How To Hit a Baseball Correctly
Before trying to hit a baseball, you want to arm yourself with the best possible instruction as to how to hit a baseball correctly. I’m so glad I had a father who studied the information available to best teach us how to hit. He took that information and taught me the basic fundamentals of hitting, which enabled me to learn quickly.
First, you need to know what kind of bat you’re going to use. It shouldn’t be too heavy or too light. Choose something in between that will allow you to get the bat through the strike zone but still hit it solidly at the same time.
Stand shoulder width apart in the batter’s box with both feet pointed in the direction of home plate and the other side of the batter’s box. Hold the bat just below your chest, five to eight inches away from your body. If you are left-handed then your right hand should be holding the bat at or just above the knob on the bat handle with your left hand holding the bat just above your right hand. Right-handed hitters should do the opposite.
Once your feet are set, bend forward at the waist and bend your knees so that you are in a slight crouching position. Hold the bat in a vertical position and keep your front shoulder tucked and not open.
Always keep you head towards the pitcher and keep your eyes on the ball from the moment the pitcher releases the baseball to the time you swing and make contact. Your head should be turned and looking at the pitcher but your hips and shoulder should remain closed until it’s time to swing.
As the ball is being pitched you should use a trigger to get your swing going. Some people slightly lift their front foot right before swinging and others use their hands. The purpose of a trigger is to start the transfer of your weight to the back leg in order to shift all your weight up front when you swing. This is what generates the power in your swing.
Try to have a consistent and smooth swing at the ball. You don’t have to swing as hard as you can. Your whole point is to swing consistently at the ball and get solid contact. As you swing, your head should tilt down so you’ll see the ball hit the bat. Don’t jerk your head around. Your eyes see the ball and since you’re already looking towards the pitcher you don’t need to move your head anywhere else.
These are some of the basics for you to practice as you seek to learn how to hit a baseball correctly. Practice swinging alone in the backyard and have your father or coach pitch you batting practice. I would even suggest hitting off a tee for a while before facing a real pitcher. Be very comfortable and practice as much as you can.
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
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