Fully Equipped Athlete -HECOstix review
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
At Fully Equipped Athlete, we’re always on the lookout for ways to elevate your game and life. I made a career out of my obsession with finding every edge to improve my performance. I’ve tried out tons of products: from UV light blockers to cricket protein. I want to pass along what I've learned, so you don't have to go through my trials and errors process.
Today I want to talk about a product called HECOstix. Anyone can use this: at any age level or sport. You might have seen professional athletes like Alvin Kamara using HECOstix in an Instagram post or two.
Before I get into really breaking down HECOstix, I want to let you know you can use this discount code at check out: feathlete10
You'll get 10% off! Now let's get into why I'm a big fan of this training tool. Get yours HERE
What Are HECOstix?
First, here is what they have to say about themselves.
“HECOstix are revolutionary hand eye coordination trainers which require users to track colors and process information rapidly in order to catch them correctly.”
That's a great description, but the versatility is what's most important to me. You can use this any time, anywhere. As regular readers of the blog will know, time management is a critical part of becoming a Fully Equipped Athlete. Sometimes you just do not have the time to commit to a long workout while you’re traveling or in between studying for tests, etc. HECOstix is still a great option even if you only have 10-15 minutes. It’s compact and lightweight so that you can take it anywhere, and really all you need is some space in order to get some use out of it.
Specs
Let’s talk a little bit more about the specs for a second.
- HECOstix are crafted from a proprietary blend of EVA foam with a textured grip. Really that just means it's firm while still being soft enough to avoid injury if you miss a catch.
- HECOstix are durable, 100% waterproof, float, and weigh only 5oz.
I got hit enough in my career by pitches, so getting “hit” by this is just fine with me. It should actually give you confidence to try more and more difficult drills.
How To USE
Below are some examples of how to build up your HECOstix game, but of course don’t be afraid to experiment with your own techniques as you become more comfortable with how to get the best workout. I’ve found it beneficial to simulate whatever sport you play. For example, as an outfielder, I like a drill where I start moving backwards to simulate a pop-fly situation. So, I'll have someone throw the HECOstix as I’m running back.
Beginner
Hold HECOstix at the center core to reduce spin or make catching easier
Adding spin increases the difficulty level
The higher the throw, the slower the rotation
Sideways - Toss like a Frisbee
Hold HECOstix at the grip end to cause faster rotation and increase difficulty
Overhand
Hold HECOstix at the grip end and toss overhand to cause faster rotation and increase difficulty
Baseball Specific Benefits
HITTING:
Helps players focus and pick up release points & pitch recognition
If you’ve ever seen a HECOstix thrown in the air, you’ll know that it can end up twisting and turning in unpredictable ways. Watching how the HECOstix is released from the hand and quickly picking up the rotation is much more difficult than doing the same with a baseball. If you can start to pick up spins and rotations with HECOstix, you’re going to have a much easier time picking up the difference between a fastball and a curveball!
Improved contact and reduced strikeouts
Elite hand eye coordination is often the difference between striking out and fouling off a two strike pitch for one more bite at the apple.
Tracking colors helps players see the rotation of pitches
Pay attention to a specific color while the HECOstix is being thrown, and watch the rotation as it moves through the air. As above, this is very similar to watching a ball come out of a pitcher's hand and is a great exercise to help with pitch recognition
Faster hands and reaction speed
Improving your hand speed is going to let you come around the ball quicker, and especially improve your chances of being able to get a piece of that inside pitch that is trying to jam you.
FIELDING:
Simulates watching the ball into the glove
Much like watching the ball out of the pitcher’s hand helps improve your pitch recognition, when you’re trying to “field” the HECOstix, you’re going to have to position yourself and your body in a way to make the catch and minimize the chances of making an error, both important skills while you’re out on the field.
Pick up the ball off the bat
When a HECOstix is thrown high in the air towards you, it simulates a ball coming off the bat, except it’s actually harder to pick up spin and direction. Once you get used to tracking the HECOstix, you’ll be much better equipped to track a ball.
Overall fielding is improved as hand eye coordination improves
As I mentioned earlier, training with something that is actually *more* difficult than what you will be facing in a game situation is going to be a huge win when you’re out on the field during a game situation.
Benefits For All Athletes
Regardless of your chosen sport, HECOstix can help you improve your reaction time, concentration, tracking, and body control. Below are just a few benefits that HECOstix offers:
Helps players use their peripheral vision
Tracking colors helps players see the objects through background noise
Improved non dominant hand control and confidence
Faster hands and reaction speed
Increases athletes overall coordination
Improved focus and cognitive functions
Process information significantly faster
Verdict
HECOstix has totally blown up over the last year and you can see them being used by athletes at all levels and in all sports. I’m already incorporating HECOstix into training routines with athletes that I work with through Fully Equipped Athlete, and I encourage you to try it yourself. HECOstix are a great tool that you can use virtually anywhere for a quick training session to improve critical skills to make you a better athlete.
Don’t forget you can use discount code feathlete10 for 10% off at www.hecostix.com
