Trian Tay

Sunday, August 30, 2009

 

So, You Want to Build Your Own Baseball Or Softball Training Facility? Part 2 of 3

PART 2 - Standard Components

The Optimal & Recommended Products

I do have my favorites. All tend to be associated with hitting and pitching, though speed, defense and strength products can figure into this category...dependent upon your business model.

Batting Cages & Tunnels

This is the backbone of your work space and is of paramount importance... you don't want to buy this stuff twice!

Most indoor facilities tend to use Dual Battery Systems cabling system to hang their nets as opposed to the steel framework you see at a typical ballpark. We can help you design and decide on your choices.

Standard sizes cages are more inexpensive and Europe Flight Pass fit most, so see if these sizes will fit you:

(and yes, we can custom-build for your unique building)

Recommended Standard Sizes

12 ft H x 14 ft W x 55 ft L

12 ft H x 14 ft W x 70 ft L

Please do NOT purchase 12 ft wide cages if you can avoid this...they are just too small for your LH and RH hitters and will potentially drive you nuts on a daily basis. You will probably have premature wear from RH hitters who follow through and graze the net.

We understand that many or even most facilities are housed in buildings that have been converted from another use... one more reason to be dealing with someone with experience.

Here's a few more helpful thoughts on the subject of batting cages and nets:

The length of your cages will not determine the future success of your hitters... but pitchers must practice at their game-distances. So, you can save some money and precious space utilizing shorter cages for hitters. The weight (strength) of your netting is of highest importance...there are variations in materials, and how they are knotted... boring stuff but this will determine function, longevity and your ultimate price.

Please speak with us about your options if you are unclear as to your available choices ...please DO NOT SHOP BY LENGTH, WIDTH, HEIGHT AND PRICE ONLY!

The ultimate price of your nets will include their years of service!

Pitcher's L Screens

Buy one for every batters cage. I like the 7 ft x 7 ft and absolutely recommend good ones...not necessarily the Pro Stuff. Much of that tends to be too big (8 ft x 8 ft), and too heavy for indoor use. Just make sure you are getting very heavy pillow case-style netting (we carry two strengths of net) because you will be very close to batters and need heavy double-sided netting that is thick enough to reasonably assure that you will see your next birthday. AND YES, do get the wheel kits...and thank me later.

Turf & Stance Mats

Concrete floors eat balls and are very difficult for coaches to stand on for hours every day.

Turf is a very popular but expensive piece of your budget. We happen to be based in Atlanta, Georgia where most turf is manufactured so we have spent many hours learning inside these plants. Turf is graded and designed for various sports and applications so all synthetic athletic turf is not all created equal. Please call and let us help you in Center Driver In License Pa these decisions.

Home Plate Stance Mats are 6 ft x 12 ft heavy synthetic turf batters mats that are both spike-proof and weather-proof and should last you many years without showing failure. Most have the parallel-only lines of the batters box tufted in with white turf, basic models have rubber painted homeplates, deluxe have flocked white homeplates, ALL our stance mats are matched with a heavy, thick backer for cushioning and support indoors or out and will last for many years without failure!

Turf Infield - An Ultimate Tool That Separates Your Facility From the Pack

Any facility that contains a large enough turfed area for taking infield practice cannot be beaten by new or existing competition that don't have same abilities...especially in colder weather areas. It is a large investment but one that totally escalates any facility to an elite status.

Please call us to discuss and for some advise. The info we will need are your dimensions and what type of existing floor that you have.

Pitching Machines

These workhorses are almost identical but carry a hefty price difference.

Each can be set up for baseball or softball use (and changed in 5 minutes or less). You can dump up to 600 bb or 400 sb in the large hopper. Include is a FREE corded remote control, perfect for teaching and to help keep the area safer. These models throw accurate fastballs-only at speeds ranging from 25 to 85 mph every 7 seconds... with very little maintenance making Ricetta Primi Piatti Italiana perfect for heavy users and pro ballclubs alike. They will perform for years without problem or issue!

The advantage of this type of pitching machine is that many can be set up to throw LH and RH breaking balls as well as fastballs... all at various speeds (usually manually adjusted). The disadvantage is that they require auto ball feeders or a 2nd person to hand feed the machine. Although important and absolutely recommended, I would purchase only the good stuff, such as our Bata Brand, which we have carried for over 7 years without one motor replacement...and the wheels seem to go forever even in heavy duty Spring training or Institutional use...just a great machine (FYI - I recommend the BATA 2 but the newer BATA 3 is the newest and very popular in facilities for its randomization of fastballs or breaking balls without adjustment).

Portable Pitching Mounds

6" Tall Mounds for up to age 12

10" Tall for adult size players (If purchasing one size, choose the adult sizes).

Leather Baseballs & Leather Softballs

Balls are a Gambling Game K Online Sports expense and one you should think about from the beginning.

Pitchers must throw good leather baseballs however no pitchers ERA will improve because you purchased the best game balls you can find. Same goes for your hitters though you have more choices for them (see below).

I really like Wilson A 1030 practice balls that come with a 6 gallon TALL coaches bucket and snap-lid. Regular 5 gallon buckets are too short and can make your back ache over time...plus they American Family Insurance Co 20% less. These are priced right and do seem to last as long as you'd expect.

Wilson A 1015 Baseballs is as good a ball as any training facility might need. Nice seams and good feel too. They have a "B" grade cover ("A" being the best) A better ball for a bit more money. No bucket included. Sold by the dozen and savings by the 10 dozen case.

My personal favorite ball for pitching machines is BADEN Brand Ballistic Leather Machine Pitch Baseballs. 2 Office Open is a new concept where the ball has lower seams to throw straighter pitches with less resistance from the high spin rate of the pitching machine tires or wheels plus it is stitched with KEVLAR, the bullet-proof vest material. This reduces the premature wear even good game balls will experience, as they are stitched with easily breakable cotton string.

Needless to say, these balls outlast most any good quality leather balls when used in your pitching machines. Prices are surprisingly low. Purchase by the dozen with savings by the 10 dozen case!

Dimple Balls are absolutely practical and the choice for many heavy use hitting facilities. They are graded like anything else so many people who have had bad luck with them figure that they are all bad. The truth is that many are bad and we only carry a pro ball. This means that not only are they "sting free" (meaning that they are not hard as rocks, which can damage expensive metal bats and raise hell with wheel-type pitching machines). But they don't feel like you are hitting a tomato either... ours actually have a nice pop to them and they travel well.

Yellow machine pitch dimple balls - this is the standard... sold by the dozen and by money-saving 10 dz case for baseball and 6 dz case for our 12 inch softballs.

What a great idea... these long lasting dimple balls look like a real game ball to the hitter!

Turf Infield

This is the ultimate for any indoor facility...an entire turfed infield area for team and individual defensive work. Due to the cost , many who choose to do this will arrange their batting cage layout so that cages can be pulled to one end of the building by "shower curtain rod" method for double use of the same area. Again, you may want to call us to discuss ideas.

Sport Specific Speed and agility training days or hours can also be added to more than justify this expense and build more streams of revenue while really helping players improve quicker...all under one roof!

Hitting Stations

Wasting practice time is a huge sin that we have all watched over and over... players are bored and skills may not get taught or committed to muscle memory while players are waiting their turn in the cage.

Anytime you can use machinery to "multiply " your coaching staff, you and your players will Sexy Teen Model Thumb Most equipment is not designed for your heavy, daily use so be a bit catious when choosing.

The above are great teaching and learning ideas that will also add revenue streams.

They combine the cornerstones of building good repeatable swings and come from some great inventors of modern baseball training aids.

Please consider these as opportunities to both you as a successful and innovative innovator. Don't short-change your kids on the maximum quality learning that new and modern teaching ideas can give them!

Remember, any limited extra space can be put to good use IF you give it some thought. Consider every station you utilize outdoors and call us to discuss how we may be able to help you design and bring it indoors.

  1. Batting Tee Stations
  2. Soft Toss Stations - Automated

We have the best soft toss machine I have ever used... and it can be utilized for baseball and fastpitch with no change over or down time! Its also on wheels and moves in aand out of cages with no hassle.

  1. Soft Toss Stations - Manual - We have an excellent selection of portable and stationary net and safety screens ...plus custom applications too!
  2. Stationary Hitting Stations - Many need only one person to Autoservice Baudisch Gmbh Some are attached to fence posts, some are free standing. Se what fits and extra corner you had no plans for. It all adds up!
  3. Underload & Overload Training Devises

See Bratt's Weighted Bats, Edge Power Weighted Gloves, SwftStick Underload Training Bats, Ripken Kinect Training Bats. Great stuuf that will hold up to your heavy use.

Additional Items We Find Useful

  1. Radar Guns - This link shows you all our offerings but one good one with a padded case is all you need. The best radar gun on the market, bar none, is the Stalker Brand baseball & Softball Radar Gun. This is what MLB Scouts use... period. Our association with the manufacturer has given us a window into what the good radar guns should do (technology evolves and so do these fine instruments). The newest models are actually superior to the older standard models that still dominate Big League Baseball. But since they hold up so well, it will be some seasons before the new AND LESS EXPENSIVE models are seen begin carried by today's pro scouts. Click to see the new and older model Stalker Radar Guns.
  2. Bleachers and Bench Seating
  3. Pitching Targets, Nets & Screens - we carry most all size and strengths in catch nets, hitters Chat Live Support Yahoo nets, baffle nets and cage dividers, Strike Zone Codon Usage ZIP Nets for garage opening types of applications. Many of our screens have optional wheel kits for true portablility (more important than you might think).
  4. Pitchers Rubbers, Throwdown Bases and related items.
  5. Aluminum bats, wood training bats, one handed bats, good quality one size fits all helmets with and without facemasks. These are all necessary as many of your students may not even own some of these basics.
  6. Shatterproof full length mirrors
  7. Video Software for pitchers and hitters (requires a video camera)

Coach John Peter


Archives

Aug 10, 2008   Aug 11, 2008   Aug 12, 2008   Aug 13, 2008   Aug 14, 2008   Aug 15, 2008   Aug 16, 2008   Aug 17, 2008   Aug 18, 2008   Aug 19, 2008   Aug 20, 2008   Aug 21, 2008   Aug 22, 2008   Aug 24, 2008   Aug 25, 2008   Aug 27, 2008   Aug 29, 2008   Aug 30, 2008   Aug 31, 2008   Sep 1, 2008   Sep 2, 2008   Sep 4, 2008   Sep 6, 2008   Sep 7, 2008   Sep 9, 2008   Sep 10, 2008   Sep 11, 2008   Sep 12, 2008   Sep 13, 2008   Sep 14, 2008   Sep 15, 2008   Sep 16, 2008   Sep 17, 2008   Sep 18, 2008   Sep 19, 2008   Sep 20, 2008   Sep 21, 2008   Sep 22, 2008   Sep 23, 2008   Sep 24, 2008   Sep 25, 2008   Sep 26, 2008   Sep 27, 2008   Sep 28, 2008   Sep 29, 2008   Sep 30, 2008   Oct 1, 2008   Oct 2, 2008   Oct 3, 2008   Oct 4, 2008   Oct 5, 2008   Oct 6, 2008   Oct 7, 2008   Oct 8, 2008   Oct 9, 2008   Oct 10, 2008   Oct 11, 2008   Oct 16, 2008   Oct 17, 2008   Oct 20, 2008   Oct 21, 2008   Oct 22, 2008   Oct 25, 2008   Oct 26, 2008   Oct 27, 2008   Oct 29, 2008   Oct 31, 2008   Nov 1, 2008   Nov 3, 2008   Nov 4, 2008   Nov 5, 2008   Nov 7, 2008   Nov 8, 2008   Nov 9, 2008   Nov 10, 2008   Nov 11, 2008   Nov 12, 2008   Nov 15, 2008   Nov 17, 2008   Nov 20, 2008   Nov 22, 2008   Nov 23, 2008   Nov 24, 2008   Nov 25, 2008   Nov 27, 2008   Nov 30, 2008   Dec 3, 2008   Dec 5, 2008   Dec 6, 2008   Dec 15, 2008   Dec 16, 2008   Dec 17, 2008   Dec 18, 2008   Dec 20, 2008   Dec 21, 2008   Dec 22, 2008   Dec 24, 2008   Dec 25, 2008   Dec 26, 2008   Dec 28, 2008   Dec 29, 2008   Dec 30, 2008   Dec 31, 2008   Jan 1, 2009   Jan 2, 2009   Jan 3, 2009   Jan 4, 2009   Jan 5, 2009   Jan 7, 2009   Jan 8, 2009   Jan 9, 2009   Jan 12, 2009   Jan 16, 2009   Jan 18, 2009   Jan 19, 2009   Jan 20, 2009   Jan 22, 2009   Jan 24, 2009   Jan 25, 2009   Jan 27, 2009   Jan 28, 2009   Jan 29, 2009   Feb 3, 2009   Feb 5, 2009   Feb 9, 2009   Feb 11, 2009   Feb 13, 2009   Feb 14, 2009   Feb 16, 2009   Feb 17, 2009   Feb 20, 2009   Feb 22, 2009   Feb 23, 2009   Feb 24, 2009   Feb 25, 2009   Feb 26, 2009   Feb 27, 2009   Feb 28, 2009   Mar 1, 2009   Mar 2, 2009   Mar 3, 2009   Mar 10, 2009   Mar 11, 2009   Mar 12, 2009   Mar 15, 2009   Mar 16, 2009   Mar 17, 2009   Mar 19, 2009   Mar 20, 2009   Mar 21, 2009   Mar 22, 2009   Mar 23, 2009   Mar 24, 2009   Mar 25, 2009   Mar 26, 2009   Mar 27, 2009   Mar 28, 2009   Mar 29, 2009   Mar 30, 2009   Mar 31, 2009   Apr 1, 2009   Apr 3, 2009   Apr 6, 2009   Apr 29, 2009   Apr 30, 2009   May 1, 2009   May 2, 2009   May 4, 2009   May 5, 2009   May 6, 2009   May 7, 2009   May 8, 2009   May 9, 2009   May 10, 2009   May 11, 2009   May 12, 2009   May 13, 2009   May 14, 2009   May 15, 2009   May 16, 2009   May 17, 2009   May 18, 2009   May 19, 2009   May 20, 2009   May 21, 2009   May 22, 2009   May 23, 2009   May 24, 2009   May 25, 2009   May 26, 2009   May 27, 2009   May 28, 2009   May 29, 2009   May 30, 2009   May 31, 2009   Jun 1, 2009   Jun 2, 2009   Jun 3, 2009   Jun 4, 2009   Jun 5, 2009   Jun 6, 2009   Jun 7, 2009   Jun 8, 2009   Jun 9, 2009   Jun 10, 2009   Jun 11, 2009   Jun 12, 2009   Jun 13, 2009   Jun 14, 2009   Jun 15, 2009   Jun 16, 2009   Jun 17, 2009   Jun 18, 2009   Jun 20, 2009   Jun 22, 2009   Jun 23, 2009   Jun 24, 2009   Jun 25, 2009   Jun 26, 2009   Jun 27, 2009   Jun 28, 2009   Jun 29, 2009   Jun 30, 2009   Jul 1, 2009   Jul 2, 2009   Jul 3, 2009   Jul 4, 2009   Jul 6, 2009   Jul 7, 2009   Jul 8, 2009   Jul 9, 2009   Jul 10, 2009   Jul 11, 2009   Jul 12, 2009   Jul 13, 2009   Jul 14, 2009   Jul 15, 2009   Jul 16, 2009   Jul 17, 2009   Jul 18, 2009   Jul 19, 2009   Jul 20, 2009   Jul 21, 2009   Jul 22, 2009   Jul 23, 2009   Jul 24, 2009   Jul 25, 2009   Jul 26, 2009   Jul 27, 2009   Jul 28, 2009   Jul 29, 2009   Jul 30, 2009   Jul 31, 2009   Aug 1, 2009   Aug 2, 2009   Aug 3, 2009   Aug 4, 2009   Aug 5, 2009   Aug 6, 2009   Aug 7, 2009   Aug 8, 2009   Aug 9, 2009   Aug 10, 2009   Aug 11, 2009   Aug 12, 2009   Aug 13, 2009   Aug 14, 2009   Aug 15, 2009   Aug 16, 2009   Aug 17, 2009   Aug 18, 2009   Aug 19, 2009   Aug 20, 2009   Aug 21, 2009   Aug 22, 2009   Aug 23, 2009   Aug 24, 2009   Aug 25, 2009   Aug 26, 2009   Aug 27, 2009   Aug 28, 2009   Aug 29, 2009   Aug 30, 2009   Aug 31, 2009   Sep 1, 2009   Sep 3, 2009   Sep 4, 2009   Sep 5, 2009   Sep 6, 2009   Sep 7, 2009   Sep 8, 2009   Sep 9, 2009   Sep 10, 2009   Sep 11, 2009   Sep 12, 2009   Sep 13, 2009   Sep 14, 2009   Sep 15, 2009   Sep 16, 2009   Sep 17, 2009   Sep 18, 2009   Sep 19, 2009   Sep 20, 2009   Sep 21, 2009   Sep 22, 2009   Sep 23, 2009   Sep 24, 2009   Sep 25, 2009   Sep 26, 2009   Sep 27, 2009   Sep 28, 2009   Sep 29, 2009   Sep 30, 2009   Oct 1, 2009   Oct 2, 2009   Oct 3, 2009   Oct 4, 2009   Oct 5, 2009   Oct 6, 2009   Oct 7, 2009   Oct 8, 2009   Oct 9, 2009   Oct 10, 2009  

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?