12 Baseball and Softball Batting Cage Buying Tips

12 Baseball and Softball Batting Cage Buying Tips
By guest author: Nick Dixon


There are some basic points that you must know before buying a batting cage. When you buy a batting cage you are making an investment that should provide you with years and years of top quality batting practice. Here I discuss what I believe are the 12 most important things to consider when you purchase your home, team, school or backyard batting cage. Remember these batting cage buying basics:

1. Batting cages nets come in a variety of sizes but they are all rectangles. The net itself must have square corners to save construction time and cost. The sizes of a cage vary with the length, width, and height of the netting. Be careful about buying cages that are too narrow. These cages do not allow older batters to take a comfortable swing and finish. The greater the width and height of the batting cage, the better sensation a batter has when a ball is hit. The wider and higher cages allow the batter to read the path of the ball when it comes off the bat. A short and narrow cage tends to "smother" a hitter. The higher and wider cages are also safer for the coach, player or parent throwing batting practice.

2. Batting cage netting is most commonly available in three common twine sizes which are #21, #36, and #42. The lower the number, the smaller the twine used in construction and the lighter-weight the cage will be. Heavy-duty cages such as the #42 better withstand the elements of time and use therefore they offer more durability and added years of use.

3. Batting cages are most often available in black. The twine is dyed black and UV is added to the netting. Black cages seem to last longer and in my opinion, they look better.

4. When you buy a batting cage do not just consider the cost of the cage, but you must also calculate the cost of shipping. Many companies have shipping managers that provide you with an added service of securing the lowest shipping cost possible.

5. All cages require a support structure from which the cage will be hung. The longer the cage, the more support sections that will be required to hold it in place. The smaller and more light-weight a batting cage is, the less support structure it must have. You can plan on putting a support section at both ends and every 20 feet, if you want your cage to be hung adequately without a lot of droop. So a batting cage60 feet long would require at least 4 supports for a heavy-duty net and you may get by with three supports for a light-weight net. You may also need cable or heavy duty rope suspended between your supports to maximize cage support.

6. You can not fit your space to the batting cage. You must fit your batting cage to the space you have available. Step off you or measure the area you have available. Make sure to order a batting cage that will best suit your available space. Do not allow space to deter your commitment to a batting cage purchase. Small cages in the 35, 40, and 50 foot lengths are long enough to allow great batting practice work.

7. Your chosen area must be level and it must drain well. If you can afford the additional cost, you may want to add a floor to your cage. There are two materials that make a great floor. Cement or concrete is the most costly. You may want to cover your hitting zone with indoor-outdoor carpet to extend the life of your leather baseballs. If you use rubber pitching machine balls in a pitching machine, they will withstand the abrasive properties of the cement cage floor. Another great floor alternative is to use weather treated 2 x 4s to build a raised floor. You will border all sides and ends of your batting cage floor with the 2x4s and stake them into place. You will then fill the inside floor area with a commonly used infield material, crushed stone. This provides a raised dry hitting surface that will offer a safe and less abrasive surface upon which to hit.

8. You are going to need to purchase a protection L-screen to protect the pitchers throwing batting practice. Make sure that your L-screen is a sock style made of at least #42 netting to insure that it will withstand the heavy-duty abuse it will be subjected to. A square protective screen is also a great investment to consider if you will be using a pitching machine often. There are screens specially designed to protect the person operating the pitching machine.

9. You will need a plate for batter and pitcher reference during batting practice. The pitcher will use the plate to throw the various pitch locations and the batter will use it to adjust to certain situational hitting drills. If your cage has a suitable floor, you may want to paint a plate and batters box to add a much appreciated feature.

10. You will need a power source if you have plans to light your cage and to use a pitching machine. Make sure that you can reach a source with extension cords or run a permanent source if you can do so safely.

11. If you have additional questions or need additional assistance, shop with a company that takes orders by phone. This allows your to ask questions and get answers. Depending on the description and details listed on a website, may cause you to order a cage that is not suitable for your needs. Most reputable batting cage companies have toll-free phone numbers and a staff available during business hours to offer you advice and information before you buy.

12. For many families the best and most user-friendly and trouble-free approach to buying a batting cage is to buy a complete batting cage package. These packages contain the net size and weight of your choice and a batting cage frame specifically designed to match the net. These packages are easy to assemble. Most of these batting cage packages can be assembled by two persons with about 2 hours of work. These batting cage packages can easily be taken down in the off-season and stored if there is a need to do so. Many of these packages include everything you need including the protection "L" screen. When the package arrives, all you have to do is carefully read and follow the step-by-step instructions to assemble your new batting cage.

Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest Blog for daily post and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball. The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog. Check out BattingCagesDirect.com for top quality batting cages at discount prices. They specialize in complete batting cage kits with net and frame included for one low price.

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

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Building a Batting Cage

Building a Batting Cage
By guest author: Jason Gluckman

Batting cages are mostly used by baseball or softball coaches and players for practice. There are several types of batting cages, including indoor, outdoor, portable, and tunnel batting cages. Completely enclosed batting cages need more space. There is a simple net behind the batsman.

Weather is an important factor in choosing a batting cage. Indoor batting cages are required if the weather is bad. Portable batting cages are useful for players who frequently participate in games; they can practice any time with the portable cage.

In order to build a batting cage, one must understand its main features. The netting and frame are the two important features of a batting cage. The frame used in a batting cage is constructed with high-strength, adjustable aluminum tubes. In outdoor batting cages, the frame is coated with a special weather?resistant powder coating. Manufacturers are conducting tests with batting cage materials for strength and durability. The material used for netting should be durable enough to withstand adverse weather conditions. The net material may be chosen according to the application. The netting used is often black in color. Nylon material is used for netting in indoor batting cages. Polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyester Kevlar, and KVX200 are other common netting materials. Batting cage nettings now available are weather coated with polyurethane and water repellants and spray-coated with resins to ensure longer life. Construction is another factor that determines the durability of a batting cage.

Flooring is usually made of polypropylene stretchable material attached to the net. The cage entrance needs black PVC-coated chain link. Some batting cages use pitching machines, which are either coin- or token-operated pitching machines. The number of pitches in the machine can be selected. Pneumatic ball return systems automatically return the balls to the pitching machine.

Many dealers provide do-it-yourself batting cage kits with proper instructions, which contain all the materials for a standard batting cage.

Batting Cages provides detailed information on Batting Cages, Indoor Batting Cages, Outdoor Batting Cages, Batting Cages Equipment and more. Batting Cages is affiliated with Cheap Baseball Tickets.

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

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Baseball Hitting Like a Pro

Baseball Hitting Like a Pro
By guest author: Jack D. Elliott

Baseball Hitting is very challenging. Professional hitters are considered good if they get a hit 3 out of every 10 at bats. This essentially means they fail 70% of the time. With this type of rejection rate, it is easy to see why younger players can get frustrated with limited results. The good news is this will not be you if you are willing to put in some practice and apply our tips.

1. Get Lessons From a Top Baseball Hitting Instructor early in your career. A good hitting coach can help improve your swing and teach you the proper mechanics from the very start of your career. This will save you time and energy by doing it the right way first. Although the cost of the lessons may seem initially high, this will be quickly recouped when you start to see your batting average rise and begin to hit them deep.

2. Practice your Swing daily. Never let a lack of access to the batting cage or batting practice prevent you from practicing your swing. Just simply swinging the bat 100 times each day will provide loads of benefits for you. This repetitive practice will make your swing more natural and automatic in games and you will end up having some additional benefits of gradual improvements in your bat speed and arm strength.

3. Review your Swing regularly. Be sure to videotape your swing and determine if you are picking up bad habits. Also, periodically follow-up with your hitting instructor. This should be an ongoing relationship where he acts your mentor. You can provide him with the tape and he can point what he thinks maybe some things you can focus on.

4. Be loyal to your Hitting Coach. Although it may seem like a good idea to ask for multiple opinions on your swing, it is best to take advice only from one or two people. If you have chosen a top hitting coach from the start, it only makes sense to take your cues from him and follow his advice. Avoid other well intentioned advice from less experienced players and coaches if it is in conflict with your hitting coach. Remember your hitting coach's advice only helps you if you follow it.

5. Practice Bat Speed Drills. Plyometric exercises can go a long way toward developing your fast twitch muscles. This is very important in your batting swing where bat speed is determined by how fast your fast twitch arm muscles respond. By simply swinging lighter bats, you will begin teaching your fast twitch muscles valuable muscle memory. This will translate into faster bat speed when using your regular bat in games.

6. Mental Preparation is key. Much like a pitcher must learn to block out all background noise. You too must learn to block everything else out except for the delivery of the baseball. By simply repeating a simple mantra like "See the ball" again and again while you are batting, you will find your concentration improves and the background noise is filtered out. This improved concentration will translate into more consistent hitting for you.

These tips and drills are a good starting point to improve your hitting. However, to get the maximum benefits out of your hitting, you will need more specific Baseball Hitting Tips To get more tips like the ones in this article, please click on http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_D._Elliott

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12 Baseball and Softball Batting Cage Buying Tips

12 Baseball and Softball Batting Cage Buying Tips
By guest author: Nick Dixon

There are some basic points that you must know before buying a batting cage. When you buy a batting cage you are making an investment that should provide you with years and years of top quality batting practice. Here I discuss what I believe are the 12 most important things to consider when you purchase your home, team, school or backyard batting cage. Remember these batting cage buying basics:

1. Batting cages nets come in a variety of sizes but they are all rectangles. The net itself must have square corners to save construction time and cost. The sizes of a cage vary with the length, width, and height of the netting. Be careful about buying cages that are too narrow. These cages do not allow older batters to take a comfortable swing and finish. The greater the width and height of the batting cage, the better sensation a batter has when a ball is hit. The wider and higher cages allow the batter to read the path of the ball when it comes off the bat. A short and narrow cage tends to "smother" a hitter. The higher and wider cages are also safer for the coach, player or parent throwing batting practice.

2. Batting cage netting is most commonly available in three common twine sizes which are #21, #36, and #42. The lower the number, the smaller the twine used in construction and the lighter-weight the cage will be. Heavy-duty cages such as the #42 better withstand the elements of time and use therefore they offer more durability and added years of use.

3. Batting cages are most often available in black. The twine is dyed black and UV is added to the netting. Black cages seem to last longer and in my opinion, they look better.

4. When you buy a batting cage do not just consider the cost of the cage, but you must also calculate the cost of shipping. Many companies have shipping managers that provide you with an added service of securing the lowest shipping cost possible.

5. All cages require a support structure from which the cage will be hung. The longer the cage, the more support sections that will be required to hold it in place. The smaller and more light-weight a batting cage is, the less support structure it must have. You can plan on putting a support section at both ends and every 20 feet, if you want your cage to be hung adequately without a lot of droop. So a batting cage60 feet long would require at least 4 supports for a heavy-duty net and you may get by with three supports for a light-weight net. You may also need cable or heavy duty rope suspended between your supports to maximize cage support.

6. You can not fit your space to the batting cage. You must fit your batting cage to the space you have available. Step off you or measure the area you have available. Make sure to order a batting cage that will best suit your available space. Do not allow space to deter your commitment to a batting cage purchase. Small cages in the 35, 40, and 50 foot lengths are long enough to allow great batting practice work.

7. Your chosen area must be level and it must drain well. If you can afford the additional cost, you may want to add a floor to your cage. There are two materials that make a great floor. Cement or concrete is the most costly. You may want to cover your hitting zone with indoor-outdoor carpet to extend the life of your leather baseballs. If you use rubber pitching machine balls in a pitching machine, they will withstand the abrasive properties of the cement cage floor. Another great floor alternative is to use weather treated 2 x 4s to build a raised floor. You will border all sides and ends of your batting cage floor with the 2x4s and stake them into place. You will then fill the inside floor area with a commonly used infield material, crushed stone. This provides a raised dry hitting surface that will offer a safe and less abrasive surface upon which to hit.

8. You are going to need to purchase a protection L-screen to protect the pitchers throwing batting practice. Make sure that your L-screen is a sock style made of at least #42 netting to insure that it will withstand the heavy-duty abuse it will be subjected to. A square protective screen is also a great investment to consider if you will be using a pitching machine often. There are screens specially designed to protect the person operating the pitching machine.

9. You will need a plate for batter and pitcher reference during batting practice. The pitcher will use the plate to throw the various pitch locations and the batter will use it to adjust to certain situational hitting drills. If your cage has a suitable floor, you may want to paint a plate and batters box to add a much appreciated feature.

10. You will need a power source if you have plans to light your cage and to use a pitching machine. Make sure that you can reach a source with extension cords or run a permanent source if you can do so safely.

11. If you have additional questions or need additional assistance, shop with a company that takes orders by phone. This allows your to ask questions and get answers. Depending on the description and details listed on a website, may cause you to order a cage that is not suitable for your needs. Most reputable batting cage companies have toll-free phone numbers and a staff available during business hours to offer you advice and information before you buy.

12. For many families the best and most user-friendly and trouble-free approach to buying a batting cage is to buy a complete batting cage package. These packages contain the net size and weight of your choice and a batting cage frame specifically designed to match the net. These packages are easy to assemble. Most of these batting cage packages can be assembled by two persons with about 2 hours of work. These batting cage packages can easily be taken down in the off-season and stored if there is a need to do so. Many of these packages include everything you need including the protection "L" screen. When the package arrives, all you have to do is carefully read and follow the step-by-step instructions to assemble your new batting cage.

Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest Blog for daily post and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball. The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog. Check out BattingCagesDirect.com for top quality batting cages at discount prices. They specialize in complete batting cage kits with net and frame included for one low price.

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

==================
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Baseball Batting Drills: Batting Cage

Baseball Batting Drills: Batting Cage
By guest author: Jeffery A Wise

If you're looking for good baseball batting drills, there are plenty out there. Drills are important because they make players better hitters. You should always participate in hitting drills before you take live batting practice. They will help you with your hitting mechanics before you ever step into the batter's box. While there are many drills, it's good to give detailed attention to one at a time.

Batting drills can literally be practiced anywhere and at any time, including at home, the ball field, batting cages or the park. If you have the right equipment it will be no problem.

In previous articles we have briefly mentioned a drill known as the underhand toss drill. What you will need for this drill are baseballs, protective screens and either a batting cage or protective netting.

For this drill the coach, parent or teammate helping you doesn't have to kneel to the side. Place a protective screen 10 feet or more away from the hitter with the netting approximately a foot away from the hitter. So, if you're in a batting cage, the batter is positioned very close to the back netting.

The pitcher should underhand to toss the ball as level as possible and allow the hitter to take his swings. You should underhand toss the baseball several times each to the outside, inside and down the middle of the plate. As the hitter, practice hitting the ball to the opposite field, center field and right field, depending on where the ball is pitched.

With the batter so close to the back of the netting, it will help him learn how to have a more compact swing. Without a compact swing, he will most likely hit the netting when he swings. Considered one of the best baseball batting drills, it has been proven to help many players with their hitting mechanics.

Remember that the reason to do baseball batting drills is to give you skills and talent to become the baseball player you want to be. Download free hitting videos with tips and instructions you need to get started quickly by visiting Baseball Hitting and learn how to hit the baseball better.

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

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Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Batting Cage - Its Types

Batting Cage - Its Types
By guest author: Nancy Chin


A batting cage is generally used to practice batting skills for the game of baseball. It is a netted cage that encloses a particular area to catch the balls. A home batting cage is also referred to as backyard batting cage. It is very useful for those who need regular practice as they can skip out on long waiting hours at the sports complex and also save up on traveling time.

When one decides to purchase a home kit, he should make considerations such as, the space available to set it up, the period of use, whether temporary or permanent, and also the perfect pitching distance. Some ideal pitching distances can be seen as follows.

Pinto - 38 ft
Mustang - 44 ft
Little league - 46 ft
Bronco - 48 ft
Pony - 54 ft
Pro/ College/ High school - 60.6 ft

The size of depends on specific requirements for example if you require a pitching machine you would need more space. Whereas a batting cage for T- ball would require very less space. Batting cages are made of different materials for different purposes, for example, if you need to set up one outside, in the sunlight, material suggested is polyethylene. This material is also best for backyard use. Setting up of a cage does not take long, after the ground sleeves are cemented in, it should take roughly one or two hours to finish installing the frame. While using a pitching machine, it is advised to use a backstop. This helps to prevent damages done to the net. This can be used if the pitching machine is at 60 mph or less. For machines more than 80 mph it is advised to choose twisted poly and nylon.

Netting can either be twisted or knitted. Twisted netting is a stronger type of netting, it has knots and includes three strands together. These are hung on squares. Knitted netting in knitted like golf netting. I does not let the balls to escape through them. It is recommended for under high school level baseball. These are hung on diamonds which increases the stretch from all sides.

Batting cages can either be nylon or poly. In case of an indoor one, it is advised to use a nylon cage net. This material is stronger than poly. If outdoor batting is the choice, then one should use poly batting nets.

Our entire selection of pitching machines & batting cages are on sale now. Also enjoy free shipping on your baseball pitching machine, softball pitching machine, or batting cage this week only.

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




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Baseball2u.com/CoachesBest.com is the ultimate online baseball training and coaching store. With over 1400 products organized into categories Baseball2u.com makes finding that baseball training product easy and simple. Order securely online or by phone. Baseball2u.com is a fully licensed company and has a full time staff available from 8:00 to 5:00 CST. Their toll free customer service number is 1-877-431-4487.

The Categories they have are: BatAction Hitting Machines, Hurricane Hitting Machines, Batting Cages, Pitching Machines, Jugs Equipment, Game and Practice Baseballs, Protective Practice Screens and Nets, Portable Pitching Mounds, Baseball DVDs & Books, Clearance Items on Sales, NEDCO Bataction Replacement Parts, Baseball Training Equipment, Youth Baseball Training Equipment, Training Bats, Pitching & Throwing Trainers, Defensive Trainers, SKLZ Hurricane Replacement Parts and Much Much More! Visit Baseball2U.com today!

Baseball And Softball: How to Hang a Batting Cage Netting

Baseball And Softball: How to Hang a Batting Cage Netting
By guest author: Isi Morales

How to Hang a Batting Cage Net!

1. You need to understand the difference between closed and open mesh. Read Mesh Instructions.

2. Be careful not to cut or pull the ropes out of your net when you open it up.

3. Your net is ___ ft. tall, ___ ft. wide, and ____ ft. long. If you want to check this you can count the mesh. Remember, the net takes a dip every time you hang it on a stanchion so do not make your cage longer than ____ ft.

4. You have 3 ropes laced at the top of your net. The 3 ropes are marked in the drawing below and we call them ROPE 1, ROPE 2, and ROPE 3. Notice ROPE 1 has 2 loops and 2 tails. The 2 loops are at the end that you are going to hang first. Notice that they are marked with a YELLOW tie. Just lift the loops up on the hooks inside your end frame.

5. Now go to the next stanchion and lift the net up on the next set of hooks, and proceed until you get to the end of your cage. ROPE 2 has 2 loops that are ____ ft. apart. They are marked with 2 red tapes. Lift them up on your end stanchion.

6. Now you can pull the tails of ROPE 1 to lift your net up. Tie it off when you get it where you want it. If you notice the net is uneven in some places and looks like it is not touching the ground, don't be alarmed. All you have to do is slide the net on the rope and bring more mesh into that area and you will see the net drop to the ground. Study the mesh pattern of your net and make sure the mesh are OPEN.

7. You are going to have to play with your net making adjustments to get it the way you want it. If you need more weight at the bottom we carry a chain that can help hold the balls in, but most people just leave extra net on the ground to trap the balls.

8. Tie off the center rope to give the net more support to lift it up in the center.

9. Just a few tips: nets last a lot longer if you take them down in the winter. Consider putting an impact screen behind home plate to take the impact off the net where it get pounded.

10. If you need assistance, first scratch your head, drink 2 cups of coffee, and then call contact us, and we'll try to help you out. The first time is always the hardest!

I morales
http://www.moralesgarage.com Owner

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


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Baseball Coaching Digest: 12 Strange Examples of Baseball Lingo

Baseball Coaching Digest: 12 Strange Examples of Baseball Lingo
By guest author: Nick Dixon

Baseball is a great sport. It truly is America's Game. Baseball coaches and players know and love the game. They even have their own language, lingo or jargon. This article takes a look at 12 strange baseball terms and phases and their meaning. You will enjoy this inside look at the game and the lingo that is spoken.

Baseball Coaches and Players have many "sayings" and jargon that may seem extremely strange to a lay person that is not familiar to the game.

Here Are A Dozen Examples of Strange Baseball Jargon

1. Air Mail - Used to refer a fielder's wild throw that is thrown high over the player to whom he is throwing the ball to. For example, if the shortstop were to throw the ball over the first baseman's head and into the dugout, he is said to have "air mailed" the throw.
2. Aspirin Tablet - Slang for a fastball that is especially hard to hit due to its velocity and/or movement. When a batter is in a slump the ball appears much smaller. Means the opposite of the saying that "I am seeing the ball so well that every pitch looks like a grapefruit or beach ball".
3. Baltimore Chop - A technique of hitting that utilizes a short downward swing. The purpose is to make the ball bounce off home plate or the packed dirt in front of the plate. The goal is to produce a bounce high enough so that, even if the ball can be fielded by an infielder the batter will reach first for a base hit.
4. Banjo Hitter - A batter who lacks power. The name is said to come from the twanging sound of the bat at contact, like that of a banjo. A banjo hitter usually hits blooper singles, often just past the infield dirt, and would have a low slugging percentage.
5. Bread and Butter - Refers to what a player does best or what the players relies on to be successful. A player's greatest or most reliable skill. For example: "The slider is a pitcher's bread and butter pitch."
6. Bush League - Used to describe play, actions or behavior that is considered to be of poor quality or unprofessional quality. The "bush" refers to occurrences in rural small towns and communities.
7. Can of Corn - A fly ball that is easily caught. It is believed that the phrase came from the act of a general store clerk reaching up, tipping and catching cans from a shelf to fill a customer order. The reason a can of corn was considered the easiest "catch" because in those days the can of corn was the most popular vegetable sold in a can so the cans of corn were heavily stocked on the lowest shelves.
8. Cement Mixer - A pitch fails to break and ends up hanging in the strike zone; an unintentional slow fastball with side spin resembling a fixed-axis spinning cement mixer, which does not translate. It is a pitch thrown with the intent of breaking it out of the strike zone but it failed to do so.
9. Climbing the Ladder - A technique or strategy by which a pitcher throws several pitches back-to-back out of the strike zone, each higher than the last, in an attempt to get the batter to "chase" or swing at a pitch "in his eyes."
10. Daisy Cutter - Refers to a hard-hit ground ball that stays just above the grass and close enough to the grass to theoretically be able to cut the tops off daisies that might be growing on the field.
11. Humpback Liner - Used to describe a ball hit deep in the infield that has a trajectory in between that of a fly ball and a line drive. While not the hardest hit, these types of balls can be hard for infielders to get to if they are not in double-play depth. These type balls often fall in for hits, but the extra topspin on the ball makes them take a dive before they can get to the outfield.
12. Went Fishing - The batter reaches across the plate in an attempt to hit an outside pitch. He chased a pitch that was so far outside that he could not reach it. It is often said that batter "went fishing".

As you can see from reading the examples above sometimes baseball people speak a different language. I hope that you enjoyed this article and found it to be informative. You can find more articles like it at the Baseball Coaching Digest and the Baseball Coaching Digest Blog. Thanks for reading my article. Have a great day, Nick.

The Baseball2u.com Baseball Store has a great selection of 1400 Baseball Products. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. Available now for just $119.95 + S&H.

Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Dixon coaches at Boaz High in Boaz Alabama. Dixon is a member of the American Baseball Coahes Association and Alabama Baseball Coaches Association.

Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and his latest new product, the Batting Cage Door System.

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

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Overcoming the Fear of Being Hit by the Baseball

Overcoming the Fear of Being Hit by the Baseball
By guest author: Jim Bain

Seems all young baseball players want to be a pitcher, the man who controls the game and who is involved in every play of the game. No day dreaming in the outfield if you're pitching.

Ever wonder why very few players want to be a catcher, who being the second half of the pitching battery, is every bit as important and involved as the pitcher?

Ever cross your mind that maybe the players are afraid of being hurt if they became a catcher? That's not to say every player should want to be a catcher or are afraid, but what about the strong armed kid who runs like a tortoise, making him an excellent candidate for the tools of ignorance, but who shivers when you suggest he try it.

Fear of the baseball is not an uncommon issue with younger aged players, for example, some players will give a coach heartburn all season long because they bail out of the batters box as soon as the pitcher releases the ball.

Fear is a natural instinct God gave us to protect ourselves from our own ignorance, but fear of the baseball can be overcome. The coach is charged with that responsibility and it's a hefty one, but totally achievable with a little patience and coaching.

Let's briefly, without getting into a bunch of physiological mumble jumble, look at why a player is afraid of the baseball. Simply put, he's afraid it will hurt if he gets hit. Pretty basic human stuff, no different than you not wanting to hit your thumb with a hammer; it'll hurt.

Obviously our job is to eliminate that fear by showing the player, if properly equipped, getting hit by the baseball will not hurt.

Let's look at a drill specifically designed to eliminate fear of being hit by the baseball for a prospective candidate for the catching position.

A coach, with an accurate throwing arm, is essential for this drill or don't even try it. The drill is intended to eliminate fear, not intensify it, and a badly placed throw could do just that.

Help the player put on his full complement of protective catching gear. Assist even if the player knows how to don the equipment because you want to establish a "I'm with you every step of the way" and there's nothing to fear attitude.

Joking and kidding around with the player is a crucial part of the mental game, as humor replaces fear. A human can not properly experience two conflicting emotions at the same time.

Have the catcher go to the catcher's position behind home plate, but have him stand instead of squatting and instruct him he is not to catch the balls, but rather let them hit him. The coach will stand 20' to 30' in front of him as the pitcher, with a bucket of rubber balls. Do not use tennis balls if possible, they are not as effective for this drill as harder rubber balls are.

This is where accuracy is essential on the coach's part. Begin throwing the rubber balls, at medium speed, at the player hitting him in different parts of his equipment.

After 20 to 30 throws have the catcher assume the squatting position and throw another 20 to 30 pitches hitting him in every piece of equipment, including the mask, as possible.

Most players will overcome their fear of being hurt after one drill session, some require two and others never will adapt. And that's OK. If just one kid overcomes his fear, you have been successful and if nobody overcomes the fear, you've still helped them overcome the fear of being hit by a pitch while batting.

Two requirements to never forget are, an accurate throwing arm is a must and always be sure the player protects his hands during the drill.

Jim (Coach) Bain is a former Minor League Baseball Player and successful Coach of Youth Baseball for over a decade and a half. He has drawn from fellow successful coaches' experiences and combined them with his own extensive experience to create a Baseball Teaching Website. The site is packed with 100s of tips, drills, history and instruction on how to play and coach the game of baseball.
http://www.Learn-Youth-Baseball-Coaching.com

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Major League - Famous Baseball Movie You Should Watch

Major League - Famous Baseball Movie You Should Watch
By guest author: Suzie Sanchez

Baseball, being the most popular game in the U.S. has been made as the main theme of several movies that have left good impressions in the hearts and minds of people. Everyone had a good laugh, some tears, and heartwarming memories brought about by baseball movies. In fact, for those who were not actually that fond of baseball; these movies paved the way into having more baseball fans.

There have been a lot of movies that have depicted the heart of the game of baseball. One notable movie is Major League. If you still haven't watched this movie, then you surely have been missing out a lot.

Major League is a movie that focuses on a losing baseball team in Cleveland. Their players were so lousy that if force the coach to look for some players who were not actually professionals. These players consist of a convict, a voodoo practitioner, a baseball has-been, and some other incidentally far-out players. The crazy stuff they did together, the process of training them, and the hilarious ways that they were able to overcome their differences and weaknesses made the movie really awesome.

Most baseball players could relate to those in the team since they all reflect the human side of baseball. The part where they have to train themselves really hard just to achieve their goal of winning and keeping the team was a glorious appreciation of the human will.

Major League 1 focused on the story of a has-been who felt that he could no longer be the same player he used to due to a leg injury. But the time came that he was finally able to overcome the feeling. He was able to put his act back together again with the help of his team.

The sequel of Major League 1, the Major League 2, was another great story. This time around, it focused on the same ex-convict pitcher who succumbed to the glitz and glamour of famous personalities. It got over his head that he no longer practiced for the game like he used to. Soon enough, his game started to fail, and the team suffered heavily. Luckily, concerned people never stopped caring, and soon he was able to revert back to his old self, which assured the team's success in a major event they joined later on.

Although movies are simply for entertainment, yet they often depict what is really happening in real life. Like the Major League 1 and 2, baseball movies would always tug at the hearts of people. And, it would also be something that would constantly remind baseball players and fans of what baseball really is all about.

Suzie has been writing articles on interesting topics including sports, relationships and family. Her new interests are in duvet covers such as zebra duvet cover and girls duvet covers.

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How to Get Better at Baseball

How to Get Better at Baseball
By guest author: Jack Perconte

How to get better at baseball? Of course, the easy answer is to play as much as possible. Increased play however does not guarantee that a ball player will get better. The secret lies in the quality of practice and play. Performing a skill numerous times and playing in games without the correct fundamentals only leads to tired ball players. Coaches and parents should stress quality first. Quantity is good only if the skill is being done correctly. Parents may have to search out a baseball coaching specialist in order to find out the correct fundamentals and drills that will help develop correct baseball skills. In my opinion, it is well worth it to get this information at a young age if baseball appears to be their favorite sport. Once bad habits are formed, they become much more difficult to change. Correct fundamentals, formed early in their career, will to give baseball players their best chance at success and reaching their potential. With this in mind following are other suggestions for helping players get better at baseball.

1. Observe - Young ball players should be encouraged to watch fundamentally sound players and picture those good actions in their own mind. Most behavioral experts will tell you how important this "visualization" is to improving performance. Putting a good fundamental picture in their mind and then trying to perform that action can help skill development. Watching good players performing a skill over and over will lead to quality practice time.

2. Make practice fun - Playing in games is usually fun for kids at least up to a certain age or competition level. Coaches and parents who can make practice fun go a long way to developing hard working, dedicated baseball players.

3. Teach strategy - It is one thing to know how to hit, field and throw and another to know the strategic details of the game. Good coaches teach game "know-how," also.

4. Play with good players - Playing with higher caliber players can bring out the best in players. Of course, some players may become over matched with this suggestion.

5. Encourage old fashioned neighborhood play - Teaching kids how to play baseball skill games like in the old days (when I grew up) is important. Playing pitch and hit, three flies up, pickle, pepper, etc... with a couple of friends can help players. Using safer baseballs in crowded areas can help encourage play when an open field is unavailable.

Often, I hear dads complain that their kids do not play baseball unless it is with their organized league. Part of the problem is that parents have not done a good job of passing along some of those above mentioned, small group games that were so much fun and helpful.

Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball hitting lessons advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball Jack is the author of two books, The Making of a Hitter and Raising an Athlete - his parenting blog can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com

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

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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.

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