Sterling's Improvement
Sterling didn't look for a short cut, he looked for guided work, and its paying off!
Some of the best success stories aren't the flashiest velocity jumps.
They're the ones where a young athlete builds a rock-solid foundation early — turning potential issues into long-term dominance.
Sterling Smith, an 8th grader, is that story right now.
He started in late September 2025:
- Sitting in the low 70s, averaging 68MPH)
- Inconsistent mechanics / Command
Three months later:
- Solidly sitting 76 mph
- Zero pain
- Arm stronger than ever
- Delivery efficient and explosive
And the best part? He's only in 8th grade. This is just the base — we're building a dominant high school (and beyond) arm.
Phase 1: Rebuilding Strength & Durability with ArmCare
We never touch advanced drills until the arm is ready.
Sterling's ArmCare progress (9/29 → 12/11/2025):
| Date | Arm Score | Total Strength (lbs)
| 9/29/2025 | 77 | 107.9
| 10/6/2025 | 72 | 101.5
| 10/10/2025 | 80 | 112.3
| 11/13/2025 | 94 | 132.6
| 11/21/2025 | 91 | 130.3
| 11/26/2025 | 88 | 125.8
| 12/11/2025 | 88 | 127.0
Key wins: +19.1 lbs strength, Arm Score +11 points, imbalances fixed, pain gone.
This was done through our isometric protocols and the custom training in the ArmCare.Com app. Sterling has shown commitment to the process and has done nothing but make improvements! This isn't accidental, it's a testament to this young mans work ethic!
Daily ArmCare testing + guided pre-hab built the engine, and the mechanics, which we will cover next, allows the transfer of the energy.
Phase 2: Fixing the Kinematic Sequence – Efficient Energy Transfer
With strength in place, we attacked his biggest leak: early layback / torso rotation. (see picture at top of the blog). The image on the right is the before image and the image on the left is the after.
Old: Landed already in max ER, torso open early → energy leak + arm strain.
New: Pelvis leads → torso lags → shoulder loads after foot plant → clean whip.
Custom drill package:
- Constraint throws. Knees, Drive Drill, Separation Work
Result: +4 mph from timing alone, less strain, effortless release.
The Magic: Strength + Drills = Lasting, Scalable Success
This is where it all clicks.
Proper strength building (ArmCare-guided) gives the arm the capacity to handle new patterns as well as repeat them!
Targeted drill packages groove efficient sequencing without overload.
Together? Sustainable gains that compound over years.
Sterling is throwing very well for an 8th grader right now — but we're not satisfied with "good for his age."
We're building dominance:
- Continued strength progression
- Layering in rotational power (Torq program, weighted bats soon to come)
- Pitch design basics as the body matures
- Preparing to sit low-80s as a freshman... and keep climbing
Young arms: This is how you stay ahead of the curve without burning out.
Ready to Build Your Athlete's Foundation in 2026?
Spots are filling fast for our January development plans.
We have only 6 spots left to reach our max roster of 20 players. I keep groups small so we can continue to give the attention needed to each athlete.
Reach out ASAP to claim yours and get your custom programming started right away.
→ https://uratbb.com → Text/DM: 801-414-0840 | jordan@utahrotationalathletetraining.com
Don't wait — once these 6 are gone, we don't open roster spots until someone leaves.
Let's make 2026 your breakthrough year.
Coach Jordan URATBB | Utah Rotational Athlete Training Baseball