Batting practice is a key time before any game. Hitters want a chance to work on their swing and refine their batting stroke before they get in the batter's box and face a live pitcher in a game. Batting practice pitches are usually not thrown as hard as game pitches. There is no strategy on the part of the pitcher. As a result, hitters must use their time in practice to get comfortable and confident before facing a pitcher who wants to get him out in a game.
Bunting
Batting practice traditionally begins with the batter laying down one or two bunts at the start of his time in the batting cage. All batters usually do this because the object of the game is to win. Late in a close game, a manager may ask any hitter to lay down a bunt to move a base runner up. This will allow the runner to move up and get in a position to score the tying or winning run. That's why it's important for all hitters to practice bunting in batting practice.
First Five Swings
With the first five swings, the batter should concentrate on hitting the outside pitches to the opposite field, the pitches over the middle to center field and pulling inside pitches. Batters who try to pull every pitch because they think they can hit the long ball are not doing themselves or their team any favor. When a right-handed batter tries to pull the outside pitch, the result is usually a ground ball to shortstop. Good hitters learn that they can hit the ball with power to the opposite field and that's what should be done in the first five swings of batting practice.
Home Run Swing
Sometimes, a home run is needed or a long fly ball will serve as a sacrifice fly to drive in a key run. While trying to hit the long ball can be treacherous for any hitter -- it can lead to bad habits that can cause a slump -- knowing how and when to hit a fly ball is important. Make sure you take the approach that you will finish your swing with a slight uppercut when you make contact so you get used to that swing when you need it in a game.
Expert Insight
One of the keys to being a successful hitter is being patient at the plate. Don't swing too early and don't swing at pitches you can't handle. This is as important in batting practice as it is in a game. Hall of Famer Andre Dawson said he tried to be patient every time he came to the plate so he could eventually hit the pitch he wanted and not have to hit a pitch that favored pitcher. Dawson said that started when he came up in batter's practice. "Be patient and selective," Dawson said. "Try to avoid the temptation to be overly aggressive and simply focus on putting the ball in play."
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