Hitting in high school baseball is a major challenge. Hitters are now facing pitchers who have grown and matured, and that means that many of them are able to throw the ball with substantial velocity. Pitchers also have gained an idea of how to set up a hitter with pitches of varying location and speed. While they may have a difficult time executing that game plan, pitchers are no longer just trying to get the ball over the plate. For hitters to be successful at the high school process, they must think along with the pitcher while developing a solid fundamental swing.
Step 1
Take a comfortable stance at the plate. Spread your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart. If you are right-handed, your front foot should be stationed directly in front of your back foot about midway in the batter's box. Lean on your back leg. This will enable you to shift your weight forward as the pitch is delivered without taking a big stride. That will keep your head steady and allow you to get a great view of the pitch as it is delivered toward home plate.
Step 2
Drive the ball in the direction that is coming to you. If the ball is over the outside portion of the plate, concentrate on hitting the ball to right field. If the pitch is over the middle, hit it to center field. If the ball is over the inside portion of the plate, go ahead and pull it. Power hitters may want to pull as many hits as they can, but trying to pull a hard fastball over the outside corner of the plate usually results in a weak ground ball and not a long drive over the fence.
Step 3
Think along with the pitcher as he progresses throughout the game. If you are in the fifth inning of the game and you can tell that the pitcher has lost some velocity, realize that you are more likely to see curves, changes and sliders than you will fastballs. The pitcher will work to his strength and against his weakness. If you pay attention throughout the course of the game, you will see pitching patterns develop and you will need to take advantage of them.
Step 4
Drive your hands through the ball with a level swing. Focus your vision on the ball all the way through contact. The key to hitting the ball hard on a consistent basis is developing a level swing that you can repeat just about every time you are in the batter's box. Use a batting tee to sharpen your skills, and keep your swing short and quick.
Things You'll Need
- Batting tee
- Bat
- Helmet
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