Hit-A-Way Baseball - Jeter Series Review

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(More customer reviews)The premise behind hit-a-way is fine: hit the ball hard enough that it wraps around the pole tightly, let it unwind, and then hit it again as it comes around. It looks great in the video. Real life - not so much.
We tried to use this a couple of years ago with a group of 7-8 year-olds. My observations:
1) Young hitters, probably up to at least age 10, can't reliably hit the ball hard enough to get it to wrap around the pole. You end up needing an adult to re-wrap the cable and "launch" the ball. This greatly reduces the repetitions and the usefulness.
2) Poles are harder to find than you might think on a baseball field. You basically need either a basketball goal or you need to buy the "portable" pole that is sold separately (note - very heavy and expensive - not worth it)
3) Because the ball comes in from an angle and at an odd speed, I question the value for young hitters. It is hard enough to learn to time a swing with a thrown pitch. Trying to also learn to time an uncoiling cable was counterproductive.
Bottom line - we tried it for a couple of practices and then gave up.
Who could use this? Well - if you have a 12 year or older hitter who wants to get in some solo practice AND a handy free-standing pole, I think this would have some value.
Tools to consider that I have found helpful in coaching are a "zip-n-hit" and a "hit-n-stick". Both are available on Amazon. (and also by Hit-A-Way, among other companies).
UPDATE: As pointed out in the comments, the age at which this becomes helpful depends on the skill and motivation of the child and the supervision of the parent or coach. I don't doubt that there are some younger kids who would do well with this. I do recommend keeping an eye on batting form. Since this is somewhat artificial, be sure that a hitter is not using the repetitions to cement bad habits.

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Endorsed by All-Star Derek Jeter! A player can use Hit-A-Way to warm-up or practice most anywhere, even in limited space. Simulates pitches without chasing balls. Develops hand eye coordination and is the perfect tool when learning to switch hit. New materials in cord produce better timing to develop stance and swing mechanics. Hit-A-Way is very easy to carry, weighing less than two pounds. Can be stored in bat bags, back packs or carry- alls. "The hottest new batting aid on the market today." Amazing results in ball players of all ages. New sleeve design improves visibility as well as contact feel and sound. (Post not included).

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SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball Batting Trainer Review

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(More customer reviews)If you've got a basketball goal in your driveway, you've got all you need for the SKLZ Hit-A-Way. It sets up in seconds, the ball can be adjusted to various heights through trial and error, and it is the very definition of durable. It requires about 15 or 20 feet of space for the batter to use Hit-A-Away. We've had ours for 3+ years and its still serviceable (though its gotten some UV sun damage from being left outside all the time).
The Hit-A-Way is *very* easy to use and very safe for kids. Probably the best testimonial I can give is that long after we bought it, my son (baseball) and daughters (fastpitch softball) and the neighbor kids still go out on their own and use the Hit-A-Way to practice hitting. In fact, I've talked to other parents who own the product who observe the same thing. In this day and age, ANY product that isn't attached to a TV but still keeps kids entertained is worth getting.
In addition to the above, it helps kids track and time fast pitching. I've not measured how fast the ball travels, but it is fast, and the better the batter hits it, the faster it travels back to him/her. I think this positive reinforcement is the hook that keeps kids coming back to it.
I'm picky about hitting aids, so I have one very small quibble. Because of the trajectory of the ball toward the batter, the Hit-A-Way can reinforce "bat drag" and make it difficult to fix because a swing with bat drag gets rewarded just like a correct swing does. This was a problem my son developed -- if your kid is crushing the ball on the Hit-A-Way but striking out or appearing to swing late in games, then bat drag is the likely culprit. Knowing this, I'd still buy the Hit-A-Way in a heartbeat because, again, kids love using it on their own.
Parents, this is a must buy if you have the space (and the pole) for it.

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Hit-A-Way Baseball Trainer...Improved Design! SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball Batting Trainer features: Get up to 500 swings per hour without ever chasing a ball Develop better swing mechanics and hand-eye coordination Improve pacing, timing, and confidence New, improved design in webbing and cords for cleaner hits and greater durability Great for right and left-handed batters and switch-hitting practice Easily attaches to a pole, post, or tree up to 4" in diameter Batting Trainer...Practice, Play, & Win!

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Hit-A-Way Baseball Swing Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The premise behind hit-a-way is fine: hit the ball hard enough that it wraps around the pole tightly, let it unwind, and then hit it again as it comes around. It looks great in the video. Real life - not so much.
We tried to use this last year with a group of 7-8 year-olds. My observations:
1) Young hitters, probably up to at least age 10, can't reliably hit the ball hard enough to get it to wrap around the pole. You end up needing an adult to re-wrap the cable and "launch" the ball. This greatly reduces the repetitions and the usefulness.
2) Poles are harder to find than you think on a baseball field. You basically need either a basketball goal or you need to buy the "portable" pole that is sold separately (note - very heavy and expensive - not worth it)
3) Because the ball comes in from an angle and at an odd speed, I question the value for young hitters. It is hard enough to time a thrown pitch. Trying to also learn to time an uncoiling cable was counterproductive.
Bottom line - we tried it for a couple of practices and then gave up.
Who could use this? Well - if you have a 12 year or older hitter who wants to get in some solo practice AND a handy free-standing pole, I think this would have some value.
Tools to consider that I have found helpful in coaching are a "zip-n-hit" and a "hit-n-stick". Both are available on Amazon. (and also by Hit-A-Way, among other companies).

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The Original solo batting trainer, endorsed by Derek Jeter!Hit-A-Way is a batting aid for ball players of all ages that attaches to most trees and poles, in your backyard or on the field. Practice hitting to all fields, hitting high, low, or middle pitches; hitting fast or slow pitches, and batting right and left handed. Baseball or softball is attached to a solid polyurethane tubing, with adjustable Velcro bindings on each end that attach quickly and easily to most types of secured poles. Delivers simulated pitches without chasing balls or using expensive machines. Develops superior hand/eye coordination and homerun swing. All components made and assembled in USA. Ball is made in Taiwan.

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SKLZ Hit-A-Way Baseball System Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this for my 11-year-old godson who loves baseball. He was able to set it up himself easily. He quickly learned that the ball returns best when he hits it properly. He pronounced it "awesome." This one's a winner.

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Hit-A-Way Baseball System comes with everything you need to start training.Improve your hand-eye coordination with this training aid that works as your own personal batting instructor. Easily adjustable to hit high, middle or low balls. You can also practice switch hitting.Improve swing mechanics without chasing balls. Hit-A-Way Baseball System comes with Hit-A-Way Baseball and movable pole. Ages 7 and up

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