In his outstanding book 3D Coaching, Dr. Jeff Duke writes about the importance of coaches reaching athletes at a level beyond what he describes as the first dimension.  The first dimension consists of the “nuts and bolts” of the game.  Technique, strategies/tactics, mechanics and the like.  No doubt that teaching the first dimension is critically important, however to lead an athlete toward achieving his/her potential, Dr. Duke’s research clearly demonstrates the need to go deeper.

I had the chance to relearn this truth recently as I have begun another season of helping coach my youngest son’s baseball team.

This year, Sam turns nine years old, and that means that he and his group of friends are playing their first season of “real” baseball.  Runners can steal bases.  Three strikes and you’re out, instead of five.  Only three outfielders at a time in the field, instead of four.  Most importantly, hitters are facing live pitching.  Which means nine-year old ballplayers have to learn how to pitch.

It was this whole pitching thing that proved to be a bit of a challenge as we had our first few practices.  The boys did fine most of the time, but when one would struggle with his control, throwing a couple pitches out of the strike zone, he would get down on himself.  As I pondered this as a coach, it dawned on me that all of my pitching instruction had been in the first dimension.  Confidence is not a first dimension issue.

I spent a few days thinking on this, and came up with a new approach.  I began the next practice by individually asking each of our young pitchers who his favorite big league pitcher is.  That became his nickname when he’s on the mound.  We have a Danny Duffy, a couple boys picked Wade Davis, another Kelvin Herrera.  I also had a kid who couldn’t think of anyone.  I asked him if it would be OK if I helped him pick a favorite and I began telling him about Greg Maddux, and how great he was.  “Maddux hit the catcher’s glove just about every time,” I told him.  Now our young pitcher imagines himself as Greg Maddux when he’s out there.  We both understand that at age 9 he isn’t going to hit the glove perfectly on every pitch, but each time I call him “Maddux” he gets a little grin on his face and pitching doesn’t seem so scary anymore.

The search for the 2nd dimension enabled us to teach, learn and connect at an entirely different level.