Coaching is Like Hitting a Baseball

Studies the methodology and mechanics of hitting a baseball.
Performs measurements and utilizes evaluative instruments to determine your hitting style.
Instructs you in the laws of physics, how a ball is thrust, what is essential for contact, and the scientific laws of matter/energy/force/ motion.
A consultant tells you how to stand, where to hold your bat, to put your feet, and when to swing.
Provides you with a Performance Report on Hitting for you to follow through on. Then he/she leaves.

Converses about the basis for your hidden fear of hitting and the consequences of striking out.
Explores if your parents played baseball … and, why that might be significant.
Enlightens you concerning your self-esteem or psyche and why the conscious awareness of this is essential for your ability to hit to right field successfully.
Listens intensely to your baseball stories and dreams.

Buys you an age-appropriate Louisville Slugger, ball, and MVP batting glove.
May purchase a batting tee and backyard backstop as a starter kit and upgrade when they think you are ready.
Stands by the local batting cage advising you on your stroke, and then cheers you on as you smash a frozen rope right up the middle.
At times will threaten to take away your game-day privileges if you don’t obey the ground rules.

Supplies you with their experience and expertise as a former lifetime .325 hitter.
Gives you tips on “crowding the plate” … “pitch count” strategies … “taking the low and outside pitch to the opposite field” … and, the most effective ways they’ve found to drive in runs.
Shapes and fashions the way they think you should hit, gives you their opinions and strategies about things like: hitting the first pitch, going deep into the count, when to lookout for the high heat, how to make contact with a change-up, finding the best pine tar to use, and how to navigate a pitcher who throws inside and tries to knock you down.
Teaches you their version of strength and flexibility training; warns you about the dangers of over-thinking your stroke; and tells you how to avoid common hitting pitfalls.
From time to time may exhibit an I-know-best-since-I’ve-been-there-before-and-you-haven’t stance.

Listens deeply to your desire to be a hitter.
Asks you if you need instructions on how to hit and, if so, inquires where you might get your best help.
Asks if you’re satisfied with your bat and batting glove.
May assist in getting your feet set in the box and cocking your bat.
Stands with you at the batter’s box “checking in” to see if you’re pleased hitting the ball and enjoying the batting experience and quizzes you on what might make it better, more fun, or increasingly satisfying.
Will partner with you to discover what you need to take care of yourself when/if you get hit by the ball, swing and miss, or strike out.
When you step out of the batter’s box and finish, the coach might raise important questions about your experience and what was valuable, and whether or not you want to continue to pursue being a (great) hitter.
If you do, the coach partners with you to create a plan whereby you can attain hitting mastery.
If you don’t, then the coach may work with you to formulate a plan about the best way to list your Louisville Slugger, baseball, & MVP batting glove on eBay and explore more about what you really, really want to do.