Coaching Tips & Variations For Younger or Less-Skilled Players – Buy what used to be known as a Fat Albert Bat. It’s plastic and about 3 times diameter of a regulation-sized bat. Cost is less than $5.and is available at a K Mart or Wal Mart type store. It’s a great way to build confidence. Players get a kick out of how far they can hit ball too! Eventually, let them advance to their own game bat.

The Soft Toss Drill – This should be a staple for any team. Simply stated, “pitcher” kneels about 5 – 7 feet diagonally (a 45 degree angle) to front side of hitter and tosses underhanded toward front hip or thigh area in a small-to-no arc path. This is a great way to get alot of swings without all bad throws that happen when pitching from longer distances. It saves on pitching arm as well. The batter takes a minimum of 15-25 cuts. Take a break to retrieve balls when player’s swing begins to get sloppy or his breathing becomes labored.

Note: Pitcher must allow time between pitches for player to get his bat back to set position. This is extremely important for his timing as too fast will eventually equal lousy swings and may allow bad habits to invade.

Make It A Challenge & Make It A Game – Look for fun in any drill. Why be bored or feel like you are working when you don’t have to. Here’s a few quick , fun ideas…

Batting Average Game - Each player (or if one player, each rack of 20 swings) keeps track of how many good hits during each round of 20. Play it in 6 or 9 “innings”

Total Hits Game – Make each round a continuous total. Again play it in “innings”

Training Aids That Use The Small Ball Theory Here is most requested training tool at Baseball Tips.com. Check it out.

Personal Pitcher This training aid pitches golfball sized whiffle balls consistently at one speed. The player stands between 17 and 22 feet to change degree of difficulty. It is totally rechargeable and very quick to set up or break down. It is perfect for use where there is no power source, but also can be plugged into a wall socket. Two models for both younger and older players are available. We have packaged both machines so that customers can optionally choose some accessories at a savings. Priced between $189-319.

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#2 Defined Keep Your Hands Inside The Ball…What? Keep your hands 4-6 inches from your body throughout swing. Think about hitting inside half of baseball (the half that’s closest to you). This will train you to have a shorter, quicker stroke and will help keep balls straight and not allow them to hook foul…see Barry Bonds!

#3 Defined Use your wood bat instead of your game aluminum for tee work, soft toss, in a cage & when hitting live pitching & you’ll get results you’re looking for!

NOTES: Wood Increases Bat Speed! Bat Speed Equals Power!

In summary, any player or team that trains with wood will hit ball harder, plus increase contact and power over all who don’t. Ask any hitting coach.

Coaching Hint Kids, like adults, do not necessarily care for change. Get creative, make it cool like real ballplayers and they may accept it easier. Use marker to put their number on knob. Tape handle. Buy some stick-em. Have them use a permanent marker and put their "Signature on business end."

The Rules Since January 1, 2001, high school players nationwide must use bats that weigh no less than 3 oz. of their length (meaning a 33" bat can't weigh less than 30 oz.). The barrel diameters have shrunk from 2-3/4" to 2-5/8" and exit velocities were changed so that batted balls don’t "jump" off bat as quickly. In other words, these bats more resemble performance of wood.

Younger players take note! The college bat rules have changed, high schools have changed, and changes may not be finished. So, train with wood and you will win with aluminum.

Where To Buy Wood Bats Need ‘em cheap? - Try a Kmart or Walmart for around $25.00.

Need ‘em great? - We carry Brett Bats (yes, that Brett family) Check ‘em out.

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