Baseball is a sport where most success is found in those considered to be a 5-tool player.  Those 5 tools are throwing, fielding, hitting for power, hitting for average, and base running abilities.  In examining the game of baseball, there are three main movement areas for position players: (1)getting out of the batter’s box after contact, (2)crossing over to steal bases or to field ground balls and fly balls, and (3)running multiple bases on a bend or curve versus a straight line.

Now-a-days, coaches are assessing an average of 3.6 parameters of fitness, with body composition testing being the most commonly assessed parameter (see table below for body composition percentages recommended for baseball players on different levels). Flexibility training and assessment is also high on the priority list.  Along with these, training should focus on speed development strategies (with form running drills being the most common), plyometric training, strength & power development, mechanical development (hitting/throwing), and in some cases even reaction time.

Average Percent Body Fat for Baseball Players