How to Buy a Weighted Training Softball

Weighted softballs are a great training tool, not just for pitchers, but also for catchers, outfielders and any softball player who wants to improve strength and throwing and catching technique. Softball players can use weighted balls to increase strength by gradually increasing the weight of the ball or to fine tune their control with a lighter ball.

Instructions

    • 1

      Shop different sporting goods retailers both online and in stores in your area to look for weighted softballs and get an idea for pricing. More brands and options may be available online, but your local stores may offer better customer service, better support plans or have special sales or offers.

    • 2

      Test weighted balls before buying them. Even if you decide to order a set of weighted balls online, try out different weights in a store to see what weights you want to start training with.

    • 3

      Decide what kind of training you want to do. For strictly strength training, look for balls heavier than the standard 6.8 ounce weight. Look for balls weighing between 8 and 12 ounces. If you want to develop your ball control, try a range of ball weights from the lightest, 4 ounces, to the heaviest, 12 ounces.

    • 4

      Decide how many balls you want to buy. Many weighted balls come in a set of four or nine balls, so look for a set that meets your needs. If you want to use the balls for strength training especially, it's a good idea to get a heavy set of balls so that you can work up to using the 12 ounce ball and avoid minor injury that could result from using the heaviest ball immediately.

    • 5

      Look for deals on sets of balls. You can usually get weighted balls at a discounted rate if you buy them in a set. Expect to pay about $75 for a complete set of nine weighted balls.

    • 6

      Look for sets that come with some instruction about how to use the balls for training. If your weighted balls don't come with any tips for use, look for tips online and from softball sites to ensure that you use them properly to achieve the results you want.