Youth Baseball Spring Training - Off Season Tips for Youth Baseball

Baseball practice should not stop when the season is over. There are several things you can do and as a player, parent and coach. As a coach, you should give these suggestions to the players and parents after the season to help the players next time around. Why? Because the best time to get ready for the next season is during the off season, not just a couple of weeks before the first game. Building hand eye coordination and muscle memory takes time. Here are some tips for youth baseball players to use during the off season.

Knowledge - You may have heard knowledge is power. Its true especially in baseball. Think about game situations and where does each player need to be. If you are a pitcher, work on your grip or a new grip. What plays would help improve the team? Watch other players and teams and purchase some dvd's and youth baseball instructional books to help with this.

Batting Stance and Swing - Make sure your grip is correct, head is down, shoulders in the right spot. Is your stride too long? Do you swing the bat through the hitting zone correctly? This is something youth baseball players can do in front of a mirror at home to reinforce the proper beginning batting mechanics in young players minds and develop muscle memory. The best way to learn the proper mechanics of hitting is to use a hitting instructor and videos.

Keep in shape - You don't have to look like a weight lifter but some simple exercises can help develop pitchers arms and endurance. Batters can gain from more power when they hit the ball, and base running..(Ah.. something as simple as doing sprints 3 times a week can help youth baseball players fly around the bases next season. Lets don't forget to eat right while on the subject of staying in shape.

Equipment - How's the bat? Is it still the right size? Special note here..A young baseball player should hold the bat with one hand and extend it from his body. If the player can hold it for ten seconds it is safe to use. If not go down 1 oz. until the player is able to do so. This is the bat to use. Is the glove in good shape and still fit properly? Pitching machines and nets should be in good condition for safety. Even the balls should be in good shape. Pitchers need nice seams on the ball and proper weight.

I am sure coaches and parents and players too can think of some others, but this should get your minds to working. Something I have found effective is sitting down with my son and writing down together what we want to work on. He comes up with some things I overlook. But by all means.. Have some too. Rent some cool baseball movies and play some baseball video games. Baseball is a game after all, and games are meant to be fun.