It is never too late to start playing baseball. Many older players can often feel intimidated about picking up a bat and ball. They may not have played since they were a child, or even played at all, but they shouldn’t let this hold them back.
Baseball is a great sport and is a very social sport. If you join a team you will probably find that you are not the only one playing who is learning as an adult, and will likely make a lot of new friends who are getting to grips with this fantastic sport, just like you.
If you’re an adult thinking about learning to play baseball, then we have five simple tips that should help you hit the ground running.
Watch videos: Learn from the pros
Baseball is one of the most televised sports in the world. Online, and on your television, you should be able to find plenty of games to watch, as well as informative baseball programs that can help you develop your understanding of the game and the skills you need to play. These videos are like a ‘baseball university’, full of valuable lessons from seasoned and experienced players and coaches. Knowledge is power!
Buy yourself a bat
You are going to need some equipment if you are going to get started and practice on your own. Many adult players make the mistake of buying the most expensive baseball bat they can, thinking this will help improve their game, but this isn’t true.
Buy yourself a bat that is basic and simple. The important thing is that it is comfortable for you to hold and swing. The weight is important, so don’t get a bat that is too heavy for you and will strain your tendons and muscles when you swing.
Get a portable pitching mound
Pitching is possibly the most important element of baseball, and if you want to work on your pitches and improve your skills, you should definitely invest in a portable pitching mound.
These are portable mounds that can be set up pretty much anywhere. You can set one up in your backyard and get full pitching practice in a small amount of space. Set up targets to pitch to, and make sure you vary your pitches to give you a wider range of balls to choose from when it is your turn on the mound.
Buy a fitted glove
A properly fitted baseball glove is definitely worth the investment. If you are going to make a catch and not drop the ball, then you need a glove that is a perfect fit for your hand. A new glove is often stiff and difficult to bend with your hand, so you are going to need to practice a lot with it to work it in before you play any games.
You should also consider buying a pair of batting gloves while you are at it. These help you keep a better grip of the bat when you are swinging and help protect your hands from wearing on the bat. It is a great way to prevent blisters and rough skin developing on your hands that can affect your swing.
Get a Practice Buddy
You can do a lot of baseball practice on your own, but like the sport itself, baseball practice is a great way to socialise and make friends. If you have a family member that wants to develop their skills too, then you have a perfectly placed baseball buddy to practise with. It makes practising hitting, catching, and pitching a lot easier if you have someone to practise with.
These five tips should give you everything you need to start playing baseball and start developing your skills. Baseball is a lot of fun; we hope this guide helps you get out there so you can start having some fun too!
Featured image: Mathieu Manchin/Unsplash
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