Patrick Jones Baseball

In this episode, Patrick dives into Timing. More importantly, where in their swing are they off-time? We break down the key phases of a swing—gather, forward move, launch position, and contact—to help hitters understand what it means to be ‘on time.’Key Discussion Points: What Does It Mean to Be ‘On Time’?We explore the definition of timing, emphasizing the importance of selecting the precise moment for optimal effect. Whether a hitter has good or sub-optimal mechanics influences when they make contact, ideally in line with their front foot. Three Timing Checkpoints:Release Point: The highest point of the hitter’s gather coincides with the pitcher’s release. This is a crucial moment where rhythm, movement, and mentality play a significant role.Launch Position: The hitter’s front heel should land on the ground when the ball is 2/3rds of the way to home plate. Issues like late upper body load or losing hip load can disrupt timing here.Contact Point: A good contact point with proper mechanics versus dragging or drifting the barrel, leading to sub-optimal performance.Exaggeration Drills for Timing:For hitters who are early: try getting jammed or taking a 50% swing.For those who are late: focus on pulling a home run or aiming to do damage. These drills help adjust timing and mechanics.Perspective on Failure:We discuss the mindset of failing as a hitter. Do you want to fail with fear and anxiety, or with aggression and preparedness? Your approach to failure can influence your path to improvement.Visuals and Drills:Practical drills like machine batting practice with feet spread out and taking 50% swings are highlighted to reinforce proper timing and mechanics. Gradually reintroducing movement while focusing on minimal lower half engagement can lead to better results.Conclusion:The episode wraps up by reinforcing the importance of understanding timing checkpoints—gather, launch, and contact—along with the value of exaggeration in practice, maintaining the right perspective, and using drills to refine a hitter’s timing and mechanics.Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

This week, Patrick Jones, @pjonesbaseball on Twitter, sits down with Ben Clemens, @ben_clemens on Twitter. Ben is a writer at Fangraphs. In this episode, they talk about the biggest winners and losers at the trade deadline, how to analyze players using data, and Ben's writing process. Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

In this episode, Patrick Jones, @pjonesbaseball on Twitter, discusses how to game plan against pitchers to maximize hitters' success at the plate.4 steps to creating a game plan: Identify the Type of PitcherCategorize pitchers into three types: roll-out-of-bed, double-take, and a dude based on their pitching abilities.Adjust hitting approach based on the type of pitcher faced. Analyze Pitcher TendenciesLook at strikeout-to-walk ratios to determine aggressiveness at the plate.Understand how pitchers start and finish hitters to develop a game plan. Study Pitch MovementsUtilize movement plots to educate hitters on pitch movements.Differentiate between east-west and north-south pitchers to adjust hitting strategy. Create Individualized PlansTailor game plans for each hitter based on their understanding of pitch movements.Emphasize sticking to the plan to beat the pitcher and avoid falling into their traps.Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contact The Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THC Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com Listen to the Patrick Jones Baseball Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456b Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

Patrick Jones, a former hitting coach in the Baltimore Orioles organization and founder of Patrick Jones Baseball, discusses swing decisions. In this episode, Patrick breaks down the definition of the strike zone, how to improve swing decisions, MLB hitters who have improved their swing decisions, and drills you can do with your hitters to help them improve their swing decisions.Hit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contactThe Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/THCWebsite: https://patrickjonesbaseball.comListen to the Patrick Jones Baseball PodcastiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456bFollow us on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

Episode 351: Patrick Jones (https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseball) explains 6 different ways to help hitters hit slow pitching.Timestamps:[00:51] Managing Expectations[04:17] Shrinking the Zone[08:15] Overcoming the Challenge of Slow Pitching[09:48] Balancing Aggression, Exaggerating Approach, and Staying Relaxed[12:57] Be Specific[14:11] Sacrificing an At-Bat[18:47] Practice Being LateA-Rod HRHit with us in Cincinnati, Ohio: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/contactThe Hitting Chronicle Newsletter: https://www.patrickjonesbaseball.com/...Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.comListen to the Patrick Jones Baseball PodcastiTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-jones-baseball/id1282221540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lHQfrNNuqleXaMzgqr1kS?si=34f7ef6c4147456bFollow us on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjonesbaseballTwitter: https://twitter.com/pjonesbaseballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjonesbaseballLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jones-b388a484/

In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones and Jared Gaynor delve into the intricacies of pitch development and design. Jared emphasizes mastering the fastball before introducing offspeed pitches to young pitchers, suggesting a focus on the four-seam fastball. He advocates for teaching sliders before curveballs due to their higher velocity and easier command. The discussion also covers pitch movement profiles—north-south, east-west, and combo—and the importance of spin rate. Jared introduces his course "Pitch Design U," aimed at providing coaches and players with actionable insights into pitch movement, grips, and analytics. The episode highlights a strategic, data-driven approach to pitching.Timestamps:[05:00] At what age should kids throw curveballs?[10:31] Slider vs. Curveball[14:11] Movement plots[17:27] Understanding pitch movement[18:20] Pitch profiles[23:55] Understanding spin and movement[30:55] Spin Rate[33:06] Advice for hitters[34:25] Pitching at different levels[35:09] Data for off-speed pitches[39:20] Pitch Design CourseFollow Jared Gaynor on Twitter: @PitchingCoachUJared's New Pitch Design Course: https://www.pitchingcoachu.com/a/2147874657/zexGvH52

In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones continues his conversation with hitting coach Mike Brumley, delving deeper into baseball hitting mechanics. Brumley advocates for a focus on ribcage loading. He also discusses the misconceptions around hip hinges and loading the back hip, emphasizing the importance of non-verbal cues and the use of specialized training tools to improve hitting skills. Brumley shares insights from his experience coaching professional players.TIMESTAMPS:[03:53] Hip Hinge and Leverage[10:04] Exit Velocity and Launch Angle[16:58] Identifying Hitting Flaws[19:15] Approach and Plan[21:35] Preparation Routines[28:34] Developing Hitting Skills[36:50] Analogies for Hitting[39:15] Benefits of Training ToolsMike Brumley Website: https://brumbands.com/

In this episode, Patrick Jones interviews Mike Brumley, a seasoned baseball coach with a rich 40-year career. Brumley shares his expertise in coaching hitters at various levels, from high school to the majors. They discuss the emotional aspects of hitting, the transition challenges for high school players, and the mental approach to the game. Brumley introduces a grading system for at-bats and emphasizes strategic game planning. He also offers unconventional insights into hitting mechanics, stressing stability and leverage over hip rotation, and the importance of the thoracic spine. Brumley's perspective challenges traditional coaching methods, advocating adaptability and a progressive mindset.TIMESTAMPS:[02:03] Differences in Working with Players[10:55] Judging At-Bat Success[18:18] Game Planning[23:04] Developing a Hitting Philosophy[25:53] Understanding Pitcher Tendencies[32:55] Contrarian Views on Hitting Mechanics[37:30] Rotation and Separation[38:30] Understanding Hip Rotation[40:30] Impact of Body MechanicsMike Brumley Website: https://brumbands.com/

In this podcast episode, Patrick Jones interviews Mike Cunliffe, head coach of the Seattle Speed Track Club, about enhancing athlete speed. Cunliffe emphasizes the role of biomechanics, power-to-weight ratio, and proper recovery in improving performance. He discusses the importance of deadlifts, managing central nervous system fatigue, and specific training for base running in baseball. Cunliffe shares his coaching background, the impact of structural issues on performance, and the significance of cellular optimization for recovery. He offers practical advice for coaches with limited resources, including plyometric exercises and intelligent training management.Timestamps: [03:11]  Max Velocity Mastery and Unlocking Athletic Potential in Baseball[15:34] Strategies for Endurance and Sprint Performance[17:12] Cutting-Edge Recovery Techniques[20:14] In-Season Training[27:48] Power-to-Weight Ratio[29:33] Biomechanics and Acceleration[33:00] Training Schedule and Neural Stress[37:02] Mike Cunliffe's Background in Track and Field Coaching[40:29] Biomechanics for Base Running[44:55] Sprinting Prime and Training Methodologies[47:20] Biomechanics and Force Application in Running[50:07] Body Realignment and Injury Management[54:24] Recovery and Cellular Optimization[58:07] Weight Room Protocols for High School Coaches[01:10:20] Plyometric and Speed Training for Baseball Players[01:14:21] Biomechanics of Sprinting[01:18:14] Contacting Coach Mike Cunliffe