Group CATCHING Lessons - Waste of time - YES?

[softballjerk]

I see the trend now days, at least for some of these so called; "specialized private coaches" is to lump a bunch of kids together, all at all different skill levels and ages, to then have them perform a bunch of synchronized drills for a period of time, and convincing them, this is going to make them better (never mind that they themselves were never taught like this - but your kid is)...

Now, I am not a coach, so excuse me if I am way out of bounds here, but what is the purpose of this (other than to line the pockets of these so called instructors)? I mean, I get this sort of thing in a Pilates or Yoga class (and the way some of these instructors dress, I suspect they may think they're teaching a Pilates class, and not young athletes), but what I don't get is this type of cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all, "group instruction" for athletes who are trying to identify and correct "individual flaws" in their mechanics and/or form, so they hopefully get a scholarship?

It's astonishing to me that parents forgo common sense and actual player specific individualized instruction, to hop on the band wagon of popular non-sense. I think they may believe that having a certain instructors name on their profile sheet, is somehow going to convince a college coach to overlook their kids obvious mechanical flaws that are surely never going to be corrected, and recruit them anyway? Guess again...

I understand if this is just a work out to get the kids out of the house and doing something, but if even one person thinks that their going to attend a group lessons where their individual flaws are going to be identified and corrected, well, I feel sorry for that person and their kid - because they are wasting their time.

In this day and age, when VIDEO and slow motion playback is so prevalent and widely used by almost every professional coach (there are plenty of apps out there, so anyone with a smart phone can do this), why aren't more of these "specialized coaches" using it in one-on-one lessons? I will tell you why, because it takes to long and one-on-one lessons don't bring in enough dollars to support their lifestyle and designer yoga pants.

See, they don't care about getting the best out of these kid, they care more about creating the "ILLUSION" they care and most of all, the amount of cash they can grab from naive and stupid parents.

I just wonder, how many of these so called "specialized group instructors" were taught in the same manner, back in the day? I would venture to say none of them were, because back then - softball wasn't as much as a "money grab, as it is right now. - and I also think, parents might have been a little smarter back then too (there just might be something in the water, dumbing them down, now days)...

Now, lets hear from some of those, cool aid drinkers..

[work4wins]

I like group lessons for a few reasons, one being the cost of private lessons can be expensive. She takes private hitting lessons, that can't be done in groups. She is a middle infielder and the skills she needs are best supported by repetition and working with the other girls. If your daughter is a more specific position player like a pitcher or catcher then you're right, group lessons aren't the best.

[TulsaEliteGold]

I agree 100% that 1-on-1 private instruction is the best there is for any position or skill. As an instructor, I only do 1-on-1 instruction, and yes I use video tools. The only time I will do group is when teams want me to come in and work with their full team because their players just can't afford 1-on-1 lessons. I've also grouped some similar level students before for the same reason to save them money, but usually was only after they had all been working with me 1-on-1 and were all close to the same level and age. I've had many students who work with me weekly 1-on-1 from 10U to College.

Group lessons do offer a more affordable alternative for those who may not be able to afford 1-on-1. Also, if it is a NCAA Coach doing the instruction, there are rules requiring they only work in groups.

Otherwise, 1-on-1 is the way to go to get the best results.

If they are doing group lessons, but paying the same as 1-on-1 lessons, then the coach is probably just greedy. If there's a discounted rate for group and the coach tries to pair up similar age and talent level players, then the coach is probably trying to save the families money and help more kids during his available time.

[B34R DOWN]

I think there are a few positions that can benefit from group lessons over private one on one... Catchers, infielders and out fielders... Obviously Pitching and hitting are more nuanced in the mechanics... With catching and fielding it's about reps and the break in between while watching the other girls do it right/wrong can be beneficial too. Now this is all predicated on the coach/instructor knowing what they are doing and how to identify and correct girls flaws/mechanics...

Lastly I don't understand why you are singling out women instructors? The yoga pants comments come off as sexist and immature. If you think it's that unprofessional for a woman to wear yoga pants vs a man wearing gym shorts then I think your problem is pretty superficial. It seems from my experience that these women tend to be the ones that actually played the game... and some even at the highest levels...

[softballjerk]

I think there are a few positions that can benefit from group lessons over private one on one... Catchers, infielders and out fielders... Obviously Pitching and hitting are more nuanced in the mechanics... With catching and fielding it's about reps and the break in between while watching the other girls do it right/wrong can be beneficial too. Now this is all predicated on the coach/instructor knowing what they are doing and how to identify and correct girls flaws/mechanics...

Lastly I don't understand why you are singling out women instructors? The yoga pants comments come off as sexist and immature. If you think it's that unprofessional for a woman to wear yoga pants vs a man wearing gym shorts then I think your problem is pretty superficial. It seems from my experience that these women tend to be the ones that actually played the game... and some even at the highest levels...

I don't care what level an instructor played at; there is NO WAY, they can pay attention to and address individual players flaws, when they are in a group lesson.
If you think because someone played D1 softball, that somehow enables them to defy a logic and "see all", you are mistaken my friend...

Call it what it is; a social hours for your kid (perhaps even a placebo for your ego). It won't help her develop, it won't set her apart, it will however make her run of the mill and average..

[B34R DOWN]

So I guess your kid doesn't waste time going to team practices??? Only one-on one??? I guess camps are a waste too???

[iCatch]

I see the trend now days, at least for some of these so called; "specialized private coaches" is to lump a bunch of kids together, all at all different skill levels and ages, to then have them perform a bunch of synchronized drills for a period of time, and convincing them, this is going to make them better (never mind that they themselves were never taught like this - but your kid is)...

See, they don't care about getting the best out of these kid, they care more about creating the "ILLUSION" they care and most of all, the amount of cash they can grab from naive and stupid parents.

I just wonder, how many of these so called "specialized group instructors" were taught in the same manner, back in the day? I would venture to say none of them were, because back then - softball wasn't as much as a "money grab, as it is right now. - and I also think, parents might have been a little smarter back then too (there just might be something in the water, dumbing them down, now days)...

Now, lets hear from some of those, cool aid drinkers..

@ Softballjerk - Your comment seems quite negative about the instructors and parents more than the setting. As a player I find the benefit of both, don't rule out group lessons entirely. I take group catching lessons weekly at a great facility with a teriffic instructor, and 1-1 lessons weekly with that same instructor. I get my reps in the group circuit training and focus on my own needs with 1-1. You must pursue your individual wants and needs.

[jusfrkix]

SoftballJerk,

As a veteran coach and teacher, I understand your point of view and you are correct in assuming this isn't the most effective way to work on an individual's skills. There are upsides to this manner of lessons as well though, so none should ever be discounted. But iCatch is correct in saying that you seem more interested in bashing parents and instructors. I think B34R DOWN makes a great argument.

Group lessons offer those who have never been exposed to a particular skill, the opportunity to experience it in a friendly, developmental setting. Peers allow children to watch others as similar examples, share successes, learn from others' mistakes, support each other in failures and strengthen relationship abilities. Very much like a regular practice, it allows for teamwork building and friendly competition. Players work harder when competing as you know. Plus circuit training type lessons offer high reps. A pitcher would never benefit from a group lesson, but catchers and infielders would.

Once a player has been taught the basics and has an idea of the skill sets necessary for any position, more specific, individual instruction is needed. Remember that 6-9 year olds have so much to learn that group instruction is better, but at age 10+, players should be focusing on their own personal quirks and need small-group 3-1 or even 1-1. Maybe B34R DOWN, you should give softballjerk some 1-1 lessons, lol

[softballjerk]

SoftballJerk,

As a veteran coach and teacher, I understand your point of view and you are correct in assuming this isn't the most effective way to work on an individual's skills. There are upsides to this manner of lessons as well though, so none should ever be discounted. But iCatch is correct in saying that you seem more interested in bashing parents and instructors. I think B34R DOWN makes a great argument.

Group lessons offer those who have never been exposed to a particular skill, the opportunity to experience it in a friendly, developmental setting. Peers allow children to watch others as similar examples, share successes, learn from others' mistakes, support each other in failures and strengthen relationship abilities. Very much like a regular practice, it allows for teamwork building and friendly competition. Players work harder when competing as you know. Plus circuit training type lessons offer high reps. A pitcher would never benefit from a group lesson, but catchers and infielders would.

Once a player has been taught the basics and has an idea of the skill sets necessary for any position, more specific, individual instruction is needed. Remember that 6-9 year olds have so much to learn that group instruction is better, but at age 10+, players should be focusing on their own personal quirks and need small-group 3-1 or even 1-1. Maybe B34R DOWN, you should give softballjerk some 1-1 lessons, lol

@ jusfrkix - I get that groups are good for 6-9 year olds. Anyone above that age, who is trying to become GREAT, this is not a good path to follow.

Your imaginary scenario about peers sharing their experiences, strengthening relationships and so on, sounds like a hallmark card. The fact of the matter is, these parents are paying for instruction from an instructor, not to hopefully get the attention of a peer, who knows nothing about her, and who is hopefully not having a bad day herself, making this a bad experience for the younger player by something she said or did.

You don't want kids teaching kid, when you are paying for an instructor.

As for me bashing parents, I think it's obvious that these people know what the right thing to do is, but so many of they sideline their intelligence, and instead make a emotional decision to pay for their daughter to partake in a group lesson, when they know she needs specific attention to details that will never be fully addressed in these groups.
So I am not so much as bashing them, I find it really revealing as to how people can convince themselves to believe what they want to believe, when reality is staring them in the face everyday - and they simply refuse to address it...

[jusfrkix]

Unfortunately you missed the point entirely,
Oh well, Merry Christmas..!

BTW, I thought this was an Interesting comment, especially coming from you.:

I find it really revealing as to how people can convince themselves to believe what they want to believe

"Criticism is an indirect form of self-boasting"
~Emmet Fox