Kevin25, nothing is more critical EVER than how you bat when you are 13..... except when you are 14.... 15.... 16... 17....18. etc. There are going to be banner years at the bat but there are also going to be good years and sub par years. Focus on the fundamentals of batting throughout and you will create a consistent hitter.
Here is what I would focus on.....
1) See the ball. I mean track every pitch all the way in. Even if you think half way in that it is a ball. See it al the way in, dont give up on a pitch. Pitch recognition is really important. (A good drill for this is standing in the batters box and taking pitches... tell the coach what he threw, (ie curve outside) as it goes by you.))
2) Know what your goal is. What does the team need you to do? SAC, right side, outfield... have a goal before you get in the box. Try to execute that goal.
3) Only swing at good pitches.. I mean only swing at strikes and anything super close when you have 2 strikes against you.
4) Square it up. Get a square hit on the ball.
This is an old Baseball Factory 4 rules but they hold true everyday.
