Houston, Tx - Private Baseball & Softball Lessons - Hitting Lessons - Pitching Coach

"I have learned a lot with Coach Mike. We started off doing pitching lessons. I had problems
with mechanics and throwing a change-up. My change-up was either too fast or way out of
control. He fixed that within one lesson. I used to be a one dimensional pitcher, but now my
change-up is my go to 2 strike pitch, and I use it all the time. Now for the hitting part of it. I
was never a bad hitter nor a bad pitcher and after looking at the success of my pitching lessons
we decided it couldn't hurt to do hitting lessons. When it came to hitting I had very little power.
I was as much of a contact hitter as Ryan Howard is a power hitter. I learned a lot from Coach
Mike but, I just wasn't delivering with the bat. It took me about three weeks to get used to my
new swing, and not only am I hitting the ball, but I'm hitting with power too. It's very nice to
have a power swing, but still have the contact swing when I need it."

"Mike takes teaching fundamentals and mechanics of baseball to a whole new level. In just two sessions of Video Analysis and 1:1 coaching, my son is now maximizing strength and power he didn't know he had...His pitching and swing mechanics look like a major leaguer...a perfect foundation to build on!" - Matt Woodward I've been a student of baseball for over 15 years - coaching MS Softball for 13 years and numerous youth baseball teams including tournament and All-Star teams. I thought I knew something about teaching baseball mechanics - but I was not prepared for how much I learned from Coach Mike. I took my 10 and 13 year-old sons to Mike for the purpose of some video instruction. Our previous experience with a few private baseball lessons was so ineffective, and in some cases detrimental, that we stopped and never considered it again. Baseball camps are expensive and the players get very little actual instruction. Now, years later, I thought it was time to get each of them a little help beyond me. Wow. Mike's style of instruction and knowledge is unmatched in my experience. Both boys made significant improvements in just ONE session. Moreover, what I learned from the lessons has changed how I teach hitting and pitching to the players I coach on my son's tournament team and spring-league teams. Our 10U tournament team pitchers are now competitive with anyone we play, and better than most, because of the knowledge Mike gave me and encouraged me to use. Mike's hitting instruction is so revolutionary, but absolutely verifiable by looking at professional hitters and what they actually do, that I feel it can completely change a player. For example, my 13 year-old (never a very good hitter) went for a hitting lesson, and after 30 minutes was looking and hitting absolutely like a different player. He is actually excited about hitting now! After watching how they respond to seeing their mechanics on video, I would never consider a lesson without it again. You can tell a kid something 100 times and maybe he won't get it - but SHOW him once or twice and the lightbulb goes on and THEY GET IT. Lessons with Mike are not an expense, they are an investment - because the returns are so great! The knowledge I gain alone is worth dozens of books and DVDs. Bottom line: my sons are better players - taking their games to the next level, and I'm a better manager and coach who can help dozens of other players become better. All thanks to Mike. "

Jay Nylund Youth baseball coach and former MS Softball coach.

"I have been working with my son Joseph on his pitching now for a several years. I was determined to learn as much about pitching as possible. I studied from books, teachers, internet, and videos. I am now OK at spotting mechanical flaws on video. So when we came to Mike Joseph and I knew most of his faults. Our problem was not knowing what the faults were but how to correct them.

Out in the real world of baseball I see this over and over again in Joseph's teammates. They have terrible pitching form (a 3ft stride, short arming the ball, early rotation, etc., etc.). I tell the coach "hey this kid is going to ruin his arm or hit a wall and never make HS ball with this form". The coaches all say "yeah your right but he's already got a pitching coach and I don't want to get into the middle of it." I remember a boy from the first year of kid pitch. He could blow that speedball by you (From the Boss's Glory Days) but he was the worst short armer I think I had ever seen. Two years later he was getting knocked out of the ballpark like batting practice and a sore arm to boot. He never changed his mechanics. Last year our best right-hand pitcher was stepping a foot to the third side of a center line between home and the rubber. I have it on tape. Instead of trying to make a mechanical adjustment, I was told "He is pitching so well now I don't want to make any changes now." After that I have pretty much given up on instructing other people's kids. So here is the rule 90% of coaches out there use. If you can throw hard and hit your spot you?re a good or great pitcher, forget form and mechanics. If your arm hurts after 20 pitches it's because your arm is not strong enough and you need to work on arm strength. We will work on our last 3 hitters bats 2 hours a week but only give our pitchers a 15 min pen 1 time a week between tournaments with little true instruction or worse bad instruction. I have recently told Joseph not to take instruction from anyone else other than myself or Mike. Joseph was last told "Your not twisting your body enough. That's where all your power comes from." I know that's not the case. Mike knows that's not the case but most coaches just don't get it. The worst are the ex-pros that were taught wrong or they believe that just because they do it that way it is right. Over rotation was causing Joseph to early rotate miss his center mark become off balanced and throw across his body.

Getting Back to Mike. I have been busting my brain for the last year trying to get Joseph not to early rotate. Nothing I did worked. I could see it on tape. I could tell Joseph not to do it but it never got fixed. After only a couple of hours with Mike, Guess what. With a few mechanical changes Joseph does not early rotate any more. If he does I know now what to tell him to fix it. We will be making the drive into Houston whenever we get the chance to work with Mike."

Mark Anderson

"We moved from Alabama where my son had been through three different coaches for baseball lessons. I told my son when we got to Texas that I was going to try and find a really good coach that we can stick with. I called Mike with Torque baseball and he told me on the first call to bring Jordan by for a evaluation and if I didn't think he would get better that he would tear my check up and we could be on our way. I asked my son what he thought and he said he loved it and he wanted me to sign him up. Mike is not cheap but if you quality and someone that will put confidence in your son sign him up because my son has more confidence than he has ever had. I want to thank Mike for his time and efforts with my son Jordan and you can bet my three year old son Ashton will be going to him when he turns six years old............ Thanks,

Chad Babin

"Dear Coach Mike, I wanted to express to you how pleased Worth and I are with our experience
with you and the Torque Baseball pitching instruction program. Worth's
pitching skill has improved dramatically as demonstrated by two recent
outings with his select team. His velocity and control are so much
improved. Worth has had a lot of previous pitching instruction; however, no
instructor used video, and no one emphasized the technical teaching methods
utilizing video and still photographs employed in the Torque method of
teaching. Worth has had fun and he and I look forward to our
pitching sessions with you. Furthermore, Worth looks forward to Torque
hitting instruction. If Worth's hitting improves as much as his pitching,
he will most certainly enjoy the coming baseball season and hopefully a
successful high school baseball experience in the near future.
Thanks again Coach Mike. "

Walter Beard

" My son Ethan has always been able to make contact with the ball but I
knew he could do so much better with a more knowledgeable coach guiding
him. I went to three other coaches before I happened to find Coach Mike
on the internet and decided to give him a shot. After Ethan's initial
session, I knew we had found our coach. Mike is a very knowledgeable
coach who mixes in video analysis and still photos to help his student
achieve the correct form. After 3 sessions with Coach Mike, Ethan went
5 for 6 in his first tournament and all of his hits were to the outfield
and hit with power. If you want your son to get really good really
fast, go to Coach Mike. "

Scott Fernandez

"I am more than happy to recommend Coach Mike. His approach is completely professional. I particularly liked his use of video during the lessons. He is able to review his instructions so the student can see what is trying to be achieved. As the old saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words." Mike gives you a copy of your video and you have a chance to review it at home. All pitchers, no matter what age or level, can benefit from Mike's coaching. "

Bill - High School Pitcher's Dad

"Coach Mike, where would I be without him? He is the kind of guy that knows the game inside and out, and has an answer for any and every situation. He has helped me break down my mechanics and make tough adjustments that make a world of difference. I think all pitchers can benefit from Coach Mike's instructions. "

Alex - High School, Pitcher

" Mike, my 12 year old son has pitched for several years but was
developing a few bad habits in his mechanics which could lead to injury
and which slowed his velocity. Despite months of instruction with other
instructors, the problems continued. However, the ability for him to see
his mechanics on video and your expertise in diagnosing the problem and
instructing him in the proper mechanics has been the breakthrough we
were looking for. He is excited to see himself in the video and get the
instant feedback he can see for himself. Your encouragement has also
really helped him get over his mental discouragement. He has corrected
his mechanics and is throwing harder than ever. We look forward to
continued improvement due to your expert program of instruction. Thanks Mike ! "

Bill Hart

"Hey Mike, I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how much i appreciate the work you have done with Jose on his pitching and hitting. I love the method you use of video taping a segment of his hitting or pitching and then reviewing the tape on the spot to correct any mechinal flaws. It truly does work, his pitching mechanics have greatly improved which has resulted in better velocity on his pitches and much better control of his pitches. Jose has always looked lost at the plate but now after only a handful of lessons he actually looks like a hitter when he is at the plate, his mechanics are much much better than they ever have been and his hitting is definitely on the right track. I only wish I had found Torque Baseball 5 years ago instead of spending hundred if not thousands of dollars on lessons which really improved nothing. After watching your method i now fully realize how little the previous lessons we paid for really helped. Since Jose drives himself to practice, I also like the fact that you send home the discs of the practices so that i can follow his progress. Thanks a lot for everthing!!!!!! "

Mike Moncure

"Dear Mike: I wanted to take this time to let you know how pleased we are with the training you are providing to Austin. Austin feels very comfortable and tells me all the time how he appreciates your coaching and how he feels it is of the highest caliber he could expect. He has been disappointed with other trainers in the past, and with a few coaches on the summer leagues recently as well, but he holds you in highest esteem as a coach. I personally have seen Austin's improvement. When he goes to bat he has a confidence he has not had before. In a recent tournament, of his 15 times at bat, he had 6 doubles, 6 singles, 1 strike out (hit and run) and 2 walks. I think what is noteworthy is the fact that his hits came mostly when he was at 2-2 or 3-2. He settled in a fought the pitcher to get a good pitch and then made great contact. The other thing I notice is that he does not pop out like he used to. His hits are crisp and more in the line drive character. He has learned to fight when at bat and when he is behind and this is paying off. In fact his doubles I mentioned before were all off the fence and mostly in the left-center field areas. As to his pitching you have worked with him on, he is learning to use his larger muscles to save his arm muscles and shoulder joint. This has helped him both in his pitching and in playing in the field for throwing long balls. He recently got an out at first, which doesn't sound great, except he was playing right field when it happened. His play at short stop has improved as well, which I credit with his overall confidence and attack to the ball on defense. Thanks for taking an interest in my son and his talent in baseball. As Austin says, "Mike is the best coach I could have!" We plan to continue with you long range. Even when Austin starts back with Bellaire Baseball in February, we intend to keep filling in time with you for his hitting and pitching. Take care and again, thanks Coach. Regards, "

Gary Wadkins

"Working with Mike over the past few months has made me a better hitter and much more confident. At 50, I did not think that I could become a power hitter. Mike has proven me wrong! Not only am I hitting longer and farther... my batting average has been steadily climbing! Thanks Mike!!! My Best Regards, "

John Hunter

"Torque Baseball has taught me the many fundamentals to mastering the sport of baseball. Mike is an excellent communicator and educator which in turn has had a tremendous impact on my game. I am a small player but now I find myself hitting the ball farther and with greater power. Whether it is from throwing to catching, or from bunting to hitting, Mike has made me become advanced in these areas with repetition, consistency, and hard work." "

Ricardo, Men's League Recreational Softball Player

"Hey Coach Mike, I just wanted to write to give you an update on Kyle's hitting. He has alot more confidence at the plate since he started working with you. Before he was hitting ground balls or pop ups 95% of the time, but lately he is getting more hits to the outfield. His last game he really creamed one to the left field fence. I really like that you work with him on the mental part of hitting as well as the mechanics. I know that the mental aspect of sports competition is extremely important. Thanks Again, and see you soon! "

John Cantu

"Just wanted to let you know how happy Anthony and I are about the improvement in Anthony's pitching. As an incoming freshman getting ready for high school baseball going from 75mph to 81mph on the gun in just 3 months is fantastic. He is very excited and confident and can't wait for the tryouts. Thanks for all your help. "

Tony Makransky

"A friend of mine -- whose son is a terrific baseball player --highly recommended Mike.
My friend really steered us in the right direction! Mike cares about seeing improvement
in his students. Mike is always teaching. He coaches my son throughout the entire
lesson. Mike is observant. He picks up on things that others might miss. If a kid is
hard on himself, for example, Mike notices this quickly. Then he addresses it in his
coaching. Mike works hard and does what it takes to ensure a good lesson. If that
means throwing a bunch of pitches with velocity, then Mike throws all those pitches
and throws them hard. And Mike isn't afraid to break a sweat while teaching kids to
field or throw. Also, Mike is very organized. When I contact him, he responds quickly.
You can count on him to keep his lesson times. Mike has really studied the art and
science of hitting a baseball. He draws on his analysis of good major league hitters,
past, and present. Mike clearly has done a lot of thinking about teaching hitting and
other baseball skills to young players. After the most recent lesson with Mike, my son
thanked me for setting it up and said, "That was fun." Mike is enthusiastic. He's really
into coaching. Mike cares about doing a good job, and it shows. He's good at what he does."

- JG Greer

"Mike,
I just gotta share this one with you:
Last night, I was in the batting cage, and the owner of the place, Clarence,
happened to step out of his office and come up to my cage, to watch me hit.
After a bit, and as he turned to go back to his office, here's what he said to me:
"Man, you've got that Ted Williams swing going on!"
How about that?!!! I was really concentrating on lowering my right shoulder,
keeping my right elbow tucked-in tight, and working the upward swinging motion . . .
It made my day. Ha!"
 
- Pat Dozark

"My son, Parker Browne began taking lessons with Mike Skoutelaskis two years
 ago. He has been an excellent baseball instructor and Parker has learned a
great  deal about baseball from Mike. When I asked Parker what was the most
important  thing he has learned from Mike he said "If it wasn't for Mike I
would still be  striking out....he taught me everything I know about
hitting". He also said Mike  is a really nice guy to train with. In my opinion,
Mike has taught Parker the  importance of staying focused when hitting the
ball. With that, he taught him  all the techniques to being a successful hitter.
During this baseball season  Mike was more than willing to talk to Parker's
coaches when they felt Parker  needed some help and they knew Mike could
train him. Mike is a pleasure to work  with and has given so much support and
encouragement to my son."
 
-Pam Rundle

"You did great work with all the boys this season and from what I gather
over the past couple of seasons with several different boys.  I know that
you made a significant difference in there execution which in turn gave
them confidence and enhanced productivity which made their little league
experience a very positive experience.

Thanks for all that you do."

-Chris Black

"My son Mitchell began working with Mike after struggling to make
the transition to the Pony level.  Before working with Mike, Mitch
rarely made contact and, when he did, he wasn’t hitting the ball hard. 
Within a few weeks, Mitchell was making contact routinely and hitting
the ball much harder.  Mitch continued to work with Mike during his
second year in the Pony league.  He continued to improve throughout
the season and, by the last playoff game, was batting fourth in the
lineup (he went three for four).  Our experience with Mike is overwhelmingly
positive.  He is a good teacher who works well with kids of all abilities."

-Todd Barth

"I wholly recommend Mike Skoutelakis and Torque Baseball to any child
who is looking to improve his or her skills in the game of baseball.
The best thing about Mike is his unique ability to connect with kids of
all ages and abilities.  In addition, his approach using video of the
player, coupled and contrasted with photographs and video of Major
League players, allows the player to see for him or herself what can be
improved.  It also allows the player to model his or her approach after
some of the best players in the game of baseball.  Whether your child is
just beginning the game of baseball or is an accomplished player looking
to get to the "next level", Mike Skoutelakis can provide the necessary
instruction and insight to make it happen."

-Wade Quinn, attorney and little league baseball coach

"I would recommend Mike to anyone that is interested in having someone
work with their son or daughter to improve their swing. My 7yr old son was
struggling to hit the ball in Pee Wee this year. His coaches suggested a session
with Mike Skoutelakis might help. I called Mike, and he quickly scheduled us
for a lesson. I was amazed at how quickly Mike was able to begin changing the
mechanics of my son's swing. After just one lesson my son was making improvements
to his swing. After 3 or 4 sessions the mechanics of his swing were significantly
improved. His instruction was very simple, and he put in terms that a 7 year old
could understand. He also teaches his students to recognize what they are doing
right and what they are doing wrong. This helps them to correct problems when they
are not in the cage. I found the videos Mike makes of each session a very useful tool
for me to review so that I was better able to work with my son when we were away
from the cage. Mike makes the sessions fun, and always keeps a very positive attitude.
My son has enjoyed working with Mike, and we plan to continue doing so."

-Mark Rothwell

"Attention: YMCA DIRECTOR                                     8/12/08
Our family was in Houston for six weeks this summer, ( we are from Ohio)
and decided to check out the TROTTER YMCA, as we were interested in finding
a baseball instructor for our 16 year old son. The person working at the desk
gave us Mike Skoutelakis phone number. Thank you very much for having
someone as talented, encouraging and patient as Mike as an instructor. We
couldn't have been more pleased and we were so happy with your facilities as
well. The six weeks that we were there truly improved our son's baseball skills
under Mike's skillful teaching and encouraging attitude. He is truly an asset to
the TROTTER FAMILY YMCA ! "

Sincerely,
-Rhonda, Jerry, and Austin James
Lowell, Ohio