You Can’t Just Google It: Why Real Coaches Still Matter in Player Development
In this blog from the Sore to Soaring Podcast, Coach Leo Young and Brannon Sneed discuss the dangers of relying on internet content alone for athletic development. Brannon shares how the absence of specialized coaching in his own pitching career left a lasting impact—even as a record-holding high school pitcher. Their message is clear: information isn’t enough. Athletes still need mentors to help them apply it.
FROM TRAINING TO TRIUMPH - WHAT MILITARY AND SPORTS TEACH ABOUT LEADING, WINNING, AND GROWING IN LIFE
Coach Leo Young
3/26/20253 min read
Information Isn’t the Same as Development
We live in a world where athletes can search anything online—mechanics, drills, throwing programs, strength plans, recovery routines. Information is everywhere.
But what’s missing? Application. Guidance. Coaching.
In this episode of the Sore to Soaring Podcast, Brannon Sneed, General Manager of Peter Boulware Toyota and former high school standout pitcher, reflects on why coaches still matter now more than ever.
“You can’t just go to the internet and off you go,” Brannon says. “You still need someone to help you apply it.”
And he’s right.
In today’s digital world, young athletes have access to more training content than ever before. But without proper context or correction, those resources can be confusing, misapplied, or even dangerous—especially when it comes to pitching.
Brannon shares how he grew up in a system with plenty of good coaches—but no pitching specialists. As a result, most of what he learned was self-taught or incomplete. Despite great effort and natural talent, he never had a coach who truly understood pitching mechanics, workload management, or injury prevention.
Do you find information on the internet is difficult to apply? Tell us why or why not by dropping your response in the comments section of the videos, we'd love to hear from you.
“I Had Great Coaches—But Not Pitching Coaches”
Brannon gives credit to many mentors from his early playing days. He names standout position coaches like Matt Robinson, who played at Florida State, and longtime respected figures like Dick Ingram and Brett Richardson, now coaching again at Florida A&M.
But none of them were pitching-specific coaches—and that made a difference.
“I was lucky to have Brett Richardson,” Brannon shares. “But that was his first pitching job. There just wasn’t anyone who specialized in pitching instruction.”
That lack of specialization is still a common problem today. Many youth programs are filled with good-hearted, committed coaches—but when it comes to pitching, general coaching just isn’t enough.
From Performance to Pain
Despite the coaching gap, Brannon excelled. At Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, he became the all-time winningest pitcher, single-season strikeout leader, and career strikeout leader—records that still stand after more than 30 years.
But the success came with a cost.
As his pitching volume increased and the demands on his body grew, Brannon eventually suffered a significant arm injury that led to Tommy John surgery. He shows the scar proudly as a reminder of what happens when pitchers push too hard without the right support.
“Our bodies weren’t meant to throw like this,” he says. “What we’re doing—throwing at this velocity from that arm slot—it’s not natural. That’s why having the right coach matters.”
Coaching Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential
This isn’t just a story about Brannon’s experience—it’s a call to action for parents, coaches, and athletes everywhere.
The internet may give you ideas, but it can’t watch your mechanics, adjust your arm path, or spot dangerous movement patterns. Only a good coach can do that. And without that coaching, many athletes are setting themselves up for injury, burnout, or plateaued performance.
That’s why we emphasize this so strongly at Sore to Soaring—because real development takes more than access. It takes mentorship.
Key Takeaways
Athletes don’t need more information—they need better guidance
Pitching development requires specialized coaching, not general instruction
Internet content can’t replace personalized application and feedback
Injury prevention starts with teaching the right movements, early
Coaching is still one of the most important variables in long-term athlete success
Watch the full podcast episode:
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: peterboulwaretoyota.com.
