Hitting in the batting cage is a part of most hitters' regular routine. Most baseball players take swings in the batting cage prior to every game to get prepared for the pitches they will see in games. When hitters are going well, their batting practice swings are more a matter of routine. However, players who are slumping work on specific aspects of their swing.
Hitting to All Fields
The best hitters don't go into the batting cage just to hack away. Instead, they go to hone their swing and work on their productivity. They can do this by hitting to all fields. Make it a point--for a right-handed batter--to pull the inside pitch, to hit the pitch in the center of the plate up the middle and to hit the outside pitch to right field. This will give you an approach when you come up to the plate and it will help you tighten your swing and get it game-ready.
Significance
Batters need to prepare correctly before they swing. This can be accomplished in the batting cage. Get your body weight on your back leg and get your bat in a position to come forward and make solid contact. Batters who have a big, loopy swing will always be late hitting the baseball. When you are in the batting cage, you can make it a point to get prepared quickly before the pitch comes in.
Breaking Ball Help
Many hitters who go into the cage do it with the express purpose of improving when facing the breaking ball. Good curveballs and sliders are difficult pitchers for many of the best hitters to hit, but with practice it can be done. Have your batting practice pitcher throw a steady diet of curves and sliders during each batting practice session.
Confidence
A session of batting practice in the cage can help a good hitter maintain his confidence. For example, prior to the sixth game of the 1977 World Series, Reggie Jackson of the New York Yankees knew he was on top of his game when he came out of the batting cage. "I just felt that I was ready," Jackson said. "I felt sharp and like something good could happen." Jackson was correct. He hit three home runs in the game as the Yankees registered a win in the sixth game to win the World Series.
Misconceptions
Time in the batting cage cannot solve all problems. Many batters feel comfortable in the batting cage. They can control the pace of the pitches and there is little pressure compared to games. A hitter may hammer the ball in batting practice but find that hitting in games is overwhelming.
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