Here's An Inexpensive Way To Improve Your Speed

Every baseball and softball player wants to get quicker and faster. The difference of running down a ball in the gap or beating a throw by sliding home to score a run can make a difference in a big game.

I'm going to show you a simple and inexpensive exercise that will improve your first step, your batting average, your defense and at the same time will improve your speed and quickness.

But before I do, I want to remind you of the MVP Baseball Clinic featuring Ozzie Smith, the legendary shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals,. Ozzie will sign copies of his book, “Ozzie Smith: Road to Cooperstown” Monday, June 29th in Arnold, MO.

The one-day clinic will be held at Big Hitter Baseball and Softball Academy located at 2120 Tenbrook Road. Check-in will be 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with the clinic taking place 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

The clinic consists of three sessions:

· Session A: Unlocking the Secrets of the MVP Mindset

· Session B: How to Improve your Speed, Agility and Quickness

· Session C: Ozzie Smith book signing of
“Ozzie Smith: Road to Cooperstown”

For more info call 314-831-7505 or log onto http://www.mvpbaseballtips.com/

Now for today's tip:

The exercise that I'm talking about that will add speed and quickness to your tools is jumping rope.

The benefits of this simple but yet complex training technique ranks as also an ideal brain exercise, bone builder, and as one of the most efficient ways of improving cardiovascular fitness in as little as ten minutes.

According to research jump rope for a minimum of five minutes a day can improve your foot speed and when you build to ten minutes of nonstop jumping at 120 RPMs it can provide the same benefits as 30 minutes of jogging!

Simple grab a jump rope and do the following:

1. Start with the jump rope in each hand.
2. Jump off the ground and start swinging the jump rope under your feet.
3.Continue jumping up and down as you bring the jump rope under your feet.
4.Continue for the prescribed number of 500 jumps or for 5 minutes.

Bodyweight Exercise Video Shows How A Young Baseball Player Can Increase Strength

One of the topics that will be discussed at the upcoming June 29th MVP Baseball Clinic featuring Ozzie Smith is "How A Young Baseball or Softball Player Can Increase His or Her Strength."

The one-day clinic will be held at Big Hitter Baseball and Softball Academy located at 2120 Tenbrook Road in Arnold, MO. Check-in will be 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with the clinic taking place 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. For more info go to http://www.mvpbaseballtips.com/

Now for today's tip:

Bodyweight Exercises or Calisthenics are the best way for a young athlete to build muscle and stay in shape during the baseball season and during the off-season. One of the great benefits of bodyweight training is that your routine can be done at home, away from gym or on the road.

Calisthenics are exercises consisting of movements which use the weight of your body as resistance to work against. Its an extremely incredible and efficient way to build muscle and stay fit as it provides short bursts of intense training and only a few exercises covers almost all muscle groups.

Check this Bodyweight Workout video. It is guaranteed to blast and tone your muscles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANsUWq194Lg&feature=channel_page

Ozzie Smith Coming To Arnold, MO

Ozzie Smith, legendary shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals, will sign copies of his book, “Ozzie Smith: Road to Cooperstown” Monday, June 29th in Arnold, MO at the MVP Fitness Baseball Clinic. The one-day clinic will be held at Big Hitter Baseball and Softball Academy located at 2120 Tenbrook Road. Check-in will be 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with the clinic taking place 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Smith will be on hand to sign copies of his book, “Ozzie Smith: Road to Cooperstown,” which chronicles his journey to becoming the greatest shortstop in the history of baseball.

MVP Fitness’ trained and licensed staff designed MVP Baseball Clinic to assist attendees with improving body conditioning quickly and easily.
The clinic consists of three sessions:

· Session A: Unlocking the Secrets of the MVP Mindset

· Session B: How to Improve your Speed, Agility and Quickness

· Session C: Ozzie Smith book signing of
“Ozzie Smith: Road to Cooperstown”

Cost for the clinic is $65 per player. Each attendee of the clinic will receive a book autograph by Ozzie Smith. Tickets for the book signing only are available for $35. To register call 314-831-7505 or visit http://www.mvpbaseballtips.com. To schedule media interviews with Ozzie Smith please contact MVP Fitness at 314-503-8384.

Baseball Training Aids

Baseball training aids are an effective way to learn the skills you need to achieve MVP status. They can aid in muscular development, hand eye coordination, as well as on posture and instruction on skills. But, which are the best baseball training aids to take your game to the next level? Here are two ways to improve your game from 1-Stop-Baseball.com

Training videos - One of the best ways to learn what the pros know is to use videos that they create. Many of the professional players and coaches are more than willing to share their experiences about techniques and tips that work. Learn these by watching and reacting to videos. The problem with these, though, is that you don’t have someone watching what you are doing and correcting your stance or your aim. So, watch them with someone else and allow them to tell you if you are actually doing what the video says. This is an all-year-round tool to benefit from.

Summer Camp or Clinics - Probably the very best option to think about investing is are baseball camps or clinics. Baseball camps are offered for virtually all age groups depending on your needs and skills. Baseball Camps are also offered during Christmas and Spring break. The benefit here is one on-one-training that you can not get anywhere else unless you have a personal coach, of course.

Find a Mentor

To find a mentor, identify someone you admire and respect.

For example, you may be a high school baseball player wanting to gain a scholarship to your State University. You can choose someone from your own high school who has received a scholarship to the same University.

Decide what you need in a mentor -- what skills you'd like to develop with your mentor's help. (It may be hitting for power, hitting for average, improving your speed, fielding or throwing).

Simply look around and find someone who has achieved the goal that you want to accomplish, as well as someone who shares good values. When you find one, don’t be afraid to ask.

Be sure to let your mentor know what you are trying to accomplish. Mentors are most likely to invest in people who want to improve themselves.

Surround Yourself with Winners

Surround yourself with winners - One of the key qualities of all successful people is that they avoid negative people

Surround yourself with people and things that are mature, that stay out of trouble and that make the right decision in life.

Hanging out with people who are bad news and always complain and never take persistent action will ensure that you never reach your goal.

Here are five tips for a good lasting friendship.

Positive friends make sure you are there for each other when they need you, not when you need something for them.

Positive friends keep in touch. You should always communicate. Send an email or text message and call them on the phone.

Positive friends don’t gossip. Friends don’t bad mouth each other.

Positive friends are happy for each other when they are successful.
When they win a game – celebrate with them.

Positive friends support each other – Go out of your way to show your support for a friend.

Off Season Strength and Conditioning is Key to your Success

An off season workout is the key to your baseball success during the season. Ozzie Smith would tell you that incorporating a off season strength and conditioning program is "what separates you from being a good player compared to a great player. "

Click on the link below and try the MVP Baseball Bodyweight workout. It is a great workout to do when you are short on time.

MVP Baseball Workout #1

Never Give Up

Cleveland Indian left handed pitcher, Cliff Lee won the American League Cy Young Award.

As you recall, Lee was demoted to the minors last year and went a major league-best 22-3 this season with a 2.54 ERA.


Lee is a perfect example of the M.V.P. Blueprint.

M - Motivation - Lee's motivation was to prove everybody wrong by sending him back to the minors.

V - Vigor - it took hard work and dedication for Lee to win the Cy Young Award.

P - Persistence - Not giving up is the key. Being persistent is having a continuous, deep-rooted, never-ending and tenacious attitude of not giving up.

Believing in you is having confidence, courage, determination, and heart to get the job done.

Having the combination of persistence and confidence is a winning combination that will not only make you a MVP on the field, but it will make you a MVP for every aspect of your life.

A Boxing Workout is a Great Way to Get in Shape During the Off Season

Staying in shape during the off season was a must for Ozzie Smith.

A great way to get in tip top shape is by incorporating boxing into your off season conditioning program.

The benefits from boxing are endless. Here are 9 reasons to incorporate boxing into your off season strength and conditioning plan.

1. You stay motivated and committed to a fun and challenging workout.

2. You reduce total body-fat percentage and strengthen muscular system

3. You build confidence and a sense of well-being

4. You improve the ability to relax, to keep calm and poised under high pressure
5. You develop discipline
6. You will tone muscles
7. You will increase endurance and stamina
8. You will improve flexibility and balance
9. You will improve co-ordination10. You will burn fat and loose weight

A good boxing workout not only challenging and motivating it will also make you feel like a MVP!

Click on the link below for an example of a quick boxing routine.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=92d4d6fc9961d8bb217d

The Express Bodyweight Workout

I recently met with actor and dancer Darrin Henson to talk about my favorite subject FITNESS. Henson, who played "Lem Van Adams" in the Showtime series Soul Food and "Grant" in the movie Stomp The Yard is a fitness buff and uses bodyweight training as a workout technique for his busy schedule.

Staying in shape is a must for Henson, who is currently working on two films - Blood Done Sign My Name and Tekken will be released in 2009. Henson’s latest film, The Express, opened on October 10, 2008, where in plays running back Jim Brown.

The Express is based on the incredible true story and follows the inspirational life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Following his draft by the NFL, tragedy struck the star athlete and he was never able to take the professional field. But his tale would forever change the face of professional sports.

Henson and I both agreed that the benefits from exercising are endless.

Here are 9 reasons to incorporate an exercise plan into your everyday life.

1 You stay motivated and committed to a fun and challenging workout.
2 You reduce total body-fat percentage and strengthen muscular system
3 You build confidence and a sense of well-being You improve the ability to relax, to keep calm and poised under high pressure
4 You develop discipline
5 You will tone muscles
6 You will increase endurance and stamina
7 You will improve flexibility and balance
8 You will improve co-ordination
9 You will burn fat and lose weight

I have created The Express Bodyweight Workout. You can start The Express Bodyweight

Workout right away. And the faster you start, the faster you can start seeing and feeling the benefits that are listed above.

Click on the link below and try the Express Bodyweight Workout

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=92d4d6fc9961d8bb217d

In the meantime, go to the theater and check out Henson’s enjoyable performance in The Express.

Give Yourself the Push Up Test

According to the New York Times, the push-up is the ultimate barometer of fitness. It tests the whole body, engaging muscle groups in the arms, chest, abdomen, hips and legs. It requires the body to be taut like a plank with toes and palms on the floor. The act of lifting and lowering one’s entire weight is taxing even for the very fit.

So I decided to find out my own fitness level and I performed the 1 minute push up test. The results were surprising.

Click Here to find out more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDz2fH1Fj84

I suggest that you give yourself the 1 minute push up test. Push ups are a great way to improve your strength at the plate. Do a set of 1 minute push ups 4-5 times per week and watch your batting average soar.

Once you perform the 1 minute push up test, you can evaluate your score by clicking on the link below and filling out your results.

http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/PushUps.html

Speed Kills!!!

Ozzie Smith always took pride in his speed and baserunner ability.

A speedy baserunner can change the tempo of the game.

Once you get on base your goal is to score a run.

If you are struggling or want to improve your speed here my advice.

Hire a speed coach.

Where can your find a speed coach?

It's simple hire the track coach at your school.

Most coaches are eager and willing to help athletes who want to improve their skills.

Just simply tell the track coach that you need help in improving your speed and will he be able to help you out?

I'm pretty sure he will say "of course" and before you know it you will improve your "wheels" on the bases.

Superset Your Workouts

Here is a MVP Baseball Tip for your off-season conditioning.

Superset your workouts - Some recent studies are showing that super-setting workouts can make you stronger and faster than one single set or multiple standard set workout.

So if time's an issue try incorporating a super-setting system where you do multiple exercises in succession so that you can accomplish more results in less time.

Baseball Nutrition Tips-Interview with Jayson Hunter

Eating is very important to your baseball success. Click on the link below and get tips on nutrition from Registered Dietitian Jayson Hunter.

BS in Nutrition and Dietetics Registered Dietitian Licensed Dietitian.

Jayson Hunter takes great pride in educating athletes worldwide on the truth about eating habits and nutrition. This interview reveals many of the reasons why Hunter believes firmly the fueling your with the proper food and supplements will make you a MVP!

Click Here for Jayson Hunter Interview

Stay In Shape During the Off-Season

Ozzie Smith valued his time during the off-season.

The off-season for baseball is a very important time of the year. But sometimes it can have a negative effect on eating habits and your training routine. In fact, if you miss a few days of working out, it sometimes it takes several days or a week to get back into the normal routine and feel like your self again.

Although the season may be over and it's more difficult to follow your normal routine, you still shouldn't go all out and blow all the progress you've made. You should continue to work on some skill of your game and eat right everyday.

A good way to stay in shape is to play another sport. It keeps you sharp competitively and increases your confidence.

If you are specialize in baseball, I suggest that you train for an upcoming 5K race in your area.

Training for a 5K will keep your legs strong, increase your speed and at the same time it will improve your endurance.

Six Pack Abs

Six Pack Abs - strong abdominal muscles are very important in baseball. It is also a common goal in the fitness industry.

If you are a pitcher, having strong ab muscles can add 7-10 mph onto your fast ball.

And when you are at the plate, having strong core muscles can add power to your swing.

One of the keys to Ozzie Smith's success was his strong ab muscles.

Strong ab muscles will allow you have a much quicker torso, which will make you run faster and be more explosive.

I have develop a great ab workout routine called The MVP Abs From Hell. This workout will make your abs burn and will increase your quickness and speed on the playing field.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYHeIlbVye8

Fuel Your Body

After a workout be sure to feed and fuel your body so your muscles can grow.

Wait no more than one hour before eating a balanced meal containing not only protein (i.e., eggs, chicken, and fish) but complex carbohydrates (i.e., whole grains, green vegetables).

For convenience you may opt to have a protein shake as an after workout meal. A great workout recovery drink is Prograde Workout.

Prograde Workout is described as "The Most Complete, Scientifically Proven, Field Tested Workout Recovery Formula Ever Created, Guaranteed to Dramatically Improve Recovery Time, Burn Fat, Build Muscle and Send Your Athletic Performance Into Super-Overdrive!"

For more info on Prograde Workout go to the link below.

https://lylejohnson.getprograde.com/store.php?top_menu=Athletic_Performance&products=5-4-12-13-14&submenu=1

5 No Fail Ways To Become An All-Star

Ozzie Smith was named to the National League All-Star Team 15 times!

You too can become an All-Star, but of course it takes hard work and dedication to become a solid five tool player. (Hitting for average, hitting for power, speed, throwing and fielding.)

Here are five strategies and principles that will help you become successful not only on the field but off the field as well.

1. Set Goals - Write your goals down. Get out some posted-notes and stick you goals on your bathroom mirror so I can see them everyday. Once you have achieved your goal, stick the posted note on your dresser so that you can visualize your past success!

2. Get Support - Tell your coach and parents about the goals you want to accomplish. Believe me they will do their best to help you reach your dreams.

3. Have a Great Attitude - Believing in yourself is paramount. When or if you get into a slump remember that it is a part of the game. Maintaining a great attitude during the tough times will make you not only a better player, but it will make you a better person.

4. Work Hard - Stay on top of your game by staying after practice to field more grounders and fly balls and take extra batting practice.

5. Get Stronger - Continue to work on your strength and conditioning all year around. As the season gets longer the more important the games become and you want to make sure that you are in the best shape so that you can play your best during the most important part of the season.

Staying in Shape During the Baseball Season

Keeping sharp and fresh during the baseball season was a key to Ozzie Smith success.

The benefit of keeping your body fit includes avoiding nagging injuries and not hitting the mid-season lull.

Playing night games, doubleheaders and tournaments throughout the year can take a toll on your body. Incorporating an in-season weight lifting program for two – three times per week for 45 minutes can keep those nagging injuries and the mid season slumps in check and can help you achieve MVP status.

Top Five Benefits of In-Season Weight Lifting Program.

1. Weight training energizes you – Playing a 60-80 game schedule in the spring, summer and fall requires you to have some get- up- and- go.

2. Weight training makes you strong – Strength training will increase your power at the plate and improve your MPH on your fastball.

3. Weight training gives you confidence on the playing field – Working hard in the weight room will make the game easier to play on the diamond.

4. Weight training improves your balance and coordination – Makes you less prone to injuries such as lower back injuries.

5. Weight training tends to improves sleep patterns – You will need rest to play like a MVP.

What To Eat During Tournament Play

Watching what you eat was very important during Ozzie Smith's playing days.

Playing in a tournament can be grueling on your body and your eating habits.

When you play hard your body gets hungry and you may want to grab something to eat between games, but eating a healthy meal can be a difficult task.

Try to avoid eating fast food or food from the concession stand. Instead, opt for fruit or energy bars.

My recommended energy bar called Prograde Cravers and is made by Prograde Nutrition.

Prograde Cravers are the perfect healthy snack for the Baseball Player during tournament play or when playing a doubleheader…

Just look at what advantages Cravers have over other so-called “nutrition” bars on the market:

- They are the best-tasting bars on the market: Bar-none (sorry, pun intended)

- Organic ingredients: No chemicals or artificial anything!

- The perfect snack size: Each bar is only 180 calories, so it’s a perfect sized snack to hold you over between games.

- Zero trans fats: Cravers have the healthy fats your body needs to keep your metabolism revving high.

- No preservatives or stabilizers: It’s all natural and 100% organic!

- 3 grams of healthy fiber: Keeps you feeling full for longer.

- Sustained energy: The perfect amount of complex carbohydrates for ongoing energy when you need it most.

For more info on Prograde Cravers go to https://lylejohnson.getprograde.com/store.php?top_menu=Athletic_Performance