Jacob Billingsley on Intentional Training at Base Sports Performance

Jacob Billingsley on Intentional Training at Base Sports Performance

In the world of fastpitch softball, being intentional with every aspect of training is key. Carie Dever-Boaz, a well-respected name in the sport, recently sat down with Jacob Billingsley from Base Sports Performance to explore how intentional training translates into success on the field. The conversation focused on the importance of performance-based training and its impact on athletes, particularly those competing in softball.

Intentionality in Training: A Game Changer

Throughout the discussion, the word intentional was emphasized as a cornerstone of successful training. Billingsley explained how every action in the gym is purposeful and tied directly to improving performance on the field. Whether it’s working on bat exit speed or overhand throwing velocity, the approach is always the same—train with intention and focus on outcomes that matter in competition.

For instance, Dever-Boaz shared a personal example involving her daughter, Macy, who began working with Base Sports Performance two years ago. At the start of her training, Macy’s bat exit speed averaged around 69-70 mph, impressive for a 9th grader. However, after following the intentional training regimen designed by Billingsley, Macy’s speed increased to 80 mph, a significant leap that directly translated to her on-field performance. Her overhand throwing velocity also improved from 69-70 mph to 74 mph, showing the impact of focused training across various areas of her game.

All-Encompassing Training: Strength, Mobility, and Power

The conversation highlighted the comprehensive nature of the training at Base Sports Performance. It’s not just about building strength; it’s about developing speed, mobility, flexibility, and power—elements essential to a well-rounded athlete. Dever-Boaz, a former collegiate athlete and coach, remarked on how much training has evolved since her days of lifting weights. Back then, it was all about repetitive sets and maxing out strength, often at the expense of mobility and functional performance.

Billingsley expanded on this by explaining that while heavy strength training is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Athletes at Base Sports Performance engage in a variety of exercises, from plyometrics to rate of force development drills, to ensure they’re not just strong, but fast, agile, and flexible. This comprehensive approach helps fill all the “buckets” an athlete needs—strength, speed, power, and mobility—resulting in noticeable improvements in performance.

Training Based on the Sport’s Specific Demands

Billingsley emphasized the science behind their training philosophy. At Base Sports Performance, the training is designed to mimic the physical demands of the sport. In softball, speed, acceleration, and rotational power are critical. For example, an outfielder needs explosive speed to get a quick jump on the ball, while a shortstop needs to react swiftly to field grounders in the six-hole. The training programs are built around these demands, ensuring athletes are prepared for the specific challenges they’ll face in their sport.

“We’re not just training for strength or speed; we’re training for everything,” Billingsley explained. “We focus on hitting every aspect an athlete needs to succeed on the field.”

The Investment in Performance Training: A Key to Success

Dever-Boaz spoke candidly about the financial investment required for performance training. As a parent and coach, she understands the significant costs families face in terms of equipment, lessons, and travel. But when it comes to strength and conditioning, she believes it’s the best investment her family has made in Macy’s development as a softball player.

“For me, the single biggest difference in Macy’s progress has been the performance training at Base Sports Performance,” Dever-Boaz stated. “It transformed her game.”

Billingsley echoed this sentiment, pointing out that performance training should be viewed as a long-term investment in an athlete’s future. By focusing on intentional, science-based training, athletes can see measurable improvements that directly translate to better performance on the field.

Looking Ahead: More to Come

Dever-Boaz and Billingsley ended their discussion by teasing more exciting information to come. Over the next six months, Extra Inning Softball and Base Sports Performance will continue to share insights into the world of intentional training, with opportunities for parents and athletes to ask questions and engage directly with experts in the field.

Stay tuned for more updates, and if you’re interested in learning how intentional training can elevate your game, reach out to Extra Inning Softball or visit BaseSportsPerformance.com.

Base Sports Performance Articles

September 28, 2024: Base Sports Performance: Elevating Athletes with Jacob Billingsley

October 12, 2024: Get Faster! Master Acceleration with Base Sports Performance Programs

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