7x7 Strike Recognition Trainer - Backyard Model

Enhance Your Hitter's Strike Zone Awareness with the Softball 7x7 Strike Zone Recognition Trainer

Transform your batting performance today with the Softball 7x7 Strike Zone Recognition Trainer (7x7SRT). This innovative tool helps players of all ages improve their strike zone awareness. By identifying and reacting to strikes in real time, hitters can develop better bat-to-ball contact. As a result, this will reduce swings at pitches outside the zone leading to harder hits from swinging only at strikes.

Science Behind the Technology 

V-Flex training pieces use contrast colors, shapes and visual indicators to create an energized focal space where strikes pass through.  This patented design specifically targets underhand front toss training where the brain is being trained to recognize strikes resulting in a swing at the pitch.

How to Use the Trainer

Before starting the training session:

• Use the V-card visual aid to show the hitter where to focus and where strikes are expected.
• Place the V-card in the area where the white bungees end at the top of the circular opening. This space is where the strikes will be thrown through during training.
• Remove the V-card once the session begins.

During the training session:

• The main goal is for the hitter to clearly identify the strike that passes through the imaginary “V” in the top of the circle being prompted by the white bungees and to put their best swing on it, whether or not contact is made.  Pitches should be thrown with enough velocity that the hitter is reacting to pitches coming through the "V" by swinging the bat.  Players shouldn't have enough time to make a decision to swing or not.  We are looking for a reaction to the pitch through this space.

Training principles for ball and strike recognition:

• Use intentional contrast pitches (balls) thrown in random sequences.
• Never throw more than three strikes in a row when using the V-Flex trainer.

Non-strikes (balls):

• A ball will pass through the circle but not through the V focus area.
• Tracking this pitch helps develop eye movement patterns for recognizing balls.
• A ball thrown into the net provides an even shorter track, reinforcing the contrast between balls and strikes.

Strikes:

• A strike will pass through the V focus area, allowing the hitter to track it for a longer distance and prepare for a swing.  Throw with enough velocity to create a reaction.

Training Package

The 7x7SRT includes three V-Flex Limited Flight Baseballs and three Limited Flight Softballs which makes it perfect for backyard practice. Furthermore, these specially designed balls feature our patented advanced focus design that aids in tee work. The printed design serves as an introduction only to our high-quality Advanced Focus Tee Balls which comes with our embossed printed Advance Focus Design built for longevity—both baseball and softball—available in our store.

Versatile Training Options

The 7x7 SRT allows for both overhand and underhand toss training. It can be set up in the backyard for daily use or taken to the field and used during warm-ups prior to games.  Set up the trainer between 12-20 feet from home plate, adjusting the distance based on the player’s skill level. While younger players can safely practice with real balls, we recommend using Limited Flight balls for those over 11 or when space is restricted. This ensures both safety and effectiveness.

A Pathway to Smarter Hitting

The 7x7SRT is more than just a training tool; it’s a pathway to smarter, more effective hitting. With consistent use, your hitter will learn to swing only at strikes. As a result, this strategy boosts performance and builds confidence on the field.