Rethinking Athlete Development: Why Comparing to Yourself is Better than MLB Numbers for Youth Athletes

Rethinking Athlete Development: Why Comparing to Yourself is Better than MLB Numbers for Youth Athletes

When it comes to evaluating the development of youth athletes, especially in sports like baseball, there’s a common mistake many coaches and parents make: comparing young players to Major League Baseball (MLB) statistics or professional performance. While it’s natural to look up to the pros and use their numbers as benchmarks, this approach isn’t always effective for developing young talent.

Instead of relying on MLB-level stats to evaluate progress, a much more effective and realistic method is to focus on individual growth. Here’s why you should start comparing athletes to themselves, month to month and year to year, rather than holding them up to professional standards too early in their development.

The Issue with Using MLB Numbers

MLB statistics are impressive, but they’re not a realistic or fair standard for youth athletes. These numbers represent the peak of physical and mental development, honed over years of training, experience, and competition. A 10-year-old or even a high school athlete is nowhere near the level of a professional player, both in terms of skill and physical maturity.

When young athletes are evaluated based on the standards of pros, they’re often compared to an unattainable benchmark, which can lead to frustration, discouragement, and misjudgments of their true potential. The real focus for youth athletes should be on consistent, incremental progress.

I have a video posted on YouTube going more in depth on this as well.  Here is the link:

 https://youtu.be/URopVU7O_hs?si=ctjZCjaIhGRAqfNu

Why Compare to Yourself?

A better way to track development is by comparing an athlete’s current performance to their past performance. This self-referential approach allows for a more accurate and constructive evaluation of growth. By focusing on how much an athlete improves from month to month or year to year, coaches and parents can foster a growth mindset that emphasizes hard work, resilience, and personal development.

Key Benefits of Self-Comparison:

1. Focus on Improvement, Not Perfection: By comparing an athlete to themselves, you encourage progress rather than perfection. The goal becomes continual improvement, which is much more realistic and motivating.
2. Customized Development: Every athlete develops at their own pace, with different strengths and weaknesses. A personalized approach that focuses on the athlete’s individual journey allows for better-targeted coaching and support.
3. Long-Term Growth: If you track an athlete’s performance over time, you can identify trends and areas for growth. This allows you to adjust their training to address specific weaknesses and continue fostering their overall development.
4. Increased Confidence and Motivation: Constantly comparing yourself to a professional athlete can be discouraging for a young player. However, seeing their own progress from month to month or year to year can boost their confidence and keep them motivated, knowing they are getting better with each practice.
5. Mental Health Benefits: Focusing on self-improvement rather than external benchmarks can reduce the pressure young athletes feel. This can help them enjoy the game more, build confidence, and avoid burnout.

How to Implement This Approach

1. Set Individual Goals: Instead of measuring an athlete’s performance based on professional standards, set goals that are specific to the athlete’s current stage of development. These could be skills-based (like improving hitting mechanics or fielding technique) or physical (such as increasing strength or speed).
2. Track Progress: Keep a log of performances, milestones, and challenges. Use metrics that are appropriate for the athlete’s age and skill level—things like speed, agility, consistency in technique, or personal bests. Revisit these periodically to see how the athlete has improved.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing even small improvements keeps athletes motivated. Whether it's a better swing, a faster sprint, or a more accurate throw, celebrate these milestones.
4. Regular Feedback: Offer constructive feedback based on the athlete’s individual growth rather than professional standards. Point out areas where they’ve improved, and provide actionable steps for continuing to progress.

Conclusion

When it comes to youth athletic development, the best person to compare your athlete to is… themselves. Rather than setting unrealistic expectations based on MLB numbers, focus on their progress, celebrate their individual milestones, and tailor their development process to fit their unique growth. By doing so, you’ll not only help them improve as athletes but also nurture their love for the game, build their confidence, and set them up for long-term success.