Just dropped a new podcast with @LattaDoug & @flowsdoc This might be one of the most important conversations I’ve had on player development. If you care about hitting, recruiting, or long-term development… read this ⬇️ Most players don’t fail because of mechanics. They fail because of how they MOVE. A few major takeaways: • Movement patterns are developed VERY early (We’re talking 4–8 years old… long before most people even think about “training”) • By 12–15 years old, those patterns are often already set Which is why it’s so hard to “fix” a 16–17 year old hitter later • The biggest issue in youth baseball right now: Kids aren’t moving enough Less climbing Less playing Less problem-solving physically More “instruction” Less athletic development • Why most hitters struggle in games (even if they look good in lessons): Lessons = controlled Games = chaotic If you don’t have movement capacity… you can’t solve problems in real time It’s NOT about: – Coiling the hip – Scap loading – Overthinking mechanics Great hitters move naturally and efficiently Not mechanically • One of the most powerful concepts: “Good movers go backside → land middle” That’s it. That’s the foundation of hitting AND throwing. • Why so many kids lunge or “jump” at the ball: They panic They rush They don’t trust their movement Which leads to front-side dominance (and everything breaking down) • The controversial one… Doug would take the tee AWAY from most young hitters 😳 Because it often teaches bad movement patterns (specifically front-side issues) • Another big one: More effort = worse swings Most hitters are better at 50–70% effort Why? Because: – They stay connected – They sequence better – They don’t muscle up • Why strength training can actually hurt hitters: Lifting = muscle-driven Hitting = sequence-driven If you train the wrong patterns… your nervous system carries that into your swing • The REAL separator in players: Not strength Not size Movement efficiency + adaptability • And maybe the most important part for parents: Stop chasing quick fixes There is no: – Magic drill – Perfect cue – Instant solution Development is LONG-TERM If you’re a parent, coach, or player… This episode will completely change how you think about development.