Grow The Game Training

Physical & Emotional Balance ✔️

There are thousands of hitting tools, pitching books, fielding videos available for players to consume. On top of all the activity youth players take part in families still believe there is room for more training with the latest and greatest!

This generation of ball players are in the “Golden Age” of fundamental work, drills, instruction down to the finest detail. Where I see players lacking is developing mental skills/controlling emotions.

The mind needs to be primed to align with the body. If we only train the body to perform physical tasks over and over how will the player respond when stress enters the environment? We see it every practice/game when a player shrinks from the game because their swing/throws are not feeling strong. Reach out to talk about how we can add a mental edge to your game that will SUPPORT your physical goals. 🧠

3 Goals for Youth Players

1️⃣ Learn the game. I work with 5+ different players each week and it’s unnerving to hear that none of them watch MLB baseball games! This new age of players are often visual learners and they are missing out on lessons provided by watching the best in the MLB.

2️⃣ Set a routine. I encourage players of all ages to have a routine. Something they can complete after school, with friends, at practice, anywhere! Players that have a routine and can bring it wherever they go will always be more prepared.

3️⃣Focused reps Vs Unfocused reps. Players need to learn that their arms only have so many throws and their bodies can only practice so much before wearing down. Learn to focus for 30 throws instead of an unfocused 60.

Range ✔️

After reading Range by Daniel Epstein I learned that early specialization can hamper an athletes ability to excel. Specialization leads to narrow experience and fails to generalize life.

Specialization is defined as intense year round training in a single sport. Looking back I was an early specialized athlete. Always playing, training and thinking about baseball played a large role in who I am today, but at the same time I missed out on knowledge and experiences from outside the game. After 3 elbow surgeries from a lifetime of throwing I look back wishing I took a break during Fall/Off-seasons as a youth player. Living a balanced life, trying different sports and learning from those experiences is the path I suggest young athletes try to pursue. Don’t miss out on experiences by living a narrow life!

Focus on What Is ✔️

“It is impossible to feel or see anything well if you are THINKING about how you SHOULD be moving”

Forget the “should’s” and focus on what is. I encourage players to become aware of their body. Paying attention to how the body organizes during our best reps helps to speed the process of developing skill. When it comes to competition quiet your mind by being less judgmental and rely on your body to take over.