Podcast #177: Coaching Pitching Mechanics in Youth Baseball with Scott Shuman

Today we’re discussing pitching mechanics in the youth baseball population with RPP Director of Pitching Scott Shuman. Topics Include:

    • 4 big issues in youth mechanics
    • Problem with adjusting mechanics when pitch selection changes
    • Lessons learned as a son of a high school Hall of Fame Coach

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Infielder Angel Alfaro with Lodi High School is Batting .458 vs .281 Prior Year

Getting stronger in the off-season to prepare for peak performance on the field is paramount. But just as important is finishing the season as strong as you started. The athletes who maintain their performance throughout the season are the ones who typically see the greatest results. Drops in velocity—both on the mound and at the plate—as well as injuries, are often the result of not training consistently through out the season.

This year, we’ll be highlighting RPP athletes who not only put in the work during the off-season, but who continue to maintain their strength and recovery by training with us 2–3 days per week during the season. We’ll also be sharing current stats, along with year-over-year comparisons, to reinforce how impactful consistent work can be—and what’s possible because of it.

Angel Alfaro

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Creating Adjustability at the Dish in Youth Athletes

We’re often asked, what do young hitters struggle with most?

My answer is simple… Adjustability.

Hitting is hard, period. If it were easy, everyone would be good at it. And if we knew what pitch was coming and exactly where it was going, hitting would be much easier. You could swing harder, be more aggressive, and trust you’d meet the ball out in front where you want it.

But the reality is, we don’t know, and that’s why adjustability in your approach is so important.

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Improving Defensive Fielding in Young Athletes

Many young ball players face a common hurdle: they lack the athleticism to play defense at a high level. To field a ground ball or charge a bunt efficiently, movements must be fluid—and that requires agility. When it comes to fielding, agility means executing rapid movements in constantly changing, unpredictable environments.

So, what exactly IS agility?

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Podcast #175: Throwing Harder and Training Considerations After TJ Surgery

Most of our athletes who undergo Tommy John surgery end up throwing harder than prior to being Injured. Today, I’ll discuss not only why, but some of the key parameters in a good TJ Rehab Program. Topics Include:

    • Main causes of TJ
    • When to start a full body strength program (and “how”)
    • Working in conjunction with your PT and Ortho

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Podcast #173: Maximizing Your Spring Season by Staying Healthy with DPT Melanie Eskin

Today we’re sitting down with DPT Melanie Eskin of Paramus Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Today’s topic is maintaining health and maximizing performance during the season.

    • Most common in-season injuries and how to address them
    • Maintaining and / or improving IR in-season
    • Maintaining shoulder, hip & T-spine mobility
    • Manual therapy after outings, yes / no?

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Podcast #171: Coaching Ball in the Big Easy with Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Seth Thibodeaux

Today we’re sitting down with Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Associate Head Coach Seth Thibodeaux. While I was speaking at the Baseball Ontario Summit, I had the opportunity to hear Seth speak and knew he would be a great guest. Topics Include:

    • Changes in the 1st year college athlete over the past 5-10 years
    • Methods for taking on a leadership role as both player and coach
    • How to keep the culture thriving

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