Baseball Catcher Mitts

Baseball Catcher Mitts
By guest author: Nicole Roberts

Baseball catcher mitts are a savior for the hands of the player catching the fastballs of the pitcher. This type of glove can only be worn when playing behind the plate. Its unique design will not make it effective in any other position. Actually, it would probably hinder the player trying to use it on any other area of the diamond. When looking at catchers mitts to purchase, there are a few considerations to make to ensure you get work that will be effective for you.

The first thing you should look for when browsing through the variety of catchers mitts is the size. Try on several different brands and sizes to select the best one for you. It is important that the mitt fits properly and can be worn comfortably. There is nothing worse than losing your glove while in your position, with a pitch coming at you at several miles per hour. Proper protection can only be offered by a well fitting catcher's mitt.

The quality of baseball catcher mitts is also an important factor. The glove should be well padded to prevent injury to your hand when catching fast pitches. It is best if the mitt is made with real leather. Softer materials can wear out faster, which can result in having to replace it sooner or risk damage to the palm of your hand. Also, full leather tends to keep your hand safer than other types of mitts.

Check out the padding of the catcher's mitt before you selecting the right one for you. The padding should not be in the way of effective catching. If it is, you risk dropping or missing the ball, which can cause harm to you or can allow the other team to win. There should be more padding found in the area of the fingers than in the palm. This allows you to properly use the glove during game play.

Know what you are looking for when shopping for baseball catchers mitts. As mentioned, these gloves are specially designed and will only work for the position behind home plate. The mitt will not have finger cutouts, and will look more like a mitten than a glove. Also, when buying for youth players, make sure there is enough room in the finger area, but not too much room. Many parents want to purchase a larger mitt for their children to grow into, but this can be dangerous for both the ability and safety of the player.

There are few things you should known before shopping for baseball catcher mitts. It is important to understand the look and feel of a mitt as opposed to the other baseball gloves available on the market. You will want to choose a high quality mitt that offers appropriate protection for your hand to prevent injuries. Select one that fits well to help you catch the ball without hurting your hand.

Nicole Roberts
Welcome to ballglovesgalore.com where we sell a variety of baseball catcher mitts to meet the needs of novice as well as the serious player.

==============
Thanks to our sponsors:

http://baseballmitts.org

http://nokonaglove.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Ripley

Baseball Hitting - How to Improve Your Ability to Be a Clutch Hitter

Baseball Hitting - How to Improve Your Ability to Be a Clutch Hitter
By guest author: Chuck R Stewart

While attending the National Sporting Goods Manufacturing show in Las Vegas, I had the chance to sit down with some heavyweight baseball people. These were people who worked for and represented some of the best names in the game of baseball. They were people who had been around the game their whole life. The conversation started out being about the qualities in a good hitter. We talked about stance, mechanics, quick hands, great eyes, terrific hand-eye coordination, and follow through techniques. This was all great to listen to and participate in the conversation but then one man who had been around the game for more than 20 years said straight out that while all of the prior conversation was correct, the thing that made a great hitter stand out from the rest was confidence.

Confidence is a funny thing among most ballplayers. Most players are subject to ups and downs as they go through a season or even a game. He said that the players who hit the best in clutch situations want to be up in those situations and also have the level of confidence that they can perform. They have practiced their craft enough so that in any situation they are the player who knows they can come through. Confidence is born from repetition and repetition comes from practicing the proper mechanics until it is second nature. Players need to repeat the process of hitting until they are confident that when they swing, they will make solid contact with the ball.

I think this level of desire and confidence is what separates the club players from the recreational players once they get into high school. My son is going through this right now in each of the three sports he plays (football, basketball and baseball). He is watching fellow teammates elect to not play other sports so they can focus on their sport of choice in order to excel. The players who are electing to focus on a given sport are the ones who are spending time, getting the repetitions they need to develop their confidence and become better players. The time to spend on repetition is the key to becoming a clutch hitter.

The conversation then turned to what the right amount of repetition is in order become a great clutch hitter. One coach said it was 200 swings a day. That is was former hitting champ Pete Rose used to take every day so it should work for everyone. The issue that most players face with getting that level of repetition is the reality of who will throw that much batting practice to them during the course of a day, 5-6 times per week. My shoulder aches just thinking about it!

The answer to that question is a pitching machine and a batting cage. Both are needed to become a great clutch hitter. The reason both are needed is that they are the perfect combination. The pitching machine can save the arm of any coaching assistant and the batting cage will keep the balls in a close enough proximity that they can be picked up and reloaded quickly enough to get the workout completed within 30-40 minutes.

Any player who has the desire to be successful can afford to spend 30-40 minutes working on their craft on a daily basis.

Coach Chuck Stewart operates a baseball web site called offering baseball pitching machines, batting cages, training aids and coaching/instructional videos along with lots of free coaching content. Coach Chuck offers a pitching machine for every skill level and budget. He has coached baseball teams for 8 years and enjoys sharing the love of the game of baseball with his players.

===============
Thanks to our sponsors:


SoftballrUs.com/FastpitchSoftballSupply.com is the ultimate online fastpitch softball online store. SoftballrUs.com has Batting Trainers,Pitching Training, Training Bats,Defensive Training Equipment,Coaching DVDs & Books, Softball Pitching Machines, Softball Complete Net & Frame Batting Cage Packages, Batting Cage Nets, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, and BatAction Hitting Machines, and much, much more. Visit Softballrus.com now!

Little League Baseball Drills - Base Running Practice

Little League Baseball Drills - Base Running Practice
By guest author: Chris Campbell

There are so many different roles for each player in the game of baseball, that it can be difficult to become a master of all. But, with some good drills catering to each role, it's quite achievable to become a master of many. Let's take a look at a base running drill. Perhaps not as much fun as hitting practice, but an essential skill none the less.

For drill, it's not necessary to have anyone playing on defense. This is good, as more players can focus on the same drill. It works a number of different base running scenarios, and builds up the conditioning and cardio of the players involved.

Begin the drill with one runner on first base, one runner on second base, and a player in the batters box at home plate. Any remaining players, should queue up behind the runner in the batters box.

You'll need a couple of coaches to run the drill. Position one near home base equipped with a baseball bat and a few baseballs. The other coach should situate themselves near third base. The coach positioned in front of home base will begin the drills by hitting a ball anywhere in fair territory. Fly balls hit count as singles, and ground balls as well will count as singles past the imaginary infielders.

While there is no one playing on defense, the runners on base, and at home will react as if there is another team on the field. The runner at home plate, will do one of two things. If the coach hits a ground ball, then he is to run as quickly as possible to first base, as if the defense is trying to throw him out. On a fly ball, that same runner, will run to first base, and round first base, as if he was considering carrying on to second.

If only a ground ball is hit, the runner at first base will go directly to second base. If a fly ball is hit into the outfield, the runner goes to second, and makes visual contact with the coach on third for his next move. The coach decides what the runner should do next. Either stay at second, or go for third base.

The last runner positioned at second base will do something similar. A infield ground ball will send him directly to third base. A fly ball to the outfield will send him rounding third, and looking to the coach positioned in the third base coaches box for instruction.

If there is a runner at third (can't happen on the first ball hit), and a fly ball is hit, then the runner should tag, and as soon as the ball bounces on the ground, then run for home. On ground balls, and no runner at second, the player waits for instruction from the coach on third.

This is a good drill, that keeps multiple players in motion. Be sure to move as quickly through the drill as possible, to keep everyone working.

Little League Baseball Drills is a great resource for helping your little leaguer get the most out of his or hers favorite pastime. With a little good training, amateur or even professional ball players will see a dramatic improvement in the way they play.

==============
Thanks to our sponsors:



Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer


Jugs Small Ball Pitching Machine

Simple and Straight Forward Little League Baseball Drills

Simple and Straight Forward Little League Baseball Drills
By guest author: Joseph Harrison Jr

Batting a baseball is a difficult skill to master. This is often an especially frustrating task for a child. Successful batting requires body control and sound mechanics. In this article I will discuss some basics of hitting and introduce a few simple little league baseball drills aimed at improving technique.

The most important thing your kid can do is to watch the ball all the way to the bat. They should practice watching the ball hit the bat.

One of the many simple little league baseball drills your child can do to improve "picking up the ball" is to stand, chin on front shoulder (for a right handed batter). As they swing the chin should come to rest on the back shoulder. A simple batting tee is helpful in enhancing this skill. Soft toss is an effective alternative little league baseball drill used to teach this technique. Furthermore, this is a good drill for developing bat speed.

The second basic rule of hitting is balance. Your child, or anyone else for that matter, must have balance to be a successful hitter. As a general guideline have your child stand with their feet about shoulder width apart. This is flexible many people feel more comfortable with a slightly exaggerated open stance (feet wide apart) and others a closed stance (feet close together) Whatever their stance make sure they can swing the bat and stay balanced, they will benefit and be more consistent in the long term.

The upper body muscles play a pivotal role in a fluid swing. In fact, bat speed has as much, if not more, to do with hitting for power than lower body strength. Remember to swing quick and compact, hot hard. A simple adjustment of the swing to avoid over extending the arms can help achieve a shorter swing. A shorter swing speeds your bat up through the strike zone, creating more power. Many coaches refer to this technique as throwing the bat at the ball because in effect the batter is throwing the head of the bat at the ball.

The last prime component of the upper body in batting is the hands. Most batters hold their hands around chest level with the bat out in front. Again, this is a general guideline and not a rule, the most important thing is that your child is comfortable holding the bat.

When batting, it is also important to remember to never drop the hands prior to swinging. A lot of players drop their hands before they swing, meaning they dip the hands from the chest to the stomach. This drastically cuts down on reaction time to a pitch. Often batters that swing late do so because they drop their hands. They cannot make up the time they lost by dropping the hands resulting in a late swing. The soft toss drill is one of several little league baseball drills used for developing quick wrists and strong hands. Additionally, a tennis ball can serve as strength and conditioning tool simply by repeatedly squeezing it. Stronger hands equal more bat speed.

The last component to successful hitting is in the lower body. As previously mentioned good balance is mandatory for a proper swing. The biggest mistake hitters make is over striding, resulting in an off balance swing. Instead of taking a giant, clumsy step, have your child lift the front (left foot for a right handed batter) off the ground and simply place it back on the ground. This helps to keep their weight back, a crucial element to hitting well and for power.

The other key role of the lower body is the hip twist. A drill called "squashing the bug" is one of several effective little league baseball drills to teach hip twisting. In this drill, the batter will hold out their left arm (for a right handed batter) in front of their body and hit the left hand with the right mimicking a one armed swing. The drill should be used to emphasize correct usage of the feet and maintaining proper balance. The batter should look to sharply turn the right, or back, ankle as if to squash a bug with the toes.

Remember the core components of hitting, balance; see the ball and careful timing between the upper and lower muscle groups of the body. Hitting and hitting well is a difficult task. Improvement will only come with the development sound habits, practice and work ethic.

I am Joseph Harrison, a baseball coach since 20 years ago. I love baseball since I am young, especially the feeling when you know you will absolutely crush the ball. Training your kid to gain interest in baseball will benefit him from both mentally and physically. In with he will gain team spirit, learn how to cope with teammates, and at the same time train up his physical, and concentration (to have good eye and hand coordination and the ability to use both at once). Go through my article and you will know all the benefits of baseball.


=============
Thanks to our sponsors:



Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer


Jugs Small Ball Pitching Machine

Outdoor Batting Cages

Outdoor Batting Cages
By guest author: Jason Gluckman

Batting cages are a crucial ingredient in any baseball or softball training regimen. They are used both by batting coaches and by recreational athletes to help improve a batter's speed and accuracy in hitting a ball. Outdoor batting cages are a useful and necessary tool for most teams.

Many communities have commercial outdoor batting cages at outdoor public parks and other areas specifically designated for baseball. These facilities are set up on a rental basis. They can be used for both softball and baseball. Prices vary with the amount of time used. Contact your local parks and recreation department for the location of the batting cages near you.

Climate needs to be taken into consideration when purchasing a batting cage, as the elements will affect certain materials differently. A region's humidity level should be noted before ordering a cage made with netting that might mildew easily. Because cold can also affect the durability of netting, make sure that the netting is suited to the region in which the batting cage will be used.

Outdoor batting cages are used more often during the summer. As baseball and softball are historically spring and summer sports, outdoor batting cages can get quite a work out during the warmer months of the year. It is a good idea to have materials on hand with which to mend outdoor batting cages. They may require mending as the baseball and softball season progresses and the cages are being visited more often.

Outdoor batting cages can also be purchased in a portable style. Indeed, if a team is on the road, they may want to take their own batting cage with them, instead of relying on the park where they will be playing. If flexibility is important, portable batting cages are a sensible choice.

==============
Thanks to our sponsors:



Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer


Jugs Small Ball Pitching Machine

Reasons to Invest in Backyard Batting Cages

Reasons to Invest in Backyard Batting Cages
By guest author: James M Peterson

At $30 to $40 an hour, renting out a batting cage can really burn a hole in your pocket. Backyard batting cages can help save you hundreds of dollars over time.

With an initial investment of around $200 for high quality cage netting and a steel frame, you can be well on your way towards becoming a better hitter than ever before. If you think about it, $200 is just five hours spent at the local cage, whereas if you have a batting cage in your own backyard, you'll be able to use it whenever you want, for as long as you want to.

A common misconception is that the break strength of the netting is directly related to its life span. This is not necessarily true. Break strength refers to the amount of load tension that may be placed on a strand of material before it breaks. Unless you're already playing in the pros, you probably won't have to invest in higher break strength, and anything over 100lb will work fine.

But what if you don't have a training partner to work with? There are a couple of ways to work around buying a thousand-dollar pitching machine until you develop the need to invest in one as well.

The old, toss-it-up-and-hit-it method may seem rather primitive, but there's no denying that it helps batters develop some of the essential skills required in batting such as hand-eye coordination and quickness.

When its form that you need to develop, an adjustable T ball stand will help you improve your stance, weight distribution, and grip.

Backyard batting cages will help you to do of all this without having to waste valuable training time and effort to go and find the ball after each hit.

==============
Thanks to our sponsors:

XtenderBattingCages.com
Xtender Batting Cages For Home & Youth Baseball
Heater Combo Pitching Machine & Xtender Batting Cage Package
Heater Pitching Machines

Simple Little League Baseball Drills

Simple Little League Baseball Drills
By guest author: Chris Campbell

I've never tried to hit a pitch from a seriously good baseball pitcher, but what I do know, is that it's one of the hardest things to do in all of professional sports. The combination of timing, and reflexes is pretty demanding.

Just look at how many players have a batting average over 400 in the history of professional. Only 8 players have ever done it (13 times amongst them), and no one has done it since 1941. So, any help you can give your little slugger in their early baseball years will be a definite advantage down the road.

While, you can read all day long, on the pros and cons of various hitting styles and swings, there is nothing better for a future hall of fame hitter, than just going out and hitting. The more hours they spend trying to knock one over the fence the better. Its also a great way to spend quality time with your kids, but grabbing a bunch of balls, heading over to the field, and pitch them a few to whack.

If your little ball player, really enjoys the game, then it shouldn't be hard to get them to put a little extra time in. If all they want to do is hit, that's fine, but they're probably bored to death at practice. Most kids just don't get much hitting practice with the team.

While, any hitting is better than not hitting at all, it could also be said that an effective hitting practice is better than just swinging willy nilly at whatever. There are a few pointers to keep in mind.

The Bat Has To Fit The Player

You wouldn't try to catch with a glove that was two sizes too small, or too large. So why would you do the same thing with a bat. Choosing a bat that is both weight and length appropriate for your son or daughter can make all the difference in their batting average.

Try having your little leaguer hold their bat out from their body, but parallel to the ground. If they can't do it for at least 15 seconds, then the bat is too heavy. If they can barely do it, or their arms start to wobble, then it's probably better to try a small bat.

Best Place For A Batter

As in any sports, where you put your feet is crucial to being successful. Hitting a baseball is no different. Too close, or too far from home plate can make it difficult to hit a lot of pitches. Make sure your kids understand the difference, and know where to swing from.

The lesson here is don't just head over to the park across the street for some informal batting practice, with only a bat, a glove, and some balls. Remember to bring home plate with you. Even if you don't have an official home plate, any old thing will work as a place holder.

===========
Thanks to our sponsors:



Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer


Jugs Small Ball Pitching Machine

Using Practice Balls For Fencing Training

Using Practice Balls For Fencing Training
By guest author: Walter Green

Hitting the target is one of the essential tasks for a fencer. This means that accuracy training is an important part of any fencer's development as an athlete. Unfortunately accuracy comes with practice - lots of practice. Experience in the martial arts suggests that 10,000 or more repetitions of a skill are needed to develop mastery. As you can imagine, your fencing master and your fellow fencers really get bored being a target to get to those sorts of numbers. This means that a training aid that is simple, inexpensive, and portable is worth exploring.

There are a variety of sophisticated target trainers available--the Target Speed is an excellent example and the various flexible arm systems are another. However, these are a reasonable investment for a club, but can be somewhat pricey for the individual. Plastic balls with holes in the shell, the practice ball, offer one option.

These balls are readily available in three sizes: a softball sized ball, a baseball, and a golf ball. Each of these represents a different target. The softball approximates the shoulder in epee or any of the flat surfaces in the primary target zone from low line under the weapon arm, up on the inside of the forward chest. The baseball is an approximate lower arm, the available target as an opponent quickly reverses direction with a parry after seeing the start of the final action of a feint attack, or the target on an opponent with a large bib and a crouching on guard. The golf ball is approximately the exposure of the hand and lower arm on a careless epee guard.

The ball you select as a practice partner depends on the target you are training to hit. But it also depends on the level of your training. Start with the biggest ball available. As you go through the drill progression, go back to the big ball every time you start a new level. When you are hitting it reliably, even when moving, move to the next smaller ball. Read more.

===========
Thanks to our sponsors:



Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer


Jugs Small Ball Pitching Machine

Indoor Batting Cage Franchises

Indoor Batting Cage Franchises
By guest author: Jason Gluckman

Franchises are a way to get into business with an established brand name, proven method of operation, and a support structure. You can purchase or build a franchise of your own. Indoor batting cage franchises play an integral role in the success of baseball and softball communities.

Other advantages of a franchise include bulk discounts, Internet marketing and commerce system, faster startup, and a steady customer base. The disadvantages of franchises are difficulty in finding purchase financing, significant changes, and failure to identify the right opportunity.

The basic requirement for indoor batting cage franchises is a location for the batting cage. The advantages of an indoor batting cage franchise include the name, support, training, equipment, marketing, and industry expertise. A batting cage business demands an assurance on the part of the business owner. Just as the franchisor attempts to make a profit from the franchises, the latter tries to extract a profit from batting cage users. Indoor batting cage franchises provide publicity to expand the manufacturer's business.

An indoor batting cage franchise is a place where players practice to improve their batting skills. In an indoor batting cage, the players have to pay an hourly rate. Weather conditions do not affect batting practice in an indoor batting cage. Indoor batting cage franchises also engage professional instructors capable of teaching the fundamentals of the game.

Before starting a franchise, one must be aware of the restrictions, the comparative advantages, the fees, and other factors involved. It is always desirable to ensure that the franchisor is profitable and financially sound. The primary step is to contact the local and state governments to find out the requirements and regulations to be followed. Often, franchises need a business license, sales tax license, insurance, and other formalities to be completed before they can become operational. The fact that indoor batting cage complexes are popping up all over the world is proof that the idea is a success.

===========
Thanks to our sponsors:



Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer


Jugs Small Ball Pitching Machine

Batting Cages For Family Or Professional Use

Batting Cages For Family Or Professional Use
By guest author: Jack M Patterson

Batting cages have become essential for the professional or casual player, as they make batting practice more convenient, thus helping to improve a batter's success rate at the plate. It is also convenient as anyone can simply set up a cage right in the backyard, where a player can practice hits, or a family can have good, clean baseball fun.

Although there are several cages available in the market, what a buyer must first focus on is the cage's frame. There are different types and sizes of frames that can cater to a wide variety of preferences and needs. Depending on how or who will use the cage, one must first determine the correct size of a cage before purchasing one.

If the cage will be set up primarily for fun, one will already be enough. The standard size usually measures about 16 feet wide, 13 feet tall and 55 feet long. However, there are some manufacturers that can offer a wide selection of cages that can be smaller or larger than the standard size, providing customers with broader options.

When it comes to professional use, a single cage will definitely not suffice as batters tend to practice their hits all at the same time. Further, batting cages won't work well if there is only one cage available to batters. In this case, the use of multiple cages is recommended. Such cages are built next to each other, ranging from three to as many as six sections. This will allow batters to maximize their space requirements even greater.

Batting cages of different sizes with different types of frames can be found online. Just by doing a quick research and keeping a lookout on the best manufacturers, customers can find the right type of cage that will suit their needs.

=========
Thanks to our sponsors:



Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer


Jugs Small Ball Pitching Machine

Fastpitch Softball Hitting Drills

Fastpitch Softball Hitting Drills
By guest author: Marc Dagenais

Here are some great softball hitting drills for you to use which will improve your performance with the bat:

Drill 1 - Barrier Behind

Purpose: To emphasize taking the hands directly to the ball and keeping the barrel up.

Procedure: The batter's rear foot is parallel to the side of a batting cage and in contact with the net. The batter swings by taking her hands to the ball and keeping the bat barrel up. The bat should not touch the barrier on the swing.

Drill 2 - Look at Pitcher, Then Hit

Purpose: To practice refocusing from the pitcher to the point of contact.

Procedure: The batter at a T looks out at an imaginary pitcher and then refocuses on the T and takes a normal swing.

Drill 3 - Drop Toss

Purpose: To develop hand speed to the ball.

Procedure: The batter assumes her stance with a partner facing her with the ball held at should height. The batter tells the partner when to drop the ball. The partner releases the ball and pulls her arm up away from the strike zone. The batter takes a full swing. Read more.

=========
Thanks to our sponsors:



Joe Mauer Quick Swing Trainer
QuickSwingTrainer.com
How Does the Quick Swing Batting Trainer Work?
Joe Mauer Quick Swing Links
Video Demo of the Joe Mauer Quick Swing Baseball Batting Trainer


Jugs Small Ball Pitching Machine