Training Aids > Easton Training Stick

David McCune September 1, 2010 at 10:36 pm

I’ve coached Little League for 5 years, and this is the best tool I have found for teaching early hitters the mechanics of a good swing. We have used it in preseason, especially in the first few years of Little League, 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.

7) Even for more advanced players, it can still work as a great “review” of hitting mechanics.

Negative:

1) there are other versions by other manufactures. I consider them all to be essentially equal. I do like how this version has both a baseball-sized and softball-sized target on the opposite ends.

2) The target is not moving. For this reason, I recommend using it early on with the “Zip-n-Hit” (also available on Amazon). This is a ball on a zip line. It allows batters to work through multiple repetitions 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.

Linda J. Richter September 1, 2010 at 11:44 pm

Purchased the easton training stick for my 14 year old grandson. It is an item that is used at practice, but only 1 player at a time can use it. Now he can practice at home. Great item at a great price.