My quick answer is no. It's a little complicated though, because players need to understand how they are supposed to stay in shape and what kind of conditioning actually translates to the field.
The Problem with Running Poles
Running poles — those long, slow jogs around the outfield — has been a baseball tradition for decades. But baseball is a sport of explosive, short-duration efforts followed by rest. Running poles trains the aerobic system, which isn't the primary energy system used in baseball.
Why Sprints Are Better
The reality is that sprints will have better impact on recovery for a few reasons:
- Sprints train the energy system baseball actually uses — the alactic and lactic systems
- Sprint training improves fast-twitch muscle fiber recruitment, which is essential for hitting and throwing
- Sprints maintain and build speed, which directly translates to on-field performance
- Sprint intervals can actually improve aerobic conditioning more efficiently than slow distance running
The Bottom Line
If you're a baseball player, your conditioning should look more like your sport. Short, intense bursts with adequate rest. Save the long slow distance for recovery days — not as your primary conditioning method.
Want a conditioning plan tailored to your sport? Book a free phone consultation.
— Dr. Caleb