One of baseball’s oldest beliefs says pitchers should keep their arms warm between innings. But what if cooling down actually helps?

In this episode of VeloUnlocked, we break down a 2016 study where pitchers applied ice to their shoulder and forearm between innings—and ended up throwing harder, feeling better, and holding their velocity deeper into games. We cover what the study showed, possible reasons it worked, and how you can safely test this in your own training.

Is it time to rethink your between-inning routine?

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What happens when pitchers stop lifting — but continue throwing?

In this episode of Applied Baseball Science, Dr. Nicholas Serio of VeloU breaks down a revealing study that tracked NCAA Division I pitchers through an 8-week fall throwing program with no access to strength training. Despite structured mound work, progressive intensity, and live batters, the athletes experienced a 6.3 mph drop in fastball velocity — in just two months.

Inside this video:

• Why velocity dropped despite consistent throwing
  
  
  
• What stayed the same: arm slot, torque, and mechanics
  
  
  
• Why force production declines without resistance-based adaptation
  
  
  
• The hidden risks of compensating when output fades
  
  
  
• How strength and throwing must be integrated for sustained performance
  
  
  

Whether you’re a pitcher managing in-season training or a coach building development plans, this episode unpacks why throwing alone isn’t enough — and what happens when the weight room is left behind.

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🎓 Learn more at https://www.velouniversity.com

Thanks for listening to this episode! To stay updated with VeloU and our insights on maximizing performance while minimizing the risk of injury, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter at @velouniversity.

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Why are warm-weather pitchers undergoing Tommy John surgery earlier than their cold-weather peers? In this episode of Applied Baseball Science, Dr. Nicholas Serio of VeloU breaks down a recent NCAA D1 study that reveals a troubling trend: pitchers from warm-weather states experience UCL injuries at significantly younger ages — and that early breakdown may carry long-term consequences.

This video explores:

• The key findings from a 320-athlete study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
  
  
  
• The physiological reasons why young elbows are more vulnerable to early overuse
  
  
  
• The hidden risks of early specialization and year-round baseball
  
  
  
• How VeloU uses tools like the ArmCare device to monitor readiness, adjust workloads, and build long-term durability
  
  
  

Whether you’re a pitcher, parent, or coach, understanding when stress accumulates — and how to respond to it — is critical for injury prevention and sustainable performance.

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🎓 Learn more at https://www.velouniversity.com

Thanks for listening to this episode! To stay updated with VeloU and our insights on maximizing performance while minimizing the risk of injury, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter at @velouniversity.

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In this episode, Nick and Tom Jankins, VeloU's Director of Pitching and former AAA pitcher with the Brewers, talk about how pressure affects performance. They break down how athletes can manage stress in high-pressure situations and perform at their best when it matters most.

Watch to the full discussion on YouTube: Watch the full episode

Thanks for listening to this episode! To stay updated with VeloU and our insights on maximizing performance while minimizing the risk of injury, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter at @velouniversity.

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In this episode, we break down why so many pitchers struggle to throw strikes when the pressure is on — and how internal language and mindset are often the root cause. You'll learn about self-fulfilling prophecies, ironic process theory, and how future- or past-focused thinking can sabotage your performance. We also cover actionable strategies to fix it both on the mound and off, including simple in-game adjustments and nightly mental exercises that can sharpen your focus over time.

Thanks for listening to this episode! To stay updated with VeloU and our insights on maximizing performance while minimizing the risk of injury, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter at @velouniversity.

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In this episode, we dive into how the landscape of college baseball recruiting is changing — and what that means for pitchers chasing velocity numbers. We discuss why the rush to hit 90 mph in high school may no longer be the only path, how the transfer portal is reshaping recruiting priorities, and why a longer-term development approach could lower injury risk and lead to better career outcomes. If you're serious about playing college baseball, this is a conversation you need to hear.

Thanks for listening to this episode! To stay updated with VeloU and our insights on maximizing performance while minimizing the risk of injury, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter at @velouniversity.

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Control issues in throwing often stem from mental barriers like anxiety and overthinking rather than mechanical flaws. Athletes can improve accuracy by focusing on the simple goal of hitting the target, using a constraints-led approach and ecological training to build confidence and consistency. By combining mental clarity with practical drills, throwers can overcome control challenges and perform more effectively.

Thanks for listening to this episode! To stay updated with VeloU and our insights on maximizing performance while minimizing the risk of injury, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter at @velouniversity.

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"Elbow flu" is a term used to describe joint inflammation in throwing athletes during or after a viral illness like a cold, caused by the body's inflammatory response. This condition can lead to joint stiffness, pain, and reduced performance, especially if athletes train at high intensities during recovery. To avoid setbacks, proceed with caution.

Thanks for listening to this episode! To stay updated with VeloU and our insights on maximizing performance while minimizing the risk of injury, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter at @velouniversity.

And if you're interested in training with VeloU, click here to learn more.

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