I have a good stance, swing, and batspeed, but I struggle with timing. I have no trouble making contact but im usually way out it front.
Any suggestions on how i can improve this?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Charlie Hayes won the World Series with the Yankees. He told me "the worst advice anyone can give on hitting an offspeed pitch is to 'stay back'. He said to hit any pitch you have to stay back." I tell my son "purposeful, perfect practice makes perfect." I watch my son's high school team take 1/2 swings with a tee and in the cage and then wonder why they cannot hit in a game. You need to take game swings in practice, not mess around with anything else. What I'm saying is work on your timing in all practice sessions -- then duplicate it in a game.
Also, so many hitters take practice cuts on BP speeds that are different from game speeds. You need to work game speeds.
In high school, you need timing mechanisms across 70 - 90 mph (and sometimes higher). Get your timing at 80 mph. Then work 5 mph increments up and down the speed continuum. When you are on-deck, time the pitcher in your mind. Get up there and execute what you have practiced.
Also, so many hitters take practice cuts on BP speeds that are different from game speeds. You need to work game speeds.
In high school, you need timing mechanisms across 70 - 90 mph (and sometimes higher). Get your timing at 80 mph. Then work 5 mph increments up and down the speed continuum. When you are on-deck, time the pitcher in your mind. Get up there and execute what you have practiced.
Good evening 1228,
Would swing in on-deck circle as if ball was being pitched to me in batter's box timing swing in unison with ball arrival at plate.
Visualize pitches and use mental imagery when not on field in order to internalize mental aspects of timing.
Be aware of opposing pitchers average velocity and out-pitches. Practice hitting against similiar pitches or pitchers in game preparation stages. Find batting cages as last resort with pitching machines if pitchers not available. I did....a great many times.
Take batting practice with anticipated speed of pitcher(in HS or college, easy to do this) Reason, Coaches are smart when it comes to using 90-97MPH followed by 70-89MPH pitchers or vice-a-versa. Remember, the college coach "especially" is paid to win and bread and butter depends on keeping opponent off-balance in timing in hitting. Have seen many coaches follow a gaser with a knuckleballer or off-speed guy who can't break 70MPH on stalker and win win win!
MY 2CENTS,
Shep
Would swing in on-deck circle as if ball was being pitched to me in batter's box timing swing in unison with ball arrival at plate.
Visualize pitches and use mental imagery when not on field in order to internalize mental aspects of timing.
Be aware of opposing pitchers average velocity and out-pitches. Practice hitting against similiar pitches or pitchers in game preparation stages. Find batting cages as last resort with pitching machines if pitchers not available. I did....a great many times.
Take batting practice with anticipated speed of pitcher(in HS or college, easy to do this) Reason, Coaches are smart when it comes to using 90-97MPH followed by 70-89MPH pitchers or vice-a-versa. Remember, the college coach "especially" is paid to win and bread and butter depends on keeping opponent off-balance in timing in hitting. Have seen many coaches follow a gaser with a knuckleballer or off-speed guy who can't break 70MPH on stalker and win win win!
MY 2CENTS,
Shep
What do ya think papa?
Ck out post times for our posts....
We must be thinking along the same lines sir because that was pretty close.
Shep
Ck out post times for our posts....
We must be thinking along the same lines sir because that was pretty close.
Shep
Shepster, we posted at the same time and said a lot of the same thing in a different way. The difference is I cannot hit, but don't bowl against me.
Heard that sir!
Can't turn it over like I used to any way-LOL
Shep
Can't turn it over like I used to any way-LOL
Shep
