Some sports require you to run long distances several times per game. Football players regularly have to sprint 50 yards or more in a single game. Soccer players sometimes go dozens of minutes without a break. Baseball, however, is an anaerobic sport, which means baseball players will occasionally sprint, but not for long. Baseball rewards timing, agility and coordination; thus, speed training for baseball focuses on these very traits.
Considerations
All position players will at some point make the sprint from one base to the next, however the sprinting distance similarities end there. When in the field, infielders will need to do very little sprinting of more than 10 to 20 feet. Outfielders on the other hand will regularly need to practice sprinting upwards of 100 feet or more. Not only that, but they also will have to track a ball and take the best angle with little to no time for adjustments. Therefore, other than training to sprint from base to base, defensive training needs to be broken down by position to give that player an accurate re-creation of their duties on the field.
Function
If a baseball player trains his body to run for long distances, he may alter his stride to save as much energy as possible during his run. Training ballplayers to run short distances at a maximum speed forces each player to use his entire body to expel massive amounts of energy over short distances. Baseball is unique in that after a player has spent a considerable amount of energy running from point A to point B, that player can recoup his energy gradually because he may not have to sprint again for another hour.
Location
Speed training and exercise can take place at a number of places, from home-based exercises to the gym. Hitting drills sometimes take place indoors using batting cages. Fielding drills, however, always take place on the field. Full gear must be worn, including cleats and protective cups. Running from base to base must be done on the dirt base paths, and outfielders must do drills in their base position. The combination of all of these elements assists in re-creating a game-like atmosphere.
Features
Speed drills often involve a ball so players can practice running at full speed while also taking proper angles. Anyone can run in a straight line, but seeing the velocity and arc of the ball off the bat and then adjusting your sprint angle accordingly is something that can take many years to master. Drills will sometimes be individual based, with every player standing in a single file line behind her respective position, while other drills will be team based. For example, a team-based drill may be an entire infield of players practicing how quickly they can turn a double play.
Misconceptions
Speed in baseball can mean a number of things. Not all speed drills involve fielding. Other than the position of pitcher, hitting is equally important as fielding. Common hitting speed drills include practicing getting your bat-head around as quickly as possible, waiting to the last second to show bunt, or getting out of the batter's box and on the way to first base as quickly as possible after hitting a ball.
Member Comments