Vegas Baseball - Everything Baseball In Las Vegas

Something occurred last evening that prompted me to write today's article. Several months ago I came across a wonderful article written by Ron Wolforth, one of the more heralded Baseball Instruction business owners who is based out of Texas. His article featured key factors to remember or consider when choosing the right instructor for you or your child.

I have never touted my private pitching instruction service on this website and never will as I believe this blog should be dedicated to useful baseball resources and more. However, after completing a private lesson with a high school sophomore who has been with me for well over 6 lessons, I was informed by the player's mother and grandmother that the other pitching instructor of the facility I teach in, felt compelled to tell them "You're wasting your time." First thing I thoughts was "Wow!" But then again remembering the head aches this pitching instructor has caused for the owners of this baseball training facility, nothing surprises me these days with this guy. Some people either don't know how to handle competition, or flat out don't understand what 'professionalism' is.

Professionalism amongst Instructors at a facility often times isn't emphasized enough. Particularly as a parent, if you have an instructor bad-mouthing other instructors in an attempt to take their business, then why should you consider someone like this for your child?

If you're looking for a great Las Vegas Baseball batting cage facility, I recommend The Dugout located on McLeod between Sunset and Patrick Lane. I happen to teach there independently and am in no way affiliated with The Dugout. The owners, Pam and Larry Smith are great people who I have great respect for.

If you're looking for an "in-house pitching instructor" for your kids at The Dugout, I highly recommend looking elsewhere. More importantly I always recommend to people who are interested in taking up lessons with me, to first watch a lesson, and decide after that. If you feel comfortable with how they teach, their pitching instruction knowledge, and what they are conveying their expertise, then most likely your gut feeling is leading you in the right direction.

Knowing that your child's pitching instructor doesn't look at you with a dollar sign in his/her eyes or assigns a dollar value will really go a long way. Does your instructor truly care about your child's well-being, his performance, etc? If you honestly feel that you've developed a great friendship/relationship with the instructor, then most likely you've found the right fit. Of course having a vast knowledge of pitching/hitting/catching/fielding is crucial. Don't get fooled by the age of an instructor as many times your child may not work well or get along with someone they just can't relate too. Obviously the more friendly the instructor, the better.

Depending on the age of your child, keep in mind that part of your child learning to improve their flawed mechanics will rely heavily on the interpersonal skills of the instructor you choose to go with. Look for personality traits that you honestly feel will allow your child to grow their confidence with and socialize with. Kids are fragile when it comes to confidence and an ability to bring out the best in a player is a quality of all great coaching.

Lastly, hopefully you will sense the passion your instructor has for Private Instruction and for working with your child. You can usually find this evident in the interaction with the student. Is the instructor spending too much time sitting on a bucket during the lesson? If you come across an instructor who spends most of his time trying to teach from sitting down on a baseball bucket, then most likely they lack interpersonal skills and are just too lazy to engage in your child's attempt to learn.

Locally in Southern Nevada, I believe there to be several reputable instructors who, when the time comes that I retire from Private Lessons, that I'd gladly refer my current clients to. Over 7 years of conducting private pitching instruction in the Las Vegas Valley, there is no way I would risk losing a friendship with my clients by sending them to a bad resource.

Enjoy the holiday season and until my next post, Happy Holidays!!