Baseball AcademicsBATTING
BY RICHARD PACE
The most popular part of baseball is hitting. I believe it is also the most difficult task in sports. It is obvious that some players are more gifted with defensive ability than others, and the same holds true in batting. You can’t master hitting over night you can only learn pieces of it at a time. There is no one-way to hit – rarely do two good hitters do everything the same, hence no absolutes. But there are certain principles that most of them follow, and these will be described here.
It is impossible to analyze a player’s batting technique and correct his batting faults on a web site. Therefore, we should keep in mind that this material is for the normal hitter. It is important to be aware of individual differences. Common faults, and how to correct them, will be dealt with quite extensively.
IMPORTANT COMPONENTS TO GOOD HITTING
1) Take charge at the plate. Do not be shy of the baseball. Do not be in fear of being hit by the ball. Good hitters do not back down, “they dig in.”
2) Know yourself. Fully realize your capabilities as a batter and maintain control over your strengths and weaknesses.
3) Focus on using your hands and wrists more. This component of your swing allows you more time to react to a pitch anywhere in the strike zone.
4) Beat the pitcher. You set the tempo at the plate not the pitcher. You decide what will occur at the plate, not the pitcher.
5) Adjust as needed. Adjust your perspective as well as your stance while in the batter’s box. The pitches and scenarios on the field change quickly. Adjust as needed!
6) Maintain your edge. Practice and perfect your bat swing. Commit the time to accomplish this.
7) “Go” with the pitch. Take advantage of hitting the ball where it is pitched and therefore using the entire field. Pull the inside pitch, hit through the middle of the field or take the pitch the other way.
8) Be assertive at the plate. Swing through the baseball with authority while maintaining control of your swing.
9) Swing development. Learn to swing where your body is moving in one fluid motion.
10) Stay fit. Keep your upper body and legs strong but flexible. Don’t over train!
