Hitting Instructors in D/FW

[Whizzer86]

I just say do some research before posting on places like heybucket...

I often wonder why parents in select softball get such a bad wrap. Maybe this is why. A friend tells me about this message board called Heybucket where I might could get some help finding a hitting instructor. I obivously don't have the skills or knowledge about hitting or I wouldn't be looking for an instructor. Instead of an instructor, I'm instructed not to come on places like "Heybucket" without doing some research.. Call me crazy but I thought asking for help on the situation would be considered "doing research".

Thanks for your help Txfastpitch I learned my lesson. Keep my mouth shut and off of Heybucket.

Or you could have taken your friend's advice, came onto Heybucket, and just ask "who is a good softball hitting instructor in the DFW area."

Instead, like most rec ball parents (mostly fathers) you wanted to act like you know more than you do, and you just had to give us your opinion that the swings are different. Two minutes of research on Google would have save you from making that statement.

The reason that rec ball parents get slammed on this website is because they act like they know more than they do. . . now you know.

I think 02 said "Just seems like such a different swing" which would indicate his/her perception rather than an educated opinion.

Most of our kids started in rec, moved to select and on to college. I guess yours started gold at age 7, got her GED at 8 and went straight to college ball. Congrats.....

There are a lot of good hitting instructors in the D/FW area, I agree with sward, being able to relate and communicate is the key. What area are you in? the metroplex is a large area and you should be able to find someone close.

[TXfastpitchsoftball]

Whizzer86: Typical Heybucket response. . . why attack my kids? My kids have nothing to do with my knowledge (or lack of) of how to hit a softball/baseball. My kids like yours started in rec, worked their tails off, went to select, and enjoyed the fruits of that hard work.

But we got out of rec as soon as they fell in love with the sport because of the rec ball parent mentality that just because some mom/dad played high school ball/Little League 20 years ago they are qualified to teach somone to hit, catch, throw, field, etc. I've always wondered how many GREAT players are run off from the sport by some lousy rec ball coach.

I especially love the former player (often a high school coach) who decides to start giving hitting lessons without going to a single coaching clinic, buying a video less than 5 years old, talking hitting with top respected instructors/college coaches/travel coaches, etc. But by God they hit .243 in 100 career at bats at State U as a walkon so they must be qualified to teach your DD to hit.

[Underdog]

Whizzer86: Typical Heybucket response. . . why attack my kids? My kids have nothing to do with my knowledge (or lack of) of how to hit a softball/baseball. My kids like yours started in rec, worked their tails off, went to select, and enjoyed the fruits of that hard work.

But we got out of rec as soon as they fell in love with the sport because of the rec ball parent mentality that just because some mom/dad played high school ball/Little League 20 years ago they are qualified to teach somone to hit, catch, throw, field, etc. I've always wondered how many GREAT players are run off from the sport by some lousy rec ball coach.

I especially love the former player (often a high school coach) who decides to start giving hitting lessons without going to a single coaching clinic, buying a video less than 5 years old, talking hitting with top respected instructors/college coaches/travel coaches, etc. But by God they hit .243 in 100 career at bats at State U as a walkon so they must be qualified to teach your DD to hit.

Many times "rec ball" coaches step up and coach because nobody else would step forward or volunteer . Sure they do not have the experience or knowledge that select coaches do. But because they stepped forward to help some girls will "fall in love with the sport" just as yours did (by your own admission) and move up to select and further . Show some gratitude . I would think more GREAT players are still playing today because a rec ball coach stepped up to help than there are GREAT players who were run off by a lousy coach.

[51sDad]

txfastpitchsoftball is absolutely correct. If anyone tries to tell you that Baseball and Softball swings are different, RUN!!

Exactly

[TXfastpitchsoftball]

Another typical Heybucket response. You presume I'm not "grateful" for my own kids experiences rather than actually read the post or stay on point. For every two amazing selfless rec ball coaches, you'll get the one who is in it just so his own kid can pitch, play quarterback, etc. For a 7 or 8 year old, it only takes one such coach to turn them off a sport.

In my opinion, it is why soccer took over the youth sports market. It is a sport with a long history of professional, paid, qualified coaches even at the very young age. Youth baseball has gone this route of the professional coach/instructor even at the very young age. Unfortunately, I believe softball is still many years away because parents won't pay for their 14u DD to have a professional softball coach even though they will pay for little johnny to have a former major leaguer coach his 7u team.

[Underdog]

Sorry 02Dad that this has gotten so far off topic but I believe you asked a legitimate question and also believe that Heybucket is as good a place as any to "research" your topic. I realize I run the risk of being labeled the typical Heybucket dumbass but I cant help but notice all of the stereotyping that TXfstptchdad has of others . There's the the one who is in it just so his own kid can pitch, play quarterback, etc , the parents won't pay for their 14u DD to have a professional softball coach even though they will pay for little johnny to have a former major leaguer coach his 7u team. ,the rec ball parents who get slammed on this website because they act like they know more than they do. , the former player (often a high school coach) who decides to start giving hitting lessons without going to a single coaching clinic, buying a video less than 5 years old, talking hitting with top respected instructors/college coaches/travel coaches, etc. But by God they hit .243 in 100 career at bats at State U as a walkon so they must be qualified to teach your DD to hit ,the rec ball parent mentality that just because some mom/dad played high school ball/Little League 20 years ago they are qualified to teach somone to hit, catch, throw, field,
I did what you said and read your posts. If I missed a few I apologize but wow dude you've had some bad experiences . You have had to put up with alot of inept people . What rec league were you involved with ?

[Whizzer86]

Whizzer86: Typical Heybucket response. . . why attack my kids? My kids have nothing to do with my knowledge (or lack of) of how to hit a softball/baseball. My kids like yours started in rec, worked their tails off, went to select, and enjoyed the fruits of that hard work.

But we got out of rec as soon as they fell in love with the sport because of the rec ball parent mentality that just because some mom/dad played high school ball/Little League 20 years ago they are qualified to teach somone to hit, catch, throw, field, etc. I've always wondered how many GREAT players are run off from the sport by some lousy rec ball coach.

I especially love the former player (often a high school coach) who decides to start giving hitting lessons without going to a single coaching clinic, buying a video less than 5 years old, talking hitting with top respected instructors/college coaches/travel coaches, etc. But by God they hit .243 in 100 career at bats at State U as a walkon so they must be qualified to teach your DD to hit.

"

Unfortunately your's has become the typical Heybucket response. A pompus a$$ who feels he doesn't need to listen to dribble from people who know less than him and, of course, few know more than you obviously. I was not attacking your kids.
My kid played rec, I coached rec and even taught her and others how to hit with my inadequate college baseball experience and 20 year old hitting philosiphies. Like you, as soon as my daughter indicated she wanted to play at a higher level we moved her to select. Several players like her moved to the next level as well but not because their lives were being ruined by a "lousy rec ball coach" but because their desire to play exceeded the desire of the girls that just wanted to have fun while playing.
As for the walk on at State U who hit .243 in 100 carerr at bats; the best instructors are not often the ones who hit .400 in 500 at bats because the game came natural to them, they are often the ones who should have never made the team because they could only hit .100 but studied the game and spent countless hours to make themselves a .243 hitter and earn a spot.

"Unfortunately, I believe softball is still many years away because parents won't pay for their 14u DD to have a professional softball coach even though they will pay for little johnny to have a former major leaguer coach his 7u team."[/i]

God, I hope we are years behind. This sport is still about an avenue for an education, not a millionaires dream. It builds strength and character for those that play it.

[TXfastpitchsoftball]

"There is drama in rec ball . . . Why would travel ball be any different? If your memory needs to be refreshed and get the "good ole day" syndrome washed out, go back and watch a T ball game. You'll find it reminds you of one of those riots at an European soccer game.

I know it's hard for trolls to remember what they post when they just want to stir the pot, but this took about a minute to find. Seems your memory needs to be refreshed about your "good ole days" back in rec ball.

But back on point for the original poster . . . find a softball/baseball instructor who actually knows the hitting techniques being taught by college coaches today and not 10 years ago, works well with your kid, and continue educating yourself by attending hitting clinics, reading, researching the internet, buying current hitting videos, etc. Never stop learning and challenging your own understanding of hitting.

[Whizzer86]

"There is drama in rec ball . . . Why would travel ball be any different? If your memory needs to be refreshed and get the "good ole day" syndrome washed out, go back and watch a T ball game. You'll find it reminds you of one of those riots at an European soccer game.

I know it's hard for trolls to remember what they post when they just want to stir the pot, but this took about a minute to find. Seems your memory needs to be refreshed about your "good ole days" back in rec ball.

But back on point for the original poster . . . find a softball/baseball instructor who actually knows the hitting techniques being taught by college coaches today and not 10 years ago, works well with your kid, and continue educating yourself by attending hitting clinics, reading, researching the internet, buying current hitting videos, etc. Never stop learning and challenging your own understanding of hitting.

There will be drama at all levels as long as parents are involved is all I was saying. Didn't look the post up but I believe that is what I was referring to. Your answer that you just gave would have been much more constructive if given the first time. I guess that makes me a troll.

[Geronimo]

Hey Txfastpitchsoftball, where do you give lessons? I'd like for you to give my DD lessons.