Select an Instructional Video

How To Best View & Select an Instructional Video
Coach John Peter

Which Video Do You Choose?
I can only speak for the videos found at Baseball Tips, but if you simply examine the title and description, you will generally answer this question. Each of our videos has been screened and approved for its substance, content and quality. We guarantee that they are effective (and easy) teaching tools. Simply make sure of your needs before you choose.


Why Videos Are Great Teachers
If you think about it you probably know the answer. Videos cost about the same as a one hour baseball lesson. The difference is that you can replay the lesson over and over until you wring every piece of valuable information out of it. The downside is that if you are the dad or the coach, you have to sit there, watch it and learn it yourself (and that's not all bad).

Well here's one of my absolutes in how real players are made.
Unless a player who goes to a lesson or a camp can get the same good mechanics and knowledge drilled into him over and over and over.it tends not to sink in.
Why? .
Because human nature dictates that unless we haven't completely replaced an old, established, bad habit, with a newer better habit, we will go back to the way we always do things. So, you really have to throw a lot of money and time at a problem to ensure replacing that bad habit with the good habit.

So, if you continue to do things the way you always have.you should continue to expect the same results you have been getting.Both good and bad!

I have often thought that if I could take a player together with his dad to a camp, the benefit of that camp would be exponentially improved. It's not a great leap to see where a video tape could have that same effect and positive result.

I'll make an assumption that you are reading this because you have interest in improving some aspect of your or your player's game.some area where you are not pleased with the present results and where you might see a need for improvement (and yes, there are strong general teaching tapes as well).
With that said, let me get right to the point...


How Best to Get Your Money's Worth From an Instructional Video
Make some logical assumptions
First, assume that top flight videos "star" experienced coaches who know the topic. Next, don't assume that since you are not familiar with the coach, it might not be worth your money. (Video producers don't pay a lot for these "stars' so don't expect your favorite Major League managers to be getting into the business - they lose more money in their laundry than they might earn doing one of these videos).

Finally, don't expect Kevin Costner or a classically trained actor to glue you to your seat for the next 45 to 60 minutes. The guy is a baseball coach, so if and when you become focus-challenged, put it on pause or finish it later.

Maximize the Learning & Minimize the Time
The best way to get the most in the least amount of time is to simply plan when there is least activity in the house.

1. Set the VCR counter to zero.
2. Grab a clean notepad.
3. Get the remote control.
4. Press play and simply watch & absorb the tape until you find major points of interest.
5. Jot down the counter number in the left margin of your paper along with the topic just to the right of the counter number. Add any brief notes along with any instructions, drills or "building block" pointers that make sense to what you are trying to learn.
6. Repeat this process throughout the entire tape.
7. Leave your paper of important tips & drills inside the plastic sleeve that holds the video cover or inside the tape box itself. This develops a great system for use when you need to refer back to those nuggets, be it next week or even next season. It's an efficient way to find those 2 minute nuggets you really need without having to go through an entire 60 minute tape!


Summary
I believe in videos and urge you to begin a library covering the many aspects of the game when you as a player, a dad or a coach feel that you need new and added knowledge.

This library, with the corresponding note system that you will include while watching, will expand your knowledge and help you to improve your on-field playing or coaching.

How else can you gain knowledge, learn new drills and become a more well-rounded participant in your individual and team's improvement. uninterrupted, on your own time and at your own pace.all in the comfort of your own home?