The offseason is greatly important for softball players looking to improve their game. The season may end, but the important work doesn’t stop.
This is the time to improve your endurance, overall strength, cardio, coordination, and flexibility, so when the time for the new season arrives, you will be in peak condition.
The following exercises will help you achieve that and be the best on the field. We will focus on all the different muscle groups that are important for softball players.
Not only will you be a better player, but you will also feel better.
If you want to improve your game, you are in the correct place.
Let’s get into it.
Warming Up
Warm up your body first before doing any of these exercises. This is very important, since warming up can prevent potential injuries.
No matter how much time you have on your hands for a workout, take at least a couple of minutes doing your favorite exercises to properly warm up.
Warm-up exercises include jumping jacks, squats, hip rotation, lateral lunges, plank walk-outs, and many more.
Push-Ups
If you want to get stronger, push-ups are a simple and equipment-less way to get it done. There are a ton of variations to this popular exercise that target different upper body muscles, which you can check out here.
Optional equipment:
- Mat
Pull-Ups
Another exercise that needs no special introduction and is great for working on your upper body strength is the pull-ups. But, unlike the push-ups, which need no equipment, pull-ups require a pull-up bar.
The most popular variation of pull-ups focuses on the biceps, but with different variations, you can target other muscle groups, depending on where you want to improve your strength the most. Check out the pull-up variations here.
Required equipment:
- Pull-up bar
Band Pull-Aparts
Let’s work those shoulder and upper back muscles a little with band pull-aparts. You can do this great exercise at home, and all you need for it is a resistance band.
Now, keep in mind that in order to make the most out of this exercise, you will need to maintain a good form. Check out how to correctly do band pull-aparts here.
Required equipment:
- Resistance band
Band Curls
Another exercise done with the resistance band is the band curls. They are a great way to tone your arms and increase that arm strength which is needed for faster throwing speeds.
Required equipment:
- Resistance band
Vertical Jumps
Vertical jumps should be a must in your workout routine. This is an amazing exercise for burning calories but also for working on your lower extremities.
Vertical jumps don’t require any equipment and are easy to do, but it is important to maintain excellent form and to focus on your feet landing since this will help you avoid injuries.
Optional equipment:
- Plyo box
- Vertical jump trainer
Mountain Climbers
Mountain climbers are a great way to work multiple muscle groups, which include muscles in your legs, arms, shoulders, and core. They also don’t require any equipment, but if you have a mat, it will be more comfortable with it, rather than practicing on the floor.
Not only that the mountain climbers build strength in these muscle groups we’ve mentioned, but they also improve your coordination, agility, and overall balance.
Resisted Sprint
One of the best ways to improve your speed and acceleration is to do resistance sprint exercises. These types of drills require equipment like a weighted vest and a power sled.
If there are some hills near the area where you live, you can also run up the hills. Not only that it free, but you will also be outside in the fresh air!
Required equipment:
- Power sled
- Weighted vest
