PROVIDING COACHING SUPPORTS TO YOUNG ATHLETES AND PARENTS
Explore concepts that support movement, cognitive development and hitting for young athletes
and foster a love for the game
Hitting Ideas to Consider
Maximizing Your Potential, "Don't Leave Money On The Table"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Maximizing Your Potential, "Don't Leave Money On The Table"
How can athletes minimize compensations and amplify their natural strength to deliver a repeatable, dynamic swing each at bat. Learning moves that blend gravity and momentum can get you trending in the right direction. We are all subject to gravity, how can athletes 'monetize' it, not let it 'bankrupt' you? Momentum allows our movemen
How can athletes minimize compensations and amplify their natural strength to deliver a repeatable, dynamic swing each at bat. Learning moves that blend gravity and momentum can get you trending in the right direction. We are all subject to gravity, how can athletes 'monetize' it, not let it 'bankrupt' you? Momentum allows our movements to be more 'predictable' and dynamic.
We’ll do our best to explain the ‘why’ and frame concepts in a way that can resonate for a developing hitter. We provide examples and counterexamples to highlight teaching points for newer players/families. And less 90 second instructional videos where you maybe swing and miss the fence on purpose. Rather more written explanations, so an experienced player can start to 'rehearse' the moves in their mind as they read.
A large part of the site is dedicated to movement and developing the underlying skills needed to be a dynamic athlete. Some of these underlying skills include time cognition and spatial awareness. Whether you are a young player discovering your swing, a more experienced player that knows what you don't know or you simply want to be the best version of yourself, there is something for you on the pages to follow.
Major League players have all different swings and feels. Some swing types include...
-one piece snap guys like Judge and Kyle Schwarber
-decel hitters like Machado and Vlad Jr.
-athletic movers like Witt and Trea Turner
-pronators ...Bregman and Kyle Tucker (turn over top forearm much earlier)
-one plane swings like...Swanson and Ben Rice (these players don't tip the barrel like Vlad Jr.)
-pushers like Trent Grisham (notice how he wears no batting gloves / handsy hitter)
You have to consider your body type, strength/athleticism, commitment level and coaching support. Different cultures and superstars before you can impact your hitting development. You can be from Japan, DR or just played your last 3 years at Vanderbilt. Each place has different ways of thinking about hitting. It's not entirely about swinging down, hands to the ball or launch angle. The process entails a whole matrix of things intersecting.
On our site we'll do our best to whittle hitting down to its purest form. Our site provides accessible information to anyone. It could be a T-baller to who knows what level. Enjoy!
The Season Has Started, "What Can Easily Be Overlooked?"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Maximizing Your Potential, "Don't Leave Money On The Table"
It's great to see so many baseball and softball seasons underway. It is very easy to lose hitting feels when the season starts. Many games are in cold temps as well. If you are only able to look at a little bit of this site...please read and remember this.
*Your hands are the only body part connected to the bat.* Yes, energy is tr
It's great to see so many baseball and softball seasons underway. It is very easy to lose hitting feels when the season starts. Many games are in cold temps as well. If you are only able to look at a little bit of this site...please read and remember this.
*Your hands are the only body part connected to the bat.* Yes, energy is transferred from the ground up. However, most of us are not able to subconsciously organize our bodies like a Jordy Bahl or Roch Chawolosky (pictured here). With that said, you have to LOAD the hands, wrists and forearm...prepare the muscles and angles in those body parts to swing the bat.
As in the picture here, generally speaking, almost any player can relax their arms/hands under and supporting a bat like the #1 overall pick in this year's draft is doing. This feel is happening right before the pitcher is starting the windup.
The tricky part....having the courage to try this and repeat it. It's normal to be nervous, grip the bat tightly, swing real fast and have a feel to make safe contact. Against better pitching you have to get a 'running start.' Strong athletes can 'out athlete' developing pitching....faster/better pitching much harder to do. What other sport has the defense starting with the ball??
Think of it this way, if the upper third of your body is relaxed, then presented with a task, the brain will likely send a signal to other parts of the body for help. On the flip side, if everything is tense on the upper third, you are essentially cutting off the connection to lower part of your body. In golf I personally use a neutral grip because it forces me to turn my front shoulder more.
Even the best HS hitters in your area might have difficulty getting loaded into positions like the Texas and Georgia softball players pictured here. At the very least get these images/thoughts in your mind. We think it will get you trending in the right direction.
Getting the feel of the UCLA baseball player pictured here will help you create the necessary stretch between your hands and tautness against your lead shoulder.
At home try rehearsing these things in a mirror or against a pitcher playing on TV. Pick up a bat/pvc pipe hinge it up and down with only your top hand to get that feel of loading your hands. Your hands are very sensitive and send all sorts of signals to the brain. These signals will likely start organizing the rest of your body subconsciously. Your wrists have all of sorts of dynamic power waiting to be unlocked.
Good luck!
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Control Your Grip and Posture
Taking control of your grip and posture is essential in unlocking the dynamic power in your rear shoulder, elbow, and wrist—essentially, your body's "piston." Your lead or front side serves as an axis for your swing, providing direction and stability. Imagine your lead arm and bat swinging from the ball
Control Your Grip and Posture
Taking control of your grip and posture is essential in unlocking the dynamic power in your rear shoulder, elbow, and wrist—essentially, your body's "piston." Your lead or front side serves as an axis for your swing, providing direction and stability. Imagine your lead arm and bat swinging from the ball and socket joint of the front shoulder, while your rear wrist acts as a precise GPS and powerful piston. For younger hitters who may struggle to control their torso, it is crucial to focus on staying down and through the point of contact.
Evolve
As players reach the age of 14 and beyond, it's time to move past the "whack-a-mole" or "pillow fight" hitting approach. Transition towards a collision dynamic between the bat and ball. Aim to become a swinger of the bat rather than just a hitter of the ball. Opposite hitters like Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani, for instance, have their dominant arm on the bottom, resulting in a unique swing with more of an uptick. Observing such players can provide valuable insights into developing your technique.
Visualization and Mantras
Having a mental image or mantra can help you stay on the right path. Consider using a phrase like "stance narrower before wider" to prevent your body from swaying. While a wider stance may initially feel stable, it requires more core strength to prevent torso collapse. There isn’t a definitive point where a wide stance ends and a narrower one begins—it's more about feel and trust. Trust your movements and remain committed to them, as even a small unfavorable move can negate progress.
Weighing Trade Offs
Every approach has its trade-offs. If you aim to get your lead foot down early like Derek Jeter, you must control your torso and keep your hands back. Alternatively, adopting a modern Kyle Tucker-style pronator swing, designed to cover the outside corner, demands numerous dedicated hitting sessions with connect-the-dot drills.
Tailoring Your Approach
On our site, we strive to match an approach or feel for the average player who might think a tight grip and wide arms result in a powerful swing. A developing hitter must focus on staying through the ball, while an experienced player might be one adjustment away from competing against stronger pitching. Perhaps you’re ready to let the pitch get deep and turn the barrel behind the ball.
Be Deliberate
In conclusion, be deliberate in your practice and development. Trust your instincts, focus on controllable elements, and embrace the unique aspects of your swing. With dedication, the right mindset, and a commitment to improvement, you can elevate your game to new heights.
Move the Arms Freely, "Develop Perpetual Motion"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Learn to move the arms freely in a pendulum dynamic under your chin vs the shoulders over-rotating. Imagine the arms raising and lowering along the white line of the batter's box. While at the same time you feel your shoulders remaining pointed at home plate like the pictures included. The upper part of the front arm swings from a b
Learn to move the arms freely in a pendulum dynamic under your chin vs the shoulders over-rotating. Imagine the arms raising and lowering along the white line of the batter's box. While at the same time you feel your shoulders remaining pointed at home plate like the pictures included. The upper part of the front arm swings from a ball n socket joint. The arms can swing/move up to 5 times faster than the torso.
Perpetual motion...there should be three circular shapes blending together in the swing, torso- smallest circle, arms next and finally the bat. Can you lift up one leg, rub your belly and tap the top of your head all at the same time? Give it a try.
The 'pendulum' dynamic of your arms will help you ride momentum and keep your core stable. As a result, a counter lean between the arms and torso should start to happen. This counter lean will help stabilize the direction of the barrel forward (especially BBCOR). In addition, the pendulum dynamic helps to better predict the low point of the swing. And increases your chances of the the bat head entering the zone behind the ball. Ideally, against stronger pitching the low point of the swing is approximately 4 to 6 inches below the height of the pitch following the general path of a pendulum.
You need a base that is solid but also feel that the soles of your feet are rolling slightly. Have a feel like stance narrower before wider. Goal..not to sway. Feel...feet under your hips. We also realize "your wide could be my narrow." Give it a try.
When getting ready to hit try to imagine that initial move/tilt with your lead shoulder/arm/foot being somewhat aggressive after that you should be riding momentum. Riding the momentum wave will allow your body to naturally slow down/brace and ultimately free your arms to launch the swing at any moment. Less steering or carrying the weight of your arms. Feel the power of the arms turning your body/while the torso is holding on... less the torso towing the arms and bat.
Let it rip!
The Feels, "Tap Into Your Senses"
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
It may be clearer to communicate hitting moves into feels versus connect-the-dot cues. Tap into your senses to help develop your swing.
No doubt the barrel has to go down, however there are a few ways this can happen. The hitting world is often debating the word down. Interview three different MLB players about the word down and t
It may be clearer to communicate hitting moves into feels versus connect-the-dot cues. Tap into your senses to help develop your swing.
No doubt the barrel has to go down, however there are a few ways this can happen. The hitting world is often debating the word down. Interview three different MLB players about the word down and there is a good chance you will get three different responses and feels. Aaron Judge, a righty hitter facing mostly RHP, often uses the phrase 'staying behind the ball.' Juan Soto, a lefty hitter, often facing the opposite hand (RHP) will say he wants to 'stay on top of the ball.' When you see lefty hitters facing tough lefty pitchers do they look like they are on 'top' of the ball??
Swing down or level swing...these words are just labels. What's your goal..for the bat to get behind the plane of the pitch as quick as possible, to take strikes that are out of your wheelhouse zone and hit pitcher mistakes. Or maybe you want to carve out a swing that covers the outside corner. Either way a lot of it is about feels, trust and coaching support.
A feel I think most people could agree on is putting an I-phone to your ear. Having that I-phone feel will often help keep your hands above the pitch and pivot the rear elbow through dynamically.
Some traditional cues may be counter productive, like 'fast hands'. What often happens against better pitching is that your hands cut across the ball with this dynamic or feel. Rather having a feel of the hands staying above the pitch will deliver a faster swing behind the ball. Go for feels like perpetual motion over bit by bit, sudden over helping, releasing over pushing, burst over steering.
Buzzwords like deceleration are hard to teach. That decel dynamic is often the result of being very athletic, aware and having the trust to let things slow down naturally. It's not easy to achieve that Manny Machado or Vlad Jr look.
Feels to chase...the inner part of your forearm radiating with the waiter look while getting ready on deck. Feeling the ground as you walk to home plate. Seeing the the 3D space between yourself, pitcher and backdrop in CF as you get into batter's box.
These are just a few ideas about staying connected to your senses and not letting your mind wander. No doubt, a developing hitter might need a firmer grip and to stay deliberately down and through the ball. But not choking the bat.
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
**Try not to overextend yourself**
Develop practice routines where you experiment and exaggerate with your swing to learn the moves and feels. Better yet lose track of time? Find the extremes and then average them out till you find the sweet spot. "Next 10 swings I am going to swing down / stay through the top of the baseball."
**Try not to overextend yourself**
Develop practice routines where you experiment and exaggerate with your swing to learn the moves and feels. Better yet lose track of time? Find the extremes and then average them out till you find the sweet spot. "Next 10 swings I am going to swing down / stay through the top of the baseball."
Learn to practice at home. Fifty touches a day where your hands are either touching a ball or bat handle. Hit off a tee, spin a ball in your fingertips. Or go to the field with a bucket of balls and self hit the balls to CF. Pick 'em up and hit the balls back to home plate. Doing this will help train your rear arm to unlock the slingshot effect it has.
Move fast/move slow, with force/with touch. Blend them together. Be deliberate when practicing vs "just getting in your hacks". An example for an experienced player could be, "for the next 9 swings I'm going to feel like my front shoulder is pointed at the 2nd baseman for as long as possible as my arms extend through the swing." Newer player, "I am going to feel like the bat handle is resting above my rear hand when the pitcher is in the windup."
Learn to find the barrel of the bat vs chasing exit velocity. Listen for the sound and feel of your contact vs sorting through tough to understand data. One of the most important metrics is the barrel winning the race. Leave 3 mph of bat speed in the bat bag to help create a dynamic swing with direction. For ideas on practice routines and how to move better click below.
>>Approach<<
a) consistent on deck routine/timing speed of pitches. dialing in your hands
b) confident stride into batters box
c) **comfortable taking strikes out of your wheel house with no strikes in the count.
No swinging at breaking pitches with zero strikes. Exception would be a hanging pitch, maybe
d) goal, generally speaking, should be to take advantage of mistakes, be comfortable hitting with 1 or even 2 strikes, imo. (no doubt it can be tricky if the opposing pitcher does not have command or even control of their pitches
e) when taking a strike, see it all the way in to the catchers glove.
f) take pitches against better pitchers, drive up pitch count, go after mistakes
**Pitching is so different today at the MLB level with a digital strike zone. Pitchers targeting the top of zone with sweepers against 6'4" plus hitters.
Train The Counterintuitive Moves, "Sometimes Less Is More"
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
Developing a Fondness For The Game, "Do You Lose Track of Time When Practicing or Playing?
Train counterintuitive moves for improved leverage and swing dynamics. Achieving an effortless yet powerful swing in sports requires adopting counterintuitive movements that initially feel uncomfortable or less powerful. Incorporating these movements can enhance leverage, adjustability, and direction in your swing. Here are some dynam
Train counterintuitive moves for improved leverage and swing dynamics. Achieving an effortless yet powerful swing in sports requires adopting counterintuitive movements that initially feel uncomfortable or less powerful. Incorporating these movements can enhance leverage, adjustability, and direction in your swing. Here are some dynamic movement ideas to consider:
Going Forward but Staying Back,
Instead of allowing all your momentum to move forward, focus on transferring energy while maintaining a counter balance. This technique can create a more stable and controlled swing.
Collecting/Catching the ball in your swing rather than swinging directly to a destination point. This approach allows for a smoother transition and adjustability to different pitches.
Ejecting the Barrel vs. Throwing the Bat Head...Instead of throwing the bat head, focus on ejecting the barrel. This adjustment can help turn the barrel behind the rear shoulder on the plane of the pitch.
Swinging into Balance instead of getting your lead foot down early. This approach needs trust to stay back and ejecting the swing a split before the front foot fully touches down. Yes, if you are maybe fooled an off speed pitch your front foot will need to touch down.
Bat Handle Resting on Top Palm/Fingertips. Try a lighter grip, resting the bat handle on your top palm and fingertips. This grip allows for greater wrist mobility and a more fluid swing motion.
Observing high-level games, I generally identify three different swing styles.
-Two Plane Swing: like Cody Bellinger (Sheffield an extreme example) who tips the barrel on a vertical plane and then launches the swing on a horizontal plane. It has figure 8 look.
-One Plane Swing like Ben Rice (Acuna and Rooker as well) who maintains a steady hand position with no bat tip, resulting in a smoother, more controlled swing.
-Pronator Swing like Kyle Tucker who deliberately turns over the rear forearm, aiming to cover the outside corner.
Bat tipping involves a moment where the bat feels weightless before changing direction going rearward. This moment of rest followed by the actual swing is crucial. Almost likened to the burst of a fighter jet taking off from an aircraft carrier. Practice this deliberately to achieve a more dynamic/sudden/powerful swing.
Develop Ankle Mobility and Athletic Gai.t
To achieve an effortless look of perpetual motion, work on enhancing your ankle mobility and athletic gait. This will allow your feet to rocker and grab the ground effectively. Being able to ‘rocker’ with your drive foot can help you ride the momentum wave while maintaining balance. Improved ankle mobility provides added stability and leverage, making your swing more powerful and adaptable.
By embracing these counterintuitive movements and refining your technique, your swing can become a more seamless and powerful tool in your athletic arsenal
Developing a Fondness For The Game, "Do You Lose Track of Time When Practicing or Playing?
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
Developing a Fondness For The Game, "Do You Lose Track of Time When Practicing or Playing?
Try simple games like Ohtani is doing in the dugout. Softly tossing the baseball so it lands on the dugout step is not easy. This fun and basic task develops touch with your hands and sparks competition with your teammates. Growing up I spent countless hours laying on my bedroom floor self-tossing a baseball or football. Each toss
Try simple games like Ohtani is doing in the dugout. Softly tossing the baseball so it lands on the dugout step is not easy. This fun and basic task develops touch with your hands and sparks competition with your teammates. Growing up I spent countless hours laying on my bedroom floor self-tossing a baseball or football. Each toss I would try make the spin more pure than the previous.
Events like this are building blocks for movement. Athleticism opens doors and bridges gaps. Athletes know how to push forward, pull back, do just enough or even fudge a move in a pinch. Learn to move dynamically and have that effortless look. Ages 2-10 are difficult years to get back in terms of developing movement.
Surrender moves that feel 'safe' like a 'push'. Pushing feels precise like pushing a book across a counter to someone. Slinging it across the counter with your wrist will have much more speed but might feel slightly less precise at first. Push yourself to be a dynamic mover.
Are you able to sit and watch three innings of a random MLB or college softball game and appreciate the nuances of the game? This is important as it will help you think about all the subtle/underlying things that go into the game.
Spend a few minutes a night watching different games, there are countless games on the web and TV. I lose track of time watching games. Announcers like Orel Hersheiser talking pitching, Ben McDonald's Mississippi accent reminds me of my college days down south. I make a point to tune into Nebraska softball to watch Jordy Bahl, one of the best athletes I have ever seen. Give it a try.
Hitting Ideas to Consider
Maximizing Your Potential, "Don't Leave Money On The Table"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Maximizing Your Potential, "Don't Leave Money On The Table"
How can athletes minimize compensations and amplify their natural strength to deliver a repeatable, dynamic swing each at bat. Learning moves that blend gravity and momentum can get you trending in the right direction. We are all subject to gravity, how can athletes 'monetize' it, not let it 'bankrupt' you? Momentum allows our moveme
How can athletes minimize compensations and amplify their natural strength to deliver a repeatable, dynamic swing each at bat. Learning moves that blend gravity and momentum can get you trending in the right direction. We are all subject to gravity, how can athletes 'monetize' it, not let it 'bankrupt' you? Momentum allows our movements to be more 'predictable' and dynamic.
We’ll do our best to explain the ‘why’ and frame concepts in a way that can resonate for a developing hitter. We provide examples and counterexamples to highlight teaching points for newer players/families. And less 90 second instructional videos where you maybe swing and miss the fence on purpose. Rather more written explanations, so an experienced player can start to 'rehearse' the moves in their mind as they read.
A large part of the site is dedicated to movement and developing the underlying skills needed to be a dynamic athlete. Some of these underlying skills include time cognition and spatial awareness. Whether you are a young player discovering your swing, a more experienced player that knows what you don't know or you simply want to be the best version of yourself, there is something for you on the pages to follow.
Major League players have all different swings and feels. Some swing types include...
-one piece snap guys like Judge and Kyle Schwarber
-decel hitters like Machado and Vlad Jr.
-athletic movers like Witt and Trea Turner
-pronators ...Bregman and Kyle Tucker (turn over top forearm much earlier)
-one plane swings like...Swanson and Ben Rice (these players don't tip the barrel like Vlad Jr.)
-pushers like Trent Grisham (notice how he wears no batting gloves / handsy hitter)
You have to consider your body type, strength/athleticism, commitment level and coaching support. Different cultures and superstars before you can impact your hitting development. You can be from Japan, DR or just played your last 3 years at Vanderbilt. Each place has different ways of thinking about hitting. It's not entirely about swinging down, hands to the ball or launch angle. The process entails a whole matrix of things intersecting.
On our site we'll do our best to whittle hitting down to its purest form. Our site provides accessible information to anyone. It could be a T-baller to who knows what level. Enjoy!
The Season Has Started, "What Can Easily Be Overlooked?"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Maximizing Your Potential, "Don't Leave Money On The Table"
It's great to see so many baseball and softball seasons underway. It is very easy to lose hitting feels when the season starts. Many games are in cold temps as well. If you are only able to look at a little bit of this site...please read and remember this.
*Your hands are the only body part connected to the bat.* Yes, energy is tr
It's great to see so many baseball and softball seasons underway. It is very easy to lose hitting feels when the season starts. Many games are in cold temps as well. If you are only able to look at a little bit of this site...please read and remember this.
*Your hands are the only body part connected to the bat.* Yes, energy is transferred from the ground up. However, most of us are not able to subconsciously organize our bodies like a Jordy Bahl or Roch Chawolosky (pictured here). With that said, you have to LOAD the hands, wrists and forearm...prepare the muscles and angles in those body parts to swing the bat.
As in the picture here, generally speaking, almost any player can relax their arms/hands under and supporting a bat like the #1 overall pick in this year's draft is doing. This feel is happening right before the pitcher is starting the windup.
The tricky part....having the courage to try this and repeat it. It's normal to be nervous, grip the bat tightly, swing real fast and have a feel to make safe contact. Against better pitching you have to get a 'running start.' Strong athletes can 'out athlete' developing pitching....faster/better pitching much harder to do. What other sport has the defense starting with the ball??
Think of it this way, if the upper third of your body is relaxed, then presented with a task, the brain will likely send a signal to other parts of the body for help. On the flip side, if everything is tense on the upper third, you are essentially cutting off the connection to lower part of your body. In golf I personally use a neutral grip because it forces me to turn my front shoulder more.
Even the best HS hitters in your area might have difficulty getting loaded into positions like the Texas and Georgia softball players pictured here. At the very least get these images/thoughts in your mind. We think it will get you trending in the right direction.
Getting the feel of the UCLA baseball player pictured here will help you create the necessary stretch between your hands and tautness against your lead shoulder.
At home try rehearsing these things in a mirror or against a pitcher playing on TV. Pick up a bat/pvc pipe hinge it up and down with only your top hand to get that feel of loading your hands. Your hands are very sensitive and send all sorts of signals to the brain. These signals will likely start organizing the rest of your body subconsciously. Your wrists have all of sorts of dynamic power waiting to be unlocked.
Good luck!
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Control Your Grip and Posture
Taking control of your grip and posture is essential in unlocking the dynamic power in your rear shoulder, elbow, and wrist—essentially, your body's "piston." Your lead or front side serves as an axis for your swing, providing direction and stability. Imagine your lead arm and bat swinging from the ball
Control Your Grip and Posture
Taking control of your grip and posture is essential in unlocking the dynamic power in your rear shoulder, elbow, and wrist—essentially, your body's "piston." Your lead or front side serves as an axis for your swing, providing direction and stability. Imagine your lead arm and bat swinging from the ball and socket joint of the front shoulder, while your rear wrist acts as a precise GPS and powerful piston. For younger hitters who may struggle to control their torso, it is crucial to focus on staying down and through the point of contact.
Evolve
As players reach the age of 14 and beyond, it's time to move past the "whack-a-mole" or "pillow fight" hitting approach. Transition towards a collision dynamic between the bat and ball. Aim to become a swinger of the bat rather than just a hitter of the ball. Opposite hitters like Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani, for instance, have their dominant arm on the bottom, resulting in a unique swing with more of an uptick. Observing such players can provide valuable insights into developing your technique.
Visualization and Mantras
Having a mental image or mantra can help you stay on the right path. Consider using a phrase like "stance narrower before wider" to prevent your body from swaying. While a wider stance may initially feel stable, it requires more core strength to prevent torso collapse. There isn’t a definitive point where a wide stance ends and a narrower one begins—it's more about feel and trust. Trust your movements and remain committed to them, as even a small unfavorable move can negate progress.
Weighing Trade Offs
Every approach has its trade-offs. If you aim to get your lead foot down early like Derek Jeter, you must control your torso and keep your hands back. Alternatively, adopting a modern Kyle Tucker-style pronator swing, designed to cover the outside corner, demands numerous dedicated hitting sessions with connect-the-dot drills.
Tailoring Your Approach
On our site, we strive to match an approach or feel for the average player who might think a tight grip and wide arms result in a powerful swing. A developing hitter must focus on staying through the ball, while an experienced player might be one adjustment away from competing against stronger pitching. Perhaps you’re ready to let the pitch get deep and turn the barrel behind the ball.
Be Deliberate
In conclusion, be deliberate in your practice and development. Trust your instincts, focus on controllable elements, and embrace the unique aspects of your swing. With dedication, the right mindset, and a commitment to improvement, you can elevate your game to new heights.
Managing Our Digital World, "Sending A Message Without Using Words"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
Control the Controllables, "Know when to Cut Your Losses and take control"
In today's digital age, your online presence can significantly impact your future, especially if you aim to play college sports or secure a dream internship. The season is underway, and while your achievements on the field are crucial, how you portray yourself off the field can be just as important. Imagine a college coach has a dron
In today's digital age, your online presence can significantly impact your future, especially if you aim to play college sports or secure a dream internship. The season is underway, and while your achievements on the field are crucial, how you portray yourself off the field can be just as important. Imagine a college coach has a drone capturing your every move for 48 hours to determine if you're a good fit for their program. Here's how you can ensure your actions speak positively in your favor, even without uttering a single word.
Morning Routine
Begin your day early with a structured routine. Show your dedication by engaging in a morning workout or practice session. This displays your commitment to improving your skills and maintaining peak physical condition.
Team Interaction
Attend a team meeting or practice. Be punctual, attentive, and engaged. Offer support and encouragement to your teammates, showcasing your ability to work well with others..
Personal Development
Dedicate time to study or personal development activities. This could include reading, attending a workshop, or working on a project. It demonstrates your focus on maintaining a balance between academics and athletics.
Pregame
As game time approaches, exhibit calmness and focus. Engage in pre-game rituals or visualization techniques to prepare mentally.
On-Field Performance
During the game, play with integrity and respect for your opponents. Show good sportsmanship by helping an opponent up or quietly acknowledging them on a good play.
Post-Game Conduct
After the game, shake hands with the opposing team and officials. Engage in respectful interactions with fans and family.
Reflection and Growth
Spend time reflecting on your performance, analyzing what went well and what could be improved. This demonstrates maturity and a desire to grow.
Speaking To The Media
When it comes to speaking to the media or posting online, less is often more. Here are some strategies to ensure your words leave a positive impression:
Acknowledge Opponents
Always recognize that your opponents gave their best effort. Overestimate their skills to show humility.
Focus on Team Effort
Highlight the contributions of your teammates and the collective effort rather than individual achievements.
Stay Composed
If questions become confusing or challenging, rely on prepared responses like:
"I saw the ball well today."
"We were able to work out a few kinks in the cage yesterday."
"The other pitcher had great stuff; my approach was to take pitches and capitalize on any mistakes."
Online Presence
Be mindful of what you share online. A single post can have lasting effects.Think before you post.
Show Gratitude
Express appreciation for opportunities and support from coaches, teammates, and family.
Avoid Controversy
Steer clear of divisive topics and jokes that might not translate well. By aligning your actions and words with these principles, you can ensure that any coach or scout observing you sees a dedicated, disciplined, and respectful athlete who embodies the values of their program.
Move the Arms Freely, "Develop Perpetual Motion"
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
Move the Arms Freely, "Develop Perpetual Motion"
Learn to move the arms freely in a pendulum dynamic under your chin vs the shoulders over-rotating. Imagine the arms raising and lowering along the white line of the batter's box. While at the same time you feel your shoulders remaining pointed at home plate like the pictures included. The upper part of the front arm swings from a b
Learn to move the arms freely in a pendulum dynamic under your chin vs the shoulders over-rotating. Imagine the arms raising and lowering along the white line of the batter's box. While at the same time you feel your shoulders remaining pointed at home plate like the pictures included. The upper part of the front arm swings from a ball n socket joint. The arms can swing/move up to 5 times faster than the torso.
Perpetual motion...there should be three circular shapes blending together in the swing, torso- smallest circle, arms next and finally the bat. Can you lift up one leg, rub your belly and tap the top of your head all at the same time? Give it a try.
The 'pendulum' dynamic of your arms will help you ride momentum and keep your core stable. As a result, a counter lean between the arms and torso should start to happen. This counter lean will help stabilize the direction of the barrel forward (especially BBCOR). In addition, the pendulum dynamic helps to better predict the low point of the swing. And increases your chances of the the bat head entering the zone behind the ball. Ideally, against stronger pitching the low point of the swing is approximately 4 to 6 inches below the height of the pitch following the general path of a pendulum.
You need a base that is solid but also feel that the soles of your feet are rolling slightly. Have a feel like stance narrower before wider. Goal..not to sway. Feel...feet under your hips. We also realize "your wide could be my narrow." Give it a try.
When getting ready to hit try to imagine that initial move/tilt with your lead shoulder/arm/foot being somewhat aggressive after that you should be riding momentum. Riding the momentum wave will allow your body to naturally slow down/brace and ultimately free your arms to launch the swing at any moment. Less steering or carrying the weight of your arms. Feel the power of the arms turning your body/while the torso is holding on... less the torso towing the arms and bat.
Let it rip!
The Feels, "Tap Into Your Senses"
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
Move the Arms Freely, "Develop Perpetual Motion"
It may be clearer to communicate hitting moves into feels versus connect-the-dot cues. Tap into your senses to help develop your swing.
No doubt the barrel has to go down, however there are a few ways this can happen. The hitting world is often debating the word down. Interview three different MLB players about the word down and t
It may be clearer to communicate hitting moves into feels versus connect-the-dot cues. Tap into your senses to help develop your swing.
No doubt the barrel has to go down, however there are a few ways this can happen. The hitting world is often debating the word down. Interview three different MLB players about the word down and there is a good chance you will get three different responses and feels. Aaron Judge, a righty hitter facing mostly RHP, often uses the phrase 'staying behind the ball.' Juan Soto, a lefty hitter, often facing the opposite hand (RHP) will say he wants to 'stay on top of the ball.' When you see lefty hitters facing tough lefty pitchers do they look like they are on 'top' of the ball??
Swing down or level swing...these words are just labels. What's your goal..for the bat to get behind the plane of the pitch as quick as possible, to take strikes that are out of your wheelhouse zone and hit pitcher mistakes. Or maybe you want to carve out a swing that covers the outside corner. Either way a lot of it is about feels, trust and coaching support.
A feel I think most people could agree on is putting an I-phone to your ear. Having that I-phone feel will often help keep your hands above the pitch and pivot the rear elbow through dynamically.
Some traditional cues may be counter productive, like 'fast hands'. What often happens against better pitching is that your hands cut across the ball with this dynamic or feel. Rather having a feel of the hands staying above the pitch will deliver a faster swing behind the ball. Go for feels like perpetual motion over bit by bit, sudden over helping, releasing over pushing, burst over steering.
Buzzwords like deceleration are hard to teach. That decel dynamic is often the result of being very athletic, aware and having the trust to let things slow down naturally. It's not easy to achieve that Manny Machado or Vlad Jr look.
Feels to chase...the inner part of your forearm radiating with the waiter look while getting ready on deck. Feeling the ground as you walk to home plate. Seeing the the 3D space between yourself, pitcher and backdrop in CF as you get into batter's box.
These are just a few ideas about staying connected to your senses and not letting your mind wander. No doubt, a developing hitter might need a firmer grip and to stay deliberately down and through the ball. But not choking the bat.
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
**Try not to overextend yourself**
Develop practice routines where you experiment and exaggerate with your swing to learn the moves and feels. Better yet lose track of time? Find the extremes and then average them out till you find the sweet spot. "Next 10 swings I am going to swing down / stay through the top of the baseball."
**Try not to overextend yourself**
Develop practice routines where you experiment and exaggerate with your swing to learn the moves and feels. Better yet lose track of time? Find the extremes and then average them out till you find the sweet spot. "Next 10 swings I am going to swing down / stay through the top of the baseball."
Learn to practice at home. Fifty touches a day where your hands are either touching a ball or bat handle. Hit off a tee, spin a ball in your fingertips. Or go to the field with a bucket of balls and self hit the balls to CF. Pick 'em up and hit the balls back to home plate. Doing this will help train your rear arm to unlock the slingshot effect it has.
Move fast/move slow, with force/with touch. Blend them together. Be deliberate when practicing vs "just getting in your hacks". An example for an experienced player could be, "for the next 9 swings I'm going to feel like my front shoulder is pointed at the 2nd baseman for as long as possible as my arms extend through the swing." Newer player, "I am going to feel like the bat handle is resting above my rear hand when the pitcher is in the windup."
Learn to find the barrel of the bat vs chasing exit velocity. Listen for the sound and feel of your contact vs sorting through tough to understand data. One of the most important metrics is the barrel winning the race. Leave 3 mph of bat speed in the bat bag to help create a dynamic swing with direction. For ideas on practice routines and how to move better click below.
>>Approach<<
a) consistent on deck routine/timing speed of pitches. dialing in your hands
b) confident stride into batters box
c) **comfortable taking strikes out of your wheel house with no strikes in the count.
No swinging at breaking pitches with zero strikes. Exception would be a hanging pitch, maybe
d) goal, generally speaking, should be to take advantage of mistakes, be comfortable hitting with 1 or even 2 strikes, imo. (no doubt it can be tricky if the opposing pitcher does not have command or even control of their pitches
e) when taking a strike, see it all the way in to the catchers glove.
f) take pitches against better pitchers, drive up pitch count, go after mistakes
**Pitching is so different today at the MLB level with a digital strike zone. Pitchers targeting the top of zone with sweepers against 6'4" plus hitters.
Train The Counterintuitive Moves, "Sometimes Less Is More"
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
Do You Have To Be Pushed On Or Pulled Off The Practice Field? "What Are You Doing When No One Is Looking?"
Train counterintuitive moves for improved leverage and swing dynamics. Achieving an effortless yet powerful swing in sports requires adopting counterintuitive movements that initially feel uncomfortable or less powerful. Incorporating these movements can enhance leverage, adjustability, and direction in your swing. Here are some dynam
Train counterintuitive moves for improved leverage and swing dynamics. Achieving an effortless yet powerful swing in sports requires adopting counterintuitive movements that initially feel uncomfortable or less powerful. Incorporating these movements can enhance leverage, adjustability, and direction in your swing. Here are some dynamic movement ideas to consider:
Going Forward but Staying Back,
Instead of allowing all your momentum to move forward, focus on transferring energy while maintaining a counter balance. This technique can create a more stable and controlled swing.
Collecting/Catching the ball in your swing rather than swinging directly to a destination point. This approach allows for a smoother transition and adjustability to different pitches.
Ejecting the Barrel vs. Throwing the Bat Head...Instead of throwing the bat head, focus on ejecting the barrel. This adjustment can help turn the barrel behind the rear shoulder on the plane of the pitch.
Swinging into Balance instead of getting your lead foot down early. This approach needs trust to stay back and ejecting the swing a split before the front foot fully touches down. Yes, if you are maybe fooled an off speed pitch your front foot will need to touch down.
Bat Handle Resting on Top Palm/Fingertips. Try a lighter grip, resting the bat handle on your top palm and fingertips. This grip allows for greater wrist mobility and a more fluid swing motion.
Observing high-level games, I generally identify three different swing styles.
-Two Plane Swing: like Cody Bellinger (Sheffield an extreme example) who tips the barrel on a vertical plane and then launches the swing on a horizontal plane. It has figure 8 look.
-One Plane Swing like Ben Rice (Acuna and Rooker as well) who maintains a steady hand position with no bat tip, resulting in a smoother, more controlled swing.
-Pronator Swing like Kyle Tucker who deliberately turns over the rear forearm, aiming to cover the outside corner.
Bat tipping involves a moment where the bat feels weightless before changing direction going rearward. This moment of rest followed by the actual swing is crucial. Almost likened to the burst of a fighter jet taking off from an aircraft carrier. Practice this deliberately to achieve a more dynamic/sudden/powerful swing.
Develop Ankle Mobility and Athletic Gai.t
To achieve an effortless look of perpetual motion, work on enhancing your ankle mobility and athletic gait. This will allow your feet to rocker and grab the ground effectively. Being able to ‘rocker’ with your drive foot can help you ride the momentum wave while maintaining balance. Improved ankle mobility provides added stability and leverage, making your swing more powerful and adaptable.
By embracing these counterintuitive movements and refining your technique, your swing can become a more seamless and powerful tool in your athletic arsenal
Developing a Fondness For The Game, "Do You Lose Track of Time When Practicing or Playing?
Developing a Fondness For The Game, "Do You Lose Track of Time When Practicing or Playing?
Developing a Fondness For The Game, "Do You Lose Track of Time When Practicing or Playing?
Try simple games like Ohtani is doing in the dugout. Softly tossing the baseball so it lands on the dugout step is not easy. This fun and basic task develops touch with your hands and sparks competition with your teammates. Growing up I spent countless hours laying on my bedroom floor self-tossing a baseball or football. Each toss
Try simple games like Ohtani is doing in the dugout. Softly tossing the baseball so it lands on the dugout step is not easy. This fun and basic task develops touch with your hands and sparks competition with your teammates. Growing up I spent countless hours laying on my bedroom floor self-tossing a baseball or football. Each toss I would try make the spin more pure than the previous.
Events like this are building blocks for movement. Athleticism opens doors and bridges gaps. Athletes know how to push forward, pull back, do just enough or even fudge a move in a pinch. Learn to move dynamically and have that effortless look. Ages 2-10 are difficult years to get back in terms of developing movement.
Surrender moves that feel 'safe' like a 'push'. Pushing feels precise like pushing a book across a counter to someone. Slinging it across the counter with your wrist will have much more speed but might feel slightly less precise at first. Push yourself to be a dynamic mover.
Are you able to sit and watch three innings of a random MLB or college softball game and appreciate the nuances of the game? This is important as it will help you think about all the subtle/underlying things that go into the game.
Spend a few minutes a night watching different games, there are countless games on the web and TV. I lose track of time watching games. Announcers like Orel Hersheiser talking pitching, Ben McDonald's Mississippi accent reminds me of my college days down south. I make a point to tune into Nebraska softball to watch Jordy Bahl, one of the best athletes I have ever seen. Give it a try.
Contact Brent.... brent@verticalturn88.com if you have any questions. Thanks!
HUMILITY
Why are the two best players in the game also the most humble? Perhaps they truly understand how difficult it is to achieve and maintain what they have accomplished.