Today, with high intensity throwing starting to ramp up here in the northeast, I’m going to try and answer the annual question coming into our facility by many young athletes and their parents. Why isn’t my velo up yet? It’s a multi-layered answer and I’ll address what I believe to be the big players. Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and cutting-edge technology, RPP Baseball takes the guesswork out of player development. ...
Feb 10, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 87
This week we’re sitting down with mental performance coach Mike Huber. Mike came to RPP the other day to watch an athlete who has been struggling a bit with command and control while on the mound. Today, he’ll discuss some of the visual signs he looks for when helping an athlete with the mental side of the game. Mike is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant accredited by the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. He is also the founder and host of The Freshman Foundation® Podcast, which pr...
Feb 04, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Today I’m going to break down a presentation that I gave recently on profiling pitchers at this year’s Bridge Seminar at Wake Forest University. Topics include assessing: Strength & Power Mobility Elasticity Deceleration Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and cutting-edge technology, RPP Baseball takes the guesswork out of player development. Twitter https://twitter.com/RPP_Baseball/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/...
Jan 28, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 85
Today we’re sitting down with Notre Dame Assistant Head Coach Seth Voltz. Coach Voltz brings with him a plethora of knowledge and information, from not only a coach's viewpoint but a player's as well. Topics Include: The portal and its impact on high school athletes Workload management with pitchers The importance of incorporating S&C into an athlete's program Notre Dame Head Coach Shawn Stiffler announced the addition of Seth Voltz to his coaching staff in 2022. Voltz joined the Fighting Ir...
Jan 19, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 84
Today, we're sitting down with RPP Director of Strength and Conditioning Zach Kollar to take a look at our athlete results thus far as well as the methods used. We’ll also discuss switching gears for the second half of the off-season and what to expect training-wise to help increase power output. Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and cutting-edge technology, RPP Baseball takes the guesswork out of player development. Twitt...
Jan 12, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Today we’re sitting down with PT, DPT, Emily Ferree. This sit-down was long overdue. So today, we’re going to discuss Emily’s take on various courses of action in adjusting mechanics for a more efficient delivery. Topics include: Back Leg Mechanics Overstriding Lead Leg Block Block Training vs. Variable Training Emily is currently clinic director of rehab and sports performance at Movement First in Newport Beach, California. In this role she directs in-season and off-season programming for athle...
Jan 06, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 82
Happy New Year! This week we’ve got a special episode featuring the "Top 5" Behind the Seams Podcasts of 2023. Here you’ll find gems from... Alan Jaeger - Jaeger Sports Corey Muscara - Wake Forest University Matt Swope - Maryland University Drew Dickinson - University of Virginia David Kopp - University of Florida Once again, have a safe and Happy New Year! Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and cutting-edge technology, RPP...
Dec 23, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 81
Today we’re sitting down with Vandy Associate Head Coach and Pitching Coach Scott Brown. This is a must listen… Topics Include: Maintaining elite status and staying there Being "present" on the mound 3 "non-negotiables" for players coming into the program The upcoming 2024 season will be Coach Brown’s 12th as the pitching coach and eight as associate head coach at Vanderbilt. During his tenure, 35 Commodore pitchers have been selected in the MLB Draft, including 12 in the first three rounds. He ...
Dec 15, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 80
This past week I was down at Wake Forest University presenting at the Bridge Seminar which is an annual event assembled by the Wake Forest Pitching Lab. Similar to last year, this week's podcast is a review of some of my favorite presentations at the event, including: Mike McFerran - Creating Winners Emily Ferree - Inputs vs. Outputs Dr. Michael Freehill - SLAP Tears and Repair Procedures Jimmy Buffi - Biomechanics and Its Relation to Injury Risk Nunzio Signore - Profiling Pitchers This is a gre...
Dec 07, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 79
I’m flying solo today talking about a much needed topic. When to train strength in the weight room and when is an athlete strong enough? Discussion Includes: What does “strong enough” mean? Testing Protocol When to train for power? How do we apply initial strength assessment to training / programming Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and cutting-edge technology, RPP Baseball takes the guesswork out of player development. T...
Dec 01, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 78
Today, we're sitting down with Brandon McDaniel, VP of Player Development with the Los Angeles Dodgers, to discuss the many considerations when training the Elite / Pro athlete. Topics Include: Considerations when Assessing Pro athletes on day 1 Training Strength / Power vs. Maintenance The importance of creating a common language within the organization The need to wear a lot of hats Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and ...
Nov 24, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Today we’re sitting down with new Pitching Coordinator Matt Hartshorn. This guy shows up with a plethora of knowledge on pitching, assessing and movement. Topics Include: Rib cage positioning and rotation Back leg mechanical options Individualized core work based off of architecture Most recently, Matt worked for Cressey Sports Performance in Palm Beach Gardens, FL as a Pitching Development and Strength Coach. Previously, he worked for the Trenton Thunder of the MLB Draft League as a Data Analys...
Nov 18, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Today, we're sitting down once again with Mike McFerran, Head of Player Development at Wake Forest University, to discuss his process for creating efficient throwers. Topics include: Designing guys individually to get outs consistently Improving the capability to move through wider ranges Movement patterns to enhance strengths or improve on weaknesses Combining objective and subjective feedback Mike joined Wake Forest in 2021, to provide a bridge a bridge between the Pitching Lab and Wake Forest...
Nov 11, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 75
With the fall upon us and the never ending questions about “Shut-Down” vs. ”No Shut-Down”, I thought it would be a great time to get my buddy Alan Jaeger on the podcast again to help break down this never-ending dialogue… Alan is the founding partner of Los Angeles-based Jaeger Sports, where some of the most talented baseball players in America go to improve their game. He is most famous for his trademark J-bands, used for conditioning the arm. But his influence on the game far transcends the ba...
Nov 04, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 74
This week we’ll finish up our "Best of 2022" podcast series with past discussions featuring: SF Giants Pitching Coach Brian Bannister on pitch design Dr. Casey Pierce discusses TJ repair and rehab Boston College S&C Coach Will Franco on motivation in the weight room Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and cutting-edge technology, RPP Baseball takes the guesswork out of player development. Twitter https://twitter.com/RPP_...
Oct 29, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Today we're sitting down with Adam Moreau. Adam and his father Darryl are creators of the Flex Pro Grip, a device being well-received in the baseball community in regard to strengthening the pronator mass, the muscles responsible for grip strength as well as protection against fatigue of the UCL’s first responders. On its website Flex Pro Highlights the following benefits: Increase Spin Rate / Pitch Movement Protect the UCL Throw Harder Improve Grip Accelerate Rehab Ready to take your game to th...
Oct 21, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Today, I’m flying solo and talking a bit about how we use the weight room to help address data from our motion capture reports. I’ll be reviewing 5 of the “big players” we see in our mocaps: Pelvic Rotation at Foot Plant Knee Extension Angular Velocity Pelvic Tilt @ Max ER Early Trunk Rotation Scap Load Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and cutting-edge technology, RPP Baseball takes the guesswork out of player development...
Oct 14, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Today we're sitting down with Liberty baseball Assistant Coach Tyler Robinson. Topics Include: 3 game changers for producing big arms Overcoming mental challenges Assessing an athlete’s potential for development Prior to joining the Liberty Flames this year, Coach Robinson had completed eight season as a member of the Campbell baseball coaching staff, most recently as Pitching Coach. Since 2015, his first season on staff, the Camels had won an average of over 30 per year, with 42 all-conference ...
Oct 06, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Today we’ve got another one in the "Best of 2022" series, featuring : Corey Muscara (Wake Forest) Jerry Weinstein (Colorado Rockies) Jeremy Sheetinger (Georgia Gwinnett) Lots of knowledge in this one including: Non-negotiables for Freshman pitchers on Day 1 Breaking through egos with young college athletes How to developing the “best version of yourself” Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and cutting-edge technology, RPP Ba...
Sep 23, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Today we sit down with Ron Wolforth, founder of the Texas Baseball Ranch and consultant to many collegiate and MLB Organizations. Topics include: Origins of the ranch Creating the famous ranch model The Dura-throw system Off-season shut downs (or not!!) Since 2003, 121 of Coach Wolforth’s clients have been drafted, including the 2011 #3 overall draft pick, Trevor Bauer. He is considered the world’s leading expert on the objective measurement of pitcher’s performance and movement patterns. He con...
Sep 15, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 68
We recently had the pleasure of taking a trip down to the University of South Carolina to assess and evaluate their entire pitching staff. Today we’re sitting down with Bill Anderson, Director of Sports Performance at the South Carolina and revisiting the process. Topics Include: What is strong enough Plyometrics, the missing link Mobility and its relationship with mechanics Coach Anderson has been working for almost three decades at South Carolina. He oversees an experienced and talented staff ...
Sep 09, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Today we’re sitting down with Matt Swope who was recently appointed Head Coach for Maryland Baseball. Coach Swope is no stranger to the “Terps culture”. Topics include: Using caution when making mechanical adjustments When to use tech and when not to use tech Key points when examining “character” during recruiting He has been a part of the Maryland Baseball staff in various coaching positions for the past 11 seasons? as the Terrapins advanced to six NCAA Regionals and two Super Regionals. Coach ...
Sep 01, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Today, I’m going to start pulling apart a few gems from some of the best received podcasts to-date. The first of this series includes gems from some of the best in the business: Randy Sullivan - Owner Florida Armory Nate Yeskie - Pitching Coach at LSU Zach Dechant - Strength Coach at TCU Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and cutting-edge technology, RPP Baseball takes the guesswork out of player development. Twitter https:...
Aug 26, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Today I have an “Ask me Anything” round where I answer questions on: The differences between strength and stability and how to train it Anaerobic conditioning for baseball players The Importance of having systems in place Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and cutting-edge technology, RPP Baseball takes the guesswork out of player development. Twitter https://twitter.com/RPP_Baseball/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/RPP...
Aug 19, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Today we’re sitting down with DPT David Schwartz from Blue Iron Physio. Topics include: Strength vs Stability - What’s the difference? Getting athletes back-to-sport How to select the right PT David is the owner and primary operator of Blue Iron Physio in Tenafly NJ. He earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland and following his undergraduate studies, he moved to Boston where he earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from MGH Institute of Health Prof...
Aug 11, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Today we're sitting down with Niko Leontarakis, RPP Director of Pitching, and talking about some common issues we see in pitchers and how it's not always only about mechanics. Topics Include: Incorporating anatomy into coaching Understanding the athlete in front of you Importance of hip bias and ultimately extension Niko graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2022 with a Masters Degree in Exercise Science. Prior to EKU, he attended Post University and graduated with Bachelors in Business ...
Aug 05, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Today we’re sitting down with Tyler Rost, Duke University’s Director of Player Development. Tyler brings a great deal of experience to the table and is a great listen. Topics include: The full on-boarding process for freshman Merging data with “real” feel Creating a great “team” environment both on and off the field Tyler joined the Duke Baseball coaching staff as the Director of Player Development in February of 2021. In his role, he oversees all technology, analytics and data collection and im...
Jul 29, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Today we’re sitting down with Zach Kollar, RPP Director of Strength and Conditioning . Zach has been a big part of what we've develop here on the S&C side of things during the past few years . Join us as we'll be discussing training "power" in rotational athletes. Topics Include: Why power is the gold standard in athleticism Different types of training based on the individual When and how to train it (it matters!) Zach has been a strength coach at RPP for the past 4 years. He attended Oswego...
Jul 22, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Today, we're sitting down with RPP Pitching Coordinator Jake Lebovitch and discussing all aspects of pitch design. This is a great episode and topics include: Evaluating pitcher's movement patterns Source of ball movement Most relevant metrics What's good movement and what's not Sequencing and tunneling Time it takes to see results Jake Lebovitch is Pitching Coordinator and Remote Performance Coach here at RPP. He played 4 years of NCAA Baseball at Muhlenberg College and graduated in 2021 with a...
Jul 14, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Today I’ll be talking in some depth about the most recent version of our in-house assessment, what we test and how we use it to create the ultimate programming for our athletes. Topics include: Individualizing strength / power training Using it to make mechanical adjustments Going after the lowest hanging fruit Reducing injury risk Ready to take your game to the next level? With our holistic and data-driven approach, experienced coaches, and cutting-edge technology, RPP Baseball takes the guessw...
Jul 08, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 58
