Developing High Performing Pitcher: A Guide for Coaches and Players

**Developing High-Performing Pitchers: A Guide for Coaches and Players**

This blog post is the intro from the manual of developing high performing players.  If you are interested in learning more email us at jordan@utahrotationalathletetraining.com

This manual is designed to empower both players and coaches to become their own best instructors. It focuses on understanding the application of technology and day-to-day pitching management at the individual and team levels. While it doesn't offer a comprehensive guide, it provides a strong foundation for building knowledge, refining skills, and adapting to the evolving nature of baseball. The manual encourages continuous growth and personal development, allowing players and coaches to shape their own philosophies and core values regarding pitching development.

**The Role of the Coach and Player**

Think of a coach as a carpenter. A hammer in the hands of a skilled carpenter can build strong, impressive structures, while the same tool in the hands of an untrained person can cause harm or create something unstable. Similarly, it’s the coach’s job to guide players in mastering their own process, creating a solid foundation that will last throughout their careers. This involves providing support and teaching players to be independent and self-reliant in their development.

**Core Values and Purpose**

- **Professional Baseball:** The goal is to develop healthy, high-performing pitchers capable of making an impact at the MLB level. This includes preparing them to be valuable assets both internally and through trade.

  

- **Collegiate/Amateur:** At this level, the focus is on helping pitchers become leaders in their league—leading in innings pitched, strikeouts, and maintaining control over walks.

The overall purpose is to create a dynamic framework that allows pitchers to coach themselves by learning through trial and error. This teaches athletes to make logical decisions and adjustments based on experience and evidence. Coaches also need to evolve, understanding the individual needs of each player and being willing to change when data and experience call for it. The coach’s ego should be tied to the player's performance and not to preconceived notions or rigid methods.

**The Four Legs of Pitching Performance**

Pitching performance can be thought of as a table supported by four key legs. If any one of these legs is weak or unbalanced, it affects the stability of the entire table—just as uneven performance affects the overall game. These four critical areas are:

1. **Biomechanics and Movement:** Proper movement patterns are the foundation for a pitcher’s effectiveness and longevity.

  

2. **Strength, Conditioning, and Medical Care:** Physical preparation, injury prevention, and recovery are essential for peak performance.

  

3. **Strategies and Tactics (In-Game Management):** The ability to make smart decisions during a game and adapt to various situations.

  

4. **Mental, Emotional, and Daily Preparation:** Developing the mental toughness and emotional control necessary for consistent performance.

No single leg is more important than the others. For example, it’s not enough to have a healthy pitcher if they lack the strength or mental preparation to perform. Likewise, high-performing players won’t be effective if they suffer from physical or mental challenges. This highlights the importance of collaboration between departments (coaching, medical, strength training, etc.) to ensure a holistic approach to player development. Effective communication across all areas is essential for the success of the individual and the organization.

In summary, this manual provides a dynamic foundation for the development of pitchers at all levels. By focusing on the four key elements of pitching performance and encouraging both player and coach development, the goal is to create athletes who can continually adapt, grow, and excel throughout their careers.

If you are interested in learning to become a high performing pitcher email us at jordan@utahrotationalathletetraining.com and let's create a plan to accomplish your goals together. 

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.

From 65 MPH to 84. Isaac's Incredible Pitching Transformation

From 65 to 84 MPH: Isaac’s Incredible Pitching Transformation

Isaac is a sophomore in high school who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to his development as a pitcher. When he first started, his fastball clocked in at just 65 MPH. Now, through hard work, consistency, and a smart approach to training, he’s throwing up to 84 MPH and consistently sitting in the low 80s. His progress is nothing short of remarkable, and his journey provides valuable lessons for athletes looking to take their game to the next level.

The Foundation: Arm Strength at the Core

Isaac’s impressive velocity gains didn’t happen by chance. From the beginning, he made arm strength the centerpiece of his training. Regular arm strength testing allowed him to monitor progress and make data-driven adjustments to his program. By focusing on building a strong, durable arm, Isaac laid the groundwork for long-term success and a reduced risk of injury.

Small Adjustments, Big Impact

In addition to arm strength, Isaac has worked diligently on refining his biomechanics. Instead of chasing quick fixes or dramatic changes, he’s embraced a philosophy of small, incremental adjustments. These tweaks have allowed him to maximize his efficiency on the mound, transfer energy effectively, and unlock more velocity without overexerting himself.

A Model for Success

Isaac’s journey is a powerful reminder that success in pitching requires a balanced and thoughtful approach. It’s not just about throwing harder—it’s about building a strong foundation, paying attention to the details, and staying consistent over time. His commitment to this process has not only boosted his performance but also ensured that he’s improving safely, without overuse or injury.

A Bright Future

With his velocity continuing to climb and his work ethic leading the way, Isaac is a player to watch as he becomes recruit-eligible in the coming years. His dedication and progress make him stand out as a young athlete with tremendous potential.

Isaac’s story highlights what’s possible when hard work meets smart training. As he continues to improve, there’s no doubt he’ll make a significant impact on the field—and his journey is just getting started.

If you’re an athlete looking to elevate your performance, take a page from Isaac’s playbook: focus on arm strength, embrace small improvements, and stay consistent. The results might surprise you!

2024 Year in Review

 2024 was a great year for our group here at Utah Rotational Athlete Training.  We worked with over 60 athletes this year.  We try to keep our groups and players we work with smaller so that way a better value can be provided to each athlete we are able to interact with.  Our athletes range in location all over the country across a multitude of levels from Little League through the MLB and International Professional Baseball.  Our highlights this year are:

• 1 Player Drafted(4th Round)
• 1 Player Mexican Professional Baseball
• 1 Player Independent Professional Baseball
• 3 Players NCAA Division I Commits
• 3 Players NCAA Division II Commits
• 3 Players NCAA Division III Commits
• 4 Players NAIA Commits
• 3 Players NJCAA Commits
• #1 Left Handed Pitchers in the State of Utah(Ranked by Perfect Game)
• 2 Players in Winter Velo Program 4MPH Gained Each
• Over 100 MPH Gained Total Across all U-RAT Baseball Players
• 12 Players Have Gotten Out of Arm Pain

It is greatly appreciated all the work that everyone has put in through their training and work they have done.  I currently just got back from a trip and have a few more planned for the remainder of the winter where I will continue growing my knowledge base to best impact and grow my player development system.  Thanks for your support and I look forward to a great upcoming 2025!

Progressing on Skill Building

In our previous posts, we covered setting the foundation for player development: strength and nutrition. While many will go straight to building skill into a player, we need to realize that skill will fail us in the long run without a foundation of strength and nutrition. This belief, opinion, or whatever you want to call it comes from someone who makes a living through baseball instruction. Which should tell you how much I value setting strength and nutrition as the development foundation.

Now that we have the previous weeks going over that foundation, we can start reviewing some ways to build on it. I was lucky to have coached for 1 season under Joe Maddon, a World Series champion coach, and a player development genius. He had a straightforward philosophy. Do the basics better. Joe emphasized every day in spring training, and that simple message also bled down into the minor leagues. I bring this up to show how they do the basics better, even at the highest levels. What this equates to is they are not trying to recreate themselves and add a new pitch. They are not trying to overhaul their swing. They are not trying to add a new drill to enhance glove work. They are simply mastering the basics.

What we do in our system is what we call individuals, or Indo's. These basic drills emphasize the fundamentals of infield, outfield, catching, and pitching. Indo's are looking for steady progress over time. Like a retirement account, we are not chasing the next investing trend or hot topic; we are chasing the constant and steady growth of the 401K and IRA. Once we have mastered our Indo's, we can add more layers of complexity. But too often, coaches and players want to start with the complex. Through Indo's, we are investing in our development for the long haul. We are committing to a process that builds fundamental baseball comprehension.

To give an example of what our daily indo's look like, here is a quick example of our infield progression:

1: 2 Knee Fielding Short Hops Straight on

2: Standing Fielding Short Hops Straight On

3: 5 Step Ranging Glove and Arm Side

4: Ground Balls From Fungo or Machine Straight On

5: Ground Balls From Fungo or Machine 3-5 Step Movement

That progression is not complex, but it covers almost 100% of what you will see in any baseball game. Once you have mastered that progression and performed above adequacy in the game, you can begin layering onto your indo's to make them more complex as you continue to build athleticism. It is also straightforward to start. All you need is a glove, a ball, and someone to hit or roll you balls. If you don't have someone to roll you balls, get a tennis ball and find a stable wall to throw against.

Don't make it complex; make sure you are training. If you want somethign more individualized or help planning, shoot me an email at jordan@utahrotationalathletetraining.com

Post Game Nutrition: Starting the Recovery Process

Post-Game Nutrition: Starting the Recovery Process

Here in Utah, we are beginning our High School baseball seasons and, shortly, our recreation league seasons. With the start of the season comes increased inflammation and wear and tear on the body. Post-game nutrition is one incredibly overlooked aspect, no matter the competition level. While it is easy to speed through the drive-through and grab something to take home, it is not what is best to maintain or build upon the progress from the off-season. Here are some post-game nutrition thoughts to help keep your athlete recovering for the year.

1: Beet Root Chews: Beets help with blood flow, which is a key to recovery. I recommend that my athletes take a beetroot chew before they begin their warm-up for the game and, ideally, directly after the game. This helps start the activation process by helping blood flow before the game, and it dramatically speeds up recovery by keeping blood flow active after the game. If you cannot do pre- and post-beet root chews and can only pick one, I would prioritize the post-game beet root chew.

The post-throw is more important because the blood vessels begin to restrict through inflammation, so anything you can do to stimulate the blood flow is ideal. Below is a link to beetroot chews I recommend and use myself.

Beet Root Chews Link: https://amzn.to/3wCust3

2: Post-Game Meal: If you prioritize food quality, not quantity, on the post-game meal, it will significantly improve recovery. If you are strapped for time and must go to a fast-food restaurant, my top pick is Chipotle. Chipotle uses the least amount of high-inflammatory oils and additives in its cooking. Even though Chipotle is not ideal, it is the best and worst option. I love hamburgers and fries. They are not an ideal post-game meal as they contribute to inflammation and do not help you combat it.

With travel at the youth level not being large distances with very few overnight stays, it would be beneficial to invest in a crock pot. Crock pots were my best friend at the minor league level, as they allowed me to put higher-quality lean protein, vegetables, and anti-inflammatory seasonings into the pot on low before I left for the field. When I got back, everything was cooked and ready to eat. Even though professional-level teams provide post-game meals, they are not always the best; they usually are the cheapest option. Taking control of your post-game feed through a crock pot not only saves you money compared to the fast food bill, but it also helps you build during your season instead of regressing.

With the crock pot taking care of your proteins and vegetables, you can always add some mixed fruit, whether frozen, fresh, or from a can. Regardless of your method of consumption, it still beats the drive-through.

Crock Pots: https://amzn.to/3wxSy8b

While it may seem extremely easy to just run to the drive-through, don't make it a habit—these small changes of preparing food in a slow cooker and adding in better options for blood flow will help you not just in the short term but the long term of your entire baseball career.

The Three Types of Training

Concentric, Eccentric, Isometric: 3 Types of Training

Last week, we went over the bottom of the training pyramid.  This week, we will focus on the three types of muscle contractions—concentric, eccentric, and isometric.  All are important; one may be a higher priority based on your current situation.

Concentric Training:

Concentric training is shortening an angle.  The simplest example of this is a bicep curl.  The angle shortens between the upper and lower arm when the hand moves toward the shoulder.  This movement is what we commonly see in a majority of workouts.  

Eccentric Training:

Eccentric training is lengthening the muscle.  This occurs on the negative movement.  To use the bicep curl as an example again, once the hand is closest to the shoulder, you slowly lower the weight back to the starting position.  The eccentric phase of the movement is when most injuries occur in athletics.  Eccentrics should be a high priority in pre-season training and should be done at a 3:1 work ratio.  For example, if it takes you one second on the concentric, the eccentric should be 3 seconds.

Isometric Training:

Isometrics are when there is no movement around the joint at all.  Isometrics would be flexing.  Using the bicep as an example again, if you make a muscle and hold it without any weight, this would be an isometric.  Isometrics help build stability around joints and movements.

So what does all this mean?  Where should you start on your training journey?  Well, combining these three muscle contractions is critical to year-round success.  We usually like to put the training in blocks.  Block I would be the isometric focus, block II focused on primarily eccentric movement, and block III combines all three.  A progression like this allows for a progressive building of intensity while focusing on activities that keep the athlete healthy.

Where is the best place to start?  If you don't know where to begin, we offer a free 4-week training program to focus on body weight movements.  If you want this, email me at jordan@utahrotationalathletetraining.com.  If you want something more in-depth and specialized toward your athlete, use the discount code throwfuzz15 on ArmCare.Com.  The ArmCare.Com system focuses on all three movements and adds resistance to these movements using the Crossover Symmetry system.  You will notice my writing theme on the importance of physical training to learn skills.  I have some research posted in previous posts on how exercise impacts the CNS for skill development.

While I am not going into the depths of training theory and practice, I want to ensure you leave with a basic understanding of starting your training journey.  If you aren't setting the foundation, you are setting yourself up for failure.  If you are interested in the free bodyweight training program, email me at jordan@utahrotationalathletetraining.com