The following is an outline of the mechanics of hitting.  This outline reflects some key points to becoming a mechanically sound hitter.  Please note, without proper and complete instruction, training and conditioning, a hitter will not achieve maximum potential.

1.       THE STANCE – the batter needs to be in a relaxed and comfortable stance, but yet in a position that allows him to have a short and powerful swing.

a.        The batters feet should be approximately 6” wider than his shoulders with knees bent.

                                       i.            If the batters feet are too wide or narrow it will affect one or more of the following: balance, the path of the swing, the ability to hit the inside or outside swing (depending on where the batter is positioned in box) and power.

b.       The batters hands will vary with each individual batter.  It is important for the batter to be comfortable and relaxed, but it is more important that the hands not be too low or high.

                                       i.            The batter wants to create a ‘V’ shape with his power arm (left hand for right handed hitters).  The ‘V’ shape will be from the left shoulder to left hand.

c.              The batter’s knuckles need to be aligned correctly.

                                       i.            The knuckles that need to be aligned are the middle knuckles (the knuckles you knock with).  If the batter aligns any other knuckles, he will roll his wrists prior to making contact with the ball.

2.       THE SWING – The batter has approximately .4 seconds (depending on velocity of the pitch) to decide if he is going to swing or not.  The batter’s timing and reaction to the pitch are two factors to a successful at bat.  However without the proper swing mechanics those two factors are for nothing.

a.        From the stance position, the batter will “load” in a pull motion with his right hand (right handed batters) and elbow staying parallel with the shoulder.

                                       i.            At this point the batter’s body weight should be on the back leg.

b.       The batter will stride with the lead leg (left leg for right hander) straight toward the pitcher.

                                       i.            The batter should not stride more than 6”.  A longer stride will affect one or more of the following: timing, prevent the batter from throwing the hip straight out, change the path of the swing, lose power, etc.

c.        Upon planting the lead foot, the batter will throw his front hip straight forward while simultaneously transferring the weight from the back to the front.

d.       The batter will explosively lead, in a pull motion, the power hand (left hand for right hander) directly toward the path of the ball in a downward motion (similar to chopping a tree with an ax).  To simplify it, lead the knob to the ball.

                                       i.            It is important that the batter NOT drop his back side and “push” with the guide hand (right hand for right hander). Dropping the back side and “pushing” with the guider hand will create a long sweeping swing.

                                      ii.            What creates the illusion of a Professional Hitter swinging in an upward motion is the mechanics of throwing the front hip straight forward (See 2.c. above).

e.        Prior to making contact with the ball, the batter will allow his wrist to break.

                                       i.            It is important the batter does not roll his wrist prior to making contact with the ball.  If his wrists roll, the head of the bat will drop, causing the bat to make contact either on top or bottom of ball.

f.         The batter will quickly rotate his hips.

                                       i.            The batter will rotate his hips to the ball on an inside pitch.

                                      ii.            The batter will rotate his hips through the ball on an outside pitch.

g.       Upon contact with the ball, the batter will follow through in an upward motion.  At the end of the swing, the batter’s power hand should be approximately at shoulder level and his back toes should be pointed straight down.

These points I have presented herein do not encompass 100% of hitting mechanics, however, they are important points to know.  For the batter to reach maximum potential, he must maintain balance throughout his swing.  Most importantly, the batter must receive the proper conditioning and training.