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Dealing
with a "My Way" Coach on Your Pitching Mechanics
I received this email
from a long-time BioForce faithful. A.S. (I'll use
initials to protect the innocent). I have been
working with A.S. since he was in little league. A.S.
is now a division 1 pitcher. An incredible
accomplishment for any athlete to compete at that
level. But as you'll see, the progression through
baseball isn't without some bumps in the road.
Coach Mooney, "I thought I'd turn to you with
this dilemma. I know you've heard from me about
my coach's stubbornness. We've been in season
for a few weeks now. Now, first let me state
that I understand that as a freshman PT (playing
time) is hard to come by, and I really need to
earn it. That being said, I've had 4 outings so
far in 13 games. My coach has expressed to me
that he is reluctant to pitch me until I change
my mechanics to what he likes. I'm torn between
what to do. I'm yet to give up a run, and
hitters are hitting less than .200 against me. I
understand that these stats don't mean much
through only 4 games, however, I'm merely using
them to illustrate my point that I've been
getting the job done.
How
do I deal with a coach like this? Obviously, I
want to pitch - but I'd rather do well. Two of
our Coaches "model pitchers" have ERA's of 8.03
and 6.75, not sure how well these mechanics are
working for them... Obviously, I feel that my
mechanics are much more suited for me, and that
I get results with them. However, how do I
express this (to my coach) without seemingly
disrespecting him?"
-A.S.
A.S., my heart goes
out to you on your struggle and dilemma. I see two
issues here.
First off, I would
focus on the great numbers you have put up so far as
a freshman. That's nothing short of phenomenal. You
obviously feel very good about that as you should. I
wouldn't play it down. How many freshman pitchers
out there don't even get 4 innings all year?
The season is young,
and so is your career. Playing time is tough to come
by and it will come if you keep putting up numbers.
I would focus on earning the playing time as you
mentioned. How do you do that? Be the most prepared
pitcher you can be. And I know you work very hard. I
also know you well enough that patience isn't your
strong point. You want things now!...Which isn't all
that bad. Because it motivates you. It keeps things
exciting for you. Hold on to that. Bottom line, put
up numbers.
I do hear a "but" in
your email to me. That "but" is that you aren't
satisfied with the four innings and you feel you are
better than a lot of the other pitchers getting more
innings. Again, put up numbers, the innings will
come. Just like the classic movie "Field of Dreams",
build it and they will come. Put up some kick-b*tt
numbers, and they will pitch you. And I know you are
capable of putting up some great numbers.
The second issue here
is the communications with the coach. You say he is
stubborn and doesn't feel comfortable pitching you
until you do things his way. He is likely looking at
you as being a stubborn freshman. Both of you are
being a bit stubborn. You are both into certainty.
Certain that you perspective is right and the only
correct solution. You both want to convince the
other side that your perspective is correct and
change the others mind.
The coach has you a
bit over the barrel doesn't he? He puts your name on
the lineup card and you have to take it. Doesn't
that just tick you off? It is the game though.
That's why he is the coach. Unfortunately, you are
not his customer. It a sense, he is your customer.
I believe poor
coaches like using this quarry slave and boss
leverage. Used to work in the old days of the
military and the business world. Why? Because it's
easy. It doesn't take a lot of extra thought, time,
and effort. Just tell someone what to do.
Even the military and
business world has changed though. More toward the
customer relationship. A great coach will work
towards more possibilities in the relationship, not
the quarry slave approach. A great coach will be a
great communicator. A great communicator will move
towards connecting with the player. They will not
try to change your mind, body, spirit, and being.
How should a great
coach do this? It's simple really. He should work
towards finding out what's important to you. And
work towards helping you achieve your goals.
Sounds great doesn't
it? But it's NOT gonna happen with the "my-way or
the highway" type of coach. The quarry slave type of
baseball coach.
What should you
do?
In my opinion, you
should approach the coach and maybe go over your
performance to-date. You should not focus on
mechanics or anything else, but pure performance.
Then ask the coach what's important to him. What
does he want? I imagine he will focus on results.
Not many pitchers walking guys, getting ahead in the
count, and a fairly low opponents batting average.
Simple really. If he goes there, and ask how you are
doing in relation to his desires. If the
conversation goes to mechanics, try to get it back
to results.
After a little bit,
ask him if he is interested in knowing what's
important to you. If he says yes, he is open to the
conversation, and then you let him know. Again
focusing on the results you are looking for and how
you want to help the team. Stay away from mechanics
at this point.
After that
conversation progresses a little, let him know where
you struggle sometimes (like throwing the curve low
and away from a right handed hitter). Ask him to
help you watch your front side, or ask him to help
you watch your posture. Or that your tempo getting
down the hill is inconsistent. Whatever the issue
might be.
You are now asking
for his help, and you are demonstrating your
knowledge of your own mechanics. You've also
connected with him on a deeper level. If the
conversation goes a way you don't like, get back to
what's important to him and what's important to you.
This is a start. Stay
away from trying to convince him of your point of
view. You can't change him. He is trying to convince
you and change your point of view. You need to
discover alternative possibilities. Do that through
finding out what's important to each of you first.
Remember, ask…what's
important in performance for you coach? Then go to
"are you open to hearing what's important to me?"
Let's see where this goes.
Good luck AS and let
me know how it is going.
Train like a Champion
Today!
P.S. For those of you
parents out there, check out the blog for sports
parents.
http://www.dearsportsmom.com. A great place to
work on the communication skills.
P.P.S. Got a great
message from A.S.'s dad last night about a recent
outing for A.S. here are the highlights… went 3.2
innings, giving up three hits, one earned run, one
walk and three strike outs.” Great job A.S.!!!
That's the way to earn more innings.
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