The Tread Podcast

Why is command so tough to train and why do so many pitchers get it wrong?

In this episode, Ben Brewster speaks with Tread coaches Craig Stem and Turner Givens to unpack the mechanics, mindset, and drills that actually move the needle on command.

We cover:🔹 Why you can (and should) train velocity and command together🔹 Mechanical red flags: direction, early torso, late/low arm timing🔹 How anatomy and mobility can limit command potential🔹 The role of vision, focal points, and effort level in consistency🔹 Case studies of arms who tightened up their misses without losing velocity

If you’ve ever been told to “just throw strikes,” this episode shows you a practical framework to identify your biggest command leaks, and how to fix them.

Most pitchers lose velo during the season not because they stop training, but because they train the wrong way.In this episode of Around the Mound, Tread coaches Ethan Dyer, Matthew Jordan, and John Lantigua break down how to lift in season without wrecking your performance. They cover how to manage volume, why most pitchers overdo it, and what smart in-season training actually looks like for high school, college, and pro athletes.If you want to stay strong, feel fresh, and keep your velo through the season, this episode is for you.

Why is command such a difficult, often-overlooked part of pitching development?

In this episode, Ben Brewster chats with Tread Athletics performance coaches Craig Stem and Turner Givens to unpack the layers of command training, from biomechanics to the mental game.

We cover:

• Why command is harder to quantify (and train) than velocity

• The difference between command vs. control

• Key metrics (walk %s, in-zone %, competitive location %, race to 2 strikes)

• Case studies of pros, college, and high school arms who transformed shaky command into consistency

• Common mistakes when blending velocity work with command training

• The mental side: pre-pitch routines, focal points, and handling pressure

• Practical drills (bridge pitches, variability training, nine-pocket work)

If you’re struggling to throw consistent strikes, this episode will give you a framework to identify your biggest command issues and actionable strategies to fix them.

Insightful interview with Ian MacDonald, the dedicated college recruiting coordinator and pitcher coach at Indiana Wesleyan University. MacDonald shares his passion for the college game, relishing the opportunity to guide players through a transformative stage of their lives. Listen as he delves into the nuances of pitcher recruitment, revealing his key evaluation criteria: control, command, velocity, and the knack for limiting free bases. MacDonald also sheds light on the importance of player development, emphasizing the need for coaches who can provide candid feedback and facilitate player enhancement.

0:00 Current role as a recruiting coordinator.

Carter Hope's journey from being a third baseman in high school to becoming a highly regarded pitcher and getting drafted in the third round by the Royals. Carter's transition to the professional level led to a destructive path fueled by addiction, which eventually led him to rock bottom.

In this episode, we sat down Pete Fairbanks where he dives deep into the trials and triumphs of his career, including overcoming the challenging ordeal of undergoing Tommy John surgery not just once, but twice. He opens up about the modifications he had to make to his pitching mechanics post-surgery, providing an insightful look into the perseverance and adaptability demanded of professional athletes.

We sat down with Hector Berrios, who shares his remarkable journey and insights into fixing the pitching mechanics of Aroldis Chapman. He discusses his experience in the Phillies organization, his current endeavors, and the transformative techniques he employed to help Chapman regain his form. Join us as Berrios delves into the importance of body movements, hip rotation, balance, and tension in pitching.

Tyler Zombro, Tread's data team lead, opens up about his personal journey and professional baseball career. In this episode, Z gets candid about his experiences from college recruitment to being signed by the Tampa Bay Rays without a draft. Discover his incredible comeback story after a traumatic brain injury and his resolution to keep playing post a significant surgery.

0:54 How Tyler Zombro got into Pro Baseball

Join us as we sit down with seasoned MLB veteran, Sam Freeman, who's graced the big leagues with his talent for 9 impressive seasons. Once a reluctant pitcher, Sam's journey of adapting to his team's needs, overcoming a difficult freshman year in college, and securing a scholarship to Marshall University is nothing short of inspiring. Drafted in the 32nd round, Sam's successful career boasts of skillful throws in the high 80s to low 90s range. Dive into his rich clubhouse tales, learn about the hurdles of professional baseball and the pivotal role of wise career decisions in this interview.

In this video, Genevieve Beacom discusses the differences between training for baseball in Australia and America. She notes that in Australia, training is less frequent and less specialized, with a focus on conditioning and repetition. She also discusses the challenges of introducing new training methods and equipment in Australia due to limited accessibility and resources. Finally, she expresses excitement about playing college baseball in America and the benefits of being part of a team environment.