Using both eyes when hitting

Sluggo,

Not quite sure what you mean by using one or both eyes.

I would think that using only one eye would put one at a severe disadvantage since it requires two points of reference in order to gain depth perception, which I imagine would be a critical element for a hitter.

Is he closing one eye? or what? Perhaps the issue you are dealing with is an eye dominance issue which can cause problems for those who are not aware of it.

What I mean is turning full face towards the pitcher.

Peace, love, crabs.

Never mind.

I could be wrong but I believe sluggo is referring to using an open stance as opposed to a parrallel stance.

Hang in there Sluggo. Keep asking questions. The problem is more common then KayMart4’s answer implied. Matt Williams had this problem too and it led to several trips back to the minors before Dusty Baker figured out what Matt was doing. Matt would get set for the pitch and his nose would block the vision of his right eye. He wouldn’t pick up the ball with both eyes until it was very close to him. The solution was to turn his head (but not the rest of his body) towards the pitcher at the start of the windup. Matt picked up the ball sooner and the results speak for themselves. Many coaches never identify the problem and just figure a kid can’t hit. After all Matt Williams made it all the way to the majors before someone spotted it for him. Hats off to your son’s coach for paying attention to details like this.

If your son is having trouble making the adjustment he may need to open his stance a bit. Then he won’t have to turn his head as far. He can close his stance again after turning his head toward the pitcher feels more natural. You can also demonstrate the importance of using both eyes by trying to playing catch with one eye covered.

When practicing, while in your stance, shut your front eye. If you can not see the release point you are a one eyed hitter. Turn your head!

Getting a "level two-eyed look at the pitcher" is very important and often overlooked hitting fundamental. Many of you have hit the benefit of making sure you are getting a good look with two eyes but don't forget level as well. A tilt or lean of the head can severely impact depth perception...try this. Have someone tilt there head to the side and hold it. Take a tennis ball and toss it easily at their face. They will immendiately straighten up...we are made to take the best visual information with both eyes and when both eyes are level.

Sluggo,

I in no way meant to offend or discourage you from asking questions, I just wasn't sure what you meant.

Armour is correct, this involves a switch to an open stance. I suppose the reason it is frustrating is that last year he hit 11 homeruns with lots of sharp line drive doubles, triples, singles. With the new approach he has 2 doubles and a few singles and his batting average has dropped 150 points.
So my impulse is to say, "If it ain't broke don't fix it" and go back to the parallel stance. I will talk to his coach and ask why he feels it is necessary to make this adjustment, but am asking for a "second opinion" from those on this site.

PG, we will try the drill you suggested.
Thanks

Kmart, don't be an arse. It's a good question, and the responses have been fruitful.

haha krak im not an arse! i think at the moment i wasnt in a good mood and i misunderstood what he meant. now for my actual reply lol..if he hit really well i would stick with whatever was working for him then. i wouldnt change something when it sounds like he is killing the ball. the open stance is great for vision but i see many hitters in high school play that hit open then end up closed or end up open still. i have never personally tried an open stance so i could not tell you exactly waht i think about it. sorry sluggo for my first reply. i hope this is somehting you were looking for as a reply.