Whether you’re playing on a hard surface with metal cleats, an adolescent who’s body is growing extremely fast or simply cursed with flat feet (arches), when your feet hurt your game hurts.

First, if you’re playing on fields that are rock solid (FL, TX, etc) try to avoid metal and use molded plastic spikes. You may think you’re digging in, but you’re simply asking for a beating. Nike has been making them for years and others have since attempted to compete. Check them out at BaseballExpress.com. Molded plastic cleats were a savior for me in withstanding the grind of a spring training in FL. However, avoid plastic cleats in a wet/rainy environment. They tend to become slippery, especially on wet grass.

Now if your feet continue to hurt, you’re a young player that is still growing or you may just have flat feet (arches) TRY THIS … Take a regular bat (preferably with a small barrel) and lay it on the ground. Then stand over it and role each foot individually across the barrel. Chances are it’s going to hurt a little and you may even feel several small balls / knots that you never knew you had. Try doing this 2-3 times daily and you may just be on your way to healthier feet. Also explore routinely stretching your calves, because as you may know everything is connected. GOOD LUCK!