I would like to take this opportunity to let parents know my objectives in providing an athletic training program for your child.

First and foremost, the objective in my program(s) is not to make your child a professional athlete! If that is your child's dream (or yours), then I would love to help him/her realize any and all of their hopes and aspirations along the way to accomplish this goal.

The chances for example, of a little league baseball player making it to a high school baseball program is around one in four (25%); The chances of that same little leaguer making it to the collegiate level are one out of a hundred (1%); Obviously, making it to the professional level would be like winning the lottery!

My mission is to provide a balanced program where an athlete can learn sufficient technical information first to enhance a particular skill; to provide a vehicle (10 or 12-week class) in which the student can apply the information that was learned in a regimented, structured way; and to do all of this in a manner that provides a good experience for all involved (student, parent, teacher).

I have provided this same method of training for the last seventeen years with great success. Thousands of parents from all over Northeast Ohio, Northwest Ohio, Central Ohio, and Western Pennsylvania speak for the results.

1.) Provide Technical Information First:

The technical information that is given to each program skill (i.e. hitting, catching, pitching) is presented in a lecture series format first, in a classroom type setting. Without any question the informational stage of my program(s) is the most important part of the program. There is a specific teaching curriculum (like in school) that is covered very slowly and thoroughly, to the student, in the various age group levels (9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15 and up). I specifically detail what each part of the body is supposed to perform when the skill is attempted. A cause and effect method of teaching is used to visualize to the student what happens when the skill is done correctly, versus incorrectly. I place a strong emphasis on the student and parent to understand why a particular skill is performed and not just because I, as a teacher, am explaining it a certain way. Parents are not only allowed in the gym during the child's classes but are encouraged to do so (particularly in the 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14 year old groups). I have found that once parents become more knowledgeable about the skill being taught, then much more positive reinforcement takes place away from my facility.

2.) Provide a structured program so that "correct" practice takes place:

As stated above, proper information is the key. Being able to correctly practice the techniques taught builds correct muscle memory. Practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect! My program allows a student to learn and practice for a 10 or 12-week period. In my opinion, weekend or short duration programs do not work because correct muscle memory cannot be realized in a short time frame.

3.) Provide a good experience for all involved:

A student must have fun in class and enjoy themselves because, if they do, productivity will be enhanced. There is a fine line between having a class in control (with structure and discipline) and a class that is out of control. I have, over the years, been able to find that good balance. Each age group is different because the abilities and expectations of each group are different. At the same time, I am not a gym teacher, and class will be maintained properly! I am contracted by parents to make their children better skilled at the end of my program than when they arrived in the beginning.

I take this challenge very seriously! I love children and I have a tremendous passion for baseball. My family name is at stake each and every time a student enters and exits my program so I take your trust very seriously. Over the years I have found out, clinically, that the most consistent and positive comment that I have received from parents (about my program) is how their child's self esteem is very strong after the completion of my program. When the student feels good about his or her ability and they strongly believe in their self, then my program is good for all concerned! We will be a strong mentor and an advocate for your child, win or lose! I will never give up on any student as long as they don't give up!