|
Hubie has many questions asked of him regarding his research, teaching style and philosophy on hitting. Hubie enjoys answering the many questions that come his way. Here are some questions Hubie has answered that best describe how he became successful as a hitting instructor:
Q - Who was your major influence when it came to developing your philosophy on hitting?
Hubie - Ted Williams has been the greatest influence to me. Everybody knows that Mr. Williams was the greatest hitter of all time. What people don't realize was that he also was the greatest hitting instructor of all time. Mr. Williams understands the concepts of hitting at a deep, deep level. He has put a lot of thought and training into what he knows. He makes sense with this observation because the goal is to meet the ball level. If the ball is coming slightly down to the hitter, then a level swing would be slightly upward.
Q - What results have you accomplished that have made it so rewarding for you?
Hubie - I'm excited because I feel that I now am getting consistent results in a considerably short amount of time. It's a hitters dream to hit with power to all fields and keep their slugging percentage and batting average numbers at a high level. When Ted Williams coached the Washington Senators he nearly doubled the team's power numbers, run production, and slugging percentage within in one year's time. In addition, he increased each player's batting average by at least 30 points. I get the same results Mr. Williams got when he was coaching. I understand his concept and it is very simple. So simple, in fact, that I can guarantee results.
Q - Is there anything else that has helped you develop your own training system?
Hubie - Certainly, my educational background has helped me understand the details of the baseball swing. I have keen interest in kinesiology and biomechanics since receiving my masters' degree in physical education. Also, I have researched and studied consistencies in the effortlessness and power of the golf, tennis, and softball swing. These simple consistent muscle movements are the foundation to train the muscles to work at their maximum potential. I also use a martial arts technique that helps release the psoas muscle in our hip for a power-packed punch.The end results looks effortless; but it is really the body creating energy and leverage that turns it into a forceful weapon upon contact of the ball.
Q - How important is the mental game and getting your students to focus?
Hubie - Very important. The hardest thing to do in any sport is to find the zone. Most people cannot train themselves mentally to reach it. If and when they reach it most cannot stay in the zone for an extended amount of time for a couple of reasons. First, since being in the zone is such a rare happening, its tough for anyone to totally understand the feeling. You cannot conquer what you don't understand. Secondly, the feeling of being in the zone is so overwhelming that players talk themselves out of it as fast as they got into it. I train my hitters to become comfortable and fearless once they get into the zone. Rarely do my students get into a slump when using my technique.
Q - Where did you get the name "Hubie Magic"?
Hubie - I was dubbed "Hubie Magic" when I coached the Grand Forks Channel Cats in the Northwoods Collegiant League. When my players started to understand and reap the benefits of my training system, the nickname evolved. I like the ring of it, and I thought it would be a catchy name for my website and instruction video. I'm not sure if it seems too cocky ( that certainly is not my intention), but I really do enjoy the challenge of backing it up.
Q - Since your teaching style and philosophy come across as unconventional, do you find it difficult to introduce?
Hubie - Yes. I have a great deal of trouble convincing other coaches of what I have learned. It is very difficult to "teach a old dog new tricks." Coach Len Asquini of St. Charles High School was one of the few open minded coaches. He actually got in the batting cage himself and tried the swing before he made any judgement. The feeling of the swing is really much more convincing than any words can describe. Really, I'm grateful for those who may have disagreed with me, because it made me work and perfect my skills as a hitting instructor at a much deeper level.
Q - What , in your mind, separates the good teachers from the great ones?
Hubie - A sense of humor and the ability to make work fun is key. But, what really motivates me as a teacher is a saying that I heard one time that sticks with me everyday: "A master teacher is not the one with the most students, but the one who creates the most masters."
|
