tips for ballplayers to seize the summer
Summer is finally here, and it's the perfect time to take your game to new heights while enjoying the beautiful weather and freedom from school. As a ballplayer, this is an incredible opportunity to make significant progress in your overall development.
Odds are your schedule is probably full of different activities, so it's important to manage your time effectively and be efficient with your training. Maybe that even means bring your bat to the beach for a couple of extra morning cuts (check out the Fully Equipped Playbook for more on *that* story).
As you all probably know, summer has a way of flying by, so it's important to set clear goals for what you want to achieve during this time. Whether it's improving your swing, honing your pitching technique, developing the 6th and most important tool (your Mindset) or enhancing your overall fitness, having specific targets you’re after will help you stay focused and motivated.
Set Clear Goals: Start the summer by setting clear and specific goals for what you want to achieve in your baseball journey. Whether it's improving your quality at-bat average next year, refining your pitching technique, or increasing your speed, having well-defined goals will provide you with a clear direction.
Create / Commit to a Routine: Establishing a routine can help you stay organized and optimize your training time. Design a daily / weekly schedule that includes designated time slots for skill work, strength and conditioning, and rest. Oh and don’t forget about hitting up the Mind Gym for 1% of every day (14 minutes and 24 seconds) with exercises such as meditation, visualization, reading, listening to a podcast, and concentration grids.
Focus on Sleep: This can be difficult for some to maintain during the summer, but PLEASE do not overlook the importance of quality sleep. Prioritize sleep as an essential part of your training regimen. Aim for being in bed for 9-10 hours each night to support your physical and mental recovery. Quality sleep enhances your overall well-being, concentration, reaction time, and overall performance and well-being both ON and OFF the field.
Engage in Purposeful Practice: That means when you're training or at practice, be fully present and engaged. Minimize distractions, such as your phone or social media (there is plenty of time for that outside of practice), and give each training session your undivided attention. By being intentional and focused, you'll maximize the effectiveness of your practice and make every repetition count.
Enjoy the Summer: While it's crucial to dedicate time to training and improvement, remember to enjoy the summer and have fun. Maybe that means taking a step back from sports and engaging in other activities you love and spending quality time with your family and friends. A well-rounded approach to the summer will not only keep your passion for the game alive, but also contribute to your overall well-being.
Remember, time is a valuable asset, as we all have the same amount of it. It’s those who optimize the time they have that end up seeing the most growth as a ballplayer. By implementing these tips, managing your time effectively, and staying committed to your goals, you'll not only make remarkable progress in your skills but also create a foundation for long-term success. So, make the most of every moment, be disciplined with your approach, and let this summer be a transformative chapter on your journey in life, ON and OFF the field.
