5 Summer Tips for every Young Baseball Playr
With
summer quickly approaching, I wanted to briefly discuss some important
topics that parents and players have been asking about on a daily basis.
Summer is arguably the most important developmental period for young athletes, and it is unfortunately one where MANY miss the mark.
If you’re wanting to play at the next level, you NEED to address these 5 areas this summer:
1. Have a Routine
It
is so easy for young athletes to lose their daily routines once summer
kicks off. Consistent sleep and healthy eating are typically two
critical habits that suffer. One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to
improve your performance in the summer is to prioritize these two areas.
If you’re serious about making it to the next level, you need to have a
plan and stick to a routine.
2. Recover
After
a long season, it is common for throwers to lose flexibility or
strength and this needs to be addressed over the summer. As a former D1
pitcher, I truly wish I had access to the current arm-care strategies
that help fuel MLB players. While many generic arm care programs are
fine for average throwers, high level throwers need individualized arm
care programs based on their individual needs.
3. Strength & Conditioning
A
sport-specific strength & conditioning program is ESSENTIAL. Many
studies have shown that it is safe to begin a strength and conditioning
program as early as 8-9 years old. Developing athleticism, strength, and
movement excellence at a young age can really set the stage for
long-term success and overall health.
4. Throwing Plan
I
see so many kids that suffer injuries over the summer that are often
due to throwing too much, or not throwing enough. Depending on how much
you threw during the spring season, you should put together a strategic
plan for either increasing, maintaining, or tapering your throwing over
the summer. Most athletes would benefit from a break or less throwing in
the summertime, but this should always be a case by case basis. What
will your weekly and monthly throwing schedule look like?
5. Recharge
Don’t
forget what summer is about, to find time to take a break and let your
body recharge. It’s too easy to fill your schedule with tournaments,
camps and showcases and I often see kid’s get burnt out (both physically
and mentally) as a result. Find time to rest and have fun.
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