The Gap

Check Us Out On YouTube! https://youtu.be/k7xIvfTAGWoIn this episode of The Gap #122, we sit down with Luke Dawson, better known as Throw Ched, to break down why today’s pitchers MUST become more athletic if they want to survive in the modern game. Velocity is skyrocketing, workloads are heavier, and injuries are at an all-time high — which means the old model of “just throw more bullpens” is officially dead.Luke explains why rotational athletes need to train like sprinters, jumpers, and throwers, not bodybuilders or distance runners. We cover the movement qualities that actually translate to velocity: dynamic hip rotation, elastic power, javelin-inspired sequencing, and the ability to create force fast. If you’re a pitcher trying to increase velocity, reduce arm stress, and build a body that can handle a full season, this conversation gives you the blueprint.We also discuss why siloed “pitching-only” development is holding athletes back, how poor athleticism limits mechanics, and what baseball can learn from javelin, track and field, and power-speed sports. Luke breaks down how he trains his athletes, the drills he prioritizes, and the gaps in the baseball development world that need to be fixed immediately.✅ Topics Covered:• Why pitchers must become better overall athletes• Rotational power & elastic strength explained• What baseball can learn from javelin throwers• Speed, plyos, and sprint-based training• How athleticism increases velocity & reduces injury• Strength training that actually translates to the mound• Throw Ched’s philosophy on building durable, explosive pitchers• The future of baseball development in the high-velo era

Work with Jake Online: https://www.skool.com/lightning-lab-baseball-4703/about?ref=f6370453776e48ed8a2263b0db95f49eUnlock the secrets behind long-term baseball development with Jake Oliger, one of the most forward-thinking throwing minds in the game. In this video, we break down the REAL roadmap for building elite velocity, durability, and longevity—while also exploring why Shohei Ohtani is a once-in-a-generation anomaly in today’s high-velocity era.Whether you’re a pitcher, position player, or a coach trying to build athletes the right way, this episode dives deep into how training age, movement quality, rotational power, and arm-care consistency shape a player’s career trajectory. Jake explains why the best athletes don’t just stack velocity—they build a foundation of mechanics, adaptability, and athleticism that lasts.We also analyze Ohtani’s unprecedented blend of biomechanics, athletic efficiency, and workload tolerance, and what actually separates him from typical MLB development paths. With Tommy John surgery becoming more common as velocities rise, we break down how to train smarter, develop rotational athletes sustainably, and protect the arm across an entire career.If you’re serious about long-term baseball success—and you want a blueprint that works—this is a must-watch.✅ Topics Covered:• Long-term pitcher development• Youth vs. elite training priorities• Why Ohtani breaks every rule• Velocity vs. durability• Arm-care principles that actually matter• How to build power without destroying the elbow• Lessons from javelin, baseball, and rotational sports

Check out Paulies page: https://www.youtube.com/@UCZyUJyr_JdKfzINkDRpIIWw Thanks For Listening To The Gap! Subscribe to our YouTube! https://youtu.be/Bqm4zu1G1iUIn today’s episode, we sit down with Paulie Throws — one of the most influential young voices in the throwing community — to talk about how social media is saving the sport. From javelin and discus to shot put and hammer, the throwing world is evolving fast, and the digital era might be its only lifeline.We break down how creators like Paulie are using content, storytelling, and authenticity to bring new energy to throwing events, inspire the next generation, and prove that track & field can thrive in the modern age — if it learns to leverage attention.Why social media is the new stadium for throwersHow Paulie Throws built his platform and communityThe power of short-form storytelling in niche sportsWhy track & field is falling behind without digital creatorsHow to grow throwing culture through content and connectionThe mindset behind sharing the process instead of just resultsWhat throwing needs to survive in the algorithm eraThrowing isn’t dying — it’s just offline.Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are giving throwers a global audience for the first time.Social media doesn’t just promote athletes — it preserves the culture of throwing.Paulie Throws shows how creators can make the sport relatable, raw, and entertaining.The future of throwing belongs to those who can throw far and tell the story.In the past, throwing was confined to meets, colleges, and training camps — moments that disappeared once the season ended.

Watch On Youtube: https://youtu.be/xrqrJPMqh2UIn this episode, Jacked Javelin takes the role of representing the javelin world, while Sam Weeks—from Throws University and Garage Strength—dives deep into the discus and shot put side of the throwing world. Together, they explore how these events overlap, where they differ, and how understanding all three can make you a more complete and intelligent thrower.This conversation goes beyond drills and technique—it’s about bridging the cultures, biomechanics, and coaching philosophies behind rotational and linear throwing. Whether you’re chasing big PRs in javelin, discus, or shot, this episode connects the dots between power, rhythm, and intent in elite throwing.🔥 Topics Covered:How rotational mechanics from discus and shot put carry over to javelinWhy posture, hip connection, and rhythm are universal throwing principlesThe biggest technical mistakes seen across each eventThe evolution of strength training at Throws University and Garage StrengthHow to train like an explosive athlete first and a thrower secondThe role of feel, patience, and proprioception in high-level throwingWhy collaboration between throwing communities matters more than ever💡 Key Takeaways for Throwers & Coaches:How to create transferable movement patterns between rotational and linear throwsWhy elastic strength and reactive timing are as important as max strengthHow throwers can adapt their lifting and technical sessions for crossover gainsWhat “bridging the gap” really looks like in practice—not just theoryWhy understanding multiple events can make you a better coach, athlete, and mover🎤 About the Guests:Sam Weeks – Throws coach and performance specialist with Throws University and Garage Strength. Sam has helped countless throwers develop elite-level power and technique through a blend of modern biomechanics, strength science, and practical coaching insight. His background in discus and shot put brings a rotational perspective to every conversation.Jacked Javelin – Representing the linear thrower’s lens, Jacked Javelin dives into how elasticity, whip, and sequencing define the javelin throw. Known for his detailed breakdowns, athlete interviews, and 1,000+ hours of coaching and podcasting experience, he brings the speed and precision mindset of javelin to this conversation.Together, they break down how the rotational and linear systems can learn from one another—and why the best throwers in the world are often hybrids of both.🏋️‍♂️ About Throws University & Garage Strength:Throws University is one of the leading educational platforms for throwers and coaches—offering world-class training systems, certification courses, and technical resources for the shot put, discus, javelin, and hammer throw.Garage Strength, led by Dane Miller, is renowned for developing Olympic-level athletes and refining explosive strength systems that translate directly to the throws.

Check us out on YouTube! https://youtu.be/Vp-P5hkR1goTwo of the most influential American javelin throwers of the modern era — Kara Winger and Ariana Ince — sit down to discuss the future of collegiate javelin and what it will take to elevate the event across the NCAA. In this episode of The Gap #118, we dive deep into the evolution of the javelin in the United States, the challenges young throwers face, and the opportunities that could redefine the sport for the next generation.Kara and Ariana break down how recruiting, coaching education, facilities, and competition structure all impact athlete development — plus the key technical foundations every college program should prioritize. From approach mechanics to power position clarity to staying healthy through high training loads, this conversation gives athletes, coaches, and parents a blueprint for long-term success.We also look at how the U.S. can close the gap with Europe, why javelin culture matters, and what future collegiate throwers need to understand about technique, training age, and sustainable progress. Whether you’re a high school recruit, a D1 thrower, or a coach trying to build a stronger program, this episode is packed with insights from two legends who’ve lived it.✅ Topics Covered:• The state of collegiate javelin in the U.S.• What NCAA programs need to improve• Technical pillars for long-term development• How to keep throwers healthy year-round• The difference between European & American systems• Kara Winger & Ariana Ince on building a true javelin culture• Training models that actually prepare athletes for the next level