Hitting a baseball is relatively easy; however, hitting a baseball harder can be strenuous. Without hitting hard, the ball will not fly far, which is not a welcomed result for a baseball player. Different baseball players through the history of baseball are famous for their unique way of hitting. Baseball is a unique sport in the way it gives players the character needed to be unique. Some of the universal truths about hitting the baseball are the fact that the ball and the baseball bats are all round in shape. This means, therefore, that hitting the baseball requires a level of expertise and a lot of practice. All the great hitters in baseball had a unique way of hitting, but all have the same underlying principles on how to do it. The following is a wide-ranging guide on how to get the baseball hits right.
Image Source – WikiHow
Hit a baseball harder step by step
Step 1: Know Your Equipment
This aspect is one of the most underrated elements in getting the baseball hits right. For one to get the hits correct, the baseball bat must be of the right length as well as the weight. When the length and the weight of the bat are correctly matched, the player can get the hit correct. Although these are the main issues on the bat, the player must also select the bat that has the right sweet spot and the one that has the right make. For example, different players love composite bats due to well-balanced weight as well as a larger sweet spot. It is essential to know that equipment is just a tool, and better mastery of the instrument is vital.
Step 2: Work on eye-hand coordination
The fact that baseball is relatively tiny, missing it is normal in most times. Fortunately, when the coordination between the eye and the hand is enhanced, it is possible to get the hits correct. Eye-Hand coordination is primarily developed through long practice hours. Different pro baseball players over the years have confessed to the many time they spent on practice just perfecting the hits. The best thing about this concept of getting a perfect hit is that there are no shortcuts. The old saying of practice and perfectibility is a reality in baseball, especially in hitting the baseball.
Step 3: How to Place Legs
When making that baseball hit, one should be about to be stable before and after hitting the ball. Although this is not the official way in which legs should be, all legs must be grounded, meaning one should never hit the baseball when they are jumping. Second, the front leg should be well-grounded and on 180 degrees with the ground. This gives the player a better position to insert the most needed motion and effect on the ball. For the other leg, it should be on toes. It is scientifically correct to state that being on toes gives the body the most needed support after hitting the ball because the body is in a spring mode.
Step 4: How to Place Hands
Hands should be positioned in a systematic way for the player to get that perfect hit. Traditionally, baseball players used to make many trail and era methods on placing of hands in order to get the hit correct. Luckily, the hands just need to be placed in a certain way to get the hit correct and with a lot of energy. The position of the hands also depends on the hand that the hitter is hitting from, either left or right. For the top arm, the hitter must ensure that the arm is the only one that is bent as opposed to the other arm.
Step 5: General Body Positioning
Like earlier mentioned, the balance of the hitter is crucial. Although the legs play a big role in the overall balancing of the player, the position of the player’s head in relation to the head is also important. The head should specifically be at a right angle with the ground and the distance between the perpendicular distances between the two players legs — techniques for hitting the baseball.
Step 6: Find the right grip
Depending on how you are handling the bat can determine the speed and power of your hit. For example, if you choke up the bat holding it closer to the barrel, you will gain swing speed; however, you will lose power as a result. Likewise, if you are holding the bat at the bottom, you’ll have the momentum and power, but lose out speed instead. So you should practice several grips and search for one that is most comfortable for you.
Step 7: Hit the ball at the right place
Just hitting is not enough, and a ball will not fly far if a player hits the ball haphazardly. You need to hit the ball at the right place if you want it to travel far. It’s said that players who hit home runs tend to hit at the lower two-thirds of the baseball. This allows the ball to fly far and above. Next time when you play in a game, try to focus on hitting at the lower two-thirds of the ball.
Step 8: Complete your swing
A common mistake among baseball players is that they do not finish their swing. When the ball comes into contact, many players make the mistake of losing the momentum when they swing. But that should not be done. When hitting, you would want to add as much as power and momentum as possible because a baseball field is not small. So when you swing, make sure to complete it even after you made contact with the ball. This will allow the ball to go far more so if it’s also hit at the right place of the ball. Keep practicing to complete your swing continuously so you can apply it in a real game.
There are many techniques available for hitting the ball. Each technique depends on the level of professionalism as well as the experience one has. However, there are guidelines on how to use these techniques to your advantage without losing too much energy or making mistakes. Know your hitting techniques well.
You can check also: Are Baseball and Softball Cleats The Same?
In conclusion, all these aspects of hitting the ball can only be brought to reality by constantly practicing and knowing limits as a player. The old saying about the benefits of practice in perfecting skills is a reality in this case.
My name is David Farnum and I’ve been a Little League Coach in my community for the past 7 years. With 2 boys playing baseball and 1 girl playing softball, most weekends I can be found near a baseball diamond.
