Hitting a baseball hurtling at high speeds close to your body with a relatively small bat is extremely difficult and can be intimidating, especially if you're an inexperienced player. In fact, the late Ted Williams, arguably the greatest hitter of all time, contends that hitting a baseball is the most difficult skill required of any sport. Practicing the four phases of the swing on a regular basis, however, can heighten your confidence and make you a more consistent and successful hitter.
Stance
It's difficult to execute the proper swinging technique if you don't stand at the plate correctly. There isn't one perfect way to stand, but it's essential that you assume an athletic stance and are able to see the pitcher with both eyes. Start by placing your back foot in the batter's box at your desired depth, approximately 12 inches away from the inside edge of home plate and parallel to the front edge. Next, position your front foot so your toes are even and your feet are wider than your shoulders. Flex your knees, keep your torso erect and hold the bat close to your back shoulder with your wrists cocked. Finally, turn your head toward the pitcher with your eyes level.
Swing Preparation Phase
Performing the swing preparation phase lengthens the muscles that need to contract to execute a powerful swing. The concept is similar to a carpenter cocking her wrist and lifting her arm before swinging a hammer powerfully to drive a nail into a board. Shift your weight and rotate your hips and shoulders away from the pitcher slightly when you see him cock his arm to throw the ball, but don't turn so far that you can't see the pitcher with both eyes. Keep your feet planted and hands close to your back shoulder.
Swing Phase
The swing phase is the moment of truth -- the actual movements that lead the bat barrel to the ball and ultimately determine your success and a hitter. What makes this so difficult is that you not only have to execute the movements correctly, but you have to do them at the right time. Take a short step toward the pitcher, no more than 12 inches long, as he's releasing the ball. Plant your foot back on the ground and begin rotating your hips and back leg toward the incoming ball, followed by your torso, keeping your head still and hands close to your back shoulder. After you've turned so your chest faces where you want to hit the ball, depending on the location of the pitch, extend your back arm powerfully in the same direction. Snap your wrists as the bat barrel approaches the ball, pulling backward on the handle of the bat with your bottom hand and snapping the barrel to and through the ball with your top hand.
Follow-Through
The follow-through occurs after contact and should happen naturally if you perform the previous movements properly. Continue rotating your hips and shoulders, extending your arms and snapping your wrists as the ball sails into the field of play. Allow your top hand to move over your bottom hand. Finish in a balanced position with your hands close to your front shoulder and the bat wrapped behind your back, then drop your bat and enjoy your trip around the bases.
References
- "The Science of Hitting"; Ted Williams and John Underwood; 1986
- "The Baseball Coaching Bible"; Jerry Kindall and John Winkin; 1999
- "The Baseball Drill Book"; Bob Bennett; 2003
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