How To Choose Plastic Training Baseballs

Step 1

If you are strictly going to use the balls in a hitting machine, then you should go with the dimpled, rubber balls for durability and realism to game feel. Plastic balls should only be used with younger kids for training throwing and batting, and older players for achieving multiple reps and greater practice.

Step 2

First thing you should think about is what you are using the plastic balls for? If for hand-eye coordination and working on hitting curve balls and other pitches of movement, then getting a wiffle ball would be ideal. A wiffle ball with the air vents only cut into one side will allow for curves to be easily thrown by the pitcher to the batter.

Step 3

If you are looking to simply use them for hitting and constant use into a fence, then getting the balls that contain small smalls all over the surface are ideal. They have little to no curve to allow for easy short pitching and enough holes to allow for air to travel through the crevices to glide better and have a smoother hit feel.

Step 4

The last kind of training ball is a lightweight, plastic rubber blend, which is used for smaller, fan operated pitching machines. These balls can be used in a gymnasium due to their softer and lighter make, but still offer a realistic feel and flight to practice out fielding drills as well as also working more on hitting. Unlike the plastic balls with the holes through them, these are solid, which allow for better flight and feel when training pop-ups and other forms of defense.

Step 5

To easily order any one of these training balls, go to Amazon, Eastbay, or Ebay for the best quality and highest value. Brand does not matter so much with training balls as mostly every company uses the same plastics and rubbers to construct the ball, so go with the style you want most.

Step 6

Lastly. it is also good to use mini, golf ball size plastic balls for more hand-eye training purposes and learning to consistently hit the ball solid.

Step 7

1. Plastic with one-side venting--for hitting curveballs and improving hand-eye coordination and proper swing for off-speed pitch. 2. Plastic wiffle balls with even holes all over--for high repetition and straight flight when hitting and fielding. 3. Plastic rubber balls--Ideal for small machine pitching and more durable than regular plastic, but also more expensive. Good for indoor use for realistic flight and feel. 4. Plastic Golfballs--Training for consistent contact and hand-eye coordination