by Chuck Moyer

Created on: November 09, 2007

Instructions of 'See the ball, hit the ball', quickly leads to, under the breath responses of "yeah, right" for sport's most difficult and complex feat: hitting a baseball. Whole books have been written about hitting and have still not covered all the nuances and conditions need to consistently perform at the plate. And then when you add in the possible flaws, that's a whole other book. And don't even risk starting a debate between opposing philosophies of hitting, those never end.

So how can you provide effective instruction, particularly to younger ball players, in the brief period in which you have their attention? Fundamentals. Hitting approaches are varied and what works for one, may not work for someone else. But there are elements that lay a foundation and are a universal part of every successful swing and key to obtaining the consistency needed to be successful.

The first key is a Comfortable Balance. Regardless of the position an individual hitter's feet, hands and head, they must be comfortable and balanced. This is critical not only for getting into a position of leverage but it also effects the timing that is so critical, as the pitcher tries to disrupt the hitter's timing. The hitter should demonstrate an even weight distribution as they step into the batters box. But this is not a flat footed perpendicular stance; it must be athletic with the weight greater on balls of the feet and shoulders over the knees. From this Comfortable Balance the hitter should be able to move easily, but not be easily moved. The muscles slightly contracted but not tense.

As the objective is to place the ball in play, contact is paramount. Ability to make contact is a culmination of timing, hand-eye coordination and driving the bat in a path to the ball. This intersection of cylindrical bat and round ball highlight the difficulty in hitting a baseball. Many players add to this difficulty by putting energies and motion to movements contrary to getting the bat to the ball. In light of this, another key is eliminating any movement that is not directed toward hitting the baseball. Bat wiggles and side steps move the hitter away from the path of the ball and can force a longer path to the ball or ultimately cause the hitter to disrupt their own timing. The pitcher has enough weapons to agitate a hitter's timing without the batter making some self inflicted. Make sure after the hitter loads for the pitch that all their movement and energies are directed right back at the path of the pitch.

Consistent and successful hitting is dependent on the player bringing all their skill and abilities to bear and leaning on their unique talents to deliver time and time again. Summation of Forces is a term used to describe the athlete's ability to perform a single integrated body movement in a harmonious almost rhythmic act. It is key that the hitter looks smooth throughout their swing. Any stops or hitches indicate a lack of integration of some element of the swing with another. The hitter themselves should provide feedback on how their swing feels. With the target of effortless and smooth and a willingness to make adjustments a coach and hitter can work together to refine a hitters approach and swing so that they can be a successful hitter at every level.

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