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You Are Not Your MRI: Why Structural "Abnormalities" in Asymptomatic Pitchers Might Be Normal

Author
Dr. Nick Serio

A 2011 study found that nearly 70 percent of pain-free high school pitchers showed “abnormal” elbow findings on MRI, including UCL thickening, bone remodeling, and osteophytes, changes that are often normal adaptations to throwing. Follow-up research in high school, college, and professional players shows the same pattern: structural abnormalities on imaging frequently don’t match symptoms, performance, or injury risk. The takeaway is simple—MRIs are a tool, not a diagnosis, and decisions about treatment should be based on symptoms, function, and clinical context, not imaging alone.

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Featured Posts

Michael Lombardi Drafted 61st Overall by the Kansas City Royals

Michael Lombardi, a VeloU athlete since age 11, has been drafted 61st overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 2025 MLB Draft. Known for his relentless work ethic, high-level pitchability, and leadership both on and off the field, Lombardi’s development has been years in the making.

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.

College Baseball Highlights: Two-Way Dominance, Grand Slams, and a No-Hitter (Velo Report Week 6)

This week’s Velo Report features standout performances from across college baseball, headlined by Tulane’s Michael Lombardi hitting two home runs, locking down two saves, and touching 96 MPH in one weekend. From a no-hitter by high school prospect Justice Dejong to dominant outings on the mound and big-time bats, VeloU athletes continue to make noise at every level.

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.

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Creatine - NOT a Steroid, but still pretty damn important!

Nutrition

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound in the body that enhances energy production, power output, muscle volume, recovery, work capacity, and adaptation to resistance training. It is a safe and effective supplement that can be easily consumed by mixing 5g of creatine monohydrate powder with any liquid on a daily basis, but consulting with a healthcare professional is advised.

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

Velocity Training

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.

Why UCL Tears Happen Early: Timing, Workload, and the Limits of the Velocity Narrative

Velocity Training

UCL tears in baseball aren’t just about throwing too hard—they’re about when and how pitchers ramp up. Research shows that most injuries strike early in the season or early in a career, often tied to poor workload transitions rather than raw velocity. At VeloU, we build long-term ramp-up plans to help pitchers adapt safely, sustain velocity, and stay on the field.

How Hard Should my Son Be Throwing?

Learn why velocity is important, how to develop it, and how to manage the process of gaining velocity.

Understanding the Importance of Muscle Fascia

Velocity Training

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.

Developing Arm Awareness and Torso Control for Young Athletes

Velocity Training

By mastering these fundamentals, young athletes can refine their throwing mechanics and elevate their overall performance on the field.

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

Velocity Training

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.

Why Self-Organization is Key to Developing Elite Athletes

Velocity Training

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.

Anticipating Pitch Shapes: Cheat to the Spot

Velocity Training

Mastering pitch anticipation is a game-changing skill for catchers, allowing them to frame pitches more effectively and help secure more strikes for their pitchers. By understanding the movement profiles of various pitches and communicating with their pitchers, catchers can position themselves to optimize strike calls, even on borderline pitches. This proactive approach not only improves a catcher's defensive performance but also contributes significantly to the success of the pitching staff.

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

Velocity Training

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.

Why Walks are Killing Your ERA

Velocity Training

Walks are the silent killer of ERA. Learn how they impact your performance and how VeloU’s elite online pitching training helps you improve command and dominate the zone.

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

Velocity Training

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.

Conquering the Mental Game: Controllables vs. Uncontrollables

Velocity Training

Take Control of Your Mental GameThe best athletes don’t let outcomes define them. Instead, they focus on the controllables, let go of the uncontrollables, and trust the process. By adopting this mindset early in your baseball journey, you’ll develop mental toughness, consistency, and confidence that will carry you through every game and season.

Unlock Your Potential with the Best Remote Pitching Coach at VeloU

Velocity Training

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.

The Transition in Training Focus at VeloU

Velocity Training

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.

The Art of Receiving: The Game Within The Game

Velocity Training

The role of a catcher in baseball goes beyond receiving pitches; it’s an intricate art of framing borderline calls into strikes, requiring finesse, technique, and strong rapport with umpires. Elite catchers like Jose Trevino excel by mastering subtle movements, cultivating trust, and leveraging modern data to influence outcomes on "shadow-zone" pitches. This nuanced skill not only elevates the pitcher's performance but also highlights the strategic collaboration between catchers, pitchers, and umpires in the high-stakes game.

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

Velocity Training

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.

Proper Hydration for Athletic Performance

Nutrition

Proper hydration is essential for all individuals, but it is especially crucial for high-level athletes. Athletes need to maintain proper fluid balance to regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and maintain optimal physical performance.

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

Velocity 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.

Unlocking Power and Efficiency with the Stretch-Shortening Cycle

Velocity Training

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.

Enhancing Pitching Mechanics: The Importance of Matching Plane at Front Foot Landing

Velocity Training

Understanding and implementing the correct alignment at front foot landing can dramatically enhance a pitcher’s effectiveness and durability. At VeloU, we continually innovate our training methods to ensure our pitchers not only perform at their best but also stay injury-free. By refining mechanics through targeted drills and alignment strategies, we help athletes reach their highest potential on the mound.

In-Game Heart Rate Responses of Professional Pitchers: What 85% Really Means

Velocity Training

Pitching isn’t just about mechanics — it’s a full-body, high-intensity effort that consistently drives heart rates to around 85% of maximum. A new study shows how both the physical and psychological pressures of competition, especially in early innings, amplify this demand. At VeloU, we use these insights to design training that prepares athletes for the true physiological and mental load of the game.

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

Velocity Training

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

Stop Skipping Your Sprints: The Secret to Explosive Baseball Performance

Velocity Training

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.

Beyond Isolation: Why Movement-Based Training is a Game Changer

Velocity Training

Discover why movement-based training outperforms isolation exercises for athletes. Learn how integrating full-body movement patterns improves strength, mobility, and injury prevention.

The "Free" Key to Unlocking Players' Potential

Velocity Training

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.

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

Velocity Training

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

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

Velocity Training

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.

The Hidden Cost of Early UCL Tears: Why Timing Shapes a Pitcher’s Future

Velocity Training

Tommy John surgery is often painted as a “reset button,” but new research tells a different story. Data shows that pitchers who undergo UCL reconstruction early in their careers are far less likely to reach MLB and have shorter careers than those who delay injury into their mid-20s. At VeloU, this reinforces our philosophy: sustainable velocity and smart workload management—not quick fixes—are what truly extend careers.

From Undrafted Free Agent to Carolina League Pitcher of the Year - Texas Rangers Prospect Aidan Curry

Velocity Training

At 17, Aidan Curry faced a crucial decision: college or professional baseball. Choosing the latter, he joined the Texas Rangers, now ranking as their #16 prospect. His journey, marked by resilience, includes overcoming challenges in the rookie league and a breakthrough during a lockout. Aidan's story underscores the value of a resilient mindset and learning from setbacks. Discover more in the full episode of VeloUnlocked w/ Dr. Nick Serio.

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.

The Ultimate In-Season Arm Care Blueprint With Remote Baseball Training

Velocity Training

Maximize your in-season performance with the ultimate arm care blueprint. Learn how VeloU’s remote baseball training keeps pitchers healthy, strong, and dominant all season long.

When Injury Steals Your Sleep (And Your Sleep Steals Your Recovery)

Velocity Training

This article breaks down how injury-related pain and inflammation disrupt sleep, blunt growth hormone release, and slow tissue healing, creating a cycle that increases reinjury risk. Research shows injured athletes with poor sleep recover more slowly, perform worse, and face up to a 70% higher risk of getting hurt again, even if the injured tissue appears “healed.” The takeaway is simple but often ignored: sleep quality needs to be treated as a core part of rehab and return-to-play decisions, not an afterthought.

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

Velocity Training

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.

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

Velocity Training

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.

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

Velocity Training

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.

The Hidden Threat for Athletes: How to Spot and Fix Muscle Imbalances

Velocity Training

Discover how to identify and correct muscle imbalances in athletes—a hidden performance killer. Learn causes, screening methods, and training solutions to stay durable and explosive.

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

Velocity Training

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.

Shoulder Strength, Not Flexibility, Drives Pitch Velocity in College Arms

Velocity Training

New research confirms what high-level coaches have long suspected: shoulder rotational strength—not passive mobility—is the key driver of throwing velocity. The study found strong correlations between external rotation strength and both pitch velocity and joint force output, while range of motion showed no meaningful link. At VeloU, this reinforces our approach of prioritizing targeted strength development over chasing excess flexibility to help pitchers throw harder and stay durable.

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.

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

Velocity Training

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.

Your Fastball in the "Deadzone"? Here's Why It Might Not Matter

Velocity Training

Wondering why your 4-seam fastball is stuck in the "deadzone"? Discover how elite remote pitching coaches at VeloU use advanced metrics like Vertical Approach Angle (VAA) to help athletes outperform expectations—even with average spin.

Why I Love VeloU - Ben Schulman

Recruiting

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

The Power of Plyometrics: Why Explosive Plyometric Training for Athletes Matters

Velocity Training

When it comes to helping athletes gain an edge in strength, speed, and explosiveness, few tools are as powerful as explosive plyometric training for athletes. These high-impact, quick-reaction exercises bridge the gap between raw strength and usable, sport-specific power. Whether you're sprinting, jumping, or changing direction, plyometrics deliver results.

The Hidden Factor Limiting Performance: Central Nervous System Fatigue

Velocity Training

Central nervous system fatigue may be the real reason you're underperforming. Learn how to identify, manage, and recover to unlock your athletic potential.

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

Velocity Training

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.

The Power of Focused Drilling for Mastering Complex Movement Skills

Velocity Training

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.

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

Velocity Training

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.

Don’t Fear the Weight: Why Overload Baseball Training Is Safe

Velocity Training

Overload baseball training with weighted baseballs can safely improve velocity and bat speed—if done right. Learn why it's effective and how to use it safely.

Reactive Strength: The Underrated Skill for Elite Athletes

Velocity Training

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.

The Numbers Don't Lie: VeloU's Remote Athletes Are Shattering Velocity Barriers

Velocity Training

The Bottom Line: VeloU’s Remote Athletes Are Dominating The numbers don’t lie—VeloU Remote Athletes are breaking through velocity barriers and achieving levels of performance they never thought possible. Why Pitchers Are Choosing VeloU: ✅ Proven Velocity Gains – 3.5 MPH average increase in 6 months ✅ Personalized Training – No generic programs, every plan is athlete-specific ✅ Constant Feedback & Support – 1-on-1 coaching, video analysis, and mechanical breakdowns ✅ Best Remote Pitching Coach – Expertise in velocity development and injury prevention

Is VeloU Just For Pitchers?

Velocity Training

VeloU, is not limited to pitchers but also caters to position players and catchers. It focuses on teaching fundamental throwing mechanics and increasing throwing velocity for all positions on the field.

The Inner Game: Why Confidence and Mindset Matter in Baseball

Velocity Training

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.

Unlocking Complete Athleticism by Training in All 3 Planes

Velocity Training

Discover how training in all three planes of motion — sagittal, frontal, and transverse — can unlock complete athleticism, enhance performance, and reduce injury risk for multidirectional athletes.

Incorporating Eccentric Training Into Your Workouts

Velocity Training

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.

Beyond Brute Strength: The Often Overlooked Elements of Elite Performance

Velocity Training

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.

Pain vs. Soreness - A Baseball Player's Guide

Velocity Training

As a baseball player, you're no stranger to pushing your body to its limits through long practices, intense weight training sessions, and grinding out a full season of games.

Why Should You Start Weight Training?

Velocity 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.

Utilizing Constraints for Remote Athlete Training: The Best Approach for Skill Development

Velocity Training

By integrating constraint-based principles into remote training, we can redefine how athletes learn and improve performance long-term. Train smarter, adapt faster, and unlock your true potential with VeloU.

How Rafi White Gained a Pain-Free 8MPH

Velocity Training

Rafi White’s offseason journey is a powerful example of how focusing on nutrition, strength, and arm care—not just throwing—led to a 16 lb weight gain, 100% arm health, major power increases, and a personal-best velocity of 85 MPH.

The Surprising Advantage of Tendon Stiffness for Athletes

Velocity Training

Discover how optimal tendon stiffness can improve athletic performance by enhancing force transmission, power output, and injury resilience. Learn training methods to develop it safely.

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

Velocity Training

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.

Finding Relief with Compression Therapy

Velocity Training

Discover the benefits of compression therapy for athletes and those in recovery. Learn how compression reduces swelling, improves circulation, and supports healing.

Science Based Anxiety Reducing Tactic For Baseball Players

Velocity Training

A 10-day heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) intervention significantly improved batting performance and reduced anxiety in collegiate baseball players, with notable gains in bat speed, hand speed, and contact quality. Unlike many sport psychology tools, HRVB showed measurable on-field impact in just days, reinforcing the importance of autonomic regulation in high-level performance. At VeloU, this research supports our integration of HRV tracking and breathwork to enhance both readiness and recovery — especially for athletes under high stress.

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

Velocity Training

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.

VO₂max and Pitching Performance: Why Starters Benefit Most

Velocity Training

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.

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

Nutrition

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 Importance of a Throwing Ramp Up Program for Athletes

Velocity Training

A throwing ramp up program is critical for pitchers and overhead athletes to build arm strength safely and prevent injuries. Learn how to structure it and why it matters.

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.

Stay in the Game: Training While Injured as an Athlete

Velocity Training

Learn how to train smart while injured as an athlete. Discover modified workouts, recovery tips, and expert strategies to stay on track during injury rehab.

Why You Need Deload Weeks in Your Training

Velocity 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.

How to Use a Pocket Radar for Remote Training

Velocity Training

Learn how to use Pocket Radar for remote baseball training. Track velocity, manage workload, and optimize your throwing intensity to maximize gains while staying healthy.

5 Misconceptions HS Pitchers Have Regarding College Baseball

Velocity Training

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

Velocity Training

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.

How Long Until I See Results?

Velocity Training

Training is a personalized process with varying results influenced by factors like genetics and training experience. Consistency and commitment to the training process are key to achieving long-term improvements in performance.

The Invisible Drain: How Mental Fatigue Sabotages Athletic Performance

Velocity Training

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.

How Strong is Strong Enough? Strength Thresholds and Sprint Performance

Velocity Training

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.

Lactic Acid: The Misunderstood Player in Muscle Fatigue

Nutrition

Learn the truth about lactic acid and muscle fatigue. Discover how lactate supports performance and how training can help delay fatigue.

Testing Grip Strength on the Sideline Is Feasible. But Is It Actually Useful?

Velocity Training

This study shows that sideline hand-grip strength testing is easy to run during a high school baseball season, but it doesn’t actually help identify fatigue or injury risk early. Strength changes showed up more in athletes who were already in pain and less in those reporting fatigue, making the test reactive rather than preventative. The takeaway is simple: gross grip strength may be convenient, but it lacks the sensitivity needed to guide meaningful injury-prevention decisions for pitchers.

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

Velocity Training

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

Nobody Starts Out Throwing 90MPH

Velocity Training

Miles Blake didn’t just show up throwing 90—he built it through years of consistent lifting, precise nutrition, and nonstop communication with his coaches. From tracking every calorie to refining his delivery and pitch mix, Miles is the blueprint for what happens when you commit to every part of the process.

Why Getting Ahead 0-1 Is a Game-Changer for Pitchers

Velocity Training

Discover why getting ahead 0-1 is one of the biggest advantages in baseball. Learn how the best remote pitching coach helps athletes dominate early counts to improve strikeouts, efficiency, and pitch confidence.

Optimizing Meal Timing for Peak Performance on the Diamond

Nutrition

For elite baseball players, proper nutrition and meal timing are critical for maximizing energy, recovery, and performance on the field. At Velo University, we provide essential tips on pre-game meals, in-game fuel, and post-game recovery to help athletes optimize their diet and take their game to the next level.

The Hidden Cost of Size: How Weight and Height Influence Elbow Stress in Pitchers

Velocity Training

New research is challenging one of baseball’s biggest assumptions—that bigger pitchers are always better. A study of over 600 athletes found body weight is the strongest predictor of elbow torque, meaning added pounds can fuel velocity but also increase injury risk. At VeloU, we focus on building functional mass—size paired with mobility, arm care, and efficient mechanics—so athletes gain sustainable performance, not just stress.

What is Hypertrophy?

Velocity Training

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.

Staying Primed: Why Warming Up Is Crucial in the Cold

Velocity Training

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.

Know Your "Why" – The Importance of Understanding Training Purposes

Velocity Training

Understanding your training purpose is essential for performance gains, recovery, and motivation. Learn how identifying your "why" can improve your remote training success.

The Power of a Constructive Training Environment

Velocity Training

A constructive training environment builds confidence, enhances learning, and drives athlete performance. Discover why it's a game-changer for coaches and educators alike.

Finding the Sweet Spot - How to Effectively Manage Training Volume

Velocity Training

Discover how to manage training volume effectively. Learn to balance stress and recovery for peak performance with tips from top remote pitching coaches.

Navigating Being Out of the Bullpen

Velocity Training

Being a bullpen pitcher is all about preparation, efficiency, and adaptability. You never know when your moment will come, so staying physically and mentally locked in is essential. Mastering your warm-up routine and game awareness will set you up for success when the bullpen door swings open. Learn how to stay physically and mentally ready as a bullpen pitcher. Master warm-up routines, stay engaged in the game, and prepare for your moment on the mound with expert tips from VeloU.

The Importance of Targeted Throwing Programs for Baseball Players

Velocity Training

Learn how targeted throwing programs improve mechanics, increase velocity, prevent injury, and accelerate performance for baseball players. Discover how VeloU integrates this critical training element.

What Actually Controls Where Your Fastball Goes?

Velocity Training

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.

The Importance of Aerobic Capacity in Baseball

Velocity Training

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

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

Velocity Training

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.

The Importance of Optimizing Movement Sequencing

Velocity Training

Discover why movement sequencing is crucial for performance and injury prevention. Learn how the best remote pitching coach at VeloU helps athletes optimize force, efficiency, and long-term development.

Imaging Isn’t Destiny: What Microscopic MRI Really Tells Us About Pitchers’ Elbows

Velocity Training

For years, elbow MRIs have been treated like a verdict—but new research shows the story is more complicated. In a 2024 study comparing over 400 baseball players, high-grade UCL damage appeared just as often in pain-free arms as in injured ones, while subtle bone changes in the sublime tubercle were far more linked to symptoms. The takeaway: an MRI shows structure, not the whole story—true decisions should start with how the athlete moves, feels, and performs.

The Sixth Sense Every Elite Athlete Possesses: Body Awareness

Velocity Training

Discover how body awareness gives athletes a competitive edge and learn how to develop this vital skill with insights from VeloU's expert pitching coaches.

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

Velocity Training

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 Importance of Cultivating Positional Awareness in Youth Athletes

Velocity Training

Discover why developing positional awareness in youth athletes is a game-changer. Learn how spatial IQ boosts performance, safety, and decision-making—on any field or court.

The Vital Importance for Athletes of Training to Move Quickly

Velocity Training

Learn why training to move quickly is essential for athletes. Improve speed, reaction time, and injury resilience with explosive athletic training methods.

Parents Corner

Recruiting Center

The Vital Importance for Athletes of Training to Move Quickly

Paul Franzese

Optimizing In-Season Training: A Comprehensive Approach

Paul Franzese

ACWR Is Only Half The Equation: Why External Load Without Internal Response Is Just An Educated Guess

Dr. Nick Serio