Softball Training Q&A - What Exercises Can I Do?

By Stacie Mahoe

I received an e-mail about softball training from a softball dad. He wanted to know…

What are some exercises and lifts that a 17 yr. old can do working towards playing college ball? Mostly weight training to get stronger.

Great question! Here was my response…

Thanks for writing. Most of the weight training I did IN college was your basic:

• shoulder press
• bicep curls
• triceps extensions
• flys
• bench press
• upright rows
• power cleans
• squats
• calf raises
• leg press
• leg extensions
• leg curls
• etc etc etc

However, I find that Core Training requires less equipment, is much more "useful" as far as translating to on-the-field performance, and is excellent for building a strong foundation to move on to more muscle specific training if you wish to do that later.

Weight training is great and you can definitely gain strength doing it, but I now lean more toward doing exercises that don't isolate muscles since that is not the way your muscles are used on the field. Plus, there is SOOOOOOO much you can do with your own body weight. I also feel that the more you learn to work with and control your own body and it's movements, the better your agility and reaction will be on the field.

If you'd like a great core training program, check out Barry Lovelace, he's one of the best when it comes to training the core and training for functional/sport specific strength, power, endurance, and quickness.

Click Here to learn more about getting Softball Strong today.