The Muhl Tech AST is unlike any other swing trainer available

Designed to help experienced players perfect their bat skills and beginning players to learn proper mechanics! The unique forward arm design and outside swing barrier simultaneously eliminate both “dipping” and “casting” while also helping the player learn to hit the ball where it is pitched. The height-adjustable (24″-40″) and multiple arm positions put the ball anywhere across the strike zone to realistically represent inside and outside pitch locations. Use the AST to build a compact swing, keep the “hands inside the ball” and develop a “quick” bat.

The tubing for the AST is molded from polyurethane, using an open casting process. Polyurethane is a flexible material like rubber; however, polyurethane is much stronger and more durable than rubber (as much as 10 times more durable!). Wheels for roller blades, industrial rollers, and dimpled pitching machine balls are among the many items typically made with urethane. It’s a great material for products that must withstand impact and stress yet remain flexible. Urethanes are expensive, and while the AST may cost more than a traditional rubber tee, it is guaranteed to last 10 times longer too. It also includes a two-year warranty!

Why the Forward Arm?

It Is All About The “Forward Arm”

In fact, the question should be “Why not a forward arm?”. You don’t hit the ball over the center of the plate (as traditional batting tees suggest). You make contact in front of the plate. But there are two other equally important reasons to use a forward arm design:

No More “Dipping”
The forward arm eliminates “dipping” or dropping the hands and trailing shoulder to lift the ball with a “looping” type swing. If you “dip” with the AST, you hit the back of the arm. It forces you to take the bat straight down to the ball, leveling the swing at the point of contact.

Hit The Ball Where It Is Pitched!
The forward arm also pivots and rotates to place the ball on the inside or outside of the strike zone. Then, the arm points in the direction to drive the ball based on pitch location (i.e. pull the inside pitch, go with the outside pitch to the opposite field).

Eliminate “Casting”
The outside barrier eliminates “casting”. It keeps you form swinging “long” and helps you “keep the hands inside the ball”. If the bat or arms are extended prematurely the bat head will slap the flexible upright barrier post.

For years coaches have set a tee adjacent to a fence or screen to force hitters to compact their swing. The outside barrier does the same thing except it is a lot more effective. It rotates around the tee to accommodate LH or RH hitters and it moves along with the forward arm to help you keep the hands “tight” when you are working on inside and outside pitch locations. With the outside barrier, you are forced to rotate the hips and torso and extend the hands only at the point of contact. It produces a “quick” bat and more power as well.