Grow The Game Training

Be a Problem Solver ✔️

The game can move slow when we are in control and speed up on us when we lose control. High level pitchers are able to make in game adjustments to get back on their plan. “Becoming a problem solver” can mean a lot of things, in this example I am highlighting making the adjustment DURING the game. We have all been in the situation where 1 inning that got away from us ruins our outing and slims our teams chances of winning. If we can identify our in game struggles sooner by partnering with your teammates and coaches you should be able to turn the page and get back on track. Always learning, always growing.

Yesterday I threw in a game for the first time in 14 months. I have three takeaways to share from my first time throwing in 2022.

1. Gratitude. I am grateful to have earned the position to compete after a long and mentally taxing rehab. It’s crazy how thousands of hours have prepared me to throw for 15-20 minutes total during my first inning.

2. Controlling the basics is still the most important part of a repeatable delivery, through the excitement of competing again I felt rushed down the mound which took away from my back leg loading correctly.

3. The game is still as its always been, Humbling. The competition in professional baseball is the highest it has ever been. Free bases, mental mistakes will cost you.

Ready for my next outing! ✔️

Physical & Emotional Balance ✔️

There are thousands of hitting tools, pitching books, fielding videos available for players to consume. On top of all the activity youth players take part in families still believe there is room for more training with the latest and greatest!

This generation of ball players are in the “Golden Age” of fundamental work, drills, instruction down to the finest detail. Where I see players lacking is developing mental skills/controlling emotions.

The mind needs to be primed to align with the body. If we only train the body to perform physical tasks over and over how will the player respond when stress enters the environment? We see it every practice/game when a player shrinks from the game because their swing/throws are not feeling strong. Reach out to talk about how we can add a mental edge to your game that will SUPPORT your physical goals. 🧠

3 Goals for Youth Players

1️⃣ Learn the game. I work with 5+ different players each week and it’s unnerving to hear that none of them watch MLB baseball games! This new age of players are often visual learners and they are missing out on lessons provided by watching the best in the MLB.

2️⃣ Set a routine. I encourage players of all ages to have a routine. Something they can complete after school, with friends, at practice, anywhere! Players that have a routine and can bring it wherever they go will always be more prepared.

3️⃣Focused reps Vs Unfocused reps. Players need to learn that their arms only have so many throws and their bodies can only practice so much before wearing down. Learn to focus for 30 throws instead of an unfocused 60.

Being Prepared ✔️

Friend of Spencer Stockton (Reds) with a important quote for all players to learn from. Spencer has had experience in every role you can have as a pitcher and now as he climbs through the minor leagues he makes sure he is ALWAYS PREPARED. He wants the ball, he wants to impact the game.

Mental preparation, physical preparation and recovery routines all keep Spencer available. Availability is the best ability as a pitcher. Survive until your next outing ✔️

Well said!

Steven Kwan ✔️

What a start for Steven Kwan, my man is on another level! This production from Kwan is not an accident, he is one of the most prepared players I have been lucky to have behind me. Notice the little things that Kwan does, his identical pre-pitch routine, deep breaths helping to center himself before at bats. There is so much to learn from a player like Kwan even before he steps into the box.

Steven takes pride in his preparation and it has shown thus far in the show. Look how much fun he is having!

ST 2022! Let’s crush the second half of this TJ recovery. Thank you to everyone in my corner ✔️

Range ✔️

After reading Range by Daniel Epstein I learned that early specialization can hamper an athletes ability to excel. Specialization leads to narrow experience and fails to generalize life.

Specialization is defined as intense year round training in a single sport. Looking back I was an early specialized athlete. Always playing, training and thinking about baseball played a large role in who I am today, but at the same time I missed out on knowledge and experiences from outside the game. After 3 elbow surgeries from a lifetime of throwing I look back wishing I took a break during Fall/Off-seasons as a youth player. Living a balanced life, trying different sports and learning from those experiences is the path I suggest young athletes try to pursue. Don’t miss out on experiences by living a narrow life!

Focus on What Is ✔️

“It is impossible to feel or see anything well if you are THINKING about how you SHOULD be moving”

Forget the “should’s” and focus on what is. I encourage players to become aware of their body. Paying attention to how the body organizes during our best reps helps to speed the process of developing skill. When it comes to competition quiet your mind by being less judgmental and rely on your body to take over.