The Stay Back Batting Tee by Swing Buster

The Stayback Tee is designed to help teach and practice rotational hitting that can increase bat speed. The Stayback Tee helps the batter establish the proper axis to launch the swing. It virtually eliminates forward motion after swing initiation commonly called lunging. This enhances balance in the stride landing and allows the hitter to adjust to different speed pitches and maximize the power by leading with hips and turning into the ball. Made of solid metal construction with replaceable tee. Converts to left handed easily and adjusts to any size player. Designed with a safe padded frame so it can be used on any surface indoor or out. Breaks down in seconds, making it very portable. FREE Feature Training CD included.

Stay Back Batting Tee by Swing Buster - Click Here for More Info

StayBackTee.com

The World's Best Batting Tee: The Advanced Skills Tee

Baseball's Best Batting Tee: The Advanced Skills Tee is widely respected and is very popular with high schools and colleges. For more information on this great trainer...Click Here.

Good Baseball Swing Mechanics

I will now give a brief overview of 3 aspects of a solid batting stance, swing and finish.

1. The GRIP - knocking knuckles, (not fighting knuckles) should be aligned. This positions the bat's handle in the fingers and out of the palm. This allows maximum wrist quickness and hand speed.
Coaching Tip: Have kids check their grip by raising and pointing their index fingers. If they point in the same direction, they are aligned, if the point across each other, the grip is incorrect.

2. The BAT ANGLE at the start position. Keep in mind that the hands will move slightly back and away from the pitcher when the batter loads to the launch position. The bat's angle will not change during the loading process. The bat should be at a 45 degree angle over the shoulder. The bat should not be wrapped or tucked behind the head, this slows bat speed. The bat should be no more that 2 to 3 inches off the top of the shoulder.

3. The LOADING PROCESS is a simple and slight movement of the hands away from the pitcher. This is a movement that is so slight that many people do not notice it. The hands are the only things that move. If the batter is noticeably shifting weight, moving feet, and moving other body parts, too much movement is occurring. Most times this movement is no more than 2 to 4 inches. It may be more for larger players. LOADING is getting the hands to the launch position from which the forward swing motion starts. Different players use different loading actions. Some batters simply move the hands straight back and batters move the hands back and up at the same time. The loading process adds power, develops important timing and rhythm, and allows the batter's body to achieve a comfortable ready position from which to launch swing.

Pitching Machines; 2-Wheel, Arm Style, 1-wheel, and Air Projection

Check out the great selection pitching machines and discount prices at CoachesBest.com and Baseball2u.com. They carry multiple brands and have the best customer serveice you will find! You can shop online or by phone. Their toll free customer serive number is 1-877-431-4487. Their office hours are 8:00 to 5:00 CST.

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Great Baseball Hitting Stations

Our practice has started here in ALabama. We are doing a lot of hitting station work along with some short batting cage hitting.

The stattions we used today were:

High Tee Drill: The batting Tee is placed on two cement blocked and raised as high as I can get it. This makes the batter work the arms and muscle groups. It is a great drill to work the top hand and to develop a soild swing.

Hands Back Hitter - The Hands Back Batting Trainer is a great teaching and practice tool. We had two stations with it today and yesterday. The kids work in pairs. Hit 6 and rotate. The ball is lauched and this mechanical tee launches the ball. The batter must keep the hands back.

Front Toss - A coach font tossed with location specific drill. Each batter hit a set of 8 on the inner third and outer third twice before goimg into the batting cage. A plate is used and the ball is tossed from 12 feet. A screen is placed at the target location to both sides. The goal is to hit line drives. The coach would vary speeds away to simulate a curve ball. The batter must hit the ball where it is pitched, show a sense of staying back, and excelerate through the ball!

Good luck, til next time, Nick

Advanced Skill Tee - The Absolute Best Batting Tee For Advanced and Beginner Players.

Our team trains daily on the Muhl Tech Advanced Skills Tee. The forward arm and outside barrier helps our players create a proper swing plane and stay short to the ball. These tees are extremely durable and the brush cup ball holder is a great idea, they have held up for years. I would recommend them to any baseball program.

Stan McKeever
Head Baseball Coach
La Cueva High School
Albuquerque, NM
2004 Collegiate Baseball America/Easton Sports Poll National Champions

"We bought 3 AST's last year after running across them at an opponent's field. Immediately upon seeing the tee, I noticed the bad habits that could be corrected with the simple design it employs. The AST has become an important teaching tool for Lafayette High Baseball. One pleasant suprise has been the durability of the AST. My satisfaction prompted me to buy 3 more for the upcoming year.

Coach Jay Domengeaux
Head Coach
Lafayette High School Mighty Lions - Louisiana


AdvancedSkillsTee.com

"Using the No-Stride Technique for a Good Baseball Swing"

"Using the No-Stride Technique for a Good Baseball Swing"
By Coach Nick Dixon

If you watched the College World Series on ESPN last June, I am sure that you saw, as I did, player after player, use the no-stride technique. The batters at the College World Series in Omaha illustrate how coaches now teach a wider stance and less front forward movement.

The "No-stride" technique is simply the process of swinging the baseball bat without taking a big step or stride forward during the swing. The front foot is the stride foot. The back foot is called the pivot foot. The "No-stride" technique is the best method of keeping the batter's head still, weight back, and eyes on the ball.

The batter's stance should be wide enough to insure a solid base and wide enough so that the batter can use a "soft or short" stride technique. It is best that the batter simply picks the front foot up less than an inch and puts in back down in the same place. There is little or no movement forward by the front foot. This is known as the "no stride" technique.

A wider base and shorter stride allow the batter to keep the head still and prevents the head from dropping during the swing. When a batter assumes a narrow stance with the feet close together, the batter must take a long stride during the swing. This long stride causes the batter's head and eyes to "fall or drop" during the swing. This is the reason that many coaches teach and preach a no stride technique. Of course, another reason is the fact that "long-stride" hitter's often cannot catch up with the velocity of many pitchers in the game today.

The optimum width of the feet would be slightly wider than shoulder width. The batter's weight should be on the "balls" of the feet and off the heels. The front foot or stride foot should be "placed softly as if it is on a carton of eggs". This softness allows the foot to be lifted and placed back down easily. The back foot or pivot foot is also important during the swing. The back foot should not "move or leak forward" but should turn up "shoe laces to pitcher" when the front foot settles into place during the swing.

COACHING POINT: It is recommended that all batter's use an even stance meaning that the toes of each foot are even when the stance is assumed. A closed stance is one with the back foot farther away from the plate than the front foot. An open stance is one with the front foot farther away from the plate than the back foot.

COACHING POINT: You may actually use a simple demonstration to illustrate how a long stride causes the head to drop and the eyes to move. Have a batter assume a narrow stance. As you face the batter, hold your hand palm down exactly even with the batter's eyes. Have the batter take a long stride while you hold your hand perfectly still at the level where the eyes were when the stride began. A long stride will cause the batter's head to drop and the eyes to drop also. This movement of the head and eyes makes it more difficult for the batter to "see and hit" the ball as it travels through the strike zone.

Product Spotlight: Quick Swing Baseball Trainer By Joe Mauer

There's no better way than with the Mauer's QuickSwing - Joe Mauer Signature Series. Invented by Jake Mauer II for his son, 2006 Batting Champion, Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins. The Mauer's QuickSwing uses a unique delayed gravity-drop design to help batters develop greater bat speed, hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and muscle memory.

The Mauer Quick Swing replaces both your batting tee and soft toss baseball hitting practice. Quick Swing allows you to use real baseballs, softballs or plastic balls. Made of industrial-grade steel tubing and injected-molded plastic, the Quickswing can be positioned to drop the ball within any part of the strike zone.

The "Complete Package" including Machine & Net
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JUGS Small-Ball Pitching Machine Package

Due to interest in the small ball and it's many training benefits, I am posting this link to our best package offer with this unit.
Thanks and Have a Great Day, Coach Nick

This package includes:

• This package features JUGS SMALL-BALL Pitching Machine and other SMALL-BALL products


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• FREE Drill Book included

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The Ultimate Baseball Pitchers and Catchers Plate - Used by 10 of the Top 25 D-1 Baseball Teams!

The new patent pending training aid for pitchers and catchers emphasizes what the best coaches in the world are teaching their pitchers and catchers. It has always been said that baseball is a game of inches, and it is these inches around the plate that are so important.

The ULTIMATE PITCHER’S and CATCHER’S PLATE is a very simple tool to use. The orange edges are 5" wide on the top and 7" wide on the bottom front of the plate and are a visual target for the pitcher to see. The 5” orange edges and white part of the plate cover 2.5” of a traditional home plate and 2.5” off of a traditional home plate.

The back part of the plate is to help position the catcher. The catcher is to center his or her body on the point of the white part of the plate giving the pitcher the ultimate target to throw to on either corner of the plate. This outstanding training tool is also perfect for fastpitch softball pitchers and catchers.

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Batting Cage For Sale at BattingCagesDirect.com

Batting Cages For Sale at BattingCagesDirect.com

BattingCagesDirect.com has your batting cage for sale for home, team and school use. We specialize in complete cage and frame packages for home use that provide you with a complete cage setup at one low price. We also have your batting cage for sale without frames and all types of screens.

Order securely online or by phone. 1-877-431-4487. Our friendly staff will be glad to help you any way they can. Our office hours are 8:00 to 5:00 CST.

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Albert Pujols Baseball Training Bats

All the Tools You Need for More Power. Want to hit better and have more Power behind your swing? The SKLZ Baseball Power Package has all the tools you need:

Power Stick
Improves batters' power and contact
Swing with heavier weight to build power, or lighten for more repetition.
Multi-position bat adjusts to regulation lengths: adjust length between 28 and 34 inches
Add or remove screw-in weights (1oz., 2oz., 3oz.) for combinations of -3 to -10
Swing weights
Durable steel design
For use with practice balls only (2 plastic golf-size balls included)

Sweet Spot Bat
Heavy-duty construction (2 5/8" - Adult version or 2 1/4" - Youth Version all-bamboo barrel and handle with reinforced fiberglass rod)
Strong enough for live pitching, great with swing trainers
Instant feedback and "sting" if hit too far off center
Improves batters' ability to hit on the sweet spot for power and distance
Multiple sizes to simulate regulation baseball bat lengths (31", 33" Adult or 28", 30", 32" Youth)

Variable Bat Weight
Includes Bat Weight and 4 weights of 5 ounces each
Fits all baseball bats
Remove or add weights to four separate and secure Velco® pockets
Weight gets positioned toward optimal "sweet spot" area of the bag
Build arm strength
Easy on and off design

Quick Stick Variable Length Training BatAlbert Pujols Series

--------------Variable Length Swing Trainer.

---Narrow your focus and broaden your game.

---Adjust the Quick Stick swing trainer to the regulation length you want, and get plenty of swings for maximizing hand speed, hand-eye coordination and contact.

Practice Is What It Takes To Become A Complete Baseball Player.

Practice Is What It Takes To Become A Complete Baseball Player.
By: Robert Michael

Baseball is primarily a game of skill and therefore the best athlete doesn't always make the best baseball player. This is especially true if they don't have the skills needed to be a complete player. Baseball is a game of pitching, catching, base running, throwing, and hitting.

If you want to improve in these areas you must practice, practice, practice. It can be particularly helpful to practice very quickly going from one drill to the other. But you must stay focused on getting the most out of every drill session. If you just go through the motions you're surely develop bad habits. You have to focus on quality practice.

Therefore practice as much as you can while seeking quality training sessions. Here is some information and tips for you to keep in mind while you practice. These will surely help you improve your game.
Throwing the ball
Grab the ball with your index finger and middle finger along the seams of the baseball while keeping your thumb underneath it. As you prepare to throw square up your shoulders, move towards a target and throw with a � arm action.
Fielding the ball.
In order to maintain good balance keep your feet spread and get down. You do not want the ball to go down between your legs. You should have your glove in front of you so you can block the ball and see it go into the glove. Then raise the ball up your midsection to throw.
Catching fly balls
In order to catch a fly ball from the outfield you should be striding toward your target and you want to be behind the wall. First of all, you can see the ball and secondly, you can get into your stride to throw to your target.
Finally, be sure to catch the ball above the shoulder with your elbow bent. This will help cushion as you catch.
Batting stance
For the most part, you want to balance your stance with your feet shoulder length apart. In order to keep your balance keep your toes pointed inward slightly. You should be looking at the pitcher with your head level.
Pitching
A good pitcher wants to achieve consistent strikes using proper mechanics in order to reduce the chances of an injury. Vary the speed of your pitches and you'll keep the batter confused and off timing. You should learn to find the ball inside, outside, up and down.
Base running
You should always run in a way to give yourself optimum top speed. For example, if you're running for more than one base you need to keep your steps so you hit the base with your right foot as you get less arc and therefore you keep a more consistent stride and don't lose speed towards next base.

These tips are just the beginning when it comes to learning how to improve your baseball game. Practice, practice, and practice is what it takes to become a complete baseball player.

Have a great day, Coach Nick

Baseball2u.com BatAction.com HandsBackHitter.comBaseballCoachesDigest.com Baseball2Day Coaching Journal

New Product: Advanced Skill Batting Tee - Video Demonstration

Advanced Skills Tee batting tees are simply the best all-around batting tees available. Unlike traditional batting tees, the AST has a forward arm to eliminate "dipping" or uppercut type swings and a flexible outside barrier to eliminate "casting" and looping bats simultaneously during batting practice. The unique brush cup ball holder gives a clean swish through the ball. Developed by a high school coach, the AST batting tee is made of durable polyurethane to stand up to high bat speeds and team practices.

"Our team trains daily on the Muhl Tech Advanced Skills Tee. The forward arm and outside barrier helps our players create a proper swing plane and stay short to the ball. These batting tees are extremely durable and the brush cup ball holder is a great idea, they have held up for years. I would recommend them to any baseball program."

"Stan McKeever - Head Baseball CoachLa Cueva High School,Albuquerque, NM2004 Collegiate Baseball America/Easton Sports Poll National Champions

Video Demo of the Advanced Skills Hitting Tee

Baseball2u.com has the Advanced Skills Batting Tee at

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Batting Cage Kits – “Build Your Backyard Batting Cage For Less”

Batting Cage Kits – “Build Your Backyard Batting Cage For Less”

Batting Cage Kits can be a great option to choose when you build your own batting cage. If you are on a limited budget or wish to save as much money and time as possible, using a kit is your best choice.

A batting cage kit contains everything you need to build your batting cage including the net, the frame, all hardware, and easy-to-follow instructions and everything is shipped directly to your home or business. Using a batting cage net and frame kit will definitely save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. Building a batting cage is a project that takes careful planning, organization and work.

Here I outline the basic steps to using a batting cage kit to install your backyard batting cage.

Step 1 – Set your budget. You can purchase a batting cage kit for almost any budget. The amount of money you spend will determine the size, weight, and features of your new batting cage.
Step 2 – Pick your spot. You must first decide where you want to install your new batting cage to be located. The chosen site must be level ground and well drained.

Step 3 – Access your space. Step off your chosen backyard batting cage spot to determine the amount of space you have. You need to determine the amount of width and length you have to work with. This will determine the length and width of your batting cage. Height should not be an issue unless you are installing your cage inside with a ceiling.

Common sizes of cages are: 70’ L x 14’ W x 12’ H 60’L x 12’ W x 12’ H 50’L x 12’ W x 12’ H Common weights of cages are: # 21 #36 #42

Step 5 – Determine your net configuration. You must choose the width and length of your new cage based on the budget you have and the space you have available. The longer the cage and the heavier the net, the more expensive the kit will be. For home use, you may opt to buy a lighter weight net such as a #21 to save money. This weight is suitable for home use and the life expectancy is up to 5 to 6 years if you store it inside during the winter months. #36 netting is more expensive but the heavier weight makes it more suitable for use by older players and teams.
Step 6 – Order your net and frame kit. There are many companies that sell net and frame kits. Choose one that is licensed, has toll-free phone service, and that has regular office hours. These companies are companies that are reputable that have staff and consultants readily available to answer your questions and to assist you if you need additional assistance.
Step 7 – When your package arrives. There will be a packing list. Unpack everything and make sure that everything has arrived. Lay everything out to make it readily available when you need each component.

List Shown Below: Step 7 – Batting Cage Kits come with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. Detailed and well written instructions, such as those shown below, make it easier for you to build your batting cage.

Batting Cage Kits are available in various sizes and price rabges from CompleteBattingcages.com.

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Handle wrap provides comfort
Available in 4 standard bat lengths: 28 in, 30 in, 32 in and 34 in

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Baseball Drills - Hitting Problems? - Check The Lower Half First

By Nate Barnett

There are very few things more frustrating to an athlete than than to struggle at the plate as a hitter and not understand where the problem stems from. When I work with hitters, I focus on perfecting the functions of lower body mechanics because of the affect the lower body has on the upper half. Trying to solve upper body hitting mechanics without addressing the lower half first is like attempting to build a house beginning with the second story prior to building the basement - it doesn't work too well.

Some of the common mistakes that can be ironed out with some common lower body baseball drills are:
1. Collapsing of the backside (shoulder dipping)
2. Front side (hip) flying open
3. Hunching over the plate (upper body)
4. Hands extending away from body through swing

Here is what to check for as you work with the lower body mechanics of your athletes during some baseball drills.

As the hitter shifts some weight onto his back leg (the load) prior to the pitch, look to see if that weight continues to stay on the back side as the swing begins. Many hitters have the problem of letting their hips slide forward towards the pitcher during the beginning stages of the swing. This problem (often called floating) can be a major cause of some of the above problems.

Because I understand that visualizing the process I'm referring to in text can be tricky, there are a couple videos posted on my blog that will illustrate a proper trigger and lower body mechanics. Upon entering my blog, click on hitting on the left hand side of the screen and you will be able to view that will illustrate what I've written on.

About the Author
Nate Barnett is owner of BMI Baseball http://bmibaseball.com and is based out of Washington State. His expertise is in the area of hitting, pitching, and mental training. Coach Barnett's passion is working with youth in helping expand their vision for their baseball future. After finishing a professional career in the Seattle Mariners Organization, Nate pursued his coaching and motivational training career. His instructional blog is located at http://bmibaseball.com/blog
His new FREE ebook, Toxic Baseball: Are you polluting your game? can be found on the main BMI Baseball website.
Hitting 101, an ebook on complete hitting mechanics will be released by June 1st, 2008. Features include numerous illustrations, video clips, and a special offer to discuss your hitting questions over live on the phone strategy sessions.

BatAction.com
HandsBackHitter.com
QuickSwingTrainer.com

Now is the time to order your team practice baseballs.

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Product Spotlight: Heater Pro Curve Baseball with Ball Feeder

Fast Ball & Breaking Ball Pitching Machine with Bonus Auto-Ball Feeder

No other pitching machine is as versatile and affordable as the Heater Pro Baseball Pitching Machine. With Trend Sports innovative Pivot-Head design you’ll be hitting outside breaking balls, inside breaking balls, and fastballs like a pro. And with the bonus auto-ball feeder, you can take a pitch every 12 seconds.

The Heater Pro plugs directly into any standard wall outlet or use it with the optional RollingPower battery packs when convenient. Variable speed control allows you to adjust the wheel for a variety of pitches at speeds of up to 50 MPH.

Use the Heater Pro with the optional PowerAlley or Xtender Home Batting Cages and you’ll be hitting balls anytime you want right in your own backyard.



Features

=Innovative Pivot-Head Design
=Variable Speed Control
=Pitches Up To 50 MPH
=Fully Enclosed Wheel
=Adjustable Pitch Height
=12 Ball Automatic Feeder
=Tubular Steel Legs with Rubber Tips
=Uses Standard A/C Power
=Pivots to pitch breaking balls and fastballs

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Product Spotlight: Jugs Lite Flite Pitching Machine

Because the Jugs Lite-Flite Machine only throws Lite-Flite balls and Polyballs, your hitters learn to hit the sharp-breaking pitch without the fear of being hit by the ball. It is portable and easy to move and set up; weighs just 35 pounds and fits snugly into its heavy-duty nylon-carrying bag. The Quick-Change design features exclusive Switch-and-Play Knobs that let you go from baseball to softball in a matter of seconds. The Jugs Lite-Flite pitching machine is an incredible practice tool that can be used both indoors and outdoors. This machine will teach the hitter how to recognize and adjust to breaking pitches. The Jugs Lite-Flite Machine also offers the Jugs patented Always See the Ball delivery system.

-------------

----M6000 - Lite Flite Instruction
----2 Dozen Free Softballs 12 Inch are included
----Great for indoor and outdoor use
----It only throws Lite-Flight balls
----Patented "always see the ball" delivery system
----Simulates both left and right handed pitches
----Swivel Design for fly balls, ground balls, and pop-ups
----This machine can also adjust to throw baseballs in a matter of seconds
----Throws Fastballs, Curveballs, and sliders
----Throws up to 50 M.P.H. from 30 feet, which simulates an 80 to 85 M.P.H. pitch.
----Weighs just 35 pounds

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