Short Bio:

My name is Coach Alex and I came up through the Santa Monica baseball system. I pitched a no-hitter in the CIF Playoffs for Santa Monica High School before going on to play at the Division-1 collegiate level at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I have extensive knowledge of biomechanics and am currently in graduate school to become a prosthetist. 

Coaching Experience:

As a coach, I have several years of experience providing high-level pitching, fielding, and hitting lessons in a one-on-one and group setting, and I have coached varsity baseball for multiple years. I continue to further my knowledge on a daily basis. I have a passion for teaching the mechanics of both pitching and hitting and helping my players utilize their bodies the most efficient way possible.

Playing Experience:

I have played baseball since I was 6 years old. I pitched a no-hitter in the CIF Playoffs for Santa Monica High School before going on to play at the Division-1 collegiate level at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

A lesson with me:

Pitching Lessons:

I would start every session with throwing (distance depends on ability and age). We would start on one knee. Next, we would stand up and throw to warm up properly for a bullpen session (flat ground unless there is a mound available). This would allow me to evaluate the player’s top and bottom half mechanics separately and together without providing instruction. Ideally, I would have a net or a catcher for the player to throw into while I observe and take slow-motion video (if consent is given) of the players mechanics as they throw full-speed. I would be very careful with the instruction I provide not to over-coach or confuse. I would generally start with a minor adjustment and work from there. Aside from mechanics, we would touch on all things pitching including grip on the ball, replicating the motion (I have a great drill for this), pick-offs to all bases (depending on age of player), where to stand on the rubber, and how to push off the rubber. I would listen to the player and participate in a collaborative dialogue with them throughout the session. We would throw only fastballs until the pitching mechanics are in a place to start adding more pitches. It is important that the player(s) feel that they have autonomy in their development process. After the bullpen session, we would take a water break and recap.

Hitting/Fielding Lessons:

During a hitting and fielding lesson, after warming up we would begin by throwing. The distance we throw at would depend on the players age and skill level. After throwing, we would move on to short-hop, backhand, and lateral fielding drills on the infield dirt. Next, I would have them field ground balls from shortstop and make the throw to first while I fungo. Next, I would have them take ground balls from whatever position they play or want to play. We would finish the drill with slow-rollers and a throw across the diamond and a throw home. I would provide instruction on footwork with fielding mechanics and arm angle. If it is a group lesson, we would do double-plays. for outfielders, I would fungo fly balls and ground balls and provide instruction on coming through the ball and proper footwork to set up a throw. In a group session we would run cutoffs. Lastly, I would provide one on one hitting instruction using whiffles before taking on-field bp (if space permits). Ideally, I would like to evaluate each player’s swing using slow-motion video and provide them with feedback and homework.

Favorite motivational quote:

“The man who says he can, and the man who says he can not… Are both correct.”

-Confucius