Reading the various threads about hitting opposite and driving the ball up the middle, something that needs to be understood is reaching levels of competence. I forget the author's name but recently I read an article about "levels of competence" and to be brief, it isn't as simple as once you reach it, you're done. The assertion in this article is that everyone has a level of competence and the old school way of viewing it was that we all have limits and so we should accept them. This article states that levels of competence are subject to change within our human condition and so, if we improve those conditions we can then set higher levels of competence.
Given a hitter that has poor technique (as viewed by any given number of people) but who has high repetitions and good mental makeup, that hitter can still achieve success due to the nature of that person. However, there is a limit to the "level of competence" based upon that technique. Speed training and strength training are other factors that can influence the level of competence. Well, I'm rambling on and so, in a nutshell, how do you change?
Very simple good hitters, master their technique. Once they top out, they assess their sitation and look for other options for improvement. Weight training and speed training are not the only options they can turn to. Eye training is the new rage when it comes to hitting. Finally, technique may be better enhanced by concentrating on developing a better kenetic sense. In other words how the body works instead of a quick fix like "throw your hands at the ball." (Analogy example!) If anyone else read this article, please give me a reference and list it here.
Levels of competence are now thought to be "layered." Therefore, as a coach, the trick is to figure out the puzzle and help your player determine what the next move is to improve their swing. (Boy I hope all of this makes sense. I'm posting this because I recently heard a coach tell a player that they were as good as they can get. I don't understand that concept.)
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