Podcast: Toe the Rubber May 1, 2025 Return to Synchronicity McClintock and Jung Barbara McClintock: American scientist and pioneering cytogeneticist who made groundbreaking discoveries in genetics. She is best known for discovering "jumping genes" or transposable elements— segments of DNA that can move within a genome. Her work showed that genes are not fixed in place and can regulate each other, which was revolutionary at the time. "If you know you are on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge, then nobody can turn you off... no matter what they say.” "There's no such thing as a central dogma into which everything will fit. Life is too complicated for that.” Carl Jung: “Synchronicity is an ever-present reality for those who have eyes to see.” “The connecting principle appears to reside in the dynamics of the collective unconscious.” Current trend in Gadgets: A short list of physical products: Cross Symmetry bands/tubing Jaeger bands Towell drills - derivatives Weighted baseballs Baseball Derivatives of the pitch grips and different pitches Long Toss A list of technology products (arm or pitch centric): 1. Pitch Tracking & Data Analysis These tools capture detailed data about each pitch—velocity, spin, axis, movement, release point, and more. ▸ Rapsodo Pitching 2.0 • Tracks velocity, spin rate, spin axis, vertical/horizontal break, release point, and more. • Provides 3D pitch visuals and real-time feedback. • Used by MLB and amateur programs for pitch design. ▸ TrackMan Baseball • Radar-based system that provides precise pitch movement, release metrics, and ball flight data. • Also integrates with video. • The gold standard in pro baseball. ▸ FlightScope Strike • Radar-based pitch tracking tool for velocity, trajectory, and location analysis. • Useful for bullpen sessions and live at-bats. 2. Biomechanical Motion Capture (arm centric) These tools evaluate the pitcher's mechanics to improve efficiency and reduce injury risk. ▸ PULSE by Driveline (Wearable Sensor) • Arm sensor that measures arm stress, workload, arm speed, and mechanics in real time. • Tracks acute/chronic workload for injury prevention. 3. Pitch Command & Location Tools These technologies help pitchers work on targeting specific zones and improving strike consistency. ▸ Rapsodo with Strike Zone Overlay • Provides video overlay with a digital strike zone to help with pitch command sessions. ▸ ProBatter PX3 • Simulates live hitters with a screen/projector; allows pitch repetition in realistic game scenarios. ▸ Command Trainer / Target Trainers (w/ smart tech) • Devices like the SmartMitt or F5 Smart Catcher track where the pitch lands and give immediate command feedback. 5. Smart Baseballs Embedded tech inside the ball itself to measure performance. ▸ Diamond Kinetics SmartBall • Tracks velocity, spin rate, spin direction, release point, and movement. • Pairs with mobile app for feedback. ▸ F5 SmartBall • Professional-grade smart ball that integrates with software for real-time tracking of command and velocity zones. 6. Pitch Design Platforms These combine metrics and visuals to tweak pitch types and grips for optimized tunneling and movement. ▸ Driveline TRAQ • Combines video, biomechanics, pitch data, and training plans into one athlete dashboard. • Allows pitch design with real-time feedback. ▸ Rapsodo + SeamShifted Wake Visualizers • For visualizing seam orientation and pitch deception. 7. Arm Care & Recovery Monitoring Support tools to protect and maintain the pitcher's ability to train at a high level consistently. ▸ Proteus Motion • Measures force, power, and acceleration in key movement patterns to guide strength and recovery programs. ▸ ArmCare.com Sensor & Platform • Tracks strength ratios and fatigue in shoulder muscles. • Customizes strength programs based on live metrics. Biomechanical Motion Capture (kinetic chain centric) 1. High-Speed Video & AI Analysis Tools for visual feedback and mechanical adjustments. ▸ DVS (Delivery Value System) • AI-powered video analysis software that scores a pitcher's delivery using biomechanical markers. • Provides a “DVS Score” with red/yellow/green indicators for key mechanics. ▸ Edgertronic Camera • Ultra high-speed camera (up to 20,000 fps) used to analyze hand/wrist position, pitch release, and ball spin. • Essential for pitch grip and spin efficiency work. ▸ PitchAI • AI-based biomechanics from a phone video. • Provides joint angles, kinematic sequencing, and velocity predictors. ▸ Driveline's Motion Capture Lab (Marker-Based) • Full-body biomechanical analysis with lab-grade sensors and software. • Measures joint kinematics, sequencing, and timing. Proximal-to-Distal Sequencing in Pitching: A Coaching Manual for Youth Development Understanding the Proximal-to-Distal Movement Pattern In pitching, the proximal-to-distal movement pattern refers to the sequential activation and movement of body segments, starting from the body's center (proximal segments) and progressing outward to the extremities (distal segments). This sequence is crucial for generating maximum velocity and reducing injury risk. The kinetic chain in pitching typically follows this order: pelvis → trunk → shoulder → arm → forearm → hand. Each segment builds upon the momentum of the previous one, culminating in efficient energy transfer to the baseball. (Biomechanics Research Aims to Improve Sports Performance, The Association of Baseball Pitch Delivery and Kinematic Sequence ...) Sequencing Order and Its Importance The ideal pitching sequence involves: (Kinematic Sequence Important for Preventing Baseball Injuries) 1. Pelvis Rotation: Initiates the kinetic chain, generating rotational energy. 2. Trunk Rotation: Transfers energy from the pelvis to the upper body. 3. Shoulder Rotation: Continues the energy transfer, positioning the arm. 4. Arm Acceleration: Propels the forearm and hand forward. 5. Forearm and Hand Movement: Final acceleration and release of the ball. (Sport Specialization and Overuse Injuries in Adolescent Throwing ..., Comparison of Kinematic Sequences During Curveball and Fastball ...) Proper sequencing ensures that each segment reaches its peak velocity at the right time, optimizing performance and minimizing stress on the body. (Biomechanics Research Aims to Improve Sports Performance) Negative Effects of Overtraining Distal Segments Focusing excessively on training distal segments (arm, forearm, hand) can disrupt the natural kinetic chain, leading to: • Increased Injury Risk: Overemphasis on the arm can cause imbalances and place undue stress on joints and muscles, increasing the likelihood of injuries such as UCL tears. • Neuromuscular Fatigue: Isolated training of distal segments can lead to fatigue and decreased performance due to the lack of support from proximal muscles. • Inefficient Mechanics: Neglecting the development of proximal segments can result in compensatory movements, reducing overall pitching efficiency. Disruption of Motor Engram Sequencing Motor engrams are neural patterns that encode specific movements. Overtraining distal movements can: • Alter Motor Patterns: Focusing on arm path alone can lead to the development of faulty movement patterns, disrupting the natural sequencing of the kinetic chain. • Impair Skill Acquisition: Neglecting full-body mechanics hampers the integration of complex movements, making it harder for pitchers to learn and refine their delivery. • Reduce Adaptability: Ingrained improper patterns limit a pitcher's ability to adjust mechanics in response to game situations or coaching feedback. Age-Specific Considerations Ages 10–12: • Focus: Developing general athleticism and introducing basic pitching mechanics. • Training Emphasis: Body awareness, balance, and coordination exercises. • Avoid: Specialized pitching drills that isolate arm movements. Ages 13–15: • Focus: Refining mechanics and building strength. • Training Emphasis: Core stability, lower body strength, and integrated movement patterns. • Monitor: Growth spurts that may affect coordination and mechanics. Ages 16–18: • Focus: Enhancing performance and preparing for higher-level competition. • Training Emphasis: Advanced strength training, power development, and fine-tuning mechanics. • Caution: Avoid overuse and ensure adequate recovery to prevent injuries. Conclusion A comprehensive understanding of proximal-to-distal sequencing is essential for developing efficient and safe pitching mechanics. Coaches should prioritize full-body training approaches that emphasize the integration of all body segments, ensuring young pitchers build a solid foundation for long-term success.
