Book Private Baseball Lessons with Coach Gabriel

Gabriel Chavez is a seasoned baseball and softball coach with a rich history of developing athletes from beginner to semi-professional levels. Over two decades, he has demonstrated expertise in coaching, player development, and program building across various leagues and age groups. Gabriel's coaching roles span from assistant and head coach positions in collegiate summer leagues and high school programs to travel baseball and softball teams. His strategic planning and skill development have led to significant improvements in player performance and program success. Gabriel’s educational background in Psychology with a focus on Performance and Sport Psychology further enhances his ability to apply psychological insights to coaching, fostering both individual and team growth. His career is marked by a commitment to excellence and a proven track record of helping athletes reach their full potential.

I can help someone improve their game through a comprehensive, individualized approach that addresses both technical skills and mental preparation. By creating personalized training plans tailored to each athlete’s strengths and areas for improvement, I focus on developing core skills such as hitting, fielding, and pitching. My background in Performance and Sport Psychology allows me to integrate mental toughness techniques, such as visualization and stress management, to enhance focus and confidence. I also teach game strategies and situational awareness to improve decision-making on the field. Using video analysis and performance metrics, I provide detailed feedback to refine techniques and track progress. Additionally, I emphasize physical conditioning, nutrition, and recovery to ensure athletes maintain overall health and peak performance. By fostering a positive and supportive environment, I aim to motivate athletes and build their self-belief, helping them achieve their full potential in their sport.

A typical training session is structured to maximize effectiveness and address various aspects of skill development, physical conditioning, and mental preparation. Here’s an overview of what a session might look like:

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes) The session begins with dynamic stretching and light exercises to prepare the body for more intense activity, reduce the risk of injury, and improve overall mobility and flexibility.

2. Skill Drills (20-30 minutes) Focused drills target specific skills such as hitting, fielding, pitching, or base running. Each drill is designed to enhance technique, build muscle memory, and address individual needs. Drills often include repetition, technique refinement, and situational practice.

3. Game Situations (15 minutes) Simulated game scenarios are used to practice decision-making, strategy, and situational awareness. This helps players apply their skills in realistic contexts and develop a better understanding of game dynamics.

4. Physical Conditioning (15 minutes) Exercises to improve strength, speed, agility, and endurance are incorporated. This may include agility drills, strength training, or conditioning exercises tailored to the athlete’s sport and position.

5. Mental Training (15 minutes) Techniques from Performance and Sport Psychology are integrated to enhance focus, confidence, and mental resilience. Activities might include visualization exercises, goal-setting discussions, or strategies for managing pressure and stress.

6. Cool-Down and Review (10 minutes) The session concludes with a cool-down period involving static stretching and light exercises to aid recovery. This is followed by a review of the session, where feedback is provided, and goals or areas for improvement are discussed.

7. Goal Setting At the end of the session, specific goals or focus areas are set for future training, ensuring that each session builds towards long-term development and improvement.

Overall, the session is designed to be engaging, challenging, and supportive, providing a well-rounded approach to developing both physical and mental aspects of the game.

Spiro Psaltis is the best coach I ever had, thanks to his extensive and impressive background in baseball. With a track record that includes being an NCAA Division 1 Champion and a minor league player, Psaltis brought a deep understanding of the game and the pressures players face. His coaching philosophy focuses on nurturing and polishing players’ skills at the junior college and collegiate levels, emphasizing proper fundamentals and consistent performance. Psaltis is known for his ability to connect with players, improving both their game knowledge and technical skills.

Athletes and parents should know that I am deeply committed to fostering skill development and personal growth through a comprehensive and player-centered approach. With extensive experience ranging from high school to collegiate levels and a strong background in both baseball and softball, I bring a well-rounded perspective to coaching. My focus is on enhancing technical skills in hitting, fielding, and overall game strategy while also emphasizing mental resilience and proper fundamentals.

My experience includes building baseball programs, recruiting athletes, and managing teams, which equips me to provide tailored coaching that meets each player's unique needs. I am dedicated to helping athletes progress from beginner to semi-professional levels, ensuring they receive the guidance necessary to reach their full potential. Additionally, my ongoing education in Psychology with a focus on Performance and Sport Psychology enriches my coaching by integrating psychological strategies to support athletes’ mental and emotional growth. My goal is to create a positive, supportive environment that not only improves performance but also instills a lifelong appreciation for the game.