OPP Podcast With Richard Schenck
The podcast begins with host Aj Arroyo expressing excitement about having Richard Schenck, commonly known as “Teacherman,” on the show. The two discuss their history, noting that Schenck visited the Aj‘s facility in 2019 to work with some of their players.
Schenck reflects on his unique coaching journey, explaining that his approach, now called the High-Level Pattern (HLP), evolved from earlier teachings that he eventually realized were ineffective. He candidly discusses how his shift in philosophy, after an “aha” moment, led to significant backlash from the hitting community.
Schenck shares that his commitment to HLP stems from his belief that it is the best hitting method available. He emphasizes that his drive to promote this approach is rooted in a moral responsibility to ensure that players benefit from it, even if it means facing criticism.
Schenck recounts his upbringing in a pool hall, which instilled in him a strong sense of truth and resilience—traits that have helped him weather the criticism he receives online. Despite the hate, he remains unapologetic and firm in his stance, valuing the importance of truth in his teachings.
The conversation then shifts to the broader acceptance of HLP, particularly within Major League Baseball (MLB). Schenck notes that while many players, especially at the high school and college levels, are adopting HLP, MLB organizations have been slow to embrace it. He attributes this reluctance to a fear of making drastic changes that could potentially harm players’ performance, especially those drafted in high rounds with high expectations. Schenck believes that this hesitation is rooted in good intentions, but he also thinks it limits players’ potential development.
Schenck and the host delve into the concept of “launch quickness,” which Schenck identifies as the key difference maker in hitting. He explains that launch quickness refers to the time between a hitter’s decision to swing and the actual initiation of the swing. This quickness, according to Schenck, is essential for successfully hitting against today’s elite pitching. He argues that metrics like exit velocity and launch angle, while useful, are not as critical as launch quickness. Schenck stresses that without quickness, a player’s ability to consistently make quality contact is severely compromised, regardless of their strength or bat speed.
The podcast also covers the specific drills that Schenck uses to train hitters, focusing on developing launch quickness and reaction time. He describes drills where hitters practice snapping the barrel of the bat rearward—a movement he asserts is always quicker than pushing the barrel forward. Schenck also mentions one-legged drills and drills that involve reacting to pitches from close distances to simulate high-speed pitching. These drills, he explains, are designed to enhance both the quickness and power of the swing, ultimately leading to more consistent and effective hitting.
Schenck’s coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of being “ready at release,” meaning that a hitter must be in a loaded launch position the moment they decide to swing. This readiness allows hitters to adjust to different pitch types and speeds more effectively, a skill that Schenck believes is crucial for success at higher levels of competition. He discusses how many hitters, including those in the MLB, struggle with this concept, often because they are not truly prepared to swing at the moment of decision.
Toward the end of the podcast, Schenck addresses the challenges players face when their coaches are resistant to the HLP method, even when the players are experiencing success. He advises players in these situations to have honest conversations with their coaches and to advocate for themselves if they believe in the benefits of HLP. Schenck suggests that in some cases, it may be necessary for players to find a new environment where their approach is supported, rather than trying to conform to a coach’s preferences that may not align with their own success.
