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Baseball speed and power training.

Out of the box, down the line, first to third. We train the speed that shows up in the box score, and the power behind the throw.

Free 30-minute assessment17400 Hamlin St, Van NuysSince 2014

A baseball player exploding out of the batter's box toward first base

What we trainBaseball

Fundamental speed drills

Linear acceleration and base running

Lateral movement, plyometrics and strength

Eighteen drills across six groups, plus the arm power work from our throwing program.

Think of them as the ABCs of speed training.

Want to run faster on the baseball field? This guide on baseball speed training covers key drills and techniques to boost your speed, agility, and acceleration. Learn how to improve your performance and outpace your rivals with practical exercises.

Before we hit the gas on advanced techniques, we need to master the basics. Fundamental speed drills enhance your running mechanics and overall agility, laying the groundwork for more complex movements.

Coach Morey Croson working with a young baseball athlete during a speed-development session

Coach Morey, on the field

Key takeaways

Master fundamental speed drills like High Knee Run and Butt Kick Run to build a strong foundation for advanced techniques.

Incorporate linear acceleration practices such as the Lean Fall Sprint and the 10 Yard Build to 30 Yard Sprint to enhance your sprinting performance.

Engage in strength training with exercises like Back Squats and Walking Lunges to boost overall speed and stability on the field.

Six groups of work

A comprehensive training plan should start with basic movements and progressively move to more complex drills. These are the groups, in the order they are trained.

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A baseball player working through a speed drill during a Performance Lab session

Speed work, on the field

Group 01

Fundamental Speed Drills

Before we hit the gas on advanced techniques, we need to master the basics. Fundamental speed drills enhance your running mechanics and overall agility, laying the groundwork for more complex movements.

An athlete driving out of an acceleration start on grass, the direction of travel marked

Acceleration, first steps

Group 02

Linear Acceleration Techniques

Linear acceleration is the secret sauce for effective base running and sprinting. Enhancing this aspect of your game can significantly improve your performance.

A Performance Lab athlete cutting hard through a change of direction rep

Change of direction

Group 03

Lateral Movement and Change-of-Direction Drills

Agility and the ability to change direction quickly are vital in baseball. Whether you’re fielding a ground ball or stealing a base, lateral movement can make or break a play.

Three frames of an athlete performing a box jump

Box jump, frame by frame

Group 04

Plyometric Exercises for Explosive Power

Plyometric exercises are all about explosive power. In baseball, most actions are quick and require immediate force generation.

An athlete in a loaded strength session

Strength for speed

Group 05

Strength Training for Speed Enhancement

Strength training builds the muscle strength and balance needed for enhanced speed. Addressing muscle imbalances from repetitive baseball actions, it enhances lateral movement and stability.

An athlete jogging across grass at the Performance Lab facility during a warm-up

Warm-up, on the grass

Group 06

Warm-Up Routines for Effective Speed Training

Warm-up routines prepare your body for demanding speed drills. Enhancing overall performance, they promote better range of motion and flexibility.

Coach Morey Croson reviewing an athlete's sprint on screen inside the Performance Lab

The review, inside the lab

From baseline to a plan in 30 minutes.

No guesswork and no generic workout on day one. We observe, measure and prioritize.

01

Assess

Run targeted movements and sprints while the coach records the mechanics that matter.

02

Analyze

Review acceleration, speed and movement efficiency with objective feedback.

03

Build the plan

Get clear recommendations for the highest-impact next steps in training.

Pick a time

Get faster down the line.

Speed, agility and arm power at 17400 Hamlin St, Van Nuys — measured, coached, and retested.

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(818) 578-5013
60

We don’t guess. We measure.

Every athlete is timed and filmed before and after. Home to first, first to third: the number moves or the training changes.

Timing gates

10 m · 20 m · 40 yd

laser, not hand-timed

Motion capture

18 cameras

joint torque without force plates

Head coach

Morey Croson

BS Exercise Science, Biomechanics

Coach’s own 40

4.4 s

22+ mph top speed

Training athletes since

2014

With Coach Morey and Performance Lab I went from running a 7.04 to a 6.68.

Ryan Oh Athlete

Morey has done a tremendous job working with our team. Our overall team speed and strength have improved significantly.

Matt Mowry Birmingham High School Baseball

Coming to the Performance Lab was critical for my development as a kid. I went from being the slowest kid on my Little League team to the second fastest in high school.

Alex Gibbons Athlete

Eighteen drills

Each one filed under the group it belongs to, with the reps and setup the coaching calls for.

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Fundamentals · 3 drills

High Knee Run

The High Knee Run drill is a cornerstone of speed training. Emphasizing proper take-off and touchdown mechanics helps develop foundational speed.

Butt Kick Run

Next up is the Butt Kick Run. Focusing on knee flexion and proper thigh positioning, this drill enhances speed.

Falling Runs

Falling Runs are all about acceleration. Picture yourself at the starting line, ready to bolt.

Linear acceleration · 3 drills

Lean Fall Sprint

The Lean Fall Sprint drill is all about maintaining proper sprint positions.

Linear Bounds

Linear Bounds focus on generating force into the ground while maintaining balance and alignment.

10 Yard Build to 30 Yard Sprint

The 10 Yard Build to 30 Yard Sprint is a progressive drill that allows you to gradually accelerate, simulating real game situations like base running.

Lateral movement · 3 drills

Short Lateral Shuffle

The Short Lateral Shuffle drill is designed for agility training over a shorter distance.

Pro Shuttle Drill

The Pro Shuttle Drill is a staple for improving sprinting speed, deceleration, and maintaining correct technique during lateral movements.

Lateral Pulse Start

The Lateral Pulse Start drill enhances body engagement and timing, providing better control over lateral movements.

Plyometrics · 3 drills

Tuck Jumps

Tuck Jumps are two-foot jumps that focus on quick ground reaction and explosive upward movement.

Hitch Hops

Hitch Hops are single-leg hops that simulate the running motion. Enhancing balance and acceleration, this exercise makes you more agile.

Obstacle Jumps and Hops

Obstacle Jumps and Hops focus on agility and explosive power. Set up a small cone or hurdle and perform side-to-side jumps, one-foot hops, or front-to-back jumps.

Strength · 3 drills

Back Squat

The Back Squat is a bilateral movement that engages multiple muscle groups.

Banded Squats

Banded Squats activate glutes and hip muscles, combating inhibition due to tight hip flexors.

Walking Lunges

Walking Lunges are effective for building strength in the lower body, specifically the quadriceps and hamstrings.

Warm-up · 3 drills

Soft Tissue Work

Using foam rollers for soft tissue work helps maintain range of motion and prevent injuries from repetitive baseball activities.

Activation Exercises

Activation exercises are crucial for engaging key muscle groups and preparing them to produce force.

Mobility Drills

Mobility drills are essential for improving range of motion and flexibility.

Arm power, from our throwing program

The same four keys we coach in the throwing program, and the trunk mechanics behind them.

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Throwing · 4 keys

The 4 Keys To Improving Arm Strength

Mechanics from foot position through to the throwing arm, a specific strength program, a warm-up and cool-down routine for the shoulder, elbow, wrist and spine, and a structured throwing regimen to test max distance and velocity.

Hip & Shoulder Dissociation

The better the rotation the hips can generate while the front shoulder maintains closed the more force that can be generated when the front shoulder opens.

How To Avoid Injury When Training

Proper warm ups beforehand and a cool down at the end of each session; 7-8 training sessions every week including one rest day, and at least 4 weeks of full rest every year for youth and high school athletes.

Putting It All Together

A comprehensive training plan should start with basic movements and progressively move to more complex drills to enhance agility and speed.

Frequently asked questions

Anything else? Call (818) 578-5013 or read the full FAQ.

How often should I perform these speed drills?

To achieve optimal results, incorporate speed drills into your training regimen 2-3 times per week. Consistency is key to improving your performance!

Can these drills be modified for younger athletes?

Absolutely, you can modify these drills for younger athletes by lowering the intensity and emphasizing proper techniques. This approach not only makes the drills more accessible but also instills good habits early on!

Do I need special equipment for these drills?

You don’t need special equipment for the drills; basic items like cones and resistance bands are all you need. Start wherever you are and get moving!

How long does it take to see improvements in speed?

You can expect to see improvements in your speed in just 4-6 weeks with consistent practice. Stay dedicated, and you’ll be amazed at your progress!

Are these drills suitable for all positions in baseball?

Yes, these drills are suitable for all positions in baseball, as speed is essential for every player, from pitchers to outfielders. Embrace these drills to elevate your game!

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