Baseball (Pitching): Jim Curnal

“After exchanging our thoughts on the pitching motion I feel Jim Curnal can influence the youth of America by teaching them the proper kinetic motion that should improve their performance and reduce the chance of injury.  Jim has done thorough research and has evidence that his thoughts on the motion are accurate. I think his thoughts would have been helpful to me during my career.”

Jim Kaat:  Hall of Fame Pitcher  1959 - 1983

“Jim Curnal is one of the brightest and original thinkers when it comes to the game of baseball.  His passion to teach the game as well as keeping his athletes safe from injuries is second to none. Any team is better if Jim is on your side.”

Ron Darling: NY Mets 1982-1999, Oakland A’s  1991-1995,  Baseball Analyst 2000-2023

"I think Jim Curnal is really onto something with his analysis of the athletic pitching motion and the prevalence of arm injuries. It’s really an eye-opener when you realize just how many major league pitchers have undergone Tommy John surgery over the past two decades.  Jim has provided a valuable tool in helping parents and coaches reduce the number of arm injuries suffered by our young athletes.  In my opinion his work deserves a wide audience, particularly with young pitchers. I highly recommend his approach.”

Joe Maddon: Three-time MLB Manger of the Year 

“The video is very good. If everyone followed the advice on this video I would have less visits to my office.”

Dr. Koco Eaton: Orthopedic surgeon and team orthopedist for the Tampa Bay Rays

Jim Curnal is a former professional baseball pitcher in the New York Yankees’ organization, who had a very promising career until cut shot by an arm injury. Over the last 20 years, Jim has worked with hundreds of athletes between the ages of 14 and 22, offering group and individual instruction in basketball, football and baseball. During Jim’s 12 -year high school coaching tenure, he provided instruction to athletes in his role as a coach and personal instructor in all three sports. As Jim states, “My goal as a coach has first and foremost always been to provide young athletes with the tools and the opportunity to succeed.

• Every athlete who throws ball/object or hits a ball/object must create a movement pattern and timing which creates Energy, Power, Balance and Stability from the ground up to maximize the performance and their health

• Throwing a baseball demands the same movement pattern and timing, if the pitcher’s goal is to maximize both performance, i.e. Command, Movement and Velocity and Arm Heath, i.e. reducing stress on the arm to reduce the risk of arm injury. This is accomplished by creating optimal ball/lower half timing, in layman’s terms, the lower half is the engine, the arm is the steering wheel:

An Athletic Throwing Motion positively impacts both arm health and performance:
• Creating optional lower half/ball timing utilizes the lower half more efficiently and effectively by creating more lower half energy to deliver the baseball, reducing the stress on the arm
• Creating a motion which relies on the Big muscles, the lower half to create stability and balance will allow the pitcher to create a more consistent arm slot and release. Unfortunately for youth pitchers today what is being sold is Velocity. While Velocity is appealing, the ability to master Command, Change of Speed and Movement is what will separate the pitcher from the pack.

Success on the mound is the result of building a solid Foundation:
• Developing an athletic throwing motion,
• Developing fundamental strength, balance and agility
• Proper sequential development of pitches with Command: Fastball / Change up / Curve
• Learning to think over the Rubber - the Mental aspect of pitching
• Developing a solid work ethic - working hard and working smart

Building this Foundation requires patience, perseverance and dedication, all integral components of the Process. Your goal as an athlete is to get better each day.

The “Alpha Zone” course will provide the instructional tools to help youth pitchers pitchers:
• Develop a fluid athletic throwing motion
• Developing Command
- Develop fastball command - middle, in/out, high/low
- Develop change up command: both 2-0 and 1-2 counts
- Develop 2 seem fastball command: away/in
- Develop curve ball command: 2-0 and 0-2 counts
• Learn how to maximize your bullpens
• Learn an efficient and effective pre start warm up

The ultimate goal: Improving Arm Health, Improving Performance
Jim has a wealth of experience, expertise and success. He has a unique story to tell, not only because of his personal experiences, but because of all the research he has done and the success he has had in impacting young pitcher’s careers.

"I think Jim Curnal is really onto something with his analysis of the athletic pitching motion and the prevalence of arm injuries. It’s really an eye-opener when you realize just how many major league pitchers have undergone Tommy John surgery over the past two decades. In my opinion Jim’s work deserves a wide audience, particularly with young pitchers. I highly recommend this approach.”

Joe Maddon: Three-time MLB Manager of the Year

“Jim Curnal is one of the brightest and original thinkers when it comes to the game of baseball.  His passion to teach the game as well as keeping his athletes safe from injuries is second to none.  Any team is better if Jim is on your side.”

Ron Darling: NY Mets 1982-1999, Oakland A’s  1991-1995,  Baseball Analyst 2000-2023