Heavy bat training

[redhotcoach]

Does anyone train with heavier bats offseason? Is it a good idea? 12yr dd currently swings a 30/20 in games. I am thinking of having her hit off tee this winter with possibly a 22 or 23 ounce for around 10 swings then her 20 ounce for 10, then do it again.

Good idea? Or is there other ideas to build strength to handle a heavier bat by late spring?

 

[softballphreak]

Off-season conditioning should be a high priority. Jump ropes, planks, ladders, light weights, body-weight conditioning (lunges, squats, boxes), burpees, etc.

Heavy bat workouts are great. Mix up the bats like you mentioned—heavy bat, regular bat, light bat. Don't waste any more time than necessary hitting into a net. Get a bucket of balls (about 25 balls) and hit long tee (hit off of a tee from home plate towards a 200' or so fence). Work inside, middle, outside; high and low. Set a minimum goal of 4 buckets per session. Ideally 8 buckets.

If you have any games during this time make sure she gets plenty of front toss. Avoid over use of pitching machines.

She'll be ready!

Caution: Make sure her fundamentals are correct. When hitting off a tee her swing must be exactly like in a game. Load, stride/separate, swing, extend, follow through. Whatever you do here is what will be built into her game swing.

 

[CycloneSoftball22]

Heavy bat training works great. Just make sure to have DD keep the same mechanics regardless of which bat used