• If you’re a coach who is trying make his team better or a parent who wants to give your child a competitive advantage then using youth baseball training aids will get you on your way
• Baseball training tools include batting tees, batting cages, pitching machines, rebound screens and portable mounds
• While all these baseball training aids will be helpful in increasing skills be sure to include some fitness

We keep it real here at Electro-Mech, because we’re more than just an electronic baseball scoreboards manufacturer. We have a passion for sports and providing you with the most up to date sports news information, even when it concerns training your tyke for the little leagues, as this article will cover. Just read on and you’ll see what we mean.

Youth Baseball Training Aids

Batting Tees

Too many coaches, parents, and players disregard the batting tee as an effective baseball training aid. It’s thought of as a beginner tool to be used with little children. The fact of the matter is it’s effective for creating an easy, smooth swing that is so important in making full contact. It should be noted that baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn used a batting tee as part of his batting program to get ready for preseason. These baseball training tools help develop the muscle control needed for a controlled swing.

Pitching Machines

A pitching machine is ideal for the multi-tasking coach and really, what coach doesn’t perform multiple tasks at once. These are useful youth baseball training aids that allow coaches to hold batting practice without tying up your pitchers in the process. You can then work closely with your pitchers on a one-on-one basis.

Rebound Screens

These baseball training aids help increase reflexes in young players. We used to throw a tennis ball against a brick wall when we were kids. This screen allows the player to throw the ball at flexible netting and catch the rebound. These are especially effective for your infield players.

Portable Pitching Mounds

These baseball training tools are ideal for indoor use but can be used outside as well. During the off-season and possibly during pre-season the portable pitching mound can be set up in a gymnasium to give pitchers the proper environment. They can also be used on the field to allow multiple pitchers to practice at one time. You don’t want your pitcher to practice on a flat surface and then attempt to pitch from a mound in a game…the dynamics are different and can throw them off.

Fitness Training in Baseball

To be the most effective at playing baseball one needs to develop explosive power. Much of the game is about waiting for something to happen and then reacting forcefully. A pitcher goes into their windup slowly and then “explodes” into his pitch. A hitter waits for the pitch and powerfully torques his body to try to hit the ball. A base runner leads off the base and then sprints to the next base. Here are a few fitness training aids that will help build that power.

• Interval Training will develop the fast-twitch muscle fibers needed for explosive speed. The basic premise is to have your charges sprint for 30 seconds followed by a 90 second jog. Repeat this process for about 10 minutes. It will increase lung capacity, oxygen efficiency, and power.

• Power Squats are performed the same as the usual squats with one twist. You begin by squatting to a sitting position and when you begin to rise up you explode into the air as high as you can jump. Repeat 10 – 20 times.