Hitters, Get a Game Plan Before Approaching the Plate
Baseball is about ninety percent mental and ten percent physical exertion. Because of this, in order to be a successful hitter, a player must have a game plan before approaching the plate. That way he will be prepared for anything.
The important thing is to start by watching the pitcher. If you know what to look for, he will show you what you are going to get. Remember, do not cloud your mind with what you want – the chance is good that you will not get it! Pitchers love patterns and love to be comfortable in their element. Watch them when they warm up, and keep your mind in the game.
If you are watching, you might start to notice patterns. Pitchers are always taught to get ahead, meaning that their goal is to get a strike. If you haven’t had a strike yet, there is a pretty good chance that you are going to end up seeing a fastball. Wait for it! Swing hard and controlled, and do not worry about the consequences until you get to two strikes. Do not swing for any crazy pitches. The more times that you can get him to throw the ball, the more likely he is to make a mistake that you can slam out of the park.
As your game improves, then you can start to attack some of his other throws. If you watch him for long enough during the game, you will start to see how he alternates his throws – and what visual cues he makes beforehand. Learn to read that, and you will be able to hit accordingly.
One of the most crucial parts of baseball is to know how to swing the bat. Once you know this, you are ready for everything from home runs to bunts. This is the best game plan to have!
First, know how to hold the bat. Start out by holding like you would an axe used to chop wood. If you are right-handed, place your left hand near the knob at the end of the bat and your right hand above that. Left-handers simply need to do the opposite. The curve of the bat should be in the middle of your fingers, not in the palm of your hand. Make sure to grip the bat firmly. You may find that gloves will help you grip the bat better as well as help you avoid painful blisters.
Find a comfortable position in the batter’s box. Standing in different positions in relation to the mound provides you different advantages for different pitches. Your stance should be comfortable and effective. Try positioning your feet at different angles and positions until you find one that is comfortable for you. You knees should be slightly bent and your legs spread a little more than a shoulder width apart to help you maintain your balance.
Get yourself ready as the pitcher begins to throw. You should hold the bat at the top of the strike zone, with your hands level with your armpits. Your arms should be away from your body a little, but not extended. Bend those knees! As the pitcher throws the ball, step towards the pitch. Your hands and shoulder should also remain steady when you step forward.
You will have just a moment to figure out what kind of pitch has been thrown before you have to go after the ball. Your swing should stay level and behind the ball, giving it that extra boost forward. Keep your head steady and watch the ball as it strikes the bat. Score!
With a game plan, you are that much closer to helping your team win the game.
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