In recent months, I have seen a surge of adult baseball, and softball players signing up for my instruction. What I find interesting, is the change in mindset coming from adult ball players. Not too long ago, sign-ups for my one-on-one adult softball training or one-on-one baseball training programs were very sporadic. Adult players often associated instruction with getting old and rusty. Not the case now!
Lately, there has been a surge of adult players (35+) calling me, wanting to preserve or improve their player skills. Instead of seeing player instruction as a setback, many adult ball players are seeing it as a smart investment, so they can continue to play the game they love so much!
Playing harder as an adult, can rapidly diminish your game
Most, whether they are adult baseball or adult softball players, approach me asking for help with preserving their game. Preservation, the perfect mindset to have as an adult player, but how does an adult ball player preserve their skills? Playing harder perhaps? ........ Playing in younger leagues? Common strategies, but they won't help your game, but only make you feel more rundown. When I workout with my adult ball players (age 35+), my focus really rests on teaching them how to play more efficiently, in order to remain effective.
Example of playing more efficiently
Let's take an infielder. In the player's prime, reaction-time to the ball didn't start until the ball was mid-infield. No problem, the player had terrific speed, and a good success rate of getting the glove on the ball. However, as the player approaches 40 years old, that explosive speed has diminished, and the player's late reaction-time to the ball, is now obvious and problematic. Opponents now see the player's weakness, and begin to use it to their advantage. Sound familiar?
This is a common problem for the adult ball player, but is an easy fix. In fact, I guarantee those I instruct will have more position coverage, and in most cases, have more time to square up to the ball. It is as simple as adjusting your focus-point on the ball, which impacts a players reaction-time to the ball. Like everything else with this sport, there is a right way, and a wrong way. If you want to learn how to properly play more efficiently, this is just one of many player strategies I teach my adult players.
Reprogram. Reboot. Reinforce.
Now, let's discuss the other type of adult player. This type of adult player has been playing for a long time. Only, his/her batting and/or fielding mechanics were always very unconventional. No problem, the young player's body was able to handle the stress then. Then one day, the player begins to experience a noticeable level of pain and discomfort during and/or after play, that wasn't there before. This is the body's way of telling an adult ball player, that such unconventional methods have got to go!
Maybe it was throwing side arm for years that finally caught up to the player. When this happens, the adult ball player usually mulls around three options in their head; play less and/or change positions, or retire from the game. Some choose a better path, like going to someone (namely me) to reprogram and reboot their player skills, to reinforce good player mechanics.
If this sounds like you, don't stress. Have a free player assessment session with me. We will uncover what is working against you, and I will teach you proper mechanics. I guarantee, to elevate the quality your game, even extend your lifespan as a ball player, and reduce your body's fatigue.
Other articles of Interest
Adult Player Training Is a Smart Way to Stay in the Game
How to Increase Reaction Time to The Ball
No One Else Makes This Claim, But Me!
"I am so confident that I will improve your game, that I guarantee you will see a difference in your game by the first lesson, or it is free! Just show up ready to have fun, and to get it done!"
