This week I’m sharing an article from U.S. News regarding the benefits of lifting weights for females. Honestly, I know this is a softball training site and I try my best to tailor my advice to the goals of a softball player. However, I haven’t emphasized enough that strength training is not just for young athletes; it’s a cornerstone for a fit, healthy body.
Read MoreLast week when I answered reader CC’s question I promised I’d talk more about training young athletes and the Long Term Athlete Development Model. Following is an article I recently had published in the Performance Conditioning newsletter for baseball and softball. The information is indispensable for any parent of a young athlete!
Read MoreWhen evaluating pitchers, most folks reach for the radar gun. A common tool, but is it the best one for the job?
Read MoreRead MoreHey Carly! I’ve got twins at the 10u level that both pitch, but in games both of them tend to not reach their optimum speeds/groove until the second inning, and this is after I have given them a complete warm up. As a result I have had them pitch a tad more than most (30 pitches) after warm-up and before the first pitch. We usually throw 100+ pitches in practice sessions so I feel like I have built or I am building their stamina.
We typically practice a couple times a week mixed in with a lesson, so they pitch 3 times a week(If everything falls into place). Does sound right to you? Any tips on how to keep them better prepared without pitching so much before games?
—CC
Do you test your athletes’ fitness or conditioning throughout the season? What physical capacities are you testing? In this video, I demonstrate and instruct you through a sample softball preseason fitness test or combine. This test is space efficient and can be administered to small or large groups by softball coaches and even parents.
Read MoreTo start 2014, I’m giving you advice that I sincerely wish I had received and utilized when I was an athlete. As coach and business professional, the value of this habit pays me back on a daily basis. It’s truly priceless and I really hope coaches, parents, an athletes give it a try.
Read MoreFor my last contribution of 2013, I’ve collected my best posts from this past year. If you are a new fan of Fastpitch Power, this list will help you get “up to speed” on the most important topics related to softball strength and conditioning.
Read MoreMany people have asked or emailed us about strength training guidelines for 12U and 10U athletes. In this week’s video, I address the special considerations you should be aware of when developing an exercise program for kids.
Read MoreIf we were to self-appoint “Best Articles/Videos” of 2013, I would nominate this week’s video as the best of my contributions this year. I don’t think I’ve done a better job to date of explaining strength training principles in a way that softball athletes and coaches can understand and apply. In this week’s video I explain and demonstrate how to correct your pitching mechanics through core training.
Read MoreIn this video, I review the epidemiology, or timeline of how a softball player breaks down over the course of a season. If you’re feeling burnt out, physically or mentally, watch this video to learn how to begin your comeback this off-season.
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