Need to Make a Change? Do it Now!

Steve Bernhardt: Building the Better Ballplayer

This is the perfect time of year to make a necessary change in your game. It takes time to “teach” your body to do something in a different way. These next few months offer you the time necessary to make a mechanical adjustment that will help you when your season arrives next spring.

I often work with young players who can benefit from making a minor adjustment to the way they are currently doing something. At times, they are having success at their current level of baseball and are reluctant to change anything. If you work with a qualified coach or instructor, you need to trust that they are looking out for your best interest. They see something that may eventually prevent you from reaching your full potential.

Keep in mind that change is difficult. It will feel “weird” to change a grip on the bat, or the width of your stance, or your leg lift on the mound, but give it some time. Through repetition, the feeling will change from weird to natural. If you are dedicated to making the adjustment, it will become second-nature to you by the time your high school season begins.

Remember to keep an open mind and don’t get discouraged. We all need to make improvements. Major League players are constantly working on ways to improve. On the golf course, Tiger Woods re-vamped his swing despite being the #1 ranked player in the world with several Major Championships already to his credit.

Good luck improving your game this off-season. It’s hard work, but you’ll be glad you did it.


Steve Bernhardt is the Executive VP of Baseball Operations with Baseball Factory. Bernhardt played for five years in the Colorado Rockies organization. As Executive VP of Baseball Operations at Baseball Factory, he oversees all events and instruction. Bernhardt currently serves as an Associate Scout with the Colorado Rockies. He received his B.S. from the University of Richmond where he was an All-Conference player.