During Ozzie Smith's career, he not only was in tip-top shape, but he made sure he got plenty of rest to perform at a superstar level.
Not getting enough sleep can dramatically affect your performance on the baseball diamond. While you sleep, your body is recovering and resting from all the things you have done during your day.
Sleep calms you down and improves your mood, your muscles relax, and your mind is allowed to clear itself in preparation for the next day's game.
If you are not getting enough rest, you will begin to notice it in a physical way. You may feel sluggish and get tired during pressure situations and you may not be able to come up with a clutch play when the game is on the line.
While there is no perfect number in terms of hours of sleep, 7-8 hours should be your target each and every night.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Increase Your Speed
Speed is very important in baseball. Ozzie Smith’s speed and quickness was a key to his success, he stole 580 bases, scored 1257 runs and of course, made many outstanding defensive plays.
Improving your speed can turn heads and separate you from rest of the pack when being recruited by college coaches or being scouted by major league teams.
Speed Expert Greg Foster, who is a member of the United States Track and Field Hall-of-Fame, says “you must train like a track and field athlete when you are trying to improve your speed and quickness.”
Foster was one of the world's greatest high hurdlers from 1981 to 1991. Foster was a national collegiate champion while at UCLA in both the high hurdles and 200. After college, he won 10 national titles, both indoor and outdoor, and he won the first three world outdoor championships and he won the Silver Medal in the 110m hurdlers in the1984 Olympics.
So are you ready to improve your speed and quickness?
If the answer to the question is yes, go to the link below and listen to an audio interview that I conducted with Foster.
Click Here for Greg Foster Interview
Improving your speed can turn heads and separate you from rest of the pack when being recruited by college coaches or being scouted by major league teams.
Speed Expert Greg Foster, who is a member of the United States Track and Field Hall-of-Fame, says “you must train like a track and field athlete when you are trying to improve your speed and quickness.”
Foster was one of the world's greatest high hurdlers from 1981 to 1991. Foster was a national collegiate champion while at UCLA in both the high hurdles and 200. After college, he won 10 national titles, both indoor and outdoor, and he won the first three world outdoor championships and he won the Silver Medal in the 110m hurdlers in the1984 Olympics.
So are you ready to improve your speed and quickness?
If the answer to the question is yes, go to the link below and listen to an audio interview that I conducted with Foster.
Click Here for Greg Foster Interview
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Read Ozzie Smith’s Biography
When Ozzie Smith was in high school, many people said he was too small and could not hit major league pitching.
Ozzie has become one of the most popular players in major league baseball history.
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002, his first year of eligibility.
What a great story.
Reading a biography of a famous person will lift your motivation. Not to mention expand your vocabulary, it also shows you how different writers put down their thoughts leading to better writing skills for you.
The more you read, the more information you pick up. Reading will also lead to a solid core of knowledge that is useful in a wide variety of classes.
For example, by reading a biography on Jackie Robinson will give you a better understanding of baseball history.
I strongly suggest that you read Ozzie Smith’s biography. Here is a player that beat the odds to become the greatest shortstop who ever played baseball.
More Info on Ozzie Smith
Ozzie has become one of the most popular players in major league baseball history.
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002, his first year of eligibility.
What a great story.
Reading a biography of a famous person will lift your motivation. Not to mention expand your vocabulary, it also shows you how different writers put down their thoughts leading to better writing skills for you.
The more you read, the more information you pick up. Reading will also lead to a solid core of knowledge that is useful in a wide variety of classes.
For example, by reading a biography on Jackie Robinson will give you a better understanding of baseball history.
I strongly suggest that you read Ozzie Smith’s biography. Here is a player that beat the odds to become the greatest shortstop who ever played baseball.
More Info on Ozzie Smith
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Give Yourself a Fitness Test
Ozzie Smith's workouts during the off season paid off for him during the season. He did not hit the mid-season lull, like other players do and he avoided nagging injuries.
Are you in tip-top shape for the upcoming season?
Fitness tests are designed to quickly gauge your general fitness level and to act as a benchmark for future testing.
Simply, put the fitness test shows you your current fitness level and shows you the fitness level you should be.
After taking the following test, complete the MVP Baseball Strength and Conditioning Program. Then, take the test again and compare the results.
The test is divided into four sections. Do each part with plenty of rest between to fully recover.
Push-ups to test your upper body strength. – Count how many push ups you can do in one minute. You should do the test “military style” push-up position with only the hands and toes touching the floor.
Sit-up test to test abdominal and core strength. – Count how many sit ups you can do in one minute.
Squats test to test lower body strength. – Count how many squats you can do in one minute.
60 yard dash – See how fast you can run the 60.
Minute Push-up Test
Excellent – More than 56
Good – 47-56
Acceptable – 19-34
Minute Sit-up Test
Excellent – More than 49
Good – 44-49
Acceptable – 39-43
Minute Body Weight Squat Test
Excellent – More than 49
Good – 44-40
Acceptable – 39-43
60 yard dash time
Exceptional - 6.3 to 6.5
Good - 6.5 to 6.8
Acceptable - 7 seconds or less
Are you in tip-top shape for the upcoming season?
Fitness tests are designed to quickly gauge your general fitness level and to act as a benchmark for future testing.
Simply, put the fitness test shows you your current fitness level and shows you the fitness level you should be.
After taking the following test, complete the MVP Baseball Strength and Conditioning Program. Then, take the test again and compare the results.
The test is divided into four sections. Do each part with plenty of rest between to fully recover.
Push-ups to test your upper body strength. – Count how many push ups you can do in one minute. You should do the test “military style” push-up position with only the hands and toes touching the floor.
Sit-up test to test abdominal and core strength. – Count how many sit ups you can do in one minute.
Squats test to test lower body strength. – Count how many squats you can do in one minute.
60 yard dash – See how fast you can run the 60.
Minute Push-up Test
Excellent – More than 56
Good – 47-56
Acceptable – 19-34
Minute Sit-up Test
Excellent – More than 49
Good – 44-49
Acceptable – 39-43
Minute Body Weight Squat Test
Excellent – More than 49
Good – 44-40
Acceptable – 39-43
60 yard dash time
Exceptional - 6.3 to 6.5
Good - 6.5 to 6.8
Acceptable - 7 seconds or less
Friday, January 18, 2008
Increase Your Strength with Kettlebells
Ozzie Smith's off-season weight workouts were a key to his success on the playing field.
Today, one of the latest trends in weight lifting is training with kettlebells. Kettlebells look like a cannon ball made of iron cast with a handle on top.
The kettlebell is an ancient Russian exercise device; the kettlebell has long been a favorite in that country for those seeking a special edge in strength and endurance.
How can this “iron cannonball with a handle attached” be the best kept secret—as well as an outstanding tool to get in the best shape for baseball?
It is because kettlebell training helps you achieve and maintain the highest levels of power, strength, conditioning and flexibility by boosting your heart rate with a combination of cardio and strength training exercises.
Pat Rigsby of the Fitness Consulting Group says "If you're looking for an innovative way to jump ahead of your competition on the playing field, kettlebell training for baseball is a must! “
Kettlebells can be found in some fitness and sporting goods stores, but in most cases you will have to order them online. The costs range for $39.99 each for a 10 pound kettlebell and $139 each for 72 pounds.
There is a kettlebell workout at the bottom of this page.
Here is another tip, don't try kettlebell training if you're looking for an easy way out.
Try it only if you're prepared to work hard, have fun and get in the best shape you've ever been in.
MVP Baseball Workout #15
Today, one of the latest trends in weight lifting is training with kettlebells. Kettlebells look like a cannon ball made of iron cast with a handle on top.
The kettlebell is an ancient Russian exercise device; the kettlebell has long been a favorite in that country for those seeking a special edge in strength and endurance.
How can this “iron cannonball with a handle attached” be the best kept secret—as well as an outstanding tool to get in the best shape for baseball?
It is because kettlebell training helps you achieve and maintain the highest levels of power, strength, conditioning and flexibility by boosting your heart rate with a combination of cardio and strength training exercises.
Pat Rigsby of the Fitness Consulting Group says "If you're looking for an innovative way to jump ahead of your competition on the playing field, kettlebell training for baseball is a must! “
Kettlebells can be found in some fitness and sporting goods stores, but in most cases you will have to order them online. The costs range for $39.99 each for a 10 pound kettlebell and $139 each for 72 pounds.
There is a kettlebell workout at the bottom of this page.
Here is another tip, don't try kettlebell training if you're looking for an easy way out.
Try it only if you're prepared to work hard, have fun and get in the best shape you've ever been in.
MVP Baseball Workout #15
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Plaster Motivational Quotes On Your Bedroom Wall
Ozzie Smith's motivation to play the game of baseaball with vigor came in a lot of ways.
Collecting quotations, creeds and motivational writings of the world's most influential thinkers can be a great way to become motivated when times get tough.
I believe that these writings, once gathered together, can be a tremendous help to motivate and inspire you.
The right quotation, at the right moment, could help bring your goals into perspective.
Football coach Vince Lombardi had many great quotes that are still true today. Click on the link below and take a look at a few.
Motivation Movie
Where else can you find motivational quotes?
Well, I have the great answer for you – The Bible.
The Bible is full of motivational scriptures – my favorite is:
For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me strength I need.
– Philippians 4:13
Collecting quotations, creeds and motivational writings of the world's most influential thinkers can be a great way to become motivated when times get tough.
I believe that these writings, once gathered together, can be a tremendous help to motivate and inspire you.
The right quotation, at the right moment, could help bring your goals into perspective.
Football coach Vince Lombardi had many great quotes that are still true today. Click on the link below and take a look at a few.
Motivation Movie
Where else can you find motivational quotes?
Well, I have the great answer for you – The Bible.
The Bible is full of motivational scriptures – my favorite is:
For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me strength I need.
– Philippians 4:13
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Practice Core Strength Conditioning
Welcome to MVP Baseball Tips Featuring Ozzie Smith
During Ozzie Smith's playing career he knew that core strength training was vital to his success in baseball.
A-Rod and Ichiro are not excellent hitters because they are weak. They hit ropes because they have developed high levels of core strength relative to their swing. Core strength development assists in your balance ability, decreases the possibility of injury and is the first element that powers your swing.
The majority of your bat speed comes from your midsection.
Strengthening your core is also important in throwing the baseball; according to John Boyle “the average pitcher can add 7-10 mph on their fastball in only 60 days utilizing baseball-specific core training”
“Your midsection, or core, strength can determine how well - or bad - you perform on the field, adds Boyle. “Every single movement and skill in the game of baseball starts with the muscles of your midsection. If your strength, flexibility and endurance are not where it should be then you can forget about regular playing time, let alone becoming a star.”
The bottom line is if you desire to improve your swing and drive the ball into the gap for extra bases, working your abs is must in your training.
I have developed a four minute ab routine called the “Abs from Hell.”
This circuit is guaranteed to make your abs burn and increase your power at the plate and add more speed on your fastball on the mound.
Click here to view the MVP Abs from Hell video.
MVP Abs From Hell 4 Minute Workout
During Ozzie Smith's playing career he knew that core strength training was vital to his success in baseball.
A-Rod and Ichiro are not excellent hitters because they are weak. They hit ropes because they have developed high levels of core strength relative to their swing. Core strength development assists in your balance ability, decreases the possibility of injury and is the first element that powers your swing.
The majority of your bat speed comes from your midsection.
Strengthening your core is also important in throwing the baseball; according to John Boyle “the average pitcher can add 7-10 mph on their fastball in only 60 days utilizing baseball-specific core training”
“Your midsection, or core, strength can determine how well - or bad - you perform on the field, adds Boyle. “Every single movement and skill in the game of baseball starts with the muscles of your midsection. If your strength, flexibility and endurance are not where it should be then you can forget about regular playing time, let alone becoming a star.”
The bottom line is if you desire to improve your swing and drive the ball into the gap for extra bases, working your abs is must in your training.
I have developed a four minute ab routine called the “Abs from Hell.”
This circuit is guaranteed to make your abs burn and increase your power at the plate and add more speed on your fastball on the mound.
Click here to view the MVP Abs from Hell video.
MVP Abs From Hell 4 Minute Workout
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