Fundamentals come first
Published 10:04 am Monday, January 5, 2009
By By Chandler Myers
Fundamentals are the key to becoming a great athlete. Learning important skills at a young age can help curb the chance of a player not advancing athletically in their favorite sport.
Teaching the fundamentals was the focus of the clinic put on by the Poach Band of Creek Indians Wellness and Activities Authority and Atmore Babe Ruth Baseball on Monday and Tuesday.
The clinic featured several qualified instructors ranging from college coaches, high school coaches and a former Major League Baseball player.
Eddie Jackson, a representative-host of Poarch, said the turnout of the clinic was better than expected. He added that it is a great opportunity for the players to learn from trained professionals.
The instructors were University of West Florida assistant coach Josh Daugett, sports management agent Rod Wright, former Red Sox short stop Bryan M. Wright, former college baseball coach Floyd Adams, former West Florida coach Steve McGill, ECHS baseball coach David Hill and ECHS athletic director Kyle Davis.
Davis, who instructed on proper catching skills ,said working with kids is always a fun adventure. He added that it also gives him a closer look at the possibilities of players for his athletic programs in the future.
The benefit of working with children goes beyond seeing their excitement over learning something for Escambia County High School baseball coach David Hill.
Hill said he sees the benefits of teaching younger kids the fundamentals as a plus for their futures.