Performance vs Preservation: Why Coaches Must Protect What’s Already Working
This blog explores the fine line between improvement and interference. Brannon Snead’s story reveals how even well-meaning coaching decisions can disrupt a pitcher’s strengths if the focus shifts from preserving what works to fixing what isn’t broken. Development is important—but preserving identity and protecting health must come first.
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Don’t Fix What’s Not Broken
There’s a difference between helping an athlete grow and unintentionally breaking down what already works.
In this post, we continue our conversation with Brannon Snead, former college pitcher, who shares how a well-meaning change to his pitching mechanics caused more disruption than development—and why coaches must be careful not to trade performance for problems.
Has a coach ever changed something that was already working for you? Did it help—or hold you back?
Drop your answer in the comments on this video — we’d love to hear your experience:
Elite command
Devastating 12-6 curveball
Classic over-the-top delivery modeled after Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens
Scouts noticed. College recruiters came. No one questioned his mechanics—because they were effective.
But in college, his motion was changed without warning. The goal was to improve efficiency and conserve energy, but the result was soreness, disruption, and performance inconsistency.
“I was known for being a location pitcher… but when you change how you throw, you’ve got to reset your mindset, too.”
Changing Mechanics Isn’t Always Progress
Sometimes, change is necessary. But sometimes, change is just unnecessary interference—especially when there’s no explanation, no athlete input, and no supporting structure to back it up.
Coaches must be careful not to chase improvement at the cost of identity.
What Coaches Must Consider
Before changing an athlete’s mechanics, ask:
Are we solving a problem that actually exists?
Will this change help this individual, or is it just part of a template?
How will this impact their mindset, recovery, and long-term development?
Are we communicating clearly and preparing them to adapt properly?
At Sore to Soaring, we teach coaches how to make purposeful, athlete-specific decisions—not changes for change’s sake.
Key Takeaways
Great coaching includes knowing when not to make changes
Preserving what works is just as important as teaching what’s new
Change should never come without communication and athlete buy-in
A player’s identity matters—respect it before you reshape it
Development should be personalized, not standardized
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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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