HITTING
SWING TRAINERS
A swing trainer is a great way to practice hitting drills and improve muscle memory, proper grip, swing path, hand-eye coordination and more. Some bat swing trainers can be adjusted for use in a variety of drills
SWING ANALYZERS
A bat swing analyzer can provide instant metrics, including bat speed, hand time, time to impact, elevation angle, attack angle and more. Most bat sensors fit onto the knob or grip of your bat and provide instant feedback via display, smartphone app or both. Some swing analyzer systems even offer in-app coaching tips and drills
HITTING STICKS AND TRAINING BATS
A hitting stick can help players work on proper hitting technique and coverage of the strike zone. Most baseball and softball hitting sticks include a batting-grip handle and wrist strap for improved control during use
BAT WEIGHTS
A barrel weight, or bat training weight, adds extra mass to the bat to help players focus on hitting mechanics while working on swing speed and strength
TRAINING BALLS
Training balls can be a great tool for athletes looking to increase hitting strength and/or accuracy. Weighted training balls help players drive the ball and hone their speed, power and consistency at the plate. Weighted training balls are great for both softball and baseball practices and come in a variety of weights. They are recommended for side toss, soft toss and tee batting drills only. Mini Balls can help develop hand-eye coordination and improve accuracy as well
PITCHING MACHINE
Pitching machines allow players to practice their swing without the need of another live-arm pitcher. Their adjustability can allow for different pitch types and speeds, too. Many options are manually fed, but others are more automated with the use of a ball feeder attachment
BATTING TEES
Tees are a great way to practice swing mechanics in a solo or group dynamic. Tees are adjustable in height for both low and high pitches. For more advanced players, multi-position tees are available that allow players to practice hitting pitches on each corner of the plate. For beginner athletes a one position plastic tee will suffice. Consider a rubber or bristled top attachment to help extend the life of your tee and defend against cracking or breaking
NETS, SCREENS AND CAGES
Most batting nets and screens are portable and allow players to practice their skills anywhere, anytime. These screens can come in a variety of shapes and levels of compactability
THROWING AND PITCHING
RESISTANCE BANDS
Resistance bands work to help athletes develop endurance and strengthen key muscle groups in their throwing arm and shoulder. These bands can also be used to help prevent injury and increase velocity
WEIGHTED BALLS
Weighted balls are designed to help improve the strength of a player's throwing arm. These balls are the same size as an official baseball or softball and can come in varying weights.
PITCHING TARGETS
Most pitching targets and screens are portable and allow players to practice their skills anywhere, anytime. These screens can come in a variety of sizes and levels of compactability
FIELDING
TRAINING GLOVE
Training gloves, sometimes called "pancake" gloves, are designed with a flat pocket to help promote proper fielding mechanics and reinforce the principle of using of two hands
REACTION BALL
A reaction ball allows players to improve their reflexes. The multi-sided design creates a different point of contact with each throw, forcing athletes to react and adjust to the at-random fielding paths
RETURN TRAINER/REBOUNDER
A return trainer/rebounder returns game-like balls using multiple angles to mimic grounders, line drives and pop flys
FUNGO/COACH'S BATS
Lighter in weight and longer than a traditional bat, fungo bats are used by coaches to more easily hit balls, like pop flys or grounders, during infield and outfield fielding drills
POPULAR HITTING DRILLS
Hitting All Parts of the Zone with Amanda “Chiddy” Chidester
Command complete coverage and leave no holes in your softball swing with these tips from the softball pro.
Kris Bryant’s Batting Practice Tips
Find out how all-star third baseman Kris Bryant approaches his batting practice routine and how having a well-thought-out plan can help make your next training session more productive.
Developing Your On-Deck Routine: Baseball Hitting Tips
Get ready for your next at-bat with these baseball tips from the on-deck circle.
Speed Training Tips to Help Improve Your Hitting
Use these techniques from Allegheny Health Network to put your best foot forward with every hit.
POPULAR THROWING DRILLS
Delaney Spaulding’s Tips on Mastering a Quick Transfer and Release
Getting quick throws off in the infield can help keep baserunners at bay. Softball pro Delaney Spaulding demonstrates how a quick ball transfer and release can boost your softball defensive skills this season.
Constructing a Throwing Program for Baseball and Softball Training
Take these throwing program tips from Allegheny Health Network and start building your arm this offseason.
Developing Your Throwing Mechanics to Improve Your Throwing Velocity
Fine-tuning your mechanics can be vital to your throwing success during baseball and softball season.
Baseball Throwing Tips: Proper Arm Action
Throwing a baseball should be one fluid motion. Your arm action should be a consistent mix of efficiency and repetition.
POPULAR PITCHING DRILLS
Jennie Finch on How to Pitch with More Power
Watch and learn as Jennie Finch demonstrates the three keys to pitching with more power.
Baseball Pitching Tips: How to Develop Your Fastball and Changeup
Boost your chances of strikeouts on the mound with these two effective pitches.
Softball Pitcher Drills: The Hurdle Drill
Find out how this cardio crossover can help you explode off the rubber this season in this Pro Tips breakdown.
Baseball Pitching Tips: How to Create a Great Setup and Starter Step
Learning how to pitch starts with a strong foundation in technique.
POPULAR FIELDING DRILLS
Softball Tips: Aleshia Ocasio on Fielding Bunts from the Mound
Professional softball player Aleshia Ocasio breaks down how to field bunts from the mound and why anticipation is key.
Baseball Pro Tips: Fielding Flyouts with Bryce Harper
Discover how all-star outfielder Bryce Harper stays focused and on top of his game with every pop fly.
Baseball Fielding Drills: Double Play Drill with Soft Hands Glove
The art of the double play relies heavily on the transfer at second base. Train your talents for a smooth transition with this baseball drill.
Softball Basics: Learning Proper Fielding Techniques
Step up your game with these softball fielding techniques.