The 9-8-7 Drill

“As we all know there is an important chain that goes from diagnosis to rehabilitation to return to activity. Zone Motion is the missing link between the rehabilitation phase and return to activity phase. Based and supported by science and independent studies, it proves to be an invaluable asset.”

Paul McGannon M.S., A.T.C.
President Sports Rehabilitation and Hand Therapy Kansas City
Kansas City Kings NBA Trainer 1974-78
Kansas City Royals MLB Trainer 1975-1989

“As a former Olympic team doctor and someone who has treated many professional, world class and amateur athletes during my 30 years of practice, I am always looking for something that can help my patients succeed. The “Zone Motion” has caught my attention. I met Buddy through a friend and he did a demo for 6 of us on the driving range at a local golf course. Within minutes we looked around at each other and smiled in disbelief. The beneficial changes were obvious and immediate. My personal experience at that moment was the ease of the golf swing, change in ball flight, consistency and mobility in my finish. As a sports medicine doctor and an athlete, I knew this was something big, really big. I told him that he needs to research this program and he informed me that there was a study in progress by a colleague of mine who is a bio mechanist and one of the foremost experts in the field of sports medicine as it pertains to baseball. The results of that study confirmed what I had expected, and in my opinion, any athlete who wants to improve their game (don’t we all) should be knocking down Buddy’s door. I have seen the testimonials Buddy has from professional and amateur athletes alike, and they only confirm what I have personally experienced. Better performance, more fluidity in motion, a sense of calm, an accelerated learning curve and less fatigue following the activity. With the aforementioned in mind this may also have a significant effect on reducing injuries.

In my professional and personal opinion, this methodology is absolutely an invaluable training tool for athletes.”

Dr. Scott H. Calzaretta, C.C., C.C.S.P.
Certified Chiropractor Sports Physician
President Chiro-Medical group
San Francisco, CA

“Using Buddy’s system, during the throwing motion, the EMG findings show us there is less involvement of the latissimus dorsi and more recruitment of the pectoralis major. Based on throwing biomechanics and the kinetic chain of activities during the throwing motion, we can conclude that those results will lead to a more stabilized shoulder during the throwing motion. Furthermore, I think you can extrapolate that to more stabilization and less stress on the elbow.

We know that both the latissimus and pec show highest muscle strain during the acceleration phase of the throwing motion. In particular, the latissimus has traditionally shown more strain than the pec during this acceleration phase. The EMG findings on muscle strain, using Buddy’s system, has shown a more balanced pattern with less latissimus strain and more pec recruitment.

We also know that too much tension in the latissimus can lead to core/trunk imbalance, which leads to injuries. In addition, we know that the latissimus is an accessory respiratory muscle and thus, a lower respiratory rate combined with less latissimus strain would be evidence of a more balanced and relaxed state. A previous study by Fleisig et al at ASMI has shown that Buddy’s system does not alter the overall throwing mechanics, but lead to a less perceived level of fatigue. It is important to note, that Buddy’s system, while changing muscle recruitment patterns, has also been shown to increase strike rate per the ASMI study without any drastic change to the pitchers’ throwing motion. In fact findings are showing an increase in the baseball spin rate after training with Buddy. The goal for every baseball player is to maintain or increase performance, while remaining healthy and injury free. If you put all the data together, I believe Buddy has a system that helps accomplish that.”

Dr. Kevin Witte D.O., M.B.A
Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Andrews Research and Education Institute Sports Medicine Fellow
Kansas City, MO

By Ron Kroichick

September 20, 2017 Updated: September 20, 2017 4:34pm

Most of this week’s phone interview with Scott McCarron made perfect sense. McCarron talked about his wild success on the Champions Tour, his fondness for Pebble Beach and trying to keep pace with ageless Bernhard Langer.

Along the way, McCarron dropped a name out of the blue, out of another sport, out of short left field: Buddy Biancalana.

This might not resonate for golf fans, but it probably does for those of a certain age who follow baseball. Biancalana was a scrappy shortstop from Marin County who spent parts of six seasons in the major leagues and played spectacularly in helping the Kansas City Royals win the 1985 World Series. And now, as it turns out, he’s helping McCarron enjoy a renaissance on the golf course.

McCarron also has Northern California roots. He was born in Sacramento, lived in Danville for a time as a kid and attended Vintage High in Napa. Then he went off to UCLA and stitched together a solid PGA Tour career, with three victories and more than $12 million in earnings. He largely vanished from the scene in his mid-40s, as many solid tour pros do. But he was primed and ready to join the PGA Tour Champions when he turned 50 in July 2015 and has won six times in 53 starts since then.

McCarron stands No. 2 on this year’s money list, behind only Langer, entering the Pure Insurance Championship (previously known as the First Tee Open) starting Friday at Pebble Beach. Langer and McCarron have separated themselves from the pack, easily the two best players in the 50-and-older crowd.

So what got into McCarron? Well, he’s smacking tee shots long and straight (sixth on tour in driving distance, averaging 295.6 yards). His putting has been great (third on tour). And Biancalana helped McCarron unclutter his mind. McCarron, now 52, described Biancalana as a sports psychologist, essentially, and characterized his guidance as “abstract thinking.” McCarron figures his body knows what to do, after a lifetime of hitting golf balls, and his mind just needed to stay out of the way. “It’s about letting your mind be quiet and allowing your body to do what it’s supposed to do,” McCarron said. Biancalana, who has worked with athletes in several sports, clearly has made an impact on McCarron.

Scott McCarron, PGA Senior Tour

During my NHL career, I always wanted to play my best. Why did I play great, very focused and in the zone sometimes and not other times? Buddy Biancalana has the answers. His incredible zone training is simple and effective and can be taught to athlete in all sports.

Morris Lukowich, Winnipeg Jets (retired)

I recently noticed myself letting go of expectations. My adjustments to change in life and on the field are becoming thoughtless and easy. I noticed it at first with all the changes in scheduling living with 3 guys – it used to bother me, and I wouldn’t get everything done because of it – but now I am flowing through life, and it feels like there’s more hours in the day. Also, on bad hops on ground balls, my glove is just finding the ball.

Anthony P.

I can’t say enough about Zone Motion. As a doctor, I am always trying to find reasons why things happen. The most important factor that I found from this revolutionary understanding is that you need to get out of your own way and allow your subconscious side of your brain do what it is intended for. I can’t say enough how this has helped me.

Dr. Stacy Fuchino

Buddy does a phenomenal job finding out exactly what it is that enables a person from getting in, or staying in the zone. What I appreciate the most about Buddy’s training is its ability to contribute to all aspects of life, not just athletics.

Logan Miller, Basketball Player

I am elated to have played so well and especially the new thoughts and process we learned with you! It’s really helping. I’m so confident of my woods and irons- they’re better than ever!

I’m off to two more big tournaments next week and I’m feeling great about playing.

Thank you for everything!
You are the best!!

Shawn McCullough – 2022 Virginia Super Senior Women’s Champion

As a high school infielder, I went through a very difficult time when all of a sudden I couldn’t even throw the ball in the vicinity of the first baseman. It was like nothing I’ve ever felt and completely destroyed my confidence. Working with Buddy allowed me to make a 100% recovery. His patience, understanding and skills were exactly what I needed. I am now able to play with as much confidence as I’ve ever had.

Genki LeClair

I started working with Buddy and Zone Motion immediately following Tommy John surgery in June 2022. Initially, I came to him to improve my performance on the field. What I didn’t expect was for the process taught by Zone Motion to change my life as well. In the past year, I’ve developed closer and more meaningful relationships, found new interests and hobbies, and live my life with more joy than I previously thought imaginable. All the while, I healed from my surgery with no setbacks, and have returned to playing with more freedom and success than I had seen prior to this point of my career. I cannot more highly recommend getting on board with Buddy and Zone Motion. It is truly worth every minute!

Ian Seymour, Tampa Bay Rays

Buddy’s understanding of the brain-body connection is second to none. He possesses a great ability to help an athlete achieve consistency. I am grateful to have crossed paths with Buddy.

Charley Hoffman – Four Time PGA Tournament Winner

My work with Buddy helped me with the mental and mechanical sides of pitching. I went from Extended Spring Training to the Runner up for Pitcher of the Year, in the same year. I was even put on the Top Prospect list. Buddy has figured something out that majority of baseball players don’t know about.

Brad Markey, Chicago Cubs Retired

It was an incredible feeling when I pitched my perfect game. I felt tremendous freedom. I was so locked in. Buddy helped me understand what allowed me to pitch so well that day and more importantly how to duplicate that feeling. It took so much pressure off me.

Matt Cain, San Francisco Giants—Retired – Giants Hall of Fame

I think that this fluid motion my body experienced through Buddy’s teaching will allow anyone to pitch with more freedom and reduce pitching injuries. The more fluid you are, the less strain you put on your ligaments and muscles.

Jeremy Affeldt, San Francisco Giants–retired

I’ve been working with Buddy for 4 seasons now and his work has transformed me as a pitcher and as a person. With Buddy’s help I am able to slow the game down, process greater amounts of information in a shorter period of time, and stay under control on the mound. Zone Motion has helped me to stay present within each moment and has allowed my full potential to come to the surface on a regular basis. I highly recommend Buddy and Zone Motion to any athlete striving to maximize their talents both on and off the field.

Zone Motion has given me the ability to overcome fears, doubts, injuries, and failures in my career. Buddy has taught me how to process these emotions and has given me more confidence in who I am as a person. This has led me to significant improvement on the field and in my every day life.

Ty Blach, Colorado Rockies

Buddy’s Zone Motion training is unlike any other training out there.  It had an immediate positive impact on our student-athletes Despite our largest roster size this past season, we posted the highest team GPA in the program’s history.  

We also drastically improved all offensive categories, including our quality at-bat avg. and consistency of hard contact.  Our offensive production went to another level with virtually the same starting lineup. Student-athletes reported fewer injuries, a higher quality of rest and recovery, better stress management, and higher quality sleeping patterns.  

I am skeptical by nature but believe wholeheartedly in this system.  This is not a Sports Psychology program but a Sports Biology program.  Gone are the days of “Muscle Memory” as we now know that “Motion Memory” is at the center of athleticism.  We transformed players and overcame training plateaus and challenges in record-setting fashion.  As a coach who often talked about the importance of the mental game in sports, Buddy’s Zone Motion program is THE WAY to unlock your true abilities through sports biology!  I am fortunate to have found this program.

Brian Leighton Assistant Athletic Director Head Baseball Coach – Albertus Magnus College

This training allows my true ability to rise to the surface. I feel like I got better with each outing and I know where to look when I need to reset the clock when I am a little off.

Adam Ottavino, New York Mets

I worked with Buddy on the golf driving range. It was an extraordinary experience. I am a 5 handicap golfer and I have a fairly consistent swing. But after working with Buddy, my game went to another level. I was hitting the ball further with less effort and making more solid contact with the ball.

George Brett, Baseball Hall of Fame

Buddy’s Zone Motion training is unlike any other training out there.  It had an immediate positive impact on our student-athletes Despite our largest roster size this past season, we posted the highest team GPA in the program’s history.  

We also drastically improved all offensive categories, including our quality at-bat avg. and consistency of hard contact.  Our offensive production went to another level with virtually the same starting lineup. Student-athletes reported fewer injuries, a higher quality of rest and recovery, better stress management, and higher quality sleeping patterns.  

I am skeptical by nature but believe wholeheartedly in this system.  This is not a Sports Psychology program but a Sports Biology program.  Gone are the days of “Muscle Memory” as we now know that “Motion Memory” is at the center of athleticism.  We transformed players and overcame training plateaus and challenges in record-setting fashion.  As a coach who often talked about the importance of the mental game in sports, Buddy’s Zone Motion program is THE WAY to unlock your true abilities through sports biology!  I am fortunate to have found this program.

Brian Leighton Assistant Athletic Director Head Baseball Coach – Albertus Magnus College