Over the past 35 years of clinics, camps and lessons, I have had the opportunity to work with thousands of fastpitch softball players. Literally, thousands of players who are attending an event and paying a fee to work on this great game with coaches of all shapes and sizes.
People who work at camps and clinics or as professional instructors can have a various levels of knowledge and experience. But one thing is universal: You chose to attend that camp or clinic or to work with that instructor. You are paying the “experts” who are teaching the game in these settings to share their knowledge with you and your kids.
Then why do so many kids attend these camps, clinics and lessons with the built in response that matches the title of this blog-
When we start our big Championship Softball Holiday Camp at Tennessee Tech, I lay it all on the line with the campers. These coaches know what they are talking about and you should take what they say and apply it to your game. There is no beating around the bush, there is no candy coating, it is just pure dose of reality time.
I’m not saying your dad is wrong, but if he really thought he knew it all, they wouldn’t be paying to send you to a camp or lessons! Right?
Players who attend camps, clinics and lessons with a closed mind are wasting their time and their parents’ money.
Listen, try, attempt, work hard, give something new a chance and you will be shocked by all that you can learn!!
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
