Get To It, Get Through It
Lots of good hitting instructors teach, “Short to the ball, long through it.” That is a sound theory. However, that quote needs explanation to the baseball novice. As a hitter, you want to be as quick as you can to contact, and then follow through fully to maximize power.
Drills, Drills and More Drills
Drills are a great way to get the player to feel what you are trying to get them to feel. If done properly, they can benefit the players immensely. If done improperly, they are reinforcing bad habits.
“Practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes permanent.”
Occupy Baseball, 99% vs. 1%
This time of year, many travel baseball teams here in the Midwest have secured inside training facilities on a weekly basis. Travel baseball is big business now. Players pay a pretty penny for coaches, training, leagues and tournaments. Training sessions for teams inside can last anywhere from an 1-2 hours. If your team is lucky enough (or has spent enough money), you will rent a field and some cages.
Hand Path
The hand path is one of the most critical parts of the baseball swing, and the hardest to perfect. Being able to get your hands “On plane” with the pitch as quickly as possible is so difficult because during the swing it’s not just the hands that play a role, it’s also dependent on body rotation.
Hitting Approach
I’m sitting here watching the Braves play the Giants in game 2 of their best of five series and something huge comes to mind... how to think as a hitter. It is the bottom of the first inning with two men on, Pat Burrell comes to bat. Braves starter Tommy Hanson has just walked Buster Posey on 4 pitches. Quick, if you are Pat Burrell, what are you thinking as you are walking to the plate?
Buying Baseball Equipment
For ages 6 and 7
Individual Practice Plans
Having a well thought out individual practice plan is important. Players need reps and having a plan to get those reps efficiently can make for very productive workout.
Download these individual practice plans and practice planners if you are serious about getting your reps.
Transitioning From Batting Cage to the Game
Here is a question I got recently from the parent of one of my students: How can I get my son to translate the success he has in the batting practice cage into the game?
To answer this question, I will make some assumptions. One, in batting practice, the coach is closer than normal. Two, he is not throwing as hard. Three, it's practice. No pressure. And four, the fear factor.
Playing Catch & Proper Throwing
How to Play Catch
Staying Within Yourself
As the baseball playoffs begin, it is a great time to watch and see what the best hitters in the game do. You will not be able to see the preparation they do before the game and in the clubhouse, but you will see each at-bat. The best hitters know the type of hitters they are. They know which pitches they handle best, study pitcher’s tendencies, and wait for their pitch. They go up to the plate with a plan and execute it.