COACH WORKBOOK. Contexts: Module: Hitting. Competition Development

Transcription

1 COACH WORKBOOK Contexts: Competition Development Module: Hitting 1

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3 Unless otherwise indicated, images and pictures contained in this document are the property of BASEBALL CANADA. They are used under license and are copyrighted. Some images contained in this document have been obtained through Major League Baseball and are copyrighted. This document is copyrighted by the Baseball Canada (2011) and its licensors. All rights reserved. 3

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6 Contents Teaching Level Summary of Objectives of Hitting 1 Isolating Areas of the Swing Mechanics 2 Identifying Mechanics to Correct and Adjust 2 Why Drills 3 Tee Drills 4 Target Tee Drill 4 Drills with Hitters in Wide Stance 5 Target Tee Drill from a Wide Stance 7 Screen or Fence Drill 8 Dry Swings with Weighted Bat 9 High-Low Tee Drill 11 One-Handed Tee Drill 13 Stop Drill 14 Underhand Toss Drills 16 Minimal Effort Toss 17 More Effort Toss 18 Stop Drill 19 Inside Pitch Toss 20 Outside Pitch Toss 21 Toss Inside/Middle/Outside 23 Outside Toss from Angle 25 High Toss work on downward path of hands 26 Target Toss work on downward path of hands 27 Change Timing 28 Stances and Timing 29 Timing 32 Short Screen Batting Practice 34 Birdie Drill 35 6

7 Summary of Objectives of Hitting 1. A strong, athletic base 2. Rear foot pivots and pushes against a firm, closed front side 3. Power position - hands 90 o to the barrel of the bat at contact 4. Focus up-the-middle 5. Timing 6. Thinking Specifics: 1. A strong, athletic base 1. upper body and the head are centered between the feet and knees 2. knees bent, weight toward toes (able to jump) 3. after stride, weight is slightly over back leg, but between the knees 4. to utilize the hips and upper body to the low pitch means the feet must be far apart - athletic 2. Rear foot pivots and pushes against a firm, closed front side pivoting action is on toes with heel pushing forward to open body, the linear force utilizing the entire body, including the hips and shoulders to generate and apply more power, the rotational force to allow the hands to pull the bat to a point in front of the body 3. Power Position hands 90 0 to barrel of the bat baseball swing is really a "stroke" action, not concerned with "swinging" the bat shortest direction or bat path, not concerned with "bat speed" both hands used in harmony, pull with the lead (or bottom) hand, pull with the top hand at point of contact, the barrel is even or slightly behind the hands to apply maximum force to the ball 4. Focus up-the-middle path of the hands inside the ball, downward plane knob of the bat leads the barrel by the "inside" part of the ball handle of the bat and first 12 to 18 inches of bat "inside" the ball, avoiding path of pitch 5. Timing being ready and in time to hit every pitch timing changes according to pitcher s velocity and hitter s mechanics time fastball the pitcher s fastest pitch 6. Thinking Belief in concepts, willingness to accept information and change Discipline to continue despite failures or setbacks Practice: is time to work on mechanics Game: is time to get ready to hit Confidence to take good swings Mind is clear, focus is on pitched ball 7

8 Isolating Areas of the Swing Mechanics Module 1 described and detailed the swing mechanics staying inside the ball. The first module addressed some of the objectives of the Instruction Phase of coaching: To get a handle on the terminology - not only do you need a good grasp of the basics of hitting, but you also have to be comfortable enough with them to be able to explain all the movements, terms, and mechanics to your players To be able to get to the cause/effect relationship in what is a very difficult motor skill to teach. Being able to spot areas and skills which players need to work in order to improve, and to identify and explain the work (drills) that need to be done to address the areas of concern is a significant of teaching hitting To avoid the pitfalls of providing incomplete instruction, bad and too much advice which often leads to confusion and misunderstanding in young athletes Module 2 is about development of hitters. It is about taking the information from Module 1 and teaching it to players through drills and exercises. Module 2 covers the practice of teaching hitting, the steps that coaches might take to train hitters. The hitting coach that can observe hitters in game or practice situations, focus and identify areas of concern (faults, if you will) for the hitter, and design a course of work to improve the problem. It suggested that coaches refer to the reference material in the NCCP Module: Planning a Practice, specifically pages dealing with skill development. It is important to be clear about concepts of skill development. Understanding that the stages of skill development: Initiation, Acquisition, Consolidation and Refinement, will directly relate to practice planning and the drills and expectations that go along with skill acquisition. The drills presented in Module 2 follow a progressive pattern. That is, we start working in a controlled setting using the Batting Tee. The Tee allows hitters to better think about their body movements and feel the correct mechanic(s). Moving at slower speeds assists in the hitter s ability to correctly and consistently perform with very little fear of failure. This Initiation phase is not only critical to the development of physical mechanics, but hitters will be better prepared to make adjustments on their own. In essence, hitters eventually become their own coach. This is a significant role of the hitting coach. The hitting coach is the eyes, and provides feedback and hitting knowledge to the player. The player plays. The player hits. The player must perform. And, sometimes the player fails. When a hitter does not have the result he wants, it is the hitter, not the coach, who makes the necessary adjustments for the next opportunity. The process of teaching the hitter to feel and understand his mechanics will lead to a more immediate response by the hitter, leading to a better chance to be successful. 8

9 Why Drills Baseball players depend almost exclusively on the unconscious brain to play the game and baseball has developed drills to reinforce those unconscious responses. David Brooks, The New York Times, March 18, 2007.Brooks further explains that good baseball players perform automatically (or through the unconscious), and that as coaches, we instruct the brain by stimulating it to repeat certain actions, known as drill work. Baseball drill work can be meaningless, exhausting and boring to players. Thus, the selection and use of a drill by a coach are important considerations. First and foremost when you select, or learn about a baseball drill for your players you must ask yourself the following two questions: 1. What is the purpose of this drill? Understanding the purpose of each drill is the essence of teaching. Hitting coaches are accountable to their players to identify areas to work, the drill or exercise that would best fit the learning, and the reasons behind the work. When players know that their coaches are interested in them and respect them enough to explain, the players will better trust the coach and learning increases at a faster rate. 2. Does this drill help my players at this point in their development?" For example, you will read about a Zoning Drill. You are teaching nine year olds. Common sense should tell you the players need to be working on fundamentals such as grip, stance, stride, and swing, NOT necessarily looking to hit a pitch in a zone. Save the drill for a more advanced hitter. The hitting drills presented in Module 2 are meant to do two things: 1. Address the fundamentals described in Module 1, in order to assist players and coaches to entrench those mechanics important to successful hitting. 2. Stimulate hitting coaches to further research, explore, develop and/or modify drills that will continue to add to the laundry list of drills that work to improve hitters. Furthermore, the drills are meant to practice sound fundamentals. They should be taught and performed correctly. Understand the purpose of the drill, the set-up, to demonstrate it properly and above all, what you intend to achieve from the drill. If needed, practice them and become efficient at demonstrating each drill. Lastly, one does not want to separate the physical mechanics from the mental aspects of successful hitting. Drills can be a way to consciously train the brain to an unconscious level. If players can focus on movement and feel their bodies, they will perform each drill more consistently. That is muscle memory. As well, once hitters learn and become accomplished at performing each drill, hitting coaches can include some mental aspect, such as focusing and tracking pitches, visualizing pitches to different zones, or working on selectivity and pitch selection. 9

10 Hitting, it is said, is at least 50% physical and 50% mental. Arguing aside, the mental part of hitting is important and harder to learn than the physical mechanics. A drill is another tool that helps the hitter to focus on a specific area or "hitting zone (the low and inside pitch). So, the hitter is working not solely on the mechanics of hitting a pitch at a location, but he is mentally "zoning" or focusing on an area and seeing the pitch in that location many times. The development of zoning and discipline early in hitting can facilitate understanding at later stages when hitters are looking pitch location in game situations. Tee Drills There is some discrepancy as to when the batting tee was invented. Two men have been credited with the invention. According to some sources Claude Christie deserves credit as the man who invented the batting tee. After a seven-year career as a catcher in the minor leagues, Claude started experimenting with a batting tee in the early 1950s. Christie s first tee was made of metal, but his later tees consisted of plastic. As told by Charlie Metro, the former manager of the Kansas City Royals, in Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania in 1935, we had some bushes that were hollow and two inches around. And they were like a shoot. I d cut those down and stick them in the ground and put the baseball on top, and hit it into an old mattress, and that went on and on like that. And then when I started playing professionally and became a manager, I said, Heck, I m gonna teach hitting like this. So I designed the batting tee and the original one. The batting tee was designed as a tool to allow hitters to concentrate on their mechanics without fear of missing a tossed, thrown or pitched ball. It allows for repetition and repeating the correct movement the hitter is working to correct or embed. Target Tee Drill Drills with Hitters in Wide Stance Wide Stance Tee Drill High Low Tee Drill One-Handed Tee Drill 10

11 Target Tee Drill Purpose: Target Tee Drill is designed to train the hitter to stay inside the ball and use the middle of the field with minimal supervision. It is a self-trainer. Set up: The tee is placed for a pitch down the middle of the plate. After stride, the hitter will bring the hands down to the power position. The tee is placed at that point. With a 1 x 2 meter target 3-4 meters in front of the hitter, or a protective screen, the hitter tries to hit line drives at the target every time. The hitter can keep his score and set a goal to increase his numbers every time. This drill emphasizes: Hands inside the ball Turning the rear foot to accomplish taking hands inside the ball Downward path to the ball in order to hit line drives at the target Make meaningful adjustments as the hitter can see the result of rolling over or uppercutting 11

12 Drills with Hitters in a Wide Stance The "Wide Stance" is used in the early drills for three reasons. First, in order for the hitter to incorporate his body into the stroke, he/she must first turn or pivot the rear foot. In an exaggerated wide stance this becomes evident. Hitters will not be able to perform any of the drills if they cannot "turn". Secondly, the wide stance is used initially when working with the inside pitch. While in a wide stance it is difficult to stride or step away from the inside pitch to hit it. The hitter must learn to turn the rear foot and hit the inside pitch in front of his front foot (and not step away to hit). Thirdly, we normally work first with pitches below the waist. With the hitter's feet apart and turning from the rear foot, the rear knee will come very close to the ground. Furthermore, the hips and the rest of the body will lower, thus bringing the "power of the body", closer to the low pitch. The body's power parts are the hips and upper body. These are the parts of the body where the largest muscles are located. The most underrated power producers are the muscles of the upper body. Ted Williams said, "hips lead the way", the "hips provide the punch." It is in truth the hips and upper body in concert that generates maximum power to the pitched ball. Where do pitchers learn to pitch? AT THE KNEES. It is therefore logical for hitters to learn to hit the pitch at the knees, and learn to elevate that pitch on a line drive. That means the feet must be far apart. The farther apart the feet, the lower the body is to the ground. 12

13 Target Tee Drill from a Wide Stance Purpose: The wide stance will emphasize the solid, athletic base with a closed front side and the turning rear foot. Set up: The hitter assumes his/her stance and then takes an extended or exaggerated stride. The tee can is placed the same as the Target Tee Drill, for a pitch down the middle. Mostly likely the tee will be placed even with the hitters front foot, after the extended stride. As with the Target Tee Drill, use a target 3-4 meters in front of the hitter. The hitter is instructed to rock or lean back prior to the swing. This simulates the stride action that is eliminated by the extended stance. It is a rhythmic load and swing action. The load is a slight lean to the back leg. The hitter in this drill must use the legs in the swing. That is, the rearfoot will turn and drive aggressively forward while the hitter hits a line drive at the target. 13

14 Fence or Screen Drill Purpose: This is a beginning drill that emphasizes the rear foot turn and the hand path of the swing, inside the ball, both working together. Set up: Stand at arm s length from a fence or screen and feet pointing toward the fence. For hitters that noticeably cast the bat when they swing, standing a bat length from the fence is good. The Fence Drill is more effective if the hitter uses a wide stance, rocks back in simulated stride, but does not stride. The goal is to swing the bat without hitting the fence. As the hands initiate the swing, the rear foot begins to turn, allowing the hands to continue on the path in front of the chest, to a point out in front of the body. At first, the barrel of the bat will trail the hands. As the hands pull the bat, hitter turns and the barrel comes around. There is no ball involved and the hitter can concentrate on the turn and the hands leading the way. Once the bat has cleared the screen or fence, the hitter follows through and finishes the swing. The path of the hands is another key feature of this drill. The hands take a direct line from their launch position (near the rear shoulder, downward to a point out in front of the body. The turning body allows the hands to come first, the barrel remains behind. The barrel eventually comes perpendicular to the fence, a strong, power position. 14

15 A view from overhead show how the hands pull on the bat to initiate the swing. The rear foot turning allows the hands to pull the bat out in front of the body. This drill is most effective when the hitter does not stride, rather he loads to his back side without lifting the front foot. From this angle one can see that this hitter does not lean away from the fence and uses the proper mechanics to perform the drill. 15

16 Dry Swings with Batting Weight Swinging a bat with a weight will increase the feeling pulling the knob of the bat with both hands and of allowing the barrel of the bat to trail the knob. In this drill it is important to keep the barrel high, but let the hands pull the bat, not swing it. The weight on the barrel will increase the resistance and make pulling easier. The next step is to swing the bat without the weight. The purpose is for hitters to transfer the feeling of pulling the knob, leaving the barrel behind (close to the back shoulder) swinging inside the ball. One can use the weighted bat in work on the Batting Tees and in Toss Drills. In these drills, it is suggested that hitters take 5 swings with the weighted bat, then 5 swings without the weight, in order for them to immediately feel the knob leads barrel action. 16

17 High - Low Tee Drill Purpose: This drill is similar to Target Tee. The purpose is to work on and develop the initial approach to hitting the baseball, a short and downward path. To ensure that the barrel of the bat remains above the ball, taking a short, downward swing path, the tee in the back is placed a little higher. As the hitter gets the bat in the hitting or contact zone, the barrel will "level" to the plane of the pitch. Set up: hitter sets up with the ball on the tee, even with the front foot after stride. Contact should be made to the middle or opposite field. Notice that the tee behind is a bit higher than the front tee. This forces the hitter to take the necessary downward action. Note: the rear tee is only slightly (about a ball) higher than the front tee. The hitter starts in a normal stance, but could work out of a wide stance. The front foot after stride is slightly behind or even with the front tee. The initial approach is downward. The hands will lead the barrel. The barrel starts above the hands. 17

18 As the barrel gets into contact zone, it starts to level out. At contact. The power position - the bat is 90 0 to the arms. The hitter tries to hit "through" the ball, meaning the bat remains at 90 0 to the arms. Do not roll too soon. Finish high. 18

19 One-Hand Hitting Drill Tee Drill Purpose: Hand and Barrel Path 1. Shortness of stroke in the initial approach 2. Practicing with one hand at a time, pulling the bat in a downward direction through the hitting zone The One-Handed Drill is done in three phases. For the first two steps the hitter uses a small bat. The third step, a normal bat can be used. Set up: The tee will be placed around shoulder height, even with the front foot. The free hand is place on the opposite shoulder. Step 1 Bottom Hand The hitter will slowly swing the bat downward, aiming to hit the ball to the ground, to the opposite field. The coach should be looking for the hand to go below the height of the ball. After contact, the hitter rolls the wrist over to flick the tricep muscle on the arm holding the bat, not allowing the body to swing around. This is a drill to emphasize the initial approach of the hands to the ball. Step 2 Top Hand The set up is the same. The hitter uses the top hand, pulling downward and aiming to hit the ball down and to the opposite field. Step 3 Two Hands Same set up, same idea but the difference is the hitter will use two hands. The objective is path of hands, not how hard one hits the ball. Each swing should be done with a minimal effort. 19

20 Stop Drill The drill most often used to emphasize positive hip and shoulder action is the "STOP" drill. We do this initially with the batting tee, and then with a toss. It is easiest to accomplish from the wide stance position. The hitter will stop the stroke (stop the bat) at the point of contact. The Stop Drill is difficult at first but it can be a valuable tool for hitters to use. This drill practices the essence of the stroke and is particularly good when the hitter is experiencing a slump. In fact, this drill has been and can be used in games. As pictured the hitter actually stops the bat at the point of contact. The purpose of stopping the ball is, as the hitter becomes more familiar with the drill, he starts to utilize the hips and the back shoulder in the stroke and application of power. This means the hitter concentrates on a controlled stroking action, and does not need to be concerned with bat speed. The drive from the rear shoulder is often overlooked. The bigger muscles from the back and shoulders must be included in maximizing the force to the ball. 20

21 If you have ever seen hitters swinging against a tire, the impact of the contact with the tire improves as the hips and upper body are involved in this action. The wrists remaining in a locked position, arms are bent. The power that is generated by turning and utilizing the entire body is greater than arm-swinging. The speed at which the bat travels to the point of contact is not great, but the force by using the body is superior to swinging fast by using the arms. Keep in mind that the hips and shoulder drive is toward the pitched ball, and that the emphasis should be on the backside (rear hip and shoulder) doing the work. In other words, once the hitter has made the commitment to hit a selected pitch, he begins the swinging action: The hands start pulling the bat The front shoulder remains closed as the hands pull As the hands cross in front of the chest the rear shoulder and hips take over The drive from the hips and rear shoulder is forward, toward the pitched ball It is not merely a turning action, for without the forward motion, there is no energy gain from the body in the application of force to the pitched ball. 21

22 The Underhand Toss Drill Purpose: Hitters will get the opportunity to hit in a controlled, yet live-type situation. This allows for hitters to be able to concentrate on mechanics, the areas of their swing to either develop or change. There are a number of variations to the Underhand Toss. Minimal-Effort Drill More Effort Drill Stop Drill Inside Toss Drill Outside Toss Drill Inside-Outside Toss Drill High Toss to emphasize downward hand path Toss to emphasize downward hand path Quick Hands Toss to emphasize hands in the swing Changing Timing Two-ball Toss to help focus on ball Set up: Hitter sets up feet (3-4 meters) from tosser. The tosser is behind the screen. Tosser is to make sure to duck behind the protective screen. For most of the Toss Drills, the hitter tries to hit the ball into the screen in front of the tosser or to the opposite net (opposite field). This reinforces the initial approach inside the ball, similar to the Target Tee Drill. 22

23 Minimal Effort Toss Drills Minimal effort means just that. Minimal Effort! Sometimes in batting practice and especially in games we try too hard. Hitters tense in the forearms and shoulders. Knowing what "relax" is and how to relax, knowing what an easy swing is can be beneficial in stressful situations. Concentrate on the ease with which you swing and how the barrel of the bat drives THROUGH the pitched ball. Set up is exactly like other underhand toss drills. The toss would be belt high or above and toward the middle or outer half. The purpose of minimal effort is for the hitter to take a nice, easy swing at the ball while concentrating on: 1) the mechanics of how of the swing, 2) feeling what his body is doing, and 3) realizing that even with a minimal effort, if the hitter delivers the bat head to the ball, the contact is solid into the screen. The hitter should try to hit the ball back at the screen or opposite field, to ensure approaching the "inside" part of the pitch. 23

24 More Effort I used to call this Maximum Effort, but hitters were getting the wrong idea about it. So, I started using the term "more effort" and the hitters realized that the baseball swing is not muscular, and filled with power. The baseball swing is an easy, free and flexible swing. The baseball swing involves getting the bat head (barrel) to the pitched ball as consistently as possible, in the shortest, quickest direction. Set up is exactly like other underhand toss drills. The purpose of minimal effort is for the hitter to continue to take a nice, easy swing at the ball, but with a little more effort. I use numbers to relate the effort level. I tell a hitter to take a 3 swing, or a 5 swing, or an 8 swing. They understand the difference in effort level. The hitter continues to concentrate on 1) his mechanics of how he is swinging, 2) feeling what his body is doing. More Effort is one notch above Minimal Effort. How much is that? Each hitter must decide. But, the effort level should not change the mechanics of the swing. In other words, there should be very little difference between Minimal Effort and More Effort. The same easy, downward, "inside" action should happen. Again, concentrate on hitting the pitch through the middle of the field. 24

25 Stop Drill The hitter will stop the swing, the stroke (stop the bat) at the point of contact. It is sometimes called a Check swing Drill. The hitter becomes more familiar with the drill; he starts to utilize the hips and the back shoulder in the stroke and application of power. This means the hitter concentrates on a controlled stroking action, and does not need to be concerned with bat speed. The drive from the rear shoulder is often overlooked. The bigger muscles from the back and shoulders must be included in maximizing the force to the ball. Note the 900 angle of the bat and the right arm. This is maintained through contact Stopping the swing. 25

26 The Inside Toss The Inside-Toss Drill is stresses the importance of the "turn" of the rear foot and the hands passing in front of the body. The hitter stands diagonally to the fence or screen, facing the tosser (like the tosser is the pitcher). The drill works well at first if the hitter widens his stance so that he is unable to stride. This eliminates the hitter adjusting his stride to hit the ball (stepping away). The stride is eliminated in the early drills as it acts as a hindrance. The hitter should concentrate on specific actions or parts of the body, for example the turn and the hands. The stride is unnecessary while doing the early drills, and can take away the hitter's concentration. The hitter can simulate a stride with a slight backward motion prior to or at the time of the toss. The toss is made to the hitter's front knee. The hitter will pivot and drive the ball DOWN into the fence. The emphasis on the turn is somewhat exaggerated; but not so excessive that it jeopardizes other movements. 26

27 Outside Pitch Toss Drill Again, it is probably better to start the hitter in a wide stance position, prepared to drive the ball to the opposite field. The toss is made to the outside part of the plate. The path of the hands and bat will be in a downward plane, the hitter is to hit the ball to the opposite-field, but up-the-middle is acceptable depending where the hitter is set up in relation to homeplate. The Stop Drill can be employed in this drill to better understand the point of contact. Two new concepts are present in this drill: 1. Letting the ball travel or hitting the ball deeper in the hitting zone 2. Getting close to the outside pitch with the body As the pitch moves from the middle of the plate out (further outside or away from the hitter), it is harder to apply power to the ball. As the hitter turns to hit, he rotates the hips and upper body. The rotational force decreases the further away from the body. By extending the arms to hit an outside pitch, the hitter loses power. Letting the ball travel is a term used to describe hitting the ball deeper in the zone. The outside pitch must travel deeper in the hitting zone. The outside pitch is virtually as close to the hitter, as the inside pitch. 27

28 The path of the inside pitch passes closer to the hitter than the that of the outside pitch. By letting the outside pitch travel deeper in the hitting zone, the hitter can apply more force to the contact made with the ball. Hitting the ball further out front results in a weaker hitting position and the hitter does not have the same force behind the swing. In order to drive the ball successfully, the hitter will lean toward the ball slightly with his hips and upper body. This creates a "closeness" the hitter must have in order to effectively drive the pitch on the middle and outer half of the hitting area. Again, the closer the hitter can get to the pitch, the more force he can apply to the pitched ball. Putting weight from the knees to the shoulders towards the toes, the hitter will slightly lean to the pitch. By doing this, the hitter will better utilize the body in applying force to the outside pitch, and will, in turn, drive the ball better. Note in the picture how the lower body is aligned with the upper body, meaning this hitter s weight is toward homeplate. 28

29 Toss Drill - Outside, Middle, Inside The purpose: this drill helps hitters realize and feel the baseball swing for the inside pitch is no different than for the outside pitch, or pitch down-the-middle. In fact, the swing is the same and the inside pitch is an extension of the outside pitch. This is the same Underhand Toss Drill. The drill is meant to provide the hitter the opportunity to focus on 9 quality swings, working from the outside part of the hitting zone to the inside (3 outside, 3 down-the-middle, and 3 inside). This is not a rapid fire drill. The tosser tries to put the ball in the 3 zones for the hitter to concentrate on hitting the ball deep in the zone (away), further out front to the middle of the zone (middle), and further yet to the inside pitch. The hitter, if this accomplished, will see that there is very little difference in the swing from outside pitch to inside pitch. In fact, the hands will slide across in front of the body as the pitch (toss) is made further inside. Pulling the inside pitch will come naturally. A last point. FOCUS up-the-middle for all 9 pitches. You won't necessarily hit the ball to the middle of the cage, but you will find that the ball is directed from power alley to power alley or to the big part of the field (up the middle). 3 - Toss outside part of plate - hit middle/opposite field 3 - Toss middle of the plate - hit middle/opposite field 3 - Toss inside part of plate - hit middle/pull - Pulling the inside pitch will come naturally. 29

30 A variation of this drill is to change the pattern of tosses from outside to inside. But, I never make two consecutive tosses inside. Any pattern will work, 1 outside, 1 inside; 2 outside, 1 inside. The reason I don t like to make to tosses to the inside is that normally pitchers do not intentionally throw two pitches in a row inside. Unless the hitter has an obvious weakness inside, pitchers will pitch in for effect, then away to get the hitter out. Hitters tend I want the hitter to make a conscious adjustment to the outside pitch, particularly after an inside pitch. This will help hitters to think about letting the ball travel, rather then attempting to contact the ball out front. 30

31 Outside Toss from Angle An underhand toss drill to help hitters experience letting the ball travel. The set up is as pictured and the toss is made to the outside part of the plate. The hitter is set up normally in the batter s box (as if the pitcher were on the pitcher s mound). As the ball gets deep to the hitting zone, the hitter learns that it is still out in front of the body, not behind as he fears it will be. In addition, by driving the body towards the tossed ball, the hitter experiences the feeling of the body weight over the plate. Pitcher normal direction This can be done in a regular overhand, Batting Practice, situation. It is a very effective drill for hitters to experience the pitch away. 31

32 High Toss Drill to emphasize downward path of the hands The drill would involve the ball being tossed high and away. The tosser should try to get the ball about shoulder height and middle or outside part of the plate. The hitter aims to hit the ball down and toward the opposite field. In this drill, the hitter will find he/she uses a short, downward path to the tossed pitch. The goal is to hit the ball back to the screen or ideally to the opposite field. The reason the hitter wants to hit the ball to the opposite field, is to ensure that the path is an "inside" path to the pitched ball. 32

33 Target Toss Drill to emphasize downward path of the hands Place a stack of 4 balls (a Target) just in front of the screen. The hitter is aiming with his/her swing to hit the ball on a line to break up the stack of balls (the Target). The toss is a strike, down the middle. Ideally the hitter will take a short, downward path to the tossed ball, but will hit a line drive. The goal is to emphasize the downward, inside path with the hands. 33

34 Toss Drill to Change Timing Two of the more popular types of toss drills are 1) Changing speeds for each round, and 2) changing speeds during each round. Changing speeds during batting practice prepares hitters for the reality of games. Besides mechanics, timing is most important to hitters. Pitchers try to upset the timing of hitters. The more hitters can work on timing with their mechanics, the better they understand the importance of timing, and the better hitters they will be. 1. Changing speeds each round is the first type of short screen BP offered. Hitters normally get between 5 and 15 cuts per round of live batting practice. The coach or batting practice pitcher changes speeds for each round, explaining that each round signifies either a change of pitchers, or a pitcher becoming tired during the course of a game. At first the hitters are told of the change of speeds in order that they make a conscious change in their stride (their timing). During the season, the practice plan would include the Underhand Toss Drill, changing speeds for each round. As the season progresses the hitter must learn to recognize the change of speeds and respond accordingly, without being told. The idea is that the timing device, the stride, will change during a game or, at least, from game to game. Hitters must realize this, concentrate on this during a game, usually in the on-deck circle, and practice this as often as possible. 2. Changing speeds during each round resembles the game-like situation of each at-bat. One method of changing speeds during a round of hitting might include the pitcher throwing two consecutive fastballs, then two consecutive changeups (or a slightly slower fastball), The "2-Fast, 2-Change" concept helps the hitter work on his "stride fastball, recognize and adjust". Remember, as the hitter strides, the hands go to a launch position, a point from where the next movement will be forward. The longer the hitter can keep his hands back after the stride, the better the hitter will be. The hitter must stride for the pitcher's fastest pitch, and wait in that "launch" position as he identifies the pitch and decides to swing. If the pitch is an off-speed pitch, the hitter must wait longer in the "launch" position. 34

35 The Stances and Timing The stance is the position taken by the hitter upon entering the batter's box. It's a "waiting" position. It is at this time the hitter tries to concentrate on his responsibilities, and at the same time, tries to be relaxed and comfortable. Good concentration begins when one's mind is clear of annoying thoughts from things like feet being too close or too far apart; hands too high or too low; bat too heavy or too light, etc. Don't be overly concerned with the "waiting" stance. Since the pitcher has not yet pitched, the hitter is not required to be ready to hit. These illustrations show conventional waiting stances. There are no significant differences between these stances. All the hitters seem comfortable. The feet are shoulder width apart or a little more; knees are flexed in a good athletic position; meaning if you were to draw a line through the knees, from the ground up, the head would be between the lines. The hands and bat are a comfortable distance from the body. The stances are neither open nor closed, but square, meaning both feet are pointing toward the plate and in a line to the pitcher. These hitters are, also, in their "waiting" stances. The stances are relaxed, comfortable and functional. These hitters, at this point in time in their "at-bats", are not ready to hit. The pitcher has not released the ball. They are waiting for the pitcher to start his delivery. The "waiting" stance is a comfortable stance; comfort is important in hitting. A comfortable hitter is free of tension and better able to concentrate on the task at hand. The stance also allows for individuality as humans do not all seek comfort in the same way. The stride is the step that initiates the hitting action. Most all successful hitters stride before hitting. Some will simply transfer their weight back, raising their front heel. When the hitter strides, body weight transfers to the rear foot. "Body weight", in this instance, is the trunk (from the waist up), and includes the head. 35

36 Here are two pictures of a hitters in the act of striding. The front foot is in the air, and the hitters weight is more over the rear foot. 36

37 As the front foot strides forward and reaches the ground, the weight transfers only slightly forward, of at all toward the pitcher. The stride is an action readying the hitter to hit. After stride, the hitter must be in a position where he is capable of swinging the bat aggressively. All strides are not created equal. Strides, as the "waiting" stances, vary. Hitting strides can be long, as much as two feet. Strides can be short; as little as an inch. Strides can be high, where the front knee is equal in height to the waist. Strides can be low, where the hitter sort of glides. There is no absolute perfect stride. An average stride would be just that, an average. Add up all the distances and divide by the number of strides!! That's an average. To tell hitters they should take a certain, average, length stride could limit their level of comfort. It is the timing of the stride, or rather when the hitter takes his stride, that is significant to know, and to emphasize. 37

38 Timing The hitter (and coach) must understand that the type and length of stride is related to the timing of the stride. Timing relies on two things; the velocity of the pitch and the amount of time the stride takes. Pitch velocity varies with the pitcher and, therefore, cannot be controlled. In other words, the hitter makes the adjustment to the pitcher's speed, not the other way. But, length of stride is an important factor in timing. The longer it takes a hitter to stride, the sooner the hitter must begin striding. Conversely, the shorter the stride, the later the hitter may begin striding. It takes more time to move one's foot 12 inches that it would to move 6 inches. The time of the stride is measured from the when the front foot or striding foot leaves the ground to when it lands. From this point, the hitter is now able to pull the bat toward the hitting zone, and hit! The difference in the time it takes one to stride is measured in hundredths of a second. However, hitters must understand that the only adjustments needed relative to the stride are when and not how far, or how high. This may explain it better. A pitch delivered by a pitcher at a rate of 85 miles per hour, takes just.46 seconds to reach the "hitting zone". At around the release of the ball, the hitter will start his stride. The heel of his front foot will lift to initiate the striding action. 38

39 The complete stride can take between 0.15 and 0.25 seconds, again depending on the length. During this time the hitter is identifying the type and location of the pitch, and whether it is a pitch he would like to swing at. In the next 0.20 seconds he brings the bat around to the hitting area or "contact zone". The resulting 0.02 seconds can be a margin of error. Mathematically one can see that a hitter with a stride taking 0.15 seconds can wait 0.10 seconds longer to commit himself than a hitter with stride taking 0.25 seconds. There is no other advantage to the shorter stride. That is, the hitter with the shorter stride doesn't see the ball any longer. The pitch takes 0.46 seconds regardless of length of stride! Consequently, it is important that the stride is completed in time to hit the pitcher's fastest pitch. In addition to the timing of the arrival of the ball to the hitting zone, the hitter is trying to hit the ball as hard as possible. This means applying the maximum force to the ball at the moment of impact. Ted Williams in The Science of Hitting, discusses the "ideal impact zone" and maximizing exposure of the barrel is "contact at 90 degrees from the direction of the pitch." "At that point, the joy spot is fully exposed - 4 1/2 inches." Williams also explains about allowing for errors of 15 degrees to either side of the "ideal" impact zone. This means that a hitter can be a little late or early and still can make solid contact and drive a baseball. 39

40 Short Screen Batting Practice Short screen batting practice is an extremely useful tool for working with hitters. Short screen means that during batting practice the pitching screen is between 20 and 30 feet from the hitter. This means that the pitcher is between 25 and 35 feet (10 meters) from the hitter. The distance offers many opportunities. 1. Batting practice moves along faster with more strikes being thrown.. The closer the pitcher is, the more often the strikes are thrown. 2. More strikes, more swings a longer batting practice. Pitches aren't thrown as hard from the shorter distance; therefore the BP pitcher does not tire as quickly. 3. PB pitchers can locate better and change speeds effectively. This is the essence of this drill. 4. Help hitters gear for upcoming, opposing pitchers who do have velocity. The closer the pitcher, the less time it takes for the pitch to arrive, thus Short Screen Batting Practice can simulate game-like conditions. The short screen batting practice offers a variety of different practices. It is said that batting or hitting consumes about 30% - 50% of a practice or about minutes per day. Multiply minutes by 3or 4 days (assuming that there are games to play). The result equals 180 to 240 minutes per week. An average team practices hitting for 3 or 4 hours per week. Divide that by players and the result is 15 to 20 minutes of practice per player, per week! Therefore, terms like "quantity", "quality", "game-like", are used when discussing drills and types of batting practice. 40

41 Birdie Drill The "Birdie" Drill works the same as the Simulated BP Drill; only we use badminton birdies. It's an effective drill for work on off-speed pitches and for emphasizing concentration on the ball, not the arm. The set up is like Simulated BP. As shown, the tosser kneels in front of the hitter, approximately 15 feet away. (In some cases the tosser may be able to stand). From the kneeling position, the tosser delivers the birdie as if throwing a ball. It will require a strong throw for the birdie to reach the hitter which means the tosser will have good arm speed, while the birdie comes out fast at first, and more slowly the farther it travels. The hitter should naturally stride and ready himself as the speed of the arm indicates. However, the hitter will have to remain in the hitting position for a moment longer than a pitched ball. The birdie will eventually arrive, but the hitter must learn to time the arrival of the pitch. This requires concentration. The concentration has to be on the object to be hit (birdie), not the arm action of the tosser. It can be an excellent drill to use on a daily basis. A natural development of this drill would be to use balls in a Simulated BP situation, and throw "change-ups" to the hitter. This is more realistic for the hitter, but more difficult for the tosser. 41