Baseball, Featured, Softball
Analyzing Bat Speed by Age
- by Andrew Don
Bat speed is one of the most critical metrics for baseball and softball hitters. It is an important measuring stick for a hitter’s ability to do damage at the plate. Bat speed is the speed at which the bat moves through the swing, usually measured at contact. High bat speed creates a greater potential for higher exit velocity, increasing the distance the ball will travel and the hitter’s ability to do damage at the plate. Improving bat speed involves a
Baseball, Featured, Softball
How to Make a Batting Cage for Your Backyard
For baseball and softball players, regular batting practice is essential for developing consistent mechanics, hand-eye coordination, and improving power. While commercial batting cages or hitting lessons can be effective, they are often expensive and inconvenient. Building a backyard batting cage provides a convenient alternative that allows you to train on your schedule without having to make continuous payments beyond the initial investment. The Short Answer: Setting up a backyard batting cage involves selecting an ideal location, constructing a sturdy frame, installing durable netting, and adding finishing touches like pitching machines and hitting mats. While it requires some time and effort,
Baseball, Featured, Softball, Training
How to Increase Bat Speed
Every baseball and softball player dreams of crushing the ball, driving line drives into the outfield gaps, or home runs soaring over the fence. Achieving that level of power at the plate doesn’t just happen by chance—it requires developing an important element of hitting: bat speed. The faster you can swing the bat, the greater your potential for high exit velocity, which translates into harder-hit balls and longer distances. Whether you’re looking to contribute more to your team, impress scouts, or simply elevate your game, developing bat speed is a key step toward unlocking your full potential as a hitter.
Baseball, Featured, Training
Mastering the Hardest Baseball Pitch to Hit
The toughest pitch to hit in baseball is subjective and depends on the hitter’s strengths, weaknesses, and approach. However, most baseball players and coaches, from High School to Major League Baseball, agree that a high velocity fastball at the top of the strike zone is one of the hardest pitches to hit consistently. High fastballs demand quick reaction times and an efficient bat path, which often leads to weak contact or swings and misses due to the speed and deceptive “rising” effect caused by high spin rates. Successfully hitting a high fastball requires the batter to: With practice, hitters can
Baseball, Featured, Training
How to Hit a Baseball Farther
Every baseball player dreams of hitting the ball farther—watching it soar over the outfield fence for a home run is one of the most rewarding moments in the sport. However, young players often adopt bad habits, like dropping their back shoulder, trying to lift the ball, or swinging too hard, thinking it will help them hit the ball farther. These misconceptions can compromise their swing mechanics and decrease power and consistency at the plate. The Short Answer: To hit a baseball farther, focus on increasing your bat speed, squaring up the ball consistently, and cleaning up your weight transfer in
Baseball, Featured, Training
The Best Baseball Drills for 5-6 Year Olds
For more experienced hitters, see here for the best drills for 7-8 year olds, here for 9-10 year olds, and here for 11-12 year olds. Click here for an overview of WIN Reality’s age-by-age curriculum. Introducing baseball to young kids aged 5-6 is all about building a foundation of fundamental skills while keeping the experience fun and engaging. At this stage, it’s less about competition and more about creating a love for the game. The right youth baseball drills will help develop essential skills like hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and proper hitting mechanics. The Short Answer: Our favorite hitting drills
Baseball, Featured, Softball
The Best Backyard Batting Cages to Level Up Your Game
When it comes to improving your swing, consistency is key. For baseball and softball players looking to take their skills to the next level, having the right setup at home can make all the difference. Enter the backyard batting cage—a game-changing addition to your training arsenal. No more trips to the local batting cage or worrying about limited practice time. With your effective batting cage, you can train whenever you want. The Short Answer: The best backyard batting cages for the 2025 season combine durability, ease of setup, and affordability. Here are our top five picks: These models vary in
Baseball, Featured
The Best Batting Gloves for the 2025 Baseball Season
Selecting the right equipment for the season is essential to maximizing your performance on the field, and batting gloves play a key role in achieving that. These seemingly small pieces of gear provide a secure grip, protect your hands, and instill confidence at the plate. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a youth player just starting your journey, finding the right pair of batting gloves made with premium materials and thoughtful design features can make a significant difference. With countless options available, narrowing down the best gloves to suit your comfort, style, and performance needs is crucial for success. The
Baseball, Featured, Training
How to Get Recruited for College Baseball
Getting recruited for college baseball is a dream for many high school athletes, but turning that dream into reality requires more than just talent. The college baseball recruiting process is highly competitive, with thousands of players competing for limited spots on collegiate rosters. From understanding NCAA timelines to creating a standout recruiting profile, navigating this journey can feel overwhelming without a clear plan. So, how do you get recruited for college baseball? The Short Answer: Athletes need to showcase their skills, build relationships with college coaches, and consistently improve both on and off the field. This means excelling in high
Baseball, Featured, Softball
Best Pitching Machines of 2024-2025
When it comes to baseball and softball training, pitching machines have become valuable tools for players of all levels. Whether you’re a coach looking to challenge your team through a challenging game-speed practice session, a young athlete looking to get used to higher velocity, or a seasoned player fine-tuning your path and mechanics, the right pitching machine can make all the difference. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Do you prioritize easy pitch selection or portability? Should you spend more on a professional-grade machine or stick with something affordable? To help