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.