09/14/2026
Making big progress with Michael Pak (12u) in just one week with plyos, in-depth cueing, and exercises for improving mind-body connection and dynamic flexibility. Better spin rate, movement, velocity uptick, and direct feedback from Michael that throwing feels smoother and easier.
Coach Owen West -
Oftentimes, a player's own conception of what their body is capable is what prevents them from opening up the path to a genuine connection to their pitching mechanics.
I've worked with multiple young pitchers who come in day one with lots of strength and athleticism but no feel for transferring energy. I always ask them, "do you think you are flexible?" Usually the answer is "no," or "not really," etc. I then tell them, "you are actually very flexible."
I then do dynamic stretches and exercises which force them to connect to mechanisms our body has that transfer energy with the stretch reflex and rubber band-like properties of our muscles and connective tissue.
When a player is told that their body is capable of more than they think and then see direct feedback that its true, it has a huge positive impact on their self-confidence.
Elite velocity, ex*****on, and health is built over time. But many fast improvements can be made by simply showing a player what their body is capable of and dispelling any ideas of what a player thinks they CANNOT do.
I harp very much on "using up all of your flexibility" with younger players, as a large proportion of arm problems in the 10-12 y/o range is bicep tendonitis, stemming from pushy and linear linear patterns and a hyperfocus on jumping or lunging towards their target, rather than letting the arm be "pulled" through by the stretch of their pec. This leads to rotator cuff fatigue and a need for the short head of the biceps to compensate for the rotator cuff's weakened ability to decelerate the arm.
Slide 1 - Point of weight bearing on lead foot
Slide 2 - Point of arm flipping up to 90deg
