Forget throwing and taking ground balls in November, December, and January. Get the feet and legs moving FAST.
After playing, coaching, and managing since 1995 at every level of baseball from pro ball to 7 seven year olds, one thing is certain. The best ATHLETES on the field are the go to players and the ones who line up the middle of the diamond. We talk all the time in our facilities about players and projectability– and where they’ll end up if they stay the course. The most athletic and fastest players typically end up being the shortstop and the center fielder.
One of the things most parents don’t realize about baseball at the college and pro level is that if you can’t run, you don’t play. The first activity at almost every showcase event is running the 60yd dash. Your athlete had better be in line with the metrics at his position, or he will get moved around whether he likes it or not.
The earlier the better to get started on enhancing your athleticism. We have gotten it wrong with baseball in this industry.
Build the athlete FIRST. Sport specific skills will be that much easier to master with your new and improved athlete.