TidBit #45

Tomahawk Tidbit

Yesterday we were privileged to share our place with a very friendly and energetic softball team. (yes that is sarcasm)

They practiced for 3 hours non-stop with a ton of enthusiasm that matched their spirited music the played. They had 4 coaches (dads) and 10 girls. With a station for each, filled with the most exciting and creative drills found by the coaches. It was YouTube heaven.

Unfortunately, for all the organization, pace, and creativity these coaches demonstrated to the parents and untrained eyes watching it looked as if they accomplished so much during the practice. They actually accomplished nothing.

The problem with YouTube or sharing drills is not that they don’t work. They do, but for the person they created it for. See the reason the girls got nothing out of the practice is that even though they looked good, they had no clue why they were doing it. The coaches did not understand its purpose. It looks good so it must be good. Every drill they did. They did them wrong. They were actually training to get worse and had no clue they were doing so.

Every drill we have created or borrowed was with a purpose in mind. Carefully selected for THAT players problems. Not every player problem. Now a lot of players have similar problems but some just need that little extra creativity to get them to understand. This is why there are some crazy drills out there.

You should never do any drill unless you understand its purpose, regardless who it comes from. This is where squash the bug came from. It sounds great but no one has a clue what it means. You should actually release the back foot, which sometimes looks as if you are squashing a bug when the swing is over.

Borrowing a new drill or technique should be done with caution and skepticism.
If you see a drill you like. Ask the author its purpose.

Why are you doing it? What are you trying to accomplish? What is the player trying to feel? Then test it with tons of feedback and discussion. You never know most times that YouTube drill will spur and better drill off of it.

Know the Why