Wheeler Dealer - Battery

Speed Up Drill

The SPEED-UP DRILL is a fantastic power building muscle memory drill. One complete cycle of balls (28 baseballs, 17 softballs) is hit at a slow, comfortable interval. When the cycle completed the machine is loaded again and the control is set to a faster interval. In all, four cycles are recommended, decreasing the time interval between each. At the end of the last cycle the hitter should be drained.

Quick Wrist Drill

The QUICK WRIST DRILL is an excellent drill for developing bat speed. Holding a short one handed bat, the batter can either hit from a standing or kneeling position with one leg forward. This isolates the lower body causing the wrists to work harder. With the Wheeler Dealer the frequency control is set as rapid a speed as the batter can handle. When one arm tires, the bat is quickly switched to the other hand.

Placement Drill

By coordinating the height setting to the distance of the Wheeler Dealer in relation to the hitter, allows the hitter to place to ball in the exact spot that he or she wants to work.

Slap Drill

THE SLAP HITTING DRILL is for softball only. By setting the Wheeler Dealer control at a set frequency, the hitter is able to rhythmically work on timing her approach to the ball. Timing the ball’s arrival with a smooth, clean approach then allows for a quick break to first. This is the secret of great slap hitting.

Switch Hitting Drill

Learning to hit from both sides of the plate is something that is often overruled by the young player for fear of appearing awkward. This problem is easily eliminated by the Wheeler Dealer. Now the hitter can practice swinging from the other side of the plate, alone, in total comfort. Being able to switch hit is a definite plus for any young hitter seeking higher gains in baseball or softball.

Defensive Drills

Catcher's Bunt Drill

The purpose of this drill is to both develop a quicker response to the bunt and the quick leg muscles to pounce on it. A catch net is stationed at first base and a loaded Wheeler Dealer is placed in such a manner as to duplicate the direction and distance of the bunt desired. The catcher's crouch is assumed in the catchers' box. When the Wheeler Dealer launches the ball, the catcher charges it, turns and throws into the catch net at first base. He or she then hurries back into the catchers' box, awaiting the next launch. This is repeated until the machine is empty. Initially, the toss is set at its slowest rate, but as the student becomes more conditioned, the time rate is decreased.

Double Play Drill

This drill's purpose is to decrease the time of turning the double play by both getting the ball out of the glove quicker and perfecting the timing between the two players. The Wheeler Dealer is set in front of either the shortstop or second baseman and a catch net set at first base. (The drill can also be performed by one player alone, fielding then tossing the ball to an imaginary second player). As in some of the above drills, the toss interval is decreased in proportion to the degree of proficiency obtained.

Please consult this page from time to time as many more drill will be added in the future. We also welcome new drills sent in by you coaches now using the Wheeler Dealer. You can do so by clicking on the E-mail link below.