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Why You Should Join the Mind Gym this Off-season?

“Too often, sport psychologists are asked to ‘fix’ struggling athletes with mental problems as they approach major competitions or rebound from poor performances. Although MST (mental skills training) programs may prove beneficial in the short run to develop skills and deal with specific problems, such approaches fail to address athletes’ long-term development goals” (Holliday et al., 2008, p. 205).

I love this quote because it encapsulates my work as a mental performance coach. Continue reading “Why You Should Join the Mind Gym this Off-season?”

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Athlete Highlight – Pace University Commit Catcher Chris Orrego Batting .435 (vs .226 LY)

Pace University Baseball commit catcher Chris (CJ) Orrego recently finished his final spring season at Wayne Hills High School in NJ. After 62 ABs, he batted .435 (vs .226 LY) and had a .774 slugging average (vs .339 LY). He finished the year with 3x as many hits for extra bases vs. the prior year.

How did he do it?

Continue reading “Athlete Highlight – Pace University Commit Catcher Chris Orrego Batting .435 (vs .226 LY)”

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Podcast #55: Ins and Outs of Playing and Coaching D1 with Villanova Pitching Coach Jabin Weaver

We’re sitting down today to discuss the ins and outs of playing Division 1 baseball with Villanova Pitching Coach Jabin Weaver. Topics Include:

    • Fastball usage in the game today
    • Year 1 struggles for some incoming freshman
    • Some common adjustments lifestyle-wise that can help acclimate

Continue reading “Podcast #55: Ins and Outs of Playing and Coaching D1 with Villanova Pitching Coach Jabin Weaver”

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Developing Elite Hitters from a Young Age (10-13 year olds)

Developing elite hitters from a young age is about developing not only intent, but sound hitting mechanics from early on. Let me start by saying this. Due to the fact that young athletes are not proficient enough in body awareness and movement at this age, it’s important to begin with a basic / reduced set of disconnects before expanding it to more complicated movement patterns later on.  Below are the disconnects / topics you should make sure you get right from a young age. Let’s get into it…

Continue reading “Developing Elite Hitters from a Young Age (10-13 year olds)”

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Athlete Highlight: 6’3″ RHP Connor Darling Velo is Up 9 mph

Connor Darling

Right-Handed Pitcher Connor Darling (Class 2024) recently completed an outstanding spring season at Northern Highlands High School in New Jersey. Connor has been training at RPP since November 2019. At the time of his assessment last summer, he was 6’3” and 185 lbs., topping out at 82 mph. Fast forward to this spring, Connor is now over 200 lbs., and has improved his peak velo by nearly 9 mph, touching 91 mph. This past spring he finished with a 2.07 ERA, 1.7 K / IP and 40.2 IP under his belt.

How did he do it?

Continue reading “Athlete Highlight: 6’3″ RHP Connor Darling Velo is Up 9 mph”

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Podcast #54: Understanding and Utilizing Mocap Data to Optimize Performance with Jim Buffi

Today we’re sitting down with Jimmy Buffi, CEO of Reboot Motion. During the episode, Jimmy helps break down motion capture to players and coaches in more understandable terms and talks about how he gathers information to help create a blueprint for success. Topics include:

    • Identifying possible mechanical disconnects or “leaks”
    • Predicting injury risk
    • Organizing work load management

Continue reading “Podcast #54: Understanding and Utilizing Mocap Data to Optimize Performance with Jim Buffi”

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Helping Young Pitchers (ages 10-13) Develop into Elite Throwers

Helping young pitchers develop into the best versions of themselves requires an understanding of their physiological development and capabilities at any given age. Asking a 13-year old pitcher to post-up may be a complete waste of time, if he doesn’t have enough lead leg strength to create a good block. With our more developed and older athletes, we may review as many as 50-60 potential disconnects.  But when it comes to the younger guys, you have to be aware of what they may or may not be capable of performing.  Consequently, we generally begin with a reduced set before expanding what we look for in their youth pitching mechanics.  We have listed them here on a priority basis.

Continue reading “Helping Young Pitchers (ages 10-13) Develop into Elite Throwers”

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Podcast #53: Considerations for Playing Summer Ball and Training During the Summer

Today I’m flying solo, answering questions regarding playing summer ball (or not). And if so, how to train properly during the hot summer months in order to maintain athleticism. Topics will include:

    • Pros and cons
    • Considerations when deciding
    • Finding the right organization and fit
    • Maintaining athleticism throughout the short season

Continue reading “Podcast #53: Considerations for Playing Summer Ball and Training During the Summer”

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Athlete Highlight: RHP Jake Francis Velo is Up 10 mph Since Joining RPP

Jake Francis

Villanova Baseball commit Jake Francis is having another exceptional spring season. Jake started his training at RPP almost 2 years ago, in August of 2021.  At the time he was 6’ tall and 160 lbs., coming off a PBR event where his velocity was sitting 80-82 mph. Fast forward to this spring, Jake is at 180 lbs., sitting 88-90 and recently touched 91 mph. His velo is up nearly 10 mph.  This spring, in 51.1 IP, he has a 0.82 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP.  He has only given up 6 earned runs in over 51 innings.

How did he do it?

Continue reading “Athlete Highlight: RHP Jake Francis Velo is Up 10 mph Since Joining RPP”

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Podcast #52: Attacking the Mental Side of Performance with Mike Huber

Today we’re sitting down with Mental Performance Coach Michael Huber. Mike is the founder of “The Freshman Foundation Podcast “, where he prepares and guides athletes and families through the mental side of performance through their athletic career / journey. Today’s topics include:

    • Mental and Emotional Blocks
    • Addressing “The Yips”
    • Sustainable Motivation

Continue reading “Podcast #52: Attacking the Mental Side of Performance with Mike Huber”