Whether you’re coaching your first T-ball team or managing a travel ball squad, showing up prepared can make or break your season. Having the right baseball equipment in your trunk isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating smoother practices, handling the unexpected, and showing your team you’re ready to lead.
Here’s a comprehensive list of essential gear every youth baseball coach should keep on hand for practices and game days.
1. Baseballs—And Lots of Them
You can never have too many balls. Kids will miss throws, foul them off, or leave them behind. Bring a bucket with at least 15–20 practice balls and separate game-quality ones in a marked bag.
Then, throw in some tennis balls and wiffle balls to your bucket as well. You can never have enough variety when you’re running a practice.
2. Extra Glove, Batting Helmet, and Bat
You’ll always have a kid who forgets gear. Keep a spare glove and helmet in your bag. If possible, carry a light backup bat for emergencies. Affordable options include:
- Rawlings Sure Catch Youth Baseball Glove – $27.58 (as of this writing)
- Easton ALPHA Batting Helmet – $29.99
- Easton Moxie Baseball Bat – $59.99
3. Dry Erase Board or Clipboard for Your Lineup
Now that you have what you need to play the game, let’s get organized. Kids always want to know where they are on the lineup, and for younger kids — a reminder about where Left Field is can never hurt.
Here are some options for dry erase boards that won’t break the bank, but will get the job done.
- Magnetic, Dry Erase Coach Lineup Board, with 40 Lineup Cards and Marker – $19.99
- WISYOK Double-Sided Dry Erase Clipboard for Coaches
4. Batting Helmet Organizer
Speaking of organization, this one’s a favorite: a batting helmet organizer. A batting helmet organizer may seem like a small piece of baseball equipment, but it can make a big difference in how smoothly a youth baseball or softball team operates.
Helmet organizers provide designated spots for each player’s helmets and miscellaneous baseball equipment, reducing clutter and chaos in the dugout. This is especially helpful in youth leagues, where players tend to their baseball equipment around.
Check out this Hikeen Helmet Organizer on Amazon. For just $25 as of this writing, the Oxford Helmet Organizer makes a great addition to the dugout.
5. Baseball Practice Cones and Field Markers
Outside of the dugout and on the field, cones are your best friends for putting players in position. During practice or games, a good set of cones can go a long way.
Here’s a great, affordable multi-colored set from Amazon to get you started.
6. Training Bat or Donut
Now that you’re organized, let’s focus on getting better. A batting donut and training bat are simple but powerful tools that can help youth baseball players improve their swing mechanics, strength, and focus.
Donuts build strength and bat speed, and the added weight “wakes up” the muscles before an at-bat, giving players a more explosive swing when they step into the batter’s box.
Training bats are specialized bats, usually shorter, lighter, or weighted differently to focus on specific aspects of the swing.
7. Swing Trainer
This is a great drill on its own. Swing trainers can be incredibly helpful tools for baseball coaches, especially at the youth and developmental levels. Swing trainers help players develop muscle memory for the correct swing path, stance, and follow-through. They also provide immediate visual or tactile feedback when a swing is off, so players learn to self-correct.
Set up a swing trainer and have kids work on their swing on the side, while you get more one-on-one time with those live batting.
🎯 Bonus: Baseball Equipment That Can Set Your Practices & Games Apart
- Tennis balls for indoor or beginner fielding
- Baserunning flags or hurdles
- Scorebook or scorekeeping app on a tablet
- Hand sanitizer & wipes
Preparation Wins Before the Game Starts
Great coaching isn’t just about calling the right play or running sharp drills—it’s about preparation. When you’ve got the right baseball equipment in hand, you’re free to focus on what really matters: building skills, confidence, and love for the game.
Now that you’ve got the right gear, get ready for practice with our first practice tips & tricks.
