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Dr. Kevin McGovern unveils a groundbreaking approach to understanding and preventing Tommy John injuries through what he calls "The Tommy John Formula." This mathematical framework identifies three critical mechanical flaws that lead pitchers toward catastrophic arm injuries—drift, drag, and shrug. Each component disrupts the natural kinetic chain and places dangerous stress on the throwing arm.

The formula stems from Dr. McGovern's fundamental principle that "movement is math"—meaning there's only one biomechanically correct sequence for throwing a baseball. Everything else represents compensatory patterns that increase injury risk. Using a building analogy, he explains how many coaches focus on advanced "penthouse" exercises while neglecting foundation movement patterns, creating an unstable structure destined for collapse.

Each formula component reveals specific mechanical breakdowns. "Drift" occurs when pitchers shift their center of mass forward too early rather than properly hinging and utilizing lower body power. "Drag" involves inappropriately anchoring the back leg, preventing natural sequencing and energy transfer. "Shrug" violates proper shoulder mechanics by elevating the glove-side shoulder, creating mechanical impingement before throwing even begins.

Most alarming is how these flaws particularly endanger adolescent pitchers aged 11-18 undergoing physical changes. Dr. McGovern contrasts injured pitchers with Aroldis Chapman, who despite unconventional arm action, maintains healthy mechanics through proper sequencing and downhill acceleration. The episode underscores that functional movement capabilities must precede pitching mechanics for arm health.

Ready to protect your arm or your player's future? Visit VelocityRx.org to learn more about the Tommy John formula and access virtual training options that prioritize both performance and long-term health. Your pitching career might depend on understanding these critical biomechanical principles.

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The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.

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The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.

Send us a text

What happens when proper mechanics meet natural talent? Tyler Ruhl, a junior baseball standout from Virginia, joins Dr. Kevin McGovern to share his remarkable transformation story after implementing the VelocityRx training methodology.

Tyler recently completed a jaw-dropping 41 scoreless inning streak in high school competition while dramatically improving his arm health, recovery time, and overall performance. He takes us through his journey from being primarily a shortstop who occasionally pitched at 82 mph to becoming a versatile threat on the mound with significantly improved velocity, mechanics, and a strikeout count that has already surpassed his previous season's total.

The conversation offers fascinating insights into how movement patterns translate to game-changing results. Tyler describes his initial skepticism about the training approach, which evolved into complete buy-in as he experienced the benefits firsthand. Most impressive is his recent revelation that after throwing 70 pitches in a game, he felt capable of throwing 70 more the very next day – a level of recovery he'd never previously experienced.

Beyond pitching improvements, Tyler reveals how the training has elevated his performance across multiple positions, boosting his infield throwing velocity from 85 to 89 mph and his catching velocity from 79 to 84 mph in just months. For parents and coaches of young athletes, this episode provides compelling evidence that focusing on proper mechanics and movement patterns can simultaneously improve performance, prevent injury, and extend playing careers.

Want to learn how your young athlete can experience similar transformations? Subscribe to the VelocityRx podcast and visit our website to discover how our training methodologies are revolutionizing player development at all levels of baseball.

The Velocity Rx podcast mission is to help save one million arms by giving the very best mechanical, health, and arm care information to it's listeners.