Typical training for young baseball and softball players often involves team practices, 1-1 in-person coaching sessions, or driving to the nearest batting cage. And now that we are into the heat of summer, it feels like it never stops.
If you’re the parent of a kid who plays baseball or softball at a serious level, you know all too well how hard it is to get proper training without becoming a full-time chauffeur.
What if you could bring the on-field experience into your living room? Enter WIN Reality …
What is WIN Reality?
WIN Reality is a state-of-the-art baseball and softball training tool that utilizes virtual reality (VR) to provide a variety of drills, workouts, and competition modes.
Developed by actual and former MLB players, the WIN Reality app accurately simulates game-speed pitches for all ages and skill levels AND delivers real-time results as well as feedback.
The WIN founders live and breathe baseball — Dan O’Dowd spent 15 years as the General Manager (with 2 GM of the Year Awards) and Chief Baseball Officer of the Colorado Rockies. Dan’s son and founder Chris O’Dowd played professionally for the Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, and San Diego Padres.
With this extensive baseball knowledge, the O’Dowds created WIN Reality specifically to help players achieve real results. Many professional and college teams use WIN for training — proving it’s the real deal.
How Does It Work?
Grab your VR headset, your actual bat plus the bat attachment, and get ready to hit unlimited pitches (you can also purchase a short bat, which is perfect for smaller spaces)!
When WIN Reality says you can hit unlimited pitches, they mean unlimited. WIN memberships include unlimited use of the program — allowing you to practice as frequently and long as you want.WIN Reality is designed for players of all ages and skill levels — from Little League to professionals. Their massive library of 600+ pitchers enables players to practice every conceivable combination of arm angle, release point, and velocity. This allows your hitter to continue to be challenged as they grow and their skills improve.
Are There Different Types Of Gameplay Modes?
WIN Reality isn’t just a pitching simulator, it also includes various drills that target different skills:
- Exhibition Mode - simulates an intense game situation (bottom of the ninth, down by one run), which gets the adrenaline pumping, and helps prepare players for clutch scenarios.
- Live Pitch Mode - Uses the WIN Reality companion mobile app and allows coaches/parents to control the exact location/type of pitch thrown in VR — perfect for developing pitch recognition.
- Live Competitions — compete against other players in real-time and understand where you stack up!
- Targeted Workouts — focus on specific skills such as improved timing against higher velocity, swing mechanics, pitch tracking, and many more.
What Else Does WIN Offer??
Baseball training isn’t one-size-fits-all, and WIN Reality understands this with personalized feedback from their SwingAI Trainer tool.
Simply upload a video of your swing using the WIN Reality app on your phone. Their AI tool and coaches analyze your body movements to develop an individualized training plan for your swing.
How Much Does It Cost?
WIN offers 2 main plans: Standard and Pro that both come to less than $1 a day — and you get a discount when you sign up for the yearly plan.
Although the standard plan does a good job of getting you what you need, the Pro plan is definitely the best bang for your buck as it allows you to really break down your swing and see substantial improvement each week.
Does It Actually Work?
All of these features are great, but they only matter if they lead to tangible progress. When training with WIN, here are some measurable improvements:
- 7X faster player development vs. traditional training alone
- +8.8% increase in plate discipline
- +23% increase in teams’ winning percentage
They have tons of reviews on their website not only from parents/young athletes, but also from College teams and MLB players.
Final Thoughts
Training for baseball at an elite level is now more accessible than ever. No matter which plan you choose, WIN Reality makes it easier than ever for young players to level up their game from literally anywhere. If you’re looking for the most innovative and convenient baseball training method, give WIN Reality a try!