Training for Baseball

There are many training routines/exercises that can be done to improve one's abilities that are used to play that certain sport. These exercises build up muscle in which one has to use while playing the sport. They are important if one is interested in truly excelling to the elite position in one's sport. Here are a few training tips that I have for baseball especially. (These are ones that I went through when I played in high school and travel ball. Many of them were taught to me by experienced coaches.)

Baseball

1. It is important to have a strong core in this sport. One's core is used in almost every motion of the game from pitching, hitting, to throwing. One's core allows one to be explosive in all these phases of the game. Abdominal work with medicine balls is one of the best ways to strengthen one's core. Numerous exercises can be done with the ball such as crunches, leg lifts, and even side twists. Many of these can be done with a partner or by one's self. One may tend to see better results if done with a partner because one can push each other to burn out those last few painstaking reps that one might otherwise simply give up on.

2. Throwing is another important aspect of the sport. Therefore it is important to have good fast reflex muscles in order to throw the ball with a high velocity. One does not want to have a bulky and over-muscular build, especially if one is a pitcher. Cable and rubber band work are good ways to strengthen these muscles used for throwing, without building too much mass. Resistance bands are a good way to stretch out before games as well. It allows the muscle to experience some resistance while simulating the throwing motion.

3. Legs, just as abs, are a key part to many areas of the game such as throwing, batting, and running (obviously). One might ask how does one's legs help one throw and bat. Most of a batter's power is generated from the torque in one's legs. There are similarities when throwing the ball. A good majority of one's velocity comes from the push one gets from his legs when throwing the ball. So what are some good exercises to do to strengthen one's legs? Squats are good for strengthening one's hamstrings. Lunges and frog hops are also good exercises for working out one's legs. What are frog hops? One spreads their legs shoulder width apart, bends at the knees while keeping one's upper body perpendicular to the ground and then explodes jumping as high and as far as they can off both feet at once. This should be repeated for a set distance, some 60 yards or so.

Being coached by some knowledgeable coaches, I was taught many vital tips when training for baseball. These tips are recommended for those who are interested in excelling on the baseball diamond.