October Blog Post #2
How to Keep Your Softball Skills Sharp in the Off-Season: Fall Training Tips for Young Players
By Softball Doctor
Hey there, young softball stars! I’m Coach Jessica Bowden, aka the Softball Doctor, and as the fall season rolls in, it’s the perfect time to focus on keeping your hitting skills sharp. Whether you're just finishing up your season or gearing up for the next one, staying active and improving during the off-season is super important. Let’s dive into some fun and effective ways to keep your softball game strong—even when you're not on the field!
Warm-Up for Cooler Weather: Key Stretches and Conditioning
As the temperatures cool down in Houston, it’s essential to warm up properly before you start practicing your swings. Cold muscles are more prone to injury, and we definitely want to avoid that!
Here are a few simple but important stretches to do before hitting practice:
Arm Circles: Loosen up your shoulders with big and small arm circles.
Leg Swings: Stretch your legs and hips by swinging each leg back and forth like a pendulum.
Torso Twists: Gently twist your upper body to the left and right to warm up your core—critical for hitting power!
Remember, even though it’s cooler outside, your muscles still need to warm up before you give it your all at practice!
Indoor Drills to Perfect Your Hitting Technique
Houston weather can be unpredictable, especially in the fall, so it’s smart to have some indoor hitting drills ready to go. Even with limited space, you can still improve your swing at home.
Here are two of my favorite indoor drills:
1. Towel Drill: This drill helps with your hand path through the ball. Set up a towel or small rolled-up blanket just behind the batter’s box and swing, making sure your hands clear the towel. This helps keep your swing tight and powerful.
2. Tee Work with a Target: Set up a hitting tee indoors with a soft ball, aiming for a specific spot on the wall or net. Focus on perfecting your form and hitting the ball squarely every time.
These drills help build consistency, which is key for any hitter.
Strength Training for Power Hitting
The off-season is the perfect time to get stronger! You don’t need fancy equipment—just some simple exercises that will make a big difference in your hitting power.
Here’s a quick workout you can do at home:
Squats: Build strong legs for a powerful stance at the plate.
Planks: Strengthen your core to improve balance and swing control.
Medicine Ball Throws: If you have one, use a medicine ball to practice explosive movements similar to swinging a bat.
These exercises will give you the power you need to hit the ball harder when the season starts again.
Stay Focused and Motivated
Taking a break from games doesn’t mean taking a break from your goals. During the fall, set small, manageable goals for your hitting. Maybe you want to work on your bat speed or increase your consistency in making contact. Write those goals down and track your progress each week.
Also, stay motivated by remembering why you love this game. Maybe it’s the feeling of crushing the ball or the joy of playing with your friends. Keep that excitement alive as you train!
Ready to Crush It Next Season?
This off-season is your chance to get ahead of the competition. By practicing these drills, keeping your body strong, and staying focused on your goals, you’ll be ready to knock it out of the park next season. If you need more help with your swing, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always here to help Houston’s next generation of softball stars!
Happy training,
Coach Jessica Bowden
Softball Doctor