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Garrett Baker, Skill Acquisition Specialist and pitching coach with the New York Mets, returns to the Adaptable Athlete Podcast to dive deep into the realities of skill development in baseball.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why breaking free from “perfect mechanics” often unlocks better performance
• Why pitching velocity isn't everything
• How reframing pitchers as “out-getters” changes the way we think about training
• The pitcher-batter relationship and its central role in pitching success
• The impact of conviction and intention on the mound
• Why variability and “serious play” are critical to long-term development

If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@emergentmvmt.com.

Resources + Mentions:

• Garrett Baker’s previous episode: Pitching Beyond the Metrics
  
  
• POST Framework Paper
  
  
• Jesus Luzardo breakdown with Dallas Braden – Slab Lab
  
  
• Certified Skill Acquisition Specialist (CSAS) Info

Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io

Let's Chat!
Twitter: @thecoachjav
IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text

Welcome back to the Adaptable Athlete Podcast!

In this episode, we dive into another edition of the 6 Minutes of Skill series — where Coach Jav breaks down a key skill acquisition concept in under 6 minutes (or close enough).

This time, we’re tackling a big one:

How does the weight room fit within an ecological approach?

The weight room and ecological dynamics can often feel like they're pulling in different directions. But in this quick-hit episode, Coach Jav unpacks:
✅ Why the weight room isn’t the enemy
✅ How to create meaningful links between strength work and skill
✅ How variability can be a secret weapon in the weight room
✅ Why being weight room strong doesn’t necessarily mean being skillful

If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@emergentmvmt.com.

Episode Resources

• Emergence Website
• Emergence Weight Room Course

Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io

Let's Chat!
Twitter: @thecoachjav
IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text

In this episode of the Adaptable Athlete Podcast, I'm joined by Justin Ferguson — Director of Player Development at Minnesota United FC and a coach who’s deeply committed to modern coaching principles.

We dig into what it really means to rethink player development, why talent is not a linear process, and how coaches can better support athletes through complex, messy learning environments.

Justin shares insights from his work in professional soccer, including how Minnesota United is challenging traditional development models and creating learning environments that actually prepare players for the game.

Whether you're coaching elite players or youth athletes, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you new ways to think about growth, adaptation, and long-term development.

If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@emergentmvmt.com.

Resources + Mentions

• Minnesota United FC
• Justin's IG
• Emergence Website
• Check out our other episodes

Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io

Let's Chat!
Twitter: @thecoachjav
IG: @thecoachjav