Over weight bat hitting drills

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Apr 5, 2013
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Back on the dirt...
Are any of you using an overweight bat to train with? If yes, what drills are you doing with it or are you just hitting normally? I recently bought a wood bat that is longer and heavier than the game bat. DD is hitting decently with it. Just looking for some input on using it effectively.
 
Dec 11, 2010
4,713
113
A couple things we do are self toss with baseballs and wood bb bats the same length as regular bat.

I have a knob weight called “pro-cut” that I believe weighs 6-7 ounces that we use for a dozen or so tee swings in a session.

I also have a bat called Swing Mechanic MP40 that we use against a heavy bag, (Mann’s Drill), and sometimes a little tee. 10-12 at a time.

My older dd liked to hit machine balls with her wood bb bat but we avoid it any time she may be facing live pitching soon.

My advice is don’t overdo heavy bats. 10-12 swings to feel the hands and barrel differently and go back to regular bats.
 
Apr 5, 2013
2,130
83
Back on the dirt...
Overload Training for Hitters

A big part of my swing development process is the use of weighted bats that are greatly overloaded from the game weights (+12,+15,+18 in our 12-week progressions) from constraint positions to pattern an efficient rotational swing sequence. Research shows this method of using overloaded implements as the most efficient way to remap parts of a swing as they provide better kinesthetic awareness throughout the swing.​

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Chad Longworth


Got this email the other day and this is what made me ask the question.
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,714
113
Chicago
Interesting.

I'm not sure about this kind of training (as in nowhere near game action), but I'm anti-swinging a heavier bat, a bat with a weight, etc. before going up to the plate in a game since science has proven swinging a heavy bat right before swinging a light one actually slows down bat speed.

But for training? I'm not sure. My instinct is that using a heavy (perhaps too heavy) bat is going to lead to even worse mechanics since it's more difficult to do what you're supposed to do.
 
Dec 11, 2010
4,713
113
CoachJD, I read the info about on deck weights. I believe them.

My favorite training stuff is the pro-cut knob weights. I wish I had more of them, I can’t find them anywhere and I only have one weight. I like them because they are much harder to misuse, I can’t ever remember seeing a problem after using those in a limited number of swings.

I’m going to leave it at this- for hitters that already have good mechanics, there are is real potential for improvement with reasonable and limited use of wood bats and some heavier training bats. Just like pitching machines though, people waaaaaay overdo their use, don’t pay attention to fatigue and mechanics and the next thing you know they are considered a detriment.
 
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May 14, 2015
493
43
Bismarck ND
My DD has used a Camwood training bat. Uses it for tee work, off a machine and front toss. Seems to get her in the grove. All of the weight is based around the hands.
 
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May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
My DD hits in cage sessions with a wood bat, on occasion. It's not for an extended period, and we don't do it on a regular basis (although she probably should do it more often). As long as good mechanics stay intact, I think it can be a good tool in the process of swing development. If mechanics are breaking down to handle the increased weight, you're doing more damage than good.
 
Mar 13, 2015
202
18
Omaha, Ne
Are any of you using an overweight bat to train with? If yes, what drills are you doing with it or are you just hitting normally? I recently bought a wood bat that is longer and heavier than the game bat. DD is hitting decently with it. Just looking for some input on using it effectively.
We did overload/underload training over the winter time. We went 3ish ounces heavier and 3oz lighter plus regular bat. I went the cheap route and used 2 3/4" washers that I taped to the cap of barrel. DD1 swings a 33" so I took an old 33/23 and added washers for heavy and for the lighter bat I took her sisters 30/20 and used it but tinkered around with weight on knob.
Drills- Nothing special really. We started with dry swings 5 sets of 10.
Command drill
SNF both into a punching bag.
We later translated all that to just "feels". In that email you got it says "constraint drills" but I'm not sure about +15,18 oz. Kid does workouts so to me that's plenty.
I did implement it with DD2 but with a 32"
If DD is pushing the barrel through, this won't help anyone. That's my opinion anyway.


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