A parent looking for some answers

julian

Hall of Fame
So I have such great powers over complete strangers. I did not realize that. Next time I will control my powers.
I do not think you understand
1. Switching between orange/red balls and yellow balls is not a great idea
2. I work for a place which does use ROG balls for some groups and yellow balls
for other groups
If we did start with yellow balls we try not to go BACK to ROG balls with a possible
exception of serve and even this case is very disputable
3. Playing tournaments with so called 75 percent green dot balls is a pretty crazy idea
In my opinion
4.the size of rackets and foam balls are not the only parameters available here.
Other are : the size of the court,the height of the net and the size of the serve box. One tries to put 2 or 4 nets on a regular courts or have a smaller court with a regular net.
On a top of it green dot balls force a player to whack them to be successful.
All those things do show up as coaches of under 10 tennis are trying to cope and learn
 

julian

Hall of Fame
I do not think you understand
1. Switching between orange/red balls and yellow balls is not a great idea
2. I work for a place which does use ROG balls for some groups and yellow balls
for other groups
If we did start with yellow balls we try not to go BACK to ROG balls with a possible
exception of serve and even this case is very disputable
3. Playing tournaments with so called 75 percent green dot balls is a pretty crazy idea
In my opinion
4.the size of rackets and foam balls are not the only parameters available here.
Other are : the size of the court,the height of the net and the size of the serve box. One tries to put 2 or 4 nets on a regular courts or have a smaller court with a regular net.
On a top of it green dot balls force a player to whack them to be successful.
All those things do show up as coaches of under 10 tennis are trying to cope and learn
On a top of it nobody knows whether we have under 10 tennis or under 12 tennis
Some sections of USTA do have different opinions on this subject
A lot of skills are re-learned multiple times
 

sureshs

Bionic Poster
I do not think you understand
1. Switching between orange/red balls and yellow balls is not a great idea
2. I work for a place which does use ROG balls for some groups and yellow balls
for other groups
If we did start with yellow balls we try not to go BACK to ROG balls with a possible
exception of serve and even this case is very disputable
3. Playing tournaments with so called 75 percent green dot balls is a pretty crazy idea
In my opinion
4.the size of rackets and foam balls are not the only parameters available here.
Other are : the size of the court,the height of the net and the size of the serve box. One tries to put 2 or 4 nets on a regular courts or have a smaller court with a regular net.
On a top of it green dot balls force a player to whack them to be successful.
All those things do show up as coaches of under 10 tennis are trying to cope and learn
I just asked what balls were being used. Maybe it is time for you to grow some balls and pick a fight with someone who will make toast of you - namely the coach who suggested orange ballas. Don't make me the proxy in order to divert your fights.
 
M

maxxy777

Guest
And the average age to enter the ATP to 100 is just over 21

Maybe in old statistics.
There is only 7 players under 22 in top 100.
And so what is your point?
That is 22 very young age for profesional sport?
 
M

maxxy777

Guest
@maxxy777
can't you guys make-up. It's okay to disagree. There's enough pettiness. Learn from each other.
Yes, I feel like brokering peace today. o_O

I am anything but petty i can like your post even if i dont agree with half from it,
I have np with that guy he has it with me.
Did i write one single post on his thread?
No ,he has right to have opinion
only when he called me out and made a thread abut me
 
S

Sirius Black

Guest
Thanks a lot. I haven't given much instructions on footwork though. He tries to copy Djokovic and his older brother. I do teach some tips to the older one and he's always there listening. Here's how he watches Djokovic's match


So kids these days are idolizing Djokovic instead of Federer...exciting time in the world.
 

digidoc15

New User
So kids these days are idolizing Djokovic instead of Federer...exciting time in the world.
Not exactly.. My younger one is a djokovic fan. My older son likes federer and nadal more.. But I don't want him to be trying Nadal's forehand.. He did try to do a single handed backhand.. He has a good 2H backhand so I joke with him that Federer now wishes he had Djokovic's backhand ;-). Their idols keep changing.. They were recently impressed with the Bryan brothers.. My older son thinks Nadal can beat Djokovic if he drinks enough protein shakes [emoji4]
 

tennis_balla

Hall of Fame
Not exactly.. My younger one is a djokovic fan. My older son likes federer and nadal more.. But I don't want him to be trying Nadal's forehand.. He did try to do a single handed backhand.. He has a good 2H backhand so I joke with him that Federer now wishes he had Djokovic's backhand ;-). Their idols keep changing.. They were recently impressed with the Bryan brothers.. My older son thinks Nadal can beat Djokovic if he drinks enough protein shakes [emoji4]

There are a lot of good things going on with Nadal's forehand, which is why it's such a weapon. What people see however is Nadal's style, and not fundamentals. Watch some slow motion practice videos of Rafa on YouTube. How he moves to the ball, uses his core, how balanced he is etc. It's a great forehand to emulate at its core.
 

digidoc15

New User
There are a lot of good things going on with Nadal's forehand, which is why it's such a weapon. What people see however is Nadal's style, and not fundamentals. Watch some slow motion practice videos of Rafa on YouTube. How he moves to the ball, uses his core, how balanced he is etc. It's a great forehand to emulate at its core.
We do watch those videos. I agree his balance is amazing. But I personally feel it's not a forehand a 6yr old should try to emulate. Kids don't think like us. It's very difficult and confusing to inspire a kid for one part and not the other.. Thanks
 

tennis_balla

Hall of Fame
We do watch those videos. I agree his balance is amazing. But I personally feel it's not a forehand a 6yr old should try to emulate. Kids don't think like us. It's very difficult and confusing to inspire a kid for one part and not the other.. Thanks

On the contrary. There are certain fundamentals that all professional players possess. Movement to the ball and where they place their body in relation to the ball, hitting from the ground up (loading and unloading, meaning the stroke is initiated from your legs and core), balance during contact, proper use of non-dominant hand, and recovery (again both footwork and positioning).
These are all things that need to be taught from the very start.
 

digidoc15

New User
On the contrary. There are certain fundamentals that all professional players possess. Movement to the ball and where they place their body in relation to the ball, hitting from the ground up (loading and unloading, meaning the stroke is initiated from your legs and core), balance during contact, proper use of non-dominant hand, and recovery (again both footwork and positioning).
These are all things that need to be taught from the very start.
I agree. That's what me and our coach are trying to add since his last session. I'm surprised how quickly kids grasp a lot naturally and are not afraid to try new things. Thanks
 

Mack-2

Professional
On the contrary. There are certain fundamentals that all professional players possess. Movement to the ball and where they place their body in relation to the ball, hitting from the ground up (loading and unloading, meaning the stroke is initiated from your legs and core), balance during contact, proper use of non-dominant hand, and recovery (again both footwork and positioning).
These are all things that need to be taught from the very start.
What drills can be used to improve their movement to the ball and where they place their body in relation to the ball? I believe this is the MOST important part of tennis.
 

tennis_balla

Hall of Fame
What drills can be used to improve their movement to the ball and where they place their body in relation to the ball? I believe this is the MOST important part of tennis.

I like to use hand feed drills. It allows me to have full control over the players and their movements and gets me up close so I can see any mistakes much easier. Hand feed drills are done with beginners right up to pro players doing hand feeds.

Here is an example:

Its not really what drill you do, but rather more importantly the intention of the drill and what you have the player focus on during that makes the difference.
 

BMC9670

Hall of Fame
The development should be controlled by only one person-the coach.
Getting a parent involved very often breaks the process
If the parent does make a decision about coaching I just quit on a student

You do realize we're talking about 5 and 6 year olds here, right? At this age the parent has a lot to do with development as the focus should be on overall coordination, balance, fun, etc as well as basic tennis skills. The parent is the paying consumer and should be very closely involved in the process and be listened to by the coach as well as educated by the coach. It's a relationship.
 

digidoc15

New User
You do realize we're talking about 5 and 6 year olds here, right? At this age the parent has a lot to do with development as the focus should be on overall coordination, balance, fun, etc as well as basic tennis skills. The parent is the paying consumer and should be very closely involved in the process and be listened to by the coach as well as educated by the coach. It's a relationship.
I so agree with you.. It may be fun for the kids(atleast till now). But it's so much work physically, financially, and mentally for me.. I was good in sports but wasn't much of a tennis player, I'm literally learning so I can teach. Fortunately I have a good understanding with the coach and the kids. I feel like the translator translating english to some kids language.. The coach comes and goes within 40 minutes and I have to work on what he taught for two weeks in a kids world[emoji4]. Thanks
 
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sureshs

Bionic Poster
You do realize we're talking about 5 and 6 year olds here, right? At this age the parent has a lot to do with development as the focus should be on overall coordination, balance, fun, etc as well as basic tennis skills. The parent is the paying consumer and should be very closely involved in the process and be listened to by the coach as well as educated by the coach. It's a relationship.
Agassi Sharapova Williamses Nadal all had family members working closely with the coach.
 

Mack-2

Professional
I like to use hand feed drills. It allows me to have full control over the players and their movements and gets me up close so I can see any mistakes much easier. Hand feed drills are done with beginners right up to pro players doing hand feeds.

Here is an example:

Its not really what drill you do, but rather more importantly the intention of the drill and what you have the player focus on during that makes the difference.

Love that drill by Stan! So if I'm doing such a drill, what should be my focus in order to improve my positioning?
 

boramiNYC

Hall of Fame
OP, you have awesome and adorable kids! Their enthusiasm for tennis is just icing on the cake. Look into 'slacklining' see some youtube videos. It's a great fun activity most kids love and help maintain literally great balance!
 

digidoc15

New User
OP, you have awesome and adorable kids! Their enthusiasm for tennis is just icing on the cake. Look into 'slacklining' see some youtube videos. It's a great fun activity most kids love and help maintain literally great balance!
Thanks borami. Will definitely look into those videos.
 

tennis_balla

Hall of Fame
Love that drill by Stan! So if I'm doing such a drill, what should be my focus in order to improve my positioning?

How you set your body up for the ball, positioning of your feet, the type of steps you take and your recovery which connects you to the next shot. That's one the first things I'd look at. In general. After that it all depends on the individual.
 

BMC9670

Hall of Fame
Agassi Sharapova Williamses Nadal all had family members working closely with the coach.

As do many players at all levels. I know of one particular coach in my area that won't even let parents watch the lesson. Now, I know there are crazy parents out there and he probably doesn't want to deal with that, but if a coach shuts the parent out, time to find a new coach.
 

digidoc15

New User
I like to use hand feed drills. It allows me to have full control over the players and their movements and gets me up close so I can see any mistakes much easier. Hand feed drills are done with beginners right up to pro players doing hand feeds.

Here is an example:

Its not really what drill you do, but rather more importantly the intention of the drill and what you have the player focus on during that makes the difference.
Till now I was doing some random drills. Now We will be working on footwork and balance. I tried the drill you suggested with the kids, they loved it. Thanks.

I have this video of my 6 yr old.. His footwork and balance needs work but he seems pretty comfortable with the racket and regular ball. It is not one long drill, it's a compilation of smaller ones, also includes a drill on the end which he created where he comes running at me. Recently started volleys with him. Video was made at an open house tennis time..So might be a little noisy. Would love some input on it

 

Mack-2

Professional
Till now I was doing some random drills. Now We will be working on footwork and balance. I tried the drill you suggested with the kids, they loved it. Thanks.

I have this video of my 6 yr old.. His footwork and balance needs work but he seems pretty comfortable with the racket and regular ball. It is not one long drill, it's a compilation of smaller ones, also includes a drill on the end which he created where he comes running at me. Recently started volleys with him. Video was made at an open house tennis time..So might be a little noisy. Would love some input on it

His preparation and swing path is phenomenal for a 6 year old. It's amazing how some kids just do it and others just can't get it no matter how many times you speak to them.
 

digidoc15

New User
His preparation and swing path is phenomenal for a 6 year old. It's amazing how some kids just do it and others just can't get it no matter how many times you speak to them.
Thanks a lot. I've realized it also matters a lot on how much fun I can keep it. His performance and confidence forced me to add a coach..hopefully he'll improve more
 

Mack-2

Professional
Thanks a lot. I've realized it also matters a lot on how much fun I can keep it. His performance and confidence forced me to add a coach..hopefully he'll improve more
He definitely will improve. He's just 6 so your priority should be to keep it fun. Let the coach do his job. Your job should be to play with your kids. If they're learning through you as well, and enjoying it, then that's just a major bonus. Don't become their 'coach'. They want and need a dad to play with as well.
 

digidoc15

New User
He definitely will improve. He's just 6 so your priority should be to keep it fun. Let the coach do his job. Your job should be to play with your kids. If they're learning through you as well, and enjoying it, then that's just a major bonus. Don't become their 'coach'. They want and need a dad to play with as well.
That's the plan. Thanks, appreciate your input
 

tennis_balla

Hall of Fame
Till now I was doing some random drills. Now We will be working on footwork and balance. I tried the drill you suggested with the kids, they loved it. Thanks.

I have this video of my 6 yr old.. His footwork and balance needs work but he seems pretty comfortable with the racket and regular ball. It is not one long drill, it's a compilation of smaller ones, also includes a drill on the end which he created where he comes running at me. Recently started volleys with him. Video was made at an open house tennis time..So might be a little noisy. Would love some input on it



Nice.

Racket head up when he's in the ready position. I'd also slow it down a bit, the interval between shots and allow him to recovery without feeling rushed. Quality over quantity. Do a set of 8 balls, then a 10sec break, 8 balls, 10 second break and so on. If he's wanting to do them longer thats good, means you have his attention and he's keen but don't do as he says.
So in the Wawrinka drill for example that I posted you go through the sequence twice. One sequence is 4 balls (deep forehand, short backhand, deep backhand, short forehand), so 2x then a short break, and repeat. Focus on quality of movement and proper execution of shots. You can do this 5 sets for example in a row, then let him have a short rest. He'll get worn out as it'll become a battle of attrition to keep the quality up. As a coach, once you see his movement and technique start to get sloppy, get on him and remind him what he should be doing right in a quick, short sentence during the drill. "Let's go, keep those feet moving" or "Better recovery!" or "Keep focusing on that backswing" as basic examples. It'll remind him not to lose focus and execute properly what you two are working on.

So basically you can take that one drill, the one Wawrinka is doing in the video which is a RPT Europe/Academia Sanchez-Casal drill, and one day work on technique while doing it, another time work on his recovery so his body is facing you as he moves back to the centre, next time you can work on being more aggressive on the 2 shorter balls and so on, the possibilities are endless really all from that one drill. I don't mean each set to change the intention, but you do like 20min of focusing on one thing in the X drill, then you can completely change drills and do lets say volleys for 15min, and then come back to that initial drill and focus on something else. That's what I meant by intention and not just going through the drill, through the motion.

Hope that helps.
 
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sureshs

Bionic Poster
On Sunday, I was watching a coach teaching the two kids of a guy in a clinic. The dad had taken over the ball cart, and made the coach play points with the kids, while he tossed them the balls. Each point he shouted corrections to his kids and instructions to the coach. A casual onlooker would have assumed that the dad was the coach and the coach was a guy hired to hit. But the coach is a very friendly guy and as long as the money comes in, he doesn't complain. He told me he was a top junior in school, and a friend convinced him that college was a waste of time and he should start earning money by starting to teach right away. And that is how my life turned out this way, he says.
 

digidoc15

New User
Nice.

Racket head up when he's in the ready position. I'd also slow it down a bit, the interval between shots and allow him to recovery without feeling rushed. Quality over quantity. Do a set of 8 balls, then a 10sec break, 8 balls, 10 second break and so on. If he's wanting to do them longer thats good, means you have his attention and he's keen but don't do as he says.
So in the Wawrinka drill for example that I posted you go through the sequence twice. One sequence is 4 balls (deep forehand, short backhand, deep backhand, short forehand), so 2x then a short break, and repeat. Focus on quality of movement and proper execution of shots. You can do this 5 sets for example in a row, then let him have a short rest. He'll get worn out as it'll become a battle of attrition to keep the quality up. As a coach, once you see his movement and technique start to get sloppy, get on him and remind him what he should be doing right in a quick, short sentence during the drill. "Let's go, keep those feet moving" or "Better recovery!" or "Keep focusing on that backswing" as basic examples. It'll remind him not to lose focus and execute properly what you two are working on.

So basically you can take that one drill, the one Wawrinka is doing in the video which is a RPT Europe/Academia Sanchez-Casal drill, and one day work on technique while doing it, another time work on his recovery so his body is facing you as he moves back to the centre, next time you can work on being more aggressive on the 2 shorter balls and so on, the possibilities are endless really all from that one drill. I don't mean each set to change the intention, but you do like 20min of focusing on one thing in the X drill, then you can completely change drills and do lets say volleys for 15min, and then come back to that initial drill and focus on something else. That's what I meant by intention and not just going through the drill, through the motion.

Hope that helps.
That definitely helps. I will work on your suggestions. Appreciate the time you took to guide me. Thanks
 

digidoc15

New User
On Sunday, I was watching a coach teaching the two kids of a guy in a clinic. The dad had taken over the ball cart, and made the coach play points with the kids, while he tossed them the balls. Each point he shouted corrections to his kids and instructions to the coach. A casual onlooker would have assumed that the dad was the coach and the coach was a guy hired to hit. But the coach is a very friendly guy and as long as the money comes in, he doesn't complain. He told me he was a top junior in school, and a friend convinced him that college was a waste of time and he should start earning money by starting to teach right away. And that is how my life turned out this way, he says.
Lol.. The parent sounds pretty controlling.. I'm not that proactive.. I just collect balls when our coach teaches and try to follow what he says so I can reinforce
 

Ihatetennis

Hall of Fame
I would reccomend using regular balls as soon as possible, I started using them from the service line at 6 and I turned out ok.

No top pro has ever used green dot, and my coach, who was a coach in europe as well, said that when they introduced kids from green dot to regular balls that they would hurt their shoulder and elbow because the new balls were so much heavier than what they were used to.

Beyond that, great kids! they are naturals!


Edit: they are handling regular balls just fine, let them continue with them!
 

sureshs

Bionic Poster
I would reccomend using regular balls as soon as possible, I started using them from the service line at 6 and I turned out ok.

No top pro has ever used green dot

That is because they were not popular when they were kids, and even if they were, the student was probably talented and motivated enough to progress very fast.

If the students felt that regular balls were too heavy (and the higher bounce also stresses the arm), that is all the more reason not to introduce them when their bodies are not ready.

Of course, those with strong bodies can use them and become pros, but that is not the point. The point is to have fun without stressing the body unnaturally or losing interest completely.
 

Ihatetennis

Hall of Fame
That is because they were not popular when they were kids, and even if they were, the student was probably talented and motivated enough to progress very fast.

If the students felt that regular balls were too heavy (and the higher bounce also stresses the arm), that is all the more reason not to introduce them when their bodies are not ready.

Of course, those with strong bodies can use them and become pros, but that is not the point. The point is to have fun without stressing the body unnaturally or losing interest completely.
The students were getting injured from the switch, not from regular balls. The age they were switching them was 12-14 in dubai at the time.

My coach refused to ever use the fake balls during his time teaching there

Edit: these kids are progressing very fast, they can already do drills. they don't need to stand still and be fed low bouncing balls.

They are more capable than many of the posters here in regards to technique and footwork...
 

sureshs

Bionic Poster
Till now I was doing some random drills. Now We will be working on footwork and balance. I tried the drill you suggested with the kids, they loved it. Thanks.

I have this video of my 6 yr old.. His footwork and balance needs work but he seems pretty comfortable with the racket and regular ball. It is not one long drill, it's a compilation of smaller ones, also includes a drill on the end which he created where he comes running at me. Recently started volleys with him. Video was made at an open house tennis time..So might be a little noisy. Would love some input on it


Look at the guy on the next court LOL
 

sureshs

Bionic Poster
The students were getting injured from the switch, not from regular balls. The age they were switching them was 12-14 in dubai at the time.

My coach refused to ever use the fake balls during his time teaching there

Edit: these kids are progressing very fast, they can already do drills. they don't need to stand still and be fed low bouncing balls.

They are more capable than many of the posters here in regards to technique and footwork...

There is a reason they are called 10-and-under balls and not 12 or 14 under. Didn't your coach know that?
 

Ihatetennis

Hall of Fame
There is a reason they are called 10-and-under balls and not 12 or 14 under. Didn't your coach know that?
The academy in dubai wanted kids to keep using them until they were 12-14. And they were using the green dot which is one away from regular balls.

My coach refused to use them with any kid, he thought they were stupid and promoted bad technique as you can get away with a lot of bad technique using them.
 

sureshs

Bionic Poster
The academy in dubai wanted kids to keep using them until they were 12-14. And they were using the green dot which is one away from regular balls.

My coach refused to use them with any kid, he thought they were stupid and promoted bad technique as you can get away with a lot of bad technique using them.

That is interesting. Never heard that before. What kind of bad technique due these balls condone?
 

Ihatetennis

Hall of Fame
That is interesting. Never heard that before. What kind of bad technique due these balls condone?
hitting in ways that stress the elbow or have the kids muscling the racket too much.

His biggest one was kids imitating rafa and hitting western. They would be able to do so with the lighter balls and after swinging at full speed on them would move on to regular balls and then end up with te at a young age. The impact change of light to heavy is hard, especially when you are using full force.

Those kids got injured the most and he says there were 3 or 4 of them that did this. The rest of the injuries were from kids not extending enough and hitting too late. They could do it without pain and so it became their shots, then they moved into regular tennis balls and they suffered te from hitting late.
 

sureshs

Bionic Poster
This is quite revolutionary. I have read many many articles promoting ROG balls and many objections to them based on the arguments that they hamper serious tournament play with regular balls at a later age, or that kids are actually ready for the balls from the youngest age. But this issue has never been mentioned. Is there some conspiracy going on?
 

Ihatetennis

Hall of Fame
This is quite revolutionary. I have read many many articles promoting ROG balls and many objections to them based on the arguments that they hamper serious tournament play with regular balls at a later age, or that kids are actually ready for the balls from the youngest age. But this issue has never been mentioned. Is there some conspiracy going on?

He noticed a pattern of injuries from keeping the kids on them past age 12.


I personally agree with it though. I was able to hit a ball at 7 and play mini tennis, as were most of my friends. These lighter balls are only going to weaken the tennis field and hinder natural progress.
 

sureshs

Bionic Poster
Balls make a big difference. When I found that high balls on the backhand were bothering me, I started using Wilson US Open balls which bounce high, so that I could work on that issue. Nowadays I use the same balls, but the ATP heavy duty version, so that I get used to pro-level balls.
 

Dolgopolov85

G.O.A.T.
I don't know what Wilson US Open balls generally play like but one batch that arrived at our courts was pretty horrible. Just sat up, requiring too much energy to hit, no momentum at all. We since asked for and stuck to Yonex. Same is the issue with those green dot balls (except they also keep low, making it worse), even here the better juniors are quickly moved up to regular balls. My 10 year old cousin sis doesn't play with green dot balls, to give just one example.
 

digidoc15

New User
I feel we cannot generalize all kids under one category. Starting with ROG if the kid is very young might make sense, but when to switch to regular is debatable. And If the bounce of regular balls can be kept relatively low, it might work better. I'm not a pro but that's what I feel, I could be wrong.
As for interest in my kids case, they lose interest when they can't hit hard. When I try ROGs they want to go back to regular.
 

Ihatetennis

Hall of Fame
I don't know what Wilson US Open balls generally play like but one batch that arrived at our courts was pretty horrible. Just sat up, requiring too much energy to hit, no momentum at all. We since asked for and stuck to Yonex. Same is the issue with those green dot balls, even here the better juniors are quickly moved up to regular balls. My 10 year old cousin sis doesn't play with green dot balls, to give just one example.
Balls make a big difference. When I found that high balls on the backhand were bothering me, I started using Wilson US Open balls which bounce high, so that I could work on that issue. Nowadays I use the same balls, but the ATP heavy duty version, so that I get used to pro-level balls.


I know that I have issues with dunlop as they are much heavier.

Yes it is true, the wilson us open balls sit up a little more, try propenn or prince tour if you want faster lighter balls.

Many of the academies around me still teach young kids with regular sized balls, not any low compression.
 

Dolgopolov85

G.O.A.T.
I have never seen prince tour or propenn balls here. Yonex, Wilson, Slazenger are the main options. Artengo too but that's again for kids/beginners, keeps too low. Have found Yonex to be the best from the available options. Hard and heavy but not such that it's overwhelming. Bounces high but without sitting up, pretty awesome to hit with.
 

BMC9670

Hall of Fame
On Sunday, I was watching a coach teaching the two kids of a guy in a clinic. The dad had taken over the ball cart, and made the coach play points with the kids, while he tossed them the balls. Each point he shouted corrections to his kids and instructions to the coach. A casual onlooker would have assumed that the dad was the coach and the coach was a guy hired to hit. But the coach is a very friendly guy and as long as the money comes in, he doesn't complain. He told me he was a top junior in school, and a friend convinced him that college was a waste of time and he should start earning money by starting to teach right away. And that is how my life turned out this way, he says.

Wow, never seen that before! As an onlooking parent, I've been asked in by coaches to fill a spot in live ball drills a few times, but never to run the drill. :)
 
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