How to Save Money on Pitching Equipment
/Pitching can get expensive fast — between lessons and all the gear your instructor recommends (sorry about that), it can feel like you’re constantly swiping your card. But here’s the good news: you can get creative, save a ton of money, and still have all the tools you need to become a great pitcher.
Below is a list of the most common pitching tools we use at Practice Pro — and my favorite tips for how to make, find, or substitute them without breaking the bank.
What it’s for: Helps pitchers work on spinning pitches.
DIY version: Take a cylandered piece of wood with a hole drilled down the middle, drill a hole through the ball, and connect the stick and ball with a long screw.
2. Drag Box
What it’s for: Improves drive mechanics.
DIY version: Grab a few pieces of wood, some long nails or screws, and connect them together in the shape of a U. You can also simply put balls on the side of your foot and try not to move them for the same effect.
3. Accelerator
What it’s for: Warm up and fixing a bent arm circle path.
DIY version: Get a long tube sock and put a softball (softie) at the bottom, then whip that around!
5. Weighted Balls
What it’s for: Builds arm strength and helps pitchers feel where their arm is in their air (body awareness).
Budget tip: Take a regular softball and hammer nails into it (seriously) until it’s the desired weight. It’s what people did in the olden’ days.
6. Leg Flapper
What it’s for: Keeps your take-away arm close to your body, helps in correct arm path.
DIY version: Take a soft pool noodle or foam pipe insulation, cut it down to 12–18 inches, and attach it to a string or belt. Instant leg flapper!
What it’s for: Helps pitchers accomplish the proper spin axis.
DIY version: Use a real hockey puck!
8. Pitching Mat
What it’s for: Protects indoor floors and creates a consistent surface with a rubber push-off.
Budget tip: Instead of buying a $300 mat, buy puzzle matt flooring you’d use for a kid’s playroom.
9. The Bucket of Balls
If you’re pitching to a net or a parent, you need a full bucket of balls. Chasing after one every pitch slows practice and frustrates everyone — especially your catcher!
Money saver:
Ask local rec leagues or high school teams for old game balls.
Check Play It Again Sports or Facebook Marketplace for used balls in bulk.
Avoid asphalt — it tears up leather fast.
Don’t leave balls outside — humidity and cold weather ruin them.
10. Toe Tape Hack
What it’s for: Protects your drag toe from wearing through your shoe.
DIY version: Instead of buying a pitching toe guard, wrap the toe of your cleat with duct tape or gorilla tape before practice. Replace it every few sessions.
Bonus Tips
Buy used: Facebook Marketplace, SidelineSwap, and Play It Again Sports often have hidden gems.
Split costs: Share equipment with a teammate or split a net with another family.
Watch for sales: Early fall and early spring are the best times for discounts on pitching gear.
Label everything: Equipment walks off easily in shared facilities.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to spend a fortune to train like a pro. The best pitchers are resourceful — they work hard, stay creative, and find ways to practice with whatever they have. The real investment is your effort, not the price tag of your gear. Leave comments on ways you’ve saved on pitching and softball gear!
