How To Hit Better in Baseball
It really doesn’t matter if we’re hitting really good or hitting really bad or somewhere in between. We all want to improve our hitting and that’s why we’re always looking for ways to learn how to hit better in baseball. Whether we could be hitting .300 or .245, we know it is possible to improve our hitting, grow as ball players and help our team win.
Parents and coaches also seek this information because they want to help their children and team hit better. Some people sell snake oil theories, some secret formula that will cure all your hitting woes but isn’t very accurate.
It all comes down to hitting mechanics, confidence and the right timing. I’m not talking about the timing of your swing. I’m referring to the reality that sometimes the hits fall for you and sometimes they don’t. You can have all your mechanics and confidence down to a science but sometimes you hit it right at a fielder or you hit the ball foul by one-half inch. That’s part of the game everyone goes through. If it wasn’t, then everybody would hit .750 or even 1.000!
Let’s touch on hitting mechanics first. If we don’t go over the very basic mechanics then we are doing a disservice to ourselves. Remember, even the pros work on basic mechanics every day. They don’t just show up to the ballpark for game time. They show up much earlier than you think to practice hitting and fielding.
• Stand shoulder width in the batter’s box for maximum balance and bend slightly at the knees and waist while holding your bat in a vertical position six to eight inches away from your chest.
• Always have your head pointed towards the pitcher and keep your eyes on the ball at all times.
• Wait for the ball and keep your shoulder and hips closed until it’s time to swing.
• Try to have a smooth and consistent swing no matter where the ball is pitched.
• Make sure you follow through with your swing
There is one mental aspect of batting that will improve your hitting dramatically. Never give up, even when you have two strikes on you. Two strikes means they’ve thrown at least two pitches and they have to throw at least one more. Remain ready to attack the ball. Maybe you need to choke up a bit with two strikes on you. Be selective. Hit your pitch. Try not swinging at the first pitch for a while. Remain confident and in control. Even if you have no hits in three at-bats, the next at-bat might be the one to win the game or sustain a rally for your team. Stay calm and in the game.
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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