Soda Bottle Bat

Uses

• A comparible version to a plastic baseball bat.
• This tool allows the learner to practice the skill of swinging an implement (bat) with a much cheaper and easily constructed piece of equipment.

Construction Materials

• 1 plastic soda bottle (liter)
• Tape (Electric or Duct)
• Handle
  • Wooden Dowel, PVC Pipe, Cut-off Broomstick, etc.

Instructions for Construction

1. Insert chosen handle into the liter bottle.
   • insert as far as you need for an appropriate-length handle.
2. Tape around the opening of the bottle to connect the handle to the bottle.
3. Tape thin layer up the handle for grip (just like a regular baseball bat).
4. Purchase a PVC "End Cap" or tape a thick "cap" at the bottom of the handle by making many layers of tape to resemble a regular baseball bat. This is used to assist the learner in not allowing the bat to slip through their hands and become airbourne when they swing.
5. Steps 3 & 4 are very important for the safety of the learner and those around!

Modifications of Equipment

• Create a bracelet (string or yarn) that ties to the handle of the bat for new learners. This can be used as a safety precaution for learners with poor gripping ability to avoid them tossing the bat.
• Cut and stack extra liter bottles with sand or water at the bottom of the structure to create a "Tee" for the learner to practice striking a stationary ball (see picture).
• Fun Fact: The top picture actualy displays a picture of homemade juggling clubs. The construction and use for this product is very similar to that of a plastic bat!
• Use this tool with "Pool Noodle Baseball Tee".