Turner Givens - Performance Coordinator at Tread Athletics

In this episode of we have the privilege of conversing with Turner Givens, whose extensive baseball background and unique blend of experiences have positioned him as a true expert in the field of player development. Turner, currently serving as a Performance Coordinator at Tread Athletics, brings with him the prestige of being a former National Champion in 2018, as well as a wealth of knowledge gained from his roles as an Assistant Coach at the University of Dallas and the University of Texas at Tyler. Throughout our conversation, we'll trace Turner's journey from his early days as a player to his current role, explore his knack for solving movement-related challenges with creative solutions, and dive into the dynamic realm of pitch analytics and design. Plus, we'll keep the conversation open for Turner to share his personal thoughts and insights on various aspects of the game, making this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about the art and science of baseball.

Timestamps:

**The overall progression to being a performance coordinator (00:02:41)**
Turner Givens discusses his journey from being a volunteer assistant coach to becoming a performance coordinator at Tread Athletics.

**The start of Turner Givens' interest in data-driven player development (00:04:15)**
Givens talks about how he got into data-driven player development and his early experiences with tools like Rapsodo and Modus.

**Transitioning to a new job at Tread Athletics (00:07:12)**
Givens shares his decision to move to Triad Athletics and his excitement about learning from the people there and being in a high-paced environment.

**The grind of being a volunteer or grad assistant (00:09:57)**
Discussion on the challenges and dedication required for individuals in these roles, using a specific example.

**The daily schedule and responsibilities of a college coach (00:11:44)**
Explanation of the various tasks and time commitments involved in coaching at the college level.

**Building relationships with athletes and developing coaching skills (00:14:24)**
Conversation about the process of building relationships with athletes and becoming an effective coach, including personal experiences and learning from others.

**The mindset of a big leaguer (00:24:35)**
Discussion on the intense focus and competitiveness of big leaguers during bullpen sessions.

**Developing a resilient mindset (00:25:35)**
Exploring the importance of mindset and confidence for a Triple-A player dealing with inconsistent playing time.

**Adding a cutter to improve performance (00:27:28)**
The successful addition of a cutter pitch to a player's arsenal, resulting in improved performance and velocity.

**The cutter as a game-changer (00:28:32)**
Discussion about a pitcher's career year after adding a cutter pitch and the impact it had on his performance and confidence.

**The mental benefits of adding a pitch (00:29:34)**
Exploration of how adding a new pitch can not only improve performance but also boost a pitcher's confidence and mindset.

**The importance of finding one little outlier (00:30:00)**
An example of how adding a cutter pitch transformed a pitcher's arsenal and made him more effective in specific counts.

**Connecting the Dots and Building Relationships (00:37:12)**

**Setting Boundaries and Saying No (00:38:09)**

**Pitch Analytics and Arsenal Building (00:41:48)**

**Pitch Design and Confidence (00:46:49)**

**Backwards Chaining in Pitch Design (00:47:40)**

**Changing Coaching Approach in Different Seasons (00:49:28)**

**Teaching Price (00:56:05)**
Discussion on the challenges of learning and teaching Price, particularly in remote settings.

**Breathing Patterns and Exercise Goals (00:56:54)**
Exploration of the importance of understanding breathing patterns and exercise goals in relation to the body's limitations and compensations.

**Efficiency of Correctives (00:59:37)**
Debate on the necessity and extent of correctives, emphasizing the need for simplicity and focusing on specific adaptations.

**The Outlier Guys (01:05:08)**
Discussion about finding value in pitchers who may not throw hard but have unique pitching styles.

**The Challenges of Posting Content (01:05:49)**
Talking about the difficulties of consistently creating quality content and avoiding burnout.

**Appreciation for the Interview (01:06:39)**