Strength in Numbers #189 Managing bullpen sessions effectively is crucial for baseball pitchers to maintain peak performance and minimize injury risk. Proper scheduling, pitch counts, and recovery protocols are essential components of a well-structured bullpen regimen. For the athletes seeking my help with SLAP tears and ulnar collateral ligament injuries, I cannot tell you how…

Strength in Numbers #188 In athletic training, particularly for throwing athletes, incorporating exercises such as quadruped, bird dog, low plank, and high plank positions has garnered attention for their multifaceted benefits on core function.  These exercises enhance upper body strength and stability and play a pivotal role in activating key muscles, optimizing neuromuscular coordination, and…

Strength in Numbers #187 A well-balanced body is crucial in baseball for optimizing performance and preventing injuries. While most training programs focus heavily on the dominant throwing arm, research shows that training the non-dominant (glove-side) arm can significantly enhance throwing power and durability. This is due to a phenomenon called cross-education, where strength gains in…

Strength in Numbers #186 In today’s digital age, video games have become a favorite pastime for athletes, including baseball players who play into the wee hours of the morning, on off days, and in the clubhouse.  Although fun, video games present risks when habitual and excessive. If you are an athlete who goes to video…

Strength in Numbers #184 The way athletes move—whether swinging a bat, throwing a ball, or sprinting—can feel as natural as breathing. However, behind these movements lies a fascinating interplay of motor preferences and motor patterns.  In this edition, we delve into motor preferences in sports, focusing on throwing mechanics. Why do some pitchers gravitate toward…

Strength in Numbers #183 The Romanian Deadlift (RDL) is a staple in strength and conditioning programs. It is widely regarded for its ability to develop posterior chain strength and flexibility.  This exercise has become popular due to its versatility, injury prevention benefits, and functional carryover to athletic performance, particularly for baseball pitchers and sprinters.   In…

Strength in Numbers #182 For over 75 years, the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Convention has served as the beating heart of baseball innovation, education, and making new friends in the game. It is a hallmark event that gathers coaches, educators, players, and innovators under one roof to advance the game we all love, and…

Strength in Numbers #181 Athletic performance, particularly in sports like baseball, is profoundly influenced by the condition of the nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are critical in coordinating muscle function, reaction time, and overall performance. However, these systems are susceptible to fatigue, especially in athletes engaging in…

Strength in Numbers #180 Environmental and psychological stressors can have profound effects on athletes, impacting not only their mental health but also their physical well-being. This is especially true for baseball players, where repetitive high-stress movements like throwing can result in arm injuries that are often linked to stress-induced physical impairments. Understanding the connection between…

Strength in Numbers #179 With the successful launch of two of our new ArmCare Accelerators this weekend, skill coaches, strength coaches, athletes, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and baseball enthusiasts learned some new concepts, challenged beliefs, and were comfortable with being uncomfortable.  We contested conventional player development and injury prevention thought processes - shared facts, practical…