Is it impossible to hit a baseball or softball? Discover how youth swing science drills are the key to hitting power, line drives, and batting timing.
Coach, this one’s for you. Picture the sun setting, the nostalgic hum of a baseball game on the radio, and the memories of legendary players flashing before you. You’re not just coaching a game, you’re passing on a legacy. Let’s make sure it’s the right one.
Ah, the charm of baseball’s history. Those stories, those legends. But, Coach, you’ve probably heard a few age-old hitting myths in your time, right? You may still subscribe to them now. I hear you, ideally in certain situations, the myths may hold true. Problem is, the myths themselves tend to be SUPER vague and if left up to interpretation, could lead a hitter down a really dark performance path.
SCIENCE-BASED TRAINING:
Improve your hitting strategy dramatically by applying human movement principles.
Learn not only how and what to train but also the science behind the methods.
Every coach, every player has their secret sauce. But remember, even Babe Ruth would’ve benefited from a bit of science. And the same could be said for Ted Williams, Nolan Ryan, Hank Aaron and others from the past who were the forward thinkers of their time. In today’s game, you have guys like Joey Votto and Josh Donaldson.
You’re not just a coach. You’re a mentor, a guide. So, it’s crucial to understand the why behind the how.
Sure, concentration’s crucial. But with today’s fast pitches, it’s all about prediction. Mentor your players to trust their intuition, shaped by training.
Imagine teaching discipline during tournaments. It’s not about brute force; it’s about control, just like your leadership style. I tell my hitters that “alignment” and “structure” MUST take place before “bat speed”.
Balance, Coach, balance! You juggle family and coaching every day. Similarly, a hitter must find that sweet balance between power and control.
From Mickey Mantle to Mike Trout, every legend has that favorite spot on the bat. Help your team find theirs. This is one of the best ways to find the sweet spot more often, by making swing adjustments. And the other piece to this is using the correct barrel path based on pitch location. This article goes into that.
Modern baseball’s shifting, Coach. And just like you adapt to each player’s needs, adapting to the importance of launch angles can change the game. The “making swing adjustments” link above is the answer to this.
From the dense woods of yesteryears to today’s sleek alloys and BBCORs – bats have stories, just like your players. Share them. The bats may be getting heavier, but it doesn’t mean your hitter needs to follow behind because he or she can’t handle it. The overload and underload training link above is your answer. And also, don’t forget wood bats are the best sweet spot trainers because in comparison to sweet spot size, the alloys’ are much bigger. “It’s not the arrow, it’s the Indian”.
Remember the first glove you ever owned? Teach your players the importance of equipment choice. It’s more than just gear; it’s about history.
Beyond batting averages, there’s a world of numbers that can guide your team. Dive deep, Coach. First start with 101 reasons to teach your hitters based off of ball exit speeds.
Sure, it may feel distant from the dusty fields, but sabermetrics is the bridge between history and today’s game. Embrace it.
Instill discipline, respect, and a thirst for knowledge. It’s not just about winning the tournament but about crafting legends.
Coach, balancing commitments, finances, and mentoring young minds isn’t easy. But, with a blend of old-school wisdom and modern science, you’re not just leading a team; you’re building the next generation of baseball greats.
SCIENCE-BASED TRAINING:
Improve your hitting strategy dramatically by applying human movement principles.
Learn not only how and what to train but also the science behind the methods.