Prospective students

Choosing a Private Coach

Choosing a private coach is an important decision for your future, and one that shouldn't be done lightly. Of course, you need a coach that is knowledgeable and will teach you the correct techniques for pitching, hitting, throwing, fielding or whatever aspect of the game with which you would like help.

But you also need a coach with whom you are comfortable so you can develop a good working relationship. Lessons should be something you look forward to, a highlight of your week, instead of something you dread or just try to get through.

Your coach should support you, help you build your confidence and even inspire you to become the best you can be. Here are a few hints for finding the right coach:

Check what the coach teaches against what you see the best players in the world doing. If what the coach is teaching doesn't match up, he/she probably doesn't have the knowledge to help you excel.

Watch the coach in action with someone else before you take a lesson. You'll get a better idea of his/her style and whether it matches with how you learn.
Try a sample lesson before making any long-term commitments. Most coaches are more than happy to let you try before you "buy."

Ask other students and their parents about the coach. What do they like? Is there anything they don't like?

Look at the results the coach has produced with other players. Not just the coach's best players/athletes, but the ones with average ability as well. Great athletes are likely to succeed no matter who the coach is. But if the coach can help average athletes play above their natural level, he/she probably has something extra to offer.

Don't believe the hype. Rather than buying a "reputation" or a great resume, make sure the coach can deliver on the promise.

What I Look for in Students

Private lessons are not magic pills that will make you better. If you're going to get your money's and time's worth out of lessons with me, there are a few things you need to be prepared to do.

One is change what you're doing now, even if it's been successful. If you're not willing to change, if you think everything is ok the way it is, that's fine. But then there's no need to come to lessons, because you already know how to do it your way. I will teach you the skills and techniques that are used by the top players in the game. That may mean some small tweaks, it may mean starting over. If that's not for you, I'm not the coach for you.

Another is to think. Yes, for a while I will be telling you what to do. But from day one I want your brain engaged, so you understand what we're trying to do. After all, the fact that I know how to do things is great. But I'm not the one who will be in the circle or at the plate or in the field. You will. That means while it's nice I know what to do, you have to know what to do, and how to make corrections when you're struggling. You can only do that by paying attention and learning. At some point I will quit telling you what to do and start asking you what you should do.

Along with that comes being engaged in what we're doing. That means trying your best every time, and working to make improvements not only at ever lesson but more importantly between each lesson. In softball, as in life, showing up isn't enough. Just having me as your coach won't make you better on its own. You have to work diligently and enthusiastically on what we're doing. Do that, and you will progress quickly. Take the lazy way and we may get there too, but it will take a lot longer.

When you come to me I don't expect you to know everything or be able to do everything. If you did, what would you need me for? I also don't expect you to pick it up immediately, although it's nice when that does happen. What I do expect is your desire to find out how good you can be. Bring that and we'll enjoy the journey together.