The holidays are one of the most cherished times for baseball players. That’s when they get to put all those cool training aids, equipment and accessories on their wish lists. As your trusted expert of all things baseball, I’m giving five gifts to put on your list – gifts that will help give you a productive spring/summer 2015.
Mizuno (bats)
At the end of the day, a bat is a bat. Every one of them has barrels and knobs, and they all must be certified as bbcore (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution – this standard regulates how much energy is lost during the bat’s contact with the baseball). I’m a fan of the Mizuno brand because it has developed high-quality equipment for more than 100 years. Take note, because as I unlock my vault of effective drills through this blog, you’ll see that I recommend Mizuno bats (www.MizunoUSA.com).
Dura-Bands
It would be impossible for me to continue to develop elite hitters without my Dura-Bands (www.duraband.com). These bands allow my clients to develop strength and great hitting habits. Click here to see the Dura-Band in action.
How CJ uses Dura-Bands in his Hitting Lab
Ages 8-12
Orange x 20 reps
Green x 15 reps
Blue x 10 reps
Ages 13-15
Orange x 20 reps
Green x 15 reps
Blue x 10 reps
Purple x 8 reps
Ages 16+
Orange x 20 reps
Green x 15 reps
Blue x 10 reps
Purple x 8 reps
Red x 6
Note: It takes 3,000 reps to build a habit.
Hitting Jack System
The first time I used the Hitting Jack It (www.HittingJackIt.com) System I was hooked. The Hitting Jack enables me to develop my clients’ strength and tempo.
How CJ uses Hitting Jack It in his Hitting Lab
Ages 8-12
Yellow (5 ounce) x 20 reps
Red (9 ounce) x 15 reps
Blue (12 ounce) x 10 reps
Ages 13-15
Yellow (5 ounce) x 20 reps
Red (9 ounce) x 15 reps
Blue (12 ounce) x 10 reps
Green (16 ounce) x 8 reps
Ages 16+
Yellow (5 ounce) x 20 reps
Red (9 ounce) x 15 reps
Blue (12 ounce) x 10 reps
Green (16 ounce) x 8 reps
Orange (21 ounce) x 6 reps
Note: It takes 3,000 reps to build a habit.
Swing Away
You saw my L.E.A.D. Ambassadors (www.Lead2Legacy.org) take some great swings with the Mizuno Generation bat loaded with the Hitting Jack It while, using the Swing Away, Tanner Tee and Tanner Hitting Deck. I love the Swing Away. It has changed the way I develop hitters because I can use it anywhere, while increasing the amount of reps. Remember, it takes 3,000 reps to build a habit. Check out the Swing Away in action.
Having the Swing Away in my development rotation is essential to building mechanically sound, repeatable swings. I also respect my clients’ need to see the flight of the ball.
Tanner Tees
I always keep a Tanner Tee (www.TannerTees.com) and a Hitting Deck in my Tool Box because they help provide proactive accountability for my hitters. We aren’t hitting for cardio. Check out the Tanner Tee and Hitting Deck in action.
Dartfish Express
The final product that all serious hitters must have is Dartfish Express . This video analysis app allows you to improve faster, anytime, anywhere. Dartfish enables me to break down the swing mechanics into parts and has amazing features that help me determine if my hitters are loaded on time with great tempo, etc. Dartfish Express helps me be an industry leading swing coach. Check out the following link to see how (I’m featured at the 2:20 mark.)
How CJ uses Dartfish Express in his Hitting Lab
It takes 3,000 reps to build a habit, so press play and get started. Hitting live pitching is an essential part of your development as a hitter. Likewise, so is timing a live pitcher. Click here to access a pitcher to time anytime and anywhere. In addition, check out L.E.A.D. Ambassador Byron Brinkley doing this drill to improve his timing.
While getting presents for Christmas are fun, the above equipment will help provide a feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment that will pay dividends long after the holidays are over. Your commitment to excellence in 2015 will be determined by the financial investments you make this month.
Stocking Stuffers
What holiday gift exchange would be complete without some stocking stuffers? Here are two from me that are sure to improve your skills in 2015. These two “how to” drills only require a Mizuno Generation bat and a wall to get in on the action.
Just remember: There are four parts of the swing, including stance/load, approach, contact, extension/finish, which is supported by timing and tempo.
How To Skill Build Drill No. 1 – The Wall Drill Mirror
Short approaches to the ball allow you to generate bat speed, make quick adjustments while the ball is in flight and maximize extension after contact to produce power.
Action No. 1 – Position your body 1 inch from the wall
Action No. 2 – Stride to the full length of your Mizuno Generation bat
Action No. 3 – Initiate your approach with your hands and feet without the bat touching the wall
Note: This drill will help you develop and maintain a short/quick approach. It takes 3,000 reps to build a habit.
Check out L.E.A.D. Ambassador Jalen Cannon doing this drill.
How to Skill Build Drill No. 2 – The Wall Drill Finish
The completion of your swing often is under coached to a fault. A great finish allows you to maximize your ability to extend through pitches in order to produce power.
Action No. 1 – Position your body the length of your Mizuno Generation bats length from the wall.
Action No. 2 – Load, approach, extend and finish your swing with your back foot and bat on the wall.
Note: This drill will help you develop and maintain a short/quick approach. It takes 3,000 reps to build a habit.
Click here to see this drill in action by L.E.A.D. Ambassador Jalen Cannon.
Remember: Good hitters don’t work hard; they work smart.
For more information, visit www.diamonddirectors.com today.
BIO
C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an area scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, CJ has more than 12 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J Stewart has a proven system of development and track record of success that can work for you.
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