Work Habits

Texan son works his tail off in practice and outside practice. Probably spends at least an hour outside practice for every hour spent in practice. {Probably more but I haven't put a pencil or clock to it.}

Was much more yet, before he decided to go pitcher only.

Regimen includes strength training, endurance training, band (elastic, not rock) exercises, bullpens, fielding, hitting (though not as much as before), etc.

The strongest programs seem to usually be the ones where the players have the strongest work ethic.

In addition to daily team practices, son takes weekly batting, fielding, and pitching lessons (yes, we're broke) plus he attends strength/agility/speed classes 2-3 times per week. He tries to do his bands 3 times per week and hits with his dad an additional 2-3 hours per week. We keep telling him all this hard work is going to pay off, and already we are seeing him reap some rewards.

It is a rare day when my son doesn't do something "extra". He almost always stays after his regular practice to hit with other players. He takes hitting lessons maybe once every two weeks. He lays off carbonated drinks. His dad is about to start working with him on his 60 yard time. On rainy days, he has a friend with an indoor batting cage. During off-season, he worked with a former Marine on weight training.

Yes, he obviously believes "you get better by what you do between games"!

quote:

I've always felt you don't really get better playing games. (Yes you need game experience) but an hour early to warm-up, a two hour game and X amount of time to get home... all to field a couple of balls if you are lucky. You get better by what you do between games.

I agree with part of your statement, but Games are very important. Preparation and hard work is very important as well. In fact, when I played an my old coach's favorite line...you play in games the way you perform in practice. Therefore, if you can't make the play in practice, you want make it in a game.

Also, as for the work habits. My son hits everyday after practice for about an hour. Its a daily routine he's done for years. Even in the off-season. We mix in a lesson about once a month during the season and hit the lessons hard in the fall. Also, during the summer he works out with a number of players with a strength and conditioning trainer.