What changed the way I coach?

Early in my coaching career, I began noticing a pattern with young hitters.

Some players were working hard but becoming overwhelmed.

They were introduced to new skills before they were comfortable with what they had already learned. Before long, they were thinking about too many things instead of competing.

I realized that more instruction doesn't always mean more improvement.

Sometimes, young hitters need time to learn, practice, and apply a skill before they’re ready to move on.

So, I changed the way I coached.

Instead of trying to change a few things at once, I began focusing on what each hitter needed most at that point in their development. We focused on one skill, gave it time to develop, before moving to the next skill.

I found that when young hitters understood what they were working on and why, they became more engaged in the process and more willing to put in the work required to improve.

I also learned that progress doesn't look the same for every player. Some skills come quickly. Others take more time.

My job is to meet each hitter where they are and help them move forward from there.

Why I Created Youth Hitting Academy 

As I continued coaching, I also saw how difficult it could be for parents to know what their young hitter should actually be working on.

There is no shortage of hitting advice today.

One coach recommends one thing. A video online recommends another. A new drill promises to fix the swing.

It can be difficult to know what matters, what doesn't, and what your young hitter should focus on.

I wanted to create a different approach, one that gave young hitters a clear direction instead of constantly sending them from one tip or drill to another.

That became the foundation of Youth Hitting Academy.

The goal was simple: give baseball and softball players ages 10–13 a clear path for learning, practicing, and developing their hitting.

A path that helps them know what to work on, why it matters, and what comes next. 

What I Believe About Developing Young Hitters

I believe young hitters learn best when instruction is simple, focused, hands-on, and age-appropriate.

They need a coach who is paying attention to what they’re doing, giving them the right feedback, and helping them make the right adjustments at the right time.
They don’t need to think about everything at once. They need to focus on what matter’s most, practice it with purpose, and have enough time to develop it into a skill they can trust.

They also need to understand that improvement takes work. I can provide the instruction, direction, feedback, and encouragement, but the hitter has to put in the work and apply what they’ve learned.

That' s why I don't believe in rushing young hitters through a one-size-fits-all process.

Meet the hitter where they are. Give them the right thing to work on. Give them time to develop. Then build from there.

I believe that approach gives young hitters the best opportunity to make lasting progress, become more consistent at the plate, and gain the confidence that comes from knowing what they're doing and why they're doing it.

 Taking My Coaching Further

Those beliefs continue to guide the way I coach today.

They’re also the reason I created Game-Ready Hitter Academy, a private 1-on-1 coaching program where I can take this approach further through personalized coaching and ongoing support.

Rather than simply giving a young hitter information and expecting them to figure out what to do with it, I personally guide each hitter through the process.

My role is to provide the coaching, feedback, and direction they need and adjust our approach as they progress.

The goal is simple: help each player become a more confident, consistent, game-ready hitter from where they are today.

I want them to know what they’re working on, understand why it matters, and learn how to take what they practice into the game.

Ultimately, I want them to step into the batter's box prepared, confident in their preparation, and trusting the work they've put in.