Category: Hitting

Bunting is a very big part of the game of baseball. And when a bunt is laid down the right way, it is very difficult to defend. I have always been big on bunting and feel it can be taught at a young age. There are basically two types of bunts: the square bunt and… Continue reading Bunt Young, Bunt Often

1.   Don’t grip your bat at the very end. Leave, say, an inch or two. Also, leave at least an inch or more space between your hands; that gives you balance and control of bat, and also keeps hands from interfering with each other during the swing. 2.   Take position at plate, especially against right-hand pitchers,back… Continue reading Batting Fundamentals

Swinging late is often a problem with young players. One reason for swinging late involves the hitter not knowing where he is supposed to make contact with the ball. Many want to make contact over the plate instead of in front of it. Carrying the ball to the plate and having the hitter swing slowly,… Continue reading How to Avoid a Late Swing

Stepping out generally begins because of a fear of the ball and may continue later simply because of habit. To help correct this habit, place a ball glove or something flat to the left of the hitter’s stride area (for right-handers), so they know when they are stepping out. If the hitter realizes they are… Continue reading How to Prevent Stepping Out on the Pitch

There is a lot of controversy concerning the angle of the bat when hitting a pitched ball. Based on watching film of great hitters and what has proved successful for the kids I work with (and in line with Ted Williams’ approach to hitting), a level swing is not swinging the bat level with the… Continue reading How to Really Take a Level Swing

Young players need to practice their stride (or the little step taken before they swing the bat). The stride should be: 1.Straight. Unless they are using an open or closed stance, the stride should be at the pitcher. When opened or closed, the stride should put them in a position where their shoulders make a… Continue reading Perfecting the Stride

One of the most important areas of offensive baseball is the ability to make good contact with two strikes. The most successful pitchers have the ability to “turn it up a notch” when they have the hitter in a two-strike situation. Unfortunately, many hitters do not raise their level of competitiveness accordingly. Not only does… Continue reading Effective Two-Strike Hitting

Coaches always look for any edge to win a game, and one way to do that is to control the inside part of home plate. Whoever controls the inside part of the plate wins the game, not only for the pitcher, but also for the hitter, and this philosophy makes better hitters. Good pitchers need… Continue reading Taking Back the Inside Part of the Plate