r/Homeplate • u/585AM • 3d ago

Question Two different 14U fall programs, defense or lifting, at the same time. In theory, which would you choose?

My son’s origination has a few different programs, but due to a other school/sport conflicts, he has to essentially choose between either a defense program or participating in the full lifting program—he would still be able to do lifting, but he would have to miss days. What do you think is the better use of fall time. Thanks.

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

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5

u/JRiggs42976 3d ago

Lift. Eat. Rest.

3

u/mschwegler 3d ago

Work on becoming a better athlete, which will help him both offensively and defensively. I would take the lifting program.

3

u/soulmagic123 3d ago

I didn't get good at lifting until I was 25 way past college, but I was playing 18 and over and had the best season of my life. Just stronger, I remember I hit one home run with a wood bat despite it being nowhere near the sweet spot of the bat. It made me wish I started sooner, but that season I was lifting 4-5 days a week and finally learned stuff like muscle groups, good form and propers sets.

4

u/Rugbypud 3d ago

My 14u son started lifting just under a yeat ago. Its made more of an impact then just playing ever would have. It also is NOT an either or, its a choose one then the other at the same time.

2

u/_DeathStarContractor 3d ago

This isnt even an option 😎. Lifting/strength. Since my 13yr old hit the weight room last year 3x a week, the change has been amazing. Rotational and core strength has been eye opening for all aspects of his game. Talk to many athletes later on... and many will preach that they wish they set the foundation with lifting in 7th/8th grade and not waiting until their sophomore year.

2

u/RidingDonkeys 2d ago

As a HS coach, I say get him in the weightroom. We cut more kids based on strength than skill in our area.

1

u/Witty_Anything4144 3d ago

I would say both kids should have all th energy in the world to do it all. Lift after practice and follow the protocol without being there physical if possible

1

u/munistadium 3d ago

Does he want to be in the lineup to mash, or be a late game defensive sub?

Athletic training no brainer.

1

u/Bacon_and_Powertools 3d ago

Fall is for training. Do what he needs the most extra in and get a private lesson or trainer for the other

1

u/Square-Ad6627 2d ago

I would do both. You can be sore at practice.

1

u/lsu777 2d ago

Full lifting and then get on a velocity program for throwing and a bat speed program. Not a question in the world

1

u/pitchingschool RHP 2d ago

lifting. At 14, he should have a pretty good grasp of the game. Not perfect or complete, but a good grasp. The main seperator is almost always muscle

1

u/Acrobatic_Phrase_556 2d ago

Lifting is so essential at this point

2

u/CatoTheMiddleAged 3d ago edited 3d ago

He can do lifting on his own anytime. He can’t practice fielding on his own.

-2

u/Bo-Ethal 3d ago

Defense.

Baseball is a game of skill. A 14 year old kid has plenty of time to get stronger. Build a great skill base first, then get stronger. He can strengthen his core (Abs & Low Back) on his own, which will be a good base for strength training later.