Ever watched a baseball or softball practice that felt scattered or unorganized? Or maybe you’ve wished you had a little more structure and control during your own practices. At Covey Sports, we know firsthand that a few key pieces of equipment can elevate practice efficiency and dramatically improve the player experience.
If you’re building a program from the ground up, here are the foundational items we recommend starting with.
And if you're working with a tight budget — we’ve been there too — no need to worry. Building a solid equipment setup happens gradually. Add one item at a time. Over a couple of seasons, you’ll be surprised by how much high-quality gear you’ve collected.
With a little creativity, patience, and smart planning, you can absolutely make it work.
Essential Equipment #1: Practice Baseballs & Softballs
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing: nothing slows down practice like not having enough balls. While “dry” drills can help for a short period, players stay far more engaged when using real baseballs and softballs.
For example, our 10-inch practice softballs are a great fit for 8U athletes learning the fundamentals.
Essential Equipment #2: Ball Buckets
Buckets are a game-changer. If the budget allows, choose dedicated ball buckets. If not, repurposed paint or feed buckets (with lids) work perfectly well.
Why are ball buckets so important?
- Easy transport of baseballs and softballs across the field
- Serve as convenient seats for coaches or catchers during drills
- Keep practices efficient — toss balls into buckets instead of scattering them
- Help set up multiple hitting stations
- Allow coaches to split into groups for skill work
We recommend starting with four buckets stocked with balls. Add more as your program grows. We started with none and built our collection a little at a time.
Essential Equipment #3: Scorebooks & Lineup Cards
Game organization matters. A reliable scorebook and lineup cards are essential tools for any coach. Digital tools like GameChanger are helpful, but you should never rely on technology alone.
If your battery dies or the Wi-Fi drops, a paper scorebook ensures you’re still in control. Plus, many coaches appreciate having the entire inning-by-inning layout visible at a glance.
Be sure to explore our Covey Sports scorebooks to find the right fit for your team.
Essential Equipment #4: Pop-Up Nets / Sock Nets
If you have access to a batting cage — fantastic. If not, pop-up nets or sock nets will fill the gap extremely well.
For tighter practice spaces, using 2–4 sock nets alongside a cage can allow for up to five hitting stations at once. More stations = more swings = better reps. And less standing around keeps players more engaged.
Essential Equipment #5: Hitting Tees
A hitting tee is one of the most important training tools in baseball and softball — regardless of level. Youth players, high school athletes, college teams, and even pros rely on tee work to reinforce proper mechanics.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can sometimes find used tees or cones from local schools. But investing in a durable, high-quality tee is worth it. We personally love Tanner Tees for their stability and long-lasting construction.
Essential Equipment #6: Ball Caddy or Ball Cart
This might just be one of the most underrated yet valuable pieces of practice gear.
Why coaches love ball caddies and carts:
- They typically hold the equivalent of 3–4 buckets of balls
- Reduce bending and strain — great for your back
- Make field setup and cleanup much faster
- Many models fold or roll for easy transport
For coaches committed to smoother practices and better flow, a ball caddy is worth every penny.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Setup Slowly & Intentionally
Your equipment collection will grow over time — there’s no need to rush. Focus on the essentials first. Prioritize what your team needs most, and expand your inventory as your program progresses.
At Covey Sports, we’re here to help you build strong, efficient, and enjoyable practices. From glove relacing kits to scorebooks, training gear, and more, our products are designed to support coaches, players, and families at every level of the game!