It is very important to make BP as "Game Like" as possible. Constantly mix speeds, constantly move the ball in and out up and down. It is amazing how good kids can hit off of Dad and then can't hit off someone else. Dad has learned the sweet spot and sweet speed. And so has the kid. Really hard, really slow, that's where hitters struggle. Really consistent in location - thanks, Really inconsistent in location - no thanks.
When your working put them in situations where the training is working towards the goal intended. Throw him 5 straight pitches at the same speed in the same general location. Then throw him one really hard in the total different location. What was the result? Throw him 5 at one speed then throw one with a lot off of it in another location. What was the result?
Think about it like this. When I work on blocking with catchers I don't throw every ball in the dirt. In fact I will throw 5 or 6 for strikes and have them work on receiving properly. Then out of the blue I will spike one and watch them block. On the next pitch after the spiked pitch you will have some guys drop to their knees anticipating a poor pitch.
If a hitter knows exactly what speed and what location the ball is going to be how can he not look good? What is he learning? Good hitters take each pitch on it's own. Put them in counts based on what has been thrown.
Pitch 1 - FB away.
Pitch 2 - Based on result of Pitch 1.
Etc
Yes it takes more time than to simply stand up there and throw bucket after bucket. But it's way more effective at teaching kids how to hit. It's way more effective in the hitter learning to "See" the baseball and then making a decision based on what he "Sees" vs what he knows he is going to get. In other words look for what you believe you are going to get not what you want to get.
Put him in the Bull Pen when guys are throwing. Have him stand in the box with a bat and go through the entire process. Find the ball in the pitchers hand. Go through the pre swing process and track the baseball all the way in. At what time do you recognize the pitch and location? Have him call out location and pitch as soon as he see's it. "FB away - ball." "CU in - strike." This is a great tool. Ball Strike Pitch Recognition. You will be amazed at what you actually hear.
Quick Hands, Good Bat Speed, Good Eye, worth nothing without the ability to launch at the proper time. The pitcher determines the speed you determine when you swing. Learn to be late when you need to be late. Learn to be early when you need to be early. The longer you can wait the better decisions you can make. The problem is a lot of talented young hitters are talented because they have quick hands, they are strong for their age, they have great bat speed. But the problem is when they face a Pitcher who changes speed and location all of this works against them. Seeing the ball deep is critical imo to learning how to actually hit. Not being afraid of being late. So you can be on time.
