Biggest In-Season Mistakes Youth Baseball Players Make

BY KAYLA BEIRNE

Helping your children avoid the biggest in-season mistakes youth baseball players make puts them on the right path to success now and in the future.

Summer has come and gone, so the baseball diamond will be quieter than it has been over the past few months. Hopefully, your children had a successful season as a player on the field, but let’s take a moment to reflect on the things a baseball player must consider next year before they lace up the cleats. Avoiding the biggest in-season mistakes youth baseball players make offers perspective on what they should focus on next season and gives you ideas of what you can do to help.

Not Getting Enough Sleep

Summer living and early morning games don’t always mix for youth baseball players. Staying up all hours of the night scouring through YouTube or flossing on people in Fortnite will turn them into a sloth. If they constantly run on fumes, it will not only hinder their performance but also put them at a greater risk for injury.

Baseball requires quick reactions, and a sleepy individual who isn’t running at 100 percent could be in harm’s way. Although they may be too old for a set bedtime, establishing a routine the night before a game ensures they get adequate hours of shut-eye.

Not Eating Healthy Meals & Snacks

Enriching your young all-star with healthy food alternatives may not be as easy as giving them the sugary snacks they prefer, but it turns them into better ballplayers. Food is fuel for the body to survive and thrive. Even though the tasty treats are delicious, most don’t contain any nutritious ingredients. A meal plan consisting of protein and healthy carbs will reenergize their body, keeping them on top of their game.

Ditching Workouts

This tip may not be relevant in the lower levels while they are still growing. However, those playing competitively in their teens should continue working out when they can. Luckily, during the summer, they should be able to squeeze in time for cardio and lifting. Putting on muscle and using the right baseball bat could lead to more long balls, and remaining in their peak physical condition will pay dividends as the season progresses.

Not Having Fun

You don’t want your young players to feel like they are in basic training for the armed forces, even if this regime can feel like it. The most important thing you can do as a parent is to encourage them to have fun. While sleeping, eating well, and working out improve their physical skills, it won’t matter if they are mentally miserable or dread going to the ballpark because they are sick of the game. If you notice a change in mood, talk to them and pull the reins back.

Recognizing and avoiding the biggest in-season mistakes youth baseball players make will improve their performance this season. If you follow these tips, those college scholarships may be a realistic possibility.