To play amateur baseball, all you really need is a bat, glove, cleats, and other basic equipment.
However, there are other things that can be useful to have.
This time, I'll be introducing things that I've purchased and found useful.
Volleyball knee pads
These knee pads can be purchased for under 1000 yen on Amazon and other sites.
Applying it to the side that frequently rubs during sliding or other maneuvers can significantly reduce scratches.
Additionally, when practicing or catching while kneeling on one knee without protective gear, wearing this makes it much easier.
Rather than flat knee pads, the bumpy, cushioned knee pads designed for snowboarding are more comfortable and provide better support.
It doesn't hinder running as much as you might expect, which makes me think it's really designed for volleyball.
Polarized overglasses
Since I wear glasses, I thought that prescription sunglasses were my only option for blocking sunlight.
However, I was amazed to learn that there are over-glasses that you wear over your regular glasses.
This is another item you can buy on Amazon for under 2000 yen, but it's surprisingly useful.
In bright, glaring situations, I think it's better to use this rather than trying to force yourself to use your eyes.
defensive gloves
Many people probably own batting gloves, but fielding gloves worn underneath the glove might be a matter of personal preference.
Some people might dislike the change in feel between bare hands, but the gloves absorb sweat and other moisture, which helps keep the inside of the gloves cleaner.
Since you can't wash your glove very often, I think it's a good idea to keep it covered.
Also, those who use a glove that is a little too big can adjust it to the perfect size by wearing a fielding glove underneath.
Some lazy people even use the same gloves for both fielding and batting.
The construction is slightly different, so it's not really ideal.
Training bat
This is a wooden bat that is heavier than the ones typically used in games.
In my case, I always carry a 950g pack with me.
There are several reasons to use this.
One reason is to check if you're using your lower body in your swing.
I'm not particularly strong, so I can't swing this fairly heavy bat properly using only my arm strength.
Since you can't swing it properly without using the strength of your lower body, I'll practice my swing a little with this to check my technique.
The second reason is to increase swing speed through optical illusion.
After using a heavy bat, using your usual bat can feel lighter due to an optical illusion.
Since it actually increases swing speed, it's effective to use this before stepping up to the plate.
However, there are some things you shouldn't do.
That's swinging a training bat for the purpose of increasing muscle strength.
If you keep swinging a heavy bat, your form will break down and your swing speed will decrease.
If you continue to swing your body at a slow speed, only the muscles that are suited to that slow speed will develop.
Therefore, if you're using a training bat for muscle training purposes, swing this one a little first, and then switch to a lighter bat.
If you use a lighter bat and swing it at a faster speed than usual, you'll develop the muscles needed for a faster swing.
Throwing (pitch) net
This product allows you to practice releasing the ball, even indoors.
Visually, it looks like a pair of stockings made of mesh.
Place a ball inside, hold it in your hand, and secure your wrist tightly with the belt.
If you throw the ball in that state, it will naturally be released inside the bag, so the ball will remain inside the bag.
If the wrist restraint isn't secure enough, the whole bag could fly off, which would be disastrous, but that hasn't happened yet.
It's a simple gadget, but the fact that you can practice your release anywhere, and without needing a partner, is a huge advantage.
In addition to checking your form indoors, you can expect similar effects to throwing practice.
This gadget is extremely useful for checking throwing and release movements, and I highly recommend it.
A collection of articles on batting, fielding, and base running tips for beginners in amateur baseball.
