Lead Knee Extension Isn't Universal: Why Structure and Readiness Matter More Than the Pattern

Lead knee extension has long been viewed as a universal key to pitching velocity, but recent research shows it’s only beneficial when the athlete is physically and neurologically ready for it. While increased lead knee extension does correlate with higher velocity at all levels, professional pitchers use this pattern to reduce elbow stress through superior strength, coordination, and sequencing. High school pitchers, on the other hand, often gain velocity at the cost of increased elbow torque because their lower-body strength, timing, and fatigue resistance aren’t yet developed enough to support the pattern. The takeaway isn’t to eliminate lead knee extension from youth training, but to stop forcing it prematurely. Mechanics are not one-size-fits-all—structure, readiness, and sequencing matter more than copying a pro-level pattern. Build the athlete first, and efficient lead leg mechanics will emerge naturally, safely, and sustainably.

How to Properly Manage CNS Load For Training Athletes

Overtraining can lead to CNS fatigue, which can have a detrimental impact on strength, power,and performance in throwing and weightlifting. Here are some tips for managing CNS load andrecovery time in a training program for baseball players.

The Biggest In-Season Mistake: Stopping Weight Training

Avoid the biggest in-season mistake: stopping weight training. Learn why maintaining strength is essential for injury prevention and performance, and how VeloU’s remote pitching program keeps you at your best.

If You Can Throw Strikes, You Can Dominate

Discover why fastball and breaking ball command is the key to dominance. Learn how VeloU’s online pitching coaching helps high school pitchers refine control and master the strike zone.

#1 Recruiting Tool = Social Media???

How We Are Leveraging Social Media to Help Our Athletes Get Recruited?

Should We Avoid Lifting The Day After A Start?

Most pitchers aren’t fully recovered 24 hours after a start, even if they feel fine, because HRV data shows the body is still in a stress-dominant state until closer to 48 hours. That means next-day lifting or added intensity may compete with recovery instead of helping it, which can slow adaptation and potentially increase injury risk. Tracking individual recovery metrics like HRV gives coaches a clearer picture of when an athlete is actually ready to handle stress, rather than relying on fixed schedules or subjective feel.

The Unique Benefits of Band Resistance Training

Discover the unique advantages of band resistance training. Learn how this versatile, joint-friendly method can build strength, stability, and mobility anywhere.

The Power of Visualization: Mastering the Mental Game

In the realm of sports, mental preparation is as crucial as physical training. Athletes who can control their mental state and harness their emotions often have a distinct edge in competition.

Aidan Curry’s Climb Through the Minor Leagues

Aidan Curry has climbed through the Texas Rangers organization since signing as an 18-year-old free agent in 2020, earning Carolina League Pitcher of the Year honors in 2023 and a promotion to Double-A Frisco in 2026. A five-year VeloU athlete, Curry has developed into a consistent strikeout arm with 515 strikeouts across 408 career minor league innings as he continues working toward the Major Leagues.

Lower Arm Slots, Lower Stress — Without Sacrificing Velocity

New research challenges the idea that only low-velo or “funky” relievers benefit from dropping their arm slot. A study on elite collegiate pitchers found that sidearm throwers generated the same velocity as overhand pitchers while experiencing lower elbow and shoulder stress with greater torque efficiency. At VeloU, we use these insights to match arm slot to an athlete’s movement patterns — optimizing performance while reducing long-term joint load.

The All-Natural Muscle-Building Supplement: How Creatine Boosts Athletic Performance

As a baseball athlete, maximizing strength, power output, and recovery is essential—especially if you're working with a remote pitching coach or training for velocity gains. Creatine supports all of those goals, making it an ideal foundation for your supplement stack.

The Hidden Crisis in Youth Baseball: Unraveling the Epidemic of UCL Tears

Youth baseball's pitching practices and metrics raise injury risks for young players. Research indicates widespread disregard for injury prevention guidelines. Transitioning to machine pitch after coach pitch for two years could reduce injuries and enhance player skills and enjoyment.

Unlock Your Potential – Why Unilateral Training Is a Must for Baseball Players

Discover why unilateral training is essential for baseball players. Learn how single-leg strength, balance, and injury prevention boost performance.

Throwing Harder Doesn’t Mean More Arm Stress — Until You Throw Harder

Throwing harder doesn’t always mean more arm stress — unless you’re throwing harder than you normally do. This study on 91 pro pitchers found that while velocity only weakly predicted arm stress across pitchers, it strongly correlated with stress within the same pitcher. At VeloU, we use this insight to tailor throwing programs based on each athlete’s unique stress response, tracking torque, recovery, and force output to keep velocity gains from crossing into injury risk.

The Power of Systemic Habits: Sleep, Nutrition, and Hydration

Discover how systemic habits like sleep, nutrition, and hydration fuel peak athletic performance. Learn how remote baseball training for pitchers and advanced pitching programs online can help you optimize recovery and sustain success.

The Impact of the Automated Strike Zone on Catchers

The automated strike zone marks a turning point for the catcher position. While this transition presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for catchers to redefine their roles and excel in new aspects of the game. Those who adapt by improving their offensive skills and game management abilities will thrive as baseball continues to embrace innovation.

Pulldown Velocity vs Mound Velocity: What’s the Real Relationship?

How much does pulldown velocity translate to mound velocity? Discover real data from VeloU athletes and the training phases needed to make velo gains stick.

CJ Griggs Turned Injury Setback into Breakout Season

After overcoming a broken ankle that sidelined his freshman year, CJ Griggs returned with a breakout sophomore season at Hofstra, fueled by a newfound confidence that led to career-best production at the plate. As the Pride's catcher and emotional leader, he continues to build toward his draft-eligible junior season while developing both his physical tools and game management skills.

Beyond Brute Strength: The Often Overlooked Elements of Elite Performance

Discover why raw strength alone won’t unlock full athletic potential. Learn how remote pitching training at VeloU emphasizes strength-speed balance, skill acquisition, and mental resilience.

Throwing Hard Increases Elbow and Shoulder Stress - Except When It Doesn't

Throwing harder doesn’t automatically mean more joint stress, especially once pitchers reach higher velocity ranges—but that depends on who’s throwing. Research shows college pitchers can operate above 85 mph without proportional increases in elbow and shoulder stress, while high school pitchers at the same speeds often cannot. The difference comes down to physical maturity, strength, and how efficiently the body transfers force, not just how hard the ball is thrown.

Mastering the Art of the Slider: A 4-Step Guide for Pitchers

Learn how the best remote pitching coach at VeloU helps pitchers master the slider with our 4-step guide.

Optimizing Tissue Quality for Enhanced Athletic Performance

Discover how improving tissue quality can enhance athletic performance, prevent injuries, and support long-term resilience. Learn six proven strategies to optimize your training and recovery.

How Dietary Fat Content Alters Muscle Recovery: The Hidden Effect of Food Matrix on Protein Synthesis

A new study shows that what you eat after training matters just as much as how much protein you get. When protein was paired with higher fat, muscle protein synthesis dropped significantly—likely because fat slowed digestion and delayed amino acid delivery. For athletes, the takeaway is simple: go lean right after training, and save higher-fat meals for later when recovery isn’t as time-sensitive.

Lower Arm Slots: A Better Way to Throw Without Sacrificing Velocity

Lower arm slots reduce joint stress and improve throwing efficiency without sacrificing velocity, but any adjustment must come from improving trunk posture—not forcing arm angle.

The Weak Link You Cannot See on a Radar Gun

A 2019 study found that athletes can lose significant strength in the lower trapezius, a key scapular stabilizer, without seeing any meaningful drop in performance output. Despite maintaining the same racket speed, athletes showed altered scapular mechanics and reduced activation of several important shoulder muscles, suggesting the body can compensate for weakness while placing additional stress on the shoulder. For throwers, the takeaway is clear: velocity alone is a poor indicator of shoulder health, and underlying strength deficits may be developing long before performance declines.

Same Speed, Less Trust: Why the First Year Back from Tommy John Isn’t a True Return

Most Tommy John comeback stories celebrate the return of velocity — but new research shows that “back” doesn’t always mean “better.” A 2024 study of 91 MLB pitchers found that while velocity and spin returned immediately, fastball usage and performance lagged for a full season. The takeaway: the arm heals in 12 months, but the trust takes 24.

How VeloU Measures Off-Season Velocity Gains Without a Mound or Pulldown

Discover how VeloU uses kneeling, seated, and standing throws to track off-season velocity gains—without mound work or pulldowns. Learn how these progressions support remote pitching training for high school athletes.

The Carryover of Olympic Weightlifting to Sports Performance

Discover how Olympic weightlifting enhances sports performance through improved power, speed, and coordination. Learn why these explosive movements belong in any athlete’s training program.

Building Bulletproof Connective Tissues: What Really Stimulates Tendon and Ligament Growth

Discover the best training methods to stimulate tendon and ligament growth for bulletproof connective tissues. Learn about heavy eccentrics, BFR, and more.

Fueling the Machine: How to Optimize Athlete Nutrition Throughout the Day

Learn how to optimize athlete nutrition with a full day of strategic eating. Boost performance, recovery, and energy levels with this nutrient timing guide for athletes.

Your Mechanics Are Supposed to Change Under Fatigue

A recent study showed that as pitchers fatigued, their mechanics changed, but their velocity and accuracy didn’t. That matters because not every movement change under fatigue is a red flag; often, it’s the body adapting to maintain performance. The bigger takeaway is that training shouldn’t focus on chasing perfectly repeatable mechanics, but on building athletes strong and resilient enough to adapt when fatigue sets in.

Beyond Water: What Else You Need for Optimal Hydration

Water alone isn’t enough for athletes. Learn how optimal hydration requires electrolytes, carbs, and nutrients for peak performance and recovery.

Stop Skipping Your Sprints: The Secret to Explosive Baseball Performance

Skipping sprints in your training? Learn why sprinting is essential for baseball players to increase power, prevent injury, and gain speed. Remote training available at VeloU.

2 by 3! The Key to Dominance in Remote Pitching Training

Want to become a dominant pitcher? Learn how mastering the “2 by 3” rule—two strikes within three pitches—can elevate your game with VeloU’s best remote pitching coaching.

The Key Partnership: Why Open Communication Between Athlete and Coach Is Critical

Learn why strong communication is the hidden edge in athlete success. Discover how the best remote pitching coaches build trust, clarity, and accountability into every interaction.

What Actually Controls Where Your Fastball Goes?

Modern pitching culture obsesses over spin rate, but research shows it has almost no meaningful impact on where the ball actually crosses the plate. Instead, release projection angle explains over 95% of pitch location variability, with tiny timing changes shifting pitches by inches while spin rate changes barely move the ball. The takeaway is clear: command isn’t trained by chasing metrics, but by building a stable, repeatable kinetic chain that produces consistent release angles under intent, fatigue, and pressure.

Wide vs. Narrow: How Cuff Width Changes the Impact of BFR Training

A new study shows that cuff width may be the hidden key to blood flow restriction training. Wide cuffs boosted bench press power and bar speed by more than 20%, likely due to a spring-like mechanical effect rather than purely physiological changes. At VeloU, we see this as a promising concept worth testing, especially for athletes looking to add explosive variety into their training.

Heat, Fatigue, and Flat Fastballs: How Extreme Temperatures Alter Pitching and Hitting Performance

Hot weather doesn’t just make the game uncomfortable—it changes it. A study of nearly 500 professional games in Taiwan found that when temperatures rose above 93°F, pitchers lost precision and hitters thrived, leading to spikes in slugging and home runs. At VeloU, we treat heat as a real performance variable, using cooling strategies and physiological monitoring to separate mechanical issues from temperature-driven fatigue.

How VeloU’s Online Baseball Training Program Helped Transform Vito Mannino

Hard work over time yields massive results. Progress is rarely linear, but perseverance pays off.Rapid velocity gains come with risks. Developing strength and durability alongside performance improvements is critical.Strength is the best protector against injury. The stronger your body, the safer it is to throw hard. Vito’s story is a testament to the power of personalized online pitching coaching, resilience, and the right support system. At VeloU, we’re proud to have been a part of his journey.

When Should Young Athletes Start Weight Training?

For young athletes striving to improve strength, power, and sports performance, one common question arises: When is the right time to start weight training? While there’s no universal answer, understanding developmental stages and expert recommendations can help parents and coaches make informed decisions. In this blog, we’ll explore the best time to begin weight training for young athletes, what benefits they can expect, and how to safely structure a strength program tailored to their age and maturity level.

Dialing In Your Optimal Performance Weight

Learn how serious athletes can determine and maintain their optimal performance weight to improve speed, power, and endurance. Find out what works best for your sport and body type.

VO₂max and Pitching Performance: Why Starters Benefit Most

Starters and relievers aren’t built the same — and this study proves it. Research on MLB pitchers found that aerobic fitness (VO₂max) strongly predicted success for starters, linking higher scores to lower ERAs, better WHIPs, and more strikeouts. At VeloU, we use these insights to tailor conditioning: starters need a strong aerobic foundation layered with anaerobic work, while relievers benefit from a power-first, role-specific approach.

Caffeine + Rhodiola Rosea: A Synergistic Boost for Explosive Power

A new study suggests that combining caffeine with Rhodiola rosea may unlock performance benefits neither supplement provides alone. Athletes taking the stack improved explosive power, resisted fatigue better, and recovered faster than groups using caffeine or Rhodiola individually. At VeloU, we see this as a promising area to explore for baseball athletes where repeatable lower-body power is everything.

Year One Lies: Why Post-UCLR Pitchers Look “Back” But Aren’t — And What Really Signals the Comeback

A recent two-year study of MLB pitchers after Tommy John surgery revealed something most box scores can’t show — the arm may look healthy, but the pitcher isn’t truly “back” until year two. While velocity and fastball spin often return early, off-speed spin — the subtle fingerprint of trust and fine-motor control — lags behind, only normalizing in the second season. At Velo University, we use that insight to build recovery plans that prioritize conviction and command over radar readings.

The Connective Webbing That Unites Muscles: Understanding Fascia for Optimal Athletic Performance

Discover how fascia, the body’s connective webbing, links muscles into functional chains for powerful, coordinated movement—and why maintaining fascial health is critical for elite athletes.

Unlocking Peak Performance: Why not training in season is stunting your growth

In this blog, the focus is on debunking the misconception that in-season training is a luxury, emphasizing the priority every high-level athlete and program places on maintaining a consistent training regimen during the competition season. The article highlights the need for strategic adjustments, dispels time constraints, and underscores the comprehensive approach to student-athlete well-being through tailored training, addressing physical conditioning and broader aspects of their overall health.

The Importance of Upper Body Strength for Pitchers

Upper body strength is essential for pitching velocity, spin, and injury prevention. Learn how elite pitchers build strength and how VeloU helps you train like a pro.

Mastering In-Season Training for Pitchers: Strategies for Peak Performance

In-season training is essential for maintaining and enhancing pitcher performance. By focusing on strategic, precise training programs and continuously monitoring the stress these programs place on athletes, pitchers can maintain peak performance throughout the season. This approach not only helps in achieving immediate sporting goals but also in building a foundation for long-term athletic health and success.

Tapping into the Power of Overcoming Isometrics

Discover how overcoming isometrics can dramatically improve strength, power, and athletic performance. Learn how to apply this advanced training method with tips from VeloU's strength coaches.

The Hidden Cost of SLAP Repair: How Post-Surgical Pitchers Keep Velocity but Lose Motion

A repaired shoulder doesn’t always move like a healthy one — especially after a SLAP surgery. A 2014 ASMI study found that while pitchers regained their velocity post-repair, their mechanics subtly changed: less external rotation, reduced arm separation, and a more upright trunk at release. The takeaway? Pain-free and “cleared” doesn’t mean restored — real recovery is about regaining motion, not just speed.

The Caffeine Edge: How This Popular Supplement Impacts Athletic Performance

Discover how caffeine impacts athletic performance across endurance, strength, and focus. Learn how to use it effectively and safely for better training outcomes.

Aligning Goals with Values: The Key to Sustainable Success

The alignment of goals and values is not just about achieving what you set out to do; it's about achieving it in a way that resonates with your core self. It’s about making sure that your pursuit of success is sustainable and enriching, not just for you but for all involved. Remember, true success is not measured by the goals we surpass but by how aligned our achievements are with our deepest values. This alignment ensures that our successes are not only fulfilling but also enduring.

Understanding the Importance of Muscle Fascia

Discover why muscle fascia matters for athletes and how to maintain fascial health for peak performance. Learn fascia’s role in mobility, injury prevention, and force transfer.

How Remote Pitchers Can Optimize Biomechanical Efficiency for Velocity & Arm Health

Many online pitching programs focus only on velocity gains without considering biomechanical efficiency. At VeloU, we use the latest research to ensure that athletes throw harder while reducing stress on the elbow and shoulder. By leveraging video analysis, mobility testing, and data-driven programming, we provide customized remote training solutions that mirror the benefits of in-person coaching.

5 Misconceptions HS Pitchers Have Regarding College Baseball

The transition to college athletics can be full of misconceptions that hinder success. Choosing the right school for development, understanding the true nature of performance-based opportunities, and maintaining focus on your goals are essential for growth. The reality of college sports requires a strong mindset, constant improvement, and balancing your commitments to thrive in both athletics and life.

The Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Dilemma: Unpacking High School Athlete Arm Injuries and Enhancing Arm Health

Exploring the Factors Behind UCL Tears, the Importance of Consistent Monitoring, and Strategies to Reduce Injury Risk for Hard-Throwing Athletes

Baseball’s Unstable Truth: The Vital Need for Core Stability

Discover why core stability is crucial for every baseball athlete. Learn how elite trunk control boosts performance, reduces injury risk, and anchors rotational power in pitching and hitting.

The Competitive Advantage of Film Study for Athletes

Discover how film study can give athletes a competitive edge. Learn how breaking down game footage improves mechanics, decision-making, and performance over time.

How Gary Gill Hill Transformed Into a Top 10 Prospect for the Tampa Bay Rays

Gary Gill Hill’s offseason transformation into a top Tampa Bay Rays prospect focused on refining his pitch arsenal with distinct adjustments, including enhanced separation between his fastball and sinker, and adding two effective slider variations. This development improved his command and unpredictability, making him a stronger, more versatile pitcher.

How Early Morning Workouts Transformed My Pitching: A Game-Changing Strategy for Managing Adrenaline

For athletes who find themselves struggling with similar issues of adrenaline overload, I highly recommend giving this method a try. It might be challenging at first, especially if you’re not a morning person, but the potential benefits in terms of enhanced game-day performance and overall well-being are well worth the effort.

The Art of Feeling and Adjusting: Empowering Catchers through Intuitive Throws

Catchers in baseball thrive when given the freedom to trust their instincts and adjust through trial and error, especially in the crucial task of throwing the ball accurately. This intuitive learning approach, which emphasizes situational awareness and self-correction, allows catchers to develop resilience and confidence without constant coaching interference. At VeloU, we champion this philosophy, creating an environment where catchers learn through experience, fostering their growth in all aspects of the game.

The Force Velocity Relationship: Understanding This Fundamental Principle

Discover how the force velocity relationship explains motion in sports and physics. Learn how VeloU uses this principle in elite remote pitching training programs.

Those fingers you’re putting down, they’re not just fingers

This explores the intricacies of calling pitches in baseball, emphasizing the significance of preparation, understanding the pitcher's strengths and weaknesses, and assessing the game situation. By utilizing statistics, effective communication, and logical reasoning, catchers can optimize their pitch calls to maximize their pitcher's performance on the field.

Are We Trying to Comeback Too Soon? The Sobering Reality of Revision UCL Reconstruction

A 14-year analysis of 191 professional pitchers who underwent revision UCL surgery found that only 72% returned to play and just 59% reached their previous performance level, with most losing nearly two full seasons in the process. Pitchers who needed a second surgery tended to return from their first reconstruction earlier, reinforcing concerns that current return-to-play timelines may be too aggressive. The findings suggest that workload management, sleep, and individualized, evidence-based rehab programs matter far more than surgical technique in protecting long-term careers.

Why Are Latin American Pitchers Stronger Than North American Pitchers?

A 2021 study of 242 minor league players found that position players had 14–20% greater shoulder rotation strength than pitchers, and Latin American pitchers were significantly stronger than their North American counterparts. The findings suggest that high-intent, low-frequency throwing models common in the U.S. may create more fatigue than adaptation, while consistent moderate-intensity throwing appears to build more resilient shoulders over time. For coaches and athletes, the takeaway is clear: arm care shouldn’t be separated from throwing, and balancing intensity with consistent volume may matter more than chasing max effort velocity.

The Invisible Drain: How Mental Fatigue Sabotages Athletic Performance

Mental fatigue in athletes quietly impairs performance, reaction time, and decision-making. Learn how to train your mind like your body—and gain a competitive edge.

Cleaning Up Your Arm Path: The Unconventional Approach with VeloU’s Online Pitching Program

Discover a dynamic, athletic approach to cleaning up your arm path with VeloU’s online pitching program. Learn how remote pitching mechanics analysis and motion-tracking drills can refine your mechanics for peak performance.

Staying Primed: Why Warming Up Is Crucial in the Cold

Discover why warming up in the cold is crucial for outdoor athletes. Learn physiological impacts, key warm-up strategies, and how to protect performance in frigid weather.

The Power of D -Vitamin D That Is

This article highlights the crucial role of Vitamin D in enhancing muscle health, strength, and overall baseball performance. It emphasizes the importance of proper supplementation and consulting with professionals to meet individual needs and goals.

The Benefits of Static Stretching for Athletes

Learn how static stretching improves flexibility, range of motion, injury prevention, and recovery for athletes. Optimize your performance by adding static stretches to your training routine.

Reframing Willpower: Harnessing Unlimited Potential

Discover how to reframe willpower as a limitless resource. Learn strategies to build mental toughness and unlock your full potential with Velo University.

Maintaining High Performance with In-Season Baseball Programming

Mastering the Art of Progressive Overload for Constant Gains

Learn how progressive overload training helps you build strength, break through plateaus, and drive consistent athletic development. Explore four proven methods and programming tips.

The Power or Precise Progress - Duncan Davitt's Journey

The podcast episode features Duncan Davitt, a Tampa Bay Rays pitcher, discussing his journey from college to the pros and the challenges of remote training. Duncan's adaptability, guided by influential coaches, shines as he navigates the transition with a deep understanding of pitch metrics and initiative.

The Inner Game: Why Confidence and Mindset Matter in Baseball

Confidence and mindset are the most powerful tools in baseball. Learn how athletes at every level can build mental toughness, recover from slumps, and perform under pressure.

Leveraging the Power of Metrics to Elevate Your Training

Discover how tracking metrics like biomechanics, performance, and heart rate can revolutionize your training strategy. Learn how VeloU uses data to help athletes improve efficiently and stay ahead.

Remote Athlete Dylan Vigue Unlocks Velocity: From 88-91 to 95-96 as a Freshman Phenom

Remote athlete Dylan Vigue's journey, unveils a high school pitcher's evolution from 88-91 mph to hitting 96. Emphasizing hip tension, strength, and momentum drills, Dylan's dedication and success at Michigan signal a promising future in pitching.

Maximizing Recovery with the Theragun Percussive Therapy Device

Learn how to use the Theragun percussive therapy device to accelerate muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and enhance mobility—backed by science and used by top athletes.

The Pitch Clock Paradox: Why Faster Games May Be Protecting Pitchers’ Elbows

MLB’s pitch clock was expected to spike arm injuries, but new research shows a surprising twist: pitchers are actually logging more pitches and innings before breaking down. By shortening games and reducing downtime, the clock may help pitchers maintain rhythm and coordination — shifting injury risk toward younger starters instead of relievers. The takeaway? Fatigue isn’t just about pitch counts anymore — it’s about tempo, density, and recovery.

Elbow Flexion Excursion: Why High School Pitchers Move More, Stress More, and Gain Less

A new 2025 study challenges the idea that more arm motion equals better pitching. Researchers found that high school pitchers move their elbows through a larger range than professionals—creating more stress for only minimal velocity gains. At VeloU, we see this as proof that efficiency starts with the body, not the arm: the best throwers don’t move more—they move better.

Nicotine May Just Improve Neural Output?

A recent study on collegiate baseball players found that chewing a small dose of nicotine gum before hitting improved reaction time and contact rate, likely by increasing nervous system arousal rather than physical strength. The results suggest that neural processing speed and focus can significantly influence performance in sports that require split-second timing. However, the potential hormonal and recovery trade-offs highlight that manipulating nervous system state for performance comes with considerations beyond the immediate boost.

The Hidden Key Metric for Baseball Domination: Rotational Velocity

Discover how rotational velocity in baseball and softball drives throwing velocity, hitting power, and injury resilience—and why it might be the most overlooked metric in player development.

When One Arm Does Too Much: Why Pitchers Who Catch Face Nearly Triple the Injury Risk

New research is challenging one of baseball’s oldest habits. A 2018 study found that high school pitchers who also catch are nearly three times more likely to suffer a shoulder or elbow injury—largely due to cumulative throwing volume and lack of recovery. At VeloU, we treat all throws as load events, ensuring recovery, tracking, and strength work match the true demands of the athlete’s position.

Why I Love VeloU - Ben Schulman

Ben Schulman shares his transformative experience at VeloU, where dedicated training led to improved pitching performance and a commitment to the University of Virginia.

Perceived Effort Doesn’t Equal Actual Arm Stress — And That’s a Problem

Think you can throw at 50% effort? Science says otherwise. A new study shows pitchers still generate nearly full joint stress when “taking it easy,” proving why rehab and recovery can’t rely on feel alone. At VeloU, we use radar, wearables, and constraints to make sure half effort is actually safe effort.

Why Your Velocity Has Gone DOWN In-Season

It is important for players and teams to monitor workload and fatigue levels, maintain proper conditioning, strength, and mechanics, manage injuries appropriately, and support mental health throughout the season. This can help minimize declines in performance, especially pitching velocity.

Year-Round Training? Year-Round Playing? When should you play?

Baseball development and playing time are both crucial for a players growth, but theemphasis on each may vary depending on the time of year and the player's current needs.

The Power of Focused Drilling for Mastering Complex Movement Skills

Discover how focused drilling in remote pitching training can help athletes master complex movement skills like pitching mechanics and swing timing through targeted segmentation, neuromuscular learning, and high-rep practice.

Low Load, High Return: How BFR Training Redefines Eccentric Hamstring Strength

Heavy eccentric hamstring work has long been the gold standard, but new research shows blood flow restriction (BFR) training can deliver the same strength benefits at just 30% of max load. For baseball players managing in-season fatigue, this opens the door to building durability without overtaxing recovery. At VeloU, we’re applying BFR as a smart, joint-sparing tool to keep athletes strong, healthy, and ready to perform.

Towel Drills Aren’t as “Low Stress” as You Think

Towel drills are often considered a low-risk bridge from rehab to throwing, but new research shows they may not be as stress-free as once believed. A 2024 study found that drills using a simple face towel can generate up to 80% of the elbow torque seen in full-effort throws — challenging long-held assumptions about their safety and utility. At VeloU, we avoid towel drills in favor of progressions that promote authentic mechanics and better control stress.

Are You Built for VeloU Remote Training?

Do you have what it takes for elite remote baseball training? Discover the key traits of top-performing athletes and see if you’re built for VeloU’s Remote Training program.

Unlock Your Potential with the Best Remote Pitching Coach

Start Training Today: Your potential is waiting to be unlocked. If you’re serious about elevating your game, VeloU Remote Training is the answer. Get started now and take the first step toward transforming your performance.

The Unconventional Power of Football Throws for Baseball Players

Discover how football throws can improve arm strength, throwing mechanics, and velocity for baseball players. Learn why this unconventional training method is gaining popularity.

Four Minutes Of Ice Might Save Your Sixth Inning

Four minutes of cooling between innings—applied to the deltoid and forearm—may help pitchers maintain velocity, feel less fatigued, and stay sharper deeper into games compared to traditional passive rest. The benefit likely goes beyond the arm, as managing body temperature may preserve cognitive function and execution when fatigue typically sets in. Instead of just staying warm, this challenges pitchers to rethink between-inning routines as an active opportunity to recover and sustain performance.

From 72 to 96: Marcel Kulik’s Evolution on the Mound

Marcel Kulik has transformed from a 72 mph high school pitcher into a 93 mph SEC arm through years of focused development, helping earn opportunities at Virginia Tech before transferring to Auburn. Now a key member of Auburn's bullpen, he's using the offseason to refine the small mechanical details that can take his game to another level.

Stop Picking Sides: Why “Tall & Fall” vs “Drop & Drive” Is the Wrong Question

For years, pitchers have been told to choose between “tall and fall” or “drop and drive,” as if one were the secret to throwing harder or staying healthy. A new 2024 biomechanics study flips that idea on its head—showing that both strategies can boost velocity without changing elbow stress, and that the key variable isn’t the style but the athlete. In short: stop picking sides and start profiling your own movement—because the best stride strategy is the one that fits your body.

Adonys Guzman Drafted by The Pittsburgh Pirates After Standout Season at Arizona

Adonys Guzman, current VeloU athlete and standout catcher at the University of Arizona, has been selected 144th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 5th round of the 2025 MLB Draft. Known for his elite arm, advanced receiving skills, and consistent production, Adonys continues to raise the standard for what it looks like to train the right way.

Must-See Highlights from College Baseball – Week 3’s Best Plays

Week 3 brought big-time performances, rivalry wins, and emerging stars from VeloU athletes. Check back next week for more NCAA baseball coverage, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for video breakdowns and in-depth analysis of the biggest moments in college baseball.

Reframing Failure: A Strategic Approach to Enhancing Athletic Performance

In conclusion, reframing failure by shifting focus from outcomes to processes offers a more balanced and psychologically healthy approach to competition. This method reduces pressure, enhances enjoyment, and leads to stronger, more resilient athletes. As athletes and coaches, let’s prioritize the process—and let the outcomes take care of themselves.

Shoulder Strength or Shoulder Power: Which Is More Impactful to Throwing Velocity?

Shoulder strength does play a role in throwing velocity, but it’s only one piece of a much bigger picture. Research shows stronger rotator cuff muscles can add small velocity gains, but once a basic strength foundation is built, factors like sequencing, timing, and energy transfer through the kinetic chain become far more important. The arm helps deliver velocity, but most of it is created by how well the body moves and transfers force from the ground up.