Have you ever watched an amazing athlete and thought “Wow, it looks like they’re not even trying”? Or have you seen a pitcher who looks completely relaxed even though she’s delivering a 65mph fastball? Using a simple analogy, Joe will explain how and why this happens. He will also describe how athletes and coaches should design strength training programs to promote effortless, optimal performance.
Read MoreWant to start a strength training program but don’t know where to begin? The hardest part is getting started! In this post, I provide a workout-template and exercise demonstrations of every training component that should be included in a complete, softball-specific workout.
Read MoreSoftball pitching performance is determined by a combination of technical mastery and physical development. In this post, I unveil the physical contributors to softball pitching performance according to recent research. You will learn which muscles to strengthen to improve pitching velocity, and the exercise principles you must consider when designing softball specific workouts.
Read MoreWho doesn’t want to get faster? In this blog, Joe explains what factors contribute to running speed, and demonstrates a lower body speed and strength training routine that requires minimal equipment and space.
Read MoreIn this video, I explain and demonstrate proper technique for throwing medicine balls to improve pitching performance. Simply twisting and throwing heavy medicine balls is not enough to improve pitching-specific capacity. These exercises should reinforce proper pitching mechanics, and improve pitching-specific mechanics that many young pitchers struggle to command.
Read MoreDoes your pitcher seem to lack extension or power as she drives away from the rubber? In these videos, Joe explains how lack of strength and flexibility contribute to poor execution and acquisition of drive through mechanics, and demonstrates four exercises that every pitcher can benefit from.
Read MoreDrive foot turn out can be a doorstop in a young softball pitcher’s development. The consequences are obvious, but the cause is much more difficult to derive. In this video, Joe explains how lack of physical strength and flexibility contribute to one of the most common technical mistakes in young pitchers.
Read MoreIf you’re a female athlete, parent, or coach, this post should scare you. Females inherit a number of physical deficits that predispose them to sports-related injuries. These deficits manifest during puberty, which is also a time when sports responsibilities tend to increase. Here is a review of what adolescent females must overcome if they want to reach their athletic potential, while avoiding major or chronic injuries.
Read MoreCardio, as you know it, is a complete waste of time. Here are the four most popular forms of “cardio” and my reasons as to why a softball player has no business doing them.
Read MoreYoung female athletes tend to lose flexibility secondary to loss of stability as they grow. Muscles can either be placed under tension as the bones grow or they protectively contract in attempt to control the larger skeleton. A proper stretching routine should enhance body stability as well as flexibility. In this week’s video, I demonstrate my favorite active flexibility exercises for softball players.
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