I was just wondering if a contact hitter, who has very very little power, should try to work on hitting the ball harder? Not for homeruns, but for just harder hits. Should I be trying to get better bat speed with forearms or should I try to incorporate lower body more and strengthen my legs?
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I believe the lower half is the key! To me geting the back hip going first and then hands follow leads to a more powerful swing. Upper body just goes for the ride.
Set up and give it a try. It's a feeling, so give it some time.
Lefty
#1 Learn to make the bat head go toward the catcher faster/sooner.
#2 Repeat #1
OK, Goldie, the first few posts here are a good example of what I warned you about in your previous thread... differing hitting philosophies!
SDlefty is right... the lower half is very important. But so are the rest of the links of the chain. So, when it is time for conditioning, you really need to address everything from your legs to your core to your back/shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. But, more importantly, get your mechanics in order. This will provide immediate improvement in your ability to hit the ball harder and start hitting gaps.
Tell us a bit more about what type of help you are getting currently. Do you work with a hitting instructor now? If not, are you working on finding one? Are you/your family financially able?
OK, Goldie, the first few posts here are a good example of what I warned you about in your previous thread... differing hitting philosophies!
SDlefty is right... the lower half is very important. But so are the rest of the links of the chain. So, when it is time for conditioning, you really need to address everything from your legs to your core to your back/shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. But, more importantly, get your mechanics in order. This will provide immediate improvement in your ability to hit the ball harder and start hitting gaps.
Tell us a bit more about what type of help you are getting currently. Do you work with a hitting instructor now? If not, are you working on finding one? Are you/your family financially able?
Haha yes, I was actually thinking of that when posting this. I was thinking that this topic wouldn't have too much debate. Our family isn't too good on money, but my coach, who played minor league ball, gives me personal lessons every once in awhile. But the main thing we're working on is keeping my back shoulder up and keeping my hands close to my body. Those are pretty much the only main issues we address.
MLB hitters rotate their back shoulder down like this.
and keeping my hands close to my body.
That's a good idea as a cue or a feel. Obviously, the hands must push away to make contact, but the weight of the bat, and your momentum will push the hands soon enough.
MLB hitters rotate their back shoulder down like this.
and keeping my hands close to my body.
That's a good idea as a cue or a feel. Obviously, the hands must push away to make contact, but the weight of the bat, and your momentum will push the hands soon enough.
By dropping back shoulder, my coach means to not start my swing with my front shoulder, which I tend to do a lot. When I drop my shoulder, the only way I can swing is with my shoulder, and my bat drags through the zone.
MLB hitters rotate their back shoulder down like this.
Nice Pic. Low pitch, an example of tilt from the waist/trunk. Shoulders are actually in plane with his bat.
Originally Posted by Go44dad:
…Nice Pic. Low pitch, an example of tilt from the waist/trunk. Shoulders are actually in plane with his bat.
I must’ve missed the memo that said a pitch mid-thigh would be called a low pitch. 
Originally Posted by Go44dad:
…Nice Pic. Low pitch, an example of tilt from the waist/trunk. Shoulders are actually in plane with his bat.
I must’ve missed the memo that said a pitch mid-thigh would be called a low pitch.
Based on the tilt I would say that's a breaking ball that would come in at the knees.
