There is no doubt that baseball is one of the toughest sports to master and proper hitting is a crucial part of becoming a better baseball player. Proper coaching, instruction, training, and practice are all necessary to becoming a better hitter. Batting aids can help you gain an advantage. Want to step your batting game up? Keep reading to see our picks for the best hitting training aids for baseball and softball.
Proper Swing Mechanics / One-on-One Coaching Tool / Increase Raw Power / Strengthen Swing Follow-Through / Solo Practice Drills / Develop Muscle Memory / Swing Timing Training / 3D Swing Analysis / Portable Practice Sessions / Directional Hitting / Swing Speed and Power
What Is a Hitting Training Aid?
Baseball hitting aids are pieces of equipment that players use to practice hitting. Hitting aids are a crucial part of training and will help you develop better swing mechanics. There are a lot of different batting trainers available. They come in all different shapes, sizes, weights, and materials. Most batting training aid will train individual aspects of your swing, but some can be used to train multiple areas.
Every player is distinct and has different strengths and weaknesses. The type of training aid that you choose will vary depending on what you want to train. Some of the available batting training aids are:
- Grip training aids will guide your hands to the proper position on the bat. Grip trainers usually come in the form of uniquely shaped bats and small devices that attach to your bats. They are designed to guide your hands through the swing.
- Swing training tools are used to teach proper swing method. These focus on building muscle memory by allowing a player to physically feel a correct swing. Much of being a good batter is learning to relax the body so you can react to different pitches. Muscle memory will help relax the body, increasing your reaction time while at-bat.
- Training baseballs come in different shapes, weights, and materials. Baseballs are essential in batting training because they train your eye for a real pitch increasing your hand-eye coordination. Different training baseballs can be used to train players how to hit different types of pitches. Heavier training baseballs can be used to increase power and light training baseballs are great for indoor practice.
- Training baseball bats come in all shapes, sizes, weights, and materials for a variety of different hitting situations. Need to increase your swing speed? Look for a training bat with a thinner barrel. Looking to get more power behind your strike? Go for a heavy, large-barreled training bat. Batting drills will often include a variety of different training bats.
- Baseball nets will allow players to practice for longer periods of time because they do not have to run all over the field to pick up baseballs. A practice net is usually portable and can be set up and torn down easily. Baseball nets will allow you to practice anywhere, even if space is limited.
- Stance trainers will reinforce your batting stance. Things like knee angle and elbow position will affect your overall swing. A proper batting stance will relax a player’s body giving them a boost in reaction time and speed.
- Directional hitting aids will help you practice hitting the baseball to different areas of the field. If you want to increase your advantage when you are up to bat, it is necessary that you learn line hitting.
- Swing analysis tools help you compare your swing. These tools are vital for determining a batter’s strengths and weaknesses. On the low end, a speed gun is a cheap tool that measures ball speed. On the higher end, there are analysis tools that take videos and 3D models of player’s swings. The gathered analysis can then be reviewed and compared to national averages.
- Strength and conditioning tools are used to train your muscles and overall form. Baseball conditioning tools usually come in the form of weights and resistance bands. Using strength equipment will help increase your power and develop better form when at-bat.
Benefits of Using a Batting Aid
Baseball batting aids are all designed to do the same thing: boost player performance. Once you know the fundamentals of hitting mechanics, your swing will naturally improve through dedicated training. Swing training aids will help make practice easier and allow you to train longer. The more that you practice the better your hitting will be.
There are a lot of options when it comes to baseball hitting training aids. We are going to highlight some of the best batting aids available today.
Best Baseball Swing Trainers
Before you start:
Swingrail
Proper Swing Mechanics
Why we love it:
- Develops muscle memory
- Breakaway strap gives immediate feedback
- Usable by children and adults
Sample buyer review: “Bought this for my son who plays 16u Babe Ruth and HS ball. His HS coach said I should send it back and that he didn’t really like the SwingRail. I decided it couldn’t hurt to check it out. At first my son was resistant because of what his coach had said. I convinced him a month ago to start with just some dry cuts, nice and slow and then gradually increase his swing as he got used to it. 3 weeks into doing around 50 dry cuts a day and he has moved from batting 7th to lead off for his 16u team. Not sure what his coach didn’t like, but my son is loving this thing!!” Read more reviews from Amazon.com
SKLZ Hitting Stick
One-on-One Coaching Tool
Why we love it:
- Can be used for indoor or outdoor practice drills
- Usable in different positions for training different pitches
- Can be used to teach switch-hitting
Sample buyer review: “Such a great, easy-to-use swing trainer – perfect for when you don’t have the time to get out to the field or batting cages. I bought it for my 6yo to help with his swing mechanics in his first year of ball. What a difference and impact it had in both his game and his confidence. Can’t say yet as to how it will hold up as his swing speed develops but it has done well, thus far…” Read more reviews from Amazon.com
Velopro Baseball Training Harness
Increase Raw Power
Why we love it:
- Works for pitching and hitting drills
- Easy to use and put on for players of all ages
- Helps increase swing power by increasing lower body strength
Sample buyer review: “My son used this item at his indoor baseball training facility and loved it. He feels it really helps and feels right away improvement with his over all bat power and techniques. Therefore for Christmas we got him one and he remains enthusiastic about the velo belt. He looks forward to his upcoming varsity baseball season.” Read more reviews from Amazon.com
Weighted Training Baseballs
Strengthen Swing Follow-Through
Why we love it:
- Good for practicing alone because the ball does not travel as far
- Doubles as a pitching training aid
- Helps develop proper batting form
Sample buyer review: “I purchased these because they were significantly cheaper than the other options out there and I was not disappointed! They are perfect for backyard practice, my son can swing away without worrying about hitting it into a neighbors yard! The quality is every bit as good as the top of the line ones his coach uses at practice.” Read more reviews from Amazon.com
SKLZ Hit-A-Way
Solo Practice Drills
Why we love it:
- Great for practicing solo
- Develops timing skills
- Rapid swing training
Sample buyer review: “Works well for unlimited practice swings, when you are alone. This is the 3rd one of these I have purchased over the years and it has been improved over the years. The pole attaching straps are improved over earlier additions. Softball seems to be holding up better than past versions. Has held up well so far, usually the ball gets destroyed or the cable gets frayed by where you hit the ball after a good amount of use. Which is reasonable, since it is being hit with a bat continuously as hard as someone can hit it.” Read more reviews from Amazon.com
Insider Bat
Develop Muscle Memory
Why we love it:
- Reinforces correct bat grip
- Develops muscle memory for proper swing
- Sweet spot gives a visual aid of the best strike location
Sample buyer review: “My son plays Travel 9U (he’s just turn 9 years old). My son has always been a decent hitter but he tends to cast his bat & was late on his swings, hitting the ball to right field quite often (he a right hand batter).
Since using the “Inside Bat” his swing is on time & is very nice, driving the ball! Most of his hits now either straight up the middle towards center or left field!! His hands is ALWAYS out front now, muscle memory. It seems like work instantly with my son but remember everyone is different.
It’s good because my son can physically hit the ball off a tee, unlike the “Speed Stick”!” Read more reviews from Amazon.com
The Swing Bat II
Swing Timing Training
Why we love it:
- Can be used indoors and in small spaces
- Improves swing timing
- Can be used to practice alone
Sample buyer review: “This is a good teaching tool. I saw improvement in my sons swing after only a few uses. It’s seems to be very durable. We got this with three weeks left in our season. Over the last two weeks of the season his batted .890. Previously he was hitting .350” Read more reviews from Amazon.com
Diamond Kinetics Swing Tracker
3D Swing Analysis
Why we love it:
- Rapid data measurement available almost immediately after swinging
- Compare swing data to national benchmarks for age and skill level
- 3D models help players visualize the analysis data
Sample buyer review: “We have been using the SwingTracker and have seen amazing results. The device attaches easily to the bat and does not interfere, in any way, to the swing. The results are given instantly and in a clear and consistent manner. I would highly recommend this device to anyone that wishes to have an additional training tool in their toolbox.” Read more reviews from Amazon.com
Hitting Net
Portable Practice Sessions
Why we love it:
- Portability makes it easy to set up drills on the go
- Built-in strike zone so it doubles as a pitching aid
- Setup and tear down in under two minutes
Sample buyer review: “Just bought this hitting net for my 9 year old son and it’s AWESOME!! Really well made, very easy to assemble and half the price of Skillz, Easton branded hitting nets. I’ve been coaching baseball for a long time and these nets are great. We use them at practice and before games for hitting warmup. I’ve also set it up in my backyard for practice at home and it can be used for pitching practice as well. Highly recommended and as mentioned before, a great deal!! :)” Read more reviews from Amazon.com
Line Drive Pro Trainer
Directional Hitting
Why we love it:
- Attaches to any bat
- Immediate, visual results
- Strengthens swing form by helping players to feel the proper hit mechanics
Sample buyer review: “Great Product. My 12u player was having difficulty keeping his bat in the hitting zone to really drive the ball. I found this product and have been really impressed with the instant feedback it provides. My son’s swing path has greatly improved in a short time and can now consistently launch balls up the middle with the tool. He now understands and can “feel” if he gets a good swing on the ball. We use it prior to taking BP and it helps to activate the muscle memory on taking a good swing. It certainly is not cheap, but it is probably the best hitting aid we have purchased. Well worth the $50.” Read more reviews from Amazon.com
CamWood Bats
Swing Speed and Power
Why we love it:
- Multiple uses including training, practice, and warm-ups
- Trains proper hand position
- The loaded design increases swing speed
Sample buyer review: “Shipped quickly. Very high quality craftsmanship. The bat is very balanced and even though it weighs several ounces more than its length, it swings light enough to use for batting practice. Kids using drop 3 bats when they make the jump from senior little league to high school have trouble catching up to the ball with heavier bats. This helps them build the strength to handle -3 BBCOR bats. Great for T and soft toss work, but also good for live arm b p. When you consider the price of top of the line BBCOR bats, it makes a lot of sense to buy this for b p and spend less on the game bat. This will help kids improve and adjust much more quickly.” Read more reviews from Amazon.com
Things to Consider When Buying Baseball Training Aids
What are you trying to train? If your form is perfect but you need more power behind your strike, look at weighted baseballs, bats, and resistance bands. Need help with timing? A trainer with audible sounds will help train your hand-eye coordination.
How much money do you want to spend on a trainer? You do not want to spend a lot of money if you are going to give up training within a few weeks. Dedication is key when it comes to developing your swing.
What does your practice space look like? Some training aids take up more space than others. Consider the size of your practice space and look for training aids that best fit the space.
How much time do you have to dedicate to training? Some swing training aids are easier to practice with than others and they require less time to set up and take down. If you want to spend more time training and less time carting around equipment, buy a trainer that is quick to assemble and disassemble.
Will you be training alone or with help? There are a lot of hitting tools that can be used alone, making them great for training at home or in between professional coaching sessions.
There is no one size fits all when it comes to hit training. Look at your individual swing and determine what attributes you want to improve. The perfect swing does not exist, but with proper practice and conditioning, you can train your mind and body for your own ideal swing. Find the best swing trainer for you.
[…] The Best Hitting Training Aids For Baseball and Softball … […]