When Identity Shifts: The Mental Toll of Mechanical Changes on Pitchers
This blog highlights the often-overlooked mental impact of changing a pitcher’s mechanics. Brannon Snead shares how a shift in arm slot not only affected his physical performance—but also forced him to mentally relearn who he was on the mound. Coaches must consider how technical adjustments can reshape confidence, rhythm, and identity.
FROM TRAINING TO TRIUMPH - WHAT MILITARY AND SPORTS TEACH ABOUT LEADING, WINNING, AND GROWING IN LIFE
Coach Leo Young
4/14/20252 min read


Mechanical changes don’t just impact performance—they impact confidence, rhythm, and identity.
In this post, Brannon Snead, former college pitcher, shares the internal impact of changing from a classic over-the-top delivery to a three-quarter arm slot. It wasn’t just about movement—it was about mindset.
“When you change your mechanics, you also have to change your mindset.”
Have you ever felt like you had to completely relearn your position or mechanics? How did it affect your confidence or identity as an athlete?
Drop your thoughts in the comments on this video — we’d love to hear your story:
Brannon had spent years developing his identity as a pitcher. His motion was refined. His curveball was deadly. His command was precise. He had built a reputation—and a rhythm—that worked.
But one coaching change took him out of that rhythm. Suddenly, pitches didn’t feel the same. Timing was off. Location wasn’t as precise. Soreness replaced confidence. Even his pitch arsenal began to shift.
“It was like learning to pitch all over again—and I was just 18.”
Mechanics Affect More Than Motion
When mechanics change, the mental game must change too:
Pitch selection
Confidence in location
Feel of movement
Preparation routines
Recovery mindset
If coaches aren’t helping athletes rebuild that internal framework, the player is left to navigate frustration and confusion alone.
Protecting the Mental Game
As coaches, we often focus on mechanics and metrics—but we must also coach the mental side of development. That means:
Communicating clearly about what’s changing and why
Helping athletes rebuild confidence and rhythm
Guiding them through setbacks and soreness
Recognizing when a technical change has shaken identity
At Sore to Soaring, we believe true coaching happens at the intersection of physical and mental development. When you change how a player throws, you must also coach how they think, feel, and recover.
Key Takeaways
Mechanical changes create mental challenges
Confidence and rhythm are critical parts of performance
Coaches must guide athletes through identity shifts
Communication is essential to keeping players mentally strong
Coaching the mind is just as important as coaching the motion
Support our mission:
We’re building programs that help young athletes grow on and off the field.
Learn more or support the mission at:
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 atpeterboulwaretoyota.com.
#SoreToSoaring #SoreToSoaringPodcast #BrannonSnead #AthleteMindset #PitchingDevelopment #ThrowingMechanics #BaseballPerformance #CoachingMatters #YouthBaseball #PlayerIdentity #MentalToughness #BaseballCoaching #IndividualizedCoaching #ConfidenceMatters #MechanicsMatter #AthleteDevelopment #ArmCare #InjuryPrevention
