Conditioning?

How do most schools handle out of season conditioning or other out of season matters? Just curious our program does nothing until the 15th.

At Pikeville, we have had optional workouts everyday where you can come out and throw with the team, and you can also do some conditioning. :thumb:

 

We have been throwing for over a month.

A lot of excellent conditioning programs available, from many sources for the high school coach to use during season and for the athlete to follow out of season.

 

Implementing a combination of running, light weights, cardio, plyometrics, bicycling, stretching, calisthenics, ropes....so much available, along with specific Baseball related drills, will make any player better prepared both physically and mentally for the season.

 

Consult with nutritionists, strength coaches or colleges within your area, to gain valuable information and techniques, to proper conditioning.

RUN RUN AND MORE RUNNING. That is college baseball, honestly I think more needs to be put into conditioning at the highschool level to prepare kids for the next level. And I know anyone who plays will definitely agree with me on this one.

RUN RUN AND MORE RUNNING. That is college baseball, honestly I think more needs to be put into conditioning at the highschool level to prepare kids for the next level. And I know anyone who plays will definitely agree with me on this one.

You are 100% correct, legs and endurance are a must for a high school or college athlete, especially pitchers and catchers.

 

The strain of 30+ games, 2-3 months of practice and innings, will take a toll on the improperly prepared body. The high school player considering going to college for '06, does not realize the amount of time he will spend, in the weight room, lifting conditioning and running....that's one reason some can't make the adjustment, not so much playing ability but not getting properly prepared, to face the next level.

High School baseball comes at you quick, and if your team is not in shape it will show on the field. You better have good legs under you, and you must take care of your arm. I would suggest throwing as often as you can. Give your self time to recover, especially if you are a pitcher. Gradually build up on the amout of throws you make each week. I also like using the stretch bands, or cords. These will improve your velocity if used properly. And if you don't like those, you can use the heavy ball program. Bad thing is, the heavy balls are hard on a glove if you are throwing to a partner. I like to use the mats at basketball courts to throw at. Main thing is to build yourself up before the season. That means running, and get that arm "broke in".

High School baseball comes at you quick, and if your team is not in shape it will show on the field. You better have good legs under you, and you must take care of your arm. I would suggest throwing as often as you can. Give your self time to recover, especially if you are a pitcher. Gradually build up on the amount of throws you make each week. I also like using the stretch bands, or cords. These will improve your velocity if used properly. And if you don't like those, you can use the heavy ball program. Bad thing is, the heavy balls are hard on a glove if you are throwing to a partner. I like to use the mats at basketball courts to throw at. Main thing is to build yourself up before the season. That means running, and get that arm "broke in".

Do you like the "weighted baseballs". I have heard several stories on the pros and cons.

 

I personally have tried them but I felt they promoted more of a firmer finger action grip for pitchers, which resulted in too much pressure being used to hold the ball and creating problems in the accuracy, when throwing afterwards.

 

I'm sure several schools of thought here but I prefer weighted medicine balls to create arm strength, instead of the weighted baseball balls, since the medicine ball doesn't promote a grip problem, but also helps with finger, hand, wrist and arm muscles....just my thoughts.

Do you like the "weighted baseballs". I have heard several stories on the pros and cons.

 

I personally have tried them but I felt they promoted more of a firmer finger action grip for pitchers, which resulted in too much pressure being used to hold the ball and creating problems in the accuracy, when throwing afterwards.

 

I'm sure several schools of thought here but I prefer weighted medicine balls to create arm strength, instead of the weighted baseball balls, since the medicine ball doesn't promote a grip problem, but also helps with finger, hand, wrist and arm muscles....just my thoughts.

STRIKE3, you know that I value your thoughts a great deal, but I will differ just a little in your views on the use of weighted balls and medicine balls. While I do agree with the use of medicine balls, I think that they are more functionate in building a stronger core than developing arm strength. As you are well aware the abdominal areas as well as hips and thighs are where most energy and power is generated from, which there is definately a direct benefit derived from their use. I do think that weighted balls do help to some degree, but I feel that you have to be very careful in their use as to not throwing balls that are really too heavy for great distance long tossing as to avoid possible arm damage. They come in various weights which are identifable by their colors. Again, you have to be very careful in their use .I still think the best way of increasing arm strength is do do the very simple thing of just long tossing, long tossing, long tossing. I know that in my particular case it developed a light in stature kid the ability to reach the upper 80's, by being extremely devoted and discliplined in the use of that theory, along with plyometric and core body training.

 

I think that plyometic training plays a very important role in developing velocity. The motion of pitching is an explosive move, and training emphasized in developing muscles that drive the mechanics involved in throwing a ball is the primary objective. I think that this is where the use of medicine ball plays the most importance by strengthening the afore mentioned body parts that serve as the driving forces.

 

I also strongly urge the use of light weight and tubular band exercises to maintain the little small muscles and tendons that are often injured in the throwing process.

 

I know the theory of running a great deal by pitchers is most commonly associated with a pitcher's conditioning, but I remember Steve Carlton's refusal to do a lot of running in spring training and the season. It caused him to have relation problems with the coaching staffs as well as his fellow bullpen mates, but his theory was more along the line of flexability and explosive training which evolved from his extensive martial arts activities. Maybe he was just an isolated example, but that theory of training certainly served him well , by not only his performances but by his longivity.

STRIKE3, you know that I value your thoughts a great deal, but I will differ just a little in your views on the use of weighted balls and medicine balls. While I do agree with the use of medicine balls, I think that they are more functionate in building a stronger core than developing arm strength. As you are well aware the abdominal areas as well as hips and thighs are where most energy and power is generated from, which there is definitely a direct benefit derived from their use. I do think that weighted balls do help to some degree, but I feel that you have to be very careful in their use as to not throwing balls that are really too heavy for great distance long tossing as to avoid possible arm damage. They come in various weights which are identifiable by their colors. Again, you have to be very careful in their use .I still think the best way of increasing arm strength is do do the very simple thing of just long tossing, long tossing, long tossing. I know that in my particular case it developed a light in stature kid into reaching the upper 80's by being very devoted and disciplined in the use of that theory, along with plyometric and core body training.

 

I also think that plyometic training plays a very important role in developing velocity. The motion of pitching is an explosive move, and training emphasized in developing muscles that drive the mechanics involved in throwing a ball. I think that this is where the use of medicine ball plays the most importance. I also strongly urge the use of light weight and tubular band exercises to maintain the little small muscles and tendons that are often injured in the throwing process.

I agree with everything you just said and incorporate it almost exactly, as you described....I should have clarified, not "throwing the medicine ball" with the pitching motion but in-conjunction with the core training as you described.

 

Strengthening the arm muscles by flys, overhead tosses, thrusts, etc....you know I value your opinion and many other things you have done as well my friend.... :thumb:

 

Thanks for the clarification, since some are probably saying "what in the world is this guy talking about, throwing a medicine ball".... :lol:

Like others have mentioned, if you plan on playing in college, get in shape before you go. My college team could have easily double as the school's cross country team.

STRIKE3, you know that I value your thoughts a great deal, but I will differ just a little in your views on the use of weighted balls and medicine balls. While I do agree with the use of medicine balls, I think that they are more functionate in building a stronger core than developing arm strength. As you are well aware the abdominal areas as well as hips and thighs are where most energy and power is generated from, which there is definately a direct benefit derived from their use. I do think that weighted balls do help to some degree, but I feel that you have to be very careful in their use as to not throwing balls that are really too heavy for great distance long tossing as to avoid possible arm damage. They come in various weights which are identifable by their colors. Again, you have to be very careful in their use .I still think the best way of increasing arm strength is do do the very simple thing of just long tossing, long tossing, long tossing. I know that in my particular case it developed a light in stature kid the ability to reach the upper 80's, by being extremely devoted and discliplined in the use of that theory, along with plyometric and core body training.

 

I think that plyometic training plays a very important role in developing velocity. The motion of pitching is an explosive move, and training emphasized in developing muscles that drive the mechanics involved in throwing a ball is the primary objective. I think that this is where the use of medicine ball plays the most importance by strengthening the afore mentioned body parts that serve as the driving forces.

 

I also strongly urge the use of light weight and tubular band exercises to maintain the little small muscles and tendons that are often injured in the throwing process.

 

I know the theory of running a great deal by pitchers is most commonly associated with a pitcher's conditioning, but I remember Steve Carlton's refusal to do a lot of running in spring training and the season. It caused him to have relation problems with the coaching staffs as well as his fellow bullpen mates, but his theory was more along the line of flexability and explosive training which evolved from his extensive martial arts activities. Maybe he was just an isolated example, but that theory of training certainly served him well , by not only his performances but by his longivity.

 

 

I agree completely, FB...The proper combination of weight training (including weight balls and medicine balls) is essential to training and maintaining a good core and solid body!

 

I know in my specific example I messed up with a weight ball! I used to throw with it right before I went on the mound to get my arm good and loose, and for a time or two it was fine, but for whatever reason, the more I did it, the more adjustment time it took for my arm to get used to the regular baseball. I eventually quit using the ball in that circumstance because it was starting to take me an inning or two just to get in a rhythm with a normal ball!

 

I am a firm believe in the Arm-Strong product. It is a simulated baseball with three different bands to attach to it, differing in resistance for stretching, building muscle, and conditioning. I use it year round! At least once a day, everyday of the year, I get out the Arm-Strong and two a few sets! It isn't really a major strain on the arm either!

 

Oh yeah, and don't let me forget! The most important thing a pitcher/player can do is to run and get into good shape! If you come out in February with a halfway in shape body, you will be miles in front of most of your competition! Its been said three times in this thread, but it IS the most important thing you can do!

I agree completely, FB...The proper combination of weight training (including weight balls and medicine balls) is essential to training and maintaining a good core and solid body!

 

I know in my specific example I messed up with a weight ball! I used to throw with it right before I went on the mound to get my arm good and loose, and for a time or two it was fine, but for whatever reason, the more I did it, the more adjustment time it took for my arm to get used to the regular baseball. I eventually quit using the ball in that circumstance because it was starting to take me an inning or two just to get in a rhythm with a normal ball!

 

I am a firm believe in the Arm-Strong product. It is a simulated baseball with three different bands to attach to it, differing in resistance for stretching, building muscle, and conditioning. I use it year round! At least once a day, everyday of the year, I get out the Arm-Strong and two a few sets! It isn't really a major strain on the arm either!

 

Oh yeah, and don't let me forget! The most important thing a pitcher/player can do is to run and get into good shape! If you come out in February with a halfway in shape body, you will be miles in front of most of your competition! Its been said three times in this thread, but it IS the most important thing you can do!

Great advice BF13, especially being in condition, prior to beginning practice.

I agree completely, FB...The proper combination of weight training (including weight balls and medicine balls) is essential to training and maintaining a good core and solid body!

 

I know in my specific example I messed up with a weight ball! I used to throw with it right before I went on the mound to get my arm good and loose, and for a time or two it was fine, but for whatever reason, the more I did it, the more adjustment time it took for my arm to get used to the regular baseball. I eventually quit using the ball in that circumstance because it was starting to take me an inning or two just to get in a rhythm with a normal ball!

 

I am a firm believe in the Arm-Strong product. It is a simulated baseball with three different bands to attach to it, differing in resistance for stretching, building muscle, and conditioning. I use it year round! At least once a day, everyday of the year, I get out the Arm-Strong and two a few sets! It isn't really a major strain on the arm either!

 

Oh yeah, and don't let me forget! The most important thing a pitcher/player can do is to run and get into good shape! If you come out in February with a halfway in shape body, you will be miles in front of most of your competition! Its been said three times in this thread, but it IS the most important thing you can do!

Fan,

 

I know for a fact that you are very serious about your baseball future and I have no doubt that you are as devoted and disciplined to the workout procedure that you just described. I feel from the bottom of my heart that you will have a very successful upcoming season because you will receive the benefits from your hard work , and it will be well deserved.

 

Good things come to good hard working people. The very best wishes to you this season. Hope you have a great one. :thumb:

Fan,

 

I know for a fact that you are very serious about your baseball future and I have no doubt that you are as devoted and disciplined to the workout procedure that you just described. I feel from the bottom of my heart that you will have a very successful upcoming season because you will receive the benefits from your hard work , and it will be well deserved.

 

Good things come to good hard working people. The very best wishes to you this season. Hope you have a great one. :thumb:

 

Thanks a lot FB! I tell you what, though, without the example that I have been given from watching people like yourself and others around Pikeville's program, I would have never learned what it means to want to win and be the best you can be! So Thanks for that!

 

Good luck to you and Yours this year Firebird, you KNOW that I'm behind you every step of the way!

A player I know just went though some rehap work on his shoulder. Almost eveything they had him do is in Nolan Ryan's book THE PITCHES BIBLE. Great year round instrustion for young pitchers.