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In my coaching career, my ultimate goal is to nurture players who not only excel on the court but also embody the resilience and dedication seen in athletes like Anthony “Ant Man” Edwards.

While I never had the opportunity to coach him personally, Anthony’s journey from our LEAD Center For Youth’s middle school Junior Ambassadors Baseball Program to becoming a beacon of professional success illustrates the epitome of athlete development I strive to replicate.

The Ideal Athlete: From Aspiration to Actualization

Anthony represents the type of player every coach dreams of guiding: someone who practices with purpose, plays with passion, and possesses the mental fortitude to perform under the most intense pressures. While I haven’t witnessed his training sessions firsthand, his on-court performances and the anecdotes of his commitment suggest a player who has mastered the art of turning potential into prowess.

Building Habits and Skills

The evolution from raw talent to refined skill involves developing consistent habits and the ability to maintain performance under stress. Talent gets a player noticed, but habits keep them in the game, and skills make them standouts. This development is evident in players like Anthony, who has moved beyond being merely talented to demonstrating habits and skills that sustain his professional career.

The Role of Practice and Training

In my coaching philosophy, distinguishing between practice and training is crucial. Practice is for building habits; it’s where players repeat actions until they become second nature. But training introduces pressure, simulating the stress of real games to turn these habits into dependable skills. This framework is what I envision for my players, aiming to prepare them not just to compete but to conquer.

Emulating a Role Model

Anthony “Ant Man” Edwards serves as a powerful template for young athletes. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance, the value of consistent effort, and the impact of mental strength. By aspiring to coach players who emulate these traits, I aim to cultivate a team that not only loves the game but also respects the discipline required to excel at the highest levels.

While I have never coached Anthony directly, his example fuels my commitment to developing players who can achieve similar heights. By focusing on the transformation from talent to skill, and instilling the importance of practice and training under pressure, I am dedicated to preparing athletes who are not just skilled but are also resilient, dedicated and inspirational—much like the Ant Man himself.

For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today.

If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.

C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.

As winter turns to spring, the focus of my hitters shifts from merely practicing habits to refining and applying their skills under pressure. This is a crucial period where talent and habitual execution meet the true test of performance.

• Talent is your natural aptitude, what you do well naturally.
• Habits are what you do well repeatedly without conscious thought.
• Skills are what you do well repeatedly without thought, especially under stress.

This transformation from habits to skills is essential for any athlete aiming to excel not just in practice but in competitive, high-pressure environments.

Case Study: Tripp’s Journey in the Hitting Lab
In a recent two-hour Hitting Lab Assessment, I worked with Tripp, a talented 13-year-old seventh grader from The Westminster School in Atlanta. The assessment is meticulously designed to cover multiple aspects:

• Learning Styles Determination: Understanding how Tripp learns best to tailor our coaching methods.
• S.M.A.R.T. Goal Mapping: Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals to ensure clear pathways for success.
• Swing Map Breakdown: Analyzing the components of Tripp’s swing.
• Swing Evaluation: Observing Tripp’s swing under pressure to see how he adapts.
• Skill Build Drills: Specific exercises designed to convert habits into skills.

While Tripp demonstrated intelligence and an impressive swing, we noticed that his ability to make quick adjustments needs improvement. The good news is that learning how to make these adjustments can be taught, and it’s something I specialize in.

I often emphasize to my trainees: “Practice plus pressure equals training.” It’s about adding the element of pressure to practice because pressure is a privilege. It is this pressure that turns routine actions into automatic responses under game conditions. Training in this manner builds skills that are critical not only in baseball but in life. Skills, indeed, pay the bills.

Remember, the transformation from habit to skill is the journey from practice to prowess.

Tripp’s ambition stretches far; he aspires to play for Vanderbilt and eventually, the Atlanta Braves. In partnership with Coach Tre Hampton, a dedicated LEAD Center For Youth Coach, we are committed to guiding Tripp toward these lofty goals. Our focus remains steadfast on nurturing his abilities, ensuring that his transition from performing well in practice to excelling under game-day stress is seamless.

The period from February to April is not just a time for training—it’s a time for transformation. For hitters like Tripp, it’s when potential is crafted into prowess that can stand the rigors of real-world challenges. As we continue to push the boundaries of what our athletes can achieve, we look forward to seeing their growth from talented individuals to skilled performers who thrive under pressure. Remember, the transformation from habit to skill is the journey from practice to prowess.

Stay tuned for more updates on Tripp’s progress and insights into how we’re developing the next generation of Major League players and citizens. Follow our journey and join us in shaping the future of baseball.