There have been so many advances in pitcher training over the past decade:

• High speed video, enabling biomechanical analysis
• Injury screening technologies and tests
• Greater knowledge of throwing injuries and their causes (poor mechanics/over-use!)
• Velocity training protocols and techniques
• Improved strength and power training techniques and equipment
• Advancements in sports nutrition
• Smart sensors and devices that measure body and ball movement in three dimensions
• Statistics to understand relationships between pitch type/velo/location and movement vs. results
• Cognitive/mental training research on competitiveness and performing to potential

You could probably add a dozen more.  All these advances have added to the mix and contributed to evolution on the mound.   It requires a TEAM of EXPERTS to understand all these tools and apply the right mix, at the right time for individual players.

There is no way a single person could keep up with all this.  He would need to be a doctor, a trainer, a nutritionist and a former pitcher that competed at the highest levels.  Too many guys running “pitcher development programs” miss all these qualifications and do not build of a team of experts to support players.

In simple terms, that is the MACH-1 difference.

The MACH-1 TEAM combines doctors with deep experience with pitchers at the highest level, working with trainers with equally deep experience in strength/power training, sports nutritionists focused on HS/college athletes and a team of baseball pitching experts led by an 11 year MLB veteran that learned from the top pitchers in the game, including HOF players like Nolan Ryan, John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Trevor Hoffman.

The MACH-1 TEAM is doing things the right way, with the right expertise, passion and perseverance.  That’s the MACH-1 difference.

What do you get when you combine two doctors, a radiologist, two experienced athletic trainers and a former big league pitcher at the top baseball training facility in the region?

You get the MACH 1 Pitcher Assessment.

The inagural class of 25 Mach 1 Pitchers completed their assessment protocols on August 20th. The assessments are at the core of MACH 1, a training regimen focused on preparing pitchers to succeed on the mound, when it matters, with high velocity, command of the strike zone and healthy throwing mechanics.  MACH 1 is next generation approach in pitcher training and incorporates all the recent developments in velocity improvement with the two missing factors – command of the strike zone and a deep medical perspective on throwing mechanics and arm health.

And it all starts with a state of the art assessment protocol, led by:

Dr. Brett Winchester and Dr. Tyler White – Gestalt Performance

Dale Huff and Matt Firth – Athletic Republic

The results of the assessment are used to develop an INDIVIDUALIZED, MEDICALLY-BASED 12-week program for each pitcher that covers all aspects of performance on the mound..  Then, the players are re-tested again in 12 weeks to measure progress   The programs are adjusted based on  in-season (Fall Baseball) or off-season workloads.

Here is a peak inside the initial player assessment:

1000 fps biomechanical video analysis, led by Dr. Tyler White

Rapsodo measurements of baseline fastball velocity, spin rate and movement

Ultrasound images of elbow, UCL and Ulnar Nerve by radiologist

MOTUS Sleeve Sensor Readings – evaluated by doctors who understand the data!

Full joint mobility physical assessment by Dr. Brett Winchester

Complete FMS (Functional Movement Screen) to screen for weaknesses

Athleticism Testing, focused on Power, led by Dale Huff at Athletic Republic