Without Sodium You Stink

Sodium is essential for baseball performance as it regulates fluid balance, improves muscle and nerve function, prevents hyponatremia, and enhances endurance. Athletes should aim for a sodium intake of 3,000-5,000 mg per day, considering individual factors such as sweat rate and training intensity.

Why Self-Organization is Key to Developing Elite Athletes

Many training programs focus on “fixing” mechanics without recognizing that movement is context-dependent. Pitching isn’t about memorizing one way to throw—it’s about developing a system of movement adaptability that works in any situation.At VeloU, we don’t teach pitchers to force a specific motion. Instead, we provide training environments that guide the body toward optimal solutions—solutions that athletes can apply in real-time, whether in practice, in a game, or under high-stakes competition.

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.

The Hidden Performance Killer: How Outside Stressors Undermine Your Game

Discover how outside stressors like school, work, and relationships can silently sabotage your training, recovery, and performance. Learn actionable strategies to neutralize them.

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.

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

Optimizing In-Season Training: A Comprehensive Approach

The primary goal of our in-season program is to prepare athletes for peak performance on the field. While addressing deficiencies is crucial, the focus remains on managing overall load effectively. Our structured approach aims to maintain gains from the offseason, preserve health, and ensure athletes are primed for competitive success without succumbing to excessive fatigue over the course of the season.

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.

Understanding the Central Nervous System: The Body’s Command Center

Discover how the central nervous system (CNS)—your body’s ultimate command center—controls movement, emotions, cognition, and performance. Learn why athletes should prioritize CNS health and recovery.

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.

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 Power of Asking Questions as an Athlete

Asking questions as an athlete is one of the most effective ways to improve performance, build trust with your coach, and accelerate your development. Learn how coachable athletes maximize results.

Unlocking Mobility and Recovery with Myofascial Release for Athletes

Discover the benefits of myofascial release for athletes. Improve mobility, reduce soreness, and prevent injury with VeloU’s recovery methods.

Unlocking Peak Performance by Understanding Exercise Stress

Unlock elite performance by understanding how different types of exercise stress drive specific training adaptations. Learn how to tailor your programs for strength, endurance, and recovery gains.

Why Should You Start Weight Training?

Weight training is crucial for youth athletes, improving strength, power, and overall performance while preventing injuries. Balancing skills and strength training, along with consistent effort, leads to significant improvements and long-term success in sports.

The Lower The Slot, The Lower The Risk?

The arm slot debate misses the bigger picture, because the same arm slot can create totally different stress profiles depending on how well a pitcher sequences their body. Research shows that higher-level pitchers reduce joint stress not because of slot alone, but because their trunk and pelvis timing allows energy to transfer efficiently so the arm doesn’t have to create it. Instead of forcing arm slot positions, development should focus on improving sequencing, trunk control, and energy transfer through the torso.

Reevaluating the Triceps’ Role in Elbow Stability: A Missing Piece in Pitching Mechanics?

For decades, discussions around elbow stability in pitchers have centered on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and how to prevent valgus stress injuries. While the UCL plays a critical role, recent research suggests that we may have overlooked another key contributor to elbow stability—the triceps brachii.This new study highlights how the intramuscular tendon of the triceps, particularly the medial and long heads, may provide crucial valgus resistance, potentially altering how we approach arm care, injury prevention, and training for throwing athletes.

The Power of Visualization for Athletes

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.

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 Importance of Aerobic Capacity in Baseball

Discover why aerobic capacity in baseball matters more than you think. Learn how endurance training can enhance recovery, velocity, and performance.

The Showcase Paradox: Why Limiting Exposure May Be the Key to MLB Success

A new 2025 study challenges the long-held belief that more showcases mean more opportunities for pitchers. Researchers found that athletes who limited themselves to fewer than 10 appearances—and started later in their development—were far more likely to reach MLB. The takeaway is clear: strategic, selective exposure beats oversaturation every time.

The Rotator Cuff: The Incredibly Important Muscles You've Probably Never Heard Of

Discover why rotator cuff training for pitchers is essential for velocity, injury prevention, and long-term arm health. Learn how VeloU supports elite performance.

Reactive Strength: The Underrated Skill for Elite Athletes

Reactive strength is one of the most important yet overlooked traits in elite sports performance. Learn how developing this skill improves throwing, sprinting, and change-of-direction ability for high-level athletes.

100 Pitches and You Need Just 24-Hours For The Elbow To Recover?

A new study tracked high school pitchers after 100 pitches and found that while UCL strain and joint width return to normal within 24 hours, the forearm flexor-pronator muscles show increased strain a full day later. At VeloU, we see this as proof that recovery is more than just joint integrity—muscular fatigue can quietly alter mechanics and increase injury risk.

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.

A Message to Struggling Pitchers: Remember Your Worth

Struggling on the mound? The best remote pitching coach shares advice to help pitchers regain confidence and overcome adversity.

From 80-81 to 86-87 T88: How We Helped Connor Buckley Elevate His Performance

Connor Buckley jumped from 80–81 to 86–87, topping out at 88 this offseason. With added strength, weekly testing, and targeted delivery tweaks, he turned consistent work into real velocity gains.

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.

How Teddy Bancroft Gained 6 MPH and Transformed His Pitching Arsenal This Offseason

Teddy Bancroft added over 25 pounds this offseason while maintaining elite jump metrics, helping him take his fastball from 85 to 91 MPH. Along with added strength, he refined his lower-half mechanics and pitch shapes, and now sits consistently over 90 with a sharper, more complete arsenal.

Incorporating Eccentric Training Into Your Workouts

Tap into the benefits of eccentric training for enhanced muscle growth and strength. Implement controlled eccentric phases to break through fitness plateaus and optimize your workout routine.

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.

The Arm Care Missing From Your Arm Care

Traditional band-based arm care might keep the shoulder moving, but it often doesn’t create enough stimulus to maintain or build the strength and endurance pitchers need during a long season. Research on collegiate pitchers shows that adding blood flow restriction (BFR) to low-load rotator cuff exercises can significantly improve shoulder mass, strength, and endurance while preserving pitching mechanics. With just two short sessions per week, BFR turns simple arm care movements into a meaningful training stimulus that helps pitchers stay stronger and more resilient throughout the season.

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 Hidden Performance Killer: How Dehydration Sabotages Athletes

Learn how dehydration affects athletic performance and why hydration is critical for strength, endurance, and injury prevention.

Understanding Elbow Stress in Pitching: How Coaches Can Use This Data to Reduce Injury Risk

Pitching is inherently stressful on the elbow, but not all stress is the same. This study highlights that both peak torque (acute stress) and cumulative load (long-term stress) must be considered when evaluating workload and injury risk.For coaches, trainers, and players, this means moving beyond traditional pitch counts and focusing on a more holistic approach that incorporates strength training, pitch sequencing, and individualized recovery plans. By applying these findings and integrating advanced arm care testing, we can help pitchers throw harder, stay healthier, and extend their careers.

The Non-Negotiable Role of In-Season Training for Pitchers

If you’re a pitcher who stops strength training once the season starts, you’re setting yourself up for failure. This recent study just proved that throwing alone won’t maintain your velocity—and the reality is, it won’t maintain your health either.The best pitchers are the ones who commit to training year-round. If you want to finish the season stronger than you started—rather than struggling to hold onto your velocity—you need an intentional, structured in-season program that supports both performance and longevity.

Neck Mobility Predicts Arm Injuries in Pro Pitchers

Forget the shoulder and elbow — the neck might be the hidden key to pitching health. A new study found that even a small asymmetry in cervical rotation dramatically increased injury risk, making neck screening an essential step for pitchers looking to stay healthy and maximize performance.

Why “75% Effort” Isn’t What You Think It Is: The Illusion of Reduced Throwing Intensity

Throwing “easy” isn’t always easy on the arm. A 2023 motion-capture study found that pitches thrown at 75% effort still generated over 80% of full-effort elbow torque—proving that perceived effort doesn’t match mechanical stress. At VeloU, we use objective feedback like torque sensors and radar tracking to manage throwing loads safely and efficiently, because arm health depends on data, not feel.

The Art of Communication: How Discussing Mechanics Can Affect Athlete Performance

Discussing an athlete's mechanics is a delicate art that requires sensitivity, understanding, and precision from the coach. By considering the broader context of the athlete’s emotional and environmental state, and by crafting our language carefully, we can ensure that our feedback fosters growth and improvement. Remember, effective communication is not just about transferring knowledge; it’s about inspiring change and helping athletes achieve their best performance. By applying these communication strategies in your coaching, you can create an environment that promotes athlete development and enhances overall sports performance. 

Against the Odds: Joe La Sorsa's Unconventional Journey from Overlooked Prospect to Professional Baseball Success

Joe La Sorsa, an unconventional baseball player initially overlooked by scouts, defied expectations and setbacks, embracing an underdog mentality. From facing challenges in college to overcoming an arm injury, he persevered, ultimately achieving success in professional baseball, symbolizing a journey marked by resilience, adaptability, and unwavering passion.

No Weights, No Velo: What Happens When Pitchers Only Throw

A new study tracked Division I pitchers over an 8-week throwing-only program and found their fastball velocity dropped by 6.3 mph—despite consistent mound work and no changes in mechanics. At VeloU, this reinforces a clear truth: without strength training, pitchers can’t maintain power, even when everything else stays the same.

Why Comparing Raw Torque Values Is Like Comparing Bench Press Without Knowing Bodyweight

This article breaks down why studies blaming weighted balls often miss the mark by comparing raw elbow torque numbers without accounting for bodyweight, strength, mobility, or individual mechanics. When torque isn’t normalized or tracked within the same athlete, those comparisons say very little about injury risk or training effectiveness. The real takeaway isn’t that weighted balls are dangerous, but that tools only make sense when applied to the right athlete, for the right reason, and evaluated with the right metrics.

The Catcher-Pitcher Relationship: Building Trust and Mastering Communication

A dominant battery isn’t formed overnight. It requires relentless effort, study, and execution. The best catchers don’t just catch pitches—they elevate their pitchers, instill confidence, and control the tempo of the game. By mastering communication, trust, and defensive fundamentals, a catcher becomes an indispensable asset to their team. If you’re looking to refine your catching skills and become the ultimate field general, start focusing on these key areas today.

The Kinetic Link: How Thoracic Extension Fuels Throwing Velocity

Unlock higher velocity by training thoracic extension. Learn how spine mobility enhances throwing mechanics and velocity for baseball athletes.

It’s Not Just the Elbow — The Mental Toll of UCL Injuries in Baseball

Tommy John surgery is often seen as a physical hurdle, but new research shows the psychological impact can be even more severe. A recent study found that 68% of athletes recovering from UCL injuries experience PTSD-like symptoms, with pitchers and college players at the highest risk. At VeloU, we address not only the physical rehab but also the mental health challenges to ensure athletes return stronger — both physically and mentally.

The Transition in Training Focus at VeloU

VeloU focuses on balancing stress in training through phases that build strength, mobility, and performance. Plateaus are a normal part of adaptation and signal progress. Open communication with coaches ensures sustainable growth and peak performance.

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.

The "Free" Key to Unlocking Players' Potential

Creating a "free" training environment is key to unlocking a player's potential, allowing them to experiment, fail, and grow without fear of judgment. By building trust through meaningful relationships and giving players ownership of their development, coaches foster a culture where growth is prioritized over immediate results. True player development takes time, resources, and collaboration, with an emphasis on long-term growth rather than short-term success, empowering players to reach new heights while always striving to bring out their best.

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.

The Essential Role of Initial Evaluations in Baseball Pitching Development

If you're committed to elevating your pitching performance, starting with a detailed initial evaluation is non-negotiable. This step defines a tailored, data-driven path forward, ensuring that your training efforts are both efficient and effective. Don't waste time on generic solutions. Instead, begin your development journey with clarity and precision, and embrace a systematic approach to tracking that reinforces your path to becoming a top-tier pitcher.

Weighted Balls Don't Increase Arm Stress—But Context Is Everything

A 2022 study in The Journal of Applied Biomechanics found that in collegiate and pro pitchers, changing ball weight (3 to 7 oz) significantly affected velocity and segment speeds—lighter balls sped everything up, heavier balls slowed it down—without increasing measured shoulder or elbow kinetics during the acceleration phase. The key caveat is that the study didn’t measure the deceleration phase, where heavier implements can raise eccentric demands even if acceleration torques stay the same. It also didn’t specify whether the implements were plyoballs or hard leather weighted balls, a detail that matters when translating the findings into real training decisions.

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.

What is VeloU?

VeloU is an elite baseball training program that combines advanced throwing mechanics training with a specialized strength and conditioning program to help athletes excel on the field. With personalized coaching and comprehensive support, VeloU empowers athletes to reach their full potential while minimizing the risk of injury.

Why Catcher’s Gear Maintenance Matters

Respect Your Gear, Respect the GameTaking care of your catcher’s gear isn’t just about prolonging its lifespan—it’s about respecting the tools of your trade. A well-maintained mitt and properly cared-for gear can enhance your confidence, comfort, and performance behind the plate.By adopting these simple habits, you’ll save money, extend the life of your gear, and ensure you’re always game-ready. Take care of your gear, and it will take care of you 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.

Accurate Pitchers Move Better — And Stay Healthier

A new motion-capture study of 121 pro pitchers found that high-accuracy throwers not only hit the strike zone more consistently, but did so with more efficient movement and lower arm stress — without losing velocity. Low-accuracy pitchers generated higher shoulder and elbow torques, suggesting elevated injury risk. At VeloU, these findings reinforce our focus on efficient sequencing, strong lead-leg mechanics, and energy transfer to improve both command and arm health simultaneously.

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.

The Importance of Time Under Tension in Your Training

Discover why time under tension is a powerful training tool for muscle growth and endurance. Learn how to implement TUT into your workouts to maximize results.

Unlocking Flexibility with PNF Stretching for Athletes

Discover how PNF stretching boosts flexibility, enhances strength, and improves athletic performance. Learn why it's a top choice for athletes needing dynamic mobility.

The Importance of Understanding Movement Bias as a Coach

Learn why recognizing movement bias is essential for fitness and pitching coaches. Discover how it helps prevent injuries, optimize performance, and personalize training programs.

Navigating the Baseball Season: Three Common Mistakes Athletes Must Sidestep

Fine-tune your baseball skills by emphasizing often neglected in-season essentials. Explore the intricacies of hydration, nutrition, and recovery, challenging misconceptions about training. Understand the pivotal role of effective communication in distinguishing between regular soreness and potential injury, ensuring peak on-field performance.

The Common Kinetic Link: Throwing and Swing Mechanics in Baseball

Discover how the kinetic sequence in throwing and swinging are nearly identical. Learn from the best remote pitching coach at VeloU how understanding both improves performance on the mound and in the batter’s box.

The Visionary Path: From Fleeting Motivation to Lasting Drive

Becoming unstoppable isn't about finding motivation; it's about becoming the embodiment of the values and vision you hold for yourself. It's time to embody the grind, embrace the discipline, and relentlessly pursue the future you've envisioned. Remember, the best way to predict your future is to create it. So, chase down that vision with all the fervor you can muster and transform your aspirations into reality.

The Strength of Stillness: The Purpose and Power of Isometric Strength Training

Discover how isometric strength training boosts power, stability, and mobility for athletes. Learn how to integrate isometrics into your remote or in-person training for better results.

Unleashing Explosive Power: What Is Ballistic Training?

Discover how ballistic training builds explosive power for baseball players. Learn top exercises, science-backed strategies, and tips from VeloU coaches.

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.

Oblique Strength Unlocks Efficient Mechanics?

This study showed that stronger obliques, especially on the glove side, are linked to faster and more efficient trunk and pelvis rotation without adding stress to the arm. That matters because most young pitchers rely too much on the arm, while better rotation is what actually separates higher-level throwers. Even though velocity didn’t jump right away, improving oblique strength looks like a foundational piece for building cleaner mechanics and long-term performance.

Unlocking Power and Efficiency with the Stretch-Shortening Cycle

Discover how training the stretch-shortening cycle can enhance explosive athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and improve movement efficiency. Learn proven methods used by the best remote pitching coaches to optimize this natural force production mechanism.

The Hidden Danger of Playing Multiple Positions

Playing multiple positions as a high school pitcher can increase your risk of overuse injuries. Learn how to manage workload, prioritize arm care, and optimize your performance with VeloU’s online baseball training program.

The Key to Shoulder Health and Performance: Understanding Joint Centration

Learn how shoulder joint centration can enhance performance, prevent injury, and boost shoulder health in this VeloU performance blog.

The Importance of Training With a Full Range of Motion

Discover why full range of motion (ROM) training is critical for athletic development, injury prevention, and long-term performance gains. Learn how VeloU integrates full ROM strength into baseball athlete programs.

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.

If Back Squats Aren't Working For You, The Safety Squat Bar Might Be Your Answer

The Double-Edged Sword of Adrenaline for Athletes

Learn how adrenaline impacts athletic performance — both positively and negatively — and discover how athletes can control adrenaline to enhance focus, precision, and success under pressure.

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.

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.

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.

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 Strength-Velocity Connection: What This Study Tells Us About Shoulder Performance in Pitchers

Shoulder rotational strength—not range of motion—showed the strongest relationship to pitch velocity and joint loading, reinforcing its importance in performance-focused training.

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.

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.

Lumbo-Pelvic Instability = ~3x Elbow Stress?

A 2025 study found that pitchers who show excessive trunk and pelvic rotation during a simple single-leg step-down test are far more likely to throw with higher elbow torque and lower velocity. The issue isn’t general movement quality—it’s specifically poor transverse-plane control, which reflects deficits in the lumbopelvic-hip region and disrupts efficient energy transfer up the chain. For coaches, the takeaway is clear: a quick step-down screen can flag rotational control problems early and guide targeted training before performance drops or the elbow starts paying the price.

Why You Need Deload Weeks in Your Training

Discover why deload weeks are essential for strength training recovery, performance longevity, and consistent progress. Learn how and when to implement them in your programming.

Top NCAA Baseball Highlights & Fresh Debuts – Velo Report Episode 1

Episode 1 of the Velo Report breaks down this weekend’s NCAA baseball highlights and debuts from VeloU athletes, featuring standout performances from players like Dylan Vigue, Michael Lombardi, and Marcel Kulik. Our report highlights key moments and provides detailed analysis of impressive outings and vital contributions across top college baseball programs. Visit our blog for in-depth coverage of the action and training tips designed to help athletes and their families stay informed and competitive.

Inside a 14-Year-Old’s 10 MPH Jump: Antoine’s Offseason Plan

14-year-old Antoine Belanger gained 10+ MPH on his fastball this offseason by committing to strength training, arm care, and athletic throwing work. By taking the fall off from games and focusing on foundational development, Antoine made massive strides in velocity, movement quality, and long-term durability.

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.

The Pinch Strength Paradox: Why Grip Training Might Be Missing the Point

Research on pro and Division I pitchers shows that traditional crush grip strength has little relationship to spin rate or pitch quality. Instead, pinch strength, wrist extension, pronation strength, and how force is applied through the middle finger are far stronger predictors of fastball efficiency and breaking ball movement. These findings suggest pitching training should shift away from generic grip work toward more targeted, anatomy-specific hand and wrist development.

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.

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 Stride Length Might Be the Most Underrated Variable in Your Delivery

Stride length is one of the most overlooked yet impactful variables in pitching mechanics, with research showing that reaching ~80% of body height creates a threshold for higher velocity without increasing elbow stress. Longer strides allow pitchers to rotate the pelvis earlier and more aggressively, shifting force production toward the lower body and trunk instead of relying on arm-dominant compensations. When developed through individualized, athlete-driven training—not forced mechanics—stride length becomes a powerful way to improve velocity, efficiency, and long-term durability.

What is Hypertrophy?

Hypertrophy refers to the increase in muscle size achieved through specific types of strengthtraining. It is one of the main outcomes of resistance and weight training and happens when thefibers of the muscles sustain damage or injury. The body repairs damaged fibers by fusing them,which increases the mass and size of the muscles.

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.

Youth Arm Injuries: Why Arm Injuries are Happening Younger and Younger

Youth baseball arm injuries are skyrocketing. Learn why they're happening younger than ever and how VeloU’s remote pitching training helps prevent them while maximizing performance.

Unlock Your Potential with the Best Remote Pitching Coach at VeloU

Discover the best remote pitching coach and virtual pitching program in 2025 with VeloU. Personalized coaching, 24/7 support, and elite-level development from anywhere.

Discussing Common Delusions About Velocity Training for Pitchers

Ok, you have heard us say it before, and until baseball changes something, “Velo Is King”!

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.

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.

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.

How Strong is Strong Enough? Strength Thresholds and Sprint Performance

Strength and power are essential for speed, but only up to a point. A recent study found clear thresholds where extra gains no longer boost sprint performance, shifting the focus from raw strength to mechanics and efficiency. At VeloU, we use these benchmarks to know when athletes are “strong enough” — so training time translates directly to game speed.