Change the Mechanics, Change the Mindset: How Altering a Pitcher’s Style Can Do More Harm Than Good
The adjustment was intended to add movement and conserve energy—but instead, it disrupted his mindset, altered his pitch identity, and led to constant soreness. This conversation highlights why coaching must support the individual athlete, not force everyone into a mold.
FROM TRAINING TO TRIUMPH - WHAT MILITARY AND SPORTS TEACH ABOUT LEADING, WINNING, AND GROWING IN LIFE
Coach Leo Young
4/10/20252 min read
When you change the way a pitcher throws, you don’t just change a motion—you change a mindset.
In this episode of the Sore to Soaring Podcast, I sat down with Brannon Snead, a former college pitcher, to talk about a pivotal shift in his development: how altering his natural mechanics—without explanation or context—derailed his rhythm, identity, and long-term health.
Has a coach ever changed your mechanics or training approach? How did it impact your game—positively or negatively?
Drop your thoughts in the comments on this video — we’d love to hear your story:
A Location Pitcher with a Sledgehammer Curve
Brannon was known for elite command. He had pinpoint location, a dominant 12-to-6 curveball, and rarely walked batters. He modeled his mechanics after legends like Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, throwing over-the-top with a classic over-the-head delivery.
His approach wasn’t just effective—it was part of who he was as a pitcher.
Then Everything Changed
As he entered college, a coach made a major decision: change Brannon’s mechanics from overhand to three-quarter arm slot. The goal was to conserve energy and increase movement. But no one explained the why. And Brannon, raised in a culture of respect and obedience, didn’t push back.
“If an adult told you to do something, you did it. I never questioned it.”
What followed was an unraveling:
His pitch arsenal changed—his signature curveball morphed into a slurve
His timing was thrown off—the kinetic chain didn’t flow the same way
His soreness increased—he went from never being sore in high school to being sore every day in college
And all of it came from a coaching change that never considered his natural mechanics, identity, or feedback.
Coaching Isn’t About Control—It’s About Clarity
This story is all too common in youth and college baseball:
Players are reshaped without explanation
Coaches apply one-size-fits-all models
Mechanical changes are made without mental coaching to match
And athletes are left confused, uncomfortable, or hurt
The most well-intentioned changes can cause harm if they’re not grounded in communication, biomechanics, and individualized development.
What This Teaches Us
As coaches, we must recognize that changing mechanics also changes timing, feel, and confidence. That demands a reset in mindset, preparation, and recovery. It can’t be taken lightly.
That’s why at Sore to Soaring, we don’t just teach drills—we help coaches understand how to train the whole athlete. We promote systems that are safe, individualized, and sustainable.
Because the right change at the wrong time—or in the wrong way—can cost a pitcher everything they’ve built.
Key Takeaways
Changing mechanics changes mindset and timing
Coaches must explain the “why” behind changes
Natural movement patterns should be preserved and optimized—not erased
One-size-fits-all systems lead to breakdowns in identity and performance
Great coaching means developing the athlete, not just the motion
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Disclaimer:
The views shared are those of the guest and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. This content is for informational purposes only and not medical or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before starting any exercise or throwing program. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned
If you wish to learn more about Brannon Snead’s work, visit Peter Boulware Toyota at: peterboulwaretoyota.com.
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