Do good hitting instructors use video analysis?

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Mar 20, 2017
47
8
Madison, WI
DD has been struggling at the plate so we took the GoPro to the field and recorded a number of her swings. We sat down together and objectively assessed her mechanics, at least to the extent a rookie parent and a 10YO are able. We both noticed a number of things for her to work on, some of which mirrored the feedback she has received recently from her hitting instructor. I was extremely happy with her interest in this activity, and the fact that she suggested that we go back to the field today and run through the process again.

Seeing her swing on the screen and being able to watch and point to the things she can improve upon really seemed to resonate with her. My question is: should I be concerned that her hitting instructor does not use video analysis to any extent? The instructor she sees is very respected and works with tons of the girls in the area, I just feel like he is missing out on this extremely effective tool.

Thanks...JF
 
Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
Depends on the instructor. Personally I like the use of video for the exact same reasons you have mentioned. The question is "does the instructor need that video?". When I first started working with DD, we would take the video and then review it together. We would essentially be learning at the same time what needed to be worked on. As we gained more experience with that process, I was able to see things in her swing before ever playing the video. Coincidentally, DD would often 'feel' those same things before seeing the video. It got to the point that we made a game out of it. Therefore, IMO it is very possible for an instructor to be effective without using video. However, it can be an effective teaching tool for those that are interested.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
Sounds a bit old school and that is fine. You have to be careful as video analysis is just another tool in the box. It does not in and of itself make someone a decent instructor. I specifically request that my pitching students provide game film of at least 3 pitches from profile and 3 from behind the catcher since what happens in bull pen and what happens in a game are often very different. If a hitting or pitching instructor is overly proud of their gadgets it may be a red flag. I would have them take a look at what you have and see where it goes. Like many folks they may just be intimidated by the technology.
 
Jun 11, 2013
2,619
113
The best people in any profession use a bevy of tools to do what they need. Some can do it visually, others verbally, others might use more video. It may even vary on the type of student. Some just pick up verbal direction, others like to see it.
 
Oct 19, 2009
1,827
0
My experience is although video is a useful tool and IMO will become more important as your daughter gets older, at her age it is not that important and it varies from student to student. What I have experienced is kids at her age need a good eye from a coach to correct poor mechanics or flaws in the swing.

What a kid feels they are doing and what they are actually doing in the swing can be quite different JMO.
 
Jun 17, 2009
15,105
0
Portland, OR
I've seen several folks use video and end up making the resulting swing considerably worse.

Knowledge is key.

Honestly ... for the majority of 10yo that I see, video isn't necessary as the issues are blatantly obvious.
 
Mar 20, 2017
47
8
Madison, WI
Thanks all, appreciate the responses. My thought was that video seems like a very effective tool for conveying mechanics issues to the student vs. the instructor using it to identify flaws, which I am sure FFS is correct are very obvious to the experienced hitting coach. For example, I know she knows what her hitting instructor means when he says "you're letting the ball get too deep", but seeing it on video and having her stop at a particular frame and say "I need to be making contact right here" seems much more effective than in her head just thinking that she needs to swing earlier. If anything, we will do as FP26 suggests and use it as a means of learning together. JF
 

rdbass

It wasn't me.
Jun 5, 2010
9,131
83
Not here.
DD has been struggling at the plate so we took the GoPro to the field and recorded a number of her swings.
How long has DD been going to this hitting instructor?
We both noticed a number of things for her to work on, some of which mirrored the feedback she has received recently from her hitting instructor.
Recently received feed back. Are these newer flaws?
I was extremely happy with her interest in this activity, and the fact that she suggested that we go back to the field today and run through the process again.
Why do you need a hitting instructor then....
To answer your question. No I don't need video if I was to instruct a hitter. If I was able to get games swings of my hitter it would be nice to see if they were or were not able to apply my instruction in a game.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Similar to what FP26 said, video was a pretty valuable tool to me at the beginning of my DD's journey. Not only for helping see what she was doing, but for my learning process. At this point, there are a lot of larger issues that I can pick out in a full-speed swing. With my DD, I still tend to video almost every game swing. It's mostly to try to capture her awesome moments, but it's also helpful to show her (when she's willing to look) any issues that might need an adjustment.
 
Mar 20, 2017
47
8
Madison, WI
She's been with this instructor since her start in 8U. The issues we're seeing now are indeed new, and reinforced by the video review of the swings we captured at the field. Over the course of this TB season (DD's second), I've come to realize that she will not get true hitting instruction from her (current) TB team. Girls are expected to come in knowing how to hit and use practice to tune up before tournaments. A hitting lesson per week is not going to get her where she wants to go, so I'm taking it on myself to learn as much as I can, and was taken by how effective reviewing video was for both of us, and curious how common it is for instructors to use this with their hitters (or if it is a red flag since in my case DD's instructor does not). Not sure what my DD wanting to capture and review more swings has to do with needing a hitting coach; my point was that this method of learning seems to resonate with her.
 

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