One of the most effective baseball launch aids is a launch target. Practicing different style pitches while aiming for a target helps of pitching net the pitcher learns more control of the ball, which in turn helps the pitcher get more hitters during an actual game. Consumers can find launch targetsthrough different avenues, but they also have the option of building their own launch network at home to save money.
Gather Supplies for the Launch Target
Before starting the construction of the launch target, gather the necessary supplies. Buy pre-cut PVC pipes in the appropriate sizes to save time, or buy a larger piece to cut to size at home. The necessary supplies are:
- • Two 4-foot long PVC pipes
- • Five 3-foot long PVC pipes
- • 4 × 5 (feet) of 1/2-inch mesh
- • 12 tube clamps
- • Six 90-degree PVC pipe fittings
- • Two three-way PVC connectors.
Build the Launch Target Frame
Cut the pipes into the appropriate sizes listed above. Lay the 3-foot and 4-foot pieces of pipe to make a 3 × 4 rectangle. Connect the ends with plumber’s glue. Connect a single 3-foot section to two of the 4-foot pieces with the 90-degree fittings. Connect the remaining 3-foot section to the other two 4-foot sections using the three-way connectors, making sure that the remaining connector hole is facing the back of the frame.
Connect the remaining three pieces of 3-foot PVC pipe to form a U shape with plumber’s glue and the 90-degree pipe fittings. Secure the square to the assembly with plumber’s glue. Be sure to push the assembly into the remaining holes in the square hard.
Cut the Launch Target Network
Cut the launch screen from the net. When cutting the net, make sure there is approximately 3 inches of excess around the 3×4 frame. Use clamps to attach the net to the PVC frame. To create a target, simply cut a hole of the desired size in the center of the launching net. Consider the pitcher when creating the target hole. If an adult is using the pitching coach, have an adult stand in front of the net as if batting, and then mark the area considered the strike zone. Instead of cutting a target out of the net, you can mark a strike zone on the launch net with a shiny marker.
Secure Casting Coach
Before pitching fast and hard to the new pitching coach, be sure to properly secure him. The throwing net is extremely light, so throwing a hard ball at him can cause him to fall. To avoid spending most of your time picking up the frame from the floor, add some support. Use heavy sandbags, placed on the back of the frame and sitting on the bottom of the square to help support it.
Here are 10 Ways you can Still Practice your Pitching
- Save and buy a canvas collector. It is a support that has a square cut out on the canvas around the strike zone. It’s great to have a bucket of balls and throw it into the canvas receiver. That way, you can throw more pitches before you have to collect the balls.
- Chop a large blanket between the trees and throw it away. Or go to a baseball field, put one of those big metal trash barrels on your plate and throw it from a bucket in center field.
- Get a “ball catcher” like the Franklin Jr. Pop-up Catcher. Folds in a small circle for storage. It costs between $ 50 and $ 60. Or try the Easton Jr. Pitcher. This is more cumbersome to set up (though not bad yet) and you can change the canvas backing and install a pitchback net.
- Use a 4-foot by 5-foot piece of plywood and rest it against the fence. Paste a “target” of four zones. You can add a bit of used carpet to the plywood to muffle the noise a bit.
- Find a brick wall, outline a strike zone, color the corners, and practice throwing trying to hit the corners.
- If you attend a church, you can use the gym, if it has one. Or try the gym at your local school. You can make a portable launch mound and use it indoors, throw it in a net.
- Obtain a net like a bird net (you can get it from most farm supply catalogs) that measures approximately 8 ‘by 5’ and hooks it to a door in your basement. About 6 hooks (2 on top, 2 on each side) and a heavy concrete block or brick will be needed to anchor the bottom down. Then throw it away.
- Leave the ball out and work on your mechanics in front of a mirror.
- Line up 60 feet away from a soccer goal and try to hit the crossbar as many times as possible. You can also do this for a long throw: Place a bucket of balls 50-60 yards away and throw it.
- Don’t forget some of the basic exercises you can do inside. Some people like the towel drill. I never did, but guys like Mark Prior swear it. This is how it works: Take a small towel and put electrical tape in the middle and at both ends. Then lie down on the floor (at a distance) and tape down (from head to toe) on the floor. Then put a chair at one end of the distance. You will stay in the other. Duct stuck a center mark on the chair and works by striding and hitting the center mark, breaking your wrist.
10. Put a ball in your hand and then a large sock on your arm and hand leaving 2 or 3 inches at the end and stick the sock on your wrist. You can do all your mechanical work and throw the ball without a partner and be at home. you can’t work on location but you can work on feel and everything else.