Youth baseball training is a critical component of a young player’s development, and understanding what skills college scouts notice is essential for players and parents alike. Velocty and exit velocity are two key metrics that scouts use to evaluate a player’s potential, and developing these skills safely and effectively is crucial for young players.

Generally, college scouts look for players who can demonstrate a combination of speedagility and power on the field, as well as a strong understanding of the game and its strategies. To develop these skills, young players should focus on age-appropriate drills that emphasize proper technique and safety, such as throwing and hitting drills that simulate game-like situations.

Measurable Tools for Success

In addition to velocity and exit velocity, scouts also look for players who can demonstrate strong defensive skills such as fielding and throwing ability. Developing these skills requires a focus on fundamentals such as proper footwork and throwing mechanics, as well as game-like drills that simulate real-world scenarios.

Balance and Rest

While developing the skills that college scouts notice is critical, it’s equally important for young players to maintain a balance between training, academics, and rest. Overtraining and burnout are common risks for young athletes, and can have serious consequences for their long-term health and development. By prioritizing rest and recovery young players can ensure that they’re able to perform at their best and reduce their risk of injury.

Season-Long Plan

To develop the skills that college scouts notice, young players should work with their coaches and parents to create a season-long plan that emphasizes gradual progress and improvement. This plan should include a mix of technical drillsgame-like scenarios and conditioning exercises that simulate the demands of the game, as well as regular check-ins to monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Checklists for Players and Parents

To ensure that young players are developing the skills that college scouts notice, players and parents should use the following checklists:

  • Focus on velocity and exit velocity development
  • Emphasize proper technique and safety in all drills and training
  • Prioritize balance and rest to avoid overtraining and burnout
  • Work with coaches and parents to create a season-long plan that emphasizes gradual progress and improvement