How to Hit the Baseball
Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams
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Learning how to hit the baseball is indeed one of the toughest skills to perform in any sport. Seasoned professional hitters continue throughout their careers perfecting their swings. It takes a tremendous work ethic and dedication to master the art of hitting the baseball. In this article we will cover some of the basics of hitting. You will learn how to grip the bat, the basic stance, along with some great batting tips.
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Start with the Grip
Let's start with the grip. By now you have probably been told something about the baseball grip, either right or wrong. This is usually the first thing discussed at hitting clinics and baseball camps. Everyone preaches about aligning the "door knocking" knuckles. Well that is correct, but why? When the knuckles are aligned properly both hands work together. But when a batter has an improper grip the hands work against themselves. This improper grip can cause poor bat control. Unfortunately, when a batter tries the proper grip for the first time it feels uncomfortable. Don't worry, stay with it because it will get more comfortable over time. The benefits will outweigh the initial discomfort.
The Basic Batting Stance
Now let's discuss the basic batting stance. When a player is learning how to hit the baseball good balance should be a main objective. Obviously hitting the baseball is the main objective. And a good basic batting stance will help hitters to reach that objective. A Hitter should be able to maintain balance throughout the swing, not just in the stance.
There are three basic batting stances in baseball, the open, square, and closed. Which stance is best? Well that depends on the batter. In fact, if you watch professional baseball players you will see a variety of stances. Some hitters prefer an open stance claiming that they see the ball better. While others stick with the more traditional closed stance because it helps keep them from opening up too soon. Many players from the past used a slightly closed stance. Youth hitters are usually taught to start with the square stance. There are fewer adjustments to make using the square stance. You should choose a stance that is comfortable, and will allow you to see the ball best.
Develop a Strong Swing
Now that we've discussed the importance of a good batting grip and the basic batting stance, let's go to the next step - develop a strong swing. Some players begin learning how to hit the baseball with a weak swing. The goal is to hit the baseball as hard as you can. And to accomplish that goal a hitter needs a strong swing. One way to develop a strong swing is through practice.
Developing a strong swing can be difficult if a player's hand and eye coordination is poor. Coaches should use a variety of basic batting drills to help develop good hand and eye coordination in hitters. Do them at every practice. Set up multiple batting stations with different hitting drills to maximize swings in practice. Next, move on to the more advanced drills. Great hitters make drills a part of their daily swing training routine. A similar routine will help sharpen the skills necessary to become a successful hitter. Not only will you develop a strong swing, but a good work ethic as well.
Another way to develop a strong swing is to seek the help of a professional batting instructor in your area. A few batting lessons from a good instructor will not only help the swing, it will also boost the hitter's confidence. A hitter will not be successful without confidence.
Batting Tips
Let's start with the grip. By now you have probably been told something about the baseball grip, either right or wrong. This is usually the first thing discussed at hitting clinics and baseball camps. Everyone preaches about aligning the "door knocking" knuckles. Well that is correct, but why? When the knuckles are aligned properly both hands work together. But when a batter has an improper grip the hands work against themselves. This improper grip can cause poor bat control. Unfortunately, when a batter tries the proper grip for the first time it feels uncomfortable. Don't worry, stay with it because it will get more comfortable over time. The benefits will outweigh the initial discomfort.
The Basic Batting Stance
Now let's discuss the basic batting stance. When a player is learning how to hit the baseball good balance should be a main objective. Obviously hitting the baseball is the main objective. And a good basic batting stance will help hitters to reach that objective. A Hitter should be able to maintain balance throughout the swing, not just in the stance.
There are three basic batting stances in baseball, the open, square, and closed. Which stance is best? Well that depends on the batter. In fact, if you watch professional baseball players you will see a variety of stances. Some hitters prefer an open stance claiming that they see the ball better. While others stick with the more traditional closed stance because it helps keep them from opening up too soon. Many players from the past used a slightly closed stance. Youth hitters are usually taught to start with the square stance. There are fewer adjustments to make using the square stance. You should choose a stance that is comfortable, and will allow you to see the ball best.
Develop a Strong Swing
Now that we've discussed the importance of a good batting grip and the basic batting stance, let's go to the next step - develop a strong swing. Some players begin learning how to hit the baseball with a weak swing. The goal is to hit the baseball as hard as you can. And to accomplish that goal a hitter needs a strong swing. One way to develop a strong swing is through practice.
Developing a strong swing can be difficult if a player's hand and eye coordination is poor. Coaches should use a variety of basic batting drills to help develop good hand and eye coordination in hitters. Do them at every practice. Set up multiple batting stations with different hitting drills to maximize swings in practice. Next, move on to the more advanced drills. Great hitters make drills a part of their daily swing training routine. A similar routine will help sharpen the skills necessary to become a successful hitter. Not only will you develop a strong swing, but a good work ethic as well.
Another way to develop a strong swing is to seek the help of a professional batting instructor in your area. A few batting lessons from a good instructor will not only help the swing, it will also boost the hitter's confidence. A hitter will not be successful without confidence.
Batting Tips
- In the basic batting stance the feet are should be slightly wider than the shoulders.
- Also bend the knees and place the hands at least at the top of the strike zone.
- Aim for quality over quantity when practicing the swing.
- Watch as much baseball as possible to learn how the pros do it.
- Choose a lighter and shorter bat for bat speed and control.
- Ask a professional batting instructor for help choosing a bat.
- Swing a heavy bat in the off season to develop a powerful swing for the next season.
- Get someone to video your swing for analysis.
- Learn to hit outside pitches to the opposite field and pull inside pitches.
- Start the load as the pitcher's knee gets to the top in the windup.
- Take a step as the ball is released from the pitcher's hand.
- Develop the habit of watching the ball right out of the pitcher's hand.
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