Fastpitch softball demands a variety of skills, including hitting, bunting, fielding, throwing, pitching and catching. Players may develop and refine those critical skills with the help of training gear. Some baseball training equipment may prove useful to fastpitch softball players, but some equipment is specific to this sport.
Adjustable Frame Batting Tee
Regular batting tees are a good training device, but an adjustable frame tee helps fine-tune swings. This device defines the swing, guiding the hitter's bat onto the desired path toward the ball. Fastpitch hitters want to hit the top half of the ball. By setting the frame into the downward angle, hitters can master the fastpitch softball swing. This device helps hitters break the bad habit of dropping their hands.
Training Glove
Infielders must learn to move squarely in front of ground balls and catch them with two hands. By using replacing regular fielding gloves with a soft paddle-like device, fielders master proper mechanics. Fielders can't stab at ground balls while wearing one, they must receive the ball with two hands. Inexperienced players should use mushy indoor balls for soft hands infield drills.
Pitching Training Tools
Fastpitch softball pitchers have a lot to learn. Some of the most popular training tools include a resistance device designed to improve pitch release, a disc that helps teach proper throwing mechanics, weighted softballs, wrist exercisers and pitching mats that mark the proper footwork needed during pitch delivery. Elite instructors like ESPN analyst and former Team USA star Cheri Kempf use training devices to teach and reinforce the fundamentals.
Pop-Up Hitting Net
There are numerous portable pop-up nets on the market. These are invaluable training tools for softball teams and individuals. Hitters can refine their swing by hitting balls off a tee into the net. With the help of a second person, hitters can drive soft-tossed softballs into the net.
Training Stick
This is another tool to help batters to improve hand-to-eye coordination, refine their hitting stroke and warm up before game at bats. A coach can move the stick up and down, forcing hitters to adjust their swings to different types of pitches. A coach can also move the stick to replicate a pitch coming into the batter.
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