Effective Baseball Off Season Workouts

Effective Baseball Off Season Workouts
By Guido Nussbaum

Many athletes like to keep themselves in shape at all times, but this is especially true whenever they are actually playing the game. It is important, however, for you to make sure that you are ready for the upcoming season and that you do not allow yourself to fall into disrepair while the game is not being played. This is true, regardless of what type of sport you play but many people that play baseball feel that exercising in the off-season gives them an edge whenever it comes time to step onto the field again. Here are some effective baseball off season workouts which you may find beneficial.

One of the most important things for you to consider in this regard is going to be the position that you play. An outfielder, for obvious reasons, is going to have to do a different type of workout than the pitcher may do. However, they can all benefit from an overall workout plan that will help to keep them lean and in shape. This is often done through a regular routine of weightlifting, along with effective cardiovascular workouts. Here is the basic way that this is done.

As far as the weightlifting is concerned, there are some considerations for the various positions that are played but almost anybody can benefit from a short routine of multi-joint exercises. The reason why this is the case, is because it allows you to effectively work out more of the body in less time and these exercises also help you to build muscle and in a much faster way. Multi-joint exercises workout more muscles of the body, unlike bicep exercises or something similar which only concentrate on one muscle group. When you do multi-joint exercises effectively, you really assist your body in growing in all areas.

Cardiovascular exercise is also a very important part of any effective baseball off season workout. The type of cardiovascular exercise that you are doing, however, may differ depending upon your position. For the most part, however, short bursts of activity are what is going to be necessary in order to get you in shape for the field and for this, you will need high-intensity interval training. This is where you go hard for a period of time, typically one minute, and then go easy for an equal or longer amount of time. Cycle through this for 8 to 10 sets on any piece of exercise equipment and you will quickly gain cardiovascular endurance.

Of course, you don't need to play baseball regularly in order to benefit from this type of baseball off season workouts. As a matter of fact, anybody that would like to lose weight, get in shape or stay in shape can benefit from doing these combination of exercises. The real key is to be consistent in your efforts and to make sure that you're constantly progressing in the exercises that you are doing. This will not only help you if you decide to step out on the field in the spring, but it will also assist you in looking good all year long.

Visit our web site to learn more about Baseball off Season Workouts
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guido_Nussbaum

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Baseball Drills : Baseball Training Aids for Kids

Baseball Drills : Baseball Training Aids for Kids
eHowSports When kids are training to play baseball, there are a lot of training aids that can be useful, including hitting tees or a simple baseball bat for dry swinging. Find out how to make a device for working on pitching delivery with help from a baseball instructor in this free video on baseball training aids.

Expert: Jory Jensen
Bio: Jory Jensen pitched for Utah Valley University for four years, and is currently an instructor for Rocky Mountain School of Baseball and Hardball, Incorporated.
Filmmaker: Michael Burton

Series Description: Baseball training involves basic strength and weight workouts, in addition to exercises that help to establish flexibility and agility. Find out how to do drills to become a better baseball player in this free video series on baseball training.

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Baseball Hitting Tips - The Coil Drill

Baseball Hitting Tips - The Coil Drill
By guest author: Hunter Sendefer

When teaching young ball players the art of hitting, it is very important to start at the beginning. This is because you can confuse these young players very easily if you give them too much to think about too quickly, so taking an extremely cautious approach is the best way to go. The coil is a drill that can give these players a very good base to learn from, which will help them develop other hitting skills in the future.

The basic purpose of this drill is to help these players develop a routine when they first step into the batter's box. Without this routine, players might start getting fidgety and forgetting important parts of their hitting technique, so keeping a routine is a vital part of developing consistency at the plate.

This drill starts with each player gripping the bat properly and stepping into the batter's box. Each player should then take his or her normal batting stance while the coach simulates throwing a pitch. The hitter will then work on his or her coil and then freeze when the process has been completed. The coach, in turn, will have a few things to watch for throughout this process, which will help determine whether or not the player has gone through this process properly.

The first thing that that coach needs to watch for is the player's grip, as an improper grip can not only force the player to have an awkward swing, but it can also cause an injury in some cases. The player should also be completely relaxed, as more relaxed players are generally less likely to swing at bad pitched. The weight shift is another important part of this process, as too much of a weight shift can leave the player off balance, while too little can force the player to pop the ball up.

Other things to watch for include where the players' hands end up and whether or not they are hindering their own line of vision. There are many players out there who will turn their shoulders to the point where they can no longer see the ball. When the player freezes after the coil, the coach should check to make sure that both eyes can still be seen because this player will never be able to hit the ball if he or she cannot see it.

Older players should practice getting a sign from the third base coach before stepping into the batter's box, just to make this part of the routine. Once the players have gotten the hang of the drill, the coach can begin using them situations before setting foot in the batter's box and have them inform you on what their approach will be in this situation. In a game situation, the players will have to consider all of these things before setting foot in the batter's box, so make sure that they know what to do in every situation and make all of this part of the routine.

Hunter Sendefer is a former player and current youth baseball coach who consistently coaches his teams to the winners column including an active 26 game winning streak. He frequently contributes to http://www.Batting-Trainer.com where you can sign up for free baseball batting videos and hitting tips or learn about the revolutionary new Insider Bat batting trainer. http://www.Batting-Trainer.com/features

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Baseball Fundamentals - Throwing & Catching

Baseball Fundamentals - Throwing & Catching
By guest author: Brian Schofield

Throwing a Baseball

It sounds so simple yet so many players do this incorrectly at a young age. In my opinion, nothing hampers a young player's love for the game more than if he can't throw the ball correctly. Fundamentally it is a very simple concept, but must be practiced correctly to be mastered. I have been blessed with having 4 girls as my children. They don't quite love baseball like I do but one thing I've tried to really teach them is how to correctly throw and catch a baseball. The first thing I tell them is that they aren't going to hurt me. To demonstrate I start with a softer ball like a wiffle ball or a tennis ball because the theory is how they throw and catch, not what they throw and catch. I want the confidence to be built up, not crushed because a hard ball smashed them in the mouth. Stand a fair distance apart, maybe 15-20 feet and have both players stand facing each other. When it is your turn to throw the ball, make absolutely sure of a couple points.

One, always step with your lead foot and aim it at the person you are throwing. Your front foot should point directly to your target. When practicing this for the first time it is ok to exaggerate the step. Second, make sure the ball is released behind or near the ear of the player throwing the ball. Young players will tend to short arm the throw by holding it too long. When they do this you will notice right away because the throw will have no life on it. A short arm throw eliminates the shoulder from being used and that completely decreases velocity on the ball. I have the players say step, plant and throw until they form a comfortable rhythm. My father was an incredible baseball coach growing up and I believe the difference was he took the time to teach us the simple concepts like throwing and catching a ball which is really what the game is all about, isn't it?

Catching a Baseball

Young players need to be shown the correct way to catch a ball as well. Don't get me wrong, some players will know from day 1 how to do both these things while others won't. Some may show all the ability but haven't been taught the correct fundamental behind it. Young players tend to do two things incorrectly when catching a baseball. One, they box it. I call it boxing the ball when everything thrown to them is met by a boxing motion with the glove always going in a downward motion no matter how low the throw is. Instead of just turning the glove over with the palm up, players will do the opposite and box it no matter where it is. Second, the opposite occurs and they try to catch everything with the palm up. I've seen more kids clocked in the head because of this than you could imagine. This is mastered only through correct repetition and practice. I encourage parents to spend 10 minutes outside showing kids how to correctly throw and catch. If it is done you will avoid the kids being made fun of or teased and they'll stick with it. I'm glad I did and I'm glad that my father took the time to play catch with me.

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Baseball Training - 5 Tips For Spring Training

Baseball Training - 5 Tips For Spring Training
By guest author: Mike Singh

Training for baseball doesn't stop after the season is over. The best time to get ready for the next season is during the off season, not training camps, and not a few weeks before the opening game. It takes time to build muscle strength, coordination and skill. Many of these things can be done at home and even indoors. Here are 5 tips for what you should be doing during your baseball off season this year.

Tips To Start Your Off-Season

* Strength Training - The key to being able to hit a home run comes not only from coordination and skill but from the right muscle build. While it is important to keep in shape it is also important to weight train. Get in a cardio workout but also getting in some toning of the arms, shoulders, legs, and back. While you don't need to look like a professional wrestler, building some muscle tone can really do well to improve your overall game.

* Knowledge Is Power - This old saying is true here in baseball training too. If you are a pitcher, learn how to hold the ball. If you are a catcher, learn the necessary calls and know them well. Develop a new understanding of the game. What plays will improve the team? What skills, then, do you need to have to do just that? Learn through DVD's as well as through just watching successful pitchers, batters and outfielders play.

* Work On Your Stance And Swing - The ball is coming at you. Do you hold your shoulders right? Do you swing at the right angle? Do you follow through as you should? If you don't, now is the time. Learn how to do this through coaching videos or through working with a trainer. But, learn.

* Eat Right - You know that your diet is important. Instead of trying to lose twenty winter pounds in the spring, just don't put them on. Overall your body will be in better shape and you'll be able to work most effectively on those muscles.

* Excellent equipment - No one said you shouldn't use quality equipment like swinging nets, pitching machines and just plan old getting outside and throwing the ball around. Sometimes, the best thing for a player is getting to know his team.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Singh

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How to Pitch a Baseball : Back Side Follow Through in Baseball Pitching

How to Pitch a Baseball : Back Side Follow Through in Baseball Pitching
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Learn about the importance of back side follow through when you pitch a baseball in this free sports instruction video.

Expert: Mike Lumley
Bio: Mike Lumley is the President and head instructor of Lumley School of Baseball and has a very extensive back ground in baseball and baseball camps; two years Scholarship at Eastern Michigan University,
Filmmaker: Melissa Schenk


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The Baseball Swing Grip

The Baseball Swing Grip
By guest author: Nate Barnett

The hands are the only physical connection you have with the bat as the baseball swing begins. While other parts of your body are responsible for generating the power in hitting a baseball, your hands and how they grip the bat play a large role in how fluid the bat passes through the hitting zone. Therefore, it stands to reason that some time and attention by paid into understand the quick and easy fundamentals of gripping the bat.

A good grip occurs when the handle of the bat is held primarily in the fingers of the hand. In order to accomplish this correctly, simply lay the handle of the bat across the lower base of the fingers of each hand. Then, just close your hands around the handle. Pay attention that you are not squeezing the bat. Instead, hold it lightly in your fingers.

The reason you should keep a light grip is because it will keep the muscles of the hands, wrists, and forearms loose and prepared for quick action in your baseball swing. Loose muscles are fast muscles while tense muscles will create a blocky swing that will produce little positive results. Unfortunately, many hitters when facing a pitcher who throws a speedy fastball will grip the bat with flexing muscles and white knuckles. The tightness in the hands, wrists, and forearms will prevent other muscles from helping you create a quick baseball swing. Next time you get a chance to watch a Major League Baseball game, watch how many of the hitters lightly grip and re-grip the bat as they wait for the pitch. This is simply an unconscious habit many hitters employ to keep from gripping the bat too tightly.

Two Effective Grips

Option #1: The easiest way to ensure that you are keeping the bat up in the fingers is to rotate your hands so that the second row of knuckles on each hand line up with each other. Many hitters find this grip slightly uncomfortable. The second option may be better suited if this is the case.

Option #2: Rotate the hands until the second and third knuckles line up with each other. This "box grip" is used by quite a few Major League players. With either option you choose, it is important to be comfortable. So, pick the one that feels the best for your size and shape of hand and stick with it.

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