8 Baseball Training Tips That Will Help You Play Better This Year

We all know practice makes perfect, but sometimes only practicing isn’t enough. To really be the best at something, you have to practice the proper techniques and get extra help from professionals.

That’s why we put together this ultimate list to get you on the right training path!

Be sure to give these baseball training ideas and improve your game this year.

1.  Set Realistic Goals (The Most Important Baseball Training Tip)

Anytime you get ready to start practicing, be sure you have a goal in mind that day. Are you going to focus on hitting or pitching? Maybe you want to learn how to hit tricky pitches, or perhaps you want to learn how to throw a trick pitch.

Whatever you’re aiming to do, be sure it’s realistic and something you can accomplish in that session. Even if you don’t reach that goal, it helps to have something to work towards each day.

2. Research Techniques At Home

Not all practice takes place on the field. Go online and look up videos of the pros to understand different techniques and strategies. It’s not enough to just watch what they do, either.

You really need to put yourself in their position, and analyze what they do, and think about how you’d react in those situations. By doing this, you’re practicing critical thinking during a game in a way you haven’t before.

3. Hire A Personal Trainer

When you hire a personal trainer, they can help you train the muscles you need to be a better baseball player. They can help you improve your sprints so you can make it to bases faster. A trainer will also be able to develop other muscles you don’t typically use in baseball, but that will help your overall strength.

Hiring a trainer is one of the best ways to gain an edge over your competition and help you reach your goals.

4. Use Stands, Nets, And Other Materials To Train

If you don’t have someone you can train with, you need to buy certain things to help you prepare better. To practice pitching, you need a net to throw to, as well as plenty of baseballs, so you don’t have to run after each one.

Are you trying to improve your swing? Get a t-stand to practice technique without needing someone to pitch to you. 

5. Practice With Your Teammates

If you’re looking to train with someone who gets what you’re going through, ask a teammate to practice with you. They’re in the same position as you, and even though you practice with your team doesn’t mean you can’t practice with them outside of your practice times.

Your teammate will also be better than training with a friend or with a family member as they actually understand the game the way you do.

6. Go To The Batting Cages 

Actually hitting a ball that’s coming at you is the best way to get better at batting. Batting cages are a safe and effective way to work on both fast and slow pitches.

It’s also a great place to practice bunting or different styles of hitting that you want to practice. Consider going to the batting cages at least weekly if you’re in the off-season.

7. Set Up A Training Schedule

If you’re having a hard time sticking to a schedule and practicing, it’s time to create a calendar. Whether it’s on your phone or printed and hung up next to your bed, you need to set a consistent schedule to truly see yourself improve. It’s also a good idea to share that with someone who can help motivate you to stick to the training. 

A training schedule is also beneficial because it will help you work on all areas in the sport without over-exerting yourself. Remember to put in off days to let your body recover.

8. Take Breaks If Injured

An injury is serious, and if you do have one, never try to push through it. Take the appropriate amount of time needed to heal so you can come back at your full strength. However, you should also consider what the injury is and see how to train around it safely.

For example, if you break your wrist, you should not try to pitch or hit a ball. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still practice on your endurance and run or work on your legs. Just be sure to talk to your doctor and see what exercises are still going to be safe for you.

Looking for more? Check out the only baseball strength training guide you’ll need.

Remember: Baseball Training Improves Your Mental Health

It’s easy to get down on yourself, especially when you try to compare yourself to others. Personal trainers are basically your personal motivational speaker. They’re there to tell you to keep going and encourage you with your goals.

Plus, it’s a well-known fact that exercise improves your overall mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood. If you’ve been having a hard time getting motivated or are feeling anxious, start working with a personal trainer. 

Start Your Baseball Training Today

Now that you know our baseball training tips, it’s time to get out there and start training today! Remember to set realistic goals, and when you’re ready to take your training to the next step, hire a personal trainer.

If you’re ready to hire a trainer, contact us today! We work with all skill levels and can help you play better this year!