Many players are introduced to the game of baseball when they play T-Ball. It is one of the first and the simplest tools used to help batters hit a baseball. The idea behind T-ball is that hitting a baseball is too difficult for 4- through 7-year-olds, and that by placing a ball on a tee, a young player can develop an even and level swing. The theory has proved correct, and the tee has proven to be a useful tool for players of all ages and ability levels.
Step 1
Swing with an even stroke. You are not looking for power to muscle the ball over the fence. Instead, you are trying to build a smooth and repeatable swing. Place the tee at the height of your belt buckle and place the tee in the middle of the plate. You are trying to build a consistent swing, so make sure the ball is in the ideal hitting position. Take your stance as you normally would. Step into the ball as you would if it came from a pitcher's hand. Relax all the muscles in your body and make sure you have a full and complete swing.
Step 2
Keep your eyes focused on the back of the ball. This is as much training for your eyes as it is for your arm, core and leg muscles. When you see the spot on the ball that you want to hit, you have a better chance of hitting it in the ideal position. Former San Diego Padres outfielder and Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn said the batting tee was one of his favorite tools to use to fine-tune his batting stroke, and he used Wiffle balls to insure that his stroke was clean. Gwynn said that when he hit the Wiffle ball cleanly off a batting tee, it took off like a knuckle ball changing directions rapidly. When he didn't put the right swing on the ball, it created spin and the ball went all over the field.
Step 3
Hold the bat with your left hand if you are a right-handed batter. Swing the bat with just that hand to develop bat placement on the ball. The theory behind this exercise is that if you can hit the sweet spot of the ball with a one-handed swing, you can certainly do it with two hands. Swing with one arm until you can hit the ball on the sweet spot on eight out of 10 swings.
Step 4
Hold the bat with your right arm (right-handed batter) and swing through the ball to develop power. Most of a batter's power will come from his top hand. Swinging through the ball with that arm will help you generate more bat speed at the point of impact. While it will be difficult to hit the ball on the sweet spot with just one arm, it does help give you muscle memory when you swing the bat for power.
Step 5
Swing the bat on a level plane. Do not make contact with the tee. Concentrate on the back of the ball, and make sure you follow through after you make contact. Do not stop on impact. Make a full swing at the ball.
Things You'll Need
- Baseball batting tee
- Whiffle balls
- Baseballs
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