Imagine how your son or the players on your team could perform on the diamond with stronger hands, wrist, and forearms. Are you interested in finding an edge on the competition for the upcoming season? Baseball, like no other sport, demands strength in this area. Whether it is for increased bat speed in hitting or for extra spin in the development of various pitches on the mound, a wrist strengthening program can make a huge difference for up-and-coming athletes.
The information which follows is a hand, wrist, and forearm exercise program targeted for players ages 9 to 18. For best results, the program should be started at least 5 weeks before the next season starts (whether it be fall or spring). Each week will involve three workouts – preferably on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (there needs to be at least one day’s rest in between workouts). After the 5 weeks are completed, the program goes into a maintenance phase which calls for two workouts a week repeating the sets and reps of Week 5 (more on that later).
Tools Needed
1. Hand Grips – Can be found in department or sporting goods stores for under $10.
2. Bat – Use current game or practice bat.
3. Wrist Roller – Make one using 1″ wide dowel and rope long enough to extend from shoulder height to ground. You will also need 2.5 lb. and/or 5 lb. weight plates.
3 Exercises
Watch the following video to see the correct form to be used in each exercise:
1. “Grips” – Squeeze rapidly so that handles touch each other in the center. Work both hands at the same time.
2. “Wipers” – Make a windshield wiper motion going a full 180 degree arc back and forth. Hold bat all the way to knob with one hand, then switch to other hand. If proper technique cannot be used, “choke up” on bat to make it lighter for correct form.
3. “Rollers” – With weight lying on the ground, roll wrists forward to make the weight rise to the hands. Once the weight reaches the hands, release dowel just enough for weight to return to the ground. Once the weight reaches the ground, roll wrists in backward motion until the weight returns to hands. When the weight goes up and down forward, then up and down backward, one repetition is complete.
PROGRAMS ACCORDING TO AGE GROUP:
High School Varsity Level – Ages 17 & 18
Grips | Wipers | Rollers / 5 lbs. | |
Week 1 – M/W/F | 3 x 20 | 1 x 10 | 1 rep |
Week 2 – M/W/F | 3 X 40 | 2 x 10 | 2 reps |
Week 3 – M/W/F | 3 x 60 | 2 x 15 | 3 reps |
Week 4 – M/W/F | 3 x 80 | 3 x 12 | 4 reps |
Week 5 – M/W/F | 3 X 100 | 3 X 15 | 5 reps |
High School JV Level – Ages 15 & 16
Grips | Wipers | Rollers/2.5 or 5 lbs. | |
Week 1 – M/W/F | 3 x 15 | 1 x 10 | 1 rep (2.5 lbs.) |
Week 2 – M/W/F | 3 x 30 | 1 x 15 | 1 rep (5 lbs.) |
Week 3 – M/W/F | 3 X 45 | 2 x 10 | 2 reps (5 lbs.) |
Week 4 – M/W/F | 3 x 60 | 2 x 15 | 3 reps (5 lbs.) |
Week 5 – M/W/F | 3 x 80 | 3 x 12 | 4 reps (5 lbs.) |
Middle School Level – Ages 13 & 14
Grips | Wipers | Rollers/2.5 or 5 lbs. | |
Week 1 – M/W/F | 3 x 12 | 1 x 8 | 1 rep (2.5 lbs.) |
Week 2 – M/W/F | 3 x 25 | 1 x 10 | 2 reps (2.5 lbs.) |
Week 3 – M/W/F | 3 x 40 | 1 x 15 | 1 rep (5 lbs.) |
Week 4 – M/W/F | 3 X 50 | 2 x 10 | 2 reps (5 lbs.) |
Week 5 – M/W/F | 3 x 60 | 2 x 15 | 3 reps (5 lbs.) |
Intermediate Level – Ages 11 & 12
Grips | Wipers | Rollers/2.5 lbs. | |
Week 1 – M/W/F | 3 x 10 | 1 x 5 | 1 rep |
Week 2 – M/W/F | 3 X 15 | 1 x 8 | 2 reps |
Week 3 – M/W/F | 3 x 20 | 1 x 10 | 3 reps |
Week 4 – M/W/F | 3 x 30 | 1 x 15 | 4 reps |
Week 5 – M/W/F | 3 x 40 | 2 x 10 | 5 reps |
Beginner Level – Ages 9 & 10
Grips | Wipers | Rollers/2.5 lbs. | |
Week 1 – M/W/F | 2 x 10 | 1 x 3 | 1 rep |
Week 2 – M/W/F | 2 x 15 | 1 x 5 | 1 rep |
Week 3 – M/W/F | 2 x 20 | 1 x 8 | 2 reps |
Week 4 – M/W/F | 3 x 15 | 1 x 10 | 2 reps |
Week 5 – M/W/F | 3 x 20 | 2 x 8 | 3 reps |
IN-SEASON MAINTENANCE PROGRAM:
Once the 5-week program is complete and the upcoming season begins, don’t stop the workouts! Simply reduce the number of workouts to twice a week and do the “week 5” number of reps and sets. The best way to remember to workout is to schedule the two workouts with 3 to 4 days of rest in-between (i.e. Sunday and Thursday or Monday and Friday).
FREE DOWNLOAD: Click on the program level that best applies to your player!
High School Varsity Level – Ages 17 & 18
High School JV Level – Ages 15 & 16
Middle School Level – Ages 13 & 14