Lessons
Are you getting the help you need?
I would like to believe that every coach genuinely wants to help each and every player of theirs to maximize their abilities. But when you’re responsible for 12-14 kids, it’s hard to give each one dedicated time. At a minimum, a coach should be telling each player what they believe to be their weakness (or weaknesses) and show them the drill(s) that will help them overcome it.
Unfortunately, that is not what I am seeing/hearing. When working with players in private lessons, I always ask “what is your coaching telling you?” And the answer is usually “nothing”. I get it for those on Rec Teams; but it continues to baffle me when I hear these words from kids playing Travel Ball. You’re paying thousands of dollars…for what?!?!?! Well, let’s not go down that rabbit hole.
Private/groups lessons are an unfortunate necessity. You shouldn’t have to get them, but they are needed if your child is struggling and not getting the help they need. But lessons should not be an ongoing service. Maybe a few lessons to get your child understanding what they need to do and why. But if your child is not doing the work needed to improve, don’t continue to spend the money. A ‘check-in’ every month or two is ok; but after 3-5 sessions, weekly lessons are not productive. You’re further developing a reliance on your child only addressing the issue when around the coach.
Push your child to do the work at home. If they are not willing to do the work on their own (or with you), it’s not worth it to continue to spend a lot of money on lessons (unless you have the means and don’t mind spending the money).
And yes, you can help your child. Stick around during the lessons. Pay attention to what the coach is teaching. If they are doing their job correctly, you should be able to learn how to coach your child regardless of your past experience w/baseball.