Erik Johnson & Aaron Thigpen - The Brand & The Source: Recent Episodes

Aaron Thigpen & Erik Johnson

Straight talk on the culture of sport, athletic development and sports performance. For athletes, parents coaches, trainers and anyone enthusiastic about the current state of youth, high school and college sports.

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In this episode, Coaches EJ and Aaron discuss the concept of the "guru" in the fitness and training industry. They share insights on how to identify legitimate experts versus those who may be more focused on popularity and marketing than actual results.

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In the world of youth athletics, it's easy for parents to find themselves caught up in a never-ending cycle of training, tournaments, and travel. The allure of the "next big thing" can lead families down a path of endless commitments, sacrificing time, money, and energy in pursuit of athletic success. However, as Coaches EJ and Aaron discuss, it's crucial to take a step back and evaluate the real cost of this intense training regimen.

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In this episode of the "Champions are Built" podcast, hosts Coach EJ and Coach Aaron discuss the importance of having a "Reason for Every Season" when planning an athlete's annual calendar. They provide insights on navigating the complex youth sports landscape, avoiding overspecialization, and developing well-rounded athletes.

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In this episode, hosts Coach EJ and Coach Aaron discuss the common pitfalls that can slow down an athlete's development, including the tendency to chase "magic beans" (quick fixes), having too many cooks in the kitchen (too many conflicting voices), and not being "all in" on their chosen path. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, defining a clear development process, and maintaining discipline and consistency.

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In this episode, hosts Coach EJ the Brand and Coach Aaron the Source discuss the growing trend of excessive celebrations in sports and how it is impacting the essence of the games. They explore potential reasons behind this phenomenon, including the influence of social media, the commercialization of sports, and the changing attitudes of younger generations. The hosts also delve into the broader issue of sports becoming more about entertainment than the pure love of the game.

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Establishing a Strategic Social Media Approach for Student-Athletes

As the world of sports recruitment evolves, an athlete's online presence has become a crucial component of the process. In this podcast, we'll explore the optimal timing and best practices for student-athletes to establish their digital footprint and leverage social media as a tool for connecting with coaches and showcasing their talents.

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The Dangers of Gamifying Athletic TrainingPrioritizing Numbers Over Substance in Youth Sports

In the world of youth sports, there has been a concerning trend towards the "gamification" of training, where the focus has shifted from developing well-rounded athletes to chasing arbitrary numbers and statistics. This shift, as discussed by coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen, is having a detrimental effect on the competitive spirit and long-term development of young athletes.

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Unlocking the Art of Sports: Embracing Intuition, Awareness and FlowExploring the Intersection of Science and Art in SportsIn this insightful conversation, renowned sports performance expert Alan Jaeger shares his unique perspective on the importance of blending the scientific and artistic aspects of athletic development.Related Podcast- Playing Free https://youtu.be/vqmHnIqR_hY#mentalpracticeplans #alanjaeger #thriveonthrowing #norcalbaseball #robbruno #SportsPsychology #AthleteMindset #collegebaseball #elitebaseball #youthbaseball #youthsports #highschoolsports #d1ncaacollegebaseball #d1collegebaseballbaseball #d1football #transferportal #littleleaguebaseball #littleleague #championsarebuilt

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🎙️ Ready to dive into the world of athlete exposure? 🌟 In our latest episode, Coach Ej and Coach Aaron unpack the importance of proper exposure for athletes.

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In this podcast episode of "Champions are Built," Coach EJ and Aaron discuss the importance of confidence in athletes, why some lack confidence, and how to nurture and develop confidence in players. They delve into the significance of creating an environment that fosters honest confidence, the role of communication in building confidence, and the impact of competition on an athlete's mindset. The conversation emphasizes the need for honest assessments, feedback that builds up rather than breaks down, and setting realistic expectations to help athletes thrive.

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The Changing Landscape of Performance TrainingAaron & EJreflect on the evolution of performance training over the past three decades. They note how the once-specialized and premium nature of this training has become increasingly commercialized and commonplace. This shift has led to a "mass mentality" where athletes and parents often treat performance training like a gym membership, lacking the necessary commitment and engagement for it to be truly effective.

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Protecting Young Arms: The Pitch Count Dilemma in BaseballNavigating the Risks of Overuse Injuries in Youth and Professional BaseballIn the ever-evolving world of baseball, the debate surrounding pitch count and arm health has taken center stage. As coaches, trainers, and athletes grapple with the delicate balance between performance and injury prevention, it's crucial to understand the nuances of this pressing issue.

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From Island to the Gridiron: The Inspiring Journey of Eteva Mauga Clements Overcoming Obstacles, Chasing NFL Dreams

Etiva Mauga Clements, better known as "Va," has had an extraordinary journey from his small island home in American Samoa to the collegiate football fields of the United States. In this insightful interview, Va shares his story of perseverance, determination, and the unwavering drive that has carried him towards his aspirations of playing professional football.

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"""🎙️ Pack mentality: the invisible force that shapes athletes' decisions and limits their potential. Let's dive into why following the herd might not lead to success. 🏆

SportsPsychology #AthleteMindset

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In a recent podcast episode of "Champions Are Built," hosts Coach Eric Johnson (EJ) and Coach Aaron Thigpen had a thought-provoking conversation with Greg Tella, the President of Sports Social Network and former strength and conditioning coach for the San Jose Earthquakes. The discussion delved into various aspects of youth sports, the importance of competitiveness, and the challenges faced by young athletes in today's sports environment.

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A conversation with hometown athlete Isiaiah Foskey and his journey to the NFL.

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In this podcast episode, Coach Eric Johnson and his co-host discuss the topic of being cut from a sports team and how athletes can turn this experience into an opportunity for growth and improvement. They share a story of a player who used being cut as motivation to work harder and eventually earn a scholarship. The hosts emphasize the importance of learning from being cut, reinventing oneself, using the time to improve skills, and developing a competitive mindset. They discuss the concept of earning opportunities in sports and the need for continuous improvement

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In this podcast episode, Coach Eric Johnson and Aaron discuss what to do after making the baseball team and how to earn playing time. They emphasize the importance of hard work, mindset, and consistency throughout the season to secure a spot on the field. The conversation touches on topics such as understanding roles, making a good impression, staying patient, and adding value to the team.

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A conversation on the great chase for pitching velocity

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Athletes, it's not just about mechanics, it's about inner reflection.

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🎙️ Excited to welcome Major League pitcher, Robert Stevenson, on today's podcast. From high school athlete to pro player, he's got a lot to share about his journey and the keys to his success. Stay tuned for some valuable insights.

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Mastery is more than a number... its a mindset

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Training smarter versus training harder has many different meanings.

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Coping with the inevitability of failure in sports.

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Want success? Discipline should permeate all facets of your life.

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What are your off season plans for spring success?

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🤔👶Is there a perfect age to start training young athletes? Coaches EricJohnson & Aaron Thigpen share perspectives on physical and cognitive development and when kids can comprehend and handle sports training. #YouthSports #Development #AthleteTraining"

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We talk the state of girls fastpich softball.

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Im seeing more kids who play sports who aren't athletic, what's up with that?

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With the new normal , when do you take steps towards college development.

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What are the Five Tools in baseball? what do they mean?

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What's in a title, not much when it comes to youth sports

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Are you vested for the long run?

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What to do when your school changes it's mind

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What, when, where on the recruiting calendar

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Are you surrounding yourself with the right people?

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Getting all the pieces to fit together

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Useful strategy or mistake?


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Do you have the next level mentality?

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Time on, Time off, Recharge Reset, what to do with the coming off season.


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The difference between them and you.


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Changing bodies may mean change of plans and expectations.


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Dont think this is the answer reverse power grab maybe.


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Sun, fun and injuries


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Albiet well intended should parents be coaching/training their athletes.


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Back in April the NCAA ruled that only high school juniors have the ability to verbal commit.


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Hall of Fame Fighter Andre Ward gives his insight on what it takes to become a champion.

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Are parents lighting the competitive fire or extinguishing it?

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Summer is approaching fast, what are you doing to be ready for it?

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Emotions run high in championship situations, how do you handle them?

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The proper form of resistance training can be beneficial at any age

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Things to consider when choosing your showcase

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What is the current state of african american participation in baseball. Where's it headed?

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Being transparent about your athlete's learning challenges can make for a better coach-athlete relationship

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Spring try outs are here, are you ready?

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Whose working with your kid? 

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Improperly learned habits can stifle development 

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How many teams should you be playing on at one time?

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Rob Bruno  the "god-father "of travel ball. We discuss travel baseball where its been and where its going. For better or worse.

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Are you really ready to embrace what your coach or trainer is doing? You may have to leave your notions behind.

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Two of the most powerful words in an athletes vocabulary, we explain why.


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We speak with Tyson Ross nine year veteran MLB pitcher. 


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We talk about the state of travel baseball, where it's been and maybe where it's going. 


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What are the top three questions most commonly posed to our hosts in regards to speed training and hitting.


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We speak with this father of two one entering college baseball and an eleven year old just starting his journey. How will the second time around be different or the same?


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Adam is the president/ceo of Northern California Tournament Baseball. The largest provider of youth baseball tournaments. We talk about the current state of travel baseball.


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Jason is the father of 13 year old Kai Watts, we speak with him about their journey in youth baseball so far. We cover travel ball, tourneys, coaches, training and much more.


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Just dating until they put a ring on it.


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Are you just waiting for the coaches to call? Is there more you can do to get recruited?


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We explore the meaning and importance of rest and recovery in its many forms. 


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A conversation with local product Makai Polk recently signed wide receiver with the Baltimore Ravens.


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Training on the road is important but theres more to it than just dumbbells and treadmills.


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We speak with pitcher Noah Zirkle who has signed with Fresno State. His journey ver the past two years. 


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Unorganized, haphazard, disconnected, know when your trainings junk.


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Whats the makeup of todays high school athlete?


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Is playing n multiple teams hurting your athletes development?


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What shoulda rest day look like? Let's explore the range of activities and how they are best used.


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Want to get faster? Join the track team or find a speed trainer?


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How to get off the bench and into the game.


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We talk with father and son Nyzaiah and  Diaunte Thompson. Nyzaiah has signed a baseball scholarship with Cal State Fullerton. We discuss the what it's like, the process and how they navigated it.  


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Are leaders born or built? You can develop the qualities that make you a influencer on your team.  


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With so many things to do, how do you get it all done. Planning and prioritizing your workload. 


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Stuck in JV purgatory?  What are your chances and what can you do to be a viable college prospect. Erik Johnson and Aaron Thigpen provide some advice and counsel to athletes and parents. You are listening to The Brand and The Source 


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How would you describe your athletes performance. Is it constrained, paralyzed by analysis? Is their love for the game still strong and fun? More importantly, does it show?


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How do athletes handle pressure?  Where does it come from? Is it just a matter of perspective? Let's talk about it. Erik Johnson & Aaron Thigpen The Brand and The Source


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How do athletes handle pressure?  Where does it come from? Is it just a matter of perspective? Let's talk about it. 


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Parents and athletes should have an understanding of the training process in order to assist it and have the proper expectations.


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Parents and athletes should have an understanding of the training process in order to assist it and have the proper expectations. 


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The effects of covid continue to reverberate through collegiate sports, has it changed the recruiting process for good? How should an athlete view the process, how can they best position themselves?


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What does it mean to be a student of your sport. What do our athletes know, how can coaches impart information and what can parents do to improve their athletes knowledge.


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What does it mean to be a student of your sport. What do our athletes know, how can coaches impart information and what can parents do to improve their athletes knowledge.  


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Spring training is coming up, what shape is your arm in? 


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It's about six weeks until the spring season. What type of shape is your arm in? is it ready?


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Rejection is part of the recruiting process, how will you handle it?


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Whats the appropriate response?


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What are they really worth?


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Do you really match up with the schools you go in front of?


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Is the competitive season detraining your athlete?


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Parents you can be affecting your athletes performance. 


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Most successful athletes learn how to bet on themselves.


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What's more important, development or winning? 


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The implications of professionalism and social media, what can athletes take away from the Jon Gruden story. 


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Quick fixes don't lead to long term development.


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Listener question - What should the typical day look like for a aspiring D1 athlete?


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Do you have the right stuff? What does it take to be a top USA prospect. 


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12yrs old crucial but not critical. Survey the sports landscape and prepare to make the right decisions.  


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Handling weaknesses, athlete intensity, engagement, intent and even "copious notes" this episode has it all. 


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Hey freshman are your ready for High School sports?


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Training for purpose not reps. Instead of counting, make it count. 


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With the backdrop of covid19 and all that it has entailed, how can athletes regain and maintain their competitive spirit this late in the summer. 


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The landscape of prep sports is changing, is it for the better?


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Get the most out of your travel season without compromising performance.


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Building a champion starts at home


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Were halfway through the summer and were seeing signs of burnout already. What can you do to finish strong. 


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Junior College can be just what the developing athlete needs. 


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Is grit, competitiveness innate or can it be instilled in our athletes. 


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What do you do when your hurt? Handling an injury starts with good communication.


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Is your athlete moving like a baby giraffe, Bambi? When growth spurts and athleticism don't mix.  


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The transient nature of moving from coach to coach, trainer to trainer, team to team doesn't serve you well. Give things time and commit to the process. 


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Coaches, parents, trainers...How can an athlete properly navigate all the "well meaning" voices in his athletic life? Can they spoil the mental makeup?


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With the return to play and the rush to perform, many athletes are experiencing arm problems. 


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In a rush to get back to competition many athletes are experiencing the effects of overtraining. 


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After being of for a year how do athletes gather and maintain focus and concentration?


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Parents and athletes make the mistake of interchanging one for the other. As a result, eighty percent of most high school scholarship athletes are not ready for college workouts.  


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Do you have the proper approach to your day to day practice.


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After a long lay off due to covid19, athletes are returning to competition. They need to keep in mind the risks involved. 


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Does your athlete have the mental agility to be a successful athlete. 


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How can athletes handle frustration. 


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Time to return to play. Things are opening up? What type of performance do you expect? Ready for the good and the bad? 


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Being All In, What it Really Means.


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How can parents source out reliable information, from organizations, coaches, teams, to bleacher gossip. 


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What is "showcasing"? Some important things to know before attending one. In our Area? Check out our Showcase Prep class: https://conta.cc/3b2T8fZ


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We speak with a homegrown bay area athlete Robert Stephenson of the Colorado Rockies.


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We discuss the differences you may find in travel teams. What's important to you?  


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Limited time, resources, dealing with Covid, how should athletes spend their time? practicing or training?


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What can you do to make your daily routine fun?


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Be selective if you choose a training partner. There are different types of compatibility.


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Locked down, shutdown, whatever your situation. Here's each of out top three picks for  equipment an athlete should purchase. 


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What's more important? Size or Speed? 


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Short term fix or long term development?


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Like any other good relationship the one with your coach/trainer should evolve.   


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What do you say when you run into a recruiter. You don't need the big sell. They are people just like everyone else. 


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What you say or even don't say can color your coaches perception of you and effect your training and opportunities.


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It doesn't take hardcore training but you should have a plan in place if you want to play high school sports. 


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We discuss the pros and cons of private and group training.  What's best for your athlete?


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There are many reasons why an athlete may not reach their potential. Some are under your control. Lets discuss them. 


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Lets explore how to make the transition from perfect practice to perfect play. 


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Athleticism allows athletes to achieve and perform higher levels of in sport skills. Set a foundation of general functional fitness, then basic athleticism and watch the skillset grow. Our first FB Live  podcast.


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Failure is a part of sports. How do you handle it?


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Knowledge , Communication and Awareness can reduce the risk of injury.


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Is it a good thing for our young athletes to copy the professionals. Well yes and No.


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Its 9 months into the year. What adjustments can the Covid restricted athlete make to be game ready.


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Passing the eye test, more than just a look. Having a body that works is more important than just looking the part. 


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We chat about four common denominators  of champions. They all just happen to begin with the letter C.


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We discuss some of the most common flaws we observe in athletes hitting and running.


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We discuss what it takes to pursue your college athletic dreams. When is it too late and what you need to do give yourself the best shot.   


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Who? What? Where? When? How? We talk about taking a holistic or overview approach to developing young athletes.


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Intent, approach your work with the proper intent and you can make any program work for you. Its not magic, its not talent, its a decision, well within every athletes ability. A mindset with the proper intent can only be successful. 


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Covid's not going away anytime soon. So Is it Worth playing games during the pandemic? Who should? Who Shouldn't? What are the cost? We sit down and "do the math". A brief discussion on both sides of the issue.  


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Velocity is crucial to be competitive at the plate. We explore its importance.


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What's the most effective way to use social media platforms for recruitment. We take a look and provide some simple strategies. 


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Covid19 is here, how does the high school athlete navigate the pandemic. 


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We explore which is better, club, or school? 


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How to pick the right organization for your athlete. 


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What skills should  take priority to make sure your athlete is on the right trajectory for success.


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Listen to an insightful conversation on developing today's baseball hitters from your hosts Erik Johnson and Aaron Thigpen.


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The importance of running and how this foundational athletic skill affects baseball playing performance. 


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How are athletes handling the new normal in the covid19 environment. Are they ready for what comes next?


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Hardball Athletics newest addition. Hailey is a former college coach (Wichita State) and shortstop for the New Zealand national team. She will be providing instructional services in fielding and hitting to softball athletes.


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Some advice on how to properly get ready for the coming summer season. Especially if you have not prepared.


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What is the formula for success? It's simpler than you think, Take a listen.


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With the possibility of games and tournaments up in the air, how can athletes stay sharp .


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Beware The Man Selling Magic Beans - Gadgets, Gimmicks and Your Money

If you want it there's somebody willing to sell it. Hard earned money can easily be spent on the "golden goose" or you can end up with a "goose egg". Be a discerning consumer in today's age of latest and greatest gadgets and programs


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Answers how parents may go about helping their athletes go through the "being seen" process.


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Joe is one of the pitching instructors at Gamespeed Sports. He takes a common sense approach to teaching athletes how to throw and pitch, emphasizing proper mechanics, a solid foundation, and proper pre & post throwing practices. 


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