Wanna learn how to be a better hitter, no talent required?!

This simplistic and minimalistic approach to batting will improve your hitting. Just follow these steps and adjust using the following customizable tips:

STANCE

Begin by setting your feet a little more than shoulder width apart (if you are tall and often find yourself dropping your shoulder and swinging like you would in golf, expand your feet even further and work on “throw your barrel” straight instead of up). While using this technique, bend your knees into an athletic position and keep your weight on your toes as opposed to your heels.  Remember to keep your knuckles aligned (this means the second knuckle or “bump” should make a straight line). Now use the following customizable tips based on your current swing:

If you have slow bat speed- start your stance with your bat angled upright, and maybe slightly to the catcher. This will allow the batt to get in the zone quicker because you will not have to bring the bat away from or around your shoulder.

If you pop up often or drop your shoulder- angle your bat horizontally over your back shoulder. This will make easier for you to straighten up and get the bat straight in the zone and will help prevent you from dropping your shoulder/barrel

LOAD

Shift your weight to your back foot before swinging. As you do this, try to keep your feet flat on the ground, with weight stil on your toes and not your heels. Try not to move hands from their original position during the load.

SWING

Shift weight back through your body towards your front foot, while turning your hips. Bring bat through the zone by throwing the barrel through the zone and keeping your hands inside of the ball before impact. Be sure when “throwing the barrel” that your wrists do not break in a flicking motion like you would do when casting a line from a fishing pole. Continue with both hands still on the bat until well after the ball is hit, then your top hand may break away if you like.

CONCLUSION

For those who have played baseball for an extended period of time, this may feel weird and it will take time to get used to, however you will eventually reap the benefits. The best way to transition is consistent practice. Start with a tee, then soft toss, then hit in a cage with a partner/machine. DOn’t become discouraged if you can’t hit better right away, your work will pay off.