Baseball Hitting Techniques


baseball hitting techniquesI was watching a video earlier this season and I knew I had to post it and talk about some particular baseball hitting techniques.  Click on the link below to watch the hitting by Milton Bradley of the Seattle Mariners.  

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=8356621

Pay close attention to the slow-motion replay near the end because it gives you a close-up of what I’m trying to describe.

The technique I want to touch on is adjusting your swing on an off-speed pitch. Right before the pitch is thrown, start the transfer of weight from your front leg to the back. This is called the trigger mechanism. Then you begin to transfer your weight to the front again as you make contact with the ball.

Now, if there is an off-speed pitch or a pitch that changes direction or height and you recognize it in time you can adjust your swing and slow the process down enough to wait on the ball and still hit it. Just because you start the transfer of weight to the front doesn’t mean there still isn’t enough weight back to get a good hit.  The same is true if the pitch begins to change directions like a curve ball or goes from a high to low plane like a splitter.  You will still have time to adjust.  The pitcher may have some tricky pitches but you can counter those tricks by remaining patient and adjusting your swing.

Good hitting technique also means that your hands, shoulders and hips are closed until your weight has fully transferred.  If you fully commit one of those and let your weight fully transfer then it will be much harder to actually hit the ball.

This is what you see in the video. Milton Bradley recognizes the pitch, waits for the ball and gets an important base hit that scores a run.  He begins the transfer of his weight but recognizes the pitch, slows things down a bit and adjusts where he actually swings the bat.  Also notice that his head is down upon contact, which is essential.  

You too can practice this each time you take batting practice.  You can ask your coach or teammate to throw you a few curve balls or splitters near the end.  This will help you recognize it better during the games.

This is just one of the many baseball hitting techniques that will help you get more hits.  It is such a sweet feeling when you get a hit knowing that the pitcher was trying to trick you.  You won that battle and helped your team by getting on base and possibly driving in a run.

My years of experience playing and teaching baseball hitting will help you with the challenge of learning how to hit a baseball correctly.  Articles such as the one you just read will inform and motivate you to a better understanding of proper baseball hitting whether you are a coach, parent or ballplayer.  Check back here for upcoming
baseball hitting tips articles and e-mail us any questions or comments.

Jeff Wise

info@baseballhittingtipsonline.com