Every week I hear the same question from parents: "Are private lessons really worth it?" They're investing time and money, and they want to know if it makes a real difference.
The honest answer? It depends entirely on the instruction. Generic lessons with uninvested coaches produce generic results. Personalized training with an expert who genuinely cares produces transformations.
Let me show you what I mean with some real examples from The Softball Lab.
What Actually Changes With Quality Private Instruction
Before I share specific stories, let me explain what makes private lessons effective when done right:
Individual Assessment
Understanding exactly where each player is - their strengths, weaknesses, and specific mechanical issues that need addressing.
Customized Training Plan
Drills and progressions designed specifically for that player's needs - not a one-size-fits-all program.
Focused Repetition
100% of the session is productive work - no waiting in line, no watching others, no wasted time.
Immediate Feedback
Real-time correction prevents bad habits from forming and accelerates learning curves.
Real Transformation: Sarah's Story
Sarah came to me as a 10-year-old who was struggling to make contact. Her travel team coaches were frustrated, and she was losing confidence fast. Her parents were considering whether she should even continue playing.
In her first assessment, I identified two major issues: her stance was too narrow (causing balance problems), and she was "swinging at air" - her timing was off because she wasn't tracking the ball properly.
Before
After 3 Months
More importantly than the stats, Sarah now loves going to games. She walks up to the plate with confidence. That transformation came from addressing her specific issues - not running generic drills.
Exit Velocity Jump: Emma's Progress
Emma was already a decent hitter when she started training with me. She was hitting .280 on her 12U team and made good contact. But she wasn't driving the ball - everything was soft ground balls or weak fly balls.
Using Rapsodo, we identified that her exit velocity was averaging 45 mph - below average for her age. The issue? She wasn't using her lower half. All arm swing, no power generation from her legs and hips.
We spent eight weeks rebuilding her swing from the ground up. Loading properly. Driving off her back leg. Firing her hips before her hands. The results spoke for themselves:
Starting Exit Velo
After 8 Weeks
That 11 mph difference changed everything. Balls that used to be routine outs were now getting through the infield. Emma became a legitimate power threat in her lineup.
The Confidence Factor
Numbers only tell part of the story. Here's what parents have told me:
Michelle R.
Parent of 11U player"The biggest change isn't in her stats - it's in her body language. She used to walk up to the plate looking scared. Now she looks like she belongs there. That confidence has carried into everything she does."
Karen T.
Parent of 14U player"My daughter had gotten lessons before from other coaches and it never seemed to stick. With Olivia, she actually understands WHY she's doing things. She can make adjustments on her own now because she understands the mechanics."
Why Team Practice Isn't Enough
Your daughter's travel team practice serves a different purpose than private lessons. Team practice is about:
- Team chemistry and communication
- Game situations and strategy
- Position-specific work in a team context
- Scrimmaging and competition
What team practice can't do effectively:
- Fix individual mechanical issues
- Provide enough repetitions for skill development
- Give immediate, personalized feedback
- Track individual progress over time
Think of team practice as the exam and private lessons as the studying. You need both, but showing up to the exam without studying doesn't work.
How Often Should You Train?
The most common question I get: "How many lessons per week does my daughter need?"
My honest answer: Consistency matters more than frequency. One lesson per week, every week, for six months will produce better results than three lessons per week for a month, then nothing.
For most players, I recommend:
- Beginners or players fixing major issues: Weekly lessons for at least 8-12 weeks
- Maintenance and continued development: Every other week or twice monthly
- Serious players targeting college: Weekly year-round, with increased frequency before showcases
Making the Investment Count
Private lessons aren't cheap. Here's how to make sure you're getting value:
- Choose the right instructor - Experience matters. Someone who's played and coached at a high level brings perspective that recreational coaches simply don't have.
- Practice between lessons - The lesson gives you what to work on. Progress happens when you practice it.
- Communicate with your coach - Tell them what you're seeing in games, what's working, what's not. The more information they have, the better they can help.
- Be patient - Mechanical changes take time to become automatic. Expect 4-6 weeks minimum before changes fully translate to games.
Ready to See the Difference?
If your daughter is serious about improving, I'd love to work with her. Every new player starts with an assessment so we can identify exactly what needs attention and create a plan that fits her goals.
The transformation is possible - but it requires the right instruction, consistent effort, and a player who wants to get better.
