Summer is when kids have the most time to play. In Arizona, it is also when the sun is most dangerous. With a little planning, your 7–12-year-old can keep improving all summer and stay safe doing it.
In the Arizona heat, have kids practice early in the morning or in the evening, keep sessions short, and take frequent shade and water breaks. Stop right away for dizziness, headache, nausea, cramps, confusion or unusual tiredness, and call 911 for confusion, fainting or very hot skin.
Train it: 30-Day Athletic Development →What time of day is safe to practice in Arizona summer?
Arizona summers are dangerous, even for kids who grew up here. The middle of the day is the hardest time to be on a field. Turf, dirt and metal bleachers can get very hot, too.
Plan outdoor work for early morning or evening. Early is often best, before the ground heats up. Evening can work once the sun drops, but the ground and air can stay hot after sunset.
Watch the forecast together. Kids learn a lot when they help decide, "Is today a field day or an inside day?"
Games and tournaments do not always land at a cool hour. When they do not, plan ahead: shade tent, cooler, towels, and a spot in the shade between innings. Arrive with time to settle in rather than rushing from a hot car into warm-ups.
How long should kids practice in the heat?
Shorter is better. A focused 20–30 minutes outside beats a long, slow afternoon. Kids also learn more when they are fresh.
- Warm up in the shade: a few minutes of easy movement before anything hard.
- Work in short blocks: a few minutes of throwing or hitting, then a shade and water break.
- Take more breaks than you think: do not wait for your child to ask.
- Finish early: end on a good rep while they still have energy.
Dress for it: light, loose, light-colored clothing, a hat and sunscreen. Bring plenty of water and a cooler. Ask your pediatrician what is right for your child, especially if they have a health condition.
What can we do inside when it is too hot?
Hot days do not have to be lost days. Many skills grow just fine indoors with soft or foam balls and plenty of space.
- Dry swings: 10 slow, balanced swings in front of a mirror. Hold the finish for a count of three.
- Foam ball soft toss: in a garage or open room, away from windows and breakables.
- Balance games: stand on one foot in a batting stance, or freeze in the finish. Who can hold it longest?
- Pitch watching: watch a game together and call "ball" or "strike" before the umpire does.
- Movement and mobility: bodyweight games like skips, hops, lunges and crawls.
Our 30-Day Athletic Development course is built for this. Short bodyweight sessions help kids warm up, run, land and recover well, and most of it works in a living room.
What are the warning signs of heat illness in kids?
Kids often do not say they feel bad. They just want to keep playing. So adults have to watch closely and act fast.
Stop right away and move to shade or air conditioning if you see:
- Dizziness or a headache.
- Nausea or throwing up.
- Muscle cramps.
- Confusion or acting "off."
- Unusual tiredness or weakness.
Call 911 if a child is confused, faints, or has very hot skin. These can be signs of heat stroke, which is an emergency. Cool them down while you wait for help.
Make sure every coach and parent on your team knows this list. A quick talk before the season can make a big difference.
After practice, give your child time to cool down in the shade or indoors before the next activity. Notice how they act that evening. If something seems wrong, call your pediatrician.
How do we keep kids improving all summer?
Pick one goal for the summer, not ten. Maybe it is a balanced finish, better throws, or seeing the ball longer. Small, steady work adds up.
Try a simple weekly rhythm: two short early-morning field sessions, two short indoor sessions, and plenty of rest and pool time in between. Rest is part of training.
Keep it light and fun. A kid who enjoys a short morning session will want to come back the next day. A kid who is wiped out by the sun will not.
Not sure what to work on first? Our free Quick Check uses six simple cards to point you to one clear first step.
One thing to remember
In an Arizona summer, practice early or late, keep it short, and stop at the first warning sign.
What to do this week
Check the forecast and schedule two early-morning sessions of 20–30 minutes with breaks every few minutes. Do two short indoor sessions on the hottest days, and go over the warning signs with your child.
Parent questions
Is it safe for kids to play baseball in 110-degree weather?
Extreme heat is dangerous for young athletes. Move practice to early morning, evening or indoors, keep it short, and check with your pediatrician.
How do I know if my child is overheating at practice?
Look for dizziness, headache, nausea, cramps, confusion or unusual tiredness. Stop right away, and call 911 for confusion, fainting or very hot skin.
What can my child practice indoors during the summer?
Dry swings, foam ball soft toss, balance games and bodyweight movement all work well inside with plenty of space.
Sources: CDC — About Heat and Your Health · National Weather Service — Heat Cramps, Exhaustion, Stroke
This article is part of the 46/60 parent guide The Baseball & Softball Parent Guide. Start there for every related article and game.