No comments about SKLZ SweetSpot Bat.

No comments about Louisville Slugger - The Blue Flame Ultimate Pitching Machine.

No comments about Rick Jones: Outfield Drills (DVD).

No comments about Steve Smith: Youth Baseball Series: Pitching Mechanics & Drills (DVD).

No comments about Jim Morris: How to Run a Championship Baseball Practice (DVD).

4 comments about Crusher 4 Hour Mini Lite-Ball Pitching Machine with 4 Hour Rechargeable Battery & Bonus Auto-Ball F.

1. Got a remanufactured one which did not operate correctly when I received ... Tech support was quick to get back to me but guidance was poor causing machine motors (which are attached to wheels) to break when I disassembled ... Sent replacements that I put on tonight after much consternation including having to reverse polarity when I installed one motor so wheels would turn in opposite directions to launch ball ... Seems to work OK but very noisey ... Will have to buy a battery now so we'll see how that goes



2. This machine is a waste of time and money. Did not pitch the included balls as well as some wiffle golf balls I already had but they were not much better. The delivery was everywhere from the strike zone to 5 feet out to just spitting them on the ground about 4 feet from the machine. I ran it as fast as it would go and I would be very surprised if it came close to 45 mph. I boxed it up and returned the device. I guess I'll try the personal pitcher to see if it's any better.



3. Hi, I'm an avid softball player and SoCal teacher who needed a small pitching machine to help my wife improve her batting skills for a coed softball league. Pros: Great quality, compact. Includes a steel, adjustable tripod/ stand that's sturdy and easy to attach with no problems. Uses semi-solid, dimpled, yellow golf-sized balls that are easily purchased at Target for around $5 per dozen. Pitches consistently and comes with a dual motor adjustment that's an "extra" expense with other machines. Cons: Does not pitch the plastic, golf ball sized balls consistently. They seem to be too slippery for the rubber wheels to get a good grip. I don't have my wife use the SwiftStick type of hitting tool, she uses a black Easton whiffle ball bat. As she gets better, she'll pick up the swiftstick. I hope this review helps. -E.



4. overall good value. balls are golf-ball size. Some problems with the unit I received: 1. housing didnot fit tripod and some customization was required, 2. fuse was blown and battery did not work. However very good tech support.

No comments about Fieldhouse Plastic Training Ball.

1 comments about Hit-A-Way Trainer - Jeter Series.

1. I've been coaching Little League for 4 years, and this is the best tool I have found for teaching early hitters the mechanics of a good swing. We used it in preseason this year, and I think it made a difference in the hitting of a number of our players. Some observations:
   
   1) Before you start to use it, consider getting a hitting instructional video. If you are not confident in your knowledge of the mechanics of a good swing, then using this is likely to reinforce bad habits.
   
   2) The stick allows a coach to break down each component of the swing - feet, first step, alignment, arm position, extension, rotation, etc., without it becoming overwhelming. Need to focus on knees and waist position? Then just break out that part of the swing. Having a ball-like object at bat's length helps hitters learn these mechanics in the proper context.
   
   3) FAR more repetitions are possible. There is no chasing after balls, and no pitcher or fielders are needed.
   
   4) It's versatile. My son, daughter, and I will sometimes use it for a few minutes in the garage on a rainy day. Other times we've incorporated it as a station at practice. It can be used to warm up before a game, too.
   
   5) Batter and coach get immediate feedback. Both can tell the difference between solid contact and what would be a pop-up or dink hit. Combine this with the many repetitions, and young hitters can make rapid strides toward improving their swings.
   
   6) It works for teaching softball and baseball hitting.
   
   Negative:
   
   1) The little blue band at the end is made of pretty cheap plastic. Mine broke in one full practice session (young batters don't reliably hit the sweet spot). Luckily, the band is not required for the function of the device.
   
   2) The target is not moving. For this reason, I recommend using it with the "Zip-n-Hit" (also available on Amazon). This is a ball on a zip line. It allows batters to work on reaction time and swing mechanics without needing to chase balls (or get hit by bad pitches if your pitcher isn't too accurate - just ask my son).
   
   I think this one-two combination is a must for coaching kids in their first few years of pitch baseball.
   
   5 stars for both.

No comments about Hit-A-Way Baseball Title Series Baseball Trainer.

No comments about Jugs Lite-Flite Practice Balls.