Upgrade Your Pickleball Game with HVY Sleeves: Strength, Speed & Confidence

Have you ever wondered why baseball players use a “bat donut” on the end of their bat, to warm up before they step into the batter's box?

The bat donut is a light-weight sleeve that slides over the barrel of the bat and has been used religiously for nearly 50 years. There are a few key reasons why batters use it:

1. Increase Bat Speed: The additional weight from the sleeve helps batters work on their swing mechanics. By swinging a heavier bat during warm-up, they can build strength in their arms, shoulders, and wrists. When they remove the weight and use a regular bat, it feels lighter, which can make the bat swing faster.
2. Improve Strength and Endurance: Swinging with a weighted sleeve helps develop muscle strength and endurance in the upper body, which is important for generating power during actual at-bats.
3. Enhance Timing and Muscle Memory: The bat donut helps batters focus on their timing and muscle memory. Swinging a heavier bat forces them to engage their entire body more efficiently, and when they switch to their regular bat, it can feel like they're swinging with more ease and control.
4. Mental Preparation: Using this added weight can also have a psychological benefit. Batters may feel more confident when they step up to the plate after completing their warm-up routine with the added weight.

These are just some of the reasons why former NFL player, Josh Miller developed HVY Sleeves. Now everyone, not just baseball players can have unfettered access to these game-changing benefits. Since launching HVY Sleeves earlier this year there has been an increased rate of adoption across all rotational and racquet sports. 

I recently read the following statement by Michael Stamp, pickleball tour player and pickleball pro residing in Palm Beach Florida, which became the catalyst for this article. 

“HVY Sleeves really helps level up your pickleball game. Because the swing mechanics are very compact in pickleball, it is difficult to add more power. Training with HVY Sleeves will not only build the appropriate muscle, but after drilling with them on, you can hit the ball harder, have faster hand speed, and get more spin without overcompensating with extra backswing or follow through.”

So, I tracked him down to ask him a few questions:

Cummings: What was your first impression after using HVY Sleeves?

Stamp: HVY Sleeves are exactly the product I had been searching for to help my clients build strength, and to improve their pickleball related movement mechanics, including swing path, hand speed, power production, and footwork.

Cummings: Do you recommend HVY Sleeves to all your clients?

Stamp: Yes. I encourage all my clients to purchase arm and leg sleeves when they train with me, to help them build muscle, and get stronger to have faster pickleball movements without having to spend excess time and money in a gym lifting weights. They are great, even off the pickleball court, when they go on walks, do yoga or even while stretching.

Cummings: Can you tell me why the light resistance sleeves are as you said, “exactly the product you had been searching for?”

Stamp: I was looking for something to help build speed, stability, stamina and power without throwing off the proper movement mechanics necessary to be a great pickleball player. Having extra weight on your forearms will give you more power, especially with the more compact swings used in Pickleball. The sleeves create more wrist, arm, shoulder and core strength which will help you stay balanced, move better, have faster hand speed, and generate more power. The same is true with the leg sleeves. They add resistance to footwork, leg speed and strength, and will increase your endurance capacity.

Cummings: What are some of the benefits you’ve seen with your clients after using HVY Sleeves?

Stamp: They have the strength to stay out in front of the ball, have faster hand speed, and hit with more power.  I work with a lot of older adults, especially women and the one thing that is common in most, is their lack of strength. When they wear the sleeves regularly, there is definitely an increase in power and hand speed. They also become more confident and know that if they hold the paddle in the right spot, they’ll be strong enough to react and make a great shot. With increased confidence, they can stand strong and not shy away from the ball when it's hit hard at them. It helps them respond faster and hit a better quality shot. 

Cummings: Give me a quick one line wrap up about HVY Sleeves?

Stamp: Confidence, strength, faster hand speed, and efficient court movement are a few of the many benefits gained from using HVY Sleeves.

 

Whether you’re a pickleball pro or just an enthusiast like me, HVY Sleeves might just revolutionize your game. HVY Sleeves are an incredible training tool to help you take your pickleball skills to the next level. In the fast-paced world of pickleball, gaining an edge can make all the difference. Quick hands are essential in the kitchen, and using arm sleeves during warm-up drills adds just enough weight to enhance arm strength and hand quickness. Incorporating leg sleeves into your routine helps build the agility necessary for success on the court. HVY Sleeves can also enhance your gym routine. By incorporating them into your workouts, you can add extra resistance and endurance training without sacrificing mobility. HVY sleeves offer a versatile solution to improving your overall fitness level.

--Coach Cummings