Quick Take
The Rope Trainer, endorsed by John Smoltz, is a versatile training device designed to improve throwing mechanics, reduce fatigue, and build arm strength. Suitable for players of all ages, it helps enhance accuracy, velocity, and confidence while promoting proper arm care.
By Jason Wilson
One of the most precious things in a parent’s life is their child. When a child plays any sport, there is a strain put on their growing body. With baseball, one of the greatest strains occurs in the arm and shoulder. Too often, youth arms are overused, leading to problems as they become young adults. A kid having Tommy John surgery at the age of 19 suggests possible overuse or improper arm care throughout their baseball career. Proper arm care and education about arm care is key at a young age for athletes, their parents, and coaches.
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Introduction to the Company
The product, the Rope Trainer, was created and designed by Coach Earl Perrin and Todd Boulanger in 2011. The idea for the product came from a training regimen using the towel drill. The towel drill is a known activity for body alignment, conditioning, follow-through, and overall control. Perrin and Boulanger wanted a “better” way to perform the towel drill’s activities, while including the feel of having a baseball gripped in the thrower’s hand. Thus, the idea for the Rope Trainer was born.
Rope Trainer John Smoltz
Endorsed by MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz, the Rope Trainer is a multi-level resistance throwing simulation device suitable for youth athletes up through professional players. Available in single, double, or triple tethers, the device meets the training and conditioning needs of each athlete. Each tether adds another level of resistance to the throwing motion. The device isn’t just for pitchers; any position player can benefit by using it to simulate throws and continuously condition and strengthen the arm and shoulder.
Rope Trainer Benefits
The Rope Trainer aims to improve the thrower’s confidence while increasing velocity and accuracy. Traditional exercises for velocity and accuracy often strain the arm and shoulder, potentially causing damage. This device provides instant feedback to adjust mechanics, reducing bad habits that lead to fatigue and injury.
Advantages as listed on the product’s website include:
- Helps players improve grip, develop stronger fielding motions, and increase throwing speed and accuracy.
- Can be used with or without a target as a warm-up device to ensure proper extension.
- Overcomes potential fatigue and injury by promoting proper finger and grip orientation.
- Reinforces balance, extension, and follow-through.
- Enhances throwing flexibility and range of motion.
The site claims that players from age five through high school have enjoyed great success using the Rope Trainer. Reduced fatigue and injury are desired results, but they also mention increases in player confidence, accuracy, and throwing speed of 8-10 mph have been recorded. The site does not show proof of this last statement, but with proper arm care and training, marked increases in speed wouldn’t be surprising.
Rope Trainer Recommendations
I personally purchased this product last year for my son and our 11u baseball team’s pitching/arm care program. As a father of a pitcher, it bothers me when pitchers are overused or not properly trained at such a young age. I believe this product will help with conditioning, stability, and longevity of arms as kids grow into their teen years and potentially beyond high school.
The device comes in a drawstring bag. I purchased the dual tethered unit, which included the ball, two tethers, and an instruction guide on recommended usage per age group. You can use one tether or both for higher resistance. A third tether option exists for maximum resistance, but at the 11u level, I felt it unnecessary. I haven’t seen the device sold through resellers; it’s only available on the company’s website. I haven’t found any current coupon codes.
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Jason Wilson is a baseball enthusiast who enjoys reading, reviewing, and testing baseball equipment and accessories. He has been involved in youth baseball for eight years and works to make the game a better experience for both players and parents.
