Originally Posted by jolietboy:
I do not wish to take the time to read all the way back to the beginning of this. But here are my thoughts on pitching instruction. First it means absolutely nothing to me if a guy played big league ball or stopped in little league. Shouldn't we all have learned this by now with the success of the modern day GM's who really have no playing experience but know how to analyze and disect things? Ab Ility to do something has little correlation to ability to teach it. Second (and I am not saying the OP doesn't do this) if they don't use video I would never trust a paid instructor. Finally I agree with what several have said, things change and you have to remain open minded. When enough evidence stacks up against what you have been teaching for years don't dig your heels in. It is no shame to say "I have researched some new findings and I am making a change to how I do things". The mark of a dedicated and intelligent coach.
Excellent post. Probably the best trainers are the ones that have degrees in that field.
And I agree that former ML or milb really dont always make the best instructors. Not sure that this should be the reason why you would pay someone to instruct/train your son and IMO probably why milb does not always have the best pitching coaches. Reminds me of one of sons milb teammates who really struggled and after one year gave up the job and now one of the best managers in the farm system. There are so very few who can do it really well (manage and teach).
The best are the ones that are willing to consider new ideas and new philosophies.