| There is a science to the sport of baseball, | | | | the lower hand line up somewhere between the |
| especially in the batters box. It really is more than | | | | middle and top knuckles of the upper hand. |
| just standing up there and hoping to hit the ball. A | | | | Anywhere in that area that is comfortable is |
| player can either research baseball hitting | | | | workable. The idea is to keep the bat out of the |
| information on their own or seek out professional | | | | palm and closer to the fingers for more control. |
| baseball training. Either way, learning is the | | | | This also helps keep the grip relaxed, helps avoid |
| companion of success. | | | | "bat drag" resulting from tension and increases bat |
| There are several principles involved with hitting a | | | | speed/reaction time. |
| baseball successfully and consistently. Once these | | | | 4. Take note of how you stand in the batters |
| principles are learned and memorized, practice is | | | | box. Always remember the three B's: Be |
| the key. Ever wonder how the MLB players hit a | | | | comfortable, be confident and be balanced. All |
| 98 mph fastball? Lots and lots of baseball batting | | | | three are necessary for hitting success. Make |
| training. | | | | sure you can cover the plate and your strike |
| So take these basics and practice them until they | | | | zone(s) completely. Find the right depth in the |
| become second nature. Everything should feel | | | | box, too. You will want to be able to get on top |
| natural and comfortable. Now let's take a look at | | | | of a fastball as well as time the breaking pitches. |
| the elements of baseball hitting. | | | | Most important of all is to be perfectly balanced |
| 1. Select the proper bat. Bats come in different | | | | with the hands at the top of the strike zone. |
| lengths and weights. Then there is what is called | | | | 5. Learn to "pick up the ball" as it is released by |
| "bat drop". This is the difference between the | | | | the pitcher. Watch his arm until the ball is released, |
| length and the weight. For instance, a bat that is | | | | then pick up the ball as it travels towards you. |
| 29" long and weighs 18 ounces has a drop of -11. | | | | After a little practice, you will learn to distinguish |
| This means that it feels lighter and is easier to | | | | the type of pitch that is coming and that goes a |
| swing. The higher the drop number, the better | | | | long way towards hitting the baseball. Baseball |
| (and more expensive) the bat. Selection is made | | | | training focuses on this aspect of hitting |
| based on the batters height and weight. | | | | mechanics. |
| 2. Develop a hitting approach. This is also known | | | | 6. Take your stride before you swing the bat. As |
| as plate discipline and is extremely important as | | | | the ball travels towards you, take your step |
| the player gets older. The batter needs to be able | | | | (stride) and keep the weight on the back leg. As |
| to distinguish what is a "hittable" pitch and what is | | | | you begin to take the swing, bring the weight |
| not. Simply going to the plate and swinging away | | | | forward and use the momentum for power. |
| works for very young players as it helps allay the | | | | 7. As the swing starts and your weight comes |
| fear of being hit, but older players need discipline. | | | | forward, pivot the back foot and keep the front |
| A good start is to watch the ball from the | | | | as planted as you can. The hips will begin to open |
| pitcher's hand all the way to the plate, or | | | | up and work with the legs to add the power to |
| preferably, to your bat. Adjust your strike zone | | | | the swing. Arms and hands should be brought |
| as the strike count develops. A smaller zone for 0 | | | | through close to the body. This helps with bat |
| strikes, a bit larger for 1 strike and larger still for | | | | speed and accuracy. The head should be picking |
| 2 strikes. | | | | up the ball the entire time it is in flight. |
| 3. Develop a good bat grip. Not tense yet firm. | | | | If you practice these basics of baseball hitting, |
| Not loose yet relaxed. When you grab the bat, it | | | | you will see a difference at the cages as well as |
| is important to stay relaxed in your whole body, | | | | on the field. Your batting average will soar and |
| starting with the hands on the bat. The hands | | | | you will hit the ball consistently. Baseball training is |
| should be positioned so that the top knuckles of | | | | the way to go for baseball hitting success! |