Batting is one of the most fundamental parts of the game of baseball. According to Hall of Fame player Cal Ripken, a good hitter has skills like timing, power, confidence, rhythm, coordination and strength. Understanding some fundamental batting tips can help make you a better player, increase your chances of scoring runs and help your team win more games.
Use a Tee to Work on Form
Batting tees and wiffle balls are effective tools for learning how to develop proper form. Once you can hit a wiffle ball cleanly off a tee multiple times in a row, you have the foundation for a solid swing, according to former Major League Baseball player Tony Gwynn. Set up a tee in your backyard or at the baseball diamond, and get 15 or 20 wiffle balls. Hit them in succession until you can get five to 10 clean hits in a row.
Select the Right Bat
If a bat is too heavy, you won't be able to get the bat through the zone in time to hit the ball cleanly; if it's too light, you'll get the bat through the zone too soon, possibly missing the pitch all together. Experiment with several different bat weights and find one that feels the most comfortable for you. Make sure you have one or two bats you feel confident with during the game.
Learn How to Take a Pitch
Some youth hitters lack confidence at the plate because they're afraid of getting hit by the ball. To be a good hitter, you have to have confidence when you step up to the plate. To help increase your confidence and reduce your fear about getting hit by the ball, have a coach or some teammates pitch soft tennis balls at you while you stand in the batter's box. Practice the proper technique for taking a pitch: turn your head and shoulders away from the ball so your side and back are exposed.
Learn Your Strengths and Weaknesses
It's common for new baseball players to want to step up to the plate and try to hit a home run every time. But not every player is a home-run hitter on every pitch. Have a coach or parent keep track of where on the field the majority of your hits go and on which types of pitches. Learn the strengths of your swing -- whether you're better at pushing or pulling the ball, hitting line drives or home runs, bunting or popping the ball. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you be more selective with your swing and be more effective at the plate.
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