The Breakdown in Baseball and Softball Instruction: A Call for Systematic Diagnosis and Development

Athlete Diagnosis:

Introduction The process of athlete development and performance optimization has long been hindered by a lack of structured methodologies in baseball and softball instruction. Unlike fields such as medicine or automotive repair, which operate based on systematic diagnostics and evidence-based treatments, baseball and softball coaching often bypass objective evaluation, relying instead on subjective heuristics. This article examines this issue through comparative analysis with the medical and automotive fields, emphasizing the necessity for a structured diagnostic and developmental model.

If you are not testing...YOU ARE GUESSING!

If a baseball/softball instructor is not benchmarking testing and re-testing, the value of instruction is diminished and at best guesswork. The simple start is to find the imbalance existing within the athlete and then offer instruction after ascertaining the next steps.

Comparison with the Medical Field When an individual visits a doctor, the process follows a standardized protocol: height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and other baseline vitals are recorded before any discussion about symptoms occurs. Only after these metrics are established does the physician diagnose the problem and propose a treatment plan. Furthermore, follow-up assessments ensure the efficacy of the treatment.

In contrast, baseball and softball instruction often skips these crucial steps. Coaches tend to prescribe solutions—such as mechanical tweaks or strength exercises—without first assessing an athlete's fundamental baseline metrics. This results in a trial-and-error approach rather than an evidence-based progression. Without objective diagnostics, training decisions lack precision, leading to suboptimal results and increased risk of injury. Unfortunately, athletes will get various direction when headed to their local baseball academies for instruction as they do not follow systematic protocols.

Comparison with the Automotive Field Automotive technicians operate with a similarly structured approach. When a car exhibits performance issues, a technician runs systematic diagnostics, checking tire pressure, alignment, and wear patterns before determining the best course of action. If a tire has 40 pounds of pressure while another has 20, it indicates an imbalance that must be corrected to avoid excessive wear and performance inefficiencies.

Applying this to baseball, consider a pitcher with a grip strength imbalance—100 pounds in the throwing hand and 80 pounds in the non-throwing hand. This discrepancy, much like uneven tire pressure, creates inefficiencies in movement and increases the risk of injury. Objective assessments, such as grip strength tests, broad jump measurements, and workload tracking, provide a clearer picture of an athlete’s risk factors and developmental needs.

Why is there not a systematic way to assess baseball/softball players within training facilities around the world? It is different from facility to facility, MLB program to MLB program, College Program to College Program...

Taxation and Its Role in Development A crucial concept introduced in this framework is taxation—the cumulative physical workload an athlete endures. Just as a car’s mileage dictates wear and tear, an athlete’s throwing volume, running load, and mechanical stressors accumulate over time. If taxation exceeds an athlete’s physiological thresholds, the likelihood of injury increases.

For example, a pitcher throwing 95 mph with a grip strength below 135 pounds and a broad jump under nine feet is at significant risk for injury. By establishing measurable parameters for physical preparedness, it is possible to flag at-risk athletes and intervene proactively. Test and Train Sports has identified these key numbers and provides more insight.

Establishing Parameters for Injury Prevention and Performance Through ACE capacity testing, which has been conducted on over 65,000 athletes, we have identified baseline parameters that indicate risk factors for injury and performance degradation. Just as a car is recommended to run with 35 pounds of tire pressure, athletes must meet minimum thresholds in key physical metrics to safely sustain high-level performance. If an athlete does not meet these standards, interventions must be made to correct deficiencies before significant workloads are applied.

Influencing Athlete Development Athlete development is not left to chance—it is influenced by three primary factors:

1. The choices athletes make beginning with the athlete's commitment, coping skills and ability to make adjustments
2. The decisions coaches implement
3. The environmental conditions created

By embracing a systematic, diagnostic approach, coaches can transition from guesswork to data-driven instruction, ensuring sustainable development and reduced injury rates. The time has come for baseball and softball instruction to evolve beyond tradition and embrace the methodologies that drive success in other disciplines.

The only way to accomplish progression in this arena is to test and document progression in an Athlete Management System which allows all stakeholders to contribute to the developmental journey. Test and Train Sports has the most robust and proven Athlete Management System which continues to be enhanced as more and more practitioners utilize the platform.

Test and Train Sports is building a expert panel who will be able to provide a structure to systematic processes that help standardize training so everyone can better understand the value of the trainer and the progression of the athlete.

For those committed to making this shift, contact Kelly Ahrens at testandtrainsports.com to learn how Test and Train Sports is leading the charge in structured athlete development.