For most of you, the season's over, unless you're in an area that plays Fall ball. Regardless of your age or playing level, this likely means one of two things:

A) You're relaxing and enjoying a break from a busy season. Not a bad idea for a few weeks, but then it's time to consider preparations for next season! 

B) You're playing another sport, like football or maybe basketball. This is great! I fully support playing more than one sport if you have the interest and ability to do so. Approached with some care and planning, playing other sports can benefit baseball and softball players in at least two ways:

1) From a conditioning standpoint, playing other sports can help you develop and improve such traits as eye-hand coordination, quickness, power and agility. 

2) From a mental hygiene standpoint. It's good to get away from your routine and do something different. When it comes time to begin training for baseball again, you'll be more refreshed and ready to go. 

     If you're not playing an “organized” sport, stay busy and don't allow yourself to get too far out of shape. Play some pick-up basketball, racquetball, golf - whatever - just keep moving and using your body. You'll be glad you did when you begin your preparations for baseball or softball later on.

     Much of the strength and conditioning work you would do for football and, particularly, basketball, translates well to baseball/softball. Both sports require short bursts of sprinting, a plus for staying in shape for baseball.

TWO IMPORTANT TRAINING MODIFICATIONS
FOR MULTI-SPORT ATHLETES 

1) Ask your football/basketball coach if you can do a
baseball/softball oriented weight lifting regimen. Such a program will not detract at all from the other sports, but will help prevent problems from developing for baseball/softball activities, like throwing.

2) Substitute sprinting for distance running whenever you can. Excessive aerobic work will diminish your progress in strength and speed development. No more than 10-15 minutes of long slow distance running per session.

     Of course, there's always the possibility that your football/ basketball coach may balk at any diversion from their strength and conditioning program. The important thing for your coaches to realize is that these changes will still allow you to be in top physical shape for  football/basketball. 

     In any case, these are good general rules to follow that will allow you to train for and play other sports while keeping yourself healthy and ready to play baseball and softball.