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What clues would give coaches confidence that a player will improve to the point of being D1 caliber?
Typically, significant improvement only comes from two main sources:
1) strength gains and 2) mechanical adjustments/improvements.
From the player A vs B comparison mentioned previously in the series (Coach question #2), Player B is above the metrics curve despite being physically under-developed [suggesting solid mechanics] and has a frame likely to add strength. Coaches are likely to be intrigued by this combo.
For Player A, a 5’9 200 HS Sr trending below average D1 bat speed metrics for his age & size, we can assume there’s some mechanical issues at play. How likely is he to make drastic mechanical improvements to get above the curve? Player A carries more risk for a coach in terms of using a roster spot and valuable scholarship.
A Reminder
Metrics are important, but they aren’t everything. Great metrics don’t guarantee success, just as slightly-below-average metrics don’t automatically doom a player to failure.
That’s why it’s important to focus on ranges and trends, not just the absolute benchmarks.
The Metrics Formula [Strength/Size + Mechanics = Your Metrics]
..and understanding where you are on the D1 Metrics Curve for your age & level of physical development can guide you and help you diagnose and address deficiencies to improve your odds.
Hopefully you’ve already checked out the free hitting metrics calculator and know where you’re metrics should be for your age and level of physical development.
For the mechanics portion of The Metrics Formula, check out our D1 Hitting Eval eBook to quickly learn exactly how to evaluate your swing and see how it impacts your metrics. This guide will give you the 2 Key Swing Checkpoints every coach looks for — with easy to follow checklists that remove the guesswork. Plus there’s D1 vs Non-D1 comparisons — what D1 hitters do & look like. Real visuals, not theory.
RELATIVE metrics are more important than ABSOLUTE metrics, so think in terms of the direction your metrics are trending and being in the appropriate range for your year & development. Context is key.
Defensive fit, context & considerations are also a factor but we’ll get to that later in this series.
It’s also important to remember that there is no perfect player. Player’s with ideal size and ideal mechanics (and defensive value), that lead to off-the-charts metrics, are typically 1st round draft picks. That’s very uncommon and shouldn’t be your expectation.
The reality is that D1 is littered with players with shortcomings in one part of the equation [Strength/Size or Mechanics or Metrics]. Trade-offs where undersized players overcome deficiencies by standing out mechanically or defensively are as common as physically blessed players overcoming mechanical issues to be adequate offensive producers and/or defensive assets.