Bumblebee Training 101:

The Bumblebee Trainers were designed in an effort to find an effective way to bridge the developmental gap that exists between the tee and soft toss drills with "live" batting practice pitching.  Players would demonstrate a good swing while on the tee and even hit solidly when given soft toss, but, short front toss and BP was still a challenge.

The Bumblebee trainers are a great way to allow the hitter to practice their newly adjusted or learned swing technique in a developmentally appropriate rate.

The Bumblebee trainers are nearly effortless to turn, and has shock absorbing materials to eliminate any jerking effect on the fingers or arm.  Participants are still advised to wear protective head gear just as anyone should require for any batting practice session.

            Frequently Asked Questions

* The trainer is hard to swing because the rope is too long for me. This makes the Bumblebee hard to keep level. What can I do?

Because there is such a difference in height and physical make-ups of people using the Bumblebee Trainers, the length is constructed with extra string.  The easy fix is to start about 6-8 inches down from the handle, and tie two or three knots spaced a good 2-3 inches apart (this will keep the rope from tangling up around the knots) until you get the rope at the distance that you want. You will see that this makes the trainer much easier to turn and keep level.

Another tip is to begin the swing with your free hand half way up the rope and then gradually let the rope out until you are swinging the trainer with the hand that is on the handle.

* My hitter swings several times before they make contact what can I do to have my player hit it earlier?

This is common when you first start using the Bumblebee Trainer. Even the best hitters at first have quite a bit of trouble hitting the ball.

If the hitter is swinging too late, try to slow it down just a little bit (it won't take as much as you think). They will probably foul the next one or two back after this. As soon as they start hitting the ball...then you have found their speed ability. If they are swinging too early, then obviously speed it up just a tad and again try and keep it at the speed that they are making contact.

Make sure you have a plate or something down on the ground simulating a plate so the hitter knows exactly where to stand. With beginning hitters you should usually line yourself up to where you are straight across the plate from them. I always refer to this as lining up the belly buttons. Place the ball at the nearest edge of the plate (to you) and step back until the ball starts to move toward you with your swinging arm extended almost fully toward the hitter. That is the spot that for most coaches/parents will make the ball cross the middle of the plate. Some coaches/parents might have to take a half step back depending on the length of your arms.

Tip: Make a mark on the ground after measuring out the first time so that you can simply walk back to this spot without having to measure each time.