In the world of competitive sports, particularly in disciplines as precise as baseball and softball, the concept of focus transcends the mere act of hitting a round ball with a round bat. It delves deeper, influencing the very fabric of how a team prepares and practices. This article aims to shed light on the critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of focus during practice planning and its profound impact on a team's performance. ### The Crucial Role of Focus in Practice Planning For coaches, the process of crafting the perfect practice plan is akin to a meticulous artist painting a masterpiece. It requires an environment that fosters concentration and clarity of thought. Before even picking up a pen or opening a planning app, coaches are encouraged to find a quiet space, free from distractions. This setting is pivotal for entering a state of relaxation and focus, essential for envisioning the practice that will most benefit their team. ### The Art of Centering Before Planning Taking a few centering breaths is not just a prelude to planning; it's a ritual that aligns the coach's intentions with their goals for the team. This moment of mindfulness allows for a clearer perspective, ensuring that the practice plan developed is not just a routine exercise but a strategic approach tailored to the team's current needs and long-term objectives. ### The Value of Consistency in Practice Contrary to the common urge to constantly innovate practice routines, there's significant value in consistency. Once a focused and well-thought-out practice plan is established, sticking with it for an extended period can yield remarkable results. Consistency allows players to internalize techniques, strategies, and teamwork, transforming practice drills into second nature. This doesn't mean that practice should become monotonous or unchallenging, but rather that a stable foundation of repeated drills and exercises can enhance skill acquisition and team cohesion. ### Conclusion In conclusion, the power of focus in the context of practice planning cannot be overstated. It's a critical element that influences the effectiveness of the practice, the development of the players, and ultimately, the success of the team. By dedicating time to center themselves and thoughtfully plan out practice sessions, coaches can create a productive and positive environment that propels their team towards excellence. Remember, the goal is not to reinvent the wheel with each practice but to refine and perfect the skills that will lead the team to victory.

At the beginning of each season it is important to verbally and visually address team goals with the entire team and their families (parents). It is important to use this time to get one goal that the whole team is working towards together. Then, the coaches, together, need to sit down with each individual and discuss their personal goals. This step in the process is so important, and I see so many coaches who mean well, but they don't understand the importance of having these individual meetings. Don't just send the kids home with the homework assignment of "writing down their goals." This does need to be done, but the importance of the actual sit down with each player cannot be over stressed. When you take the time to sit down, discuss, and mostly listen to what your player wants to accomplish, what their actual goals are, you build another level of trust with them. In this meeting you make it clear, you are here for them, and to help them reach their goals. This will also increase the players' buy in to your coaching philosophy and make for a much more productive learning environment. Now, why did I call this post "Hidden Agendas?" If you don't do this with your team and then individually with your players, there will be a different agenda for everyone, and you may think your team is on the same page, but you will find out through the season that you couldn't be more wrong. Unless you specifically go through this process, here are some of the hidden agenda's that will be running in the background: Parents: "I'm just trying to get my girl noticed by some of these other teams that win a lot, then we can move to another team" "My kid is the best first baseman on this team, why does the coach always have her playing outfield" "My kid is the best catcher on the team, why does the coach sometimes play the other catcher over her?" Players: "I am just doing this because I don't want to disappoint my parents" "The coaches don't like me, I need to find another team"

Have you heard this before? Of course you have, every coach says it, after every tournament. What matters is what they mean by this. Over 24 years of coaching baseball and softball I have found that there is not much to the games. When I started, I did not have access to YouTube and Instagram posts that would show me cool new ways to teach the same old skills, so this wasn't a problem for me. The issue with this is if the coach does a new drill each week, or even worse, every practice, but they only do it that one time, it will do almost NO good. No matter how good the drill is. Here is what I would suggest instead. Look over your goals for the team for the entire season. What exactly do you want to accomplish. Then develop a practice schedule and plan that you think will get you there. Then, pick the drills that you know and understand and can teach, and put those in your plan. Then stick with it, trust the process and know that your team is getting better, even if those first few tournaments don't go well at all. Be slow to change up the plan, and quick to reinforce your belief in the process. Understand that the parents will not have the same degree of patience as you, and that's ok. What are your thoughts?

I want to say a special THANK YOU! To all the founders of this community, YOU! With that, I want to take a quick poll and find out when would be the most convenient time for you guys to get on a live Zoom call weekly for a Q&A session with myself and other experts from inside and outside of our community. Now, this doesn't mean you have to be able to make the Live call every week, but I do feel like you should get a vote on when it should take place since you are our founding members. Please take a couple minutes and cast your vote. Thanks! Coach JT

Hey team! I took a video of one of my DU boys hitting in the cages last week and was wondering if anyone had any pointers on how to improve/modify his swing? Thanks!