Rookie Coach Mistakes
Baseball night in America! Some years ago I attended one of my junior player’s baseball game. It was fun to see this kid compete at a very high level of baseball. One thing I noticed and it bothered me. Coach of my guy’s team had a pitcher who was very inexperienced with handling pressure. What […]
Fake News?
Bear with me here because there is a lesson in this post for junior coaches. Recently read an article about what high school coaches want from parents. It read something like-go the stands, shut up, and do not be rude! I did a clinic with another national coach and we were asked what input we […]
It’s About Improvement
So I am coaching up a storm with a new athlete. This athlete has a great fundamental start to their game having taken lessons before from a very knowledgable coach. So what is there left to do? 1. Increase efficiency of forehand and backhand mechanics 2. Coach up movement patterns on the court for said […]
Infinite Possibilites!
An old friend of mine is working on their PHD and is rapidly becoming an expert on athletic movement. Since I used to coach this ex-athlete, they knew I’d be excited about the knowledge they were picking up. So this person calls me and immediately we launch into an in-depth conversation about court movement and […]
Footwork Tips
Had a great lesson yesterday with a player from back East. We started where we always start-forehand, backhand, and beginning footwork. The footwork is always brand new to players no matter what level of play. I still remember the stunned look on the faces of pros who came into town and worked out with me. […]
Down the Lines=Winning Times
Down the line for dough, cross-court for show! The good old down the line shot is money when executed correctly. Poor footwork and poor mechanics renders the down the line useless as the side wall will kill the down the line attempt. Why? Well, if you do not hit “out” and are hitting “down” chances […]
Is it Me or….???
“is it me?” One of my favorite sayings. We play cutthroat a couple of times per week and this one guy violates every etiquette rule of racquetball. So this tip is for all the “rude” players who do not seem to get it. Five rules of practice play etiquette. 1. Do not call double bounces […]
To Be a Pro Hire Folks who Know
This one came floated across my desk recently. Dear Coach, There is a belief among the players I know that once they reach pro status they do not need coaches. They believe that pros do not need to do all of the things junior players do. Specifically, the junior players do strength training, and constant […]
Too Much Techo
CBOS which I call Ceiling ball overuse syndrome-wow-after watching four days of College racquetball I have to say I have never seen so many ceiling balls in my entire life. The college coaches have made an art form of coaching up ceiling balls. The “don’t make a mistake” game plan will works until you get […]
Junior vs Senior
I have the luxury of working with several up and coming players. As my junior players start to play open, one thing stands out and that is shot selection. Case in point: This morning I am going over a video vs a national level age division player. My junior athlete is getting schooled. My junior […]