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Author:Brian Barca

May 1, 2015 In Uncategorized

A GREAT TOOL

What is the value of a mirror?

A mirror can tell us so much. Most of us start our day by looking in one before work or school, but how many of us use it when it comes to learning the game? Never underestimate the value of this resource that is in the majority of households. So much can be learned about the body and the way that it works by doing drills is in front of a full length mirror. We can see the way everything is supposed to move when we do it correctly whether it being throwing, fielding, hitting…etc. More importantly, after we have seen, we then realize how it feels, which improves are understanding.

Don’t let today pass without getting this feedback. Spend the time. It’s a worthy investment and one that will pay dividends.

April 21, 2015 In Coaching, Mental Game

COMPETITION AS A CRUTCH

It is often said that competition brings out the best in people. People will say that you will work harder if there’s someone breathing down your neck or there is a game to be won or a spot on the roster to be had.

However, is there a problem with competition? Is it that competition takes away the requirement to set your own path, to invent your own method as Seth Godin would say and to find a new way. He adds that when you have competition, “it’s the pack that decides what’s going to happen next, you’re merely trying to get (or stay) in front.”

Is that what we strive for? To be part of the pack? To be something that any other player can be? Or do you focus on improving within yourself each day on your journey, whether athletic related or not.

Competing with yourself is certainly more difficult. It requires more bravery, but leads to more insight.

April 9, 2015 In Mental Game

PSYCHOLOGICAL MATH

Here is a simple math problem (baseball style) for you to take a swing at…

Any situation + a negative mindset = ?

How many of you said that the answer to this problem posed above is such things as FAILURE, a BAD RESULT or a PROBLEM?

If so, consider the truth that the answer really is that it equals an “ILLUSION OF A PROBLEM” because there really isn’t an issue.

The fact is that we as human beings tend to see things as “we are”, not as “they really are” so when we have a negative mindset or one that is insecure, we tend not to look at any situation as a new chance to succeed, but rather a downward spiral of situations that they believe will cause them to fail again.

Let’s take another minute to look at this math “Opportunity” again, with one minor change shall we?

Any situation + a positive(secure) mindset = ?

You guessed it..

SOLUTIONS

March 22, 2015 In Hitting

THE STRIKE ZONE (PART 1)

Understanding the strike zone is not enough. The majority of us expect so much of our players in terms of them knowing “what is a strike” and “what is not.” It’s easy right? Anything that crosses the plate is a strike from the knees to the letters. If it doesn’t, it’s a ball and no swing is required.

The truth is that there are so many more variables to this question. The real question that should be asked is, what is that particular players strike zone? What can they hit and not hit? What can they hit and what can they hit well? What can they hit well and what can they absolutely crush? Knowing this can allow growth to soar in terms of hitting.

March 22, 2015 In Coaching

SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

Too often, we say, you have to hit that pitch the other way, stay down through the ball, you need to take a better angle…etc. A major key in the growth of a player is for them to understand how their body works. The more they understand this, the faster they can grow. A coach who spends the time teaching sound fundamentals, footwork, and balance is putting players in a position to succeed. If you are a coach and take this approach, you’re on the right track.