I have read many threads on this forum and others emphasizing the value of a good pitching coach. What I have not been able to find is a discussion on lesson frequency. I understand part of the equation is financial but setting that aside for the purpose of this discussion, how often should a player get with his pitching coach? Would be interested to hear what others are doing. Some background -- my son is a 15 yr old Sophomore.
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We began at age 12 going once a week in off season but during HS season we r lucky to get in once a month. Son is pitching or resting arm or schedule does not permit. We took a few weeks off after Summer ball to rest arm/body maybe a month and now we r back to 2-3 times a month for a 30 min lesson. We take a catcher if one is free it's much better. As far as cost it's money well spent and son would not be as good without it. Most coaches do not know how to teach pitching or how to correct the flaws. IMO it's like difference between a reg dr and a specialist in one field. Having good mechanics is the foundation which to build on.
Royalsfan,
In addition to your question about frequency, I think another question is what time of year should he see a pitching coach. Is your son playing Fall and Spring/Summer seasons? Is he a pitcher-only or position player too? What kind of learner is he? I think all of these factor into your answer and approach.
Over the years, I've had three pitcher sons and all are very different based on the questions asked above. The common thread is all of them played baseball in the Fall and Spring/Summer every year for as long as I can remember.
Early in my oldest son's development, we found a great baseball academy that does a 10 week winter program from early December into mid-February. It is a 10 week progression from mechanic review (week 1) to ready for High School tryouts (week 10). This approach worked well for all my sons. In addition, we would supplement this with one on one private coaching only when needed. Frankly, it wasn't needed often for my two oldest sons. We did do a number of tune-ups before my son was headed out to major showcases or events....he wanted to be sharp. If my third son struggles with his mechanics I would not hesitate to spend the time and money to make sure he is doing the right things on the mound. While he is in-season, I would bring him in on a Wednesday so he has some time to recover for the weekend.
I think what is most important is that you find an instructor that understands your sons style of learning. My two oldest are engineering types...very logical. Their pitching instructor challenged them with data points, logic and sprinkled in some humor. It was the right fit for them, and they got a lot out of it. The instructor clearly understood them, and adapted his style/approach to their way of learning. We've been going to this instructor for almost 11 years.
Does this make sense?
Good luck!
Thanks PB11, that is pretty much the cycle my son is on now. We shoot for weekly but with conflicts either on our end or with coach it ends up being about 3 times a month.
Fenway, to answer your questions, son plays school ball in the winter/spring and select ball in the summer. He uses fall as a true off season with core workouts, skills training with his select team and individual pitching lessons. In addition to pitching he plays ss/3b.
To complicate things he plays varsity basketball which starts in mid October and overlaps with the start of school baseball. We try our best to respect the basketball season while still getting baseball prep work in best we can.
My son took pitching lessons before junior season of baseball. He finished fall ball the end of October, took November off then had weekly lessons until mid March when the season started.
I believe you need a bullpen about 1.5 times a week. So lesson once / 2 week. but practice 2 times / 2 weeks.
Royalsfan,
So, given your schedule I'd probably try to do something on the winter weekends starting in Nov/Dec ending in February. I understand he has basketball during the week, but he should be doing something on weekends to get ready for the late winter/early Spring. My kids throw in the winter (catch or long toss) to supplement their 10 week winter weekend program to get ready for high school season. I don't think I'd want my kid just going to instruction (on a mound) if he can't play catch or loss toss during the week to build arm strength and work on mechanics. So I see a real scheduling challenge here. Your original question is a good one.
In addition, he is position player. Where or when does he hit or practice fielding while basketball is in season?
