Ken's Gift List

[Greenmonsters]

Based on the analogies Ken has been using w/ the most recent softball tips, we now know what he wants for Xmas:

1. Dogs
2. Home-made cookies

Next tip will be about running the bases w/ acceleration analogies involving a Pinto, Hummer, and Porsche.

Seriously though, Ken's hit it on the head - not all kids learn or react to the same instructional approach or cues. A good coach recognizes this and keeps trying different ways to get through until the message is received. Finding a relevant subject is the key. The car analogy above probably would work better with boys than girls due to subject interest and familiarity. Similarly, if you're using a music analogy to help w/ timing or tempo, a reference to Biance or Jay Z are more likely to be effective than Sinatra or the Beatles!

Keep up the good work Ken and let us know what else is on your wish list!

GM

 

[Ken Krause]

LOL! You're half right, Greenmonsters. I'll definitely take all the cookies I can get. I shouldn't, but I will. As for dogs, I have all I need there. Especially with my daughter moving back with her rambunctious Siberian Huskie.

Thanks for the kudos. You are right -- it's all about finding a way to explain things in a way the student/player can understand. Also about keeping it interesting for them. The more they can relate, the better chance they have of understanding and executing whatever I want them to do.

Just so you guys know, I will also get more technical when needed. But that's not nearly as much fun for me to write about.