hitting the curveball

It definitely depends on where the pitch is. There is never just one way to hit a certain pitch, there are tons of variables in every case.

The main thing is timing. Waiting for it will always help- and the longer you wait the better chance you have of going oppo. Its not that oppo is the best way to go, but it usually means you get good looks at the pitch.

I think the key to being able to hit offspeed stuff is the ability to wait back on fastballs and get your hands inside and hit it hard the otherway.

By doing so your internal clock as to when you start your swing is going to be later and you'll have more time to determine what pitch you are actually swinging at.

I may not be the best person to ask because I'm mainly a fastball hitter, I look fastball and unless there's two strikes I won't swing at a curveball, a changeup maybe especially if he tips it.

All I can say is track the ball the whole way and recognize it early or else you won't hit it.

The key to a lefty hitting the lefty curve is keeping the should in and not opening up too soon. It's still the right strategy to drive the ball up the middle and the other way if it's a tough lefty.

The hitter should be studying the pitcher and his tendencies. As a lefty hitter, I taught my son (also bats left) to look to see if the lefty pitcher likes starting off lefties with the curve. If so, look for it and crush it.

Where the lefty stands in the box can affect the lefty pitcher's ability to snap off a hard curve. My son stands on the front line daring the pitcher to try and throw the fastball by him. He sees less curves this way.

Well said RJM and I think I'll start approaching lefties that way because I have such a tough time with lefty pitchers and I've been considering learning to switch hit again.

Everyone with a lot of travel ball experience knows how much time there is to kill during tournaments.

Between 16-18 ages, HaverSon and I would watch from as close as possible to the 3rd base batters box. (without offending the fans)

Our "game" was to identify/indicate curve balls as accurately and quickly as possible.

More often than not, kids at that age will tip it.

quote:

Originally posted by kevin25:
I know the advice to hit a curveball is wait and take the other way, if you're a LH hitter facing a lefty pitcher it makes sense the ball is curving away from you, but if your facing a righty pitcher does it still hold true beings the ball is breaking toward you. Thanks

I heard a quote from somewhere once, which I would pass along to my players on my Freshman team, "The best curveball to hit is a fastball." I would also suggest that unless you have two strikes on you that you don't swing at a curveball. Unless of course it is a hanging curveball where you can see the front side of the ball and not just the top.