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.