"Clinics" - the real, tangible value.... ???

[fasterpitch92701]

Not fishin' for a specific answer, rather, legitimate opinions: has anyone found credible, legitimate value in college "clinics" ???

DD has attended multiple clinics at well known universities over the years. It almost... appears universal that they are extremely content light, often do not segregate by age groups (11's doing drills with 16's... etc.) or by talent/experience. When looking at prospective colleges for the future and their homegrown clinics, often the clinics are 4 hours long, 1 day... fine if you live 12 miles down the road but not much value if you have to fly in.

Or, is there a benefit to attending non-specific college camps that may have recruiters stopping by for a look? Hints/suggestions appreciated.

Apologies for the rookie question...

Enjoy in good health.

[dittoz]

Would be interested in this too, from those with real-world experience.

Because of recruiting rules, I've heard several times that camps and clinics are a good way to be seen by a given college. On the other hand, I've never been a huge fan of camps and clinics for real skill-building as it seems like you really can't teach a kid things in a one-off environment. Coaching? Sure... Players... ugh!

[fasterpitch92701]

I wouldn't think skill building would be significant. However, exposure might be.... NFCA/SPARQ administered or endorsed camps appear to have only minimal college attendence, and then, only within the local area.

[hit4power]

DD went to one of these a month or so ago, hosted by a local D1 program. The sense of value, I suppose, depends on what the expectations were. It was a hitting clinic, and while I don't think she learned a lot about hitting she didn't already know, she did gain confidence that she's working on the right mechanics; she got some exposure - the head coach watched every girl hit off the machine station, and most importantly, she spent a full day with two college softball players (they were in groups of 6-8 girls each with 2 players) and got to talk to them first hand about what its like to play ball in college. She also got to work at 2 stations with assistant coaches, see the campus, see the softball facilities, and participate in a Q&A with the full compliment of players. Personally, I thought it was great value for the time and money.

[SnocatzDad]

Two years ago my daughter attended a clinic at St Thomas Academy in MPLS MN. John Tschida hosted the clinic and I thought he was great, I learned alot in that short time and can see why he is one of the most respected teaching coaches around ( they have won at Div II world series twice since he took over the program )

I don't think my daughter remembers a single thing he said during that clinic 2 years later but she still remembers the college players that worked them through the drills. Tschida had his entire team there and the ratio was around 1 player to two girls. Over 5 days Tschida proably pitched front toss to every girl himself at least twice, so if you had the goods and were there to get seen, he would have seen you. I still think it's genius on his part to use his team to run these clinics, what better way to reinforce his mechanics and philosophies than to be asked to teach them to other players, plus I'm guessing that it's a sneaky way for him to get time with the players that doesn't count against the # of hours he's allowed of direct contact weekly.

I'm sure there are other clinics out there that are not as well run, but I would get word of mouth on a specific college camp prior to attending especially if it involved flying.

[PlayingfortheOCB]

I would say that college clinics offer very little value when it comes to building player skills but saying that... I would add that the real value is getting face time with the college coaching staff and players. It is essentially an unofficial visit and while you are on campus, you are free to talk to the coaches without restriction! While there, ask a ton of questions!!!

Take it for what it really is and that is an opportunity to get your kid in front of the college coaches on their campus... if DD has been doing her job and is well into the recruiting process, the coaches will know who she is and will take the opportunity to evaluate your kid and will talk to you if they have any interest. If they don't have any interest in your kid.. you can find this out also and can move on in your recruiting process.

Good luck!

[ECSB]

Hi, my DD has been to several clinics and camps. It is a good chance to see the campus and see the coach and players in action. My DD likes to get a good look at the coach she could be working with, and this is a good venue for her. Does the coach give good instruction to the kids at the clinic, or do they walk around and not talk with anyone, leaving the clinic up to their assistants (seen both). Most of the time, you get no personal attention or looks, but like most things, you get out of it what you put into it. There are usually a few recruits there, and they get some extra attention - coaches are always extra nice to them.

Here are my recommendations:

1. Email the coach just before the clinic and resend your profile- can't hurt.
2. Wear a shirt with your name on the back. 30 girls 14 to 17 all look alike.
3. Wear the best uniform that you have - preferably softball pants. Most of the girls wear shlumpy looking t-shirts and shorts or workout pants. At a recent clinic, your eye was immediately drawn to the kids who were dressed and looked like college players already.
4. For goodness sake, tell your kid to look like she is happy to be there. At a clinic this weekend, there was a really good pitcher. She was sloppily dressed and didn't smile once and did not look confident. She did not present well, even though she was winging it in.
5. You are unlikely to learn anything new if you are a good, well-coached player. Have fun and treat it like a hard workout. If they are telling you you need to work on your swing - listen.
6. And finally, if you are a TB coach and dad, leave all of your regalia at home. The clinic is for the kid, not for you. If the coach knows you, you don't need all the finery (hat, polo, sweatshirt and workout pants....).

Have another one this Saturday at a good D3.

[DDG]

DD has attended 5 one day clinics by the very top D1 schools and coaches.

Biggest value is in teaching mental toughness and proper attitude, especially with the younger players (8 to 14). Yes, they spend time hitting and working on swing mechanics. But, everyone knows how little you can get in 4 to 5 hours of hands on teaching, without any constant follow up by the same coaches.

For those that really love the sport, they come away hearing more about having the proper attitude (always positive, working on making yourself better every day, etc.). For DD, that is the one thing she has carried with her and it has made the biggest improvement in her game.

This is more evident during high school ball, playing on a team that has very few real “A Level” TB players. Most of the teams represented are glorified Rec Ball All Star teams playing at AFA B Level, with coaches and players who feel they are truly elite – interesting to see them play any of the teams on the “top 10”list posted here).

Nothing like high school drama to challenge keeping someone’s head on straight and going out and performing everyday at the highest level. Knowing to ignore the teammates that are late to practice, don’t complete the drills, talk on cell phones, whine about the tough 75 minutes of actual practice, have their daddies talk to the coach about how wonderful they are,…. I guess I need to sit in more of those pep talks. My mental toughness has expired, and league games haven’t even started yet.

In terms of recruiting value, I am not sure there is anything there. I don’t remember seeing the coaches doing anything more than shaking hands, signing autographs, giving the important pre and post workout pep talks, spending one on one time with whatever kid comes up to them, and making sure the camp is running smoothly. This may be different at a multi-day camp, where players are staying on campus and there is more time to really see them perform.

[AM Softball]

I think attending a camp by say an Olympian is worth it for the "mental game" alone. Being able to be coached by someone you idolize can spark the motivation...meeting them, wishing that was you...

Other than that, unless it is very specific or in a smaller setting, I do not believe you gain much (at the travel level).

[CallingCadence14]

It all depends on what you want to get out of it.My daughter is fairly young so we go for different reasons then a girl who is at that eligible age ,looking to be recruited.She goes for reinforcement as well as learn nothing major just little things that can help boost her confidence and minor tweaks that can be fixed then and there.Being around those who have excelled to a level that she wishes to obtain,players and coaches alike.One day hopefully when she makes a true commitment ,we'll take it to that level.
For now she is still in awe and idolizing phase.It's all in what you want to do and achieve.If your going to get noticed ,then you got to take the right route.

You might want to go this guys route.

1. Email the coach just before the clinic and resend your profile- can't hurt.
2. Wear a shirt with your name on the back. 30 girls 14 to 17 all look alike.
3. Wear the best uniform that you have - preferably softball pants. Most of the girls wear shlumpy looking t-shirts and shorts or workout pants. At a recent clinic, your eye was immediately drawn to the kids who were dressed and looked like college players already.
4. For goodness sake, tell your kid to look like she is happy to be there. At a clinic this weekend, there was a really good pitcher. She was sloppily dressed and didn't smile once and did not look confident. She did not present well, even though she was winging it in.
5. You are unlikely to learn anything new if you are a good, well-coached player. Have fun and treat it like a hard workout. If they are telling you you need to work on your swing - listen.
6. And finally, if you are a TB coach and dad, leave all of your regalia at home. The clinic is for the kid, not for you. If the coach knows you, you don't need all the finery (hat, polo, sweatshirt and workout pants....).

Good ques to take if your going to get noticed.

Best of luck to you.