What Should You Be Working on This Summer to Make the Team?
If your goal is to make the high school baseball team—or move from the bench to the varsity lineup—this summer needs to be about more than just games. You need a focused baseball player development plan that targets the one skill holding you back. This guide helps you identify that gap and use your summer to close it with purpose.
SUMMER BASEBALL
What Should You Be Working on This Summer to Make the Team?
If your goal is to make the roster—or move from the bench to the lineup—you need more than just reps this summer. You need a plan. And that starts by identifying the one skill that’s holding you back.
What’s the #1 area of your game that needs work—power, defense, arm strength, consistency, or something else? Tell us in the comments of the video. Be honest. Be specific.
Step 1: Be Clear About What Coaches Are Actually Watching
Making the team isn’t just about effort. It’s about impact. Coaches are watching for players who can:
Drive the ball with authority
Make routine plays consistently
Control the game on the mound
Execute under pressure
Run the bases with intent
Ask yourself: If I were watching me—would I stand out?
Step 2: Match Your Summer to the Gap
Once you know what’s missing, your summer should revolve around closing that gap.
If you need power → prioritize swing development and strength
If your defense is weak → get daily reps with live reads and footwork drills
If you're a pitcher → improve command, secondary pitches, and velocity
If it’s confidence or decision-making → play in environments where you’re challenged, not protected
A good summer team gives you room to fail, space to develop, and the reps to adjust. If you’re hiding from your weakness, you’re just wasting the season.
Step 3: Set a Goal That Forces Improvement
Don’t just “hope” to get better. Set a goal that demands it:
Add 10 lbs to your swing
Go 4-for-4 in stealing bases in a tournament
Make 20 routine plays in a row in practice without an error
Lower your ERA in summer league by 1.00
Show up to tryouts with a measurable improvement in your weakest area
Accountability creates urgency. And urgency is what turns average summers into breakthrough seasons.
Want to Build a Better Swing This Summer?
Coach Leo’s book BASS: Barrel Accuracy and Swing Strength was built to fix swing issues and develop consistent, confident hitters.
BASS: Barrel Accuracy and Swing Strength – The Path to Elite Level Hitting
https://luposbaseball.com/bass
Disclaimer
The content shared is for informational purposes only. This is not a judgment of any person or program mentioned. All names and events are discussed from personal memory and are not meant to accuse or endorse. The goal is to share insight from lived experience.
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