Training Equipment

Hitting Training Aids:

There are many ways to become a great hitter, but there are a few key training tools that can help any player advance their skills.   Most coaches and players build their array of training devices over time, but I would begin with the basics of a dozen balls and two solid tees.  

The tees that I have always been partial too are the yellow tees produced by Atec.  Specifically the Tuffy Single Tee or the Atec Pro Single.  They are solid plastic and are durable.  There is a good chance that these will be a one-time purchase and they will last the lifetime of your player.

From there, an L-Screen or some sort of sock net can be great if you do not have a community baseball cage available with the proper equipment.  However saying that, there are a number of different ways to make and L-Screen or sock net.  

When I was younger, my dad made and L-Screen out of 2X4 and old wire fence.  We also made a half batting cage out of 4x10’s and fishing net.  It took more time to build, but it served its purpose and worked out just fine in the end.

Next I would buy small plastic golf balls, a wood dowel, a small wooden oar, and two four square balls.   The plastic golf balls can be used in BP or in soft toss and are great for hand eye coordination.  After a player gets used to swinging at a smaller ball, have him hit with the wood dowel.  I used to train this way in my basement during the winter months when I was younger.  

The wooden oar is great for understanding driving the hips and if/when they swing the oar the paddle provides wind resistance, which can help build power.  The four square balls can be hit by the oar and/or a bat, which also provides some nice resistance during the swing.  All four of these items can be purchased at Wal-Mart for around $20.

From here, the next or last purchase would be various strength-training aids when you player is of age.  If you player is on a good strength-training program and takes his workouts seriously, these devices are not necessary, but can benefit.  

You might be asking, what about a pitching machine?  I would advise against buying a pitching machine.  Two many players and coaches misuse pitching machines and the ones that are most beneficial are too expensive for commercial purpose.

Pitching machines are good for two reasons in my opinion: Getting the eyes acclimated to increased velocity and curve balls.  

Most pitching machines will cause players to create bad mechanics because they are extremely hard to time.  For that reason, I suggest hitting off any pitching machine in the post load or “no stride” position.  This eliminates a complicated step of the swing and helps the player focus recognition and pitch commitment.

Fielding and Pitching Training Aid recommendations to come!