Project time: DIY Training Bat
Problem
- I want my son to have a training bat that matches the approximate weight/length of his regular bat, but with about a 1" diameter (to help with hand/eye coordination, etc.)
- I haven't found a commercially produced training bat in the with a 25"/15 oz length/width ratio.
Solution
- I've been messing around with PVC recently on some baseball projects and thought maybe I could pretty quickly and easily make a Thuderstick for use with practice balls for Tweedle 1.
It was really pretty easy with a trip to Home Depot and another to Better Baseball. Bought a 3/4"x10' schedule 4 PVC pipe and cut a 24" section off. Capped it, and filled the hollow space with play sand (to get approximately the right weight; otherwise it would be too light and mostly defeat the purpose). I capped the other end, and although the sand shifts a touch on the interior, I think it will serve my purpose. Lastly I added the grip.
I'm pleased with the end result.
Total cost for the materials (precise math not applied):
PVC pipe: ~$.40 (20% of the ~$2.00 10-foot pipe)
PVC caps: 2 x $.47=~$1.00
Grip: $5.75
Total: ~$7.50
This is what it looks like. My son took a few cuts with it this evening and seemed pretty comfortable. Time will tell how much he's able to glean from using it, but at least he has something to go with.
Next project: DIY speed hurdles and agility ladder.
Posted by Andre Torres at 6/11/2012 8:31 PM 
Categories: Problem Solving, Sports, Leadership
Tags: baseball problem solving coaching 2012 PVC PVC project homemade baseball equipment thunderstick better baseball Home Depot coach pitch psyb
Categories: Problem Solving, Sports, Leadership
Tags: baseball problem solving coaching 2012 PVC PVC project homemade baseball equipment thunderstick better baseball Home Depot coach pitch psyb
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