batting practice

Hit-A-Way Trainer - Jeter Series
$29.99
I've been coaching Little League for 4 years, and this is the best tool I have found for teaching early hitters the mechanics of a good swing. We used it in preseason this year, and I think it made a difference in the hitting of a number of our players. Some observations:

1) Before you start to use it, consider getting a hitting instructional video. If you are not confident in your knowledge of the mechanics of a good swing, then using this is likely to reinforce bad habits.

2) The stick allows a coach to break down each component of the swing - feet, first step, alignment, arm position, extension, rotation, etc., without it becoming overwhelming. Need to focus on knees and waist position? Then just break out that part of the swing. Having a ball-like object at bat's length helps hitters learn these mechanics in the proper context.

3) FAR more repetitions are possible. There is no chasing after balls, and no pitcher or fielders are needed.

4) It's versatile. My son, daughter, and I will sometimes use it for a few minutes in the garage on a rainy day. Other times we've incorporated it as a station at practice. It can be used to warm up before a game, too.

5) Batter and coach get immediate feedback. Both can tell the difference between solid contact and what would be a pop-up or dink hit. Combine this with the many repetitions, and young hitters can make rapid strides toward improving their swings.

6) It works for teaching softball and baseball hitting.

Negative:

1) The little blue band at the end is made of pretty cheap plastic. Mine broke in one full practice session (young batters don't reliably hit the sweet spot). Luckily, the band is not required for the function of the device.

2) The target is not moving. For this reason, I recommend using it with the "Zip-n-Hit" (also available on Amazon). This is a ball on a zip line. It allows batters to work on reaction time and swing mechanics without needing to chase balls (or get hit by bad pitches if your pitcher isn't too accurate - just ask my son).

I think this one-two combination is a must for coaching kids in their first few years of pitch baseball.

5 stars for both.

Batting Practice
$0.99

Multiple Ways to Conduct Batting Practice [VHS]
$40.00
7-time state champion coach and Red Sox associate scout Larry Price offers 7 different approaches to batting practice. Covers situational hitting, situational rounds, execution hitting, 6 and 3 rounds, bonus round, hit-and-run chase, and station hitting. Length 31 minutes.

Milwaukee Brewers Authentic MLB Cool Base Batting Practice Jersey by Majestic Athletic (X-Large)

New for 2007! BP jerseys have been re-designed with Cool Base temperature-control technology! Cool Base jerseys keep the wearer cool, dry and comfortable by technologically advanced fabric that wicks away moisture. Ventilated stretch-mesh armhole and side