How We Evaluated Training Aids
We evaluated training aids on three criteria: coaching consensus (do professional hitting/pitching coaches recommend it?), research support (any studies or measurable outcomes?), and value (does the benefit justify the cost?).
The training aid market generates over $500 million annually in the US. Most of that is spent on products that provide marginal or zero benefit. A few key tools, however, are genuinely game-changing — and most cost under $50.
Best Hitting Training Aids
Tee Work — The Foundation
A quality batting tee is the single most important training tool in baseball. Every MLB player still hits off a tee daily. It's not just for beginners — it's the foundation of all hitting development.
Pair with the right bat weight for your level.
Weighted Balls / Plyo Balls (Hitting)
Overweight and underweight training balls develop bat speed through overload/underload principles. Research from the American Sports Medicine Institute supports this approach for velocity development (though primarily studied for pitching).
Swing Trainers
The Best Free Hitting Drill
Front toss (also called soft toss) into a net requires only a bucket of balls and a partner. It's the most effective hitting drill that exists and it's completely free beyond equipment you already own.
Best Throwing/Pitching Aids
Driveline Plyo Balls
The most researched training tool in modern baseball. Driveline Baseball's weighted ball program has been adopted by over half of MLB organizations. Their plyo balls (weighted 150g-1000g) develop arm speed, deceleration strength, and command.
Resistance Bands (J-Bands / Jaeger Bands)
Alan Jaeger's band program is used by dozens of MLB pitchers for arm care and long-toss preparation. Unlike plyo balls (which build arm speed), bands focus on shoulder health and warm-up.
Training Aids to Skip
- Bat weights/donuts for on-deck — Research consistently shows swinging a heavier bat on-deck actually slows your swing speed for the first several swings. Use a lighter bat or no warm-up weight.
- "Swing analyzer" sensors (most) — The data from clip-on bat sensors is generally too imprecise to drive meaningful changes. The exception is Blast Motion, which has decent accuracy.
- Expensive fielding trainers — Most fielding skills are best developed with actual ground balls and throws. A flat glove ($20) is the only worthwhile fielding aid.
- "Speed training" parachutes for running — Minimal evidence of benefit for baseball-specific speed. Sprint technique coaching is more effective.
Top Picks Summary
| Tool | Purpose | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Tee | Hitting fundamentals | ~$60 | ✅ Essential |
| Driveline Plyo Balls | Arm speed & care | ~$45 | ✅ Essential (14+) |
| Jaeger J-Bands | Arm care/warm-up | ~$30 | ✅ Essential |
| Weighted Training Balls | Bat speed | ~$30 | ✅ Recommended |
| Insider Bat | Swing path | ~$40 | ✅ Recommended |
| Bat donut | On-deck warm-up | ~$10 | ❌ Skip it |
| Most bat sensors | Swing metrics | $100+ | ❌ Skip it |
See also: glove break-in guide and bat maintenance.
Sources & Further Reading
- Driveline Baseball. "Weighted Ball Research and Protocols." drivelinebaseball.com, 2025.
- American Sports Medicine Institute. "Weighted Ball Training: Efficacy and Injury Risk." 2023.
- Jaeger Sports. "Arm Care and Long Toss Program." jaegersports.com, 2025.
- Baseball Prospectus. "Training Aid Efficacy Review." 2024.
- Tanner Tees. "Why Tee Work Is the Foundation of Hitting." 2025.
