The Great Debate: Pros and Cons of Wearing Baseball Batting Gloves

Ever since the first MLB player wore batting gloves to Spring Training in 1949, there has been a debate about whether or not baseball batting gloves are necessary. Some pros wear them; others don’t. But why? At D-BAT Sports, we find this subject to be a matter of personal preference, but here are the common pros and cons for wearing batting gloves:

Pros of Wearing Batting Gloves

·      Grip: This may seem obvious, but this is the biggest reason players use batting gloves. Even the slightest slip of the bat during a swing can affect the trajectory of the bat – and the ball – and in a high stakes game, you just can’t have it. This is especially true when it’s hot outside and hands can otherwise get sweaty.

·      Prevent the Sting of the Bat: As you advance in the sport, the balls come at you faster and the swings are harder. When you make contact, many bats (particularly aluminum) have the tendency to vibrate and sting.

·      Protection from Injury: Batting gloves add an extra layer of protection for your hands, preventing blisters and cuts.

Cons of Wearing Batting Gloves

·      Less Connection with the Bat: Some players actually like that “sting” and vibration that comes from the bat. Often, the sting can be worse when the ball is not well hit, incentivizing the batter to hit better to avoid the pain.  

·      Wood Bat & Pine Tar Preference: Many batters who use wood bats like to use pine tar to grip the bat instead.

We’d love for you to weigh in – what is your preference on batting gloves?

If you’re in the market for new batting gloves, wood baseball bats, baseball gloves, and other baseball gear, come visit one of our many D-BAT Pro Shops! We are well-stocked with the highest quality baseball gear on the market and our knowledgeable sales staff will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Find the location closest to you HERE!

Open Your Eyes: 4 Tips for Seeing Each Pitch More Clearly

Do you find that you’re in a rut at the plate?

Have you ever considered that you aren’t seeing the pitch as clearly as you should? There are lots of mechanics involved in swinging and hitting the ball, but one very important factor is your vision. D-BAT has a few tips on how to see each pitch more clearly, thus improving your chances of a great hit every at-bat:

1.   Fix Both Eyes on the Pitcher

You might be thinking, “I do that,” but as we’ve learned, many batters have a tendency to focus on the pitcher with their left eye (if they are right handed) and not with their right. An easy way to determine this is to close the left eye and then see where you are looking with your right eye. The results might surprise you! By focusing both eyes squarely on the pitcher, you vastly improve your eye-hand coordination.

2.   Maintain Fluid Movements

As you swing, if your body is jerky or your movements are rigid, then it’s going to affect the focus your eyes have on the ball. Maintaining a fluid swing that starts in your lower body and spirals up to your arms last, will help keep your head still and eyes focused on the ball.

3.   Posture is Key

As you step up to the plate, make sure you are in a balanced position with your knees slightly bent and a slight angle to your body. The proper batting posture keeps your head aligned, with makes it easier to keep your eyes focused on the ball. The last thing you want is for your head to bobble, making it difficult to focus. The less your head moves, the better your vision.

4.   Clue Into the Pitcher

Make it your goal to see the ball. Strain to see the pitcher’s finger positioning on the ball as it’s released – or even the ball’s seams. This may seem impossible given the speed, but clueing into the pitch, picking up on any tells about the pitch, and then straining with intensity to see the ball as clearly as possible, will all make you a better hitter and help you see the ball better as it makes its way to the plate.

Ready for some batting practice? Come see us at D-BAT! Our state-of-the-art batting cages are designed with the player in mind. Click HERE to find the nearest location to you!

Skills for Developing Your Child’s Natural Athletic Ability

Athleticism and being a well-rounded athlete are two things that make a baseball player stronger and pay dividends on the field. But how do you develop natural athletic ability? Here are some simple tips to incorporate into everyday life that will increase your child’s athletic ability and translate to results on the baseball field:

Coordination

Coordination goes beyond the ability to catch a ball. Coordination is pivotal in baseball – everything from running, to jumping, to swinging a bat, to of course, catching a baseball. Many adults take coordination for granted but you can help your child develop these skills by just getting them outside to play or introducing them to other sports.

Strength Training

When people think strength training, they think of lifting weights. Sure, lifting weights is a way to strength train, but not one that is necessarily best for the younger set. Strengthening muscles improves your abilities in all aspects of baseball because it helps you run faster, swing harder, and throw harder. Children as young as 7 can benefit from strength training through resistance bands, push-ups, and even very light weights.

Agility

When your muscles are limber, they move faster and more efficiently. Make stretching a part of your child’s daily routine – adding it when they wake up in the morning and before they go to bed, particularly with muscles they use often in baseball. Reinforce the importance of regular stretching before a game to prevent injury.

Endurance

Physical endurance is less important in baseball, but it is a factor. Mental endurance, on the other hand, is extremely important in baseball. Mental endurance can be built by playing games like Chess or Monopoly that require a child to focus for extended periods of time. Physical endurance is important, particularly for running bases and for playing pitcher or catcher. Incorporating sports like soccer or basketball – even if just played infrequently with friends – helps to build endurance in these areas.

Ready for more specialized baseball training, tailored to your child’s individual skill set? Visit one of our 70+ locations nationwide! Click HERE to find the location closest to you!

The Sacrifice Bunt – What You Need to Know to Be Successful

In baseball, there are times when it makes sense for a batter to sacrifice himself in order to advance the other runners along to the next bases.

This is called a sacrifice bunt, and while many may think they’ve got it down, it’s pretty embarrassing when it’s game time and you don’t get it right. Let’s have a little refresher on what it looks like to sacrifice bunt properly, brought to you by the baseball training experts, D-BAT:

Know Where to Hit It.

Before you ever hit the ball or even think about a stance, know where you need to bunt to maximize the play. If there is only a runner on first base, then aim your bunt toward first base. If there are runners on both first and second base, then aim for third base. But whatever you do – have a plan before you step into the box.

Move Your Stance Toward the Pitcher.

Square up in the box, just as you would for a normal hit, but move a step or two closer to the pitcher. Why? It’s easier to hit a fair ball when your bat is closer to the infield.

Keep the Barrel Up.

When sacrifice bunting, many batters fail to keep the barrel up. Your goal is to have one hand down near the knob of the bat; the other up near the top of the bat. Keep the barrel positioned on a nice level playing field, with the barrel even just slightly higher than the knob of the bat. This will give you the perfect angle to hit the ball downward, not pop it up.

Aim to Keep the Bat at the Top of the Strike Zone.

While holding the bat, try to focus on keeping it near the top of the strike zone. This gives you an easy guide at what not to hit (anything over it would be a ball) and, naturally, it’s easier to lower the bat vs. move it up to hit.

“Catch” the Ball with your Bat

Again, the goal is to get the ball into fair play and to move the runner over. When the pitch comes, don’t jab at the ball with your bat, that will make ball go further than you are wanting it to go and possibly get the runner out. Instead, “catch” the ball with your bat so it creates soft contact with the bat.

Whether you want more help perfecting your sacrifice bunt, or want other individualized baseball/softball instruction on hitting, fielding, catching, or pitching, call D-BAT today! With state-of-the-art baseball facilities across the United States, and even worldwide, our instructors are sure to help take your baseball game to the next level. Find the nearest location to you HERE!

Stay Focused: What You Need to Know to Be Mentally Prepared for the Game

Baseball and softball games are won and loss daily due to mental toughness. Typically, the team who stays focused and is mentally prepared comes out on top.

But how do you get your baseball or softball player mentally prepared for the game? Here are a few tips from D-BAT on how to stay focused:

Start with Practice

Practice time is your chance to work out the kinks. It’s your time to build confidence and learn what to do in each and every situation. Taking full advantage of practice helps you know how and where to focus during the game. It’s also a great time to practice staying in the game without distractions. Staying focused and having a plan creates mental toughness that translates on game day.

Know Common Distractions – And How to Beat Them

Talk to your player about what distracts them. Are they often distracted by parents in the stands? Or does their mind tend to wander to the game being played on the next field? Have your baseball or softball player identify his or her distractions and then formulate a plan to beat them on game day. It’s good to come up with a saying that they can tell themselves any time they get distracted, or even a signal you can do to alert your player they seem distracted.

Establish a Pre-Game Routine

Routine is good for establishing order – and good for establishing mental focus before a game. Have a consistent pre-game routine that gets your child ready and motivated to perform their best on the field.

Don’t Let Fear Be a Distraction

Often, fear of failure can paralyze a player and cause them to focus on nothing but the negative. Remind your player to stay positive and that all players have good days and bad days and that focusing on fear will not help them perform to their full potential.

Mental toughness starts with practice and knowing what to do and when to do it. If you’re ready to experience the best baseball and softball training facility in the country, call us at today and sign up for a lesson. Find the closest location to you HERE! 

5 Things You Must Do to Relieve Soreness After Practice

As the Spring season approaches, your team has likely already begun Spring workouts. And even if you were working out during the off season, chances are those muscles are stiff and tight from lighter use over the last few months. With baseball games approaching and more practices on the horizon, here are 5 things from D-BAT you must do to relieve soreness after baseball practice:

Drink a Ton of Water

Staying hydrated at all times is key to healthy muscles. When your body is dehydrated, it aggravates the issue and makes muscles even more stiff. Hydration helps you bounce back faster and flushes out toxins. Sport drinks are great too, but in moderation, since they are loaded with added sugar.

Stretch it Out

Often overlooked and undervalued, stretching is a great way to keep those muscles strong and pliable. As oxygen moves to the muscles with stretching, it helps diminish the soreness and you’ll bounce back more quickly. Make it a habit to stretch after practice, before bed, and first thing in the morning.

Avoid the Couch

After baseball practice, it can be tempting to hit the couch and binge on video games, but this will only make the soreness worse. Instead, keep moving. Walk upstairs, go play outside with a friend, or simply walk around the house. Any movement will help promote blood flow.

Get Lots of Protein

Healthy muscles need protein to rebuild and strengthen stronger than before. Throughout the day, incorporate lots of protein-rich foods into your diet. Peanut butter crackers, protein-rich granola bars, meat, fish, etc.

Take a Bath

A hot bath at the end of the day will relax tight muscles and help you get a better night’s sleep (also crucial to recovery). Epsom salt has been used for hundreds of years as an added muscle reliever. Simply add a cup to your warm bath for the added benefit.

Are you ready for the Spring season? Get personalized baseball/softball training sessions at D-BAT. Spots are filling up, so call us today to get on the calendar with our expertly trained coaches! Find the nearest location to you HERE!

Softball Tips & Tricks: Is Your Catcher Doing These 3 Things?

Playing catcher can be tough.

There is a lot of weight on the shoulders of a catcher. The catcher has a unique advantage of handling the ball more than anyone else on the field (except the pitcher) and has the ability to see everything that is going on out on the field. D-BAT Sports recommends getting your catcher ready for the Spring softball season by making sure she masters these 3 things:

Loud, Steady Communication with her Teammates

Again, the catcher has the ability to see everything as it happens on the field. She will know if a base runner is stealing a base before any of her teammates. She is also right next to the umpire, which keeps the count fresh in her mind. Make sure your catcher is yelling information to her teammates as she sees necessary, and that the communication continues effectively until the end of the game.

Strong Relationship with the Pitcher

Over time, a catcher will get to know her pitcher and understand the ins and outs of how she pitches, strengths, weaknesses, etc. This depth of relationship is built through practice and repetition, but once it’s there, your catcher can talk to the pitcher in tough situations and guide her in how to make the next throw count. Have your catcher and pitcher practice together often to see this relationship flourish.

Get Behind the Ball When Catching

It’s too easy for a catcher to rely on her glove to catch and forget to get her body into it. Instead of relying on her glove to stop the ball, she should shift her body left and right to entirely block the ball from getting past her. This is a common catching mistake that can be corrected through repetition and steady softball catching drills.

Need a little extra softball training before the Spring season? D-BAT would love to help you take your softball game to the next level. Find the nearest location to you and give us a call today to get started!  

The Smart Way to Strengthen Your Pitching Arm

At D-BAT Sports, we know all too well the risks associated with overusing your throwing arm and the motions that make it susceptible to injury. “Tommy John” surgery has been on the rise, and our goal is to reduce that risk to young players. Strength training and repetition are key to improving your game, but how do you do it safely? Here are some tips from D-BAT – the top baseball and softball training facility in the country:

Use Conservative Weight Loads

The more weight, the stronger you’ll get, right? Not necessarily. The elbow – and the UCL within it – are only as strong as the muscles that support it. Strengthen those muscles the smart way by lifting enough that you’re pushing yourself, but not so much that you are overextending your abilities. Manage the risk vs. reward. Gradual improvements in load will give you the strength both your muscles and elbow can support.

Don’t Forget Shoulders and Wrists

Strengthening the throwing arm isn’t just about the arm and elbow. Shoulders and wrists are also a vital part of the strengthening process. Find exercises that focus in on these areas with a good combination of weight, stability training, and endurance.

Get Mechanics Right First

Many pitchers are tempted to get reps in – which are a good thing – but without the intent to keep their mechanics in check. When pitching without proper mechanics, you are more prone to injury and pain. Instead, slow down and get it right. Your body will thank you.

Don’t Go on Low Carb Diets

When you’re perfecting that pitch, your body needs calories! When your body is chock full of calories, it equates to high levels of glycogen. This sugar this is stored in the muscles and gives the energy necessary to perform your best. Without ample calories, your body and pitching arm will feel it.

Ready to improve your pitching skills? Bring your baseball or softball player into D-BAT and be prepared to see the difference the best baseball training facility can make! Find the closest facility to you HERE! 

The Value of Warming Up: Why Warming Up is Necessary

For most, the warm-up is boring and mundane. Others might find it unnecessary and a complete waste of time. While it may not be your favorite part of the game of baseball, it IS an important part of performing at the highest level possible. Here are a few reasons why a baseball – or softball – warm-up is so important to competing at the highest level:

#1: The Warm-Up Gets Your Brain in Gear.

Throughout the game, your brain is constantly sending messages to your muscles – letting them know when to start, stop, jump, swing, etc. Warm-ups get that central nervous system warmed up so that it’s ready to kick into gear when you need it to. Without a warm-up, your reflexes just might not be as sharp as you need them to be.

#2: The Warm-Up Lubricates Your Joints.

Think about an old door. It can creak and open slowly when not properly lubricated. The same is true of your joints. When you warm up your body, it starts to loosen and lubricate those joints so that everything moves without injury and with greater responsiveness.

#3: The Warm-up Raises Your Core Temperature

Obviously, when you begin to exercise, your body temperature begins to rise. This increase in body temperature gets the blood flowing and the muscles warm, all turning your body into a stretchy rubber band, ready to stretch and bend in whatever ways necessary to make the play.

How Do I Know My Body is Warmed Up?

Warm up for 10-15 minutes, or until your body just begins to break a sweat, and you’ll know your body is ready to perform at its highest level on the baseball field.

More questions on how to improve your baseball or softball game? Call D-BAT Sports today or visit one of our state-of-the-art baseball training facilities located across the United States.  

How to Tell If Your Wood Bat is Quality

Like most things in life – not all wood baseball bats are created equal. It can be difficult to know what makes the best wood bat, so D-BAT is here with tips on how to tell if your wood baseball bat is quality or not:

What Type of Wood is it Made of?

Decide what wood type you want for your bat before you go buy one. You want to look for bats that are made of northern white ash or hard rock maple, as these species are very strong and have been tested to withstand the rigors of the game of baseball. Ash bats are going to give a little bit more and are more flexible than maple bats. Maple bats are going to be harder than ash because the wood is a lot more dense. Maple bats actually get harder as you hit them.

Check the Grain

When looking at ash bats particularly, pay attention to the wood grain. You want to see wood grain that is nice and straight all the way up the bat. This indicates a better, stronger bat. 

Is the Bat Straight?

Okay – this may seem like a silly question, but in all seriousness… is the bat straight? You want a bat that is perfectly straight, and you’d be surprised how many are not. Test it by laying it on the ground with a slight incline and watch the bat roll. If it’s wobbly, then it’s got a bow in it. If it’s smooth, you’ve found a good bat.

Ready to purchase a new wood bat? D-BAT Sports offers a great selection of the best wood baseball bats on the market. Stop into a location near you and talk with one of our baseball pro shop experts about which bat would be best for your player.