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it the ball is spiraling your way. If you've put your work in and practiced, the swing should be as natural as walking. As the pitch is coming, you should be thinking of NOTHING. There should be nothing going through your mind. All the hours of practice will come in handy here, as your muscles will have memorized your swing. Your body will take control. However, you must give your body a chance by putting it in the right position to attack the baseball. Some people like to start their swing when the pitcher's leg comes up; others start their swing when his front foot lands. Again, it is whatever you are comfortable with. However, it is vital that once you start your swing you are in the "Power Position." This is simply the position your body should be in to maximize your chances of driving the baseball. This is the only time in which all hitters' swings conform and are the same. It all starts with the hands. The hands should come back and up slightly, never past your ears. The movement of the hands should almost coincidence with the transfer of your weight, which should be 60%/40% back to front. Now that your hands are back, and your weight is transferred, your ready to pull the trigger. The trigger is anything that starts up the swing. Some people take a slight step

forward, others take a larger step forward. Some hitters do not use a trigger at all. Mike Piazza never stepped during his swing, he simply brought his hands back. This is the "Power Position," hands back, weight transferred, front foot planted, and eyes locked on the ball. At this point, your hips should open; however, do NOT "step in the bucket" or let your hips fly open. Plant the front foot at a 45 degree angle, and this will keep your hips closed just enough to maximize power. Once your hips open, you want to bring the knob of the bat to the ball, and then throw your wrists out, bringing the barrel of the bat to the ball. You want your hands to come down in a straight line, creating a "V" between your lead elbow and your back elbow. This creates a swing that is as short and quick as possible. On contact, your eyes should be locked on the ball hitting the bat, your arms should be about 90% extended, and your balance should be straight. Your wrists should not be turned over on contact; your bottom hand should still be palm down, and your top hand should still be palm up.

Right after contact, your wrists should turn over. Your backswing should have an uppercut, bringing your hands up to your ears and the barrel of the bat to the middle of your back. After you've completed your swing, drop the bat and run as hard as possible. Never take a ground ball or pop up for granted; scouts always want to see you hustle.

There is so much information on the mechanics of the baseball swing that it would be impossible to include every detail. Personally, I feel like many coaches have made it too complicated. The best way to learn to swing a baseball bat is to go out there and play. Reading and discussing the mechanics are great for feedback; however, you must gain experience to truly learn how to swing. Remember, there is always something to learn with each at-bat. Even major leaguers go back and look at tapes of their swings because they know there is no way to ever master the baseball swing. So go out there, grab a bat, and take some hacks.

Learn more about this author, Jason Kaye.
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