Hire A Personal Trainer

Ozzie Smith was well ahead of his time when he decided to hire a personal trainer to make him stronger during his playing days.

Ozzie was one of the first players in Major League history to hire a Personal Trainer. He hired Mackie Shilstone to help improve his game.

Shilstone's training program allowed Ozzie's batting to average to jumped from .280 (in '86) to .303 in '87.

Hire a personal trainer or hitting or pitching coach - It is proven that having a motivating and positive support system will help you stay with your goals.

Remember those goals you have set for yourself? How many have you achieved? Was improving your strength and quickness part of those goals? Or are you just sitting around, wasting time and being a couch potato and not working on improving your baseball skills during the off season?

Get motivated and use a Personal Trainer, Hitting or Pitching Coach to help support you in your goals and improve your overall game.

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.

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

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Give Your Injury a Rest

Give it a Rest - even when injured.

Working out while nursing an injury puts a temporary stress on the body, which may prolong your injury.

It may be OK to work out when injured (depending on the severity) but a few days of rest is usually just what the doctor ordered. A short break won't have a negative affect on your overall baseball goals.

Rest Is a Key To Success

Resting and Re-energizing your body is key to your baseball success.

Not enough sleep can dramatically affect your physical play on the field and your alertness in the classroom and on the diamond.

While you sleep, your body is recovering and resting from all the things you have done during your day. Your neurotransmitter is brought back in line, your muscles relax, and your mind is allowed to clear itself in preparation for school and your next game or doubleheader.

If you are not getting enough rest, you will begin to notice it in a your play. While there is no perfect number in terms of hours of sleep, 8 hours should be your target each and every night.

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.

Avoiding the Mid Season Lull

Avoiding the mid season lull was a key to Ozzie Smith's success.

Nagging injuries can take a lot away from your performance on the field.

Keeping your body fresh, strong and injury free is very important as championship time rolls around.

Eating right and getting the proper rest is vital, but continuing your strength training during the season is just as important.

I recommend that you lift weights two to three times per week during the season. Lifting during the season will maintain your strength and give you added endurance during tournament play.

Remember you want to remain strong so that you can be a MVP when the game is on the line.
This especially true if your team is in the losers bracket and you have to play a lot of games in order to win the championship game.

Here is a workout that you can incorporate in your strength training routine during the season.

This routine is for your upper body (shoulders, chest and back) and is geared to increase your power at the plate.

MVP Baseball Tips In Season Workout

Note: Exercise is not without its risks and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. To reduce the risk of injury in your case, consult your doctor before beginning this exercise program. MVP Fitness, LLC and advice presented are in no way intended as a substitute for medical advice, MVP Fitness, LLC disclaims any liability from and in connection with this program. As with any exercise program, if at any point during your workout you begin to feel faint, dizzy, or have physical discomfort, you should stop immediately and consult a physician.

Ozzie Smith's Fielding Secrets

One of the things baseball players consistently want to know is how they can improve their fielding skills.

It's pretty simple really. But it requires getting out of your
comfort zone and getting in weight room, fielding grounders,
shagging some fly balls and working hard in a big, big way.

Most baseball players would rather find out some magic formula.

I interviewed Hall of Fame Shortstop Ozzie Smith one of the most successful and hungriest baseball players on earth.

Ozzie kicked butt and made it happen.

He reveals his secrets that allowed him to win 13 Gold Glove Awards.

If you want to become a better defensive player here is Ozzie's advice:

1. Work hard
2. Stop thinking negative
3. Start taking action
4. Set individual and team goals
5. Get motivated, be persistence and believe in yourself

You've got to want it. And you've got to want it bad.