Athletes from High School to the Pros Benefit from Speed Training

Varsity 845 published an article earlier this month that highlights the importance of speed training for High School athletes trying to get noticed by college recruiters and pro athletes looking to raise their game.

Brett Fischer runs Fischer Sports physical training and conditioning in Phoenix and has worked with several stars, including Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, major-league pitchers Randy Johnson, Kerry Wood and Greg Maddux, and former NFL quarterback Jake Plummer. According to Fischer, back in the early-1990s, most players reported to spring training without training at all during the offseason.

“A lot of it has come down to money,” Fischer says. “People need to get a better free-agent deal and, to get that, they need to produce. If you are a .240 hitter with a good glove, you can make a lot of money.”

Before Morneau’s American League MVP season in 2006, Fischer worked on his bat speed using a weighted bat and drills to strengthen his hips and core. The slugger put up career highs in homers (34), RBI (130) and batting average (.321).

Fischer watched the College World Series on television last month and saw plenty of jacked up players. He said those muscle men likely won’t have a future in the pros.

“It made me sick, they were too bound,” Fischer says. “It’s just like the NFL. It’s great if you can bench press or squat a lot, but if you can’t move, if you’re not fast and powerful, you can’t play in the NFL.”

Want to improve your speed? We have NFL and MLB off-season training programs and a camp called Paraklete with programs for kids, teens and college athletes. Call (602) 437-5055 for more information.