Erik Johnson & Aaron Thigpen - The Brand & The Source

Protecting Young Arms: The Pitch Count Dilemma in Baseball Navigating the Risks of Overuse Injuries in Youth and Professional Baseball In the ever-evolving world of baseball, the debate surrounding pitch count and arm health has taken center stage. As coaches, trainers, and athletes grapple with the delicate balance between performance and injury prevention, it's crucial to understand the nuances of this pressing issue.

From Island to the Gridiron: The Inspiring Journey of Eteva Mauga Clements Overcoming Obstacles, Chasing NFL Dreams

Etiva Mauga Clements, better known as "Va," has had an extraordinary journey from his small island home in American Samoa to the collegiate football fields of the United States. In this insightful interview, Va shares his story of perseverance, determination, and the unwavering drive that has carried him towards his aspirations of playing professional football.

"""🎙️ Pack mentality: the invisible force that shapes athletes' decisions and limits their potential. Let's dive into why following the herd might not lead to success. 🏆

#SportsPsychology #AthleteMindset

In a recent podcast episode of "Champions Are Built," hosts Coach Eric Johnson (EJ) and Coach Aaron Thigpen had a thought-provoking conversation with Greg Tella, the President of Sports Social Network and former strength and conditioning coach for the San Jose Earthquakes. The discussion delved into various aspects of youth sports, the importance of competitiveness, and the challenges faced by young athletes in today's sports environment.

A conversation with hometown athlete Isiaiah Foskey and his journey to the NFL.

 In this podcast episode, Coach Eric Johnson and his co-host discuss the topic of being cut from a sports team and how athletes can turn this experience into an opportunity for growth and improvement. They share a story of a player who used being cut as motivation to work harder and eventually earn a scholarship. The hosts emphasize the importance of learning from being cut, reinventing oneself, using the time to improve skills, and developing a competitive mindset. They discuss the concept of earning opportunities in sports and the need for continuous improvement

In this podcast episode, Coach Eric Johnson and Aaron discuss what to do after making the baseball team and how to earn playing time. They emphasize the importance of hard work, mindset, and consistency throughout the season to secure a spot on the field. The conversation touches on topics such as understanding roles, making a good impression, staying patient, and adding value to the team.

A conversation on the great chase for pitching velocity

Athletes, it's not just about mechanics, it's about inner reflection.

🎙️ Excited to welcome Major League pitcher, Robert Stevenson, on today's podcast. From high school athlete to pro player, he's got a lot to share about his journey and the keys to his success. Stay tuned for some valuable insights.

Mastery is more than a number... its a mindset

Training smarter versus training harder has many different meanings.

Coping with the inevitability of failure in sports.

Want success? Discipline should permeate all facets of your life.

What are your off season plans for spring success?

🤔👶Is there a perfect age to start training young athletes? Coaches EricJohnson & Aaron Thigpen share perspectives on physical and cognitive development and when kids can comprehend and handle sports training. #YouthSports #Development #AthleteTraining"

We talk the state of girls fastpich softball.

Im seeing more kids who play sports who aren't athletic, what's up with that?

With the new normal , when do you take steps towards college development.

What are the Five Tools in baseball? what do they mean?

What's in a title, not much when it comes to youth sports

Are you vested for the long run?

What to do when your school changes it's mind

What, when, where on the recruiting calendar

Are you surrounding yourself with the right people?

Getting all the pieces to fit together

Useful strategy or mistake?

Do you have the next level mentality?

Time on, Time off, Recharge Reset, what to do with the coming off season.

The difference between them and you.

Changing bodies may mean change of plans and expectations.

Dont think this is the answer reverse power grab maybe.

Sun, fun and injuries

Albiet well intended should parents be coaching/training their athletes.

Back in April the NCAA ruled that only high school juniors have the ability to verbal commit.

Hall of Fame Fighter Andre Ward gives his insight on what it takes to become a champion.

Are parents lighting the competitive fire or extinguishing it?

Summer is approaching fast, what are you doing to be ready for it?

Emotions run high in championship situations, how do you handle them?

The proper form of resistance training can be beneficial at any age

Things to consider when choosing your showcase

What is the current state of african american participation in baseball. Where's it headed?

Being transparent about your athlete's learning challenges can make for a better coach-athlete relationship

Spring try outs are here, are you ready?

Whose working with your kid? 

Improperly learned habits can stifle development 

How many teams should you be playing on at one time?

Rob Bruno  the "god-father "of travel ball. We discuss travel baseball where its been and where its going. For better or worse.

Are you really ready to embrace what your coach or trainer is doing? You may have to leave your notions behind.

Two of the most powerful words in an athletes vocabulary, we explain why.