Podcast #81: Behind the Seams Podcast – Best of 2023

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!

Continue reading “Podcast #81: Behind the Seams Podcast — Best of 2023”

How Baseball Players and Pitchers Can Train for Power with Plyometrics

Baseball Plyometrics

When most of us think of what comprises a great strength training program for baseball players, we think of training force production. While this is crucial to enhance performance, the dissipation (absorption) of force is vital not only to performance, but for reducing the risk of injury as well. We can’t talk about either force production or dissipation without talking about plyometric training. Numerous studies have shown that performing plyometric training for baseball players:

    • Improves soft tissue quality
    • Helps reduce the risk of injury
    • Increases throwing velocity

Continue reading “How Baseball Players and Pitchers Can Train for Power with Plyometrics”

Podcast #79: Highlights from the Bridge Seminar at Wake Forest University – 2023

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 (yours truly) – Profiling Pitchers

This is a great recap of a super informative weekend. Enjoy!

Continue reading “Podcast #79: Highlights from the Bridge Seminar at Wake Forest University — 2023”

Podcast #78: What is Strong Enough and When to Switch the Curve to Training Power

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

Continue reading “Podcast #78: What is Strong Enough and When to Switch the Curve to Training Power”

Podcast #77: Training Super Heroes with Brandon McDaniel, LA Dodgers VP of Player Development

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

Continue reading “Podcast #77: Training Super Heroes with Brandon McDaniel, LA Dodgers VP of Player Development”

How Different Are Torque Levels Across Various Pitch Types?

With pitch design and pitch data becoming so prevalent in the game of baseball today, pitches like the sweeper and splitter are increasingly popular by pitchers ranging from youth to professional. A question that is always asked by parents and athletes is: “Is this pitch bad for my arm?” In this article we will dive into elbow torque (stress), how it is measured and break down which pitches put more “strain” on the arm/shoulder than others. Essentially exploring the “myths” that come with specific pitches.

Now let’s dive in…

Continue reading “How Different Are Torque Levels Across Various Pitch Types?”

Podcast #76: Key Considerations for Training Pitchers with RPP Pitching Coordinator Matt Hartshorn

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

Continue reading “Podcast #76: Key Considerations for Training Pitchers with RPP Pitching Coordinator Matt Hartshorn”

Athlete Highlight: Post’s Nate Byrd is Back Healthy, Topping 91 mph (up 4 mph since spring)

Nate Byrd, 6’4″ Senior RHP from Post University, has had quite the story as a collegiate baseball player. After topping 93 mph as a freshman in Junior College, injuries plagued the right hander who had 2 elbow surgeries in a 5-year span, resulting in velo loss with him not seeing 90 mph in over 3 years. Nate came in-house this past summer with the goal of gaining back his velocity. His summer began with a complete assessment, from movement screen to strength and power testing, and a mechanical breakdown of his delivery combining both motion capture and video analysis. This past spring, Nate topped out at 87mph. Fast forward to this fall, he topped out at 91 mph (first time in over 3 years).

How did he do it?

Continue reading “Athlete Highlight: Post’s Nate Byrd is Back Healthy, Topping 91 mph (up 4 mph since spring)”