Why Cookie-Cutter Coaching Fails: The Biggest Mistake in Pitching Development
One of the most common mistakes in modern baseball coaching is forcing players into cookie-cutter mechanics. In this blog, you’ll learn why athlete-specific development is critical, how bad coaching leads to injury and underperformance, and what real individualized coaching should look like for pitchers and position players.
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The coaching mistake that’s holding players back
In today’s game, one of the biggest threats to player development isn’t lack of effort—it’s cookie-cutter coaching.
Too many coaches still try to force every athlete into the same mechanical model, ignoring the athlete’s natural movement patterns, arm slot, body type, and feel for the game. This outdated approach is a fast track to poor performance, frustration, and even injury.
Brannon Snead, a former college pitcher and coach, has seen the consequences firsthand. His experience as both a player and a coach proves that real development doesn’t come from conformity—it comes from personalization.
Do you agree that instruction should be tailored to the individual or should athletes should all be taught the same things? Drop your response in the comments of the video, we'd love to hear from you.
Why cookie-cutter mechanics don’t work
Every athlete moves differently. Body structure, timing, rhythm, and sequencing vary from player to player. When coaches ignore this and try to force everyone into the same delivery or swing path, they not only kill performance—they put players at risk.
Trying to "fix" what isn't broken is one of the most damaging habits in coaching. Instead of building around strengths, these programs break players down and rebuild them in a one-size-fits-all image.
According to Brannon Snead, that’s the opposite of what real coaching should be.
“We never changed a kid’s mechanics. If he was naturally a side-armer, we didn’t try to make him throw over the top. We just helped him become a better side-armer.”
Individualized coaching is the future of baseball development
Modern player development starts with individualized programming. The best coaches assess how each athlete naturally moves and build a development plan around it.
This includes:
Matching drills to movement patterns
Adjusting cue language based on how a player processes information
Creating strength and recovery programs tied to that athlete’s workload and role
This athlete-first model doesn’t just reduce injury risk—it accelerates skill development, improves buy-in, and builds confidence.
Coaching should enhance, not erase
Athletes aren’t blank slates. They come with habits, instincts, and natural athletic traits. Great coaches enhance what’s already there—not erase it.
When Brannon Snead coached under Mike Posey, the philosophy was clear: adapt to the athlete, don’t force the athlete to adapt to you. That mindset created better players, fewer injuries, and more trust in the development process.
Stop coaching systems—start coaching people
If today’s coaches want to build high-performing athletes who can compete at the next level, the era of cookie-cutter mechanics must end. It’s time to stop fitting players into systems and start building systems around players.
That’s why Sore to Soaring prioritizes individualized training, role-specific development, and coaching that meets athletes where they are—not where a textbook says they should be.
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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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