The batting thread.

[RottenGazebo]

I created this thread so people can share there thoughts, ideas, ands tips on great batting. Feel free to name any certain types of bats that you like the best. Thanks for reading this thread and thanks for posting!!!



TIGERFAN84 :gt

[wilbur775]

when it comes to metal bats it is all about the omaha series.

[abolishthedh]

Question... do you believe that batting coaches should encourage hitters to pursue the exact same technique, as a certain highly visible ad for a video series has promoted?

Or, should hitters be free to their own devices and quirks?

There are countless examples of either train of thought here, so I really have no idea.

[XFactor]

Question... do you believe that batting coaches should encourage hitters to pursue the exact same technique, as a certain highly visible ad for a video series has promoted?

Or, should hitters be free to their own devices and quirks?

There are countless examples of either train of thought here, so I really have no idea.

I think that each hitter is different. Some people like hitting with an open stance, some just like it normal (as in, not open or closed), and some like hitting closed. You should have a hitter experiment and have him tell you what he is MOST COMFORTABLE with.

I think this thread should be like the "THE Pitching Thread" and what I mean by that is, anyone who has any hitting questions (and has already looked on the website and still haven't found good answers) should come here and ask for help.

I know TigerFan mentioned to share thoughts on great hitting.. I think that when your about to stand in the batter's box you should know what the pitcher has got (and if your the lead off person to work the pitcher, unless you get a very nice pitch the very first pitch, then swing away). You should know what the situation is, is the defense playing back (can you drop down a bunt?) or if they aren't. If your having troubles hitting the ball far. Fake bunt the first pitch, draw the infield in, then hit the ball.

I know in another post I posted some things on what should be going through the batter's head and what not... so yeah

[BaseballBum12]

i got a Q... what am i doing wrong? my coaches say i have good mechanics, i always hit the ball on the fat part, but something is wrong... I CAN'T HIT THE DANG BALL OUT OF THE INFIELD!!! maybe once every 2 games i will powerhouse 1 out there. someone please tell me how to hit the ball consistently out of the infield and maintain a high average.

[XFactor]

Okay, can you tell me a few things first?
What league do you play in (IE. 13 and under)
What do you bat (left handed or right handed)
When you hit and they go in the infield, what part do they go in? (Hard line drive to third base, soft grounder to third base? Soft grounder to the pitcher?)
And when you hit them in the outfield where do they go? (blooper to RF? line drive to left field?)

[BaseballBum12]

i play in 13-year od leagues.

bat right handed.

hit hard grounders to the right side of the infield to second base. hit weak line drives to third base( not pulling the outside pitch hitting the skinny part of the bat) and when i hit them in the outfield i kill it.( killing it as it 2 more feet and its over the fence)

[TannerLorenz]

this was happening to me in legion ball, i choked up on the bat and then i started hitting homeruns and doubles and triples to the gaps, try that and let us know if it helps

[XFactor]

i play in 13-year od leagues.

bat right handed.

hit hard grounders to the right side of the infield to second base. hit weak line drives to third base( not pulling the outside pitch hitting the skinny part of the bat) and when i hit them in the outfield i kill it.( killing it as it 2 more feet and its over the fence)

Alright, when you hit hard grounders to the right side of the infield to second base, thats good, but perhaps your hitting ontop of the ball just a little bit (which would induce a ground ball). Hitting weak line drives to third would either mean your pulling the outside pitch or not getting your bat around quick enough on the inside pitch. That can be a timing problem. So you can go to the batting cages and crowd the plate and work on getting the fat part of the bat on the inside pitch.
And you say when you get ahold of one you hit it pretty good, so you just need to work on the consistency. I'd say hit off the tee, practice replicating the same swing and things should get better.

Hope dis helps

[BaseballBum12]

so if i'm on top of the ball, what should i do to get the ball in the air.

[XFactor]

Well you want to hit line drives. A lot of kids try and hit it in the outfield, try and swing for the fences, and they hit a mile high pop up. Just go for the line drives. Set up a tee and swing away, you'll know when you hit a line drive and when you don't

[RottenGazebo]

What exactly is a batting tee and how much do they usually cost? :noidea

[XFactor]

What exactly is a batting tee and how much do they usually cost? :noidea


No offense but what are you like 3 or something? lol :P Anyways... this is what a batting tee looks like
http://re2.mm-b1.yimg.com/image/703285360

and if that don't work hopefully the link will http://re2.mm-b1.yimg.com/image/703285360

And... you could just go to yahoo go to images and type batting tee, and I'd say go to your local Sports Mart or whatever and find out how much a batting tee costs.. I have no idea, maybe like 10-20 dollars? Almost as much for a gallon of gas :laugh

[RottenGazebo]

Yeah, for one gallon! :grouchy Anyway thanks. I just wasn't sure what it was.

[JeffFrancoeur7]

when it comes to metal bats it is all about the omaha series.


Yah that's what I'm saying I have the 2006 Omaha Big Barrel! :crazy

[BaseballBum12]

What exactly is a batting tee and how much do they usually cost? :noidea

no offense dude, but did u ever play T-Ball or watch little kids play T-Ball?

i knew what i T was when i was 2.

just curious though, how do u not know what a T is.

[wogdoggy]

hey youz guys,,,instead of discussing stuff on message boards that nobody can see you let alone cure your bad habits...WHY don't you guyz spend about 20 or 30 bucks on an instructional video? batspeed.com,,,,or mike epstein or teaching the power rotational swing...get something and work on it.

[AutographCollector]

bat right handed.

hit hard grounders to the right side of the infield to second base.
If you hit right handed, and spray the ball to the right side of the field your either A.) swinging late on the pitch, or B.) purposely trying to hit it to the opposite field. ;)

[hellborn]

i got a Q... what am i doing wrong? my coaches say i have good mechanics, i always hit the ball on the fat part, but something is wrong... I CAN'T HIT THE DANG BALL OUT OF THE INFIELD!!! maybe once every 2 games i will powerhouse 1 out there. someone please tell me how to hit the ball consistently out of the infield and maintain a high average.
When I had trouble with not hitting the ball hard, especially the other way, my problem was usually with my hands not being in a proper lauch position. I'll have my hands way too far back or be holding the bat too straight up and down when I start my swing. Hands too far from the body at launch also caused me problems. For some reason, for softball I tend to hold the bat in tight and then draw it back as I start the swing, but for baseball I hold the bat a little high and back and then bring it in. For me, the hands must be loose for a powerful swing...if I think too much about where my hands are and don't move them during the swing, I get weak contact.
Also, are you picking up your foot at all and cocking your body before you swing? Some hitters get away with not lifting their foot and striding, but everybody who hits the ball well gets their hips cocked so they can get power from their legs. A great deal of power is from the legs and the trunk turning, it's not just from the arms.

[RottenGazebo]

no offense dude, but did u ever play T-Ball or watch little kids play T-Ball?

i knew what i T was when i was 2.

just curious though, how do u not know what a T is.
I have played baseball my whole life, but have never used a T so leave me alone please. :o

[RottenGazebo]

I have played baseball my whole life, but have never used a T so leave me alone please. :o
And I have never played T-ball or watched it. :o

[XFactor]

hey youz guys,,,instead of discussing stuff on message boards that nobody can see you let alone cure your bad habits...WHY don't you guyz spend about 20 or 30 bucks on an instructional video? batspeed.com,,,,or mike epstein or teaching the power rotational swing...get something and work on it.

Because... why spend 20 or 30 dollars when you can get your answers on here and advice on what your doing wrong and how to fix it

[wogdoggy]

listen ,,,how do you discuss mechanics on a message board.? you are kidding yourself.lol...get something and try it..it may work for you but then again maybe not you... :crazy dicussing fixes on a message board may be long term detrimental to your career.

[XFactor]

Well, you can explain how to do things... some people can pick that up and do it. Others need people to show them how to do things. I can't just magically poof to someone's house and be like "See this is how you throw a 2 seamer"
But who says those instructional videos work? I mean a lot of pitching videos out there suck..
You can tell people what to work on. Like sitting up inside on a tee and swinging to work on hitting the inside fastball. But I can't exactely show them the proper way how to hit it. I can discuss pitching mechanics pretty well on this board though. And yes given the WRONG information it can be detrimental to your career. But I don't give out bad info :P

[RottenGazebo]

How can I increase bat speed? I'm trying out for my school team and we use heavier bats than I am used to.

[chisox2k5]

How can I increase bat speed? I'm trying out for my school team and we use heavier bats than I am used to.

search function

[RottenGazebo]

What is a more important in batting, contact or power?

[Jake Patterson]

Question... do you believe that batting coaches should encourage hitters to pursue the exact same technique, as a certain highly visible ad for a video series has promoted?

Or, should hitters be free to their own devices and quirks?

There are countless examples of either train of thought here, so I really have no idea.

Study after study has shown that everyone's body is different. No one can be expected to hit exactly the same. Concentrated on good mechanics.

[XFactor]

Well, when I was down in Arizona, a person I worked with has thing, it's like a tee except it's a horizontal plastic tube (hard enough where if you hit it, it's not going to bend or anything) and it has 3 notches on it where you can put balls. But you don't put baseballs on it. You put tennis balls on it. Why? Because if you hit a tennis ball on the top of it, it'll go maybe a foot, and with the horizontal tube if you hit underneath the ball, your going to hit the tube. It teaches you to have a level swing (and there is only 1 part of the whole swing where the bat is suppose to be level, and that is at contact, your either going down at the ball, make level contact, then up again, so only 1 part is level). He also threw us tennis balls to hit. Because if you don't hit it right, it's not going to go very far. It's instant feedback, I suggest all you coaches add this to your repitore (spelling? heh).

[Yankeesfan1234]

Xfactor where were you at in arizona... i was in peoria at the woodbat tournment by the spring training facilities in the fall of this year where you there???

[XFactor]

I just went down to Arizona Dec 14 - Dec 21, my grandparents lived in Mesa but my dad and I would go drive to... somewhere... lol I forgot... I'll edit this post later and tell you exactely where I went but yeah.. I was not in the woodbat tourney though

[XFactor]

Okay, we went to Iron Wood HS (because the person I worked with is their pitching coach) and I believe that is in Phoenix

[hiddengem]

Well, when I was down in Arizona, a person I worked with has thing, it's like a tee except it's a horizontal plastic tube (hard enough where if you hit it, it's not going to bend or anything) and it has 3 notches on it where you can put balls. But you don't put baseballs on it. You put tennis balls on it. Why? Because if you hit a tennis ball on the top of it, it'll go maybe a foot, and with the horizontal tube if you hit underneath the ball, your going to hit the tube. It teaches you to have a level swing (and there is only 1 part of the whole swing where the bat is suppose to be level, and that is at contact, your either going down at the ball, make level contact, then up again, so only 1 part is level). He also threw us tennis balls to hit. Because if you don't hit it right, it's not going to go very far. It's instant feedback, I suggest all you coaches add this to your repitore (spelling? heh).


Is this what the "T" that you used looked like? I know you love my artwork ;)

If this is the device you are talking about, I would say throw it away as fast as you possibly can. This is not what a high level swing looks like. You very rarely if ever, see a good swing chop down on the ball like this thing promotes. I've seen some really nice swings get screwed up fast using this. I'll be interested to hear what Hit-it-hard, jbooth and Ursa major have to say about it.

[hit-it-hard]

I'll be interested to hear what Hit-it-hard, jbooth and Ursa major have to say about it.

I don't like it. Don't like this type of tee (http://baseballjunk.com/images/ktee/ktee1.jpg) either.

I want a swing plane which looks like this (http://photos.imageevent.com/siggy/forums/cd102_Momentum_lr.gif) (image courtesy of Nyman/Setpro) and I don't think either of these devices help get there.

[hiddengem]

I don't like it. Don't like this type of tee (http://baseballjunk.com/images/ktee/ktee1.jpg) either.

I want a swing plane which looks like this (http://photos.imageevent.com/siggy/forums/cd102_Momentum_lr.gif) and I don't think either of these devices help get there.


I can't tell what this type of tee (http://baseballjunk.com/images/ktee/ktee1.jpg) is trying to get you to do?

What would this (http://photos.imageevent.com/siggy/forums/cd102_Momentum_lr.gif) type of swing look like on a ball at the top of the strike zone? Would it flatten out or would you still let your front arm "chicken wing" up?

[hit-it-hard]

I can't tell what this type of tee (http://baseballjunk.com/images/ktee/ktee1.jpg) is trying to get you to do?

The bent tee shape is to keep a level bat. The little thing that sticks up on the outside is to avoid casting.


What would this (http://photos.imageevent.com/siggy/forums/cd102_Momentum_lr.gif) type of swing look like on a ball at the top of the strike zone? Would it flatten out or would you still let your front arm "chicken wing" up?

Flattens out as you go up and becomes more vertical on lower pitches. Tilt forward at the hips to set the swing plane, arms stay connected to the body (maintaining the box) as you rotate hips, torso, shoulders. Higher pitch, tilt less. Lower pitch, tilt more. No chicken winging in this swing.

[hiddengem]

Higher pitch, tilt less. Lower pitch, tilt more. No chicken winging in this swing.

Tilt=side bend?

[hit-it-hard]

Tilt = forward bend at hips towards the plate. To set the swing plane before rotation. Best done by sticking the butt out and tilting spine forward. Set the angles so that all is left to do is turn while maintaining the box. To visualize, if a bat was sticking out of your sternum (perpendicular to spine), then you would tilt until the bat would be pointing at a ball on a tee directly in front of you.

Lots of great examples/explanations on Setpro site (h-m.org has been consolidated into the Setpro websites now) which are better than any of my written descriptions. Recommend you check out this very good thread here discussing some of these issues (http://setpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7598). Search for swing plane or posture for other threads with similar info.

Example here of Vernon Wells (http://photos.imageevent.com/siggy/hitting/analysis/wells_t_opt.gif). Starts tilted and pretty much just turns keeping bat perpendicular to spine.

[hiddengem]

Tilt = forward bend at hips towards the plate. To set the swing plane before rotation. Best done by sticking the butt out and tilting spine forward. Set the angles so that all is left to do is turn while maintaining the box. To visualize, if a bat was sticking out of your sternum (perpendicular to spine), then you would tilt until the bat would be pointing at a ball on a tee directly in front of you.

Lots of great examples/explanations on Setpro site (h-m.org has been consolidated into the Setpro websites now) which are better than any of my written descriptions. Good thread here discussing some of these issues (http://setpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7598). Search for swing plane or posture.

Example here of Vernon Wells (http://photos.imageevent.com/siggy/hitting/analysis/wells_t_opt.gif).


That was an awesome link. Anybody wanting to see "how" to swing the bat should take a look at those illustrations.

Post #11 is Priceless. This is precisely the "swing down" epidemic that runs rampid in baseball. You to be absolutely perfect to even make contact, and if you do its going to be a pop up. Then what will the coach say? "swing down kid" :grouchy

Good stuff.

[jbooth]

Is this what the "T" that you used looked like? I know you love my artwork ;)

If this is the device you are talking about, I would say throw it away as fast as you possibly can. This is not what a high level swing looks like. You very rarely if ever, see a good swing chop down on the ball like this thing promotes. I've seen some really nice swings get screwed up fast using this. I'll be interested to hear what Hit-it-hard, jbooth and Ursa major have to say about it.

That is the Ken Grifey Jr, Model 1600 Instructo Swing. It teaches the Charlie Lau and Dave Hudgens method of swinging. Throw it in the garbage, nobody swings like that. Hudgens says you must keep the bathead above the hands from the start of the bat movement until ball contact. It's probably why the A's fired him and they hit .238 as a team in April and May last year when they tried to hit like he teaches. They ignored him from June to October and their team aveage went up to .268.

[hiddengem]

That is the Ken Grifey Jr, Model 1600 Instructo Swing. It teaches the Charlie Lau and Dave Hudgens method of swinging. Throw it in the garbage, nobody swings like that. Hudgens says you must keep the bathead above the hands from the start of the bat movement until ball contact. It's probably why the A's fired him and they hit .238 as a team in April and May last year when they tried to hit like he teaches. They ignored him from June to October and their team aveage went up to .268.

You know, in pro ball you have many different ways hitting is taught and it seems to change from team to team.
The problem is: when things are going bad and nothing seems to feel right you'll do just about anything. Good hitters know the right way to hit and don't waiver from it. I can't say I've never done it, but this year more than ever I'm not going to waiver.

[Ursa Major]

The sort of abominations that I've seen as hitting trainers tend to look something like this:
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/ShortstrokeTrnr.jpg
Scary, huh? Worse than relying on the fence drill as your sole training device, in my eyes. Don't know how you're supposed to hit if the ball doesn't come in at the height of the trainer.

I agree with Hit-it-Hard's assessment of how you adjust to the height of a pitch. Just tilt the spine so that the plane of the swing is perpendicular to the spine, sorta like a discus thrower tilts when swinging around with the disc. Heck, even a batter who doesn't maintain his box well can -- with this posture -- get a lucky whack on a ball, like this doofus....
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/HGContact1a.JPG

[hiddengem]

The sort of abominations that I've seen as hitting trainers tend to look something like this:
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/ShortstrokeTrnr.jpg
Scary, huh? Worse than relying on the fence drill as your sole training device, in my eyes. Don't know how you're supposed to hit if the ball doesn't come in at the height of the trainer.

I agree with Hit-it-Hard's assessment of how you adjust to the height of a pitch. Just tilt the spine so that the plane of the swing is perpendicular to the spine, sorta like a discus thrower tilts when swinging around with the disc. Heck, even a batter who doesn't maintain his box well can -- with this posture -- get a lucky whack on a ball, like this doofus....
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/HGContact1a.JPG

Gosh..what a real doofus..how does anybody even give him a uniform?:D

The red line shows how a tilt of the spint gets you in position to hit certain pitches?

[wogdoggy]

Forget the tilt did you see those forearms? just kidding.you really "golfed "that one out.:clapping

[pgibbons]

Anyone ever seen this series of Ted Williams swinging:
http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~stephan/Animation/williams.bat.gif

It's only 6 frames, so it's a little hard to tell, but I think it looks similar to the swing plane hit-it-hard posted earlier here (http://photos.imageevent.com/siggy/forums/cd102_Momentum_lr.gif)

Also, to my uneducated eyes, it also looks like Williams is tilting and maintaining the box as well (some phrases I've heard and am trying to understand better). Am I right about this?

Before I found this, I never realized just how skinny a guy Teddy Ballgame was.

[jbooth]

Also, to my uneducated eyes, it also looks like Williams is tilting and maintaining the box as well (some phrases I've heard and am trying to understand better). Am I right about this?

Before I found this, I never realized just how skinny a guy Teddy Ballgame was.

The box is 4 imaginary lines that go from front shoulder to back shoulder, back shoulder to hands, hands to front elbow, and front elbow to front shoulder. You should form this box in your stance and it should not change its shape as you turn your shoulders to move the bathead into the ball.

Here is Ted's box in his stance, and at contact. You don't use your arms and hands to move the bat. You use your hips and shoulders to rotate your body and the box.

http://firstpickclub.com/images/WilliamsBox.jpg

Compare Ted above to Paul Nyman's simulation of how he believes ALL high-level MLB hitters move.

http://firstpickclub.com/images/nymanboxleft.jpg

[Ursa Major]

Gosh..what a real doofus..how does anybody even give him a uniform?Well, look at the $39 million they threw at Furcal, a decent (career .284 hitter) and below average fielder. I bet the Dodgers could get this guy for no more than a million per and be better off. (Better yet, they'd be free to send that fraud Kent up to Oakland to re-unite him with Milton Bradley.) :p
The red line shows how a tilt of the spint gets you in position to hit certain pitches?The perpendicular red lines simply show that the hitter's spine is perpendicular to the plane of the hitter's swing. Note that the hitter's top arm (upper and lower), bottom forearm, hands and bat are all in the same swing plane. The optimal technique is for the swing plane to be perpendicular to the spine on every pitch, regardless of location.

The point of the swing plane being perpendicular to the spine is simply that it is the most efficient mechanism to deliver all the spine's rotational power to the end of the second pendulum (i.e., the bathead). Compare this to the mechanism of a discus thrower as shown below, whose technique is studied by engineers to the Nth degree. Same idea => stay perpendicular.
http://s95294420.onlinehome.us/userfiles/discussm.gif

And, hey, is it just me, or does it seem that frames 3 and 4 of the Williams image cannot be on the same swing? How does the bathead jump so much vertically?

[hiddengem]

Note that the hitter's top arm (upper and lower), bottom forearm, hands and bat are all in the same swing plane. The optimal technique is for the swing plane to be perpendicular to the spine on every pitch, regardless of location.


So you are saying this guy has a chance?

[Ursa Major]

So you are saying this guy has a chance?
Not if this swing shows up only once every three years. And only if Joaquin Benoit gets traded to the National League. :)

[pgibbons]

jbooth, thanks for the swing analyses, that really helps.

[hiddengem]

Not if this swing shows up only once every three years. And only if Joaquin Benoit gets traded to the National League. :)

I hear ya...I bet that guy wishes he had control of when he gets his chances and how many chances he gets.:ughh

[jbooth]

I created this thread so people can share there thoughts, ideas, ands tips on great batting.

TIGERFAN84 :gt

Here are 9 examples of turning "the box".

None of these guys swing down, or extend their arms before contact.

http://firstpickclub.com/images/hitters/mlb9.jpg

[hiddengem]

Here are 9 examples of turning "the box".

None of these guys swing down, or extend their arms before contact.

http://firstpickclub.com/images/hitters/mlb9.jpg

Good Examples, my guess is that if we were to see these swings in entirety, they would start down, but as there back side gets into the swing and they stay behind the ball, that is when there swing gets in the position we are seeing in these clips.

That is why it takes a good teacher to explain the "swing down" theory. Many people take the swing down as a Chop and its not that at all, it happens VERY early in the swing.

Also, in every one of these swings these hitters are letting the ball get deep in the zone before making contact. Thus they are able to stay "in the box" as you describe. If they were fooled on the pitch or out in front of a pitch they would lose this box and that is when good hands/hand eye cordination takes over. Agree?

[Joltin Joe Giradio]

I have never played any organized baseball or had any professional coaching. I do, however, play some recreational baseball and softball. I have trouble pulling the ball in the air, and if I want to drive the ball deep, I usually have to really pull my weight ball and uppercut the ball, and my longest drives are always to center and rightcenter. When I do pull the ball, it's usually soft grounders to 3B. I also hit grounders/low liners to 2B and 1B. (I bat RH)

Does this sound like a swing problem or body mechanics problem?

[jbooth]

Good Examples, my guess is that if we were to see these swings in entirety, they would start down, but as there back side gets into the swing and they stay behind the ball, that is when there swing gets in the position we are seeing in these clips.

That is why it takes a good teacher to explain the "swing down" theory. Many people take the swing down as a Chop and its not that at all, it happens VERY early in the swing.

Also, in every one of these swings these hitters are letting the ball get deep in the zone before making contact. Thus they are able to stay "in the box" as you describe. If they were fooled on the pitch or out in front of a pitch they would lose this box and that is when good hands/hand eye cordination takes over. Agree?

A "down swing" is a Charlie Lau/Dave Hudgens swing. The hands go in a direct line from their starting position around the shoulder, to the height of the ball or toward their waist.

Here is a quick and dirty change I made to this picture;
The white plane is a correct Barry Bonds type swing, the orange plane is a "down swing." It's not a great picture, but I think you get the idea.

http://firstpickclub.com/images/updown.jpg

The 9 guys in the photo are at the point in the swing, shown by the skeleton on the right, below.

http://firstpickclub.com/images/nymanbox.jpg

[hiddengem]

A "down swing" is a Charlie Lau/Dave Hudgens swing. The hands go in a direct line from their starting position around the shoulder, to the height of the ball or toward their waist.

Here is a quick and dirty change I made to this picture;
The white plane is a correct Barry Bonds type swing, the orange plane is a "down swing." It's not a great picture, but I think you get the idea.

http://firstpickclub.com/images/updown.jpg

The 9 guys in the photo are at the point in the swing, shown by the skeleton on the right, below.

http://firstpickclub.com/images/nymanbox.jpg

Yes, that is the "chop" I was referring to, or a slash across the strike zone as I like to call it.

[Ursa Major]

Joltin' Joe said: I have never played any organized baseball or had any professional coaching. I do, however, play some recreational baseball and softball. I have trouble pulling the ball in the air, and if I want to drive the ball deep, I usually have to really pull my weight ball and uppercut the ball, and my longest drives are always to center and rightcenter. When I do pull the ball, it's usually soft grounders to 3B. I also hit grounders/low liners to 2B and 1B. (I bat RH)

Does this sound like a swing problem or body mechanics problem?Well, if you're topping the ball when you try to pull it, I'd venture to guess that you're pulling off the ball. Could be a number of reasons: rotating your shoulders too soon, straightening your front leg, having your weight back on your heels, or just upper cutting, for starters.

First, of course, make sure you're not trying to pull pitches on the outer half of the plate. If your pop is to center and right, you're cheating yourself by trying to pull anyway.

Second, have someone videotape you from the front and side in batting practice and compare what you do when you pull versus when you hit well towards center and right. Focusing on these potential problems and those that others more knowledgeable than I might raise may give you a clue.

And, Joe, what does it mean to "pull my weight ball"???

[Jake Patterson]

How can I increase bat speed? I'm trying out for my school team and we use heavier bats than I am used to.

RG your bat size should be determined by what you can effectively swing, not the league in which you play. Junior high and high school teams typically use a minus 3 bat. They are typically 29"-33" long and 26-30 ounces in weight.

OTHER NOTES: The National Federation of State High School Associations limits the diameter of a bat to 2 5/8 inches. and it has to be BESR rated (Baseball Exit Speed Ratio)

An easy way to properly size a bat is to hold the bat straight out in front of you parallel to the ground with your throwing hand on the knob. If you can hold the bat steady without it shaking or dropping for more than 20 seconds the bat may be too light. If you can't hold the bat steady for more than fifteen seconds the bat is too heavy.

[wogdoggy]

jake question about besr.Are big barell bats also rated? If these bats all have to comply are any REALLY hotter than another?

[Jake Patterson]

jake question about besr.Are big barell bats also rated? If these bats all have to comply are any REALLY hotter than another?

No....I believe the National Assoc of High Schools only recognizes a 2 5/8" barrell, Little League allows 2 5/8 with a 33" max only. They also have specific requirements for softball bats.

Yes....
The manufactures would try to add zip to the bat by controlling weight distribution and drop. A simple example would be a light bat with more weight at the head could be swung faster and therfore create higher ball exit speeds. Once players started getting hurt a couple of physicist developed the Besr rating system. The BESR (Basball exit speed ratio) sets the performance of the bat to simulate a fast ball (I think I remember 75 MPH) being hit by a Northern White Ash bat being swung at (70 MPH).

Since the BESR regulations came out manufacturers have been working on the metals used in the bats themselves. This does make a difference, but not to the degree a varying drop differential would.

Hope this helps....

[wogdoggy]

so a minus 3 besr certified bat are all basically the same because they can only legally have a certain exit speed.BUT,with a 8.5 drop or senior league big barrel ANYTHING goes.? The high school bats have an exit speed but LITTLE LEAGUE or similar style bats do not?:confused:

[Jake Patterson]

so a minus 3 besr certified bat are all basically the same because they can only legally have a certain exit speed.BUT,with a 8.5 drop or senior league big barrel ANYTHING goes.? The high school bats have an exit speed but LITTLE LEAGUE or similar style bats do not?:confused:

I found this about Little League bats:

1.10 - The bat may be either a softball or baseball bat which meets Little League specifications and standards as noted in this rule. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick and made of wood or of material tested and approved acceptable to Little League standards. It shall not be more than thirty-three (33) inches (34 inches for Junior and Senior League; 38 inches for Big League) in length, not more than two and one-quarter (2-1/4) inches (2-3/4 inches for Junior/Senior/Big League baseball) in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenth (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30") at its smallest part. Bats may be taped or fitted with a sleeve for distance not exceeding sixteen (16) inches (18 inches for Junior/Senior/Big League baseball) from the small end. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. Slippery tape or similar material is prohibited.

No laminated bat shall be used. Colored bats are acceptable. Painted bats made of wood are not acceptable. An illegal bat must be removed.

NOTE 1: The traditional batting donut is not permissible.

I do believe there is a drop requirement from Little League, but I was unable to find anything on there site

[Joltin Joe Giradio]

And, Joe, what does it mean to "pull my weight ball"???

I meant to say pull my weight BACK. I pulled a George W there.

[RottenGazebo]

What is the fastest way that I can decrease my number of strikeouts every season?

[Jake Patterson]

What is the fastest way that I can decrease my number of strikeouts every season?

RG There no easy answer here. I would first recommend you visit a reputable instructor. Also filming your swing would be a great help. In order for those of us who coach to answer your question we would need to see your swing.

[XFactor]

"You very rarely if ever, see a good swing chop down on the ball like this thing promotes. I've seen some really nice swings get screwed up fast using this. I'll be interested to hear what Hit-it-hard, jbooth and Ursa major have to say about it."

No, the thing I'm talking about isn't what your drawing looks like.

[hiddengem]

"You very rarely if ever, see a good swing chop down on the ball like this thing promotes. I've seen some really nice swings get screwed up fast using this. I'll be interested to hear what Hit-it-hard, jbooth and Ursa major have to say about it."

No, the thing I'm talking about isn't what your drawing looks like.

Well, maybe you could link us to this product, or try and draw something like it.

[XFactor]

Obviously you've never seen my drawing skills.
All I know about the type of tee that we used is that it was developed in Iowa.. my dad is going to attempt to re create the one we used in Arizona and maybe I'll take a picture or 50 and scan them for you all to view.

[Comm]

How can I increase bat speed? I'm trying out for my school team and we use heavier bats than I am used to.

Cork your Bat!

[swingbuster]

Good images...

What these players do upstream of those still images determines how well they get into that position and how it all synchs. Seeing it has little to do with getting into that position dynamically is you don't get " loading" and launch mechanics

[bbjunkie]

I found this about Little League bats:

Colored bats are acceptable. Painted bats made of wood are not acceptable. An illegal bat must be removed.
An interesting note. I recently bought a wood bat for my son from Barnstable Bats. I emailed them to ask about their colored bats and whether they meet the LL requirements against painted bats. Barnstable contacted LL who told them that the prohibition against "painted" bats means home painted bats. Factory painted bats are OK.

I do believe there is a drop requirement from Little League, but I was unable to find anything on there site
I am unaware of any drop requirement. In the next year or two they will be requiring a rating of no more 1.15. I think that's a BESR rating but not sure.

[Trot2millah]

If you are willing to spend buy this bat:the Miken Freak. It is made by Miken, a small company based in Minnesota. I have the adult 31/29. It sounds like a wood bat (my teammates think it's really weird) but it gets great pop. I rarely ever get jammed or hit something weak.

the link:
http://www.mikensports.com/freakadult.asp