Coaching on a Budget
By: Tim Thoreson
As I write this article I am currently the coach for my son's second grade baseball team, and we just received our equipment bag from the league. Here is what it entailed:
1. a bucket of two dozen baseballs (10 of which I need to save for game balls)
2. one bat
3. one set of catching gear
4. a scorebook
5. a first aid kit
6. a batting tee that remains at the field for all teams to share
2. one bat
3. one set of catching gear
4. a scorebook
5. a first aid kit
6. a batting tee that remains at the field for all teams to share
Winning Practices |
Now I don't expect more, as I understand it is a community program that runs on a tight budget. However, I cannot run the caliber of practice that I hold myself to with such limited equipment. I bet some of you coaches reading this article understand my situation. That's why I came up with coaching on a budget. For just $100 you can set yourself up with equipment/supplies that will allow you to run an effective, innovative, and fun practice. The following is a list of what I would purchase to supplement the baseball equipment I received from my league. One of the benefits of making these purchases, is that when the season is over, I get to keep the extra equipment so my own kids have extra equipment at our home.
The prices on the following equipment reflect the average price they can be purchased for on Amazon.com. Sometime the prices for some goods may be higher or lower than the estimated amount. |
DISCLAIMER: I want to be completely transparent with you, if you choose to purchase any of these items from this site, I will earn a small commission. Please understand that this creates no additional cost to you, in fact purchasing at Amazon.com is many times cheaper and more convenient than your local sporting goods store. When you purchase through the links on this site is helps support the site and allows myself and my family to continue to put in hours upon hours to continue to bring you totally FREE content! I only recommend the following products because I personally own them, and have witnessed what effective coaching tools they can be. Thanks.
1. TENNIS BALLS $40
I strongly believe a bucket of tennis balls belongs in the equipment bag of all coaches, I even wrote a separate article on the subject, "Why Every Coach should Use Tennis Balls in Practice." For less than a dollar a ball, bucket included, you can get 48 tennis balls to use at your disposal. These come in so handy for running extra hitting stations and they are safe for your players. |
2. FIELDING PAD $10
Fielding pads are such an effective way of teaching kids proper fundamentals when fielding a ground ball. Check out the video, Fielding Pad Grounders to see them in action. Displayed here is the SKLZ fielding pad, which I have had great experience with and believe it is a tremendous value. Of course you could upgrade by purchasing a leather fielding pad that shows more resemblance to a baseball glove. |
3. BALL PIT BALLS $21
Taking batting practice with balls used in ball pits is an amazing way of training. Check out the article, "An Outstanding Hitting Drill No One Knows About" to see why they are so effective. These balls come in a pack of 100, meaning you have plenty to have multiple hitters practice at once. These balls are also versatile, they can be used indoors, in small spaces, and simulate a curve ball like no other. |
5. REACTION BALL $5
Reaction balls are a great way to mix things up a bit and get your infielders some challenging groundball practice. Whenever I bring out the reaction ball, players get excited. It is a neat way of enhancing your players reaction time and teaching them how to pick out a good hop. For only $5 this purchase is a no brainer. Check out the Reaction Ball Grounder Drill. |
6. BIRDIES $10
Hitting birdies is one of the best ways to train to hit off speed pitches. Check out the Birdie Batting Practice video to see it in action. In addition birdies can be an excellent way of taking pregame BP when limited on time and space. Another item that brings such value to a baseball practice. |
7. ELECTRICAL TAPE $1
A one dollar roll of electrical tape is without a doubt the best bang for your buck a baseball coach could ever achieve. Use this roll of electrical tape to tape up your baseballs and assist your players in obtaining proper 4 seam rotation every time they throw a baseball. Check out how by viewing the drill, 4 Seam Rotation. To get the tape for less than a buck, you will need to visit your local hardware store. Sometimes, I purchase colored tape to match my teams colors, but that will cost you a bit more coming in around the $5 mark. |
If you were spend $100 on the above items, you would be able to conduct practices in a manner that will make you the envy of all the other coaches in the league. Being a great coach requires many attributes, but it also requires equipment that will enable you to reach your goals.
If you happen to fall into the category where you have some extra to spend, then here are 3 more items that can take your practices to the next level.
If you happen to fall into the category where you have some extra to spend, then here are 3 more items that can take your practices to the next level.
1. BUSHNELL RADAR GUN $97
I purchased my Bushnell Radar Gun in 2004, that makes it 11 years old. It still works fabulous. Using this radar gun enables me to evaluate my players arm strength and power, check out Radar Gun Fun, and motivates them to work harder at their skills as they will be able to see improvement as the season progresses. |
2. ATEC T3 BATTING TEE $99
When it comes to batting tees, you generally get what you pay for. This tee is certainly on the expensive end, but it is because it is one of the best. It has the ability to extend up to a high strike (check out the High Tee Hitting Drill) and can also be broken down to easily fit in the baseball bag. The majority of the tees I purchase break down, but this one is durable and is hands down the best tee I have used. |
3. MARK ONE BASEBALLS $35/DOZEN
Whenever a team has an abundance of baseballs, they are able to use their practice time more effectively. They can use all their balls to set up various hitting/defensive stations. Teams with a lot of baseballs also have the luxury of not wasting their time picking up the minimal amount of baseballs they have just so the next player can hit. The Mark One Baseballs are one of the best valued practice balls I have found. |
I certainly wish that when it came to coaching I had unlimited funds, but unfortunately that is not the case. I am however thankful that I have had the opportunity to utilize all the above pieces of equipment/training aids and know that by using them it has made me a Better Baseball Coach!
Good Luck Coaches!
Tim Thoreson
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