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.