Headfirst's newest instructional pitching DVD, Pitch Like a Pro: Headfirst Fundamentals of Pitching displays the latest theories on the pitching delivery, explained efficiently in language that coaches and pitchers of all ages and abilities will understand. Also included are explanations and demonstrations of the best pitching drills to correct common mechanical flaws, strength and conditioning exercises, as well as bonus footage of a pitching question & answer session with Matt Whiteside, our 17-year professional veteran.
Learn the big-league secrets to:
Achieving proper foot positioning
Mastering gloveside positioning and stabilization
Maintaining proper hip and shoulder stabilization
Testing and developing balance and core strength - the key to successful pitching!
Plus: learn muscle memory drills, and high-repetition, low-stress drills you can do at home
The DVD features both Matt and Headfirst Director Brendan Sullivan. Brendan pitched at Stanford University for three years and then in the San Diego Padres organization for five years, through AAA. Matt is a current professional who has pitched in the Major Leagues during parts of ten seasons with the Blue Jays, Rangers, Phillies, Padres and Braves and also in Mexico, Japan and Venezuela.
The Headfirst Pitching DVD is perfect for pitchers from Little League to the Big Leagues!
Nowhere in the country will you find better instruction than from Headfirst Sports. Any young man, parent or coach interested in developing the mental and physical characteristics of a top level ballplayer will benefit enormously from the Headfirst DVD's.
- Josh Byrnes, General Manager Arizona Diamondbacks
Headfirst Pitching Video Instructors
Brendan Sullivan
Headfirst Director Brendan Sullivan is a 1996 graduate of Stanford University. As a pitcher for the Cardinal, Brendan participated in three NCAA regional tournaments and the 1995 College World Series, leading the team in saves and appearances during his sophomore season. In 1995 Brendan was selected Reliever of the Year in the Cape Cod Summer League. Drafted in the 26th round in 1996, Brendan signed with the San Diego Padres. He played minor league baseball for 5 years and was promoted to the Triple-A Las Vegas Stars his last two seasons. Brendan currently serves as Director of Headfirst Baseball and coordinates the Headfirst Gamers, a Washington, DC based developmental and select baseball program for ages 8 thru 18. In 2004, Brendan was named a National Double-Goal Coach of The Year award winner, presented by the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA).
Matt Whiteside
Missouri native Matt Whiteside is a current MLB pitcher with the Toronto Blue Jays. Whiteside is a 17-year veteran to the big leagues, with stopovers in Texas, Philadelphia, San Diego, Atlanta, and Toronto. Through his experiences, Matt has obtained a wealth of knowledge about pitching mechanics, drills, the mental aspects of pitching, and appropriate conditioning regimens for pitchers of all ages. Matt candidly shares his advice and tips for success in Headfirst's new pitching video Throw like a Pro: Headfirst Fundamentals of Pitching.
Headfirst's newest instructional hitting DVD, The Proper Techniques of Hitting, with Common Mechanical Faults & Drills to Correct, displays the latest theories on swing mechanics explained efficiently in language that coaches and hitters of all ages and abilities will understand. Also included are explanations and demonstrations of the best hitting drills to correct common mechanical flaws as well as bonus footage of a hitting question & answer session with Jason Larocque.
Learn the proper techniques to:
Find your center of balance.
Promote proper plate coverage.
Properly rotate your hips and shift your weight during the swing.
Achieve optimal contact and extension.
Plus: Learn the latest hitting drills and conditioning exercises designed to prevent injuries.
The DVD features Headfirst Director Rob Elwood and Jason Larocque. Rob played at Amherst College for four years and then worked in the scouting departments of the Red Sox and Indians before coming to Headfirst. Jason captained the Harvard baseball team before working for the Red Sox and then coaching at the college level (Amherst and Florida Atlantic). In 2005, Jason accepted the position of bullpen catcher for the Boston Red Sox.
The Headfirst Hitting DVD is perfect for hitters from Little League to the Big Leagues!
Headfirst runs and produces first-rate instructional camps, clinics and instructional DVD's... it is a great opportunity for any player or coach to get a jump on the season.
- Paul DePodesta, former General Manager Los Angeles Dodgers
Headfirst Hitting Video Instructors
Jason Larocque
Jason Larocque was a standout player Harvard University, where he helped lead the Crimson to three consecutive Ivy League Championships and a trio of NCAA Regional berths from 1997 to 1999. Larocque's 1997 Harvard team pulled off one of the more notable upsets in recent college baseball history when it, as the No. 6 seed, defeated top-seeded UCLA in the first round of NCAA Regional play. After captaining the team in 2000 and graduating with a degree in government, the Methuen, Massachusetts native spent a year working in the Boston Red Sox scouting department. Along the way, Larocque has worked as an instructor at the Instructional Baseball School in Lawrence, Mass., and played summer baseball for the Central Mass. Collegians in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Jason also served as assistant baseball coach at Amherst College, and most recently, bullpen catcher for the Boston Red Sox.
Rob Elwood
Headfirst Director Rob Elwood pitched for Division III Amherst College in Massachusetts. He earned baseball Rookie of the Year honors his freshman year and continued to lead the Lord Jeffs as a two-year team captain. Rob was also awarded the team's Most Valuable Player award his junior season and helped Amherst win their first NCAA bid to the Division III tournament. Before joining Headfirst Baseball, Rob worked in the scouting and player development front offices of the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians.
The Headfirst hat is now for sale - with our signature "H" on the front of the hat and "Play Smart Get Dirty" on the back of the hat. The hat is perfect all year long, and especially for Headfirst Spring and Summer Camp. Or the hat makes a great gift at anytime of year for any member of the family.
This black hat with red and white lettering is a top of the line Richardson? Pro Model Style 585 hat. Each hat is pre-fitted and has a flex-band lining. Hats are available in both Adult (for ages 12 & up) and Child size.
The Headfirst "Play Smart Get Dirty" wristbands are perfect for any sport. The black wristbands with white and red writing have become one of the more popular items at Headfirst Sports Camps and now they are available pre-camp or pre-season. Wristbands are one size fits all and are sold in pairs. They make a perfect camp gift or stocking stuffer.