Sneak Peak
Over the last month I have been typing away at creating a guide for youth baseball development.
Over the last month I have been typing away at creating a guide for youth baseball development.
Here are the first two sections.
ProFormance Guide:
Under 10 Years Old
Todd Marinovich: It’s not all just science
The Marinovich Project, initiated by former NFL quarterback coach Marv Marinovich, aimed to create the perfect athlete through a meticulously planned and controlled upbringing. The project, primarily focused on his son Todd Marinovich, started in the late 1980s and gained widespread attention due to its unconventional and controversial methods.
Spoiler: these methods **Almost** worked.
Marv Marinovich, a former strength and conditioning coach for the Oakland Raiders, believed that by controlling every aspect of his son's life, including diet, exercise, and mental conditioning, he could mold him into a superior athlete. From birth, Todd's environment was carefully crafted to optimize his physical and mental development for football success. This involved a strict diet, specialized training regimens, and constant monitoring of Todd's activities.
One of the key elements of the Marinovich Project was the emphasis on avoiding substances that could potentially hinder athletic performance. Todd was raised in an environment free of processed foods, refined sugars, and even the typical indulgences of childhood. The goal was to eliminate any external factors that could compromise his physical and mental well-being.
This approach might seem harmless, however, drew criticism for its extreme nature and the potential psychological impact on Todd. This is because it did not only restrict the bad things, but it also restricted things like vacations, spending time with friends and pretty much anything that was directly related to becoming an NFL quarterback.
While the Marinovich Project did achieve some success in the short term, with Todd excelling as a quarterback in high school and later playing college football at USC, the long-term consequences were significant. The intense pressure and control exerted by Marv led Todd to rebel against the strict upbringing, resulting in struggles with substance abuse and legal issues.
The project highlights several important lessons. Firstly, the extreme and controlling nature of the Marinovich Project serves as a cautionary tale about the potential negative effects of pushing a child too hard and imposing unrealistic expectations. While early specialization and rigorous training may yield short-term success, it can also lead to burnout and rebellion in the long run.
Secondly, the project underscores the importance of a balanced and holistic approach to athletic development. A focus solely on physical conditioning without considering the psychological and emotional well-being of the athlete can have detrimental consequences. The pressure to conform to a predetermined plan can hinder natural development and creativity.
Furthermore, the Marinovich Project raises questions about the role of parental influence in sports. While support and encouragement are essential, an overbearing approach that robs a child of autonomy can lead to adverse outcomes. The delicate balance between guidance and autonomy is crucial in fostering a healthy and sustainable athletic journey.
I know it seems pretty obvious, but balancing the instinct to push your children and athletes to be their best while allowing them to enjoy the game and not burnout is vital to creating the “optimal” environment for an athlete to thrive in. Not only is laying off the metaphorical gas pedal good for their mental/emotional side, it’s very much the best way to have them reach peak physical performance.
Keeping them in a state of eagerness/hunger to work hard and improve is infinitely more beneficial than just pushing them head first into the deepest work ethic you can possibly make them handle.
Enjoyment and Ceiling
This chapter is where we get specific, and it’s something I realized when I ran an entire offseason pitching development class/camp with kids ranging anywhere from 10-16.
Creating a fun and engaging training environment is paramount in youth baseball development, extending beyond the mere refinement of technical skills to encompass a holistic approach that cultivates passion, resilience, and a lifelong love for the game. This philosophy recognizes that the journey of a young baseball player involves not only the mastery of physical techniques but also the nurturing of a positive mindset, emotional resilience, and an enduring connection to the sport.
Youth baseball coaches play a pivotal role in shaping the training environment. By placing an emphasis on enjoyment over rigidity, coaches can inspire a love for the game that transcends the immediate training sessions. Infusing a sense of fun into practices through creative drills, interactive games, and skill challenges transforms the learning process into an enjoyable experience. When players find joy in the training routine, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and open to the learning process.
Acknowledging the diverse needs and interests of young players is another critical aspect of creating a positive training environment. Each participant brings a unique set of strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles to the field. Customizing training programs to accommodate this diversity ensures that every player feels valued and included. Recognizing and celebrating individual progress, irrespective of the skill level, fosters a supportive atmosphere where players are motivated to continuously improve.
Furthermore, the notion of skill progression over immediate perfection aligns with the understanding that youth players are at different stages of physical and cognitive development. Encouraging an attitude that values growth and embraces challenges cultivates resilience, an essential quality for sustained success in baseball. Coaches should communicate that mistakes are part of the learning process and should be viewed as opportunities for improvement rather than failures.
Integrating technology into youth baseball training can be an effective means of enhancing the learning experience. Video analysis, interactive apps, and other technological resources provide instant feedback, making the training environment more informative and engaging for young players. This not only aligns with the technological advancements in sports but also resonates with the tech-savvy generation, making the training process more relatable and enjoyable.
Beyond the technical aspects of the game, building camaraderie among players is crucial for a positive training environment. Team-building activities, group challenges, and fostering a positive social atmosphere contribute to a sense of belonging and shared purpose. When players feel connected to their teammates, they are more likely to enjoy the training process and support each other's development. This sense of camaraderie extends beyond the field, creating lasting friendships and memories.
Encouraging players to develop a deep connection with the sport goes beyond the training field. Coaches can inspire a love for the game by encouraging players to watch baseball games, read about the sport, and immerse themselves in its culture. This passion, instilled at a young age, forms the foundation for a lifelong commitment to baseball, creating players who not only excel on the field but also cherish the sport throughout their lives.
In conclusion, the key to effective youth baseball development lies in creating a training environment that prioritizes enjoyment, growth, and a lasting love for the game. Coaches, as mentors and guides, have the responsibility to foster a positive atmosphere where players not only refine their technical skills but also develop a holistic set of attributes. By emphasizing enjoyment, individual progress, the use of technology, and the importance of team camaraderie, coaches can contribute to a positive and impactful youth baseball experience. In doing so, they play a pivotal role in shaping not only skilled athletes but also individuals with a profound passion for the sport that endures well beyond their playing years.
There's a general principle that I apply to a lot of things, not only baseball development.
Forcing it = Bad.
Making your kid do something is not good, and will likely end up in a bad spot. If you want something to pay off in the long run: make it enjoyable and let the kids have fun and compete. If it was all about creating a good lab setting them coaching would be a science and not an art.
If you made it this far, thank you.
We are offering a few training options directly with me a professional pitcher and coach:
Monthly remote training: 1 on 1 training directly with me, with 24/7 contact to get you on the right path. Prices are extremely discounted compared to the market rate for a weekly lesson. Price works out to as low as **$38 per week** a 60% discount from weekly lessons for infinitely more value. LINK HERE
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Team Mentorship/Training Package: Remote Training Package designed for groups to work and grow together, practice plans, designs and goals. All of this to help you as a coach or parent propel your team to the next level. Prices vary based on # of athletes. Can be as low as $10 per week per athlete. This comes with multiple video calls to discuss and troubleshoot onboarding and application processes. LINK HERE
Slots are going to be limited for the monthly remote training packages for both individuals and teams, our highest priority is to maintain the highest quality of training.
And of course, we send out complimentary programs written by trainers of professional athletes every month to our paid subscribers, this is currently $14.99 a month and will soon skyrocket once we pass our subscriber threshold. Roughly a dozen slots left.
We are going above and beyond to help athletes who want it. Slots are limited so we can ensure quality control with limited coaches.
Till Next Time,
John
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