The goal should be synthesis: taking the parts (NECC, Jen S, your experiences) and making a greater whole (better catching DD). I'll be interested to read what you think after the clinic.
Although I am a HUGE proponent of NECC's instrucion for catchers, so am I and there are some significant differences in the teaching approach by Jen Schroeder agreed , I have signed my 10yo DD for an upcoming Packaged Deal clinic FREAKING AWESOME!!!(The Package - The Packaged Deal - www.packageddeal.com) run by Jen.
As I see it, NECC excels at finite details of positioning and mechanics. Especially for catchers just being introduced to proper stances, footwork, and glove positions, NECC can't be beat (IMO). Jen's approach is much more athletic, and (based on the videos I've seen) seems to put more focus on Speed, Fitness, and Agility <We have 3 Easton sponsered teams in my org...S F and A are THE focus even MORESO than...> than precise technique. I know that Jay @ NECC doesn't agree with the rapid-fire drills taught by Jen. If the drill starts breaking down proper mechanics, and puts the player in a dangerous position, I tend to agree with Jay. job of the coach to stop mindless reps IMO
However, I think there is something valuable to be gained from Jen's approach <Absolutely>. Although there will never be a time in a game situation where a catcher will have to face rapid-fire pitches and make multiple blocks in a row when in a basketball game would you shoot 10 - 3 pointers consecutively without ever moving elsewhere on the court? Yet go to a high school BB practice and this is a common drill, I can see that the inclusion of some rapid-fire work helps a lot to build speed, improve reflexes, and increase overall fitness. Ding Ding Ding! Winner! A fast and athletic catcher is a good thing Nah...want 'em SLOWWWWW and clummmmsy (end stupidity font) LOL . Strength and fitness helps a catcher do their job better, for longer.
Inspired by some of Jen's drills, a few months ago, I started including some rapid-fire blocking work with my DD. 3 blocks - center, right side, left side. Between each pitch, she returns to a proper runners-on stance. If her blocking form is poor, we re-set and start again. My DD has commented to me that this drill has helped a lot in getting her reflexes up to speed to be able to block in a game situation. AWESOMESAUCE!!!
The clinic is Dec 22, and I will provide some commentary after we attend. I put it in my calendar mother trucker...if no review by the 23rd, the cavalry is comin' for ya!!
Has anyone else attended a Packaged Deal clinic or worked with Jen Schroeder?
It is tough for the young ladies to be trusted as coaches, and let's be honest that there is an old boy's club, which is very prevalent on this board in particular.
A lot of what is taught by any catching instructor is what works for the player, the group, etc. I am not sure how anyone can be so judgmental before even taking the class. I don't see anything unusual or unimpressive or faster and rapid fire versus sticklers for technique. I see hard work taking place.
I personally don't believe in over attention to detail for young kids, same as pitching. The catcher needs a "doer" or "competitor" foundation and can be a "thinker" and "perfector" later. I also see a lot of variance in what works. One kid can fire from her knees with barely a lower body movement, and another kid looks like a mess walking on her knees. So I would not force a catcher into certain positions if in fact it hurts her results. It has to work for the catcher and her stage of development.
When kids get to HS I see a lot of stubborness in trying new things, even when they don't have results. They say "I was told I HAVE to do it this way and the problem is I stink at it and just have to do it more." This is not good. Adjusting and having tools in your kit are skills in and of itself. That is what I see in Jen's approach.