The popularity of women’s softball is bursting at the seams. At last count, nearly 350,000 girls were competing in high school softball and another 17,000 or so young women were playing collegiately. These figures are most likely conservative estimates, as more and more youngsters continue to pick up the game every year. And, if the numbers are not enough to convince you of softball’s burgeoning popularity, how about the fact that the world’s number one sports cable television station, ESPN, now carries the NCAA Women’s Softball Playoffs on their network? Is there any doubt that softball has arrived? With popularity, however, comes competition. And softball’s unprecedented growth has led to fierce battles for roster spots, playing time, and team victories. In order to succeed in the current competitive climate, softball players must do everything humanly possible to improve. No longer is it enough to master the requisite softball skills of hitting, fielding, base running, pitching, and throwing. Players must come to the game in top-flight physical condition as well. Not doing so is a sure ticket to watching the action from the dugout or, worse yet, from an uncomfortable seat in the bleachers. Conditioning yourself for softball is a year-round process that entails a variety of training disciplines including strength, flexibility, speed, balance, quickness and agility. Workout programs must be well planned, sport specific, and adhered to on a consistent basis. Additional components such as nutrition, individual recuperation requirements, injury prevention, and injury rehabilitation must also be taken into consideration by all softball players.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 19:37:15 +0000
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