Showing posts with label training aids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label training aids. Show all posts

2/09/2012

Rawlings Multi-Sport Training Net (10' X 7' X 5') Review

Rawlings Multi-Sport Training Net (10' X 7' X 5')
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I bought this net for my 8 year old to work on his bat swing for baseball. He hits about 40-50 balls a day into the net and the net is holding up well. The only problem I have had is that one of the nylon feet has cracked but was easliy replaced with items available at the local discount store.

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The Rawlings Multi-Sport Training Net is designed for training sessions in your backyard for a variety of sports, including baseball, football, golf, and soccer. A reversible batter screen provides enhanced pitching practice. The easy setup design also allows you to take it with you on the road to warm up with when preparing for a game. Other features include strong fiberglass poles, large ground stakes, and drainage strips to allow water to run out of net floor. It's been tested with baseballs thrown at 90 to 100 MPH and golf balls hit at 160 MPH.


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1/25/2012

Franklin Sports Soft-Toss Target Net, 80 Inch X 120 Inch Review

Franklin Sports Soft-Toss Target Net, 80 Inch X 120 Inch
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My daughter is big into softball with pitching clinics and travel teams, etc. I bought this for use as a target net and a back-drop for when I'm catching for her (saves me running after the balls I miss). The target net is constructed much like a three-sided camping tent with collapsable poles and stakes for securing the corners. The multi-segmented, hollow pole sections are made from a fiber-glass-like material and have a thin elastic cord running through them from end to end. One end of each section has a 3" metal pipe section that is bonded on to keep it in place. This short pipe provides a female end to which the next pole section can be inserted, with the elastic cord holding all the sections together. When assembled, the 12' poles are inserted into tubes sewn into the seams of the tent. Each must be inserted to make a cross, then each must be gently bent until the ends of the poles can be inserted into cups at the corners. These cups have loops attached through which the ground stakes hold down the assembly.
Negative reviews are not generally appreciated on Amazon, but I feel obligated as a frequent internet buyer to offer up one today.
Seemed like a good idea when I put it together for the first time, although it was a bit cumbersome with the long poles being fed through fabric tubes of the same length. During one of our practices, we heard a crack and suddenly one of the two poles broke. After disassembly and inspection, one of the fiber poles had broken right at the steel pipe section where the stress is highest. Inspecting further, I realized that the middle sections of the poles had plastic sleeves on them, presumably for adding strength where the bend radius is highest. By cleaning out the broken end from the steel pipe and shaving back the plastic sleeve, I was able to reproduce a male end to connect back into the pipe. Cutting to the end, this breaking was quite frequent. The net did make it through half a season before 7 repairs had been done, and finally two of the pipe sections split along their entire length. The poles are simply under-sized or the wrong material for this application. Given low reliability and lack of assembly/disassembly ease, I gave two stars. Consider something better constructed and more portable for serious practice.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Franklin Sports Soft-Toss Target Net, 80 Inch X 120 Inch

The All Sport Backstop is perfect for baseball, football, soccer, tennis or lacrosse. Easy to set up-sets up in minutes, some assembly required.

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1/16/2012

ATEC Over-Sized Multi-Sport Net Review

ATEC Over-Sized Multi-Sport Net
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This was a late birthday gift decision and was concerned whether it would arrive on time. The gift did arrive when the vendor said it would...and it was standard shipping. I would purchase again from this company. As for the product we are very happy with it. It is big enough for those occasional errant throws or hits. I can not comment on it durability because we have only had it a short time. However the product does seem to be made well. We do not leave it up all the time so we will see how it does being assembled and taken down each week. How easy it is to put the thing together? It can be challenging for one person. Two is ideal but even with one it only takes 15 minutes to setup.

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The ATEC Over-Sized Multi-Sport Net can be used for dozens of different training activities. Cantilever technology produces an extra large target surface area. Sets up and breaks down quickly and easily. Shock-Corded frame poles and loop and toggle keepers for quick assembly. Color-Coded frame sleeves for easy set-up. Angled side wings allow free swinging with any club. Built-in pitching target. Great for practicing your batting swing, golf swing, tennis stroke or soccer kick. Rugged durable net and double stitched floor are weather resistant for long life. Dimensions are 84” H X 86” W X 44” D. Comes complete with carry bag and ground stakes. 1 year limited warranty.

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1/07/2012

SKLZ Practice Net Review

SKLZ Practice Net
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The support poles are the type that are held together by a long elastic strap and you insert them end to end to make a large pole. The strap broke the second time I set up the net so I was left with a bunch of small untethered sticks. The third time I set it up (after carfully inserting the separate sticks) the netting ripped.

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Lightweight, easy to set up, and incredibly versatile. The 7' Multi-Sport Net is ideal for use with baseball trainers like the SKLZ QuickSwing and V-Tee, as well as for practicing golf, soccer, lacrosse, and football.

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12/08/2011

Hit-A-Way Baseball - Jeter Series Review

Hit-A-Way Baseball - Jeter Series
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The premise behind hit-a-way is fine: hit the ball hard enough that it wraps around the pole tightly, let it unwind, and then hit it again as it comes around. It looks great in the video. Real life - not so much.
We tried to use this a couple of years ago with a group of 7-8 year-olds. My observations:
1) Young hitters, probably up to at least age 10, can't reliably hit the ball hard enough to get it to wrap around the pole. You end up needing an adult to re-wrap the cable and "launch" the ball. This greatly reduces the repetitions and the usefulness.
2) Poles are harder to find than you might think on a baseball field. You basically need either a basketball goal or you need to buy the "portable" pole that is sold separately (note - very heavy and expensive - not worth it)
3) Because the ball comes in from an angle and at an odd speed, I question the value for young hitters. It is hard enough to learn to time a swing with a thrown pitch. Trying to also learn to time an uncoiling cable was counterproductive.
Bottom line - we tried it for a couple of practices and then gave up.
Who could use this? Well - if you have a 12 year or older hitter who wants to get in some solo practice AND a handy free-standing pole, I think this would have some value.
Tools to consider that I have found helpful in coaching are a "zip-n-hit" and a "hit-n-stick". Both are available on Amazon. (and also by Hit-A-Way, among other companies).
UPDATE: As pointed out in the comments, the age at which this becomes helpful depends on the skill and motivation of the child and the supervision of the parent or coach. I don't doubt that there are some younger kids who would do well with this. I do recommend keeping an eye on batting form. Since this is somewhat artificial, be sure that a hitter is not using the repetitions to cement bad habits.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hit-A-Way Baseball - Jeter Series

Endorsed by All-Star Derek Jeter! A player can use Hit-A-Way to warm-up or practice most anywhere, even in limited space. Simulates pitches without chasing balls. Develops hand eye coordination and is the perfect tool when learning to switch hit. New materials in cord produce better timing to develop stance and swing mechanics. Hit-A-Way is very easy to carry, weighing less than two pounds. Can be stored in bat bags, back packs or carry- alls. "The hottest new batting aid on the market today." Amazing results in ball players of all ages. New sleeve design improves visibility as well as contact feel and sound. (Post not included).

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11/02/2011

SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball Batting Trainer Review

SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball Batting Trainer
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If you've got a basketball goal in your driveway, you've got all you need for the SKLZ Hit-A-Way. It sets up in seconds, the ball can be adjusted to various heights through trial and error, and it is the very definition of durable. It requires about 15 or 20 feet of space for the batter to use Hit-A-Away. We've had ours for 3+ years and its still serviceable (though its gotten some UV sun damage from being left outside all the time).
The Hit-A-Way is *very* easy to use and very safe for kids. Probably the best testimonial I can give is that long after we bought it, my son (baseball) and daughters (fastpitch softball) and the neighbor kids still go out on their own and use the Hit-A-Way to practice hitting. In fact, I've talked to other parents who own the product who observe the same thing. In this day and age, ANY product that isn't attached to a TV but still keeps kids entertained is worth getting.
In addition to the above, it helps kids track and time fast pitching. I've not measured how fast the ball travels, but it is fast, and the better the batter hits it, the faster it travels back to him/her. I think this positive reinforcement is the hook that keeps kids coming back to it.
I'm picky about hitting aids, so I have one very small quibble. Because of the trajectory of the ball toward the batter, the Hit-A-Way can reinforce "bat drag" and make it difficult to fix because a swing with bat drag gets rewarded just like a correct swing does. This was a problem my son developed -- if your kid is crushing the ball on the Hit-A-Way but striking out or appearing to swing late in games, then bat drag is the likely culprit. Knowing this, I'd still buy the Hit-A-Way in a heartbeat because, again, kids love using it on their own.
Parents, this is a must buy if you have the space (and the pole) for it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball Batting Trainer

Hit-A-Way Baseball Trainer...Improved Design! SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball Batting Trainer features: Get up to 500 swings per hour without ever chasing a ball Develop better swing mechanics and hand-eye coordination Improve pacing, timing, and confidence New, improved design in webbing and cords for cleaner hits and greater durability Great for right and left-handed batters and switch-hitting practice Easily attaches to a pole, post, or tree up to 4" in diameter Batting Trainer...Practice, Play, & Win!

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8/10/2011

Hit-A-Way Baseball Swing Trainer Review

Hit-A-Way Baseball Swing Trainer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The premise behind hit-a-way is fine: hit the ball hard enough that it wraps around the pole tightly, let it unwind, and then hit it again as it comes around. It looks great in the video. Real life - not so much.
We tried to use this last year with a group of 7-8 year-olds. My observations:
1) Young hitters, probably up to at least age 10, can't reliably hit the ball hard enough to get it to wrap around the pole. You end up needing an adult to re-wrap the cable and "launch" the ball. This greatly reduces the repetitions and the usefulness.
2) Poles are harder to find than you think on a baseball field. You basically need either a basketball goal or you need to buy the "portable" pole that is sold separately (note - very heavy and expensive - not worth it)
3) Because the ball comes in from an angle and at an odd speed, I question the value for young hitters. It is hard enough to time a thrown pitch. Trying to also learn to time an uncoiling cable was counterproductive.
Bottom line - we tried it for a couple of practices and then gave up.
Who could use this? Well - if you have a 12 year or older hitter who wants to get in some solo practice AND a handy free-standing pole, I think this would have some value.
Tools to consider that I have found helpful in coaching are a "zip-n-hit" and a "hit-n-stick". Both are available on Amazon. (and also by Hit-A-Way, among other companies).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hit-A-Way Baseball Swing Trainer

The Original solo batting trainer, endorsed by Derek Jeter!Hit-A-Way is a batting aid for ball players of all ages that attaches to most trees and poles, in your backyard or on the field. Practice hitting to all fields, hitting high, low, or middle pitches; hitting fast or slow pitches, and batting right and left handed. Baseball or softball is attached to a solid polyurethane tubing, with adjustable Velcro bindings on each end that attach quickly and easily to most types of secured poles. Delivers simulated pitches without chasing balls or using expensive machines. Develops superior hand/eye coordination and homerun swing. All components made and assembled in USA. Ball is made in Taiwan.

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7/25/2011

SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball System Review

SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball System
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I bought this for my 11-year-old godson who loves baseball. He was able to set it up himself easily. He quickly learned that the ball returns best when he hits it properly. He pronounced it "awesome." This one's a winner.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball System

Hit-A-Way Baseball System comes with everything you need to start training.Improve your hand-eye coordination with this training aid that works as your own personal batting instructor. Easily adjustable to hit high, middle or low balls. You can also practice switch hitting.Improve swing mechanics without chasing balls. Hit-A-Way Baseball System comes with Hit-A-Way Baseball and movable pole. Ages 7 and up

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5/30/2011

SKLZ Hit-A-Way Softball Review

SKLZ Hit-A-Way Softball
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Overall a good training device. I've used the baseball and now the softball version, and both have been good for my hitting practice.
My only complaint on the softball one is that after about 1000 hits or so, the ball is now slightly mis-shaped. Still quite usable though, and I plan to keep using it all season.
It is also useful to break in a new bat.
Since I have a basketball hoop, it was no problem attaching and using this. Set-up takes about 30 seconds each time I use it.
All in all a good product!

Click Here to see more reviews about: SKLZ Hit-A-Way Softball

The Hit-A-Way Softball Swing Trainer can be used for warm-ups or practice almost anywhere! Endorsed by three-time Olympic gold medal winner Leah OBrien-Amico, the Hit-A-Way Swing Trainer allows you to perfect your swing without the headache of lost balls or broken windows. This softball practice tool develops hand-eye coordination and is the perfect tool when learning to switch hit. The Hit-A-Way is easy to carry and can be stored in bat bags, backpacks or carry-alls.

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