Broomstick, rope and weight:
Take a three foot length of broomstick and SECURELY attach a 4ft. ¼ diameter braided nylon rope in the center of the broomstick. At the other end of the rope attach 10 to 25 lbs of weights. The weights are “rolled up” (and down) building strength in the forearms and wrists.
Broomstick bats and whiffle balls:
Take an old aluminum bat and using a hacksaw, cut it off about 12 inches from the knob. Take a broom stick (or wood dowel) and “drive” it into the 12” portion of the bat. I think I had to use some electrical tape to make a tight fit between the bat end and the broomstick. Cut the broomstick to the length of your son’s bat. Use this bat to hit “soft tossed” golf ball sized whiffle balls into a blanket hung from the ceiling. Really improves eye hand coordination and bat speed.
Rocket arm training system:
Prior to the professional model hitting the market I built a rope and pulley system in our basement using about 25ft of ¼ braided nylon rope, two small pulleys, 5ft of 6” schedule 40 PVC plastic pipe and 10 lbs of plumbers lead. The two pulleys were attached to the ceiling of the basement, one in the center and the other at the wall just over a 6” PVC pipe I had attached standing upright to the wall. On the end of the rope in the center of the basement I attached a baseball by drilling a 3/8 hole and forcing the rope into the hole and using some 3M glue to secure it. After placing the loose end of the rope through the pulleys, I attached the 2 “chunks” of plumbers lead (5lbs each) by drilling holes in the lead. The lead was then lowered into the PVC pipe. The PVC pipe is used to keep the weights from swinging back and forth. The player could then pull the ball which would raise and lower the weights. Using this pulley system instead of the thera bands allowed for a more linear resistance for the muscles and allowed a full range of movement. Great for rotator cuff shoulder and core strengthening. Here is a picture of a lesser version of mine:
The rice bucket:
The rice bucket is a baseball player’s best friend and I mean that seriously. A plastic 5 gallon bucket (with lid) filled 3/4 of the way to the top with uncooked rice is an excellent aid in strengthening the hands, wrists, and forearms. The object is to place the rice bucket on the floor and work the hand in a circular motion until you touch the bottom of the bucket ---- repeat that process until you feel the "pain". You will be amazed at the results. Replace the lid when finished to keep the critters out.
Chin-up Bar:
I have 10 ft ceilings in the basement that allows for full extension on chin ups. Great for biceps and shoulders and core strength.
Weight bench and dumbbells. Purchase the light weight (in different weights) one piece dumbbells. They work much better than the bar and free weights.
Gyro ball:
A real "gimmick" that works in strengthening the wrists and hands.
Soft toss machine and net:
My biggest purchase at about $300. An Atec machine in the basement that allowed my son to swing it on his own without being subjected to my coaching.
Net:
I purchased enough netting to go from wall to wall, ceiling to floor in the basement. Permanently attached to the ceiling and rolled up when not in use. Allow about 4 ft extra at the bottom to absorb the impact of the ball.
Baseball Tee:
Self explanatory.
Video Camera and tripod:
Allows your son to see himself during his workouts. Great for hitting drills.
Pictures:
I used pictures of hitters to show different mechanics.
Two chairs:
I would often use two chairs facing each other. I would sit in one and he in the other and we would talk about baseball, his dream and what it would take.
Please feel free to add those thing you think have helped your son.
Fungo
