How to Buy a Weighted Training Bat

Baseball players use different training techniques to improve hitting. One of these techniques involves using added weight in the bat. Often called overload training, the heavier bat makes a batter work harder, which generates greater speed and power when he returns to his regular game bat. Players use weighted bats for training and on deck. Follow these steps to buy a weighted training bat.

Instructions

1. Estimate the weight of the training bat need. Some experts recommend starting with a bat that is twice as heavy as your game bat. This might be too much, but make sure the bat is at least a few ounces heavier. Stay close to the bat length that you're used to.

2. Figure in factors like player size, where larger players often work with heavier baseball bats. Another factor in determining bat weight is how hard you want to work.

3. Try out a training bat using proper swing mechanics. You should have to work at it, but make certain it's possible. If you can't execute a good swing, go lighter.

4. Understand that working with a weighted training bat increases your strength. Ideally, you want to be able to continue increasing the weight. It helps to have different weighted training bats at your disposal.

5. Look at weighted training baseball bat systems that allow you to add weight to bats. One bat called the Rocket Rod provides two thin steel bats and a weight set to allow you to adjust the weight of your bat.

6. Research what the experts use. Major league baseball players recommend weighted training bats like the Mühl. The Bratt Bat is another, used by the Anaheim Angels before winning the 2002 World Series.

7. Decide how much you want to spend. While training bats don't cost as much as game bats, they can be a sizeable expense for individuals starting out. Find weighted training bats at specialty baseball retails.

Tips & Warnings

• Another option to increase weight is wearing wrist weights during batting.