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The tug-of-war between a private instructor's individualized techniques and a team coach's system creates genuine confusion for young athletes. This tension—particularly acute for pitchers and hitters—forces kids to choose between specialized instruction they've paid for and the coach who controls their playing time.

Drawing from experience as both a Division I pitcher and youth coach, I tackle this delicate situation head-on. The reality? There is a right answer. When a general team coach without specialized expertise tries overriding the mechanics taught by a dedicated pitching or hitting instructor, it disrupts the 5,000 hours needed for skill mastery and creates unnecessary mental stress.

Consider the softball changeup example—coaches often teach just one grip to an entire team for convenience, ignoring the crucial variables of hand size, wrist movement, and physical differences that determine which grip works best for each individual athlete. This one-size-fits-all approach sacrifices quality for coaching convenience.

Parents navigating this conflict should assess three critical questions: What's your child's long-term athletic goal? Who truly knows your child's body mechanics better? Which method prioritizes individualized progress over generic instruction? The answers provide clarity on which path serves your athlete's development.

I offer practical strategies for resolving these coaching conflicts with respect and effectiveness: communicate privately with coaches rather than creating public confrontations, seek performance-based compromises, encourage your athlete to advocate for themselves, and document private training sessions. The PGM Athletic Performance Planner provides an excellent tool for tracking this specialized instruction.

Remember the three C's your young athlete needs: consistency, clarity, and confidence. When we prioritize long-term development over immediate conformity, we create an environment where young athletes truly thrive—both on and off the field. Share this episode with another sports parent navigating these same challenging waters!

Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - www.PGMAthlete.com

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🚨 Think early specialization is the key to success? Think again! 🚨

Over 90% of NCAA Division I athletes played multiple sports in high school. Yet, so many young athletes are pressured to specialize too early. 🏀⚽🥎🏈

In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina sits down with Summer Montabone—retired pro athlete, mindset coach, and best-selling author—to break down why playing multiple sports builds stronger, smarter, and more resilient athletes.

✅ Why multi-sport athletes have a competitive edge
✅ How early specialization leads to burnout & injuries
✅ What college recruiters REALLY look for
✅ How parents can support their young athlete’s mindset
✅ Why using a performance planner can transform an athlete’s game

Whether your child is aiming for the next level or just wants to enjoy the game longer, this episode is packed with game-changing insights. 🎯

🔥 Tune in now & help your young athlete thrive! 🔥

Learn more about Summer Montabone and her resources for young athletes - https://summermontabone.com/

Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - www.PGMAthlete.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pgmathlete/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PGMAthlete

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Should your young athlete stop playing rec ball and focus only on travel sports? 🥎⚾🏀

It’s a big decision for parents and athletes—when is the right time to transition from recreational leagues to full-time travel ball? In this episode of Raising Athletes, host Rob Taormina breaks down the key factors that can help families make the best choice for their young athlete’s development.

We’ll cover:
✅ The real differences between rec ball & travel sports
✅ How to know if your child is ready for the next level
✅ The time, financial, and family commitments to consider
✅ Why sticking with rec ball longer may actually help some athletes
✅ The impact on college recruitment & long-term development

Not every young athlete needs to leave rec ball early—we’ll help you navigate the decision with confidence.

🎧 Listen now and share with another sports parent facing this choice!

Order the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - www.PGMAthlete.com

Order your copy of the PGM Athlete Performance Planner - www.PGMAthlete.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pgmathlete/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PGMAthlete