Rob Kucharski Baseball & Softball Lessons

I like to talk with the student and find out what they feel they are doing well at and what needs improvement. I watch them throw, hit, field, etc.  I then video tape them so they can visually see themlelves and how their body works in space.  We identify what is good and what needs work.  I also show video clips of professional players so they can see how their bodies work so the student can see the difference between what a professional player looks like and an amateur player.  I teach what I call absolutes opposed to personal style.  We go into drill work that helps the student with proper sequencing of their body as they hit, pitch, etc.  Drill work varies depending on what mechanical issues the student has.  I also come up with an improvement plan for the student going forward that includes drill work, work outs, etc.  It is not a one size fits all-cookie cutter approach.  Every player I work with is different.

I feel that I have been very lucky to have worked for the White Sox Training Academy as a coach/instructor and luckier working for Elite Baseball Training. While working for these two organizations I have been around some amazing individuals who I would put up against anyone in the game of baseball; youth, high school, collegiate, professional.  I learned about high speed video analysis and how to break down video footage of players.  I found better, more effecient as well as progressive training methods to improve the overall athletic and physical ability of players. I learned to be more process driven then result driven.  These great people took the time to pass on their knowledge to me and in return I do that with my students.    

I have worked with students of all different backgrounds and skill levels. I have learned that it is not a one size fits all, cookie cutter approach when it comes to teaching.  You are dealing with various personalities and one approach may not work as well as another with certain students. Therefore in order to be an effective teacher I need to be able to adapt and find the best way possible for the player I am coaching to understand what it is that I am trying to teach him.   

I really enjoy going to the games of the students that I work with when I can make it out to see them play.  I never really had anyone come watch me play growing up other then family sometimes and that was hard because I had three other siblings that played as well so my parents and relatives were going from field to field to watch us play.

Do your research.  Ask questions. Don't be persuaded to hire a teacher with the most experience and accomplishments. I have learned over the years that there are a number of coaches and instructors in this field who have had way more decorated careers filled with many awards for their achievements then I have had as a player and coach.  I have been coached by and have gotten lessons from these individuals.  I can tell you now that the way I coach, teach, and the information that I give to my players is beyond what I received during my playing career.  Just because someone is a good player or has won a number of championships as a coach doesn't make them a good teacher.

At the end of the day you the player are responsible for your own success.  You need to put in the work and be dedicated to your craft.  When you are not working to get better someone else is.  With that being said this is your playing career and you need to do what is best for you and your playing career.  Be critical and ask critical questions instead of the basic vanilla ones.  Find a teacher who is cutting edge, progressive, uses science (coaching science, exercise science, sports science), research, process driven vs result driven, understands bio mechanics, and who is going to give you the right information so you can maximize your overall athletic and physical ability as a player opposed to a coach who's philosophy and methods are based on nothing more than conventional wisom.