Perfect circle training aid

javasource said:

My favorite device is a striped softball....

Curiosity killed this cat years ago... and I made a double. The benefit is that it's cheap... so perhaps you give it a go. I know BH and RP use them... and they must have their reasons.

I can't say I love them or really spend all that much time throwing them... truthfully, I've never relied on it. I teach a rise and a curve with regulation softballs that are striped, as I know the spin I'm looking for and usually don't have a hard time getting a student to do that.

Perhaps they are good for at-home learners that can't get to a PC... dunno. My only thought... I've never seen a person throw a double with the same mechanics they throw a single... so that makes me scratch my head the most.

There was once a thread to the tune of "What's in your bag of tricks?" I have spent oodles of time getting creative, but only two of my "inventions" remain in my bag. So, it's not to say I don't have goodies... they are just basics. Not that you asked... but, the rest of the stuff in there is (depending on the clinic):

• 11 and 12 inch striped softballs
• a small football (for beginners)
• rubber plate (obvious)
• 100' measuring tape
• duck tape (for the parents)
• field marker spray can (for tagging bridges)
• a wiffle or two (atypical uses)
• Java noodle ball (patent pending... )
• an east coast version of the TVT (yeeeaah boyyy!)
• some cups (for beginners examples)
• tripod & camera
• revfire
• a clicker (shaping and chaining)
• a marker (as needed)
• resistance bands (few types)
• folder
• handheld tablet (scheduling and video review)
• some elastic bands (seldom used for beginners)
• harness (drive mechanics)
• nerf-type foam ball (lock it in)
• Small bat (bat drill and bucket dad enforcer)
• Regular bat (for hitting... duh)
• Regular glove & catchers glove
• extra pair of shins (mine are wearing thin)
• Chinese jumpropes (made in america... )
• pvc lengths (so many uses it's absurd)
• portable homeplate
• gyroball
• piece of a swimming noodle (to beat students with)
• ghetto pitching mat
• Starting blocks (running)
• floor mat (like a yoga mat)
• a stopwatch (various training items)
• medicine ball
• fitness ball
• wrist roller...

... and a thermos, full of java, I swear...

Oh yeah... the wife makes me bring a small first aid kit.

And that, folks, is how you take a thread off-topic!

Click to expand...