Softball Coaching Equipment Buying Guide
Whether you are a coach, parent, or player these are my favorite coaching equipment finds that I would buy again and again after 11 years of coaching full time.
Choosing the right softball equipment is hard.
Helpful links and buying guides for coaches, parents, and players looking for a little help.
If you are going to spend your money, do it right the first time.
Let’s make sure you have all the facts and pick the right equipment before making such an important investment.
Thank you for helping me help your daughters.
I will receive a small commission on these links if you purchase them within 24 hours of adding them to your cart.
Jugs Duo Tee (Regular AND Shortie)
This is an awesome 2 for 1 deal. I love this tee. If you want a Tee that will LAST until your daughter goes to college, and STILL look brand new - look no further. I have had mine for about 6-7 years, use them daily for hours at a time and they still look like the day I bought them. This is also the lowest tee I could find to practice those low pitches. When I was a broke college student giving lessons - I used to order the cheapest tees I could find, but I think I spent MORE in the long run replacing them every other month than I would have if I had just spent the money in the first place.
Jugs Regular Tee
I love this tee. If you want a Tee that will LAST until your daughter goes to college, and STILL look brand new - look no further. I have had mine for about 6-7 years, use them daily for hours at a time and they still look like the day I bought them. When I was a broke college student giving lessons - I used to order the cheapest tees I could find, but I think I spent MORE in the long run replacing them every other month than I would have if I had just spent the money in the first place.
Jugs Shortie Tee
I love this tee. If you want a Tee that will LAST until your daughter goes to college, and STILL look brand new - look no further. I have had mine for about 6-7 years, use them daily for hours at a time and they still look like the day I bought them. When I was a broke college student giving lessons - I used to order the cheapest tees I could find, but I think I spent MORE in the long run replacing them every other month than I would have if I had just spent the money in the first place. I have ordered every tee out there and keep coming back to this brand. This tee is perfect for YOUNG players ages 4-7 and for older girls looking to practice the low pitch and drop ball!
PowerNet - Baseball and Softball Practice Net With Bow Frame 7'x7'
I have bought 4 of these over the last 7 years and these have held up great with daily use. I have even left them up outside over an entire summer (thanks covid) and these are still going strong. These are super portable, and break down into a convenient carrying bag to bring to your team practices or move outside, and also only take about a minute or two to put up. This is a great size to use as either a hitting net, target net for fielding or as a pitching backstop. Great for indoor or outdoor use. And just as good as the name brands.
PowerNet - I Screen
When I used to coach a travel team, my girls would ALWAYS ask me to pitch to them before games rather than do the normal side toss. Something about seeing a live pitch come in before a game just hits differently (literally, lol). This net was the perfect, portable protection I needed. This net only took about a minute or two to setup, and took a beating from my 16u team and still looks great. Having this option as a warmup was game changing for my team. Great for indoor or outdoor use.
Hit Run Steal - Portable Backstop & Barrier Net 12'x9'
I actually ordered 4 barrier nets before deciding on this one (thanks amazon prime, lol). This net is perfect for splitting space to do more drills, or to add protection between stations at practice. I've even used this to section off pitchers so they had their own space AND as a backstop at outdoor hitting practices. Very pleased with it. I've had this for a year and after taking constant abuse both indoor and outdoors, this still looks brand new. I love the fact that it also breaks down into a convenient carry bag. I've seen about everything out there and this product is a must for any coach, parent or ball player. Massively happy with this purchase.
Pitchers Pocket Training Aid Net for Softball AND Baseball
Why didn't I buy this sooner? Gives accurate spots for your pitcher to aim without needing a catcher. Not only good if you don't have a catcher, but I am able to watch our pitchers now up close rather than concentrating on not taking a ball to the face. If you have been to AWS clinics before - We also use this for fielding and target practice all. the. time. My girls love it. This net has NEVER been knocked over by a pitch or throw - is SUPER sturdy and durable, and still looks brand new after a year of constant abuse. This was definitely a great purchase in my book.
Portolite Short Spiked Pitching Mat
Full time coach approved! I bought 4 of these to run group softball pitching lessons and these are fantastic. I'm using them on turf and they don't budge. I used to use the long pitching mats but without the spikes that these have they would move and they were a hassle to move and store. These are great because they are PORTABLE and they teach the pitcher how to utilize the mound to create a better stride without worrying about the mat moving. Very well made. Been using these for about 6 months now and they still look BRAND NEW! For the price - these are much more heavier duty than I expected (almost 13 pounds each!). I would 100% buy again from this company!
Rawlings | HEAVY DUTY Base Set | T-Ball, Baseball OR Softball | Set of 3 Bases | Indoor / Outdoor Use
If your going to spend money on bases, then do it right the first time with these Rawlings Throw Down Bases.
Great for practice, games, scrimmages, indoors on gym floors, and I've even used them for kickball before!
Tired of the flat throwdown bases that you can never find in the grass? A no-stake design, but still the same size and height as regulation bases. Made of HEAVY DUTY durable molded rubber. These work great on dirt, grass, AND turf, and gym floors!
These bases are heavy enough where can throw these down and they don't move around. I have purchased 4 sets, and use them daily - they all still look brand new even after years of using metal cleats with them!
Jugs Single Wheel BP1 Pitching Machine
The all new BP1 is probably the GOAT of pitching machines. This machine is great for ALL age groups (even colleges) and machine pitch leagues, with its lightweight portability of 75 pounds and easy setup. With speeds of 30-70 MPH, this will allow the machine user to throw a straight and realistic fastball to match any player’s abilities. This machine has a digital readout display and will throw 11'' or 12'' softballs, LeatherLast Softballs, Sting-Free softballs, Lite-Flite softballs, SOFTIE softballs, and JUGS BULLDOG.
The BP1 also features a tilting throwing head, which allows the machine to throw ground balls and fly balls. This machine is the perfect addition for any team or household looking to improve all areas of their game! I actually have one of these in our shed and it still works from when we bought it when I was 11.
The BP1 also features a tilting throwing head, which allows the machine to throw ground balls and fly balls. This machine is the perfect addition for any team or household looking to improve all areas of their game! I actually have one of these in our shed and it still works from when we bought it when I was 11.
Jugs Sting-Free Dimpled Softballs (One Dozen)
The Jugs Sting Free Dimple ball is designed and built to maximize the Jug's pitching machine's accuracy. The patented surface pattern maximizes the aerodynamic efficiency of the ball to create the most consistent ball flight every pitch. Made from Sting-Blocking material this ball should reduce hand fatigue and bat vibration. According to the website, these are safe for use with all performance bats, however I would still only use your cage bat with these. I especially like these machine balls because they are the same regulation weight and size of a (12) softball.
Jugs Lite-Flite 12-Inch Softballs (One Dozen)
The Hi.Per Lite foam softball, formerly called the SFT Ball, is great for training players at every level. For collegiate & high school players, the Hi.Per Lite's reduced weight design minimizes player fatigue and allows for the maximum number of quality reps during long training sessions. In addition, younger players can work on proper fundamentals without the fear of getting hurt or feeling negative bat vibration from mishits and work on faster pitching without fear of getting hit. The Hi.Per Lite is approved for use indoors and is perfect for practice in a gym. The Hi.Per Lite ball is also approved for use with most softball training machines and for use with performance bats. Ive used these for all sorts of things - like hard ground balls and even pop ups with the younger players!
Rawlings Dream Seam ASA 12in Softballs
I usually buy a few dozen of these a year to use as my pitching balls. Once they become beat up they then become hitting balls. Ideal for ASA and HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL fastpitch softball players, these balls provide durability and consistent performance, making them the standard to softballs and this level of play.
Easy to grip and throw due to leather cover with raised seams, allowing pitchers to get even more movement on their pitches. No one likes potato balls, these balls also LAST much longer than the cheaper options when using for hitting practices.
Rawlings Dream Seam NSA 11in Softballs
I usually buy a few dozen of these a year to use as my pitching balls. Once they become beat up they then become hitting balls. Ideal for YOUTH softball players ages 10 and under, these balls provide durability and consistent performance, making them the standard to softballs and this level of play.
Easy to grip and throw due to leather cover with raised seams, allowing pitchers to get even more movement on their pitches. No one likes potato balls, these balls also LAST much longer than the cheaper options when using for hitting practices.
Jugs 12in Softies
At some facilities, you can only use softies. These are the best softies on the market in terms of feel, bounce, and laces. I am kind of a huge ball snob and have tried a lot of different brands. These are the next best thing to hitting and throwing a real ball. For pitchers - these seams are fantastic and this helps create a true spin and break similar to what you would see with a real ball. For Fielders - I always encourage my girls to find the laces when transfering, and some softies don't even have them. These are great to create good habits. For my hitters - These are the right balance between soft and hard that will give you a true feel for where the ball is going when hit.
Jugs 11in Softies
At some facilities, you can only use softies. These are the best softies on the market in terms of feel, bounce, and laces. I am kind of a huge ball snob and have tried a lot of different brands. These are the next best thing to hitting and throwing a real ball. For pitchers - these seams are fantastic and this helps create a true spin and break similar to what you would see with a real ball. For Fielders - I always encourage my girls to find the laces when transfering, and some softies don't even have them. These are great to create good habits. For my hitters - These are the right balance between soft and hard that will give you a true feel for where the ball is going when hit.
12 Pack Tennis Balls, Training Balls for Lessons & Practice
If you've been to AWS Clinics before you KNOW we use tennis balls ALL. THE. TIME. I love these because you can teach the younger players to not be afraid of the ball, you can do gloveless drills to challenge and teach players to catch the ball in their web or fingers like a real ball, AND you can use these for hitting and bunting practices as well. I purposely buy the blank ones so that we can do tracking drills with our players. We draw different shapes, letters, and numbers on the ball with different colored sharpies and its a great FUN drill to help switch it up! These are also easier and more portable to carry than bringing 200 softballs to practice! If you don't have the budget to invest in the Jugs Softies above, these are a great alternative!
Magnetic Lineup Board
This is the exact magnetic board that NU used for their lineups and I ended up buying the exact same one for my travel team to use since I loved it so much! Gone are the days were you have to throw out lineup cards after making a mistake. I love this board because you can play around with lineups and positions without having to commit to them! I purchased this in 2017 and still looks great even after getting wet in the rain quite a few times! This comes with 30 magnetic name tags but you will have to purchase a clip if you want to hang it on the fence! Now girls have no excuse not to know who's next in the lineup or go looking outside the dugout for whichever parent is handling the book that day! BEST coaching purchase EVER.
Champro Extended Strike Zone Plate
I've been using a similar extended strike zone home plate for years. Unfortunately, the exact one that I bought years ago is unavailable, but if I were to repurchase, this would be the one I would buy. It's a great coaching aid not only to practice locating pitches as a pitcher, but also to practice pitch recognition as a hitter. Being a pitching coach you can never be to precise on where you want the pitch thrown! This rubber home plate helps pitchers understand where the ball is to cross the plate when using specific pitches. I love how this plate is also flat, so that no one is getting a stray bounce to the face. I love it!
Tag Strike Zone Plate
A smaller more portable version of the extended plate! I've been using the StrikeZone home plate for years. It's very durable and a great coaching aid. Being a pitching coach you can never be to precise on where you want the pitch thrown! This rubber home plate helps pitchers understand where the ball is to cross the plate when using specific pitches. I love how this plate is also flat, so that no one is getting a stray bounce to the face. I love it! Also - See how I use these for both hitting AND catching in the other buying guides as well! This is also great for catching & pitching clinics!
ATEC Padded Batting Practice Screen
FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I BROKE MY NOSE ON ONE OF THESE NETS. Why am I still recommending this net you ask? Because this net (and all of ATEC nets) are pure beasts. Also I broke my nose on a rebound coming off one of these nets that WASN'T PADDED. Parents and Coaches - Spend the extra $100 to get the padding so that you aren't spending an extra 3k to get your nose fixed like I had too. Looking for something a little more heavy duty than the net above? This is it. The 2 inch frame is protected by a half inch high density, heavy duty foam to reduce rebound and maximize durability. With the net's thick walled, padded tubing and super strong net, the ATEC Padded Batting Practice Screen is as rugged and durable. I also use these for fielding drills as well.
ATEC L-Screen
Looking for something a little more heavy duty than the net above? This is it. This compact travel screen durable and perfect for setting up on-field or cage safety in minutes. The powder coated tube frame assembles in seconds and the all-season, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) mesh netting is made to withstand the harshest weather and protect coaches and players from hit or thrown balls. The screen and frame are sturdy enough to protect against the hardest hitters yet easily transportable, the L-Screen is one of most versatile ATEC protective screens. I was gifted this exact net by my Dad for my 18th birthday (a long time ago FYI) when I started teaching in our backyard. He told me he would rather spend $200 than $2,000 on new teeth (lol, thanks Dad). This has lasted OUTSIDE over the summer and traveled with me to 100's of travel games. This net is over 10 years old and still works like it did the day I got it. This screen is definitely the bee's knees.
JUGS Batting Cage Net #60 Polyethylene, Heavy Duty, Commercial Grade (Net Only)
This is the net we have at my Dad's house for our outdoor cage. I think we've had ours for close to 15 years now. Probably about 10-11 years of constant abuse. The net is still in great condition. We do take it down every year for the winter (the snow sits on top of it and stretches it out) but it has sat outside in the summer and rain and still is holding up great! You definitely get what you pay for with these nets. The company was super responsive as well! I would buy this net again in a heartbeat. The amount of father-daughter time spent in this cage was priceless.
JUGS Hit at Home Backyard Batting Cage 45’x11’x11’ (Net and Poles Included)
My best friend actually bought and used this net in her backyard. I helped her set it up and it took about an hour and a half (could have been less if we weren't laughing so hard). If you are looking for a one and done purchase to get your backyard cage up and running - this would definitely do the trick. The net and poles seemed sturdy - but I would recommend buying some strong stakes and having them on hand incase of windstorms. She went with this brand because it's a well known brand for quality (as you can tell, I also LOVE this brand!).
5'x8' Vinyl Heavy Duty Batting Cage Backstop Garage Batting Cage Company
My Dad and I used this in the summer to extend the life of our outdoor batting cage as a backstop. In the winter we used it in our garage to pitch and hit into! It was nice that this had multiple uses and could be used year round. Definitely a good buy since this is also seriously heavy duty. We have had ours for about 10 years, and this thing is still going strong.
Premium Pro Turf 3'x7' Baseball Softball Hitting Stance Batting Practice Home Plate Mat
Our college team used these mats during our practices either on the gym floor, or we would carry them outside so we didn't tear up our diamond's batters boxes. Because this mat is the exact size of a regulation fastpitch batters box, our slappers especially liked using them to immediately feel whether they were in or out of the box with their footwork. We used sneakers, molded cleats and metal spikes on this mat and it held up great. We were able to store this in a 5 gallon bucket when not in use. This is a great option if you are short on space or plan on moving this mat around a lot.
Trigon Sports Pro Baseball Turf Home Plate Mat, 7'x12'
This mat is a great option if you plan on leaving it in a permanent location. This mat is HEAVY. We had this exact brand in our garage and loved it. After years of abuse and thousands of swings it still looks great. I have seen these used in other baseball and softball facilites where the lines were just painted on and they look awful due to flaking. With this mat, the plate and batting lines are inlaid turf - not painted or flocked like other mats I've seen used at other facilities. The website says that it is spike proof, and I believe it - the mat is super thick. I've used sneakers and molded cleats on ours, but not spikes - and I can definitely say this mat is durable!
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