Help with a break down

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Oct 27, 2015
182
16
A friend and I took over a 16u B team whose coach was asked to leave this year.

One of the girls joined this team last year, she had only played rec ball before this. This player is short but fairly athletic.

I've been working with her, as I have all the other girls, on loading and separation. This was our 12th preseason practice. She started on the Tee with me and was not into it at all. She was struggling again with separation saying, "I just dont see how I can hit with any power doing this." After this she went to live hitting and I told her to just swing normally and concentrate on seeing the ball. Half way thru she broke down in tears and walked away. I talked with her after and said if she doesn't want to change her swing I'll work with her to make her present swing as good as possible. I didn't know what else to say! Suggestions.

She has an all back all forward swing and does not take a step. Her stance is just over shoulder width apart. I don't want to post video unless I have to as she is not my DD.
 
Oct 27, 2015
182
16
I should also explain that B ball is in between A and Rec ball. As most players at this level she is not willing to put in more then one or two days a week to improve any part of her game.
 
Sep 29, 2008
1,401
63
Northeast Ohio
One thing you can do is show her video clips of successful college swings (Model Swings on this site) and say "We're just trying to get swings to look similar to these because these players are so successful. Have her pick out her favorite. Then video her swing and show her. Ask her to work on making her swing look more like the one she chose as her favorite.
 
Nov 25, 2012
1,437
83
USA
One thing you can do is show her video clips of successful college swings (Model Swings on this site) and say "We're just trying to get swings to look similar to these because these players are so successful. Have her pick out her favorite. Then video her swing and show her. Ask her to work on making her swing look more like the one she chose as her favorite.

EXACTLY^^^^^^Great Point and recommendation^^^^. It will make it fun and potentially get her more excited. Pick out what you like and then let's agree to make it happen.

Most girls.....not all....but most IMHO.....like to go shopping. So go shopping for a new batting style and there are plenty to choose from in the Model Swings Department. Open 24/7 and the deal of the day is always free (although you might have to sift through some things that you won't want to buy). Green light special!!
 
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Jun 27, 2011
5,089
0
North Carolina
As most players at this level she is not willing to put in more then one or two days a week to improve any part of her game.

There's a senior men's team that practices at a park near us, and DD and I will see them every now and then when we go there to hit in a cage. The team plays regionally. I assume they're pretty competitive and want to win if they're going that far. They get together for practice that includes hitting, fielding, etc. A few might practice additionally on their own. I'll see one or two in the cage now and then, taking a few cuts.

I doubt any of them are working to make significant changes in their swing, or throwing motion, etc. They're happy with the way they are and just want to play ball. In other words, I don't see any coaches on the field, or anybody doing the Happy Gilmore drill or anything like that. Doesn't mean they're not competitive. Doesn't mean they couldn't get better with a little coaching or drilling, but it's not worth the effort or aggravation, frankly, since change is not easy.

But we don't easily allow kids to do be that way. Whether it's a high school team, or B-level 16U team, coaches feel an obligation to mold and shape our youth, constantly trying to fix and adjust. And I'm not criticizing those coaches. They're trying to make their players better, and many players benefit.

But it begs the question - Is it OK for a kid to just be happy with what they've got and go play ball? As long as they can compete at the level in question and their teammates don't have a problem with it, maybe it's just best to let them be.

The issue is whether her work ethic matches her goals and that of the team. If you're trying to play in college or any 'higher level', then there's a certain amount of work that must be done that isn't always fun. But if she just wants to play ball, and her position on the team isn't jeopardized, then the failure to stretch & fire probably isn't important.
 
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Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
Honestly I would probably not try and make wholesale changes if she is not on board, maybe try focusing on one thing that is a cue for her current swing that helps her make contact.

If she does not want to put in the work to get better move on to the next girl that is a hard worker and wants the help.

The biggest thing for you as a coach now is to not hold it against the girl who does not want to listen. If she is hitting .200 points better than the girl that is working hard on her swing then she needs to get a spot in the line up and playing time accordingly. While effort is important performance should dictate what you do as a coach, as long as the player is not toxic in which case you should probably think about getting them off the team.
 

Tom

Mar 13, 2014
222
0
Texas
EXACTLY^^^^^^Great Point and recommendation^^^^. It will make it fun and potentially get her more excited. Pick out what you like and then let's agree to make it happen.

Most girls.....not all....but most IMHO.....like to go shopping. So go shopping for a new batting style and there are plenty to choose from in the Model Swings Department. Open 24/7 and the deal of the day is always free (although you might have to sift through some things that you won't want to buy). Green light special!!

You may want to find out from her what type of hitter she wants be...speed/slapper, power, high OBP etc., then as suggested above, give her a few names of similar style players and let her review video. Sounds like she may the type who will excel once she takes ownership and one that doesn't respond well to change that she didn't initiate. If she has a smartphone have her get Coaches Eye, Zepp or other similar app that she can compare her swing to a model with and see if she adapts some of their technique and form on her own.
 
Oct 27, 2015
182
16
Thanks for all the replies. Some further info on the situation.

There is no real HS ball for most schools in BC Canada. If there is a HS team it's usually for beginners. The real teams here are community rep teams A and B. Many players choose B ball because there are more teams in this division or they enjoy the social situation more. Our rep season starts in April so it's not like your TB seasons.

This girl is a good kid , she pretty focused and driven when she is at practice (which is once a week) but can get pretty emotional at times. I don't think she works on things at home.

This isn't the first thing we have worked on and I realize at this age change is hard. The other girls on the team have adapted well so I'm looking for ideas on how to help this personality. Also I wondered if I did the right thing in telling her we don't need to work on separation if she doesn't want to change that. Many of you think so, thanks for the feedback. I am cautious about desire and time to work and what they work on during practice and am trying to find the right balance.

I also love video so thanks for the feedback about her seeing different swing types. Even if she doesn't want to be like any of them it can't hurt to watch their swings.

Does anyone have a link to a Swing bank of girls that have real time swings and slow mo?
 
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