Old Hickory HTY Youth Hands Trainer Bat
The Old Hickory HTY Youth Hands Trainer Bat is a maple swing trainer made to build swing speed and power without sacrificing proper mechanics. It is sized for younger baseball players, with a 2 1/4 inch barrel diameter and lengths from 26 to 31 inches, and it comes in a natural or a black finish. Used consistently in tee work, front toss and on-deck dry swings, it develops forearm strength and helps hitters add speed and power to the swing they already have.
Plenty of strength tools make a swing slower, longer or sloppier. The point of a hands trainer is to train strength and speed while the swing stays a real swing, so the work carries over to the plate.
Strength and Speed Without Breaking the Swing
The hands and forearms control the barrel. Stronger hands get the barrel to the ball faster and hold it on line through contact. The Old Hickory HTY Youth Hands Trainer Bat is built around that idea: it gives the hands and forearms real work on every swing while keeping the hitter in a normal, game-like swing pattern, so mechanics are not compromised along the way.
That matters because a trainer that pulls the swing out of shape teaches the wrong habits, and those habits follow the hitter back to the game bat. A trainer that keeps the swing intact lets the added strength and speed show up where it counts.
Where It Fits in a Training Routine
- Tee work. Take a round of tee swings with the hands trainer before switching to the game bat.
- Front toss. Add timing and a moving ball while keeping the swing short and direct.
- On-deck dry swings. Use it as an on-deck and warm-up bat to get the hands and forearms ready before an at-bat.
- Strength sets. Short sets of quality swings, a few times a week, build forearm strength over a season.
Finish each session with swings using the game bat so the hitter feels the difference and keeps the timing sharp.
Natural or Black Finish
The Old Hickory HTY Youth Hands Trainer Bat comes in two finishes, natural and black, in every length. The finish is a matter of preference and does not change how the bat is built.
Choosing a Length
Lengths run 26 to 31 inches. The simplest approach is to match the length of the player's game bat so hand position and posture stay the same. Older hitters swinging 31 inches or more can step up to the HTA, which has a 2 1/2 inch barrel in 31 to 34 inch lengths.
Who the Old Hickory HTY Youth Hands Trainer Bat Is For
- Younger baseball players who swing 26 to 31 inch bats and want a dedicated swing trainer
- Hitters who want more bat speed and power while keeping their mechanics
- Coaches who want a swing trainer for tee, toss and on-deck work
- Players building forearm strength in the off-season
Caring for a Maple Training Bat
- Use real leather baseballs. Dimpled machine balls and cage balls are hard on wood bats.
- Store the bat indoors, away from extreme heat, cold and humidity.
- Check for cracks before each session.
- Do not slam the bat or use it to hit anything other than a baseball.
Old Hickory HTY Youth Hands Trainer Bat Specifications
- Model: HTY
- Brand: Old Hickory
- Material: maple
- Barrel diameter: 2 1/4 inches
- Lengths: 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 inches
- Finishes: natural or black
- Use: tee work, front toss and on-deck dry swings
- Sport: baseball
More Old Hickory Training Bats
The Old Hickory HTA Adult Hands Trainer Bat is the same trainer sized for older and bigger hitters. For barrel control on full swings, the Old Hickory FT1 Flat Sided Trainer Bat gives instant feedback on every ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the HTA and the HTY?
The HTA is the adult model, with a 2 1/2 inch barrel diameter in 31 to 34 inch lengths. The HTY is the youth model, with a 2 1/4 inch barrel diameter in 26 to 31 inch lengths.
How do I use a hands trainer?
Use it for tee work, front toss and on-deck dry swings, in short sets of quality swings, then finish with the game bat.
Which length should I order?
Match the player's game bat length when you can. The HTY comes in 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 inches.
Does the finish make a difference?
No. Natural and black are the same bat in two finishes.
Can I hit baseballs with it?
Yes. It is meant for tee work and front toss as well as dry swings. Use real leather baseballs.
