The off-season is where real progress happens.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with former professional baseball player Chris Vasami to talk about how athletes can use the off-season to build the habits, skills, and mindset needed to elevate their game.
One of the most powerful messages from this conversation is Chris’s reminder: “Start following your plan instead of your mood.” It’s a principle that applies not just to training, but to every part of an athlete’s development.
Together, Ashley and Chris break down how athletes can approach the off-season with intention so that when the season arrives, they’re stronger, more confident, and better prepared to compete.
Why the Off-Season Matters
While many athletes think improvement happens during the season, the off-season is often the most important window for development.
Chris explains how this period provides athletes with the time and space to focus on fundamentals, strength, skill development, and mental preparation without the pressure of constant competition. When used effectively, the off-season becomes a launching point for long-term growth.
Athletes who train with intention during this time often enter the season with a significant advantage.
Following a Plan Instead of Your Mood
Motivation can fluctuate — discipline is what creates consistency.
Chris shares why athletes should commit to a structured plan rather than relying on how they feel on a given day. By establishing routines and sticking to them, athletes develop the discipline required to progress even when motivation dips.
This mindset shift can be one of the most powerful tools for long-term improvement.
Training With Purpose
Another key theme in the episode is training with clarity and purpose.
Chris emphasizes that simply working hard isn’t enough — athletes must understand why they’re training and what each session is designed to accomplish. By approaching training with intention, athletes can maximize their progress and avoid wasting valuable development time.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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Why the off-season is critical for athlete development
Creating space for meaningful improvement. -
How discipline drives long-term progress
Following a plan rather than relying on motivation. -
What effective off-season training looks like
Balancing skill development, strength, and recovery. -
How athletes can build better habits
Creating routines that support growth. -
Why intentional training leads to better results
Understanding the purpose behind every workout.
About Chris Vasami
Chris Vasami is a former professional baseball player and respected performance coach known for his work in player development, leadership, and mindset training. Through Vasami Training, he helps athletes maximize their potential by aligning preparation, perspective, and purpose.
Connect with Chris:
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Website: vasamitraining.com
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Instagram: @chrisvasami
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Download Chris’ FOCUS PDF for practical tools to sharpen attention and intention
