Unlocking Peak Performance: Elliot Gallegos’ Journey to 95 MPH and Beyond
By Mason Feole
In the world of elite pitching, progress is rarely linear. Elliot Gallegos' journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and expert coaching. Over the fall and winter, we've continuously remapped, refocused, and retooled Elliot's training, staying committed to the data and our belief that it held the key to unlocking his potential. By making strategic adjustments along the way, Elliot has transformed into a formidable pitcher, consistently hitting the 95 MPH mark. His story highlights the importance of individualized training and the impact it can have on reaching new heights in performance.
Addressing the Planes: Creating a Passive Whip
Elliot initially had a tendency to come out of his pitching plane, hindering his performance. Our first step was to rematch his plane, allowing for a more passive whip and enabling his arm to work in harmony with his body’s rotation. Early in his training, Elliot focused on isolated upper-half throwing to rediscover his plane. This adjustment resulted in an impressive early jump, with Elliot hitting 89 MPH on flat ground.
Directing the Unwind: A Curvilinear Path
Next, we worked on directing Elliot's unwind forward, creating a more curvilinear path. This adjustment improved his upper half's ability to send energy forward, optimizing his throw. Previously, Elliot tried to generate force by jumping away from the rubber with his back leg, which left him in a position where he was merely accepting the force rather than utilizing it effectively.
Refining Ground Force Utilization
To address this, Elliot spent considerable time on exercises that encouraged him to gain less ground and allow his back leg to contribute more during the pitching motion. This adjustment helped him harness the ground force better, leading to more efficient energy transfer and improved performance.
Troubleshooting and Fine-Tuning
A FaceTime session last week allowed us to troubleshoot a few remaining issues. The goal was to help Elliot understand how and when to apply intent within his new progressions. Part of this involved recognizing how vision and viewpoint affect movement. From greater distances, Elliot tended to gain more ground, moving further toward his target. By incorporating higher effort throwing from different ranges, he realized that sometimes, less can actually produce more.
Putting It All Together
After integrating these adjustments, Elliot hit 93.4 MPH on flat ground and got back to the 95 MPH range on the slope. Following his first time hitting 95, consistency became the name of the game. Elliot doubled down on his efforts, owning the new movements we had solidified in his training.
Mastering Secondary Pitches
Elliot also showcased his ability to master secondary pitches. His changeup (CH) flashed at (9,23) from 82-84 MPH, and he demonstrated a true sweeper shape at (3.9, -20.7) at 80 MPH. These pitches added another layer to his already impressive arsenal, proving his versatility and skill as a pitcher.
Patience and Precision
One of the most significant improvements in Elliot's game has been his increased patience within his throw. He has learned to time his intent effectively and use gravity to his advantage, moving away from early extension and jumpy patterns that previously caused him to lose the ability to launch late. As a result, his velocity results have become more consistent, with Elliot sitting at 94-95 MPH and touching 97 MPH in bullpen sessions.
A High-Level D1 or Pro Arm
Elliot Gallegos continues to prove that he is a high-level Division 1 or professional arm. With plenty of college eligibility left, any team that recruits Elliot is getting a true weapon. His dedication, adaptability, and relentless work ethic make him an invaluable asset to any program.
Join the Journey: Elevate Your Performance
Elliot’s journey to 95 MPH and beyond is a powerful reminder that progress is not always linear, but with the right approach and mindset, incredible achievements are within reach. At our training facility, we specialize in crafting individualized training programs that unlock each athlete's full potential. Our data-driven approach, combined with expert coaching, ensures that every player receives the attention and guidance they need to succeed.
Are you ready to elevate your performance and join the ranks of elite athletes like Elliot Gallegos? Don’t miss out on the opportunity to train with us and take your game to the next level. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve your athletic goals.