This may cause a stir, but I am going to say this anyway, I promised you unfiltered honesty remember? I don’t believe in cookie cutter swings.

Yep. Mic Drop.

 

Not every player will OR SHOULD have the same swing. A swing is just like a pair of jeans, very rarely do two people wear and fit into the same size and look equally good. Sometimes what works for one hitter may not work for another. Our job as coaches is to figure out each individual player’s strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes, and do our best to steer them in the right direction for what adjustments will help them the most and make the biggest impact in their swing. Even when you watch the NCAA on TV, going through the lineup, every single hitter has the same foundational mechanics (bat path, hip turn etc) but all has a slightly different execution and style.

 

Becoming an experienced softball player takes EXPERIENCE and sometimes that experience does include FAILING. Figuring out what DOESN’T work for you is sometimes just as important as learning what DOES.

 

It may take some trial and error at first, and it is important to know that your swing can develop as you get older. It’s also common as you get older to start to incorporate more advanced mechanics as you improve, get stronger, and become a more confident as a hitter. I always encourage my players to TRY everything! And to always give a new adjustment at least 10-15 swings in order for your new adjustment to start ‘clicking’ with the rest of your body.

 

When working with a new coach always ask yourself two questions. 1. DOES THIS MAKE SENSE? Are they explaining WHY this is important, HOW I need to do it, and HOW will this will benefit me? 2. WILL THIS WORK FOR ME? What works for a 5’8 180lb power hitter may not necessarily align with the goals of a 5’1 120lb contact hitter.

 

I always encourage my girls to ask questions! To be honest – I totally geek out when you do. I love that you want to learn too and are actively taking part in your lesson! Lessons should never be a one way street where I just bark out orders at you and expect you to follow them. And I know this goes against the grain by saying this, but I definitely don’t want my players to be reliant on me either. Ideally, we should work together to find a swing that works for YOU and educate you enough where if something doesn’t feel right at a game or practice you hopefully know enough to help yourself (girl power!) That does require communication from YOU!

 

Parents – encourage your players to talk to me! I totally wish I could, but I simply cannot read your minds. Tell me about your recent at bats, your confidence level, your overall timing etc. The more you and your daughters talk to me the more I can help her!

 

Fun fact: I actually had two hitting coaches growing up and I liked and learned from both. I took what I liked from each coach and made the swing my own. I picked and chose what worked for me (and what didn’t) and incorporated those lessons into my swing until I figured out what worked for ME.

 

Your swing is what makes you unique. Whatever your offensive role you may have on your team, win every at bat, any way you can. 

 

Whether you are the queen of making the pitcher throw extra pitches, getting on base, moving runners, small ball, or power hitting everyone has a role to play on a team. 

 

Embrace that and whatever you do, do it with confidence.