Weighted Balls as Part of Warm-Up

[JenSCF]

I’m interested in helping our players take a few cuts pre-game with weighted softballs off of a tee. (This is in addition to rotating through other hitting stations with wiffles, as well). What is the preferred or recommended bat they should use when they are hitting a weighted ball off a tee. I know their compression bats are not an option. I’m considering purchasing a tool (CamWood, etc.?) for the team to use when they get to that hitting station. Thanks!

 

[Strike2]

I sometimes used TCB baseball-sized heavy balls for warmup, but always tossed them. A team DD picked up with one time used the softball-sized ones, and we both HATED them. IMO, they're a wrist injury waiting to happen. I'd never use them on a T or otherwise. Use regular softballs, a T, and a net. If you use baseball-size TCBs, no more than ~ half-dozen swings.

 

[Gags]

define weighted? As in hard outer shell? Or plyo balls like TCB? (Total Control Balls - i.e. sand/polymer filled with a soft outer shell)

 

[JenSCF]

I’m interested in helping our players take a few cuts pre-game with weighted softballs off of a tee. (This is in addition to rotating through other hitting stations with wiffles, as well). What is the preferred or recommended bat they should use when they are hitting a weighted ball off a tee. I know their compression bats are not an option. I’m considering purchasing a tool (CamWood, etc.?) for the team to use when they get to that hitting station. Thanks!

The weighted balls I’m referring to are: BowNet Ballast Weighted Training Ball with Raised Seams


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JenSCF]

define weighted? As in hard outer shell? Or plyo balls like TCB? (Total Control Balls - i.e. sand/polymer filled with a soft outer shell)

The weighted balls I’m referring to are: BowNet Ballast Weighted Training Ball with Raised Seams


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lance Steckler]

i would not have them taking swings with bats other than their game bats during pregame warm up. Also, would waste time with weight balls off of a tee.

a few cuts with thrown TCB balls.

 

[Rolling Hard]

At younger age groups 12U or younger the hitters will actually slow their bat down and unconsciously squeeze the grip in preparing for contact. I don't like them.

 

[CoachCeetar]

At younger age groups 12U or younger the hitters will actually slow their bat down and unconsciously squeeze the grip in preparing for contact. I don't like them.

they'll do that anyway, weighted balls is kinda what that's trying to train out of them no?

I particularly like that I can just pop outside into my own backyard and make her get a few swings in on a warm-ish February afternoon.

 

[Cornbread]

Weighted balls reinforce a push swing. I quit using them a few years ago. Quick warm up is probably ok though.

 

[Dabears17]

When they were younger, I would only use the TCB's for warmups when we had limited warmup space. When my daughter was on a 12u team that could hit, I switched to the Bownet 12" heavy balls for my own safety. For the older girls I would throw them 3 or 4 heavies during pre-games, but mostly use the TCB baseball size and Bownet 12" rubber whiffles.

There are drills I only did a couple of times a season, like having them hit the heavies, using the "behind the hands" bat, or hitting the muhl balls off the tee. I consider these drills good to get a "feel" of correct mechanics, but when overused, it can teach bad habits.