July 2021 Newsletter: Deliberate Practice And How To Become A Star Player In Any Sport

In his bestselling book, Talent Is Overrated, Geoff Colvin takes a deep dive into what it takes to master a skill.

The 10,000 hour rule comes from this book, and it’s simple premise is that in order to become a master at any skilled activity–from being a standout in any sport to a Grand Chess Master, a violinist to a martial arts expert–you must complete 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to the skill itself.

Below is an excellent article that goes into detail about deliberate practice and how to become the best at something. I believe this article is written perfectly and gives an understanding of what it takes for your child to become a “star”:

The Ultimate Deliberate Practice Guide: How to Be the Best

One of the basic tenets of reaching the highest level in baseball is the ability of your player to do whatever it takes to become the best on the diamond. The 10,000 hour rule begins at a young age, possibly around 4-7 years old, and then for the next 10 years a baseball player works endlessly with deliberate practice on the movements that make up their “mechanics.” Whether it’s pitching, throwing, or hitting, it’s a constant practice with deliberate repetition over and over that will determine how high a player will go.

Now, it doesn’t mean it’s the end if your son didn’t begin acquiring his skills at an early age, but I hope it allows you to see why some players are very talented during their junior high and into their high school years. Many players are not at that level yet, but consistent and deliberate practice have turned players around in college at both university and junior college levels. I tell our players all the time that this is a marathon and not a sprint.

My hope is that you and your child see the value of development as well as the negatives that can occur by playing too many games, tournaments, and showcases. Quite honestly, about 90% of players think playing in games is where it’s at. The 10% who could care less about playing every other weekend in locations far from home are deliberately practicing over and over, and that’s where the “stars” are born.

As we are halfway home to the start of the school year in August, it’s important to plan accordingly with training here at Throwzone Academy. Coach Warren and I have a great plan to further your son’s career, and we cannot wait to be a part of their future in baseball and life.

Also, we’ll be sending out a notice soon about our annual Elite Pitcher’s Boot Camp with the entire Texas Baseball Ranch returning to Santa Clarita for the Ranch Camp on the Road weekend beginning Thursday, September 23rd through Sunday, September 26th. It will be an amazing weekend of learning and goal setting to get your son to the next level. Be on the lookout over the next couple of weeks!!!

Until next time…

Jim