Are You Strong Enough to Play Softball In College?
For this week’s post, I decided to pull some YouTube clips of college softball strength and conditioning off-season workouts. I think it’s important for parents and athletes to realize the physical committment it takes to be a part of a high level program. It’s never a good idea to judge an exercise or workout without context, so let’s not have a discussion on whether this stuff is safe or appropriate. If you plan on playing softball in college, this will be your reality.
Collegiate strength and conditioning programs are intense, conducted in large groups, and typically held at “inconvenient” times like 6:30am before classes. Preparing your body for these workouts will make the transition into college a lot easier. Start a supervised, individualized workout program as soon as possible. Learn how to perform the important exercises like squats, deadlifts, pull ups, push ups and power cleans before getting to college (so you won’t have a strength coach barking at you every morning before it’s even light out).
If there is a reputable trainer in your area who specializes in preparing competitive athletes, go see them. If you don’t have access to a trainer, but are eager to start a program, Fastpitch Power offers Online Strength and Conditioning Programs. Send me an email joe@fastpitchpower.com if you would like more information regarding this service!
Hi Joe. Where do you stand on the olympic lifts for softball players.
Cheers.
I 100% support the use of olympic lifts, primarily the clean (from the floor caught in a power, half, or more than half squat), for softball players. However, they must be taught correctly and loaded appropriately. When done so, they develop not only the muscles involved, but more importantly the sequencing of extension of the hips, knees, and ankles under a stiff core that is utilized during running, batting, and pitching especially. This happens when bar path and technique is monitored.
I don’t support much of the execution in the videos above, as a lot of it gets sloppy. But I coach in a small group setting, and don’t have to “hit numbers” for any head coach superior.
That was the answer I was looking for. That’s definitely changed my scope on things. Thanks a ton Joe.
Joe, great website and great information on a great sport. You’re one of the people that I always look to for ideas about training for myself and my daughter. You’ve influenced my training quite a bit – especially in regards to mobility and movement training.
I think it’s interesting to see an article by a strength coach about college programs that focuses on the commitment it takes to play college athletics. My daughter has been involved in a strength and conditioning program independent of her team practice since she was about 8 years old. Even with all of that experience she was not used to (but hopefully not completely unprepared for) 6am one hour speed and conditioning five days per week and one hour strength training sessions three days per week on top of her skills practices that is part of the college career that she started this week.
I know that you work primarily with adolescent athletes with relatively little training experience. Do you think that you might put out some information on more experienced fastpitch athletes?
Hi Kelly, good to hear from you again and I appreciate the compliments. It’s definitely an adjustment for any athlete regardless of training age because of the time investment and frequency of training sessions. The content on the site will definitely be applicable to novice and experienced athletes. My entries will continue to evolve from basic language and advice to more complex training principles. If you have a specific topic/goal that you’d like me to report on, definitely let me know, I will get a post up asap! Joe