Strength & Conditioning Program

Our Strength & Conditioning program is designed specifically for baseball and softball athletes who need to build strength, speed, mobility, and durability that directly translates to on-field performance. Using evidence-based methods and the same sports-science principles applied in college and professional baseball, this program helps young athletes move better, get stronger, and stay healthier throughout the season.

1. Initial Performance Assessment

Every athlete begins with a comprehensive evaluation that may include:

  • Strength and power screening
  • Movement quality and mobility testing
  • Speed and agility measurements
  • Jump testing for lower-body power
  • Core stability and rotational strength assessment
 

This establishes baselines and allows us to build an individualized development plan.

2. Strength Building for Baseball & Softball

Athletes follow age-appropriate strength progressions focused on building balanced, athletic bodies that perform and stay healthy. Training includes:

  • Lower-body strength (squats, hinges, lunges)
  • Upper-body strength without overloading the arm
  • Rotational strength for hitting and throwing power
  • Grip strength development
  • Posterior-chain training to protect the back and shoulders
 

Programs are progressive and tailored to each athlete’s stage of development.

3. Speed, Agility & First-Step Quickness

Speed wins games. We train athletes to improve:

  • Sprint mechanics and acceleration
  • Lateral quickness and change-of-direction
  • First-step explosiveness (vital for defense, baserunning, and hitting)
  • Multi-directional movement required for all positions
 

Drills are baseball- and softball-specific, ensuring real-game transfer.

4. Mobility, Flexibility & Arm Care

We build durable, resilient athletes through:

  • Mobility routines for hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders
  • Stability work to support safe movement
  • Age-appropriate arm-care circuits
  • Recovery strategies used at the college and pro levels
 

This keeps athletes healthy through heavy training and long seasons.

5. Power Training for Throwing & Hitting

Athletes learn to generate explosive power safely through:

  • Medicine-ball rotational work
  • Jump and plyometric training
  • Acceleration drills
  • Controlled high-intent movements
 

These exercises directly enhance bat speed, exit velocity, and throwing velocity.

6. Conditioning for Game-Ready Performance

Conditioning is tailored to baseball and softball demands—short bursts of high-intensity work followed by short rest periods. This includes:

  • Energy-system training specific to hitting, pitching, and fielding
  • Sprint interval conditioning
  • Core endurance and stability work
  • Position-specific movement conditioning
 

No unnecessary long-distance running—only sport-relevant conditioning.

7. Progress Tracking & Re-Testing

At the end of each training block, athletes are re-tested to measure improvements in:

  • Strength
  • Speed and agility
  • Jump power
  • Mobility
  • Overall athletic performance
 

They receive a clear plan for continued development.

The Goal

To develop strong, fast, durable athletes who move well, stay healthy, and perform at a higher level on the field. Whether preparing for high school, travel ball, or college opportunities, the 216 Academy Strength & Conditioning Program provides the foundation for long-term athletic success.

216 ACADEMY

Where baseball and softball players choose to train!