Playing baseball in the winter takes work. Outside of playing at a facility, the only other way to play is to simulate it at home. Winter weather can be difficult, making playing baseball in the winter much more challenging. However, you can still have a successful season with some planning and preparation.
Playing in the cold can be a challenge for players and coaches. Everyone thinks about how they will stay warm during games and practices outside, but many players overlook how it will affect their swing and throwing mechanics. With the right secrets, you can successfully play in any weather, even when the mercury dips below freezing. Let’s take a look at some tips you should consider if you are thinking about playing your game this winter:
Play Catch Before Practice
Playing catch before practice, you are already warming up your hands and fingers. In addition, you are also getting into a position where you are ready to catch the ball. It helps build up your muscles and prepares your body to catch, hit and throw a baseball.
Even though you are not in competition and have no pressure, playing catch is a great way to stay loose and warm up your muscles while you are outside. Incorporating simple throws and catches with your teammates will help you get into the right position for your next practice.
Wear Layers
When you are playing outside, it is important to be warm, but it is also important to be comfortable. You want to ensure you are not overheating and can move freely without restriction. The layers can help you regulate your temperature and be comfortable.
When wearing layers, make sure they are light enough so you can still move freely. Avoid thick layers that constrict your movement and restrict your breathing. If playing multiple games daily, wearing more than one layer is important. They can act as a buffer between you and the cold concrete and dirt. This way, you can stay comfortable and have increased mobility.
Create A Game Plan For Practices And Games Outside
There is no way to predict the weather, but there are a few things you can do to help you prepare for the worst. Before practice and games, it is a good idea to check the conditions. The weather report will give you an idea of what to expect, and you can get an idea of how windy it will be by checking if the baseball net is blowing. If you know it will be windy, you will want to ensure that you wear proper gear. Creating a game plan with your team is important for games outside. It is a good idea to let the coach or manager know when you are planning to play outside. This way, they can be prepared and know when to adjust the practice schedule.
Protect Your Hands And Feet Before Practice
Before you go outside and start practicing, make sure you protect your hands and feet. Make sure to wear padded gloves and protect your feet with closed-toed shoes. You want to avoid risking your hands and feet because of the outside weather conditions. When you practice inside in an indoor batting cage, you can wear regular cotton gloves that will not restrict your grip. However, when you are practicing outside, you need to make sure that you are wearing gloves that are made for outdoor use. You want to ensure that your gloves are breathable, durable, and protective. The best way to do that is to get a pair of outdoor leather gloves. These gloves are breathable, durable, protective, and ideal for baseball.
Stay Hydrated On Game Days
When you are playing outside, it is important to stay hydrated. Many players must be aware of how quickly they can become dehydrated. Dehydration during games or practices outside can impair your performance and cause injury. When practicing and playing outside, you must ensure you are drinking water. Getting caught up in the game and forgetting to drink is easy.
When you are outside, you lose water through your skin and breathing. Therefore, the more you lose, the more you need to replace. When you are thirsty, you are already in danger of dehydration. It would be best to drink a sports beverage or water whenever you feel thirsty. It will help you stay hydrated and prevent dehydration. It is also a good idea to bring your water with you when practicing so you can continue the practice to get a drink.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that playing baseball in the winter is challenging. It is important to remember that this is the time of year when you will see the most players on injury lists. The cold weather can negatively affect your mobility and cause your muscles to become stiff. With a little preparation, you will be able to get through the winter and have a successful season. Remember, winter can be challenging, but with a little knowledge and preparation, you can stay on the field.
