Matt Hobbs, Arkansas Pitching Coach and 2024 D1Baseball Assistant Coach of the Year, on using the Newtforce Mound
- Zach Day
- Oct 22, 2024
- 3 min read
I first met Matt Hobbs back when I was at TrackMan, and he was bringing the system into Wake Forest. Right away, what stood out to me was Matt’s curiosity. He asked questions for a couple of hours, really diving into the details to figure out how data could make his pitchers better. That kind of mindset has helped make him one of the top pitching coaches in the game today.
Since then, Matt has continued to push the envelope in player development. Now in his sixth season at Arkansas, he’s helped turn the Razorbacks into a powerhouse, developing nine All-Americans and guiding his pitchers to some incredible achievements. Just this year, he was recognized as the 2024 D1Baseball Assistant Coach of the Year.
Matt and I have stayed in touch, especially with the development of the Newtforce Mound—a tool that gives pitchers immediate, actionable feedback by measuring ground reaction forces in three directions and syncing that data with video. Matt’s always been adamant that the data is actionable, and the Newtforce Mound fits perfectly with his approach to using technology to get his pitchers to the next level, fast.
In this Q&A, Matt shares how technology like the Newtforce Mound is changing the way pitchers train, plus his thoughts on key aspects of pitching development.
Q&A with Matt Hobbs, Arkansas Pitching Coach
Zach Day: Is the information from the mound truly actionable, and does it impact performance on the field?
Matt Hobbs: The data that the mound collects is definitely actionable. Force signatures can change and adapt to different types of movement down the mound or be altered with training in the weight room. I don’t think it can be argued that using the ground efficiently will have carryover to the field.
Zach Day: Can you share a success story where you’ve seen a pitcher really take off by using the mound to improve their lower half?
Matt Hobbs: The obvious one is Hagen Smith. His ability to take the massive strength gains he made and help adapt that to his delivery was truly remarkable. It took time—there was no quick fix—but over time, and with multiple captures on the mound, we were able to see progress that helped him perform at a high level.
Zach Day: If you could coach any pitcher, past or present, who would it be and why?
Matt Hobbs: I would love to have coached Kevin Brown. Intense competitor with what had to be an incredibly unique arsenal. I would have loved to see how he utilized the ground with what appeared to be some crossfire. He produced serious sink and what appeared to be takeoff at times. Tough combo to replicate in the zone. Fascinating pitcher.
Zach Day: How has the quick feedback from the mound tied to video changed your training?
Matt Hobbs: It really gives the pitchers a great visual to go with the graphs. Makes it so much easier for them to grasp the concepts when they can see their bodies moving in space.
Zach Day: How important is it to have force data in three directions, rather than just vertical, when developing a pitcher’s mechanics?
Matt Hobbs: I really don’t think you can look at force in the pitching delivery in one plane and grasp the whole picture. You need multiple inputs.
Zach Day: What’s your go-to post-game meal after a big win?
Matt Hobbs: Whatever my wife has at the house.
Matt’s approach has always been about maximizing the information to help his pitchers reach their potential. It’s been incredible to watch how he continues to innovate and push the game forward, blending data with coaching to unlock new levels of performance. His work at Arkansas speaks for itself, and we’re proud to see how tools like our Newtforce Mound are part of that journey.
I know we're excited to follow Freshman Carson Wiggins, who spent time with us at our lab developing his lower half, and we can't wait for him to get a chance to work with Matt and the Arkansas staff.
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