There Are No Shortcuts

Three things really bother us at Tincher Pitching.
1-Way too many kids come to us the first time because they are in pain.
2-Too many people try to take shortcuts when it comes to proper strength training.
3-There are too many gadgets out there that promise results, but most actually hurt more kids than they help.

If you are serious about health and maximum performance, you will enjoy this article by our Strength Specialist, Robbie Hebert. Let’s get right to it.
As a teen pitcher, your body is going through numerous changes and it will continue to change every year, so setting yourself up for success and staying on top of things is essential. How do we do this?
Step 1
Get an assessment. Regardless of your age and skill level, you need to know where you are RIGHT NOW; CURRENTLY. There is no magic age as to when you should start strength training, but it is important to do the right things for you right now. Think about the assessment as a yearly physical, a complete doctor check-up. It allows you to determine where you are today and what must be done to enhance your performance, or to begin to correct issues that can cause injury and prevent you from performing at your best. You will hear more about these very soon.

Step 2
Find a program/schedule you can be consistent with. Consistency is KEY!
Find what works for you by putting the right people around you who have YOUR goal in mind. Never do something like a football strength workout because that is the program available at the time. Do not get involved in some type of performance training just because that’s what your team is doing. You need something targeted to your specific needs, your body, your goals, your position, and your issues. Do not suddenly react because of pain or injury. Have a plan. Be consistent with you actions and you will get consistent results!

Step 3
Listen to your body. No one should know your body better than you when it comes to how it feels when it’s firing on all cylinders or when something is off. Know the difference and take the correct actions. No one should play in PAIN. No one should practice in PAIN. No one should think PAIN should be ok and that you need to push through it. Understand that we need to know the difference between pain and discomfort. It really gets me scratching my head when someone who has bad mechanics consistently has pain when they run, play or pitch and the coach or parent says, “they have a really high pain tolerance.” Really? Is that a badge of honor? If that is the case, eventually something is going to have to give which will lead to a bigger issue. Most pain comes from bad movements. Listen to your body. Be on the same team, not working against it!

Get an assessment, follow a plan, and listen to your body. By following these 3 steps, you will set yourself up for success both on the field and in the weight room.