Coaching06: Batting tips for Better Hitting & Drill Execution

STRIDE PHASE OF THE SWING: Emphasize to the hitter that she land on the big toe of her stride foot. This will enable her to keep her weight balanced, towards the plate and not "falling away" from the plate.  TWO STRIKE STANCE: During drill session and practice, rehearse "two strike" stance. The hitter chokes up slightly, and widens her stance slightly. At the same time, she changes her mindset to making contact with a short, compact swing with a bigger strike zone. This strategy helps build their confidence when they arrive in a two-strike count. Instead of panicking, they realize they have practiced this prior to the game.  LOOK FOR A PITCH BELOW THE HANDS: This helps the hitter lay off a rise ball thrower who "appears" to be throwing a ball in the strike zone, but, by the time it comes across the plate it's out of the strike zone.  BUNT THE OUTSIDE PITCH FAIR: The most common problem with the hitters bunting the outside pitch is they make successful contact, but the ball goes foul outside the first base line. During practice, set the pitching machine on the outside part of the plate. Emphasize to the hitter to "catch" the "outside" part of the ball (which is the right side of the ball coming towards the plate, for a right handed batter, as it arrives in the contact zone) with the barrel of the bat and bring the knob in toward the belly button. By doing so, the ball will have a tendency to remain fair more often.  INCREASE FOCUS ON BATTING TEE HITTING: Require the hitter to keep their eyes/head on the tee AFTER they hit the ball (don't follow the ball into the net or field area).   Sue Enquist Head Coach,  University of California Los Angeles