Kenji Takahashi
Outfielder
This player is highly motivated to reach his full potential and values clear, simple explanations. He prefers to learn by watching videos and feeling it out through practice. He prefers a balanced approach to performance analysis and coaching explanations.
Do
- Connect on his motivation to be the best he can be.
- Use video analysis to demonstrate concepts, especially using examples like Steven Kwan.
- Explain things simply and clearly, like his college coach did.
- Allow time to process feedback before discussing it.
- Provide balanced feedback, focusing on both strengths and areas for improvement.
- Be open to remote coaching sessions.
- Respect his preference to initiate coaching conversations.
Don't
- Give feedback during the game unless requested.
- Overwhelm with overly complex explanations.
- Neglect to provide balanced feedback (positive and constructive).
- Disregard the value of video analysis in learning.
Suggested Coaching Focus Areas
- Plate Discipline (player's stated goal)
- Strikeout Reduction vs. LHP (player's stated goal)
- Base Running (player's stated goal)
- Exit Velocity Improvement (extremely low exit velocity and barrel %)
- Whiff Rate Reduction (very high whiff rate)
How to Deliver the Message
The key takeaway with one or two pieces of evidence
What Resonates with the Player
A mix of both data and feel
Learning Preferences
- 1Watching videos of myself or others
- 2Feeling it out through drills/practice
- 3Having a coach explain it to me
- 4Reviewing data (like Blast, TrackMan, etc.)
- 5Reading about the technique
Preferred Learning Settings
- 1A one-on-one setting with a coach
- 2By myself, working on my own
- 3A small group with other players
Coaching Timing
- 1After the game; I don’t want distractions during the game
- 2When I ask for it; I’ll come to a coach when I think something is wrong.
- 3The next day; I like to sleep on it before hearing from my coach
- 4As soon as it happens; during the game is fine
Motivations
- 1Being the best I can be
- 2Winning championships
- 3Earning praise and respect
- 4Making my teammates better
- 5Financial success
When Player Needs to See Progress
Looking for improvement over long run
Prefers Bluntness or Encouragement
A balance, depending on the situation
Remote Coaching
Open to remote coaching
Description of Best Coach
My college coach was amazing. He was really good at explaining complex things in a simple way and always knew when to push me and when to back off.
Self-Identified Goals
I want to improve my plate discipline and cut down on my strikeouts against left-handed pitchers. I also want to work on my base running.
Hobbies
I enjoy fishing and playing video games in my downtime. I'm also learning to play the guitar.
Models defensive approach to CLE OF Steven Kwan. Responded positively to review of Kwan defensive video.
Aug 11, 2025