Hello, my name is Jake Nordstrom. Welcome back to my monthly blog on baseball. Last month, I talked about how to have a successful tryout. Now that you've made the team, let’s talk about the basics of hitting.
In my blog today, we will discuss the Back Foot Angle and Front Foot, Bat Grip, Bat Angle, Stride Length, The Load, A “Proper” Box, and Follow Through.
If you master these basics, you’ll be at the top of every coach's list.
Back Foot Angle and Front Foot
- Line front foot up parallel to the front of the plate.
- Adjust to the pitcher's speed as your at bat progresses.
- Back foot angle at 45˚ (almost pointing back at catcher).
Bat Grip
- The Standard Grip is when you have your middle knuckles (top hand) lined up with your other middle knuckles (bottom hand).
For Power Hitters, and only power hitters, you may use a different grip called the Choke Grip.
- The Choke Grip is when you have your fist knuckles (top hand) lined up with your middle knuckles (upper phalanges).
No matter what grip you choose, do not hold the bat in your palms, as this will tend to lock up your swing.
"Physiotherapy in Banff for Hand." Physiotherapy in Banff for Hand. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Dec. 2012.
Bat Angle
- Make sure that your bat angle is at 45˚.
- If at 90˚, you will chop down at the ball.
- If at a flat angle, your bat will drop and you will uppercut.
Stride Length
The Stride is when you step into your swing. If done correctly, this will give your swing extra momentum.
- Line up in the batter's box and get into your regular batting stance.
- The stride is approximately the length of your foot.
- Be sure to stride when the pitcher shows you his hip pocket.
The Load
The load is "The Power".
- At the same time as you take your stride, either:
- Coil: When you rotate your torso to give you torque.
- Regular Load: When you stride and lock your hands before you continue to swing.
A "Proper" Box
The proper box is where you put your hands when you hold your bat.
- Have your hands about ear level.
- Load up and lock.
The Follow Through
- DON'T STOP!
- Extend your swing until your bat is behind your head.
- Start running
All newsletter archives are located at http://JakePlaysBaseball.blogspot.com/
Baker, Dusty, Jeff Mercer, and Marvin L. Bittinger. You can teach hitting. Carmel, Ind.: Bittinger Books ;, 1993. Print.
Special thanks to Dusty Baker for writing a great reference book on Hitting.
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