The basic equipment used in a baseball game consists of a bat, a glove, and a ball. Other equipment can help players train outside of game settings, though. Here are some of the most effective baseball training equipment that can help you or your players.

Pitcher's Pocket Target

A pitcher's pocket helps pitchers improve their throwing accuracy by showing precisely where a pitch enters the strike zone. The target sits behind a home plate and has an outside border that denotes the strike area. A grid within this area breaks the strike area into boxes that the pitcher can aim for.

This target can be used in replacement of a catcher when one is training, or it can be used in conjunction with catchers to check accuracy.

Training Glove

A training glove is a baseball glove that's oversized and flattened. It resembles a pancake when made from traditional tan leather.

This type of glove is primarily used by infielders for defensive training. The oversized glove makes catching balls easier, but it also forces players to more intentionally transfer the ball from their catching hand to their throwing one. The muscle memory that's built will translate to faster transitions between hands during games.

Weighted Baseball

A weighted baseball is approximately the same size as a standard baseball, but it's weighted in the center. The heavier weight helps pitchers build strength as they throw it, and it also helps batters strengthen their swings. Outfielders can also improve their throwing distance when throwing from the outfield.

The added weight of the ball makes a real baseball feel lighter and easier to use. This training ball has the added benefit that multipliers can train with it simultaneously. A pitcher, batter, and outfielder can all use the ball.

Mechanical Pitching Machine

A mechanical pitching machine lets batters practice their swing when no pitcher is around. The machine can pitch one ball after another, thus providing many batting opportunities within a relatively short time period. Because the machine consistently pitches the same pitch, it can also be targeted to practice hitting pitches that are in a certain area of the strike box.

Pitching Practice Ball

A pitching practice ball has the fingerings for different pitches on it. For example, the fingerings for a fastball, a curveball, and a slider are all coded with different colors. The color system helps novice pitchers early in their training before they know how to hold the ball.

If you would like to know more about baseball training, contact a training program near you.

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