The Toll of Velocity: Are You Willing to Pay the Price for Speed?
Everyone wants to throw harder. But few understand the real cost. In this Sore to Soaring Podcast episode, Coach Leo Young and Dr. Jason Zaremski (UF Health Sports Medicine) break down why velocity gains always come with a physical toll—and why chasing speed without a long-term plan can lead to burnout, injury, and regret. The Toll of Velocity: Are You Willing to Pay the Price for Speed? Velocity sells. It gets you recruited. It gets you attention. But every MPH you gain comes with a physical toll—and most players don’t know what they’re signing up for. Coach Leo Young and Dr. Jason Zaremski, MD, deliver a clear message: speed always comes at a cost. And if you're not prepared to pay it smartly, you'll pay it painfully.
INJURY PREVENTION & PERFORMANCE BUILDING STRONGER ATHLETES
Coach Leo Young
6/18/20252 min read
Speed Isn’t Complicated—But It’s Never Free
“Throwing harder isn’t that complicated,” Coach Leo says. “Velocity gyms, velocity mills—they’ve got the science dialed in. But the question is: what’s the cost?”
Just like launching a rocket or racing a car, speed comes with wear and tear. That energy has to come from somewhere—and the body eventually pays for it.
Every time you increase velocity, you increase load. On the shoulder. On the elbow. On the tendons, joints, and connective tissue.
If your mechanics, recovery, and physical base aren't solid, something gives. Eventually.
If you knew velocity training would increase your injury risk, would you still do it? Drop your answer in the video comments.
The Risk Grows as You Rise
“The higher you climb, the more you push,” Dr. Z says. “And when that demand outpaces your foundation—your recovery, your strength, your movement patterns—you’re at risk.”
The problem? Too many players are trying to throw like professionals before their bodies are even close to ready. They’re mimicking the outputs without earning the structure.
This isn’t fear-mongering. It’s physics. You can’t cheat the stress curve.
“You must pay a toll for speed,” Leo says. “You just have to. The only question is how you pay it—and whether it’s worth it.”
What the Scouting World Already Knows
Back in the ‘90s, the phrase was simple:
“Give me a stallion and I’ll teach him how to run.”
Velocity has always been king—but development takes time, balance, and perspective.
Too many young athletes are skipping the long game in exchange for short-term fireworks—and they’re blowing up their future in the process.
Key Takeaways for Players and Coaches
✅ Velocity gains increase stress—it’s not optional
✅ The toll may not show up today—but it always shows up
✅ Training for speed without recovery is asking for injury
✅ Your mechanics, strength, and recovery must evolve with your velocity
✅ Everyone pays for speed—the smart ones just pay differently
How Sore to Soaring Builds Speed Without Sacrifice
At Sore to Soaring, we don’t chase numbers—we build athletes.
Yes, we train for velocity—but only when the base is solid, the mechanics are sharp, and the recovery is in place. Because throwing hard isn’t the goal—throwing hard and staying healthy is.
Support our work at: www.SoreToSoaring.org
Disclaimer
The views shared in this article are for informational purposes only and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. Always consult a qualified professional before implementing any training, recovery, or medical plan. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned.
To learn more about Dr. Jason Zaremski and UF Health Sports Medicine, visit:
https://ufhealth.org
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#ArmCare #YouthBaseball #SmartTraining #ThrowingMechanics
#InjuryPrevention #LongTermAthleteDevelopment
