Breaking Up (with a PC) is Hard To Do

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Apr 23, 2014
389
43
East Jabib
DD is 10YO and has ben taking pitching lessons with a local instructor since June. She's from our town and has loose ties to our town TB program. Note that some but not all pitchers in the TB program go to her for lessons. We (DD and I) have made the decision to switch to IR and will be going to see a certain IR guru located 4 1/2 hrs away once a month moving forward. But since the PC is in town I'm sure we will run into her through the TB organization in the future.

I have already dropped a hint at the last lesson that I'm interested in and have been reading on the IR delivery (although I didn't use that term I demonstrated it instead). She stated shes more of a traditional pitching instructor. An email was sent for the winter session sign ups and she followed up with a text to me to see if I was going to reserve a time slot for my DD. We have 2 more prepaid lessons with her and I plan on telling her in person that I'd like to try a different direction than she is teaching, but I'm looking for advice on how to do it without insulting her / her method of teaching.

Has anyone left a PC and was able to do it gracefully? I need help here. Not sure what to say without causing bad feelings.
 
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Jan 27, 2010
1,871
83
NJ
Paul Simon comes to mind. Seriously people come and go all the time with pitching and hitting coaches. DD is on her 2nd HC at the same facility. We say hi, shake hands and he asks DD how she's doing. It comes with the territory. Just tell her what you said here. You want to investigate the different types before settling in long term with one method. Be bold.
 
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Nov 26, 2010
4,784
113
Michigan
First of all if you are changing. Don't go to another lesson with her. Why reinforce something you are going to change. Even if you have pre paid its better to just lose the money. Second just in 60 seconds or less tell her you are moving in a different direction thank her for her time and efforts and that's it. Don't try to explain or to educate her. Just keep it short sweet and to the point.
 
May 7, 2008
8,506
48
Tucson
Cancel or whatever, and don't go back. I do not contact people to see if they are signing up or not. If she contacts you, just tell her, "No. Not at this time." That way you aren't burning bridges.

I sit with parents of old students all of the time. Sometimes, I do ask "Does she see an instructor?" They always say "No." But, that is what I figured. I do miss some girls, but a new one always comes along.
 
Mar 24, 2014
450
18
Be honest, short and to the point. Explain that the IR style feels more comfortable with your DD and going to pursue it. So my kids lookings for pitching lessons that spot will fill up.
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
The fact your paid up through two more lessons is a shame. Take a financial loss and move forward. Practice makes permanent, so any additional lessons that aren't moving towards your goals is counterproductive. I've had many students over the years come and go... it's not nearly as big a deal as you're thinking!
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
While I would love to be BOLD and tell the PC that we have decided to make the switch to IR, I would probably tell her we have decided to "take a couple of months off", then never go back.....
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
From your post it does not sound like she is looking for business and she will be fine without you DD.

I would go to the other 2 lessons and inform them that you are giving a different coach a try. If they get all upset about it, you left way too late and it confirms your decision. If they ask I think they deserve a brief explanation. You’re not trying to convince them of anything just what you are trying to accomplish.

No reason to burn bridges if you do not need to.

Also I would not get your expectations too high on the new coach, like the current one give them some time then make a decision if they are right for your DD.
 
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