SMUSH BALLS Soft Foam Baseballs, Regulation Size Training Ba

The Verdict

If you’ve ever watched a kid wing a real baseball through a living room window — or taken a line drive to the shin during backyard catch — you already know why soft training balls exist. The SMUSH BALLS Soft Foam Baseballs aim to solve that problem while keeping the dimensions close enough to the real thing. At 4.4 stars from 220 ratings, they’re clearly doing something right. Here’s the honest breakdown.

What you actually get

The package includes regulation-size baseballs — 9 inches in circumference, right at the 5-ounce mark. That’s not an accident. The size and weight mimic a standard baseball closely enough that young players can practice proper grip and throwing mechanics without learning bad habits. The foam is dense, not the squishy craft-store variety. It compresses on impact but rebounds quickly, which matters more than you’d think.

Real-world performance

I’ve tested these in three settings: backyard catch, indoor living room toss, and soft-toss batting practice. The standout quality is the density. These aren’t feather-light balls that float on the breeze. They track through the air with decent stability, and the weight gives you honest feedback on your throwing motion. For kids aged 6-12, they’re ideal — enough heft to feel like baseball, soft enough that a wild throw to the face is a non-event.

The foam holds up well. After a week of abuse — including being smacked against a brick wall and left in a damp garage — they kept their shape. That’s a common failure point for cheap foam balls, which tend to develop permanent dents. These don’t. One Amazon reviewer noted, “My son uses these daily for batting practice in the backyard. They’ve held up for months without cracking or flattening.” That matches my experience.

The praise is consistent

Buyers repeatedly highlight three things: safety, durability, and the realistic size. Another reviewer wrote, “Finally a soft ball that doesn’t feel like a whiffle ball. The weight is perfect for teaching my 8-year-old proper throwing form.” The regulation sizing gets mentioned often, especially by parents whose kids are transitioning from plastic bats to real ones.

Where they fall short

Let’s be direct: these are training aids, not baseball substitutes. If you’re an adult taking real cuts in the cage, you’ll find them too light. Mishits don’t sting the hands the way a real ball does, which means you won’t get accurate feedback on barrel contact. The soft surface also scuffs easily — after a few sessions on concrete, they look beat up. Cosmetic, sure, but worth knowing.

Also, the foam has a slight “tacky” feel when new, which some players find grippy and others find odd. It wears off quickly.

Who should buy these

• Parents of young players (ages 5-12) — This is the sweet spot. Safe for siblings, dogs, and drywall.
• Coaches running indoor practices — No gym damage, no injury risk during close-quarters drills.
• Anyone with limited outdoor space — Backyard or garage batting practice without the hazard.

Skip them if you’re an adult needing realistic batting practice feedback, or if you want a ball that looks pristine after outdoor use.

FAQ

Q: Can you hit these with a real baseball bat? Yes. They compress on impact and fly a reasonable distance. You won’t get true exit velocity, but for soft toss and tee work, they work fine. Use a lighter swing to avoid jarring the hands.

Q: Are they safe for indoor use? Much safer than real balls. They won’t break windows or dent walls at typical throw speeds. That said, a hard throw at close range can still sting — they’re soft, not pillows.

Q: How many come in a pack? The listing offers multi-packs. The three-ball option is the most popular for catch practice. Check the current listing for pack size options.

The Verdict

Buy it if you need a durable, realistic-feeling training ball that won’t destroy your house or bruise your kids. Skip it if you need true batting practice feedback or a ball that stays clean-looking.

Rating: 4.2/5 — A solid, purpose-built training tool that nails the safety-to-realism balance for young players. Loses half a star for the scuffing and the too-light feel for adult use.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.