quote:Originally posted by Coach_May:
If you can not hit and you can run then hit down on the ball and run like hel. Otherwise run like hel from this approach. It is a hitting theory that many HS coaches teach. It is an approach to put as many balls in play on the ground as possible It is an approach to put as many balls in play on the ground as possible in order to give your team a better chance to win "in theory."
Fly balls take one play to record an out. Catch the ball
Strike outs take no play to record an out.
Ground balls require it to be hit where it can be fielded.
If hit where they can be fielded someone must field it.
They must make a good throw.
Someone must catch it.
Before you reach the bag.
Hence teaching your team to hit down on the ball is an attempt to put balls in play. This idea that you hit down on the ball to create backspin in order to create carry is pure nonsense.
Get on the plane and drive the ball. See the ball deep get the bat in the zone and keep it in the zone and extend.
It is a tough situation when a kids coach is trying to teach them something that will hurt their ability to develop as a hitter. Very tough situation. The best way to deal with this is to produce with your swing and hope he leaves you alone because you are producing with what you are doing. Chopping down on the baseball is the most ignorant hitting approach and it is taught at many High Schools. Good luck
You are right and I suspect when the new bats come into play in 2012,these same coaches are going to be doing alot of research on how to get the ball in the air for line drives.