One of the first things that I assess on a new student is their strength, flexibility, and coordination. I put them through a series of tests to determine a start point and, from there, build an individual program.  I believe that it is very important to have these attributes to participate in the game of fastpitch softball.

That being said, the fall and winter months can be an excellent time to get ready for the next season.  Before I get letters, I know that some of you play on tournament teams, fall ball teams, travel teams, soccer teams, etc.; however, there are breaks in between. At times, you may have to even use the time during as well to get b-e-t-t-e-r.  And in as much as I am not going to get into the pitfalls of overtraining here, suffice it say, rest must be included in every great strength program. So parents beware. You do have to find time for rest. I know what is coming next, “great, and another thing to put in the family schedule”. Yes, you need to build that in as well.  When I speak about training during other sports, I am in no way advocating overtraining or possibly injuring your child.  You may have to tailor the program way down, challenge things, it all depends on the activities of the child and what other sports or recreation that they are involved in. Heck, work on hand exercises at the very least. My point is that with a professionals help and guidance you can do both safely and improve sports specific movement.

When you are between sports, concentrate on your body and build sport specific muscle groups that will enhance the performance of your body for the upcoming softball season. Use this time to really hit the areas that you will be using on the field. Work large muscle groups in your legs and torso. Try to train, at least, two to three times a week. Use a combination of different exercises and movements to achieve your goals. Weights are a good start (It is always a good idea to see a medical professional before starting a fitness routine). Use a gym membership to gain access to a great deal of equipment. Use the professional there to help you, along with your coach, design a program specifically tailored to you. While at the gym, request assistance from the trainer to help you implement plyometrics and exercise tubing into your training.
Plyometrics, weights, and tubing are a main stays in many high school and college programs right now.  In the meantime, work on your flexibility. Stretch when you are watching Sponge Bob or MTV on television. There is always something you can do to get stronger or more flexible.

If you’re serious about softball, one supervised workout session with a coach and one or two others on your own is a beginning. Just remember, to reach your maximum potential in speed, agility, power and concentration you must do something. There is just too much competition out there for what is a dwindling pool of college scholarships. You must take it seriously. You must make time for your training and you must provide the sweat. There is no easy answer.