Whether you're a coach, parent or player, there's something special about the start of a high school baseball season. Spring has arrived, bringing with it the familiar "ping" of ball meeting bat and "pop" of ball hitting glove, and visions of game-winning home runs and state championships abound. Just dreaming about such glory isn't going to make it happen, though, so get prepared before you hit the diamond.
Injuries
Know the risks. Like athletes participating in most sports, baseball players are at risk of injury, mostly due to the speed at which the ball is hit and thrown. A 2008 study by Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital noted that in a two-year span, more than 132,000 high school baseball players were injured while playing the sport. There are a few ways to lessen the risk of injury. Players should thoroughly stretch their throwing arms before playing; this is especially vital for pitchers. Helmets should always be word by batters, baserunners, catchers and hitter standing on-deck. And players must always keep their eyes on the ball, even when sitting in the dugout.
Get in Where You Fit in
Maximize your success by determining which position best suits you based on your strengths and weaknesses. If you're one of the team's hardest and most accurate throwers, give pitching a try. If you don't mind getting dirty and sore, and you welcome the challenge of being your team's defensive "quarterback," so to speak, you might be a catcher in the making. Left-handers rarely play any infield position other than first base, so if you're a southpaw, focus on the mound and the outfield. And if you have speed to burn, try out for center field; even if you're not a great hitter, many coaches will overlook in exchange for increased defensive range.
Hit Weights
Weightlifting has become increasingly prevalent in high school athletics, and not just with wrestlers and football players. By lifting weights during the offseason, you will add muscle mass and move your body toward peak physical performance. A bit of extra power can be the difference between a meek foul tip off the end of your bat and a screaming double into the outfield gap. It also will help keep your body from breaking down during a season that often lasts 30 games or more.
Don't Dip
Anyone who has watched a baseball game has seen players spit over and over again. The sport has long had an attachment to smokeless tobacco, which is also known as "dip" or "chew" and is associated with myriad potential health problems. According to a 2000 study performed at the University of California-San Francisco School of Dentistry, high school baseball players in the state were more likely than their peers to use smokeless tobacco. Don't follow the crowd. Try a wad of bubble gum instead.
Member Comments