We are so lucky to work with amazing people. Every coach that we interact with has an amazing story. Some have coached world champions, some have been world champions and some are just trying to make a difference with a kid that might not otherwise get the chance to participate in sport and we have coaches everywhere in between. Most coach kids when they cant afford it and they all work like crazy for their athletes. Not only are they doing all those amazing things they are looking outside the box for tools to help their kids get better faster. David Beard is a new addition to our roster and we would like to take a moment to recognize his efforts. He has an inspiring story.
Was there a specific point in time when I knew I was going to be a coach?
I think the coaching itself started fresh out of High School. Here's the story.. I was one of those athletes that people would have thought of not having any talent and would have never had the chance to go anywhere and for 3-years of High School all I did mostly was ride the bench. My father came across "Intencity" which at the time took care of strength-n-conditioning for the Lakers, Angels, Mighty Ducks and more. Well, my father had a $1,000 to spare and signed my life away for 3-days a week for 8 weeks and I say signed my life away because I didn't think it was going to do much but father believed in me and wanted more for me so he told me that it was what I was going to do and need to get off the bench.
Well, it change my life. I gained weight, came back stronger, faster, and a more determined athlete. Become 1st All League for Center and Pitching, started all games, went to College and had the opportunity to go Semi-Pro.
Coaching started after all this because I wanted to show others how their lives could be changed as well with a little help and belief.
How long have I been a Coach?
In baseball, on and off since after college. About 10 years. Coaching athletes and individuals such as for speed, swimmers, triathletes, other sports and fitness nuts, constantly for 10 years and on going.
Background of the Academy and Athletes..
The academy is like a school for baseball and softball athletes. We have a regular academy program that covers defense and offense up to 5 days a week. We also have pitching and hitting programs. The academy's vision is "Through Deliberate Training Anyone Can Achieve" and our mission to give more opportunities to more athletes so that we can change their lives and it's a program that even a single mother with 4-kids could send their athlete too to help change his/her life.
The athletes.. they are the biggest hearted, most passionate kids that were never given a chance by most merely because they were looked at by the outside. Our athletes are truly Xtraordinary because they train more than many, if not most athletes, that are so called "Talented" and value the focus on the little things that matter in order to create the final masterpiece.
We're not an emotional program that is concerned with winning now and needing to play nothing but games to make our athletes feel good that they are out having fun. We're a rationale program that looks to the future and it is what we are preparing for-- their futures. We sacrifice games to train because we want the highest success rate when it comes to successful athletes and I'm not just talking about being successful in the game, I'm talking about being successful in life which is what great coaches in any game will teach you.
They will lead better and more successful lives.
Ideas that I think other coaches would benefit from..
Seeing things in a better way rather than yours being the right way. This way you’re always progressing your instruction, the drill or your teachings to better the athlete all the time.
Stay the course. Politics get in the way of many kids futures. There many great athletes in many kids and most of them never get the chance because a coach brings in the politics. Consider focusing and basing your judgment on "Effort".
Try something. If it doesn't work, so what. Something we tell the athletes, "Try, try and try again otherwise you may never notice what true greatness lies within".
Experience using video analysis.
I have some experience with various softwares and it has helped a lot in making sure that I don't get comfortable with myself and that I get a second pair of eyes.
Research..
Did a bit of research with what I could find before I came across UpMyGame and know of many different softwares that are available but few were able to be used online for my athletes and only UpMyGame was really affordable with professional tools that could be utilized for professional feedback.
David Beard is an amazing coach and we are glad to work with his team. We are glad to be his choice for baseball video analysis software and will work as hard as he does to make sure our solution saves him time and gets his kids better.