Advice on Batting Leadoff.

I have a few ideas to help him succeed in the leadoff spot, at least increase his chances a bit.

1. Since he is the first batter of the game, try and have him watch the opposing pitcher any chance he gets while he's warming up.

2. Have him realize, really focus, on his number one goal. To become a baserunner! I know, sounds simple but I think he'll benefit from being in the right frame of mind when he steps into the box.

3. Provide him many opportunities to stand in the box during bull-pen work, and call out balls and strikes. Pitch recognition is vital to any hitter.

4. Ensure he really understands how to work the count...what pitch to look for when way ahead or way behind!!


Just a couple of the more obvious tips but maybe they can help!! Congratulate him on his accomplishment from all of us at HSBBW!

3.

I would just tell him to understand that he is probaly only going to lead off once a game and its no big deal. Every coach has a different idea of what they want out of their lead off hitter. Some want them to work the count , see what the pitcher has etc etc. Me all I want is for him to set the tone for the game. Sit on first pitch fb and mash it. Let the pitcher know right away that he is not going to be able to get ahead on us by throwing a first pitch fb for a strike at least not today. Other than that just get on base and have some fun. I would take the mental thing away from him and say "Hey its no big deal your leading off man. Your only going to be the first hitter one time today. Just get up there and make sure you hit a strike and find a way to get on. And have some fun boy".

quote:

Originally posted by Coach May:
Just get up there and make sure you hit a strike and find a way to get on. And have some fun boy".

Sounds good!

Also, a leadoff needs to be able to, at least the first AB of the game, to not be too agressive. This will give the other batters a chance to gauge what the pitcher is throwing.

Nice post Coach May. I agree with what you said 100%. We've had the same lead off hitter on our summer team for 7 years, and for the most part, as he goes, so does the rest of the team. He's there to set the tone and get on base, make things happen, and score some runs. He should (and does) lead the team in walks, OBP and runs scored.

baseball bum, ill share what i do and i am a leadoff hitter. i start out crowding the plate as much as i can until the pitcher throws a strike. for example, the first pitch is a strike then i back off the plate and still try to work the count but i will swing if its a good pitch. if the first pitch is a ball then i still crowd the plate for the second pitch. this has worked very well for me. i accually got the idea from watching the CWS. the centerfielder for Tulane a couple years back (nathan something) did this and he was good so i decided to do it.

I appreciate all the help.

The son has a great day at the plate and on defense.

Austin9 that way for thinking sounds great as well.


Thanks again,
BBum

One more thing to add,

after Jr.'s first at bat he always talks to his teammates. Let's them know if they can jump on first pitch fastball, if his fastball is straight and what kind of velocity he has. Sure enough the next two batters crushed first pitch fastballs and hit back to back doubles for the lead.

Hey, from one "Bum" to another "Bum"..

..have him slow the at-bat down. Disrupt the pitcher with time-outs. Step out of the box and breathe. Fake a bunt to see if he can be rattled. Work the count. Crowd the plate early in the count. Anything that'll cross up that pitcher early.

I believe that all hitters should learn how to be a lead off hitter because the #1 guy in the lineup rarely leads off other than in the first inning---let me give you an example why even though I think I have used it before

I took a HS player on my travel team to one of my sons summer league games( my son was in college)---my son hit third in the lineup and was their power guy but he also had great footspeed---we get to the last inning and my son is up first, leading off---score 2-1 us---he swings for the fences on the first pitch which in turn backs up the infield---next pitch he drops a bunt and beats it our uncontested---he then steals second, third and home and they are up 3-1 going into the bottom of the inning---they win 3-2---the HS player with me was confused as to why my son bunted instead of swinging away sinde he hot in the #3 slot--I asked him who led off the inning--he said your son--what is the job of the lead off hitter other than to get on base and get something started which he did---case closed

Interesting aside---before the game my son told me this game is mine---I guess he meant it---he drove in a run , scored the winning run and made a catch in the bottom of the last inning to save the game


It is all about understanding the game and what your role is in a certain situation=== not too many kids understand that

quote:

what your role is in a certain situation

Excellent post!!!