Not too long ago I wrote about how old I feel every time I use a movie quote from a classic old movie and none of my students have any idea of what I am talking about.
Well, guess what, it’s not just movie lines that they don’t get. I’ve never been a huge fan of technology, and while I know it has improved our lives, it has also accelerated the gap between my vocabulary and the kids I work with.
Here’s a list of hitting-related phrases that will be music to the ears of old coaches and parents but are completely lost on their kids.
Phrase old people know: How it relates to hitting:
Carbon Copy Ability to duplicate your swing.
12 O’clock High. Sky high fly ball.
That dog will hunt! Great swing!
Bonehead Stubborn player who resists instruction.
Knucklehead Flighty player who has difficulty staying on task.
Swell Good or well done.
Holy Moley Surprising development, good or bad.
Turn up the Dial Increase the intensity.
Broken Record Making the same mistake over and over.
Long Distance Call Hitting the ball a long ways.
Phone Booth Working in tight spaces.
Special Delivery Pitch that is over the heart of the plate.
Hung out to dry Defensive swing in a good hitters count.
Why is this list important to coaches? It is another example of phrases or catch phrases that we often use that our players do not understand. The list will continue to grow, of course. I keep getting older and the kids stay the same.
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.
