 "professional" level coaches and has picked up valuable insights from all of them. Some were better than others and one really did not understand pitching like he said he did. He really "clicked" with one and because they both are tall he was able relate to my son because he went through the same issues my son is experiencing while he is in a rapid growth period. Consequently, he has dramatically improved and my son loves him.

His High School coach knows which of his kids are taking private lessons and is sure to discuss with them what their instructors are working with them on so there is not a conflict of coaching points with the player. From what I know of the top pitching talent in So Cal, most if not all, have had some kind of private intruction.



From what I have seen from the few High School programs in our area the head coach is so busy running the "program" that he will not have the time to give the indvidual attention to any particular kid. At the lower levels particularly Freshman and in some cases JV the coaching is not very good and in many cases horrible.

In our situation, private instruction is crucial. The HS coach will be the first to tell you he knows very little about how to instruct catchers effectively. Proper blocking mechanics have to be taught... I've seen loads of catchers who would be so much better if they'd had better instruction. (Just recently at the Underarmour TO, as a matter of fact.)

I have seen kids get a lot of instruction and never improve over one season to the next. In other words, (with or without instruction) the kid that was really good one season is still really good the next. the kid that was bad, is still bad the next season. The kid that was marginal, is still marginal. The only exception is with a few pitchers, I have seen pitching improve a lot with tons of instruction. Have NEVER seen a hitter improve with intense paid instruction. Have seen hitters improve with heavy offseason work with Dad/Mom/Uncle/Friend/Grampa etc...

Instruction or not, at the end of the day the kid has to do the work AND OWN THE WORK AS HIS.

Also consider, maybe the kid with the parent that is shelling out thousands in the offseason to pay for private instruction is getting exactly what they pay for; "instruction". Instruction is useless unless you work to develope what you have learned. Many Many Many parents pay for instruction without the understanding that you need to work on your own to actually get better. .

Now that I think about it..have seen intense catching instruction that was very effective. But never required for the entire offseason.

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Originally posted by TripleDad:
Instruction or not, at the end of the day the kid has to do the work AND OWN THE WORK AS HIS.