By Praise Thorsen
Witnessing the transformation of Will Howard over the past couple of years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my coaching career thus far. My journey with Will began back in the fall of 2021, during my tenure as a graduate assistant and pitching coach at Lander University, right after I had wrapped up my own collegiate baseball career.
From our very first meeting, it was clear that Will was not just another athlete. Standing over six feet tall and weighing 200 pounds as a freshman, he had a physical presence that was hard to overlook. Coupled with impressive batting skills and an exceptional work ethic for someone his age, Will had all the raw materials necessary for a successful baseball career. However, my initial assessment also highlighted a significant need for improved mobility and coordination.
As we embarked on his developmental journey, Will's progress was both steady and impressive. He began with a fastball velocity in the mid-70s—decent for a freshman but not eye-catching. By the spring of his freshman year, he had increased his velocity to 80 MPH, and by that summer, he was consistently hitting 85 MPH. Now, as a junior, Will consistently pitches at 86-89 MPH and has even touched 90-91 MPH during games. Moreover, his arsenal has expanded; his breaking ball and changeup have developed into formidable pitches, now averaging around 78-80 MPH.
Our training approach was rigorous yet straightforward, focusing on consistency and gradual improvement. Initially, we concentrated on refining Will's lower body mechanics. We introduced several drills that corrected his linear momentum and rotational movement, which were critical for the substantial velocity gains he later achieved. One particular issue we tackled was how Will's lower half was working during his pitch. He had a tendency to 'drop and drive,' descending straight into a squat from the leg lift, which often resulted in getting stuck in hip flexion just when the pelvis needed to rotate for effective pitching.
To address this, we integrated a forward momentum drill involving a double crow hop, which helped Will feel the linear momentum he had been missing. We also worked on preventing his lead leg from collapsing by teaching him to rotate through the middle of his body using specific drills, like the hip lock at toe off and split stance throws.
Mobility was another critical focus area. Initially, Will's spine was notably compressed, which limited his range of motion and affected his performance. We established a daily spinal routine that significantly enhanced his ability to move smoothly and transition between positions effortlessly. This improvement in mobility directly influenced his throwing mechanics, making his movements more fluid and less restricted.
In the weight room, Will's inherent strength was an advantage from the start. We initially engaged in a series of landmine exercises to ensure that he was moving correctly. These exercises included a variety of movements like Romanian deadlifts, overhead presses, rows, and squats, which were paired with plyometrics and medicine ball throws to develop his explosive power. After a few months, we moved on to more traditional lifts, integrating isometrics and plyometrics to enhance his power across all planes of motion.
A pivotal aspect of Will's development was his mindset. In an era where social media is rife with promises of quick fixes and rapid improvements, Will understood the value of a long-term commitment to his training. We celebrated each milestone—from hitting 80 MPH, to 85, and then 90, and finally receiving his college offer—but these were always viewed as steps along his developmental path, not final achievements.
Today, Will is not just a pitcher; he is a standout athlete committed to D1 Wofford College, a testament to the potential that can be realized through dedicated training and a focused approach. From a promising yet raw freshman to a dominant junior hurler, Will’s journey is a profound narrative of growth and success. It highlights the transformative power of structured training, consistent effort, and a strong coach-athlete relationship.
For those inspired by Will's story, it serves as a compelling example of how disciplined training and a supportive coaching environment can significantly impact an athlete's development. As Will continues to evolve, his story will undoubtedly inspire other young athletes to embrace the rigorous path of continuous improvement and long-term development in sports. To increase your chance at playing at the next level you need guidance and the right programming. Reach out to training@connected-performance.com to get started today.
View Will's transformation here.