Why Athletes Need a Plan, Not Just More Work

The urge to train harder can be a strength—until it gets in the way of training well. Coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen say athletic progress depends on more than effort: it takes a plan that connects each workout to a sport-specific goal, room to recover, and enough patience to master the work.

A high school’s winning record can look like proof that it is the right place for an athlete. But wins alone don’t show whether a program develops players, gives them a fair chance, or helps them move toward their next goal. Coaches Aaron Thigpen and Erik Johnson argue that families should investigate a school’s athletic program before committing—not after an athlete has spent years in the wrong situation.

Young pitchers are obsessed with throwing hard, but this "chasing velocity" mindset is leading to burnout and injury. Learn how to build a sustainable, year-round plan for arm health and peak performance.

In the world of baseball recruiting, the radar gun often feels like the ultimate judge. Young pitchers, their parents, and even some coaches have become singularly focused on one metric: pitching velocity. This obsession has created a culture of "chasing velocity," where athletes jump from one quick-fix program to another, often at the expense of their long-term health and development as a complete pitcher.

In a recent discussion, veteran coaches Eric Johnson ("The Bran") and Aaron Thigpen ("The Source") of the "Ask Aaron and Ask EJ" podcast broke down the pitfalls of this trend and outlined a smarter, more sustainable path to becoming a high-level pitcher.