Why Summer Workout Programs Are Beneficial
As a current pitching instructor and former Professional and collegiate player, I am often asked by parents for advice on summer workout programs for their daughters. I didn’t take weight lifting seriously until I got to college, where I had a strength coach write me workouts based on my playing position. When I was in high school I participated in a strength and speed program put on in the summer by my school to learn the basics and to get stronger and faster. Many high schools across the country put on these types of summer programs which are led by school lifting coaches or gym coaches.
If your daughter is a high school student, I would absolutely encourage participating in one of these high school based programs in the summer months. It is a great way for teenagers to get out of bed in the morning and go work out. My high school session began at 7:30 am and took place three days a week. These programs are a great opportunity for athletes of all sports to come together during the summer months to get bigger, faster, and stronger.
Many of these programs will include weight lifting, speed/agility training, and conditioning. Much of what I was introduced to at my high school summer program was carried over to my college weight lifting and speed/conditioning workouts. It was beneficial to get familiar with weight lifting equipment, workouts, and form before I got to college.
My advice to softball players who enrolled or plan to enroll in future high school summer programs is to get on the same page with one of the instructors. Softball weight training is going to be very different than soccer or basketball when you get to the college level. If you are a senior and will be attending college in the fall, talk to your college coach and ask for suggestions or areas he/she would like you to focus on. The college coach may even send workouts from the training coach your way that you can bring to your high school summer program to complete under supervision.
If you have a daughter who is in middle school and would like to be a part of a summer strength/conditioning program, first contact the high school and see if she could get in. Middle schoolers are now allowed to participate on high school athletic teams so there is a good chance they will be allowed to join the summer strength programs.
If not, there are always alternative options. I caution parents in getting their daughters involved in weight lifting too early. I would recommend starting the very earliest in seventh grade and under strict supervision, someone who will show her the correct form and monitor every rep. With weight training comes injury, and most of the injuries are caused by the athlete lifting too much weight, having incorrect form, or not being monitored by an instructor. Use good judgment and seek out advice from someone who has been there or who is familiar.
Attending a summer strength and speed program is extremely beneficial for softball players, especially those who wish to take their game to the next level. Have you ever heard the saying, “when you’re not working hard, somebody else is?” That saying rings true for off the field in the summer months. What are you going to do to get bigger, faster, and stronger? How are you going to elevate your game and get yourself ready for that next level? Sleeping in late and sitting on the couch every day watching Netflix probably isn’t going to get you there. Do some research, get involved, have some fun, and you will thank yourself in the long run.
