Creating the Confidence Loop: How Small Adjustments Lead to Big Improvements on the Mound

One of the most rewarding aspects of player development is witnessing the growth in a player’s confidence as they recognize tangible improvements in their performance. Whether it’s after a day, a week, a month, or a year of training, that moment of realization is a pivotal milestone for both the player and coach.

In the first month of working with any player, my primary goal is to establish what I call a “confidence loop.” This is achieved by providing positive, visual feedback that reflects measurable improvements in their timing and sequencing. As these changes begin to manifest in better execution on the mound, confidence builds with every successful repetition.

The process is self-reinforcing: as confidence grows during catch play, it carries over to bullpens, and eventually, it translates into in-game performance. The more success the player experiences, the more their belief in their abilities strengthens.

However, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this process. Each player is at a unique stage of their development when training begins. The true art of coaching lies in adapting to the player’s individual learning ability while keeping the ultimate goal in sight. Real change happens when a player develops a deeper awareness of their body and gains control over the inputs that influence their movements. What’s more, this progress can happen rapidly when the right approach is applied.

Take Hayden F., for example. A new pitcher in the DVS program, Hayden spent the summer dealing with arm injuries, which led him to take the fall off from competition. His goal was clear: to get healthy and prepare for the upcoming spring season.

In just 2.5 hours of in-person training, Hayden made remarkable progress. By focusing on accelerating more mass through his throw and extending his deceleration path, Hayden made key adjustments that will support his long-term goals and future velocity.

The attached video highlights Hayden’s improvement in his lower stretch angle since September 5th. You can clearly see how his enhanced understanding of sequencing has allowed his arm to come up on time, and how this adjustment—evident in his trunk position at ball release—enables him to transfer more mass into each throw. This not only results in greater power and efficiency but continues to build the all-important "confidence loop."

Most importantly, Hayden’s outward energy now reflects his growing confidence. He’s taking ownership of his development, and the excitement he feels about returning to the mound this spring is palpable.

Hayden’s story is just one example of how focusing on the right technical adjustments can quickly lead to meaningful progress, both in performance and self-belief. As confidence grows, so does a player’s ability to perform at higher levels—and that’s the ultimate goal of development.