There are a number of different types of pitching machines available. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can use 3 different types of propulsion methods. Some are portable and some are stationary. Some have the option to throw both soft balls and baseballs. Some do not. Most have the ability to change the speed at which the ball is thrown and the angle or pitch that it is released. Finally, pitching machines can cost any where from $150 to over $3000.
If you're looking to buy a baseball-pitching machine for your baseball league or for your own personal use you might be overwhelmed with the variety of machines. If you have a particular budget you need to consider or a specific requirement you need meet, then you will need some background information on some of the most common types of base ball or soft ball pitching machines. This article will briefly outline some of the most common types.
Motorized - The motorized pitching machines are the most common type. They consist of 2 rubber wheels, one on top of the other, spinning in opposite directions. Then they have some sort of feeder that drops or rolls the baseball or softball one at a time, in between the 2 wheels. The ball gets caught in between the two wheels and propelled outward at speeds depending on how fast the wheels are spinning. Speed ranges usually depend on the quality of product, but can be anywhere from 25 - 105 MPH.
Some machines can even throw specific pitches such as fastballs, curves, sliders and knuckleballs.
Motorized machines need electricity to run, usually have many moving parts, and are generally only used for batting practice, not catching practice. The also can be quite heavy and dangerous.
Air Propulsion - Unlike the Motorized pitching machines, the air powered pitching machines generally run off a battery, are much safer, and extremely versatile. They can be used for catching and batting practice, with the ability to launch fly balls over 125 feet high. They can be used for both softball and baseballs and are usually very light and portable. The balls are loaded in the same fashion but this time it is not 2 wheels that launches the balls, instead it is compressed air. This means this machine requires a lot less mantience.
Most air propulsion pitching machines cannot throw a variety of specific pitches like the motorized machines can. They usually can't reach the high-end speeds either.
Mechanical - This type of pitching machine is basically a mechanical throwing arm. The balls are feed with an auto feeder like the other machines, but they land onto an arm that acts as a catapulted and "flings" the ball with the same type of speed and accuracy as the other machines. Some of these machines are motorized and some are a simple man operated stand. One person would feed the machine, cock the arm, and pull the release lever.
Like the air propulsion pitching machines, most mechanical arm pitching machines cannot throw a variety of specific pitches like the motorized machines can and they usually cant reach the high end speeds either.
So as you can see you definitely have your choices when it comes to base ball or softball pitching machines. I hope this article gave you a general understanding of pitching machines and gave you enough info to send you on your way shopping. Cheers!
Ethan k. Roberts runs a pitching machine blog and website. For more information on softball and baseball pitching machines visit http://pitching-machine-resources.info
Note to publishers: You are free to republish this article in its entirety, as long as the resource box is left intact and links are hyperlinked.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Right Batting Cage Can Improve Your Ball Play
By Ilse Hagen
If you are serious about baseball, then you need a good batting cage. Together with regular team practice, you can develop your ball hitting skills with batting cages, which allow you to focus on your hitting and accuracy, either when you are training alone or with a pitcher.
The main function of batting cages is to keep balls in a confined area, so that they don't hit windows or other players. How do you choose the best? Here are some tips.
Soft or not
Batting cages may be made for softball or baseball. The first type is typically designed for little leaguers, whose batting speeds are usually slower. This type can be set to pitch slow, medium, or fast softballs. Baseball batting cages are designed to absorb shock and handle faster balls, making them ideal for professional players.
Pipe dream
Whether it's for amateur or professional use, a batting cage must made made from durable materials that can withstand the weather and force from fast balls. The pipes should be durable enough for very harsh weather, such as extreme heat and rain. Make sure the pipe and netting are UV-protected to keep them from shrinking and rotting.
Overlooked net
Net positioning is an often overlooked part of the batting cage. Though the basic net layout is the same with most cages, how it is positioned over the pipes can affect the player's game. Usually, the cage’s net covers only a fraction of an area where it is set up. This limited cover can affect your spatial mindset and make it difficult to adjust when playing in an actual game.
Ilse Hagen is a contributor in PickyGuide.Com, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.
A complete guide to choosing a batting cage is available in Picky Guide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen
If you are serious about baseball, then you need a good batting cage. Together with regular team practice, you can develop your ball hitting skills with batting cages, which allow you to focus on your hitting and accuracy, either when you are training alone or with a pitcher.
The main function of batting cages is to keep balls in a confined area, so that they don't hit windows or other players. How do you choose the best? Here are some tips.
Soft or not
Batting cages may be made for softball or baseball. The first type is typically designed for little leaguers, whose batting speeds are usually slower. This type can be set to pitch slow, medium, or fast softballs. Baseball batting cages are designed to absorb shock and handle faster balls, making them ideal for professional players.
Pipe dream
Whether it's for amateur or professional use, a batting cage must made made from durable materials that can withstand the weather and force from fast balls. The pipes should be durable enough for very harsh weather, such as extreme heat and rain. Make sure the pipe and netting are UV-protected to keep them from shrinking and rotting.
Overlooked net
Net positioning is an often overlooked part of the batting cage. Though the basic net layout is the same with most cages, how it is positioned over the pipes can affect the player's game. Usually, the cage’s net covers only a fraction of an area where it is set up. This limited cover can affect your spatial mindset and make it difficult to adjust when playing in an actual game.
Ilse Hagen is a contributor in PickyGuide.Com, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.
A complete guide to choosing a batting cage is available in Picky Guide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Baseball Pitching Machines
Baseball Pitching Machines
A baseball pitching machine is a great tool to help hitters improve their hitting. There are many benefits in owning a baseball pitching machine.
When buying a baseball pitching machine, there are five things to consider.
1. Pitch speed-You want to have a pitching machine with the proper pitching speed for you.
2. Number of wheels-You want the right amount of wheels for your pitching machine.
3. Transportability-Pick a pitching machine which is easy to transport.
4. Parts and accessories-Generators,auto ball feeders,dimpled balls and covers are important to your pitching machine.
5. Warranty-Make sure you are properly covered with your investment.
Pitching machines come in different styles. An arm action pitching machine and a circular wheel machine are very popular. Pitching machines are useful for batters who can practice on their own. Batting cages are useful for pitching machines. The starter baseball pitching machine is ideal for young players and leagues where pitching machines are used in actual games. Pitches are normally 30 mph in these games. The curveball machine actually spins the ball in an opposite direction. The spin goes forward, which causes the ball to curve downward. Since the ball is curving toward the ground, gravity does not prevent it from curving. It actually helps it. You can put different spins on the ball. The 2 pitch sidewinder pitching machine can throw straight fastball and 3/4 curve, straight fastball and 3/4 slider, tailing fastball and sidearm curve, and tailing fastball sidearm slider. The 2pitch3 baseball pitching machine can throw a 95 mph and a 75 mph curveball in one set up. There is also the twin pitch pitching machine which gives you 2 pitches in one set up. There is a pitching machine available for all ballplayers.
Pitching machine parts and accessories are important to your baseball pitching machine. Auto ball feeders feeds balls at different intervals. Can be used with almost any pitching machine. A power generator is an alternative power source for running your single wheel pitching machine, or automatic ball feeder units in locations where there are no electric outlets. Baseball pitching covers protect your machine. Dimpled balls will dramatically extend the life of your baseball pitching machine. A pitch selector allows you to feed fastballs and curveballs without the batter knowing which pitch is coming. Two downhill feed chute extensions are connected to the in-feed chutes. Two balls are rolled down the feed chutes at the same time. The batter can see the balls roll down. Both balls appear just before the pitching wheels, but only one comes out. This feature makes it impossible for the batter to predict the pitch, but allows for ample timing of when the ball will be pitched.
I hope this article will be a tremendous help in your hunt for purchasing a baseball pitching machine best suited for your game. Besides improving your game, you can share your pitching machine with teammates and have a lot of fun.
Author-Eugene Rischall, Owner, Baseball Training Emporium www.baseballtrainingemporium.com
A baseball pitching machine is a great tool to help hitters improve their hitting. There are many benefits in owning a baseball pitching machine.
When buying a baseball pitching machine, there are five things to consider.
1. Pitch speed-You want to have a pitching machine with the proper pitching speed for you.
2. Number of wheels-You want the right amount of wheels for your pitching machine.
3. Transportability-Pick a pitching machine which is easy to transport.
4. Parts and accessories-Generators,auto ball feeders,dimpled balls and covers are important to your pitching machine.
5. Warranty-Make sure you are properly covered with your investment.
Pitching machines come in different styles. An arm action pitching machine and a circular wheel machine are very popular. Pitching machines are useful for batters who can practice on their own. Batting cages are useful for pitching machines. The starter baseball pitching machine is ideal for young players and leagues where pitching machines are used in actual games. Pitches are normally 30 mph in these games. The curveball machine actually spins the ball in an opposite direction. The spin goes forward, which causes the ball to curve downward. Since the ball is curving toward the ground, gravity does not prevent it from curving. It actually helps it. You can put different spins on the ball. The 2 pitch sidewinder pitching machine can throw straight fastball and 3/4 curve, straight fastball and 3/4 slider, tailing fastball and sidearm curve, and tailing fastball sidearm slider. The 2pitch3 baseball pitching machine can throw a 95 mph and a 75 mph curveball in one set up. There is also the twin pitch pitching machine which gives you 2 pitches in one set up. There is a pitching machine available for all ballplayers.
Pitching machine parts and accessories are important to your baseball pitching machine. Auto ball feeders feeds balls at different intervals. Can be used with almost any pitching machine. A power generator is an alternative power source for running your single wheel pitching machine, or automatic ball feeder units in locations where there are no electric outlets. Baseball pitching covers protect your machine. Dimpled balls will dramatically extend the life of your baseball pitching machine. A pitch selector allows you to feed fastballs and curveballs without the batter knowing which pitch is coming. Two downhill feed chute extensions are connected to the in-feed chutes. Two balls are rolled down the feed chutes at the same time. The batter can see the balls roll down. Both balls appear just before the pitching wheels, but only one comes out. This feature makes it impossible for the batter to predict the pitch, but allows for ample timing of when the ball will be pitched.
I hope this article will be a tremendous help in your hunt for purchasing a baseball pitching machine best suited for your game. Besides improving your game, you can share your pitching machine with teammates and have a lot of fun.
Author-Eugene Rischall, Owner, Baseball Training Emporium www.baseballtrainingemporium.com
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Build a Batting Cage in Your Backyard
BattingCagesDirect.com
BattingCagesrUs.com
By Brandon Bland
To build a batting cage, there are many different options you have to consider. A batting cage in your backyard can be one of the greatest assets to you or your child's playing career. Therefore, it is a wise investment and one that should be highly considered by every ballplayer and their parents.
The first thing to consider is where you would like to set up your batting cage. There are many various ways in which you can set up a cage, and will all depend on space available, budget, etc. First off, all cages will require various amounts of assembly and construction. If you have an unlimited budget and space available, it will be no problem to purchase a nice high quality cage from a company like Jugs or Atec.
For those of us looking to save a little money (who isn't, right?), there are many other options available. You may buy kits from several companies online that will ship most or all of the parts to you for fairly reasonable prices. Something that you should also consider is that you may purchase many of the parts, including netting, and especially the frame from your local hardware store. This can result in some pretty substantial savings, because you will end up saving on shipping costs.
If you have limited space, you may have to get a little creative on how you rig up your cage. There are however, standard sizes for cages that most nets are made for. Here is a list of some of those sizes.
70' L x 14' W x 12' H
65' L x 11' W x 11' H
10' L x 12' W x 12' H
55' L x 12' W x 12' H
40' L x 12' W x 12' H
The size you choose will depend on how much space you have to play with, how old the ballplayer using it will be, how much you wish to spend, etc. Obviously the larger nets cost more than the smaller ones. Regardless of the age, a wider and higher cage will allow for a little more comfort and room to work with.
Hopefully this will give you some insight into the things you should consider before you build a batting cage. Remember, that it will be a wise investment in you or your child's playing career, so take your time and make sure you will get exactly what you need. You can find more information about equipment and netting here:
http://www.baseball-equipment-review.com/build-a-batting-cage.html
Brandon Bland is the webmaster of Baseball Equipment Review, a site devoted to informing ballplayers of the quality of today's baseball equipment so they can make informed decisions about their purchases.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Bland
BattingCagesDirect.com
BattingCagesrUs.com
Friday, July 10, 2009
Baseball Hitting - How to Improve Your Ability to Be a Clutch Hitter
By 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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_R_Stewart
StayBackTee.com
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_R_Stewart
StayBackTee.com
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Guide to Batting Cages
By Jason Gluckman
Batting cages are enclosed or partially enclosed pieces of sporting equipment that act as a “catcher,” in effect, for batters practicing hitting baseballs or softballs. Batting cages help to keep balls in a contained space so that the batter can continue hitting without having to continually retrieve them. Different types of batting cages can be located outdoors or in a gym or activity center.
Batting cages are both in professional, school-sponsored, and recreational baseball and softball. They can be used to help improve a batter’s speed or to improve his or her accuracy in hitting a ball. A batter’s agility and stance, as well as his overall performance, can be enhanced by using a batting cage. While aiding a batter in improving his or her skill, batting cages also keep the ball in an enclosed area to prevent the injury of bystanders and onlookers.
Batting cages consist of a configuration of netting over a frame. They can differ in material, size, and cost, as well as structure and workmanship. Whether batting cages are used indoors or outdoors can be a deciding factor in what the best choice of material should be. Cages that are used outside will need to be tougher than those used indoors.
The netting in batting cages can be constructed of various materials and degrees of sturdiness. Framing in a batting cage should be constructed with a pipe that will withstand temperatures and weather in the area in which it is used. For that reason, a batting cage used by the Boston Red Sox will probably be made differently than one used by the Los Angeles Angels.
With less time spent retrieving baseballs, batters can spend more time advancing their technique. For decades, batting cages have played a central role in improving the swings of professional and amateur batters.
Batting Cages Info provides detailed information about batting cage equipment and indoor, outdoor, portable, and tunnel batting cages for sale. Batting Cages Info is the sister site of Trampolines Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
BattingCagesDirect.com
HomeBattingCages.com
BattingCagesrUs.com
BattingCageBuilder.com
Batting cages are enclosed or partially enclosed pieces of sporting equipment that act as a “catcher,” in effect, for batters practicing hitting baseballs or softballs. Batting cages help to keep balls in a contained space so that the batter can continue hitting without having to continually retrieve them. Different types of batting cages can be located outdoors or in a gym or activity center.
Batting cages are both in professional, school-sponsored, and recreational baseball and softball. They can be used to help improve a batter’s speed or to improve his or her accuracy in hitting a ball. A batter’s agility and stance, as well as his overall performance, can be enhanced by using a batting cage. While aiding a batter in improving his or her skill, batting cages also keep the ball in an enclosed area to prevent the injury of bystanders and onlookers.
Batting cages consist of a configuration of netting over a frame. They can differ in material, size, and cost, as well as structure and workmanship. Whether batting cages are used indoors or outdoors can be a deciding factor in what the best choice of material should be. Cages that are used outside will need to be tougher than those used indoors.
The netting in batting cages can be constructed of various materials and degrees of sturdiness. Framing in a batting cage should be constructed with a pipe that will withstand temperatures and weather in the area in which it is used. For that reason, a batting cage used by the Boston Red Sox will probably be made differently than one used by the Los Angeles Angels.
With less time spent retrieving baseballs, batters can spend more time advancing their technique. For decades, batting cages have played a central role in improving the swings of professional and amateur batters.
Batting Cages Info provides detailed information about batting cage equipment and indoor, outdoor, portable, and tunnel batting cages for sale. Batting Cages Info is the sister site of Trampolines Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
BattingCagesDirect.com
HomeBattingCages.com
BattingCagesrUs.com
BattingCageBuilder.com
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
So, You Want to Build Your Own Baseball Or Softball Training Facility? Part 1 of 3
By John Peter Pero
JP Note:
This is a very long article with some great ideas. Due to its length, It has been divided into 3 specific area of interest.
PART 1 - An Overview
PART 2 - Standard Components
PART 3 - Important Food For thought
PART 1 - An Overview
Why There Is a Need
The numbers of young ballplayers and the yearly growth of travel baseball and fastpitch softball have created a shortage of indoor training facilities in many or even most parts of the country.
The attendance in MLB (majors) and MILB (minors) has risen for the past 4 seasons as of this writing, the CWS (College World Series) is now a primetime ESPN event as is the MLB 1st year players draft each June... so we know the shear numbers of players who want to make this their prime sport is indeed growing and the future in baseball and fastpitch softball is growing.
Don't Forget Girls Fastpitch Softball
As players play more and better competition, the High School teams have become more competitive so it is the trained ballplayer, not just the better athlete who makes the team and continues on to the next level.
There is no McDonalds or Wal Mart in the training field, so certainly it is left to entrepreneurial-types who have "the baseball bug"... that passion for this game of ours that seldom if ever leaves us.
There is a very good chance that this describes you in some way (who else would be reading an article of this title) .
Can We Help You?
We began supplying various components for new and existing training facilities in 1999 and now help out new and perspective owners with most aspects of these ventures.
Along the way we have learned a lot from these experiences and the many owners who have become our friends and business associates.
We launched our "Pro Division" in 2005, headed by our own Coach Arnald Swift, a 34 yr coach (retired) and can now offer you a fulltime, seasoned professional in this field... and believe me, there is no industry of experienced professionals who do this... just scattered companies who offer various parts and pieces.
The Core of a Successful Facility... an improving return customer!
There are a finite number of ballplayers within your local geography in any given season. Your facility cannot exist for long without those customers wanting to return again and again. If they are happy about being there, they have a better chance of improving. If they improve, it stands to reason that they will be happier to come back... which fuels their future improvement and successes... a circle that you can easily see.... and so many have younger siblings who of course want to emulate their bigger brothers and sisters too!
Interested Coaches and a Sound Building-Block Approach!
The happy, improving player receives maximum benefit from organized, structured, weekly instruction from a "reasonably qualified" coach who knows his own curriculum and cares whether the player actually does improve!
I feel that coaches, like players must be interested and passionate about teaching and helping players reach their goals to truly help players improve, though more playing and coaching experience certainly can add to the student's experience.
I also feel that an organized building block teaching approach is actually more important than the pedigree of the coach... especially when teaching the younger levels where strong mechanics and fundamentals must be committed to muscle-memory first... in order for the player to stay around long enough to take on the more sophisticated training aspects that older players will eventually be learning.
The Common Products Found In Facilities
Here are the components found in most training facilities:
Batting cages, some of which share duty with pitching tunnels, barrier netting, turf floor covering, homeplate stance mats, mandatory if cage floors are not turfed, highly recommended if they are, L screen pitcher protectors with very heavy nets, highest quality adjustable batting tees, a supply of machine pitch dimple balls, and a good quality leather practice ball, misc items from a few batting helmets, a set of catchers gear and a mitt or two, to a few fungo bats and various mid-grade wood and aluminum bats. Video software and a small room for viewing can be added later when opening budgets are stretched.
Coach John Peter
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Peter_Pero
**********************************
CoachesBest.com
HurricaneTrainer.com
BatAction.com
HandsBackHitter.com
QuickSwingTrainer.com
AdvancedSkillsTee.com
BattingCagesDirect.com
BattingCagesrUs.com
**********************************
JP Note:
This is a very long article with some great ideas. Due to its length, It has been divided into 3 specific area of interest.
PART 1 - An Overview
PART 2 - Standard Components
PART 3 - Important Food For thought
PART 1 - An Overview
Why There Is a Need
The numbers of young ballplayers and the yearly growth of travel baseball and fastpitch softball have created a shortage of indoor training facilities in many or even most parts of the country.
The attendance in MLB (majors) and MILB (minors) has risen for the past 4 seasons as of this writing, the CWS (College World Series) is now a primetime ESPN event as is the MLB 1st year players draft each June... so we know the shear numbers of players who want to make this their prime sport is indeed growing and the future in baseball and fastpitch softball is growing.
Don't Forget Girls Fastpitch Softball
As players play more and better competition, the High School teams have become more competitive so it is the trained ballplayer, not just the better athlete who makes the team and continues on to the next level.
There is no McDonalds or Wal Mart in the training field, so certainly it is left to entrepreneurial-types who have "the baseball bug"... that passion for this game of ours that seldom if ever leaves us.
There is a very good chance that this describes you in some way (who else would be reading an article of this title) .
Can We Help You?
We began supplying various components for new and existing training facilities in 1999 and now help out new and perspective owners with most aspects of these ventures.
Along the way we have learned a lot from these experiences and the many owners who have become our friends and business associates.
We launched our "Pro Division" in 2005, headed by our own Coach Arnald Swift, a 34 yr coach (retired) and can now offer you a fulltime, seasoned professional in this field... and believe me, there is no industry of experienced professionals who do this... just scattered companies who offer various parts and pieces.
The Core of a Successful Facility... an improving return customer!
There are a finite number of ballplayers within your local geography in any given season. Your facility cannot exist for long without those customers wanting to return again and again. If they are happy about being there, they have a better chance of improving. If they improve, it stands to reason that they will be happier to come back... which fuels their future improvement and successes... a circle that you can easily see.... and so many have younger siblings who of course want to emulate their bigger brothers and sisters too!
Interested Coaches and a Sound Building-Block Approach!
The happy, improving player receives maximum benefit from organized, structured, weekly instruction from a "reasonably qualified" coach who knows his own curriculum and cares whether the player actually does improve!
I feel that coaches, like players must be interested and passionate about teaching and helping players reach their goals to truly help players improve, though more playing and coaching experience certainly can add to the student's experience.
I also feel that an organized building block teaching approach is actually more important than the pedigree of the coach... especially when teaching the younger levels where strong mechanics and fundamentals must be committed to muscle-memory first... in order for the player to stay around long enough to take on the more sophisticated training aspects that older players will eventually be learning.
The Common Products Found In Facilities
Here are the components found in most training facilities:
Batting cages, some of which share duty with pitching tunnels, barrier netting, turf floor covering, homeplate stance mats, mandatory if cage floors are not turfed, highly recommended if they are, L screen pitcher protectors with very heavy nets, highest quality adjustable batting tees, a supply of machine pitch dimple balls, and a good quality leather practice ball, misc items from a few batting helmets, a set of catchers gear and a mitt or two, to a few fungo bats and various mid-grade wood and aluminum bats. Video software and a small room for viewing can be added later when opening budgets are stretched.
Coach John Peter
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Peter_Pero
**********************************
CoachesBest.com
HurricaneTrainer.com
BatAction.com
HandsBackHitter.com
QuickSwingTrainer.com
AdvancedSkillsTee.com
BattingCagesDirect.com
BattingCagesrUs.com
**********************************
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