Replicating game conditions is a critical aspect to effective training. For that reason, Driveline has always done the majority of the hitting training off high-speed pitching machines and mixed pitch batting practice. Although the pitching machines are a great tool, high-volume, game-speed training has some complications, mostly rooted in the pain of getting a mishit (getting jammed or end of the bat) with a baseball at high speeds. Fear of pain can throttle the hitter's swing speed and intent. These lower-intent swings become different than their game swing, which defeats the whole purpose of the training. Smash Factor Balls eliminate that fear of pain and allow the hitter to take their game swing every time. The mishits are still obvious, but they aren't painful and the don't break your bat. Eliminating the fear of pain allows hitters to hit more, as their hands aren't getting sore from the vibrations of mis-hits. One advantage hitters have over pitchers is the ability to get more reps. Pitchers can only throw 50-200 high-effort throws each week, but hitters can train a lot more. Driveline hitters often get 1000+ swings a week. Thanks to Smash Factor Balls, swings are near-game efforts, plus hitters don't have to miss training reps due to sore hands and diminished grip strength. Smash Factor Balls encourage hitters to push the boundaries and challenge themselves more in practice with higher speeds and nastier breaking pitches, which we know is a great way to train. Hitters are much more willing to face high velo with Smash Factor Balls and do drills that push them out of their comfort zones like the walk-up drill (where the hitter walks closer to the machine after every rep to see how close they can get while still making good contact).