Post Game Stretching For Pitchers
In this week’s video, I explain how pitching mechanics are affected by tight muscles around the shoulder and demonstrate exercises to restore flexibility after a softball game or pitching lesson.
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In Season Workout Advice for Softball
When’s the last time you heard anyone say “Softball’s a great workout”? Face it, playing sports is not an adequate stimulus to develop and maintain the physical capacities such as strength and flexibility that allow athletes to perform at a HIGH level SAFELY season after season. But scheduling workouts during the season is tough! In this video I review the physical consequences of a long competitive season and provide some guidance on how arrange workouts around practices and games.
Read MoreHow to Workout In Season and Not Get Sore
Unfortunately, nowadays, athletes feel they don’t have enough time to fit in workouts during the season. They, and their coaches, also fear working out will lead to sore and stiff muscles. In this video, I explain how to schedule workouts appropriately around your in-season commitments, and demonstrate a few new exercises that are less likely to leave you sore, while building total body strength.
Read MoreInterview with Dr. James Andrews
Dr. James Andrews is a world famous sports orthopedic surgeon who, in this interview, weighs in on the current state of competitive youth sports. Dr. Andrews brings up some very disturbing trends in youth sports including the rise in injuries and coaches trapping athletes into playing one sport all year round.
Read More5 Minutes to Feel Better and Get Flexible
In this week’s video, I give you a detailed introduction to the foam roller, a self-massage tool that is used to improve flexibility by reducing stiffness in muscles and connective tissue. Unfortunately, most people never see a foam roller until they are already injured and end up in physical therapy, but I’m telling you to buy one now.
Read MoreOff Season to In Season: Making the Transition
Are you stronger, faster, better than you were at this time last year?
With your spring and summer seasons (in season) just around the corner, it’s time to step back and honestly evaluate the results of your off season work and make good use of the pre-season to prepare yourself for game conditions. The transition should not be that difficult if you spent the off season pushing the envelope to make yourself a better athlete.
Are Preseason Fitness Tests Hurting Your Athletes?
As spring approaches, many of my athletes are worried about ‘how much running’ their coaches will have them do during tryouts. As a former athlete, I remember this fear all to well. What do the mile-run or post-practice conditioning have to do with a speed and power sport like softball? Coaches, are preseason fitness tests hurting your athletes?
Read MoreIs Weightlifting Safe for Softball Players?
In this week’s video blog, I explain why Olympic lifts are extremely beneficial and safe for softball athletes when coached correctly. I’ve also included a video from the UMass Lowell softball team’s off season workouts. This is the best collegiate softball training video I’ve seen to date.
Read MoreHow to Practice Pitching Safely During Injury Recovery
One of the most difficult things about being injured for an athlete is the time spent inactive during recovery. While you definitely shouldn’t push yourself, there are some simple windmill pitching drills that are likely safe for you to do while you’re recovering. They’re not intense or complicated, but they can be enough to keep you sharp.Today’s video will take you through an easy routine. ALWAYS ask your doctor before proceeding to work out.
Read MoreThe Best Exercises to Reduce Softball Shoulder Injuries
Put down the tubing and light dumbbells. In these two videos, I explain why old school exercises like pull ups and rows are the best upper body exercises to reduce softball shoulder injuries.
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