Improve Your Speed By Runnig Down Hills

A great way to improve your speed on the bases is to run hills downhill. That's right running downhill instead of uphill. A lot of great athlete's such as Walter Payton and Jerry Rice improve their speed and leg strength by incorporate hill training in their workouts.

Running down Hills has many benefits:

Helps develop power and leg strength
Improves stride frequency and length
Develops co-ordination

Good for muscle memory by allowing your legs to move faster

Encourages the proper running form by using your arm action during the driving phase
Develops control as well as improved speed
Promotes strength endurance
Develops maximum speed and strength
Improves your time in the 60 yard dash
Improves your base stealing percentage

Here's a hill training routine:

1. Find a hill with a slope of approx 15° decline and a length of 60 yards
2. Running down the hill to build up to full speed and then maintain the speed for a further 30 yards
3. Recovery walk back up
4. Start with 2 sets of 4 repetitions ( a total of 8 times) and gradually increase over time

Do this routine twice a week and soon you will find yourself improving your speed.

Don't forget to register to the MVP Baseball Clinic Featuring Ozzie Smith that will be held on Monday, June 29th at Big Hitter Baseball & Softball Academy in Arnold, MO from 6-9:30 pm. For more info call 866-487-4687 or log onto http://www.mvpbaseballtips.com/

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.

Base Stealing 101

A good base stealer can change the tempo of the game, especially in the late innings.

Ozzie Smith stole 580 bases in his career and had an amazing successful rate of 79%!

Here are three tips that will improve your base stealing skills.

1. Be Confident - You must believe in your speed and ability and that you can run on any pitcher and catcher.

2. Be Smart - Being wise is as important to a base stealer as speed. You should get a good jump on a pitcher by studying his moves. As soon as a pitcher makes a move towards the plate, you should be off and running.

3. Speed Work - Improving your speed takes hard work and dedication. Running stairs and jumping rope are great ways to improve your speed and quickness.

Remember to work on your hitting skills because a high on-base percentage, good speed and great instincts are the keys to being fearless and having the presence to be very disruptive to pitchers when you get on base.