Weight-lifting for softball?

How much on the HS and college levels is weight-lifting a major development tool in womens fastpitch softball?

 

How much

On the college level weight lifting is extremely important and a great deal of time is put in lifting and conditioning. Most coaches have specific lifting routines which build stronger upper body and wrist.

Lifting to early (age) can harm more than help so might be good to talk to a Doctor before a regime is started.

 

Core Work

To add to what Blues noted, it is also extremely important for women to strengthen their core muscles. As compared to men who rely on upper body and arms, the core is where women get most of their strength.

To stregthen the core, weights can be used but they aren't neccessary. Plyometrics (sp?) or using ones own body weight for resistance is an excellent way to strengthen the core. A strong core not only helps to produce power at the plate, but also aids in a stronger arm when proper throwing technique is used.

Along with strength training, speed and agility training is a must. As much as we all like to watch power hitters, softball is a game of quickness and speed. This is why is large part of my team's winter workouts include both plyometric and speed and agility training. In the past we have had the Wake Forest track and strength coach's come to our workouts to help teach our girls the proper ways to increase core strength and speed. The difference it has made for our players has been significant. I would recommend trying to find a qualified track and/or strength coach to help with off season workouts.

 

Correct . . . . core first

Bmac is on target. Core strengthening and FLEXIBILITY should be first. These are key to overall stabilization that will aid in the most important benefit of ancillary training . . . injury prevention. These girls aren't football players . . . "maxing out" serves little purpose so stay away from this type of training.

 

great input guys and threads like this one sure add valuable tools for our young and growing players, as well as the Parents to be successful at all levels of play!




we stretch, run, alot of ab work, agility drills and distance throwing; Core strengthing training is the key element imo2.