MENTAL Problem

If I really wanted help, the first thing I'd do is edit my post so that it is comprehensible.

Oh oh..the grammar police are here. Infopimp, was that really necessary? If you've got no help to offer the kid as far as his swing goes, just don't say anything. His post is not incomprehensible.

infopimp,
Ok, I fixed it. I'm sorry it bothered you. I don't think there is anything else wrong with my first post. If I find something I will be sure to correct it.

-Kevin

Catcher,
One of the biggest problems young hitters have today is thinking too much. There is so much specialized training these days and stresses on mechancis, that sometimes we forget the old, "grad a bat and hit the ball" technique. When you get in the box, your only thought should be on seeing the ball. Get in your stance, relax, BREATHE, relax your hands, and the only thought you should have is, "ok big boy, you got the ball, I got the bat, let's go, bring it." If you are in the box, thinking about mechanics or anything else besides seeing the ball, you are in trouble. Other things you may consider and that should go through your head are how the pitcher is working you and other hitters, what are his patterns, his tendincies, can you pick up anything in his delivery that may tip a pitch. Be aggressive, be confident in all the work and preparation you have done for that at bat. Then just get radar locked on that baseball and swing hard in case you hit it! Best of luck

AB

Baseball Pros

bubandbran,
Thanks a lot. I was thinking way too much. I guess I was stepping in and over thinking everything. Instead of, like you said, grabbing a bat and hitting the ball. I would step up to the plate thinking "do this and do that" instead of "ok, pitch, show me what you got." Thanks a lot.

-Kevin

quote:

Originally posted by bubandbran:
Catcher,
One of the biggest problems young hitters have today is thinking too much. There is so much specialized training these days and stresses on mechancis, that sometimes we forget the old, "grad a bat and hit the ball" technique. When you get in the box, your only thought should be on seeing the ball. Get in your stance, relax, BREATHE, relax your hands, and the only thought you should have is, "ok big boy, you got the ball, I got the bat, let's go, bring it." If you are in the box, thinking about mechanics or anything else besides seeing the ball, you are in trouble. Other things you may consider and that should go through your head are how the pitcher is working you and other hitters, what are his patterns, his tendincies, can you pick up anything in his delivery that may tip a pitch. Be aggressive, be confident in all the work and preparation you have done for that at bat. Then just get radar locked on that baseball and swing hard in case you hit it! Best of luck

AB

Baseball Pros

In other words, quit sucker, you've got no chance.

Not only is it ridiculous but impossible for a developing hitter to not think of something he's been working on.

That is exactly why it takes 1000's of swings and 100's of at bats. Because you have a lot to think about.

If you haven't taught much, please, leave it alone.

If you are finding that you are thinking that much about your mechanics, they are totally unnatural for you.

If you have a good swing that can get your bat in the zone to meet the pitch then just fine tune your swing.

If you are looping in your most comfortable natural swing, try holding the bat higher. If you can maintain bat speed and acuracy, don't fix it until it breaks.

There is no end all be all instruction for teaching hitting.

Remember, Ted Williams had an upper cut swing but good hand eye coordination. I'm sure many coaches today would be trying to teach him the 'right way' to swing the bat.

Lastly, the difference in BP and game at bats is that split second it takes to decide whether you are going to swing or not. That in reality may be where you are losing it. Know the zone that your swing produces the best results contacting the ball. See it and hit it.

Good hitters do not think--they REACT !!!!!

Infopimp:

Not only was your response on this one very rude, but it was wrong and tells me that while you might understand the mechanics of the swing you do not understand hitting and what it takes for a player to have success at the plate. If you are thinking, you are not hitting, and I know lots and lots of some of the very best big league players and some of the very, very best young hitters who have a chance to become big league hitters and they all say the same things.

Perhaps a little less on mechanics and clips and a little more on human communication would be very helpful to you, and I mean that in only the most constructive of ways.

InfoPimp,
I agree, I think your response was rude. But it does illustrate your lack of knowledge of the game of baseball and especially hitting. I have taught plenty, I am a hitting instructor for the Atlanta Braves. But more importantly, what qualifies me to answer this question is over 5,000 professional plate appearances. Where I too gave away too many at bats thinking about my mechanics. I can relate to what this kid is talking about it because i have been there. I understand his mindset because I have felt the same way.

Catcher,
You are welcome, go get him kido. Let me know how it goes. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me at info@baseballpros.net.

quote:

Originally posted by Infopimp:


In other words, quit sucker, you've got no chance.

Not only is it ridiculous but impossible for a developing hitter to not think of something he's been working on.

That is exactly why it takes 1000's of swings and 100's of at bats. Because you have a lot to think about.

If you haven't taught much, please, leave it alone.

Infopimp,

This wasnt one of your better ones. Lets parse it - shall we?

1st sentence - Very rude IMO.

2nd sentence - Makes no sense. Would agree it seems as though you havent played much.

3rd sentence - Meaningless mumbo jumbo. IMO.

4th sentence - Another meaningless bubble of cyber stuff.

I am disapppointed in this one. LOL

Catcher, much of the mental preparation should be done in the hole or the on-deck circle. In other words, what is your "plan?" Have you identified any flaws? Example getting out of the zone on fastballs up. A part of what you should have been doing in BP is eliminating that flaw. Now, you reinforce your practice by reviewing that you won't get out of the zone "up." Are you looking for a ball away or in? Well, we could be very technical here and describe several scenerios such as pitch selection, location, game situation... That has to be accounted for in your "plan." WHEN YOU WALK INTO THE BOX, YOUR PLAN IS ALL THAT MATTERS. Emotion has to be taken out of the equation! People that fail in the box often do so because they panic. You have to have faith, be positive, and know that in a worse case scenerio, you can hit deep into the count and be productive. Hitters often panic so much that with 2 strikes, they are easy prey for the pitcher. BTW, players that have enough faith in themselves to go deep into the count ofent don't have to because they don't panic. JMHO!

I think what Infopimp is saying is that if the hitter hasn't put the time in in practice, he will have a problem trying to clear his mind in the box in a game.....And, there is truth to this....Im' sure he is talking about a hitter who is in the process of changing his mechanics and doesn't yet have confidence in his swing....Chances are, his mind will churn in the box until he gains that confidence.......

quote:

Originally posted by BlueDog:
I think what Infopimp is saying is that if the hitter hasn't put the time in in practice, he will have a problem trying to clear his mind in the box in a game.....And, there is truth to this....Im' sure he is talking about a hitter who is in the process of changing his mechanics and doesn't yet have confidence in his swing....Chances are, his mind will churn in the box until he gains that confidence.......

AGREED! Without repetitions in practice and working on the corrections of flaws be it mental or physical, your chances of success during a game is limited. Examples of mental, practicing pitch counts and expectations. Example of physical - flying out. Both can be corrected simply through repetitions during practice.

Very good post, Blue Dog. I fully agree with the point regarding the importance of repetitions. Thanks for clearing that up.

Jemaz is absolutely correct....Great hitters do not think, at all, in the box.....This is a big contributor to why they are great hitters....You can't be a great hitter until you can clear your mind and swing the bat.....

That's what I'm been trying to say about muscle memory using the proper technique. Think about it, you only have about .34 hundredths of a second to recognize and respond to a 90MPH FB.
Preparation will meet that opportunity too in a repetetive scenerio and your only as good as your last AB. Headed out to guess where? peace, Shep

Concentration: - "The ability to think about absolutely nothing when it is absolutely necessary".......

Best advice I know of for a hitter to understand.....

Shep, it is much more than muscle memory.....I have just recently learned this.....

Repetitions help muscle memory to an extent......Retention is a whole other ball game and an area greatly misunderstood......

quote:

Originally posted by bubandbran:
...I am a hitting instructor for the Atlanta Braves. But more importantly, what qualifies me to answer this question is over 5,000 professional plate appearances...

I rest my case.

I am glad I am wearing boots!!!!

quote:

Shep, it is much more than muscle memory.....I have just recently learned this.....

Just got in from Vero Beach vs Dunedin game. Infielddad's son, Jason Armstrong plays for one of the teams, BlueJays.

BlueDog,

You are absolutely correct in statement but,
A hitter has to have some kind of grounded approach in batter's box and can help the mental side of hitters strategy by preparing a grounded swing beforehand, then can start concentrating on mental aspects related to the psychology the opposing pitchers are gonna throw at cha. Until a hitter proves himself on all of that pyschology the pitchers will throw at him, the pitchers prolly will own hitter, in the professional ranks anyway. Just saw several examples in FL State League game peace, Shep

This is the HS Baseball web so why dont we think about what HS kids do in situations ?--they aint pros--just teenagers striving and working hard to get the most out what their talents are. They aint pros !

The most critical thing in teaching/instructing is realizing the level of talent/age that the student(s) is at.

13/14 yr olds are not the same as 17/18 years olds

Infopimp, I am not exactly sure what case you are resting, but whatever the case, keep on resting. The information and posts from everyone here have very productive and informative for a young, high school player. That is the point of this website. Great posts everyone!

AB

Shep, I can present a good case for the pitcher owning you if you are thinking about the pitcher's approach....

Hitting is about pitch recognition.....Each and every pitch should be approached the same.....No matter the situation or the count.....

"Tendencies" is a word that causes problems, IMO.....At least, as it pertains to hitting....On one hand, you say the hitter should have a clear mind...On the other hand, you want the hitter thinking about the pitcher's tendencies.....You can't have it both ways......Not possible.....It's one or the other....

Tendencies such as runners steal on certain counts or in certain situations is clearly useful information....You can think in the field....

quote:

Hitting is about pitch recognition.....Each and every pitch should be approached the same.....No matter the situation or the count.....

BlueDog, your absolutely unequivocally, without a shadow of doubt right about this above mentioned constant in the batter's box

but, not wipe either, the hitter needs to look for pitches he can drive when ahead in the count and not swing at the "pitcher's pitch".
Do you agree ? peace, Shep

Thanks for all your help everyone. Basically, I think I was over thinking everything. I was thinking instead of reacting which probably caused my swing to become loopy. That is the reason, in my opinion, that I could hit in BP but not in the game. I had a game today and I went 2-4 and they felt solid. I went into the game thinking, I am just going to grab a bat and let my mechanics take over. Hopefully this broke me out of my slump. I'll find out next game.

Thanks again,
Kevin

Great day.

You can't think and hit at the same time. - Yogi Berra

quote:

You can't think and hit at the same time. - Yogi Berra

You better be able to look fastball and adjust CB SL CU etc in the League I am currently scouting or find a day job. The FL State League is no slouch and I talk with these guys every day charting pitchers behind the plate and here to attest also as a former professional minor league player, you are lucky to get a couple of pitches each AB that are driveable in these ADV "A" ball leagues such as Carolina and FL State League. Bet BubandBran Andy B. can shed a little light on this subject for us. He has far more experience than any of us with 5000 ABs in professional baseball and when he posts here at this site, Shep listens and respects his thoughts and input. peace, Shep

Some thoughts…. I think!

There are two distinct different things we talk about here. I think Infopimp or BlueDog brought this up before. There is the mechanics of the swing and then there is hitting.

Often when people here talk about the “perfect” swing, I think they disregard the fact hitters don’t always get the perfect swing in every plate appearance. That is why hitting is so much more complex than the “perfect” swing. This is not saying the “perfect” swing is not vitally important.

When there is talk about wasted bat speed once the ball is hit, it’s true when the ball is hit with the perfect swing. However, absolute perfect timing does not happen often enough to judge when to turn bat speed on and off. IMO there has to be some range to optimum bat speed, both a bit before and after “perfect” timing and contact. It is the basis for the term “staying on the ball” or “hitting through the ball” or “long finish”. The reason these terms are used is because no hitter is absolutely “perfect” and must have some margin for error. The higher the level, the more important having some margin for error. If the timing is perfect, then creating this small margin for error doesn’t hurt a thing.

The other thing not discussed a lot here is the fact that hitters must have more than one swing. This is not important whenever the ball is thrown somewhere close to your wheel house, but at the highest level hitters must be able to cover more area than that at times or they will not be successful. Hitters must be able to fight off pitches. Hitters must be able adjust and hit a line drive the other way even when fooled. They need a margin for error to accomplish this.

The majority of the discussions here relate to the swing… usually the “perfect” swing by someone’s definition. I believe there are some people here who really understand the swing, especially the so called “perfect” or best swing technique. I also believe there are some here who understand hitting, including the mental aspect and approach to hitting. I’ve come to understand that these are not always the same people. For example, it is real hard to disregard someone who has had 5,000 professional at bats. It’s also hard to disregard someone who spends endless hours studying video and trying to learn everything possible about hitting. Lots could be accomplished if people all got together rather than disregard what the other is saying. Maybe the young kids would benefit the most.

Any way, IMO Pitch recognition is very important. So is pitch prediction (guessing). When someone mentions not thinking, I would bet they are talking about not thinking about mechanics or their previous at bats while they are hitting. I would also bet they don’t mean that hitters don’t think in the dugout, before their at bat, or between pitches. I don’t know much, but I do know most every hitter needs to know what their job is depending on situations. In professional baseball and high level college ball hitters learn early on what they should be thinking in different situations, ie. Runner at 2B no outs. This does not mean they will get the job done because the pitcher also knows what to do to keep the hitter from getting the job done and pitches accordingly.

All this said, I don’t think this is the same “mental” thing that was first brought up here. That is a different mental issue that could be caused from thinking too much about mechanics or it could be just a lack of confidence. Success breeds confidence and knowing what your doing breeds success. Baseball is a percentage game more often than not. You can’t play the percentages without thinking. You just have to think at the right time and that is not when the pitcher has started his windup!

True, these kids better work as much as they can stand. They are at the base of the mountain and want to see that mountain top.

I've been to a bunch of FSL games and have yet to see any barn burners.

Remind these guys that they have to excell rather than just be good at that level.

Jerry, that post qualifies for a classic>

Kudos to PG! The distinction between "the perfect swing" and "Hitting the ball" is the issue which has been missing in all the hitting threads to date. The ability to hit a ball well enough (without that perfect swing) to safely reach base and drive that run home or advance a runner, etc. What I notice at games is when the hitter fights off a good pitch and hits a ball in the gap. The big hit with the perfect swing is a thing of beauty...but the gritty hit resulting from a real battle at the plate is what good (great) hitting is...

Catcher 41....good job getting two knocks. I am glad we could help. This is a great example of how these forums can help kids out. All of us have to realize that it is not about US. It is about THEM! Keep working on those mechanics in the cage, but then leave them there. Don't work on them or try to fix them in the game. Get a game plan, look for a pitch and don't miss it! He will make a mistake to you, and in high school, maybe more than one. SO be ready to hit! Great hitters don't miss their pitch, that is because they are hunting it. They aren't thinking about where their hands are or their stance, they are confident in every aspect because they have done the work preparing and know all they have to do is see the ball and react. Stay relaxed at the plate, AROD told me, (he was my roomate on the '93 USA TEAM and friend from hometown), that he wants his hands so relaxed on the bat that his 10 year old niece could pull the bat out of his hands. Then, just hunt your pitch and react, good things will happen. Best of Luck Kevin, any other questions, email me.

www.baseballpros.net
info@baseballpros.net

quote:

The majority of the discussions here relate to the swing… usually the “perfect” swing by someone’s definition. I believe there are some people here who really understand the swing, especially the so called “perfect” or best swing technique. I also believe there are some here who understand hitting, including the mental aspect and approach to hitting. I’ve come to understand that these are not always the same people. For example, it is real hard to disregard someone who has had 5,000 professional at bats. It’s also hard to disregard someone who spends endless hours studying video and trying to learn everything possible about hitting. Lots could be accomplished if people all got together rather than disregard what the other is saying. Maybe the young kids would benefit the most.

BRAVO

quote:

Originally posted by bubandbran:

www.baseballpros.net
info@baseballpros.net

That just cracks me up. Do you really expect folks to not read between the lines?

BTW

What Jerry has just done is excuse all you from doing your homework. While much/most of what he said it true, it is far from what 95% of you heard.

What the 95% just got is validation for not pursuing the details further.

Why should we learn a good swing when, Lord knows, you may not be able to hit anyway?

And 95% are thankful for that.

You are a time saver, Jerry.

Of course a player should learn a correct swing, but we are talking about "Mental" issues. What to think about when you are in the batter's box. The kid had a question, he got some good responses and had success the next day at the plate. To me, that is a thumbs up for HSbaseball web. Again, it is about them, not us. And as for reading between the lines, I get 10-20 emails a day from young players, Dads and Moms, asking questions from my website, that I or another ex-professional always answer for free. Just remember, focus on the kids and what is best for them, who cares if you are right about an issue, it is not about you. Lets make sure we are giving good sound advice to these young people and leave it at that.

So, you give the videos away for free?

I didn't see where I could get the freebee.

Please point me in the right direction.

I never said anything about free videos. I am going to hop out of this particular forum and find one I can participate in to help out a young player, you can continue to argue with someone else. The proof is in the pudding, the kid had an issue, it was addressed and he learned something. Time to move on.