Tips to Improve Your Performance in Spring Sports

How to Maximize Your Spring Sports Performance

Whether you live for baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis or any other spring sport, you want to play your best. That means taking the right approach to how you play, train and prepare. We've put together six tips for high school spring sports to help you reach your goals.

1. Start Training Early

You can't expect to take six months off from holding a baseball bat or a lacrosse stick and be ready to play. Like all sports seasons, you should start well before the first practice. Having a Bownet® portable training net can help you get some reps in before organized activities begin. There are a lot of athletes competing for playing time, and putting in the pre-season work can make all the difference.

2. Work on Conditioning

You may be more skilled than your teammates and opponents, but if you're already tired halfway through a game, you won't be able to show it. Working on your stamina and endurance will prepare you for crucial moments. Put in a few extra reps after practice or do some high-intensity interval training with an agility ladder. That way, you'll still be going strong when everyone else is hitting the wall.

3. Be Mindful of Pain

At the same time, you don't want to overdo it. If you have calf discomfort or feel a twinge when you throw, that's your body telling you it needs a break. Taking that break can often have you back on the field in a few days, but trying to push through can lead to more serious injuries that put you out for weeks or even months. Address any pain issues with a good recovery routine that includes cool-down stretches, rest, ice and compression.

4. Remember Proper Nutrition

Being an athlete doesn't mean you eat and drink whatever you want. You need to give your body the calories and nutrients it needs to perform better and recover faster. Eat plenty of healthy fats, lean protein, fruits and vegetables. You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day as lack of hydration can lead to fatigue, cramping and cognitive problems.

5. Get Plenty of Sleep

Rest is essential to recharge your body and mind. Staying up late night after night, even to study film, will leave you exhausted and fog-brained the next day. Most people require seven to nine hours of sleep per night. The more active you are, the more sleep you will need. Having a regular sleep schedule and pre-bedtime routine also helps with sleep quality.

5. Make Your Training Program Specific to Your Needs

Every person is different, and all spring sports have unique requirements. Tailor your training to what you play, your goals and the things you need to improve. For example, you shouldn't spend all your spare time working on volleyball setting if your serve is the weak spot. Do a truthful self-assessment and speak to coaches and experts about things to work on.