Why the “See It, Hit It” Approach Helps Kids Improve Faster — and Have More FUN — Than Hitting Off a Batting Tee
Why hitting a moving ball helps kids ages 5–7 improve faster than batting tees — and makes practice more fun at home.
Why the “See It, Hit It” Approach Helps Kids Improve Faster — and Have More FUN — Than Hitting Off a Batting Tee
If you’re a parent of a young baseball or softball player, you’ve probably watched hours of batting tee practice. Tees are familiar, simple, and easy to use — but they don’t always reflect what actually happens in a game.
That’s where the “See It, Hit It” approach using the Home Run Trainer™ from Field Sports Training stands out. It helps kids develop real hitting skills while keeping practice fun and exciting.
This approach is especially effective for young beginners (ages 5–7) who are just learning how to track and time a moving ball. That’s why the Home Run Trainer Junior was designed specifically for this stage of development.
👉 Learn more about the Home Run Trainer Junior (Ages 5–7):
Why Batting Tees Alone Can Slow Skill Development
Batting tees absolutely have a place — especially for introducing young athletes to swinging a bat. But tees keep the ball completely still, which removes one of the most important parts of hitting: tracking a moving ball.
“In real games, the ball is never stationary — and training should reflect that.”
When kids hit off a tee, they don’t need to react, time their swing, or stay visually focused. Over time, this can make it harder for them to adjust once live pitching is introduced.
What Research Says About Hitting a Moving Ball
Sports science supports what many coaches and parents observe: skills develop faster when athletes train with moving targets.
A study published in the International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science:
“Training that involves intercepting a moving object enhances perceptual-motor coordination more effectively than stationary object practice.”
— International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science
🔗 https://journals.aiac.org.au/index.php/IJKSS/article/view/8149
This is exactly why training tools like the Home Run Trainer accelerate development — kids are learning skills that directly translate to game situations.
What Makes the Home Run Trainer Different (and More Fun)
The Home Run Trainer™ isn’t just another piece of baseball or softball equipment. It’s designed to help kids see the ball, track it, and hit it — all while feeling like they’re playing a game.
Why Parents Choose the Home Run Trainer for Beginners
Why parents love it:
- ⚾ Encourages kids to watch the ball
- 👀 Builds hand-eye coordination naturally
- 🔁 Allows lots of swings without chasing balls
- 😄 Feels like play, not repetitive drills
- 💥 Builds confidence through consistent contact
When kids are having fun, they practice longer — and improve faster.
The “See It, Hit It” Mindset
The biggest difference between tee work and the Home Run Trainer is mindset.
- Batting Tee: “The ball is already there — just swing.”
- Home Run Trainer: “See the ball… then hit it.”
That small mental shift keeps kids engaged and focused, helping them build better timing and awareness — two of the hardest skills to learn in baseball and softball.
Which Home Run Trainer Is Right for Your Child?
Field Sports Training offers two versions so kids can grow with the system.
⭐ Home Run Trainer Junior (Ages 5–7)
- Perfect for beginners
- Introduces visual tracking early
- Helps young players keep their eyes up
- Great alternative to traditional tees
- For most first-time players, this is the best place to start.
- Ideal for developing hitters
- Builds timing, balance, and power
- Prepares players for live pitching
- Excellent for backyard or team practice
👉 View both options here:
https://fieldsportstraining.com/pages/home-run-trainer
A Better Way to Practice at Home
Parents often ask: “What’s the best way to help my child improve without overwhelming them?”
The answer is simple: make practice feel like play.
The Home Run Trainer helps kids fall in love with hitting — and confident kids learn faster.
Instead of standing over a tee, kids get to react, swing freely, and enjoy the feeling of solid contact. That joy carries over to games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Home Run Trainer Junior safe for young kids?
Yes. The Junior Home Run Trainer is designed specifically for beginners ages 5–7. The ball is attached by a flexible cord, allowing kids to practice with a moving ball in a safe, controlled way when used with parent supervision.
Can beginners use this instead of a batting tee?
Yes. While batting tees can be helpful early on, the Junior Home Run Trainer introduces kids to tracking and timing a moving ball — skills that tees don’t teach. Many parents use it as a fun alternative or complement to tee work.
How much space do we need to use it at home?
Only a small open area is needed. The Junior Home Run Trainer works well in backyards, driveways, or open grass areas, and because the ball stays attached, there’s no chasing balls or setting up nets.
Is it suitable for kids with little or no experience?
Absolutely. The Junior Home Run Trainer is ideal for true beginners. Kids simply watch the ball and swing, building confidence, coordination, and timing naturally as they practice.
Final Takeaway for Parents
Batting tees are helpful — but they shouldn’t be the only tool your child uses.
By practicing with a moving ball, kids develop:
- Better timing
- Stronger coordination
- Greater confidence
- More excitement for the game
The Home Run Trainer™ brings those benefits home in a safe, fun, and effective way.
👉 Explore the Home Run Trainer Junior — Designed for Ages 5–7:
Designed for beginners. Easy to use. Built for at-home practice.
