Book Private Softball Lessons with Coach steven

I have dedicated more than thirty years to the game of baseball and softball, both as a player and as a coach. My journey began as a competitive athlete at a nationally ranked high school program, where I contributed to multiple tournament victories and earned recognition as a Major League Baseball prospect. Playing alongside and against athletes who went on to professional careers gave me firsthand insight into the level of commitment, discipline, and skill required to succeed at the highest levels.

After my playing career, I transitioned into coaching, where I discovered my true passion: developing players and building teams. Over the years, I have coached across a wide spectrum of levels, including Little League, club teams, and high school programs. I also spent five years coaching softball, applying the same principles of discipline, fundamentals, and teamwork that guided my baseball career. Many of the athletes I have coached have advanced to collegiate and professional levels, a testament to the effectiveness of my approach and the supportive environment I strive to create.

One of the hallmarks of my coaching career has been the consistent improvement of my teams. Season after season, my programs have been recognized as the “most improved,” reflecting not only the growth of individual players but also the collective progress of the team. I emphasize fundamentals, mental toughness, and accountability, while also fostering a love for the game that keeps athletes motivated and engaged.

Beyond wins and losses, my coaching philosophy centers on preparing athletes for success both on and off the field. I believe in teaching resilience, leadership, and respect — qualities that serve players well in sports and in life. My extensive experience as both a player and coach allows me to connect with athletes at every stage of their development, guiding them toward their goals with a balance of technical instruction and mentorship.

I am committed to continuing this journey by contributing to programs that value growth, excellence, and character. My career reflects not only a lifelong dedication to baseball and softball but also a proven ability to inspire athletes to reach their full potential.

Focus on structured practice, strong fundamentals, and balanced conditioning. The key is to make training both effective and engaging so athletes build skills, confidence, and a lasting love for the sport.

We start with a warm-up together. I guide the player through a light jog or dynamic movements like high knees, side shuffles, and arm circles. Then we move into shoulder mobility and partner tosses, gradually increasing distance to get the arm loose.

Next, I focus on throwing mechanics. I watch the player’s grip, footwork, and release, giving immediate feedback and small adjustments. We repeat short-distance throws until the motion feels smooth and consistent, then extend to longer throws.

From there, we shift into fielding work. I roll ground balls and hit fly balls, coaching the player on positioning, glove angle, and quick transfers. I emphasize footwork and body control, stopping to correct technique when needed. Each rep is purposeful, with me reinforcing good habits.

We then move into hitting drills. The player starts with tee work to focus on swing path and balance. I stand nearby, adjusting stance and timing. After that, I toss balls for live reps, challenging them with different speeds and locations. I explain situational hitting — how to move runners or adjust to pitches — so they learn strategy as well as mechanics.

If the player is a catcher, I dedicate time to catching fundamentals: blocking, framing, and quick throwdowns. If not, we continue with defensive drills tailored to their position — double plays for infielders, tracking and crow-hop throws for outfielders.

Finally, I highlight what they did well, point out one or two areas to focus on before the next session, and end on a positive note so they leave motivated.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the best coaches in the game. I consider myself lucky to have trained under leaders who not only achieved great success but were recognized for their contributions with Hall of Fame honors. Four coaches stand out as especially influential in shaping my development and propelling my gameplay: Don Zimmer, Dick Serrano, Paul Windfield, and Bob Cluck.

Their guidance instilled in me the discipline, strategy, and love for baseball that I now pass on to the athletes I coach. The lessons I learned from these mentors continue to inspire my approach today — emphasizing fundamentals, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

“Building confident ballplayers through fundamentals, experience, and a love for the game.”