Hitting a baseball hurling toward you at the speed of an automobile may intimidate some people, but not baseball players. Hitting is a skill that combines power, hand-eye coordination and excellent timing. To be a better hitter, you have to master all these attributes and put them together at the same time for the right pitch.
Know the Strike Zone
The best hitters are selective in the pitches they swing at. Swinging at every pitch is a sure way to strike out most times you step up to the plate. Knowing the strike zone helps you recognize which pitches are the best to swing at, especially late in the count. Be patient in the beginning of games as you're getting to know the umpire's strike zone---whether he's being liberal or shrinking the zone. Don't just pay attention during your at-bat. Watch other players and take note of where the ball is when the umpire calls a strike or ball.
Don't Sweat the Misses
Confidence is a key aspect of mastering skills in many sports, but it can be especially important in baseball, where hitters statistically have less success than, say, a quarterback or basketball player. Remember that if you miss seven times out of 10, you're one of the best players out on the field. Don't let a few strikeouts or pop-flies get you down. You only need three solid hits out of 10 tries to be an excellent hitter.
Watch the Pitcher's Hand
Timing is a crucial aspect to hitting, as you need to swing the bat through the zone at the exact moment the ball passes through in order to make quality contact. Watching the pitcher's hand as he releases the ball can help you identify not only where the pitch is going but what type of pitch he's thrown---whether it be a curveball, fastball or knuckleball. The faster you pick up the ball, the sooner you can make a decision as to how and when to swing.
Play to Your Strengths
Not everyone is a consistent home-run-hitting slugger. Some players are equally as valuable, though, for their ability to get consistent hits up the middle. Find your niche and work on your strengths without worrying about the hitting areas where you're the weakest. As you focus on your strengths, they will improve, making you a valuable asset to your coach or manager.
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