Baseball Coaching and Training Equipment Blog

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Sunday, November 30, 2008

How to Improve Your Baseball Hitting Simply Through Practice

By Jack D. Elliott

Much like everything in life, you get better at things the more times you do them. Baseball Hitting is no different. For this reason, the best baseball hitting advice anyone can give you is to practice your swing.

Mickey Mantle was said to swing the bat at least 100 times a day right handed and then do the same left handed. Also, modern day players like Barry Bonds are said to swing the baseball bat 500-1000 times a day. If this strategy works for the pros, it can also work for you.

How to implement this Baseball Hitting Strategy:

1. The best strategy is to divide up the swings throughout the day. After you get up in the morning, take 25 cuts batting from the right side and then take 25 cuts batting from the left side. (It does not matter if you are not interested in switch hitting, practicing swinging from both sides will allow you to develop your muscles more fully.
2. Depending on what your schedule will permit, you can either take another 25 cuts each from the left and right side at lunch or just after school gets out.
3. Then, take 25 cuts from each side right before or after dinner.
4. Finally, take 25 cuts from each side right before bedtime.

Over time, you will see your strength grow and should develop a more natural swing. Also, as you get stronger you can increase the number of overall swings. This is an excellent Baseball Hitting Strategy to follow.
From here, you can incorporate this repetition principle into other aspects of your Baseball Hitting routine.

For instance, if you do not already practice your swing by hitting off a tee, it is a good idea to acquire a basic hitting tee and a bucket of whiffle balls. The cost is minimal as these two items can be purchased for under $65, but the benefits to your Baseball Hitting can be quite large. A Hitting Tee affords you the opportunity to practice your baseball hitting of inside and outside pitches. For example, if you have difficulty hitting outside pitches, you can set your self up away from the tee so to practice hitting outside pitches. Over time, you will see your skill improve because of the repetition principle.

You want get into the habit of practicing your hitting 5-6 times a week. One caveat: as you start to increase your batting swing repetitions, you will begin to develop blisters and calluses on your hands. This may initially seem like a bad thing; however, these really are badges of honor. They show you are putting in the work on your swing. There is an old expression in baseball hitting circles which says practice until the blisters bleed. Once you develop hardened calluses on your hands, you will be able to keep increasing your repetitions.

Bottom line is do not let a lack of access to a batting cage prevent you from practicing your swing. It should not matter whether you have access to a batting cage or not. In the end, all you really need is a baseball bat and a strong desire to improve.

Jack Elliott, is a former player and fan of the game. To read more tips and techniques like the ones in this article, please click here: http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com/Baseball-Hitting/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_D._Elliott

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Product Spotlight: Jugs Small Ball Pitching Machine Package


With everything you need to start training, this Jugs(r) Small-Ball(r) pitching machine package includes the Small-Ball(r) pitching machine, a Small-Ball(r) instant protective screen, a Hitting Stick(tm), 4-dozen Small-Balls(r), a throw-down home plate, and a free drill book. This package allows players of all ages to practice hitting safely and in a limited space, without the need for a batting cage!


Features
Package Contents
1 Small-Ball(r) pitching machine
1 Small-Ball(r) instant protective screen
1 Hitting Stick(tm)
4-dozen Small-Balls(r)
1 throw-down home plate
1 drill book Pitching


Machine Features
Designed to teach the hitter to track the ball from the release point to the impact zone
Also designed to increase the hitter''s mental concentration by teaching to hit a small object with a small bat
Throws the Jugs(r) polyurethane-foam 5-in/0.5-oz Small-Ball(r)
Heavy-duty steel construction with 1-year guarantee
Adjustable legs for realistic delivery height for both baseball and softball
Portable and lightweight - weighs only 23 lbs.
Simulates speeds up to 75 mph
Throws fastballs or overhand curves with uncanny accuracy
Shoots fly balls and ground balls
Manual and automatic feed: 25-ball feeder releases a ball every 5 seconds
Safe to use anywhere, including backyards, garages, or your chosen practice field
Single dial setting speed adjustment
Operates on standard 110-volt AC
Optional battery pack available (sold separately)

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

New Product Spot Light: Catcher Protector


This patented design was developed to be the most comfortable sports seat on the market, and is the only seat designed to protect the user's groin area. It fits on any bucket and is lightweight, durable and simple to use.


Testimonials:


"Anybody who spends time working with a pitcher would certainly do themselves a favor by using the Catcher Protector. It is amazing how comfortable it is plus the added benefit of the protection. It is a wonder why nobody has come up with this idea before! " Butch Thompson, Pitching Coach, Auburn University, Auburn, AL.


"I have been involved with city league and travel team baseball for over thirteen years. I have coached from age 4 to age 16 and tried countless training aids in order to help kids learn fundamentals. There has never been anything that assisted me more than the Dad’s Catcher Protector. While I have used five gallon buckets as ball containers and even targets, the Cather Protector was an ingenious addition to coaching equipment. Pitching is obviously the single most important position in baseball and pitching practice can be both tiresome and grueling for the dad/coach. This unique product provides an unbelievably comfortable position that you can both catch and analyze pitching practice for hours. It allows you to rotate with ease while also providing great protection from the occasional wild pitch. In addition, it provides a great seat in the dugout for the coach who likes to be close to the game. I will never conduct a practice without my Dad’s Catcher Protector".

- Gary Bradshaw, Enterprise, AL

CoachesBest.com's Christmas Special


CoachesBest.com Christmas Special


Order $300 or more and receive your choice of a Pro or Youth Hit2win Trainer, a $59.95 to $79.95 Value, Asolutely Free! All you pay is the $8 shipping charge for this great training tool. Offer expires Dec. 21, 2008. Offer valid only in the 48 continental USA states. For more details or information, call toll free, 1-877-431-4487.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Introducing the STRIKEBACK TRAINER Multi-purpose Pitching Target


"When Just Throwing a Strike is Not Good Enough!"
"Learn to hit your spots...and make them spin!"


Introducing the STRIKEBACK TRAINER Multi-purpose Pitching Target, Catcher, and Toss-Back. The STRIKEBACK TRAINER features the new "Spin-N-Spots" technology.


The spots are designed to close resemble a catchers mitt. The spots spin when hit to give the pitcher instant feedback. The pitcher learns to concentrate on a spot which is a key skill required to be a successful pitcher.


The STRIKEBACK develops incredible confidence and control!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

New Product Shotlight:




Product Description:


Perfect your swing and your hand-eye coordination by hitting ball-after-ball with the affordable Scorpion 8 Hour Portable Soft Toss Machine. The Scorpion 8 Hour includes a 12-ball auto ball feeder, a Crusher 8 Hour rechargeable battery and can be powered by a power adapter (included), or 4 C batteries (not included). The battery power feature and sturdy lightweight design make the Scorpion easy to move and transport. The Scorpion delivers the perfect toss every time, and allows you to put some real sting into your hitting game

Features

Spiral Auto-Ball Feeder
Metal Toss Extension
Tubular Steel Stand
Uses 4 C Batteries (Not Included)
8 Hour Crusher Rechargeable Battery


Model #: SP79
• Recommended Ages: 6 years to Adult
• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee - One Year Warranty
• Use with Lite-Balls or Regulation Baseballs