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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?

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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.

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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

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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?

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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

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Profiling Pitchers and Players… The RPP Assessment

Most often pitchers and position players associate their pitching velocity, bat speed or exit velo with their pitching or hitting mechanics. As our understanding of the body and technology has improved over the years, it is now more apparent than ever that your velocity ceiling, whether it’s pitching or hitting, is limited by your physical ability more than anything else.

If your velo is stuck… let’s find out why!

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How to Build Athleticism in Young Athletes

A couple years ago, I wrote an article about youth strength training covering all the related myths and facts.  I have been asked several times since then what my young athlete should be doing if he or she is too young for the weight room.  There are four basic movements that every young athlete can master using their own body weight as resistance in order to better build his or her athleticism. Becoming athletic takes time at any age, but the good news is that young athletes have a higher window of adaptation at this age, allowing for giant leaps in athleticism over a short period of time.

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Athlete Highlight: George Mason Commit Shaun O’Keeffe (1.34 ERA) Velo is up 4-6 mph

George Mason commit Shaun O’Keeffe is having an exceptional spring senior season at Donovan Catholic High School in Toms River, New Jersey. In 36 IP, the lefty has registered a 1.34 ERA with 62 strikeouts and an Ocean County Championship for Donovan Catholic. Shaun began training with us last summer as a part of the Summer Throwing Program and continued his training throughout the fall and winter leading up to the spring season.  His velocity has improved by 4-6 mph, from sitting 81-83 to 85-87 mph.

How did he do it?

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Podcast #51: Maximizing Performance through Better Nutrition with Derek Lipton

Today we answer some big questions on the nutrition side with Performance Nutrition Coach and Sports Dietitian Derek Lipton (MS, RD, CSSD and CSCC). Topics Include:

    • Eating Strategies for “Hard Gainers”
    • Sleep and Hydration
    • 5 bullet points for a successful performance-based meal plan

Continue reading “Podcast #51: Maximizing Performance through Better Nutrition with Derek Lipton”