pratice

Question
I have an 11 year old son that plays AAU & USSSA, He also plays for a rec ball team. We travel everyweekend for tourneys + the rec games during the week. My question is that my son made the Rec ALL STAR team (which he the best in the whole town) but his coach is having pratice 6 times a week for three hours a night...!!! Isn't that unhealthy?
They are not even praticing BB, its all running, jumping, etc. Plus remember he plays on the weekends for his Travel team. We have a Triple Crown national coming up in July and I feel all this extra pratice will burn him out. What do you think ? concerned baseball mom

Answer
Pam,
The only cause for concern is if your son is showing signs of burnout.  Does he complain about going to the different practices?  Does he seem to be losing interest in baseball?  If he's enjoying himself, you're probably ok.  

What this coach seems to be exposing his players to is something called plyometrics.  This is a strengthening and flexibility program often utilized by college and professional teams, so I wouldn't worry too much about that.  This coach is probably ahead of the game.

I hope this doesn't offend you, but my main concern after reading your note is that you may be getting burnt out yourself, mom.  Seeing as how your son is only 11, I'm pretty sure that he's not driving himself to all these games and practices himself.  It is not unheard of for a parent to be overwhelmed with all the uniforms to wash and schedules to remember.  Keep in mind this should be fun for you, too.  If you need an afternoon or weekend off, this doesn't make you any less of a mother.  This is his life and hobby.  Not yours.  If your son is going to play organized athletics, he's going to need you to be there for the duration, so don't get burnt out when he's 11.  He'll understand.

I hope this helps, Pam.  If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Donovan