The Mental Appoach to Hitting

  I should point out that my approach to coaching baseball varies little by age. I feel that beginners should learn the proper way from the start so whether the player can accomplish the skill or not only shows what needs to be worked on.

  Hall of Famer, Ted Williams once said, “I think without question the hardest single thing to do in sport is to hit a baseball”. He was the last Major Leaguer to hit over .400.   The task is so difficult that most players will fail in their attempt nearly 80% of the time. Right? 

Well, not necessarily.

   While hitting a baseball is difficult to accomplish batting average isn't the whole story.  Remember, a well struck ball, caught by a diving outfielder doesn't show up in the stats. When you consider instead that baseball players make contact about 78% of the time then  the player goes to bat considering the high likelihood of contact, he will be in a more positive frame of mind.

  Mostly, you hear players talk about the need to be confident at the plate; but how to achieve that confidence is the issue.  The simple answer is preparation. Being physically prepared requires the muscle memory that comes from repetition. The more swings (properly) taken, the better.


  So, how to prepare the player for an at-bat.  Have the players observe the opposing pitcher during warm-up. He will likely show all of his pitches at that time. Take note of his accuracy on the edges of the plate and his ability to hit the catchers mitt. Which pitches can he throw for strikes etc.

  Generally, younger players will learn to throw fastballs (2 and 4 seam) and change-ups first, with a variety of breaking balls later. ( Curves, Sliders Cut pitches etc.) As a result, you can expect to see the pitchers best pitch first.  If you have determined that to be a fastball, you should expect it. It is vital to focus on this pitch only, early in the at bat.

 The only decision you have time to make is NOT TO SWING.  Hitters only have 125 milliseconds to gauge the average Major League fastball – less than the blink of an eye. Which begs the question: how is it humanly possible?

         Preparation + Knowledge = Confidence + Execution 

Next: The game begins.

Hitting drills

There are 5 basic hitting drills. No exercise is too young or too juvenile. Major league hitters continue to improve their swing well into their careers using batting tees, soft toss and others. Repetition is key. I can't emphasise this enough.  Now, let’s focus on the elements of the swing.

First, begin with no bat or ball.   Show the players the proper stance and have them practice the swing ensuring proper technique.
Next, take a bat, broom stick (cut in half if necessary).  Have the player place the bat across his lower back such that the bat is held in place by the crook of the elbow. This will mimic the rotation of the torso during the swing. 

If possible, get a practice ‘Tee’. This is a stand to support the ball to keep it still and at a height appropriate to the player. Locate the ‘Tee’ for the player so that it is located inside the front knee.  This is the best contact point.  Before placing the 'T', have the player swing a few times at a phantom ball and correct as necessary. Be sure to correct one thing at a time and carry on regardless of success at this time.            

Remember, you need to keep practice moving. Spend about 10 min/player. Everybody won't get time each practice but split the team and do it every practice.
 Put a ball on the 'T' and continue.

   Note that in the picture the player is showing proper batting technique, including locked front leg and back foot rollover. For more advanced players the T may be located on the inside or outside edges of the home plate to simulate the inside pitch or pitches away.

  Next, 'Soft Toss'.  For this drill the coach stands directly opposite the player approx. 2m back. Underhand toss the ball to, and just ahead of  the player and allow him to hit. (Preferably into a net or screen). The same drill can be performed from in front of the player but of course, a protective screen will be necessary. For each toss, establish a consistent delivery; show the ball and begin the toss. This will aid in establishing a rhythm or trigger. It will also improve eye / hand co-ordination.

'Live' Soft Toss. This is quite simply underhand throws from about 10m away.

Finally 'Live' batting practice. This of course could take place on the diamond or batting cage.

The most important thing here is making sure the swing is correct. Practicing an improper swing is going to make improvement unlikely.

Next: A Mental Approach to Hitting.