 The ULTRASLIDE Slideboard lends itself incredibly well to a variety of sports because of its versatility and the collection of benefits it can provide. The ULTRASLIDE is a natural fit for baseball most evidently because of the sliding motion it mimics. However, in further examining the elements of baseball that players strive for, the ULTRASLIDE actually meets several training needs. We asked professional trainer and strength coach Frank Velasquez of REV Sports Rehab & Athletic Development to share his perspective on how the ULTRASLIDE contributes to an effective baseball training and conditioning program. |
U: How has the ULTRASLIDE aided conditioning for your baseball athlete clientele?
FV: Baseball is a sport that matches split-second decision-making with the ability for the body to quickly respond to achieve an advantage. Such a unique method of performance requires a non-traditional approach. The ULTRASLIDE meets that unique need by conditioning the body to perform several functions simultaneously, enabling flexible movement on multiple dimensions.
FV: Baseball is a sport that matches split-second decision-making with the ability for the body to quickly respond to achieve an advantage. Such a unique method of performance requires a non-traditional approach. The ULTRASLIDE meets that unique need by conditioning the body to perform several functions simultaneously, enabling flexible movement on multiple dimensions.
As a strength coach in professional baseball, my goal is to keep the players strong and in muscular balance to enhance their durability. They play every day so their training has to be designed to help them go the distance. Conditioning has to be comprehensive and each component complements the other. One element isn't more important than the other; these objectives are equally important.
U: What is the most challenging aspect of baseball? How does the ULTRASLIDE help with these aspects?
U: How does the ULTRASLIDE fit into your specific training programs?
FV: The ULTRASLIDE is a very important training and conditioning tool at our REV facility. We use it for anaerobic conditioning and appreciate that it is very forgiving on the joints. It also enables great glute/leg/groin strength, core strength, scap strength and improves hip flexibility. I like the ULTRASLIDE for training baseball players because of its versatility and ability to train so many areas with joint safety in mind. The exercises you can do are only limited to one's imagination.
U: What are some of the improvements you and your athletes have noticed since using the ULTRASLIDE?
FV: There are a variety of improvements we've noticed. Some of the primary benefits include:
- better posture
- improved core and leg strength
- enhanced stabilization (hip, core and scap muscles)
- faster movement and agility
- noted anaerobic fitness and
- more balanced wellness (i.e., nutrition, hydration and rest)
U: What sets the ULTRASLIDE apart from other training equipment?
FV: In addition to its sport-focused benefits, the ULTRASLIDE is a quality product made with quality material. Its durable, portable and highly effective. I highly recommend this slideboard for training baseball players at all levels as well as athletes in other sports.
Frank is the former strength and conditioning coach for professional Major League Baseball Team, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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