Athletic Development: The Right Way

What is meant by the word "Development"? What is it to "develop" something? We can develop idea's, we can develop products, we can develop human resources.

But whatever the context it is used in, the word "develop" has one component of it that is always true: Development takes TIME. If you have ever heard the phrase "research & development" it is a long, arduous task that can take decades in some cases.

Athletic development is no different. It doesn't occur overnight. Although some parents, coaches and players want development to occur at the blink of an eye.

At Pair & Marotta Peak Performance, there have been quite a few young athletes come through. Many come for a summer and then go on their way, upset that their vertical didn't improve by at least 12" or that their bench press didn't improve by 80 lbs.

However, there have been a handful of kids (and parents) that have seen the light and understood the concept of athletic development. They have understood that it takes time, that lasting progress is a slower process.

I had the pleasure of watching one of these young athletes this last Friday. His name is Matt Packer. Matt first came in during our Summer Speed, Strength & Power Camp 2007. Matt was smaller than other guys his age, and in fact smaller than some guys 2 or 3 years younger than him. But Matt and his dad Dave realized that long term success wasn't going to hinge on whether Matt was hitting home runs during his sophomore year in high school, or having a vertical jump of 36" by the end of summer.

Instead they took that long term approach. Since June of 2007 Matt has been coming in faithfully 3 times per week during the baseball off-season and usually once or twice per week during the season. He was seeing a hitting coach once a week and just keeping his sights set on the long term goal of just getting better.

This year Matt has started each game at 2nd base. He's been hitting the ball hard on a line as well as the occasional double off the wall. His work has paid off with a very consistent season. Then it was Friday against Centennial that Matt's YEARS of hard work were got the ovation he deserves.

Matt hit an opposite field 3-run home-run in the 2nd inning of Stockdale's 16-4 win at Centennial. Matt had a stellar day going 2 for 3 with four RBI's and a walk.He's one of the rare kids who always shows up with ready to work. And it's paid off. Matt will be playing baseball in college.

So to the parents and coaches of young athletes, remember that you are developing athletes. You are not training professionals. Take the Development route and long-term success is guaranteed.

But short cut the development process and all bets are off.

Congratulations to Matt on his first high school home run and a spectacular outing against a top team and top pitcher!

To enroll in our Summer Peak Performance Camp, send me an email and get your Athletic Development started!