Posted on Mon, Mar 16, 2009
SELECTING A PITCHING COACH A COACH'S MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
There are several considerations when choosing a pitching coach, none of which have to do with costs. 1) The coach must have pitched competitively their selves. Anyone who says they are a coach but hasn't pitched in real games can not present several things to the student that are very important. They can't help in how to deal with practice boredom, how to work an umpire, pitch selection, heat, fatigue, uniform fit, cuts and bruises, tightness and blisters and many other issues. 2) They must have good chemistry with the student. Both student and coach MUST respect each other's talents and abilities 3) They must be able to demonstrate each lesson effectively. If they can't throw a drop ball how can they teach it? 4) They must be on time and have a safe environment in which to teach, hopefully private. The area should be well lighted, wind sheltered, of the correct surface w/rubber and plate. The pitching distance must be correct and there has to be enough room behind the pitcher for comfort PITCHING LESSON HINTS 5) The coach should not catch the student for the entire practice, it may be helpful to catch to see movement up close but the coach should be prepared to check the student at all different angles. 6) Lessons should be individual. 7) Lessons from 20 minutes to 40 are right with 30 minutes as ideal especially for a young or starting pitcher. Come early and warm up before the lesson starts. Warm down immediately after it is over 8) A parent should listen to all conversations so they can help the student recall instructions during practices through the week but parents should avoid being overly involved. 9) A lesson should not be just a monitored workout. If everything is working well it is time to learn something new. 10) A beginning pitcher should go every week. A well trained pitcher (high school pitchers and older) can go as seldom as only when they develop a problem 11) You should supply a competent catcher who will hustle after passed balls and wild pitches. The catcher is there only as an aid and should not instruct or issue negative comments during the instruction. The catcher should wear catcher's protective gear. 12) NEVER emphases speed with beginning pitchers. Radar guns should be packed away for the beginning of a pitcher's career. 13) Be sure the coach and you understand all pitching regulations so the student is always fully legal. FINDING A COACH 14) Ask other pitchers who is good and why 15) Talk with league members for their references 16) Ask club and travel coaches who they suggest. 17) Check the Internet and yellow pages for pitching schools in your area. 18) Call the national association rep (ASA, NSA, BOBBY SOCKS, TRIPLE CROWN, USSSA, AFA, PONY, LITTLE LEAGUE, CAL RIPKEN etc,) in your area for their suggestions FOLLOW UP Lessons are useless without practice, we will talk about that soon, keep checking back