Buck's Pitching Tool Kit
Everyone always asks what pitching tools to buy and where. I have put together a list of my favorite tools of the trade and what they cost and where to buy them for the best deal!
1. Weighted Softball – This is a staple for every
aspiring pitcher to have. Weighted balls are great tools to help build wrist
strength and flexibility. I expect all of my students to do 25-50 wrist snaps
per day to work on gaining more backspin and velocity on their fastball. These balls
range in weight from 9-12oz. I suggest buying the 12oz ball, as a pitcher can
grow into it and it will challenge them more than the lower weight balls. Make
sure to not use weighted balls for any full windmill pitching drills, as it
puts too much stress on the shoulder and elbow!
Where to buy it: 
2. Spin Right Softball Spinner – The spinner
teaches pitchers at any level the correct spin rotation for fastballs,
screwballs, rise balls, drop balls, and curve balls. We use this tool frequently
in our lessons and believe this should be in every young pitcher’s bag!
Where to buy it:
3. Rawlings Dream Seam Softball – In all my years
of playing and coaching, there is no greater pitching ball on the market right
now! The raised seams make it easier for pitchers to grip and create spin and
movement, while the quality of the leather holds up way longer than any other
ball I have ever had! 
4. Schutt Sports Strike Zone Home Plate – Nothing is
worse for a pitcher to practice without a home plate. This is by far my
favorite plate, as it helps pitcher spot their pitches on various parts of the
plate, and can easily be transported to practices and games.
Where to buy it:
5. The Noodle – This is the cheapest and one of the
easiest pitching tools you can make that serves a variety of purposes! By
placing a pool noodle ($1-2) on top of a toilet plunger ($5 – 8), you can use this
as a barrier to keep a pitcher on her power line, but putting it on either side
of the line to ensure she does not pull her glove off or lose her balance.
Additionally, this can be used to help pitchers pinpoint control of their
pitches by making them pitch between two noodles or around them to achieve
greater movement on their ball. 
7.
Turf Pitching Mat – While this is certainly one
of the pricier pitching tools to buy, it is a great way to preserve your grass
and give your pitcher a flat surface to pitch on. I prefer the turf pitching mats
with the power lane and the two outside lines, as well as the clay color, as it
more closely resembles dirt.
Where to buy: 
8.
Ernie Parker's Wrist Snapper – This is a great
tool to help build up wrist and forearm strength, and provides audible feedback
for a proper wrist snap. I love this tool because it is fun for young pitchers
and they can use it essentially anywhere!
Where to buy it: 
9.
Xelerator Fastpitch Softball Pitching Training Aid -
Teaches correct muscle memory nearly and helps to Increase pitching speed and
accuracy. Forces the player into the correct pitching & throwing plane that
leads to increased speed. Great for general arm warm up prior to practice or
game. Training can be done without the use of a catcher and can be used indoors
for year around practice!
Where to buy it: 
10.
Hurdle – This is a great tool to help develop
leg drive off the mound. Pitchers can challenge themselves to get their leg
higher off the ground and more extended down their power line by having to step
over the hurdle as they pitch the ball.
Where to buy it: 
11.
Perfect Circle Tag – This is a great pitching
aid to help beginner pitchers keep their arm in a perfect circle. The arm
should hit the tag/flap every pitch.
Where to buy it: 
12.
Spinline Softball – Helps pitchers identify the
spin of their ball to ensure they are getting the right rotation on whatever
pitch they are throwing.
Where to buy it: 
13.
Resistance Harness – This can be attached to a
pitcher’s waist to help create resistance for them while they pitch. This is a
great tool to help keep pitchers from “crunching” or leaning forward, as they physically
will feel someone pulling them back if they lean. It’s also a great
strengthening drill as well! The other end of the resistance band can be held
by a person or attached to a fence behind the pitcher.
Where to buy it: 
14.
Power Drive Trainer – While I just recently
ordered this product, I am extremely excited about its potential! I love the
fact that this tool combines two different tools I already have into one. Not
only does it make the front foot stay straight and not prematurely turn, but
also helps pitchers feel the explosive push off the mound! Can’t wait to try
this one out next week!
Where to buy it: 
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