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“Get fast down the mound” has become a default cue in modern pitching, and we think it’s a big reason so many arms are breaking. Coach Brian Hull joins me for a role-reversal Q&A where we dig into the mechanics that actually hold up over time, especially for high school pitchers who need both velocity and longevity. We start with the core idea behind the up-down-out approach: load the back hip first, get into the ground, and let that set the timing so the arm isn’t forced to play catch-up.

From there we zoom in on front foot strike and sequencing. We talk about what “on time” really looks like, why early drift tends to create a late arm, and how rushed arm action can show up as drag, inverted W patterns, and unnecessary strain on the UCL and shoulder. I lay out my Tommy John formula (drift, shrug, drag) and why each piece can push pitchers toward the same outcome: a late arm under stress for too long. We also challenge trendy drills and early hip opening by comparing pitching to hitting, golf, and football, where leaking the hips early is an instant power leak.

We finish with practical coaching solutions: drills to clean up foot drag, how to teach mechanics backwards from a strong finish, and why foundational movement like squats, hinging, and rotation has to come before “high-level” pitching work. We also cover warm-up efficiency when practice time is tight, throwing volume with purpose, recovery red flags based on where soreness shows up, grip tension (“hold the ball like an egg”), and even why set-shot basketball can build safe extension without beating up the arm.

If you coach, pitch, or parent a pitcher, hit play, then subscribe, share this with your staff, and leave a review with the one cue you’re removing from your pitching program.

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The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.