Safe Youth Weighted Bat Training: Proven Overload/Underload Drills to Increase Exit Velocity in Games Starting Tonight

Safe Youth Weighted Bat Training: Proven Overload/Underload Drills to Increase Exit Velocity in Games Starting Tonight

Safe Youth Weighted Bat Training: Proven Overload/Underload Drills to Increase Exit Velocity in Games Starting Tonight

Overload/Underload Bats & Weighted Balls for Youth Hitters: The Safe, Simple Way to Build Game-Day Power

If your feed looks anything like mine, you’ve seen the “sledgehammer swings to get strong” clip right next to “ultra-light bat for crazy bat speed.” It’s confusing—and as a parent or coach, you’re stuck between wanting every edge and not wanting to wreck a young body or their swing. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you a calm, clear plan: when to use weighted implements, how heavy/light to go, and the five-minute practice block that moves exit velocity in games, not just in the cage.

The Big Idea: Feel Before Force

Most youth hitters don’t need more effort—they need better collision quality. That starts with sequencing (coil → uncoil), posture (no head roll or lumbar over-arch), and contact (hitting the ball on the sweet spot more often). Weighted tools can help, but only if they protect mechanics first and build speed second.

Keep training in the green zone:

  • 10–15% window around the game-bat weight works best for most youth hitters.
    Example: If the game bat is 30 oz, use ~33–34 oz for overload and ~26–27 oz for underload.
  • Goals with overload: tighten sequencing, feel posture, and expose leaks without “muscling.”
  • Goals with underload: sharpen quickness while keeping the same body positions and barrel path.

Why this matters: too heavy or too light forces compensations—chopping down, yanking off-plane, late/early contact—that inflate “bat-speed” screenshots but kill exit velocity and consistency in real games.

What Actually Raises Exit Velocity (That Parents Can See)

  1. Catapult Loading System principles
    Coil and uncoil through the spine (think spring), then let the torso deliver force to the hands. This makes speed that transfers to the ball—without “trying harder.”
  2. Lead-arm leverage at contact
    A slightly longer lead arm preserves the arc radius, keeps the barrel in-zone longer, and widens the “loud contact” window.
  3. Posture & head control
    No head roll, no chin popping up, no hyper-extended low back. Stable eyes + neutral lumbar = cleaner energy transfer.
  4. Overload/underload done right
    Small, smart variations (±10–15%) teach the body to move better and faster—with your game swing, not a compensating one.

Memorable line to coach by: “Don’t train for a pretty number—train for the sound of the ball jumping.”

Parent-Friendly Metrics That Predict Progress

Forget the mood-swing of batting average. Track these three, right on your phone, in under a minute:

  • Quality-Contact % – Loud line drives or well-struck loft per 10 swings.
  • Pitch-Selection Success – “Green swings, yellow manage, red take.”
  • Competitive At-Bats (C-ABs) – Extend counts, battle with two, punish mistakes.

These numbers show real growth, guide practice, and reinforce calm, confident hitters.

Real-World Snapshots (What You’ll Notice)

  • “Luke,” 12U tried a 40-oz trainer with a 31-oz game bat. Mechanics fell apart within a week—choppy path, wrist pain, and weaker contact. Switching to +3/-3 oz fixed posture and sequencing; exit velo ticked up ~4 mph with less effort.
  • “Mason,” 16U followed a structured 6-week heavy–light–game cycle and improved from 87 mph to consistent 92 mph on line drives—not from brute strength, but cleaner sequencing and better contact.

The Five-Minute “Heavy–Light–Game” Block (Do This Tonight)

Round A (Overload, x5 swings):
Focus on posture: eyes level, chin down (no roll), ribs stacked over hips. Feel coil → uncoil. No “wood-chopping.”

Round B (Underload, x5 swings):
Same posture and path. Let quickness show up without losing positions.

Round C (Game bat, x5 swings):
Integrate the feel. Score Quality-Contact %. Jot one simple feel cue (e.g., “kept chin down,” “felt stretch, then snap”).

Repeat 2–3 rounds. End with 10 front-tosses mixing green vs. yellow locations:
+1 for disciplined takes in yellow; +1 for controlled contact in green.

Common Mistakes (And Easy Fixes)

  • Going too heavy/light. Stay in the 10–15% window. If mechanics change, it’s too far.
  • Chasing bat-speed screenshots. Measure what matters in games: Quality-Contact, Selection, and C-ABs.
  • Over-coaching mid-set. Keep cues short: “See it early, name it fast.” “Green swings.” “Compete with two.”
  • Ignoring posture. If you see head roll or low-back arch, stop, reset, and return to the last good feel.

Coach-Ready Language That Lowers Pressure

  • “We’re chipping away at inefficiencies—like Michelangelo taking rock off David.”
  • “Green swings win. Yellow? Manage. Red? Take.”
  • “Loud barrels over pretty numbers.”
  • “Feel before force.”

This keeps kids focused on controllables (approach, decisions, contact) and protects confidence while skills compound.

Internal Links to Keep Momentum (Suggested)

  • Swing Shift – 5–7 minute “done-for-you” blocks that train selection, Quality-Contact, and two-strike compete.
  • Detect & Correct Hitting Blueprint – spot the leak stealing exit velo (head roll, posture, sequencing) and fix it fast.
  • Catapult Loading System – deeper dive on coil-to-uncoil and lead-arm leverage for louder barrels.
  • AI for Youth Sports – generate simple practice menus and tracking sheets customized to your hitter.

Ready to Hear the Full Breakdown?

Get the episode here and start training what transfers tonight:
Listen here

If this helped reframe weighted bats, share it with a coach or parent who’s stuck chasing “bat-speed numbers.” Then run Heavy–Light–Game, log your three metrics, and watch confidence—and exit velo—rise together.

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AI Coaching Course 2025: Youth Baseball & Softball Practice Plan + Off-Season & In-Season Workout Builder Fast

AI Coaching Course 2025: Youth Baseball & Softball Practice Plan + Off-Season & In-Season Workout Builder Fast

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AI Coaching Course 2025: Youth Baseball & Softball Practice Plan + Off-Season & In-Season Workout Builder Fast

The AI Coaching Course 2025 is a game changer for youth baseball and softball parents and coaches who often feel overwhelmed. It tackles the chaos by simplifying practice organization, which usually consumes hours each week. With easy-to-use resources, it helps coaches manage varying skill levels without confusion. Plus, parent communication becomes a breeze with ready-made templates that keep everyone informed. Coaches can create tailored practice plans in under a minute, giving them more time to focus on player development instead of logistics. This tool not only enhances athlete performance but also reduces stress for busy coaches and parents alike, making practices more enjoyable overall.

Table of Contents

  1. Understanding the AI Coaching Course 2025
  2. Addressing Common Coaching Challenges
  3. Transforming Chaos into Order
  4. Key Features of the AI Coaching Course
  5. Creating Custom Practice Plans Fast
  6. Building Effective Workouts Year-Round
  7. Enhancing Parent Communication Efforts
  8. Tracking Athlete Progress Effectively
  9. Benefits of Using the AI Coaching Course
  10. Success Stories from Coaches and Parents
  11. Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the AI Coaching Course 2025

The AI Coaching Course 2025 is crafted especially for busy youth baseball and softball coaches who juggle multiple responsibilities. Coaches often find themselves overwhelmed with the demands of practice planning, workout schedules, and parent communication. This course utilizes advanced AI to simplify these processes, allowing coaches to focus on what they love most: teaching the game. It effectively addresses common pain points such as the chaos of organizing practices. For example, a coach might spend hours each week figuring out how to plan a session that meets the diverse skill levels of their players. With this course, those lengthy hours are reduced to mere minutes. Coaches can create organized practice plans in less than a minute, freeing up time and energy to engage directly with athletes.

Furthermore, the course supports both in-season and off-season training, ensuring that athletes stay on track year-round. It offers easy-to-use templates that help coaches maintain a structured approach to workouts, which is crucial for athlete development. Without requiring any technical skills, the course provides solutions that streamline communication with parents, making it easier to keep them informed and engaged. By simplifying logistics and administrative tasks, the AI Coaching Course empowers coaches to allocate more time toward skill development, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for both coaches and athletes.

Addressing Common Coaching Challenges

Coaching youth baseball and softball comes with its share of challenges, often leaving coaches feeling overwhelmed. One major issue is the time-consuming nature of practice organization. Coaches may find themselves spending hours each week developing practice plans, which can take away from valuable coaching time. Additionally, tracking athlete progress is crucial, yet many coaches struggle to monitor their players’ growth effectively amidst their busy schedules.

Another common challenge is managing diverse skill levels within a single team. Coaches frequently face the task of ensuring that all athletes receive the appropriate level of training and engagement, which can be confusing and daunting. This complexity is compounded by the need for efficient communication with parents. Many coaches still rely on outdated methods that make keeping parents informed about schedules and player progress a cumbersome task.

Administrative duties can quickly pile up, leaving coaches feeling bogged down. Balancing the planning of practices with game strategies often leads to stress, especially when quick adjustments are necessary. Furthermore, limited resources for personalized training can hinder a coach’s ability to cater to individual athlete needs, making it challenging to keep everyone motivated year-round. Planning effective workouts can also be a source of confusion, as coaches need to ensure that their athletes are developing the right skills while maintaining their enthusiasm for the sport.

  • Time-consuming practice organization
  • Difficulty in tracking athlete progress
  • Managing diverse skill levels within a team
  • Inefficient parent communication methods
  • Overwhelming administrative tasks
  • Balancing practice planning with game strategies
  • Limited resources for personalized training
  • Struggles with keeping athletes motivated year-round
  • Confusion in planning effective workouts
  • Need for quick adjustments to practice plans

Transforming Chaos into Order

The AI Coaching Course simplifies the chaotic world of youth sports coaching. With structured templates, coaches can quickly plan practices, transforming hours of work into mere minutes. This not only saves time but also reduces the stress that comes with juggling schedules and athlete needs. Automated tools help streamline the process, allowing coaches to focus on what truly matters: athlete development. Clear guidelines for creating practices and workouts enhance clarity and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Coaches can easily track multiple athletes’ progress, making it simpler to provide tailored feedback. This system also fosters better communication with parents, easing the anxiety often felt around scheduling and updates. Flexibility is built-in, allowing adjustments to be made on the fly. Ultimately, this approach encourages a consistent training routine and supports a positive team culture, making the coaching experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Key Features of the AI Coaching Course

The AI Coaching Course 2025 offers several key features designed to make coaching easier and more effective. One standout feature is the customizable practice plan generator, which allows coaches to create tailored practice sessions in just a few clicks. This tool considers the team’s specific needs and skill levels, integrating relevant drills and game scenarios seamlessly.

Another significant aspect is the user-friendly interface. Coaches can navigate through the platform effortlessly, whether they are seasoned professionals or new to coaching. The integration of drills suited for various skill levels ensures that every athlete gets the appropriate challenge, fostering growth and confidence.

The course also includes resources for athlete conditioning and recovery, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical health throughout the season. Coaches can access pre-written communication templates to keep parents informed and engaged, which helps in building strong relationships between coaches and families.

Progress tracking tools provide comprehensive feedback, allowing coaches to monitor individual athlete development over time. This feature is crucial for identifying areas for improvement and tailoring future practices accordingly. Additionally, there are templates for off-season and in-season workouts, ensuring that athletes stay on track year-round.

Finally, the course fosters a supportive community of coaches who share insights and best practices. This community aspect not only encourages collaboration but also enhances the overall coaching experience.

Feature Description
Practice Plan Generator Quickly generates customized practice plans tailored to the team’s needs, skill levels, and available equipment.
Off-Season & In-Season Workout Builder Provides templates for creating effective workout plans that maintain athlete development throughout the year.
Parent Communication Tools Offers ready-to-use message templates for communicating with parents, simplifying updates on practice schedules and player progress.
Athlete Performance Tracking Monitors progress and performance metrics, allowing coaches to provide targeted feedback and track athlete growth over time.

Creating Custom Practice Plans Fast

Creating custom practice plans has never been easier. With the AI Coaching Course, coaches can generate tailored practice plans in under 60 seconds, significantly cutting down on planning time. Each session is designed to meet the specific needs of the team, ensuring that skill development is a core focus. Coaches can also make adjustments based on athlete feedback, allowing for a more responsive approach to training. This flexibility helps coaches utilize available equipment efficiently, ensuring that no resources are wasted.

To keep athletes engaged, the course promotes a variety of drills and activities. This variety not only makes practices fun but also helps athletes develop a broader skill set. Coaches can include options for competitive scenarios, providing athletes with real-game experiences during practice. Furthermore, the AI tools assist in planning balanced workloads, so athletes are neither overworked nor under-challenged.

One of the biggest advantages of this system is how it alleviates the stress of last-minute planning. Coaches can feel confident knowing they have a solid plan ready to go, which allows them to focus on fostering creativity in practice design. By streamlining the practice planning process, the AI Coaching Course empowers coaches to spend more time developing their athletes and less time worrying about logistics.

Building Effective Workouts Year-Round

Creating effective workouts year-round is crucial for young athletes in baseball and softball. The AI Coaching Course 2025 provides structured workout templates tailored to keep athletes engaged and developing, regardless of the season. During the off-season, these templates focus on maintaining skills, ensuring that players do not lose their edge while away from the field. For instance, incorporating drills that emphasize hand-eye coordination and agility can keep skills sharp, even when practice time is limited.

In-season workouts offer a different challenge, as athletes need to balance skill maintenance with recovery. The course includes recovery strategies that help athletes recharge, reducing the risk of injury and burnout. This might involve lighter workout days or specific recovery sessions that focus on flexibility and strength, allowing players to perform at their best during games.

Additionally, the course provides guidance on conditioning tailored for different sports, recognizing that baseball and softball demand unique physical requirements. By integrating strength and conditioning principles, athletes build resilience and flexibility, crucial traits for long-term success. With easy adaptation of workouts, coaches can modify plans based on individual athlete needs, ensuring everyone stays challenged and engaged.

Ultimately, the course emphasizes continuous athlete development, supporting both physical and mental growth. By fostering an environment where athletes can thrive year-round, coaches help young players not only improve in their sport but also develop a lifelong love for physical activity.

Enhancing Parent Communication Efforts

Effective communication with parents is crucial in youth sports. The AI Coaching Course 2025 streamlines updates on practice schedules, making it easier for coaches to keep parents informed. By utilizing automated communication tools, coaches can send timely reminders and updates, reducing misunderstandings related to schedules. This transparency fosters a collaborative environment where parents feel included in their child’s development. For instance, ready-to-use templates for regular progress reports allow coaches to share insights on player performance, encouraging parental involvement. Quick responses to parent inquiries help build positive relationships, ensuring parents stay engaged and informed. Overall, these tools not only enhance communication but also promote a supportive atmosphere that benefits the entire team.

Tracking Athlete Progress Effectively

Tracking athlete progress effectively is essential for fostering growth and development within youth baseball and softball teams. By monitoring performance metrics over time, coaches can provide targeted feedback that highlights areas for improvement. This data-driven approach allows coaches to set specific goals for each athlete, paving the way for individualized development plans that cater to unique strengths and weaknesses.

Empowering athletes to take ownership of their training is another significant advantage of effective progress tracking. When players see their own development patterns and can compare their progress with teammates, it encourages accountability and a sense of competition. For example, if one athlete notices they have improved their batting average while another has not, it can motivate both to focus on their training.

Moreover, using data to inform coaching strategies promotes a culture of continuous improvement. Coaches can adjust practices and drills based on what the metrics reveal, ensuring that every session is relevant and effective. Whether it’s emphasizing speed, agility, or technique, the insights gained from tracking progress can lead to better skill development across the board.

Benefits of Using the AI Coaching Course

The AI Coaching Course offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance the coaching experience. One of the most notable benefits is the time saved in practice planning. Coaches can create tailored practice plans in under 60 seconds, freeing up valuable time that can be redirected towards skill development and athlete support. Improved communication with parents is another key advantage, as pre-written templates facilitate clear and consistent updates, fostering better relationships and reducing misunderstandings.

The personalized training plans provided by the course lead to enhanced athlete development. By catering to individual needs, athletes are more engaged and motivated to improve. This targeted approach not only boosts performance but also increases retention rates, ensuring that young players remain committed to their teams. Additionally, the course helps reduce administrative stress for coaches, allowing them to focus on what they love most: coaching.

Moreover, the AI Coaching Course encourages better organization within coaching staff, creating a cohesive unit that works together more efficiently. This organization fosters a more engaging environment for athletes, where they feel supported and valued. The course also promotes ongoing learning and adaptation, equipping coaches with tools to continuously improve their methods. Lastly, users gain access to a supportive coaching community, sharing experiences and insights that further enhance their coaching journey. With proven success rates reported by existing users, the benefits of the AI Coaching Course are clear and impactful.

Success Stories from Coaches and Parents

The AI Coaching Course 2025 has made a significant impact on the lives of many coaches and parents, creating success stories that highlight its effectiveness. Coaches report improved team performance metrics, showcasing how streamlined practice planning leads to better athlete outcomes. Parents have shared positive feedback about enhanced communication, noting that they feel more connected and informed about their child’s progress. This course has not only increased athlete engagement but also satisfaction, as young players enjoy a more structured and supportive environment.

Many coaches have transformed their experiences, feeling supported and confident in their roles. They have expressed gratitude for the time saved in planning, allowing them to focus on what truly matters, developing athletes’ skills. For instance, one coach shared that by using the practice plan generator, they reduced preparation time significantly, enabling them to spend more quality time coaching on the field.

Additionally, case studies illustrate successful athlete development, with numerous examples of players improving their skills and performance. One parent highlighted how their child went from struggling with fundamentals to becoming a key player on the team, crediting the tailored workouts provided by the course. The evidence of enhanced team dynamics is clear, as coaches notice better collaboration and morale among players.

Overall, the course has become a trusted resource, creating a supportive network for coaches and parents alike. The testimonials reflect a shared belief that this program not only improves the effectiveness of practices but also fosters a community where young athletes can thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main focus of the AI Coaching Course for youth baseball and softball?

The AI Coaching Course aims to provide a structured practice plan and personalized workout builder for young athletes to improve their skills both during the season and in the off-season.

How does the workout builder adapt to different skill levels?

The workout builder is designed to cater to various skill levels, allowing coaches to customize workouts based on individual player’s abilities and needs.

Can this course help with both baseball and softball practices?

Yes, the course is suitable for both baseball and softball, offering relevant drills and practice strategies for each sport.

What kind of resources are included in the AI Coaching Course?

The course includes practice plans, workout templates, instructional videos, and tips for coaching young athletes effectively.

Is the course appropriate for beginners in youth baseball or softball?

Absolutely, the course is structured to help beginners learn fundamental skills while also providing advanced strategies for more experienced players.

The AI Coaching Course 2025 offers youth baseball and softball coaches and parents a streamlined approach to managing practices and workouts. By using AI tools, coaches can generate custom practice plans in under 60 seconds, build effective year-round workout regimes, and enhance communication with parents. This course addresses common coaching challenges like organization and time management, making the process easier and more efficient. Proven successful by over 28,000 users, it empowers coaches to focus on athlete development rather than administrative tasks.

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Exit Velocity vs Bat Speed: MLB-Proven Youth Baseball Drills to Build Real Game Power Tonight

Exit Velocity vs Bat Speed: MLB-Proven Youth Baseball Drills to Build Real Game Power Tonight

Exit Velocity vs Bat Speed: MLB-Proven Youth Baseball Drills to Build Real Game Power Tonight

Bat Speed vs. Exit Velocity: The Youth Hitting Shift That Turns Practice Swings into Game-Day Rockets

Parents hear “swing faster” all weekend, then watch another round of weak contact in games. This post clears up the most confused debate in youth hitting—bat speed vs. ball exit speed—and gives you the exact mechanical fixes and simple metrics that actually raise in-game hard contact for baseball and softball hitters. It’s built from a no-fluff episode focused on what transfers: spinal-engine loading (Catapult Loading System), lead-arm leverage at contact, posture and head control, and smart overload/underload work.

Why Bat Speed Alone Doesn’t Win Games

  • Bat speed is potential; exit velocity is the result. A tee-ball or wiffle bat can make the swing look lightning-fast, but the collision is weak with a game bat.
  • Energy transfer beats raw speed. Off-center hits, late/early contact, and a sloppy barrel path drain power no matter what the bat-speed readout says.
  • Chase screenshots less—train collision quality more. Coaches recruit consistent hard contact, not lab numbers.

Memorable line from the show: “Don’t train for a pretty number—train for the sound of the ball jumping.”

Mechanics That Do Raise Exit Velocity

1) Catapult Loading System (Spinal Engine)
Coil and uncoil the torso like a spring. When the spine loads then unloads in sequence, the body delivers real force to the barrel without muscling up.

2) Longer Lead Arm at Contact
A slightly longer front arm preserves arc radius and keeps the barrel in the zone longer, widening the sweet-spot window and boosting collision efficiency.

3) Posture & Head Control
Fix the common leaks: head roll, chin popping up, and hyper-extended low back. Stable eyes and neutral lumbar let force travel cleanly into the ball.

4) Overload/Underload Done Right
Heavier bat reps for connected strength, lighter bat reps for quickness—then return to the game bat to confirm the gains. Think Michelangelo: chip away inefficiencies until the “loud barrel” appears.

The Metrics That Predict Real Progress

Ditch the box-score rollercoaster and track these three parent-friendly stats you can score in 60 seconds:

  • Quality-Contact % — loud line drives or well-struck loft per 10 swings
  • Pitch-Selection Success — “green swings, yellow manage, red take”
  • Competitive At-Bats (C-ABs) — extend counts, battle with two, punish mistakes

One 5-Minute Practice Block You Can Run Tonight

Heavy–Light–Game (HLG) Progression

  1. Heavy bat x5 — feel coil/uncoil; hold posture (no head roll, no lumbar arch).
  2. Light bat x5 — fast hands, same posture.
  3. Game bat x5 — score Quality-Contact % and note feel cues.

Repeat for 2–3 rounds. Track your three metrics in your phone. Over a couple of weeks, you’ll see exit velocity rise without cueing “swing harder.”

Quick Wins Parents Can Use Right Away

  • Replace “How fast was your swing?” with “How many loud barrels did we get?”
  • Cue short phrases that travel under pressure: “See it early, name it fast.” “Green swings.” “Compete with two.”
  • Keep the head still and the eyes level. If the chin lifts or the head rolls, reset posture before the next rep.
  • Blend decision reps into every session: 5 tosses in the green zone, 5 in yellow; score discipline and contact.

From the episode: “Train for exit velocity the right way and bat speed follows; train for bat speed alone and you often lose both.”

Internal Links to Keep Momentum

  • Swing Shift – 5–7 minute “done-for-you” practice blocks that build quality contact, pitch selection, and two-strike compete.
  • Detect & Correct Hitting Blueprint – identify the exact leak stealing exit velo (head roll, posture, sequencing) and fix it fast.
  • Catapult Loading System – deeper dive on spinal-engine loading and lead-arm leverage for louder barrels.
  • AI for Youth Sports – generate simple practice menus and tracking sheets customized to your hitter.

Ready to hear the full breakdown and start training results that show up under the lights? Listen to the episode here. Then run the 5-minute HLG block tonight and log your three metrics. Share the episode with a coach or parent who’s stuck chasing bat-speed screenshots—help them train the collision that actually wins games.

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Elite Exit Velocity Gains for Youth Hitters in 6 Weeks or Less — Without Expensive Lessons or TikTok Gimmicks

Elite Exit Velocity Gains for Youth Hitters in 6 Weeks or Less — Without Expensive Lessons or TikTok Gimmicks

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Elite Exit Velocity Gains for Youth Hitters in 6 Weeks or Less — Without Expensive Lessons or TikTok Gimmicks

Why Your Kid Isn’t Hitting Bombs Yet—And Why That’s Okay: The Truth About Youth Power Development

Feeling the pressure when another kid on your team launches a bomb and your hitter barely clears the infield? You’re not alone—and you’re not falling behind.

In this episode of the Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast, I pull back the curtain on one of the biggest pain points parents, coaches, and players face in youth baseball and softball: power hitting comparison anxiety. Spoiler alert: the real secret to building consistent, long-term power at the plate isn’t size, bat speed, or viral TikTok swing cues—it’s mechanical efficiency, physical maturity, and intentional training.

Whether you’re coaching a team or raising a young athlete, this post will help you reframe the “why’s my kid not hitting bombs?” question—and start building a sustainable foundation for explosive results.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here

Why This Topic Matters (Now More Than Ever)

Today’s youth baseball and softball scene is flooded with highlight reels and early bloomers. Parents are bombarded with social media clips showing 10-year-olds smashing balls with “pro-level” metrics—exit velos in the 70s, perfect launch angles, and bat flips to boot.

What most people don’t see? The development trade-offs.

“Some of these kids can’t field. Others peak too early. And many become one-dimensional hitters who struggle when the pitching gets better.” – Joey Myers, HPL Founder

This post is your permission to stop comparing and start focusing on what actually matters for building real, sustainable hitting power.

3 Core Takeaways from the Episode

1. 💥 Power Is a Process—Not a Pass/Fail Test

“Power hitting isn’t about muscling up. It’s about movement efficiency.”

Instead of asking “why isn’t my kid hitting bombs yet?”—ask:

  • Are they moving well?

  • Are their swing mechanics efficient?

  • Are they physically ready for that kind of output?

Bat speed envy is real, but what matters most is developing the swing behind the power. That’s where biomechanics and movement sequencing shine.

Related Post: The Catapult Loading System – 3D Power Hitter Mechanics Explained »

2. 🧠 Stop Comparing—Start Building

Social media doesn’t show you the full picture. And early power doesn’t guarantee long-term success.

“That 4’9”, 70-pound hitter shouldn’t be expected to match the output of a 5’6” 130-pound kid. That’s not failure—it’s biology.”

If your hitter is developing more slowly, it’s not a problem—it’s a timeline. The key is laying the groundwork for when their strength catches up. Focus on quality reps, not viral outcomes.

Try This: The Heavy Bat Bounce Drill

  • Use a heavier bat or wood bat

  • Tee height: belt-high, middle-away

  • Focus on front shoulder load + top-hand torque

  • Cue: “Top-hand bottom three finger death grip. Bottom-hand like you’re holding a butterfly.”

  • 5 reps slow, 3 reps full intent, 3–4x/week

This drill builds ground-up explosiveness and rewires the body’s power storage system.

3. 🛠️ Intentional Training Beats Endless Reps

“Two hundred swings a week without purpose won’t fix poor movement. It’ll reinforce it.”

Don’t let your hitter swing themselves into bad habits. Power development requires specific intent, feedback, and a mental model that prioritizes efficiency over effort.

💡 Recommended:
✔️ Focused, low-volume sessions
✔️ Movement-first cueing
✔️ Practice variability and tempo control
✔️ Weekly review of progress—not just results

🧠 Mindset Matters: What Dweck & Seneca Would Say

“The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.” – Dr. Carol Dweck

Helping your child adopt a growth mindset around their hitting—especially power—builds resilience, confidence, and a love for the game.

“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” – Seneca

Stop catastrophizing your hitter’s development curve. Focus instead on giving them the tools to grow—mentally, mechanically, and confidently.

Dive Deeper With These Game-Changing Tools

✅ Swing Shift Daily Video Series
👉 https://hittingperformancelab.com/swingshift
5-minute daily wins to help your athlete build timing, power, and confidence—without burnout or over-coaching.

✅ AI for Youth Athlete Parents & Coaches – Basic Course
👉 https://hittingperformancelab.com/AICourse
🎁 Use code AICOURSEPODCAST at checkout to get $20 OFF
This is your shortcut to customizing smart, efficient hitting plans without the overwhelm.

✔️ Also check out:

Ready to Level Up? Listen to the Full Episode

For the full breakdown—including a walkthrough of the Heavy Bat Bounce Drill, stories from the field, and performance psychology insights from Dr. Carol Dweck and Stoic philosophy…

🎧 👉 Click here to listen now »

Final Thought

Your kid doesn’t need to keep up. They need a plan.

Let’s build smarter hitters together—starting now.

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Best Hitting Drills for 8-Year-Olds (2025): Fix Swing Flaws Fast with This MLB-Trusted Youth Baseball System—At-Home, Step-by-Step, and Built for Game-Day Confidence

Best Hitting Drills for 8-Year-Olds (2025): Fix Swing Flaws Fast with This MLB-Trusted Youth Baseball System—At-Home, Step-by-Step, and Built for Game-Day Confidence

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Best Hitting Drills for 8-Year-Olds (2025): Fix Swing Flaws Fast with This MLB-Trusted Youth Baseball System—At-Home, Step-by-Step, and Built for Game-Day Confidence

Is Your 8-Year-Old Too Young for Swing Mechanics? The Hidden Truth Every Baseball Parent Must Know

Ever watched your young athlete freeze at the plate and thought, “Should I fix their swing… or just let them play?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and this episode of the Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast delivers the science-backed clarity you’ve been craving.

In today’s youth baseball landscape, it’s easy to fall into the “perfect swing trap,” where mechanical precision is pushed far too early. But here’s the truth: dialing in mechanics before your child’s body and mind are ready could be doing more harm than good.

Let’s break down why—and what you should be doing instead.

Why Mechanics Too Early Could Backfire (And What to Focus on Instead)

Youth baseball swing mechanics, especially for ages 7–9, are often misunderstood. This episode explores why that’s a critical age where the wrong approach can lead to:

  • Burnout

  • Injury risk

  • A loss of love for the game

Here are the biggest takeaways parents and coaches need to know:

🧠 Key Insights from the Episode

✅ The Nervous System Is Still Developing
At ages 7–9, kids are still learning how to move—literally. Their neuromuscular systems are forming motor patterns for throwing, catching, running, and balance. Overloading them with mechanical cues short-circuits this process.

✅ Let Curiosity Lead, Not Correction
One of the most powerful moments came from an 8-year-old asking, “How do I hit it harder?” That organic question opened the door for a single, simple cue—”squish the bug”—leading to deeper engagement and improvement.

✅ Mini Games Beat Mechanics Every Time
Fun, movement-rich games like soft toss into a bucket or wiffle ball golf teach rhythm, contact, and control—without overwhelming instruction.

✅ MLB Players Didn’t Specialize Early
Most pros played multiple sports growing up. Why? It builds movement variety, coordination, and injury resistance—something science now backs fully.

✅ Avoid Robotic Coaching
Quoting Stoic philosopher Epictetus: “Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.” You don’t need to be a swing guru—just foster an environment where your child wants to improve.

🎯 Actionable Tips for Parents & Coaches

Here’s what to do instead of overcorrecting early mechanics:

  • Play contact-focused mini games: Promote bat-to-ball awareness with a plastic bat and wiffle balls on a string.

  • Use rhythm drills: Add music. Have your child toe tap or bounce in time with the beat—then turn and hit.

  • Celebrate effort, not results: Say things like “Nice turn!” or “That was explosive!” to build confidence.

  • Introduce one cue at a time—only when asked.

  • Focus on exploration over early perfection.

🔗 Related Content & Resources

For more youth development insights:

🎧 Listen to the Full Podcast Episode Here

👉 Click to Listen Now

If you’re a baseball or softball parent asking, “Should I be fixing my kid’s swing now or just let them have fun?” —this episode is your wake-up call.

🚀 Bonus: Want a Proven, Simple Way to Help Your Young Hitter?

Check out our Detect & Correct Hitting Blueprint — now 50% OFF in our flash sale!
It’s built for busy parents and coaches who want fast, science-backed drills that work without overwhelming young players.

👉 Get 50% OFF Now →

Final Thought:

Don’t rush it. Let your kid fall in love with hitting first. Mechanics will come when they’re ready. But passion? That starts in the backyard, not the batter’s box.

If you found this helpful, be sure to share it with another baseball or softball parent, subscribe to the podcast, and check out our latest development programs at HittingPerformanceLab.com.

Stay smart. Swing smarter. ⚾

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Best Youth Baseball Hitting Program to Boost Rotational Power Fast—Trusted by MLB’s Rajai Davis & Built on the Catapult Loading System

Best Youth Baseball Hitting Program to Boost Rotational Power Fast—Trusted by MLB’s Rajai Davis & Built on the Catapult Loading System

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Best Youth Baseball Hitting Program to Boost Rotational Power Fast—Trusted by MLB’s Rajai Davis & Built on the Catapult Loading System

From Big Leagues to Little League: How Rajai Davis Trains Speed, Strength & Swing Precision—And What Coaches, Parents, and Young Athletes Can Learn

Speed. Strength. Power. Precision.

These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundational tools Rajai Davis used to steal 415 bases across 14 years in Major League Baseball, including a clutch game-tying home run in the 2016 World Series. But what happens when a pro like Davis hangs up his cleats? He steps into a new role—coach, mentor, and performance optimizer for the next generation of youth athletes, including his own son.

In this electrifying episode of the Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast, Rajai Davis pulls back the curtain on the training principles, mental focus, and swing mechanics that helped him thrive at the highest level—and how he’s now applying those same insights to help young players unlock their full potential.

Whether you’re a baseball or softball coach, athlete, or parent, this episode is your fast track to elite-level development.

🎯 Key Insights & Actionable Takeaways from Rajai Davis

1. Power Starts with Precision and Intentional Movement

“Speed is power when it’s used right. It’s not just about moving fast—it’s about moving well.”

  • Rajai emphasizes using resistance and body awareness tools like WeckMethod’s BOSU Elite and pulsers to train neuromuscular connection.

  • He breaks down how the Catapult Loading System helped him unlock more barrel speed and control as a veteran player.

  • Swing mechanics alone aren’t enough—movement patterning is key.

2. The Mind-Body Connection Creates the Competitive Edge

“You have to trust your work. You’ve got to train your brain with your body.”

  • Rajai integrates visualization, deep breathing, and repetition to build confidence under pressure.

  • He shares how mental reps before big moments (like his Game 7 HR) helped him stay composed.

  • Coaches and parents must instill a repeatable mental process, not just mechanics.

3. Train Like a Pro—Even at 10 Years Old

“I’m coaching my son’s team now. The same principles I used in the big leagues—structure, progression, purpose—I’m using with 10-year-olds.”

  • Davis highlights the importance of balancing development and fun in youth baseball.

  • His son uses J-Bands, long toss, and rotational movement drills to build a strong foundation.

  • Parents: structure matters. Don’t just send your kid to lessons—build a system that builds them up.

4. Don’t Chase Mechanics—Train the Athlete

“It’s not about being pretty—it’s about being efficient, consistent, and adaptable.”

  • Rajai warns against over-coaching swing mechanics at the expense of athletic freedom.

  • He advocates for multi-sport play, proprioception work, and constraint-led coaching.

  • Functional training tools like Isophit and WeckMethod are part of his go-to arsenal.

🔗 Related Resources on HittingPerformanceLab.com

🎧 Don’t Miss the Full Conversation
Want to hear exactly how a World Series legend trains youth athletes today? Listen to Rajai’s powerful insights on balancing explosiveness, mindset, and mechanics.

👉 Click here to listen now

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Are Baseball Hitting Lessons Worth It in 2025? Fix Your Kid’s Swing Fast With Pro-Approved Drills (Before You Waste Another $60)

Are Baseball Hitting Lessons Worth It in 2025? Fix Your Kid’s Swing Fast With Pro-Approved Drills (Before You Waste Another $60)

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Are Baseball Hitting Lessons Worth It in 2025? Fix Your Kid’s Swing Fast With Pro-Approved Drills (Before You Waste Another $60)

Are Baseball Hitting Lessons Worth It? How to Fix Youth Swing Mechanics & Build Game-Day Confidence at Home

Ever feel like you’re stuck on a loop? You pay $60 a week for hitting lessons. Your kid works hard in the cage. The coach gives a thumbs up. But come game day? Strike three. Again.

You’re not alone—and it’s not your fault.

In this game-changing episode of the Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast, Joey Myers from HittingPerformanceLab.com lays out the hard truths about why traditional hitting lessons often don’t translate to real results—and what you can do to finally break the cycle and develop a confident, game-ready hitter who performs under pressure.

🧠 The Problem: Hitting Lessons That Don’t Stick

Let’s face it: Baseball and softball parents across Reddit and Facebook are asking the same question…

“Are hitting lessons really worth it?”

And based on the groundhog day results many of us are seeing? That answer is fuzzy—until now.

Joey breaks it down with no fluff and all facts. The problem isn’t always the lesson itself. The real issue is what happens between them. Without a system in place for follow-through and feedback, lessons turn into expensive band-aids instead of real solutions.

🔑 3 Truth Bombs Every Parent Needs to Know Before Paying for the Next Lesson

1. The Real Work Happens Between Lessons

“The lesson is the prescription. The real progress happens when your kid takes the medicine—consistently.”

A single lesson a week is like going to the gym once and expecting abs. Unless your child is working on their drills between sessions, improvement will plateau. Look for a coach (or system) that gives 1–2 clear focus drills your kid can do at home.

2. Not All Coaches Are Created Equal

“There’s a difference between a coach and a glorified rep counter.”

Is your hitting coach giving vague encouragement like “swing harder”? Or are they spotting patterns, explaining why a drill matters, and engaging your child in their development? A great coach creates thinkers at the plate, not just repeaters in the cage.

3. If It Doesn’t Show Up on Game Day, It Doesn’t Count

“Your kid might be a cage All-Star… but are they a game-time performer?”

Drawing from Dr. Bhrett McCabe’s contextual interference principle, Joey explains that hitting practice must include variable pitch speeds, unpredictable timing, and real-world chaos. Otherwise, your hitter will freeze when it counts.

🔁 Game Day Transfer Starts with Daily Intentional Reps

One of the biggest takeaways? It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters.

A daily 5-minute mirror drill or a focused round of dry swings can do more than an hour of mindless cage work. Joey even breaks down a simple weekly ROI checklist to help you evaluate if your current coach—or system—is actually delivering results.

🚀 How to Make Lessons Count (Even Without Weekly Coaching)

Don’t have $60/week to spare on lessons that might not work?

That’s exactly why Joey built The Feedback Lab—a fully online hitting lesson system that delivers:

  • Personalized swing breakdowns

  • Weekly custom drills

  • Clear, consistent feedback

  • No more guesswork. No wasted reps.

Perfect for busy families who want game-day results without the stress of travel, scheduling, or spending thousands.

🎯 Quick Internal Links for More Resources:

✅ Listen Now – Turn Cage Swings into Clutch Hits

If you’ve ever driven away from a lesson thinking, “We’re doing everything right… why isn’t it working?”—this episode is for you.

🎧 Click here to listen now.

Let’s stop burning cash—and start building confident, clutch hitters who show up when it matters.

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Fix Your Kid’s Baseball Swing Fast with This Coach-Proven Hitting System for Game-Day Confidence

Fix Your Kid’s Baseball Swing Fast with This Coach-Proven Hitting System for Game-Day Confidence

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Fix Your Kid’s Baseball Swing Fast with This Coach-Proven Hitting System for Game-Day Confidence

One Swing, One Cue: The Simple Fix for Over-Coached, Under-Confident Hitters

If your young athlete looks like a robot at the plate, this episode may be the most important thing you listen to all season.

🔥 Why You’re Here: Swing Confusion Is Killing Confidence

Baseball and softball parents, you’ve seen it firsthand — your kid walks off the field with a new hitting cue after every practice. One coach says “hands high,” another preaches “drop the barrel,” and TikTok is shouting “launch angle” at the same time. What happens next? A confused hitter stuck in analysis paralysis — stiff, hesitant, and frustrated.

But what if there was a simple framework that helped your athlete block out the noise, own their swing, and finally build the confidence and consistency they need at the plate?

In this power-packed episode of the Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast, you’ll get exactly that — a repeatable, practical plan to eliminate swing overload and restore your hitter’s natural rhythm, timing, and trust.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
👉 One Swing, One Cue — Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast

💡 Game-Changing Takeaways From This Episode

1. The Real Problem Isn’t Bad Coaching… It’s Inconsistent Input

“It’s not that the advice is wrong — it’s that it’s all happening at once.”
When players receive conflicting advice weekly, they can’t internalize any of it. Instead, they freeze up, lose feel, and underperform. The solution isn’t more instruction — it’s clarity.

2. One Swing, One Cue: A Framework That Actually Works

Forget juggling 12 mechanics. The One Swing, One Cue method focuses on ONE adjustment for multiple sessions:

  • 🔄 10–15 swings focused on a single element (e.g., rhythm, balance, timing)

  • ✍️ Document how it felt in a hitting journal

  • 🎥 Use video review — but ONLY through the lens of that one cue

  • ⏳ Stick with it for 2–3 sessions before considering a change

This method builds ownership, not dependency. It rewires confidence into your hitter’s swing — not confusion.

3. Miles’ Story: From Chaos to Confidence

An 11-year-old named Miles saw three coaches in one season. Each one introduced new mechanics:

  • Coach 1: Launch angle

  • Coach 2: Knob to ball

  • Coach 3: Hand path

Result? Total overload and deteriorating performance.
Fix? Focusing on one movement: top-hand control and torso-barrel connection.
With that clarity, everything else fell into place naturally.

4. Rewire Their Mindset, Not Just Their Mechanics

Dr. Brett McCabe nailed it:

“Athletes don’t need a hundred fixes. They need a framework to trust under pressure.”

It’s not about crafting a perfect swing — it’s about developing feel, freedom, and focus. Mental clutter is the real enemy. A hitter with 5 thoughts in their head won’t make clean contact. But a hitter who trusts their training? That’s dangerous.

🔗 Related Resources on HittingPerformanceLab.com:

✅ Your Next Step

If your athlete’s swing is drowning in too many cues, this episode is your lifeline. Simplify their development, build ownership, and get them back to loving the game.

🎧 👉 Listen to the full episode now — and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a swing-smartening insight.

Let’s raise smarter, more confident hitters — one focused rep at a time.

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Fix Stiff Baseball Swing Fast: Youth Power Training for Rotational Hitting Coaches & Serious Players

Fix Stiff Baseball Swing Fast: Youth Power Training for Rotational Hitting Coaches & Serious Players

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Fix Stiff Baseball Swing Fast: Youth Power Training for Rotational Hitting Coaches & Serious Players

Unlocking Rotational Power: Why Bracing the Core Might Be Killing Your Young Hitter’s Swing

Forget everything you’ve heard about core bracing and neutral spine. What if the training methods trusted by thousands of coaches are actually stiffening your young athlete, increasing injury risk, and robbing them of game-changing speed and power?

In this explosive episode of the Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast, Joey Myers sits down with David Weck — inventor of the BOSU Ball, founder of WeckMethod.com, and one of the most forward-thinking minds in human movement science. Together, they tear down outdated training myths and shine a spotlight on the truth behind dynamic movement, rotational power, and how to build explosive, injury-resistant baseball and softball athletes from the ground up.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🚫 The Real Reason Core Bracing is Failing Your Athlete

“If you’re telling baseball players, ‘don’t side bend,’ Jesus Ch&%$, run away from that coach.” – David Weck

Conventional training says brace the core, stay neutral, resist rotation. Weck says that’s the fastest route to dysfunction, injury, and underperformance. He explains how side-bending, figure-8 movements, and spiral dynamics are the real keys to unleashing stored energy and efficient athletic movement.

🔁 Spiral Dynamics: The Hidden Secret to Fluid, Fast, and Powerful Swings
From fascia to figure 8s, Weck dives deep into how natural movement patterns—like twisting, rotating, and pulsing—mirror our DNA’s very structure. You’ll hear why this is more than theory; it’s the biological truth behind elite-level athleticism.

🧠 Why Functional Training is Broken — and What to Do Instead

“You can’t think your way into rhythm—you have to feel your way into performance.”
Weck challenges the entire “functional training” cabal, sharing the shocking ripple effects of misinformation — from skyrocketing non-contact injuries to pitcher lat tears. Then he offers the antidote: rewire the nervous system with dynamic, rhythmic drills grounded in nature’s design.

🏃‍♂️ Case Studies: How Pulsers & Ropes Are Rewiring Athletic Performance

Weck shares compelling frame-by-frame sprint transformations using his patented Pulsers, plus the four foundational Ropes drills every coach should master to improve coordination, rhythm, and explosive first-step quickness in youth athletes.

🔗 Recommended Next Reads & Training Tools:

🎧 Ready to Rewire How You Train Movement?

Don’t let outdated methods stunt your athlete’s potential.

👉 Listen to the Full Episode Now

Discover how side-bending, spiraling, and dynamic loading can unlock effortless power and protect your athlete’s future. Let’s raise stronger, smarter players—one swing at a time.

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Torpedo Bat Review: Is This Viral Training Tool Hurting Youth Hitters or Boosting Exit Velo Like the Yankees?

Torpedo Bat Review: Is This Viral Training Tool Hurting Youth Hitters or Boosting Exit Velo Like the Yankees?

Torpedo Bat Review: Is This Viral Training Tool Hurting Youth Hitters or Boosting Exit Velo Like the Yankees?

Is the Torpedo Bat Really a Game-Changer for Youth Hitters? Here’s What You’re Not Being Told

It’s all over social media. New York Yankees players are swinging a new heavy-barreled “torpedo bat” and watching their exit velocities soar. Parents and coaches everywhere are asking: Should my kid be using this? In this episode of the Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast, Joey Myers pulls back the curtain on the torpedo bat hype—breaking down its biomechanics, risks for youth hitters, and how you can replicate its benefits using safer, proven alternatives at home.

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode

🔬 What Is the Torpedo Bat—And Why Is It Trending?

  • A heavier, tapered barrel training bat, made famous by pro-level results with the Yankees.

  • Classified as an overload bat, it shifts weight forward to challenge mechanics, boost barrel awareness, and increase swing resistance.

  • It’s built to punish poor mechanics like early rotation and scooping—but may be too advanced for youth hitters.

⚠️ Why It’s NOT for Every Athlete (Especially Younger Ones)

  • Young hitters often lack top-hand strength, pattern awareness, and timing control, making the bat more of a burden than a breakthrough.

  • Joey warns it can reinforce bad habits, like late swings, overcompensation, and torso-hand disconnection if used too soon.

  • Quote: “Most young players aren’t physically prepared to benefit from this training tool.”

✅ Safer, Smarter Alternatives: Structured Overload-Underload Training

  • Joey shares a research-backed progression to mimic torpedo bat benefits:

    • Warm-Up Phase: Light bat or wiffle ball swings to establish rhythm and hand path.

    • Overload Phase: Donut or heavy bat swings with emphasis on connection and delayed rotation.

    • Standard Bat Return: Controlled swings focused on barrel feedback and precision.

🧠 Backed by studies from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning, and real-world experience from HittingPerformanceLab.com.

🧱 Building a Foundation Before Chasing Trends

  • The real solution isn’t the bat—it’s the program behind the swings.

  • Joey highlights how Swing Shift, his daily video training program, gives hitters the progressive structure and feedback they need to build timing, barrel control, and confidence without shortcuts.

🔗 Recommended Resources from HittingPerformanceLab.com:

Want to know if the torpedo bat could help or hurt your hitter’s progress? Don’t miss this deep dive into the truth behind trending gear and how to train smarter, not harder.

👉 Listen to the full episode now and walk away with a plan you can use this week—no gimmicks, just results.

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