Baseball and softball are both sports that require a combination of skill, smarts, and strength. Being strong is important but it isn’t the type of strength you might think that makes some of the great players great.
Being knowledgeable about what certain areas to work more than others and when during the week to exercise is just as important. JustBats.com looks at the best weight training exercises that will help you turn a single into a home run in no time flat.
With the game of baseball, it requires quite a bit of fast, rotational movements such as swinging the bat and throwing the ball. With these certain movements, it, unfortunately, causes some long lasting injuries in the elbow and shoulder area. Most players try to stay away from strength training especially during the season as it breaks down certain muscle groups. Focusing on quick rotational movements with strength instead of bulking up with putting way too much weight on the bar is key for baseball players.
Generating power through rotational strength mainly through your core and legs is what makes baseball players successful and injury free. Here are some exercises we recommend for improving rotational strength.
- Backward Lunge and Twist
- Med Ball Throws and Twists to improve core strength
- Stretching and Yoga to improve flexibility
- Split Squats
- Goblet Squats
- Pallof Press
- Squat Jumps
Along with focusing on rotational movements in your workouts, another thing to keep in mind is to build acceleration. Baseball requires quick and short bursts when you are reacting to where the ball is hit or to what pitch is coming in your direction. Here are some exercises we recommend for improving your acceleration on the diamond.
We have learned that it is not about how much you workout but it is about the quality of work you do when you do work out. You will see better results getting a good lift in three times a week rather than lifting every single day. Your body requires at least one rest day a week and sometimes more. We recommend working out with a friend or teammate to have someone push you through your workout to maximize results. We know that all players have different habits and styles but we believe that focusing on rotational strength and acceleration in your training will give you the best results on the field. So the next time you step up to the plate or mound, the game itself will be easy seeing that you have already put in the work training your body to be successful.
Now since you have a better knowledge of which training exercises to give a try, we want to hear from you. How often do you workout during the season and the off-season? Do any other exercises work great for you? Any other helpful tips on working out to fellow players? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Meanwhile, if you ever have any baseball bat or softball bat related questions, don’t hesitate to give our Customer Coaches a call at 1-866-321-2287, send us an email at support@justbats.com or click here to live chat with our bat experts. And remember we are always here for you from Click to Hit!
This content was originally published here.
