Kevin G.

I have been providing local instruction for more than 10 years. My coaching style builds upon techniques I learned from experiences as a player in youth, high school, and collegiate baseball. One of the single most difficult physical challenges is hitting a baseball, and that is prime focus of my instructional sessions. The objective is to give a player the tools they need to be able to step up to the plate with confidence.

First and foremost, I enjoy working with players of all ages and levels, and find the greatest reward when I see them develop. A large part of success in youth baseball hinges on mental preparation, and I stress this often-overlooked component. Being able to master the strike zone, and develop techniques for moving through the batters box are other key components of my hitting instructions. I start with very basic exercises and progress to repetitive drills and challenging tasks. When learned in sequence, these lessons instill good habits on hand movement and the use of a full range of body motion to deliver results.

I have been coaching youth baseball for the past 7 years, and in that time have been fortunate to coach some great teams, including several league championships and an undefeated regular season. As I always tell my players "Every team has talent, it is how you get the most of yourself and your teammates that will make the difference". That is the essence of the mental aspect of my coaching style. My lesson plan involves preparing a player mentally, as well as physically.

Foot placement, using legs and hips, proper grip and positioning of hands all come together to create a swing that delivers results, and my goal is to allow every player the reward of going up to the plate believing in themselves and what they can accomplish.

As a baseball player - Little League, Babe Ruth, Stan Musial, High School, and Collegiate level experience. Babe Ruth Championship and All-Star team member.
As a baseball coach - Several season champions. Most recently, my 2013 Spring 10-11 youth team finished the regular season undefeated (the only team among 37 township squads to accomplish the task) 6 member of my team were selected to the Little League All-Stars. My 2013 Fall baseball squad finished the regular season as runners up, but swept through the playoff rounds to take the championship trophy. This was the third straight appearance in the Fall Championships, and second trophy.

As a high school Track & Field athlete - sprinter, hurdler, long jump specialities. Bergen County Champion (sprint medley team, high hurdles), Top 10 ranking in High Hurdles in Parochial A division. Gold medalist-NJAAU.
As a youth basketball coach - led 2011 squad to an undefeated season, and 2013 summer league team to the championship game.

Initially, I will have a "needs analysis" session with the athlete. This will be a working discussion in two parts - 1) DIALOGUE - focuses on their objectives, perceived areas of weakness and development needs. 2) SKILLS - a series of exercises that will enable me to understand the current level of physical skills. These 2 steps are extremely important because each athlete will be different, and I do not provide "canned instruction", but a customized approach based on the individual. The first session would largely focus on this "needs analysis", and subsequent sessions would be in-depth drills designed to meet the needs identified.