BASEPATHS

With third base in our sight, the focus turns to our 13- & 14-year-old players, who at this age tend to encounter the biggest challenges of the game thus far – increased competition and significant technical changes; both occurring while transitioning into high-school. With baseball and softball players, success relies on building physical strength and understanding the mental game to properly adapt to the changes, whether to field dimensions, equipment used, and/or competition. Recognizing each player is different mentally and physically; lessons, travel teams, small group programs, and strength and conditioning become extremely important at this stage to differentiate individual skillsets. To effectively prepare the player for future success at the High School and Collegiate level, the focus needs to narrow in on three critical areas. First, lessons at this level solidify the core fundamentals, focused on routine and improving sustainable techniques, which tend to provide a longer lasting impression of structure beyond playing the game.  Second, team play prepares the player for the social and competitive onset that Junior High and High School Teams creates and is a momentous shift from the Little League years. Playing at this level of competitiveness often continues for the next 4-5 years and provides the player an opportunity to prepare for the higher levels of performance, skills, and communication. Finally, ensuring the player is not only staying competitive, but is concentrating on preventing injury by incorporating Strength and Conditioning into their routine. Strengthening not only the body but also the mind will allow players to thrive through failure, learn from mistakes and establish the mental fortitude needed to overcome obstacles whether in athletics, academics, or throughout life in general. The challenges that occur during these years can be daunting; however, our staff is here to guide, mentor, and support the players throughout their journeys while teaching the players to embrace both successes and failures to grow as a player and be the best individual, on and off the field.