Unfortunately, youth players don’t have the same accommodations as big-league ballplayers. Everyone would benefit from a trip to Camelback Ranch for 45 days a year. Nonetheless, there are still ways you can improve your game since the cooler days are more abundant. Here are some effective winter training programs for baseball players to prepare you as you wait for the season to start.
Hitting
Luckily, keeping up with your swing sharp is one of the most accessible activities for an aspiring baseball player. You can visit several cages, or you can build your own makeshift cage with a net and a tee. Regardless of where you go, getting some fresh cuts with your favorite baseball bat is something you can do that doesn’t require you to be outside.
Additionally, there are plenty of winter hitting programs that can prepare you for the upcoming season. Having access to an indoor facility by joining these leagues gives you a leg up on the competition. However, playing baseball year-round opens the door for burnout. If you need to take a break, don’t be afraid to voice your opinion to your coaches, parents, or guardian.
Fielding
You can hone in on your fielding prowess in several indoor facilities. Unfortunately, the hops off a gym floor aren’t quite the same when they’re not on the grass, dirt, or the dastardly moondust. Another thing to consider during the off-season is a position switch.
The more positions you know how to play, the more valuable you become—just look at Leury Garcia for the Chicago White Sox. The man can hardly slug his way out of a paper bag, and he inked a multi-million dollar deal. If you are a second baseman by trade, maybe you can try a catcher’s mitt in your downtime.
Pitching
The most challenging of positions to stay fresh in is pitching. Toeing the fine line of valuable practice and overworking your arm is demanding for many youth players. When you are a teen, your body is still developing muscle and tissue, and nonstop throwing will hurt your arm. Be alert of any warning signs that you have a dead arm, such as a drop in velocity, errant throws, and altering mechanics. Stop pitching and rest if you notice a twinge in your shoulder or elbow.
Conditioning
Although it may feel like a punishment when your coach makes you run, engaging in conditioning activities aids you in all your training efforts. If you’re struggling to catch your breath after a hitting session, get your cardio in a good spot before spring comes. Effective conditioning doesn’t necessarily need to have a baseball context behind it, so pick something you enjoy doing if it suits you better.
These effective winter training programs for baseball players support all aspects of your game. Once you don the cleats next year, your game will be top-notch.