If you play softball and have ever attended a clinic or a practice outside of your own team, then you have more than likely seen a Total Control Ball being used. Total Control Balls are bright yellow and come in three different shapes and sizes. The weighted ball and the hole ball can be used for front toss, side toss, and tee work.
The Weighted Ball: The weighted Total Control Ball comes in three different weights and sizes. The ball is filled with a dirt/sand material which gives it the weight. Only some of the ball is filled with the dirt/sand because it shows evidence of hitting the correct contact point and emphasizes finishing through a hitters swing. If the hitter doesn’t hit the ball dead on at contact, it won’t go anywhere. Same concept if the hitter doesn’t finish their swing.
A commonly asked question regarding the ball is, “will the ball break a bat?” The two smaller sized balls are designed for front toss use, while the biggest ball is only recommended for tee work. Follow the directions that are listed on the packaging and the website. The weighted balls do a great job of teaching hitters how to hit through contact as well as strengthening their arms, core, and upper body.
The Hole Ball: The Hole Total Control Ball also comes in three different weights and sizes. These balls are much lighter than the weighted balls and serve as a replacement for Wiffle balls. Wiffle balls have a hard plastic exterior, whereas Total Control Hole balls are a softer and squeezable plastic. When hit right, Total Control Hole balls will travel farther. They are designed to help hitters improve hand-eye coordination as well as an emphasis on the correct contact point. Similar to the weighted ball, if the hitter doesn’t hit the Hole ball square, it won’t go anywhere. It has also been reported that the Hole balls are easier to throw front toss to players than the original Wiffle ball, so it’s a win win for coaches too.
Total Control Balls are a great way for hitters to practice bettering their game. The Weighted and Hole balls can be used for front toss, side toss, and can be hit off a tee. The material the balls are made out of have been proven to outlast plastic balls and won’t damage the bat if they are used correctly. A description and further information on the product can be found on the Total Control website at www.totalcontrolsports.com.
