Many years ago starting out, I didn't care for the advice I was getting from "top dogs" in my association. I thought I had better ways of doing things and "they work for me" attitude.

Guess what? I didn't advance very quickly. In fact, QUITE slowly!

Do not discount the advice of "top dogs" so easily.

A fine example. I worked with a guy last year who's stike mechanic is a "hammer" out in front. The problem is, he doesn't hammer it, he just sort of brings his arm up into the finish position of the hammer.

Get in front of a mirror and try just bringing your arm up to the finish position of the hammer and tell me what that looks like you are doing to the pitcher.

I tried to tell him, but he didn't want to listen. Same guy didn't like what I had to say about that curve ball that the catcher is digging out of the dirt. It isn't a strike, but on this pre-season varsity game, he was ringing it up all day and claims that this sophmores curve ball is breaking that hard.

Every level I have moved up into has required me to make adjustments to the things I do. Sometimes, it is little stuff like where I put my hands when I am relaxing between innings on the bases (in my back pockets). Sometimes, it is bigger stuff like staying in the same spot so that if the pitch is way outside, every person in the ball park can tell that the catcher is actually set up 2' outside receiving the ball!

Remember, your assignor is probably asking these "top dogs" what they think about you and probably trusts most of what they say! Again, you don't have to listen or heed their advise, but it may hold you back.

Good luck.