I recently made my varsity baseball team and am thinking of a strategy to hit the faster pitching. The average of pitching speed is probably mid 80s. Hardest is 90 and slowest would be upper 70s. Would it be better to not swing as hard, 75%? Or swing really hard? In the past I’ve swung as hard as I can and just hoped to connect. I’ve done that at PG tournaments where guys are throwing mid 80s. Just wondering what you all think.
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The best thing you can do is to start your load / swing slow & early. Watch some videos of MLB guys who get to 95 plus velo. They all have an early, slow load & then explode to the ball. Get your timing down on deck. Load early & take a full hack as the pitch arrives at the plate when you are on deck. You will have a better shot to be on time. Your swing is still the same, you are just getting things started earlier.
Also: Have a plan. Ahead in the count or early in count you are looking in a specific spot. If it is there you are going to be on it. If it is not what you are looking for, take it until you have 2. Don't try to cover the whole plate early in the count.
Simplify your swing. At its essence it's hands, bat, barrel, ball.
Totally agree with Steve A... we have a phrase that circulates our program. "Slow is fast. Fast is slow"... meaning if you start your load slow and quiet (and a little early), it allows you to be on time and explode quickly to the ball. That said, you don't want to start so early that it breaks the rhythm of your swing.
Another big key is proper mechanics. Having a proper compact first-half of the swing (to point of contact) and staying inside the ball is a big part of the right foundation. If you build on this and also work on timing and have a solid approach plan, there isn't a fastball that can beat you. Once you reach that point, where you are confident that no fastball can beat you, your hitting ability against good pitching can take huge strides.
I recently made my varsity baseball team and am thinking of a strategy to hit the faster pitching
By far the most important thing is to lower your sights.
Hunt lower in the zone and lay off higher in the zone.
cabbagedad posted:Totally agree with Steve A... we have a phrase that circulates our program. "Slow is fast. Fast is slow"... meaning if you start your load slow and quiet (and a little early), it allows you to be on time and explode quickly to the ball. That said, you don't want to start so early that it breaks the rhythm of your swing.
Another big key is proper mechanics. Having a proper compact first-half of the swing (to point of contact) and staying inside the ball is a big part of the right foundation. If you build on this and also work on timing and have a solid approach plan, there isn't a fastball that can beat you. Once you reach that point, where you are confident that no fastball can beat you, your hitting ability against good pitching can take huge strides.
"Staying inside the ball!" Critical & if you can pull this off consistently & have a quick bat, man, you can go places!
You play in Massachusetts. The average pitching velocity is not mid 80’s unless you’re only facing the better pitching in the ISL. For those not familiar with the area the ISL is a private school league that recruits.
"choke" the bat!!!!
Bob
Baseballcomesthird posted:
I recently made my varsity baseball team and am thinking of a strategy to hit the faster pitching. The average of pitching speed is probably mid 80s. Hardest is 90 and slowest would be upper 70s. Would it be better to not swing as hard, 75%? Or swing really hard? In the past I’ve swung as hard as I can and just hoped to connect. I’ve done that at PG tournaments where guys are throwing mid 80s. Just wondering what you all think.
The problem isn’t faster pitching. The easiest pitch to hit is a FB. The problem is recognizing other pitches and making the adjustment.
Why would you change your swing? You're asking about a timing issue.
The only way is to get your foot down sooner. The front foot must be down when the ball is halfway in.
My son once went to a clinic and the instructor said "One way to get a jump on faster pitching is have your feet turned in a bit, like they are slightly pigeon toed, it allows for a faster jump." Ask your coach about it.
Your swing shouldn't change. What your talking about is when you should swing not how you should swing. The more velo the sooner you must start your swing process which begins with the load. Get some sound hitting instruction so you can understand the actual process of hitting. You must develop sound swing mechanics which include the load - being on time with a swing that will result in positive results when you are. Harder is slower.
BaseballComesThird, you have received good advice here. I hope it helps, and that you banish the idea of swinging 75% from your mind. While maintaining control, your goal should be to hit the ball as hard as you can every time you swing.
Speaking of banishing something from your mind: a big part of the game is mental, and here you need some work.
You're asking, basically "How am I supposed to hit these high velo pitchers?"
That's not the right question. The right question is "How the heck are these pitchers supposed to get me out?" Which speaks to having an approach, as mentioned above, but more importantly being confident, when you step up to the plate, that you are better, and that you're going to win the battle. IMO really successful hitters always believe that.
My 2021 has made some minor adjustments thanks to some good coaching. He is now very short to the ball, and can be long on his follow through. His more compact swing makes him quicker to the ball. I agree not to adjust your swing due to faster pitching. I also just got an Atec pitching machine for our cage. Hitting 60 mph pitches from 30 ft will make him quicker.
Coach May and JCG;
today, I read the famous story by John Updike of Ted Williams "last at bat". It is the "fine focus" and positive thinking of the hitter, Ted believed that no pitcher can "get him out".
Please enjoy the great writing of John Updike and photos of Ted. He "choked" the bat!
Bob
Maybe this chart will help with simulating the 90 mph pitching during batting practice.
http://pocketradar.com/blog/wp...Time-Speed-Chart.pdf
I agree with others regarding good swing mechanics. Swinging "as hard as you can" doesn't usually get the barrel moving at max speed at ball contact, which should be your objective. IMO, barrel speed at impact is the single most important factor in successful hitting.
