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Power Of the Plus

By |2021-05-24T12:28:45-06:00May 28th, 2015|DREAMZ 4 SEAMZ|

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Power of the Plus:

 

Louisville Slugger has been grinding the past few years working to become the most dominant fastpitch bat on the market. Whether it is a Xeno or LXT, you can rest assured that you are stepping up to the plate with a top quality weapon.

 

After much anticipation, Louisville Slugger has introduced the 2016 beautifully powerful models- the Xeno Plus and LXT Plus!

 

This year’s line stayed the course with similar graphics from 2015, but, in true Louisville Slugger fashion, they have stepped it up a notch for 2016. Along with adding the “Plus” to the names, the new line has infused an eye-catching splash of optic yellow into both the Xeno Plus and LXT Plus. Louisville Slugger has struck a perfect balance between classic and flash with their aesthetics and I could not be more pleased with how they turned out.

 

Moving on to what really matters- ultimate performance. Let’s break it down by model.

 

Xeno Plus: The old faithful. This bat has one of the largest sweet spots in the game with a trademark sound that gets results. Louisville Slugger Performance Plus Composite allows for zero wall friction and maximum pop. The two piece barrel to handle iST technology provides max flex and limits bad vibrations. With sizes ranging from -11 to -8, this is a bat that can be swung throughout an entire career.

 


LXT Plus: This model has been slowly catching up to its LS counterpart over time and we think this year might be the year that LXT breaks out ahead of the almighty Xeno! This is one sharp looking bat with some of the best graphics and color schemes that we have seen yet. Made with the same Performance Plus Composite Technology as the Xeno, this model is no longer end-loaded like it was in 2013. You will get an evenly balanced bat engineered for maximum performance! The LXT TRU 3 Technology doesn’t allow the handle and barrel to touch allowing for optimum pop and eliminating all vibrations. Another great surprise is the addition of a -11 option! Now the younger, smaller athletes training for big-time performance can join the LXT crowd. Seriously, this bat is legit and that blue will definitely make a statement at the plate!

 

 

We are counting down the days until June 1 when these beauties arrive in the store. As always, be sure to stop by Better Softball in Better Baseball and demo one to see the results for yourself!








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Billy Wagner’s 3 tips for baseball long toss program [video]

By |2021-05-24T12:28:45-06:00May 9th, 2015|BASEBALL MENTALITY, HITTING A BASEBALL|

422 saves, 16 years pitching in the MLB, 1,196 strikeouts… Billy Wagner shares video tips for how he runs his son’s high school baseball long toss program, including a warm up, proper throwing mechanics to increase velocity, and more. What do you get when you take one of the best relievers to ever play the game [...]

The post Billy Wagner’s 3 tips for baseball long toss program appeared first on Pro Baseball Insider.

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The Pitcher’s Pocket – No catcher? No Problem!

By |2021-05-24T12:28:46-06:00April 20th, 2015|DREAMZ 4 SEAMZ|

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The Pitcher’s Pocket – No catcher?  No Problem!

You’ve seen them in back yards and driveways across America… the pitching target that looks like you’re throwing to a cartoon character.  Most of them are equipped with a thin vinyl tarp hanging off a pole with a cut out strike zone and a right-handed batter painted on.  A pitching target is a great idea if you want to work on pitching accuracy, consistency, and overall skill, but there’s something else out there that is nine times as durable, nine times as effective, and nine times the fun.  It’s called the 9 Hole Pitcher’s Pocket.  

     

Designed and manufactured at Better Baseball in Marietta, GA is what some will say is the greatest pitching training aid ever made.  The 9 Hole Pitcher’s Pocket was first created in 2000.  Over the last 15 years, 6 prototypes have gotten this product to where it needs to be: a useful, durable, exciting pitching aid that’s fun and effective for both little leaguers and major leaguers.  Ever since the Pitcher’s Pocket caught the attention of players, parents, and coaches, it’s proven to be an extremely popular training aid for baseball and softball players worldwide.  

So why get a Pitcher’s Pocket when there are cheaper alternatives?  A big chunk of that answer is durability.  Any time you’re putting a vinyl tarp under the constant stress of baseballs hitting it, it’s going to split at the seams and tear into pieces sooner than you may think.  The same goes for mass-produced pitching targets with an aluminum frame and a cheaper quality (polypropylene) netting.  The Better Baseball 9 Hole Pitcher’s Pocket comes fully equipped with nine separate #60 grade nylon-netted holes, or pockets, divided by bungee cords that attach to a UV coated vinyl padding-incased galvanized steel frame.  The detachable/height-adjustable legs, also made of galvanized steel with rubber end caps, guarantees a sturdy base and easy storage.  These pitching targets are built to last a long time.  Period.

                    

Another reason to consider the Pitcher’s Pocket over a different training aid is its versatility.  The 9 Hole Pitcher’s Pocket is an ideal backstop for live batting practice, a good stand-in first baseman for infield ground ball practice. Catchers can use it too, as a target for their throw-downs at second and third base. The Pitcher's Pocket is a  perfectly sized strike zone for wiffle ball, and a means to play competitive games between players of all ages.  A fan favorite, “Tic-Tac-Throw,” is a game using the Pitcher’s Pocket as a tic-tac-toe board.  Be the first to get three of your pitches in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line to win.  You can also play a full game in "9 Innings”.  Each inning, you get four chances to hit a designated hole.  For each hole hit, you earn one run.  Start the first inning in the top left hole and work your way down and over to the bottom right hole for the ninth inning.  Whoever has the most runs at the end is more accurate and has earned bragging rights… until next time. These are some great games to keep practice fun and engaging. 

Want a Pitcher’s Pocket that’s a different size than the 9 Hole?  No problem.  They also come in a Quad Pocket, 12 hole and 16 hole.  Want to attach a larger back-stop behind it to catch the missed pitches?  No problem there either.  Better Baseball is flexible with the dimensions, number of holes, and any extra attachments you might want added.  The Pitcher’s Pocket is available in a wide array of colors including black, red, navy, royal, green, purple, orange, yellow, and many more.

The Better Baseball Pitcher’s Pocket is the best tool possible for assessing and increasing pitchers’ accuracy.  It is highly recommended for baseball and softball players (especially pitchers) of all ages who are serious about improving their game.

 







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Accuracy from the palm of your hand – The Pocket Radar

By |2021-05-24T12:28:46-06:00April 20th, 2015|DREAMZ 4 SEAMZ|

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“Accuracy from the palm of your hand” – The Pocket Radar

In the beginning, radar guns had their place… hidden behind a bush off the side of the highway trying to catch the red Mustang doing 95.  It wasn’t until the mid-1970’s that radar guns made their way into the ball parks.  Ever since, they’ve proven to be popular tools for baseball players, coaches, and scouts.  And there’s good reason for it.  Radar guns provide the most accurate, unbiased performance feedback for throwing, hitting, and pitching velocities.

Over the years, many radar guns from various manufacturers have strived for one thing:  accuracy.  A radar gun that doesn’t read the correct speed is like a glove with a hole in it.  It’s safe to say that after 40 years of product testing and advanced engineering that the top companies have a firm grip on the accuracy issues.  However, from a design standpoint, there is only one radar gun that leaves the others in the dust, and it’s called the Pocket Radar.

Unlike all big and bulky radar guns, the award-winning Pocket Radar is the first radar gun you can actually fit in your pocket.  Instead of resembling the shape and grip of a gun, the Pocket Radar is more like a cell phone.  It’s very discreet, at a great price, and it’s just as accurate as some of the most expensive radar guns on the market (+/- 1 mph).  From a scouting standpoint, it can be problematic to have a standard radar gun pointed at a kid on the mound.  If a younger player sees that he’s being clocked, he’s much more likely to try to throw harder than he actually can, which can result in a poor performance or an arm injury.  The discretion of the Pocket Radar is a unique and invaluable feature for scouts to stay off the players’ radar… pun intended.

The Pocket Radar comes in two different models: the Classic and the Ball Coach.  The Classic model was designed as an all-purpose radar gun for clocking anything in motion.  Though it wasn’t designed for reading pitch and swing speeds, this model still does the trick.  The Ball Coach is a more improved model designed specifically for clocking speeds in sports.  It has a Constant-On mode that allows for hands-free use and a recall memory of 25 speed readings.  If you’re looking for a radar gun for the purpose of clocking baseball and softball speeds, the Pocket Radar Ball Coach is the way to go.

                             

Here are the specs on the Pocket Radar Ball Coach, the official radar gun for Triple Crown Sports:

Range: Ball Speed from 120 feet Away

25 to 130 MPH (Accuracy +/- 1 MPH)

Recall Memory: 25 speed readings

Size: 4.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches

Weight: 4.5 ounces with batteries

Battery Life (Typical Use):  

  • Manual Trigger Mode > 2,000 Readings;  

  • Constant-On Mode > 1 Hour with 2 new alkaline AAA batteries (included)

Includes:  Belt Holster Case, Wrist Strap, Quick Start Guide

Warranty:  Two years

Pros:  Reduced price and size but same accuracy as Jugs and Stalker radar guns, Scouting discretion, No need for a bulky case, just your pocket

Cons:  Beyond 120 feet, it won’t read speeds accurately, Must be just behind the backstop for best results

 

 

 






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Slap-Happy; The Art of Slap Hitting in Fast-Pitch Softball

By |2021-05-24T12:28:47-06:00April 12th, 2015|DREAMZ 4 SEAMZ|

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Slap-Happy; The Art of Slap Hitting in Fast-Pitch Softball

 

It is no secret by now that people love the long-ball. The girls with the walk- off homers and high RBI’s are the ones that get most of the glory in the softball world. As impressive as power hitters are; unless you’re launching solo shots on a regular basis, someone has to set the table for your big moments. Those table-setters often come in the form of a slapper. We caught up with Emily Allard, current Chicago Bandit (NPF) and all-time stolen base leader at Northwestern University.

 

“Not only is your job to get on base and "set the table," but just by being a slapper, you are automatically a threat the moment you step into the box. We have an incredibly unique ability to change the momentum of a game simply by putting the ball in play.”



Allard has enjoyed tremendous success as a slapper both in college and professional play. Her passion for the hitting style has driven the creation of her company, Be The Momentum with Kristin Jensen (formerly Scharkey) another former NU slapper standout. BTM, in Allard’s words “… focuses mainly on clinic instruction and social media support for slappers, but recently has expanded into speed, baserunning and defensive work as well”.

                        

The slap hitter is an incredibly versatile and CRUCIAL hitter in the line-up. Often seen in the 1,2, or 9 spot; the slapper’s job is to get on base and move runners into scoring position. Newbie spectators of the game are often shocked to see that a slapper begins stepping into her route to first before contact is made with the ball. The purpose of the run-through is to get out of the box faster and lessen her time to first base. Allard adds, “As a slapper, your entire existence relies on your ability to get on base in any way possible, most often with short game or challenging the defense to make a play against your speed”.

                                                

The art of slapping can come in multiple forms. There is the slap-bunt (or drag-bunt), where the slapper makes her steps and drops a quick bunt down. The purpose of these bunts are for base hits so they are not considered sacrifices. Although, if a slapper gets thrown out on a drag bunt but also moves her runner, she was still productive! The second, and most authentic form of slapping is the infield slap. This can come in multiple forms (soft roller/high bounce), but is hit with the intention of beating the throw to first. This is a slapper’s opportunity to really showcase her speed and one of Allard’s favorite parts of slapping. “Our speed forces defenses to be PERFECT in order to get us out. That's fun“. Placement and bat control are crucial pieces to this technique. The final addition to the slapping repertoire is the power-slap. This technique is pretty self-explanatory. These slaps are base hits that make it through the infield. Power slaps come into play when an RBI is needed or if the outfield is playing you incorrectly. A quick analysis of the defense is all it takes for a slapper to strategize her power slap approach. When the outfield is playing deep, just a strong poke into shallow left-center is all it takes (the infield will typically play tight to defend the tap/drag leaving a gap in shallow OF).  If the outfield is playing close (which is very commonly done), then unleash the full power slap and turn the would-be single into a double or triple.

Athletes who are able to master each slapping technique become virtually indefensible. Slappers are the ultimate triple threat at the plate and deserve major props for their production. They are able to speed up game and keep EVERYONE on their toes.

"Setting the table is just as important as clearing the bases." This is the BTM motto and a very true statement! Fortunately, with the accomplishments of big time slappers such as Allard, Caitlin Lowe, and Natasha Watley, the art of slapping has been put on the map and forced people to pay attention. Demarini has caught the slapping bug and created the FIRST and ONLY slapper specific bat. With a longer barrel and weighted even closer to the hands, the CF8 is tailored completely to the unique needs of the slapper. The CF8 Slapper is now available and we have it here at Better Softball. Come on by and try it out at our in-house demo stations!


         


 
#Slaphappy






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