Strength and Conditioning Practices of Major League Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Abstract

Ebben, W.P., M.J. Hintz, and C.J. Simenz. Strength and conditioning practices of Major League Baseball strength and conditioning coaches. J. Strength Cond. Res. 19(3):538-546. 2005.-This study describes the results of a survey of the practices of Major League Baseball strength and conditioning (MLB S&C) coaches. The response rate was 70.0% (21 of 30). This survey examines (a) background information, (b) physical testing, (c) flexibility development, (d) speed development, (e) plyometrics, (f) strength/power development, (g) unique aspects, and (h) comments. Results indicate, in part, that coaches assess an average of 3.6 parameters of fitness, with body composition testing being the most commonly assessed parameter. All coaches use a variety of flexibility development strategies. All coaches use speed development strategies, with form running drills being the most common. Twenty of 21 (95.2%) coaches employ plyometric exercises with their athletes. Eighteen of 21 (85.7%) of MLB S&C coaches follow a periodization model (PM). Five of 21 coaches (23.8%) indicated that their athletes use Olympic-style lifts. The squat and its variations and the lunge and its variations were most frequently identified as the first and second most important exercises used to train the athletes. This survey provides detailed information about strength and conditioning practices at the most competitive level of baseball and serves as a review, as well as a source of applied information and new ideas.

Core Stabilization Exercises Enhance Lactate Clearance Following High-Intensity Exercise

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“…Although core stability programs have failed to show performance benefits in the limited literature to date (32,33), progi'ams have been successful when aimed at decreasing low back pain or enhancing trunk musculature (8,19,25). In addition, strength and conditioning coaches from all of the major professional sports in this country have ranked core exercises among the top 5 most important exercises for the training of their athletes (10)(11)(12)31).…”

Using Project-Based Learning to Promote College Student Understanding of Strength and Conditioning Coaching

“…NASPE Standard 15: Plan conditioning programs to help athletes return to full participation following injury. (p. [11][12][13]. The NSCA's Education Recognition Program provides further support for these standards because it too requires students receive formal instruction in exercise technique, program design, and nutrition, among other content areas (25).…”

An Examination of Current Practices and Gender Differences in Strength and Conditioning in a Sample of Varsity High School Athletic Programs

“…Researchers have examined strength and conditioning practices at the collegiate (17,18,22) and professional levels (7)(8)(9)24), and most of this research describes education, certifications, experience, job requirements, salary, and demographics of the coaches.…”