Baseball Coaching and Training Equipment Blog

Welcome to the Coachesbest.com official baseball coaching and training blog. Our free baseball coaching articles, drills and tips will help your improve your baseball training and baseball practice. Our daily posts and archives provide you with tips to help you plan your baseball practices and baseball workouts. Make sure to save or bookmark this site to your favorites for future visits. Good luck to your team!

Monday, January 12, 2009

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

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.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Looking for a great new Baseball Training Bats - Try BAMBOO


>>Increases your quickness
>>>Durable Bamboo Construction
>>>>Grip takes the sting off hits
>>>Improve hand/eye coordination
>>Use with any size or type of balls

See immediate improvement just by taking your normal batting practice swings!


The narrow SLKZ® Live Wire training bat features a heavy-duty bamboo construction and a padded handle. The Live Wire narrows your focus on live pitching, swing trainers, and soft toss. It's ideal for hitting SKLZ® Small Balls (not included).


Features
Narrow 1 5/8-in barrel diameter bat allows for building greater eye-hand coordination
Can be used with all types of training including live pitching
Heavy-duty bamboo construction provides strength and real game-bat weight
Handle wrap provides comfort
Available in 4 standard bat lengths: 28 in, 30 in, 32 in and 34 in



Tuesday, January 6, 2009

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

Monday, January 5, 2009

Now is the time to order your team practice baseballs.



Stock up on practice baseball or softball at CoachesBest.com. Check out our huge selection and great prices.

Click Here.

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

For More Information...Click Here.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

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.

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----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

See the Jugs Lite Flite Pitching Machine at CoachesBest.com