We want to find out how players and instructors approach training. We asked voters to base their answers on their own experience either participating, running, or observing (i.e. as a parent) the training received.

We did not receive a huge number of votes but over 95% of those who participated had done some training recently. The results below are based on those responses. Obviously if you asked any number of teams you might find some, but not all players do off-season training. What we found interesting, beyond the statistics where the comments, so much so that - as noted below - we've had to take a different approach in posting some of our favorites.

By the way, baseball training does not happen in isolation, especially in the off-season. If you - like soe of our voters - trains in another sport, you need to factor that into your hours and intensity.

How much do you train... How long is each session? What sort of training? How well did it work? What will you do next year?

While we include a few short comments here, the most insightful opinions came from a Dad willing to share his son's training regimen and commitment in detail. We have provided a link below and posted this longer article on a separate page. (Note: While all comments below were positive, we have not included all the instructor names provided and have kept most voters anonymous.)

I am submitting this on behalf of my 16 year old son who epitomizes a great work ethic. You be the judge...

Click here for an exceptional personal story of training commitment.

My son wrestles during the baseball off-season; we do exercises that improve strength and endurance in both sports. Baseball: Monday and Saturday. Wrestling:  Tuesday thru Thursday with Sunday Competition. My son created his own program with the help of his instructor.

I worked with a coach at a facility in New York State. I was an 8 year old playing on a 10 year old Babe Ruth/USSSA team. His training made me one of the top 4 hitters on the team! We went 12-2-2.

I worked out with a university coach. His lessons were good because we focused on one skill at a time. When I would start hitting bad during my season, I would go back and get another lesson, and I would always hit better after that.

I am a professional coach at the high school level, and also instruct at a facility in Iowa. Since I do get paid for what I do, I feel obligated to provide the best instruction I can. I am committed to daily improvement and spend a minimum of one hour per day, year round studying, reading , viewing, researching, and discussing baseball instruction. I also play in a couple of leagues for old men. The hour a day rule does not include coaching my team, working at clinics, giving private instruction, working out, or playing. Those are things I do in addition to my "studies". I enjoy your site and your commitment to baseball instruction and play. I am currently implementing Ron Wolforth's athletic pitcher program with my HS pitchers and seeing incredible results. I would also recommend Tom House's new NPA sponsored books on pitching. - Dave Hartman, Grand Slam USA, Urbandale, Iowa

We spend an hour a week indoors on an AstroTurf infield - last year it made a huge difference in the way the boys came out fielding. Most of the schools in our area won't allow you to use real baseballs, so the ability to use real baseballs and hit live fielding to them is great. This is our first year using an outside hitting coach and so far, the results have been encouraging. We use a lot of the Ripken drills for defensive practices as well as drills from the local high schools. I'm comfortable working with the kids on pitching, as my dad pitched in college and semi-pro ball and he taught me a ton.

My son trains at Velocity Sports Performance two times a week, 90 minutes a session. Not only has this made him faster, but more explosive. Large increases in core strength and balance have helped him in pitching and hitting power. He also works with instructors for hitting and pitching.

My son attended Ron Wolforth's Elite Pitchers Boot Camp in July 2007 and it gave him a whole new attitude and prospective on pursuing pitching. Coach Wolforth and Coach Strom have the ability to communicate, teach and encourage these guys that far exceeds any camp or coach we have been around. My son saw an improvement of 10mph in his velocity within 2 months and continues to improve his skills. His motivation level is at an all time high as a result of this camp.