“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure”- Confucius
Today I will go over what should be in every pitchers bag this summer to keep yourself at peak performance and prepared for anything that comes up during the non stop tournament season.
A big part of why the Arm Authority Program is so successful is the attention to the importance of body prep, dynamic warm-up, arm care, throwing program, and recovery protocols. Pitchers see fantastic results with how the body and more specifically the arm feels after just a few weeks of being on the program. With that being said several pitchers will go into a long vigorous summer tournament season and forgo the program completely and this is a huge mistake. For example, (player x) has been training for the past 6 months doing his specific off-season and then in the spring his in-season program and he feels great. Summer starts and all the tools and program design goes out the window. The only thing he has in his bag is cleats and a glove. How long do you think it will take before player x will have at best fatigue and at worst an injury? All the training and preparation and we stop during the most important season of the year? Sounds pretty dumb and illogical to me.
Taking the time to show up early to games with your tools to take care of your body and follow you in season program is crucial to staying healthy and at peak performance all summer long. On days you’re not pitching you need to make sure you’re doing your recovery and following your throwing program so you are preparing for your next start or appearance. The moment you stop pitching, you are preparing for the next time your going to pitch. Everyday is crucial to recovery and preparing to compete again. Making sure your scheduling your flat grounds, drill work, and bullpens are the building blocks of a pitcher. If you’re not scheduling and mapping out each day with body prep, arm care, recovery, mobility, flat grounds, drills, bullpens, etc. you have already failed for your next appearance. You only have yourself to blame! If you don’t have the tools to do your arm care and recovery protocol it’s your fault not your coaches or parents.
Here are the must have items to have in your bag this summer so you are prepared, healthy, and at peak performance all season long.
#1 Foam Roller and Lacrosse Ball- Yes4All EPP Exercise Foam Roller – Extra Firm High Density Foam Roller – Best for Flexibility and Rehab Exercises (18 inch, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0148DA4J6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_i_GoY-AbSAS27RT Lacrosse Balls – NCAA NFHS Certified – Lime Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LUUXKHO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_i_mqY-AbKJWCAB4
#2 PlyoCare Balls- https://www.drivelinebaseball.com/shop-page/training-equipment/driveline-plyocare-balls/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI84bTvqiI2wIVzSWBCh1kKwBHEAAYASAAEgLX0_D_BwE
#3 Jaeger Band- https://www.jaegersports.com/product/j-bands/
#4 wrist weights- https://www.drivelinebaseball.com/shop-page/training-equipment/leather-wrist-weights/
#5 floss band- Serious Steel BLACK Mobility & Recovery (Floss) Bands |Compression Tack & Flossing (Heavy: .051″ X 2″ x 7′) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LI8S8BQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_i_srY-AbAY0XF81
#6 MarcPro Stim Machine- http://marcpro.com/product/marc-pro-device/
Some additional important things to add,
having enough nutritional food readily available as you will be on the field and at complexes for long periods of time. Rain delays, multiple games, and checking out other teams that you might play is time consuming and we want to refrain from eating hot dogs and frozen hamburgers from the concession stand.
Sleep is a crucial part of recovery so if you have an 8am game the next day and you are going to bed at 2am don’t expect your body and mind to be working at optimal performance.
Hydration is another no brainer but overlooked piece to the puzzle. Drinking Gatorade is a great tool to use in game to restore some of the nutrients that your immediately losing but drinking a lot of water during the times that your recovering is going to help prevent dehydration. I can’t tell you how many times I see kids drinking soda or other sugary drinks at dinner or during a rain delay. Water is king the night before!
Want to learn how to implement the tools listed above?
If you are currently not on a program and want to learn more about our customized tourney prep program call us or come visit the grind house baseball gym.
Grind House Baseball Gym
(954)533-8586
