Managing Fatigue and Maximizing Performance in Baseball: A Clinician's Approach

One thing that is clear in baseball is that fatigue is a major factor. How do we, as clinicians, monitor fatigue and get the best out of our athletes? With a hectic schedule and the need for peak performance night in and night out, I'd like to share a few strategies I use to help maintain readiness and availability for our athletes.

Whether you are a position player, starter, or reliever, the principle remains the same. Our physical performance coach, Ryan Hurston, and I preach to our guys: “High days high, low days low.” We aim to structure our weeks to maximize recovery while building off performance days and increasing capacity. On days they pitch, we encourage our athletes to stay on the heavier side of both arm care and a lift in the weight room. Setting them up for a “recovery day”.? When our everyday catcher has a day off, we recommend minimal activity on the field, avoiding heavy lifting, and prioritizing recovery with soft tissue work, and recovery modalities. This approach provides built-in recovery days as the week progresses and can help take the guesswork out.?

Movement is medicine! When we see players who are dragging or low on energy, light, easy movement can provide a needed mood lift. A quick walk around the outfield barefoot, prioritizing sunlight and grounding, a 15-20 minute low-intensity spin on the stationary bike, a 5-10 minute meditation, or a full-body mobility routine will help get guys where they need to be. However, knowing your athletes and understanding their willingness, likes, and wants, can help you choose the right modality for each individual.?

We can’t forget about the lowest-hanging fruits when it comes to recovery. Sleep, nutrition, and hydration are also vital parts of our practice. Identifying habits through a quick conversation with your athlete assists in building better routines. Emphasizing the need for quality sleep, supplementing with electrolytes on hot summer days, and educating players on why fast-food options aren’t ideal for professional athletes.????

Thankfully, sports medicine has evolved drastically over the years. New tools, modalities, and ideas are constantly emerging. As an organization, we stay up to date with the latest technology and processes to support our players. Using both new and traditional tools helps keep our athletes ready. However, it's crucial to educate athletes and understand how much of a certain modality is appropriate. Knowing your goal in helping your athlete is vital. Over the years, I've noticed athletes often follow others. If one player sees another consistently using a specific modality, exercise, or tool, they may think they need it too. Individualizing programs and setting goals or focus areas for each athlete will help them understand what is necessary for peak performance. Each player requires a different approach and will likely not benefit from the same routine as their peers. Setting goals, individualizing programs, and educating our athletes will help them grow and take some of the load off clinicians.

Managing fatigue and optimizing performance in baseball requires a tailored approach that considers each athlete's unique needs and circumstances. By promoting structured recovery, encouraging appropriate movement, and staying informed about the latest sports medicine advancements, we can support our athletes in achieving peak performance. Building individualized programs and educating athletes on their specific needs will not only help them excel but also foster a more sustainable and effective training environment. Let's continue to innovate, educate, and collaborate to ensure our athletes are always ready to perform at their best.

To the grind and the glory,

Coy Coker