Table of Contents

Foreword by Nolan Ryan
Introduction by David J. Szymanski

Part I. Principles of Sport-Specific Resistance Training

Chapter 1. Importance of Resistance Training
David J. Szymanski and Brad Lawson

Chapter 2. Analysis of the Sport and Sport Positions
A. Eugene Coleman and William E. Amonette

Chapter 3. Testing Protocols and Athlete Assessment
David J. Szymanski and Jose Vazquez

Chapter 4. Sport-Specific Program Design Guidelines
Sean Marohn and Zach Gjestvang

Part II. Exercise Technique

Chapter 5. Total Body Exercise Technique
Jay Dawes

Chapter 6. Lower Body Exercise Technique
Matthew Krause and Rigo Febles

Chapter 7. Upper Body Exercise Technique
Paul Fournier

Chapter 8. Anatomical Core Exercise Technique
Nate Shaw and Derek Somerville

Part III. Program Design Guidelines and Sample Programs

Chapter 9. Off-Season Programming
Patrick McHenry, Chris Joyner, and Joe Kessler

Chapter 10. Preseason Programming
Patrick McHenry, Chris Joyner, and Joe Kessler

Chapter 11. In-Season Programming
Patrick McHenry, Chris Joyner, and Joe Kessler

Chapter 12. Postseason Programming
Patrick McHenry, Chris Joyner, and Joe Kessler

About the Author

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is the world’s leading organization in the field of sport conditioning. Drawing on the resources and expertise of the most recognized professionals in strength training and conditioning, sport science, performance research, education, and sports medicine, the NSCA is the world’s trusted source of knowledge and training guidelines for coaches and athletes. The NSCA provides the crucial link between the lab and the field.

A. Eugene (“Gene”) Coleman, EdD, RSCC*E, is a professor emeritus in the exercise and health science program at University of Houston–Clear Lake. He serves as a strength consultant for the Texas Rangers and as a content editor for the Professional Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coaches Society website. Coleman was the first strength and conditioning professional in Major League Baseball (MLB) and worked with the Houston Astros from 1978 to 2012. He was also the first strength and conditioning professional invited to the MLB All-Star game in 2012, the same year in which he earned the NSCA Lifetime Achievement Award.

David J. Szymanski, PhD, CSCS,*D, RSCC*E, FNSCA, is the department chair and a professor of kinesiology at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. He is the director of baseball performance for the Louisiana Tech baseball team and formerly served as the head strength and conditioning coach and as an assistant baseball coach for that team as well as at Auburn University and Texas Lutheran University.

Reviews

“Strength Training for Baseball provides a road map—compiled by experts in the field and game—that utilizes research and practical experience to enhance a player’s performance on the field.”
—Butch Thompson, Auburn University Head Baseball Coach

“The intelligence, research, and practical information provided in Strength Training for Baseball make this an absolute game changer. If you are serious about playing and taking your game to the highest level, this book is a must.”
—Lane Burroughs, Louisiana Tech University Head Baseball Coach

“Creating and maintaining strength and explosiveness through a sport-specific resistance training routine are a must for all baseball players. Strength enhances power, which is essential for pitching performance, bat speed, and explosive first-step movement, whether on defense or offense.”
—Wade Simoneaux, West Monroe High School Head Baseball Coach

“Strength Training for Baseball has been written and designed by experts in the field for each level of play without compromising the need for sustainable production in the future. Everyone wins: the player and the team.”
—Steve Renfroe, Briarwood Christian High School Head Baseball Coach

“We stress playing the game the right way to our guys all the time. That includes preparing themselves fundamentally and physically to play every day. It starts in the weight room, with the right routines to draw from and help reach any player’s full potential.”
—Terry Francona, Cleveland Indians Manager