THE OFF SEASON
By Charles "Popcorn" Thompson
Jonathan Harris
This is the most important time of the year for all youth baseball & softball players. Baseball & softball has become practically a year-round sport for youth players. The season can begin as early as February and end as late as November. This leaves very little time for things like strength training which is so very important for the player wanting to compete at the next level.
I don't recommend playing year-round because you won't have time to work on the things that you need most. Also, the body needs time to rest and repair from minor aches and pains.
Players also need mental breaks from the daily grind of game situations. Mental exhaustion often leads to burn-out in young players. Many excellent players who want to play High School sports are burn out because of the pressures of playing too much baseball or softball too soon.
Parents have also become a huge part of the problem because of pushing their kids too hard. And let's not forget about the coaches. With the explosion of Youth Travel Ball, more and more unqualified coaches are leading teams. Unfortunately, their lack of knowledge and understanding of the game is causing major problems. They are mostly dads trying to re-live the game through their sons. This can be very dangerous, especially if they have little knowledge of the game.
Allow your son or daughter an opportunity to rest after a tough season. They may not tell you that they are tired because they don't want to disappoint you. If you pay attention you will see signs of exhaustion. You should then insist that they rest.
Enjoy the rest of the year!
I don't recommend playing year-round because you won't have time to work on the things that you need most. Also, the body needs time to rest and repair from minor aches and pains.
Players also need mental breaks from the daily grind of game situations. Mental exhaustion often leads to burn-out in young players. Many excellent players who want to play High School sports are burn out because of the pressures of playing too much baseball or softball too soon.
Parents have also become a huge part of the problem because of pushing their kids too hard. And let's not forget about the coaches. With the explosion of Youth Travel Ball, more and more unqualified coaches are leading teams. Unfortunately, their lack of knowledge and understanding of the game is causing major problems. They are mostly dads trying to re-live the game through their sons. This can be very dangerous, especially if they have little knowledge of the game.
Allow your son or daughter an opportunity to rest after a tough season. They may not tell you that they are tired because they don't want to disappoint you. If you pay attention you will see signs of exhaustion. You should then insist that they rest.
Enjoy the rest of the year!
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