[Baseball]How to choose a training bat. It is important to choose according to your purpose! Alpen Group Magazine | Alpen Group Magazine

Batting is one of the basic skills in baseball. In order to score points, you need to practice repeatedly to improve your batting skills and respond to the balls thrown by the pitcher.
If you want to learn batting techniques, we recommend preparing a training bat to improve the quality of your practice swings and tee batting.
Here, we will introduce the effects you can expect from using a training bat and the points to consider when choosing one.

【table of contents】

■Effects of using a baseball training bat

■How to choose a training bat

・Bat shape

・Weight of the bat

・Position of center of gravity

・Prepare a bat suitable for the practice content.

■Correct practice method using a training bat

■It is important to use it properly according to the purpose

■Effects of using a baseball training bat

A training bat is a bat made primarily for use in baseball practice. You can learn correct batting form, train the muscles necessary to swing the bat, and improve the trajectory of your swing.

Unlike regular bats used in matches, training bats are characterized by various improvements to improve form. There are a variety of bats, including heavy ones, light ones, long ones, short ones, and ones with special shapes, and you can use them depending on your purpose.

For example, practicing with a heavy bat will help you train the muscles used in batting. You’ll learn to swing sharply and powerfully, making it easier to increase the distance you hit the ball.
It is also possible to correct your batting form by using something with a special shape or length.

■How to choose a training bat

Training bats vary in weight, length, shape, etc. depending on the product. In order to improve the quality of your practice, it is important to have a bat that will help you improve your problem areas.
When purchasing a training bat, be sure to check the following points:

・Bat shape

Training bats vary greatly in shape depending on the product.
If you want to improve your ability to hit the ball with the bat, we recommend getting a training bat that is made narrower. It is more difficult to hit than a regular bat, so you can use it to practice catching the ball with the core.

When you want to correct the trajectory of your swing, it is also effective to prepare a long bat. By being conscious of not letting the tip (head) of the bat hit the ground, you can learn to swing the bat horizontally, a “level swing.”

Also, if you want to improve your batting form or learn the correct swing, you may want to choose a bat with a special shape.
For example, if you have a bat with a strong bend, you will be able to swing without the tip of the bat reaching just before hitting the ball, which will lead to increased flight distance. It is also effective to use a training bat that allows you to intuitively understand the correct swing by making a sound as the weight moves when you swing on the correct trajectory.

・Weight of the bat

The weight of the training bat is also a factor that affects the effectiveness of your training.
A lighter bat is easier to swing and can be expected to increase swing speed. If you are often slow to swing, it would be a good idea to get a lightweight training bat made of bamboo or magnolia (wooden).
Another advantage of a light bat is that you can expect your swing speed to increase as your body tries to reproduce the swing it has learned. It is also suitable for practice swings before entering the turn at bat.

On the other hand, a heavy bat (mascot bat) can be expected to have the effect of training the muscles necessary for swinging. If you have a type that allows you to fine-tune the weight by attaching weights, you can change the load depending on how you feel that day.

The specific weight varies depending on the product, but extremely heavy bats may cause injury or poor form.
For baseball beginners, elementary and middle school students, and others whose bodies are not yet ready, it is a good idea to choose a training bat that is a little heavier than the bat you usually use.

・Prepare a bat suitable for the practice content.

It is also important to prepare a training bat that is appropriate for the type of practice and the location where it will be used.
If you want to practice hitting the ball, get a training bat that says it can be used for actual hitting. Hitting the ball with a training bat that is not listed may cause damage to the bat.

Even if it is stated that it can be used for actual batting, please be aware that using it at a batting center may cause damage to the bat. If you want to use it at a batting center, we recommend checking to see if it says “Can also be used at batting centers.”
There are also differences between hardballs and softballs, so if you want to practice with hardballs, be sure to choose a bat that is compatible with hardballs.

It’s also a good idea to have a short bat in case you need to practice swinging in a place with limited space, such as at home. Many of our products are lightweight, so they are also suitable for children’s baseball practices whose bodies are not yet fully developed.

■Correct practice method using a training bat

If you use a training bat in the wrong way, you will not be able to practice efficiently.
In particular, when practicing with a heavy mascot bat, forcing the player to take a full swing may result in poor batting form or injury.

Instead of swinging the bat with just your upper body strength, be aware that you are also using your lower body strength. Specifically, it is important to swing the bat with the intention of rotating your hips and transmitting the power of your whole body to the ball.
Even for bats with special shapes, it is important to read the instruction manual, check the manufacturer’s product page, video site, etc., and practice using them correctly.

■It is important to use it properly according to the purpose

Using a training bat, you can effectively improve your batting form. Each bat has different expected effects, so it is important to prepare a bat that suits your purpose.

Also, depending on how you use it, the form may collapse. It is also important to approach your practice in the correct way.
Using the information we have introduced as a reference, prepare a training bat suitable for your problem and start practicing.

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