Mastering Advanced Baseball Techniques: Personalized Online Coaching Elevates Youth and High School Hitting Skills

Mastering Advanced Baseball Techniques: Personalized Online Coaching Elevates Youth & High School Hitting Skills

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Mastering Advanced Baseball Techniques: Personalized Online Coaching Elevates Youth and High School Hitting Skills

From Struggle to Success: The Chan Brothers’ Story of Mastering the Art of Hitting

Introduction

Hey folks, Joey here. Let me take you through an incredible journey with the Chan brothers. These kids came to me with a common problem – they were struggling at the plate. But, oh boy, did they have a turnaround!

The Chan Brothers’ Early Challenges

When I first met Ethan and his brothers, they were eager but frustrated. They were putting in the effort, but their swings just weren’t delivering.

Discovering RocketHitting Formula

That’s when their dad, Simon, brought them to my online coaching program. He was looking for something different, something that could make a real change.

The Turning Point

In our first session, I could see the potential in these boys. They were attentive, ready to learn, and open to new ideas. It was just about tweaking a few things.

First Impressions of Coach Joey Myers

I remember telling Simon,

“It’s not just about swinging the bat; it’s understanding why and how.”

We started breaking down the fundamentals, focusing on technique and mindset.

Key Changes in the First Two Lessons

We worked on their stance, their grip, and their mental approach. It was amazing to see how quickly they adapted and improved.

The Transformation Journey

Over time, I watched the Chan brothers transform. Each session, each practice, they grew stronger, more confident. They were no longer just hitting; they were mastering the art of hitting.

Seeing the Results

The changes in Ethan and his brothers were not just in their swings but in their entire approach to the game. Ethan, especially, started hitting the ball with more power and accuracy. It was a proud moment when I saw him smash one over the fence during a game.

Brothers Follow Suit

Ethan’s success had a ripple effect. His brothers, inspired and motivated, followed the same path. They were all implementing the techniques we worked on, and the results were clear in every at-bat.

Parental Perspective

Simon’s feedback was invaluable. He noticed not just the technical improvements but also the rise in their confidence levels. As a parent, seeing his kids enjoy and succeed in the sport they loved was a huge relief.

The Value of Online Coaching

Online coaching proved to be a game-changer for the Chan family. The convenience and the ability to review sessions helped them understand and practice the techniques better.

Beyond the Basics

As we progressed, I introduced the boys to more advanced hitting techniques. We worked on situational hitting, understanding pitchers, and adapting to different game scenarios.

Preparing for Competitive Play

The ultimate goal was to get them ready for competitive play. The boys were now not just participants in the game; they were becoming key players in their teams.

The Mental Game

A significant part of our sessions focused on the mental aspect of hitting. We worked on building a mindset that embraced challenges and stayed focused under pressure.

Building a Winner’s Mindset

The transformation in their mental game was as crucial as the physical one. The boys learned to handle successes and setbacks with a balanced approach, which is key in baseball.

Continuous Improvement

Our journey didn’t stop at just getting better. It was about continuous improvement, adapting to new challenges, and always striving for excellence.

Ongoing Training and Support

I made sure the boys had ongoing support. Whether it was tweaking their swings or discussing game strategies, we were always in sync.

Adapting to New Challenges

As they grew and faced new challenges, our training evolved. It was about staying ahead of the game, and the boys were quick learners.

The Role of Feedback

Feedback played a crucial role in our sessions. It wasn’t just about what they were doing right, but also what needed improvement. Honest, constructive feedback was key to their progress.

Importance of Constructive Criticism

I always believe in positive reinforcement coupled with constructive criticism. This approach helped the boys understand their strengths and areas for growth without feeling discouraged.

How Feedback Transformed Practice Sessions

Each feedback session brought a new perspective to their practice. It was about learning, relearning, and perfecting their skills.

The Impact on Performance

The impact of our sessions was evident in their game-day performances. Their hitting improved, but more importantly, their understanding of the game deepened.

Game Day Success Stories

I remember games where the boys showcased their improved skills, making crucial hits and helping their teams win. Those moments were a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Measurable Improvements in Hitting

The best part was seeing measurable improvements in their hitting stats. Higher batting averages, more RBIs, and fewer strikeouts – the numbers spoke for themselves.

Lessons for Other Players and Coaches

The journey with the Chan brothers offered valuable lessons for other players and coaches. It highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to hitting.

Tips from the Chan Brothers’ Experience

The key takeaway was the integration of mental and physical aspects of hitting. This approach can be a game-changer for any player.

Advice for Implementing Changes

For coaches and parents, my advice is to be patient and focus on understanding each player’s unique needs. Tailoring your approach can make a huge difference.

Looking to the Future

As for the Chan brothers, their journey in baseball is just beginning. They have set new goals and are working towards them with the same zeal and enthusiasm.

Setting New Goals

The boys are now aiming higher, and I’m confident they’ll achieve whatever they set their minds to.

The Chan Brothers’ Future in Baseball

With their talent, work ethic, and the right guidance, the sky’s the limit for Ethan and his brothers. I’m excited to see where their journey takes them.

Conclusion

Summing up, the transformation of the Chan brothers was a journey of growth, learning, and success. It’s a story that demonstrates the power of the right guidance and a strong work ethic.

Final Thoughts from the Chan Family

From Simon’s perspective, the journey was not just about baseball. It was about watching his sons grow into confident, skilled players who loved the game. And that, for any parent or coach, is the real victory.

FAQs

  1. How long does it take to see improvements in hitting?  Improvements can vary, but often, noticeable changes can be seen within a few weeks of consistent practice and application of the right techniques.
  2. Can these techniques work for players of all ages?  Absolutely! The fundamentals of good hitting are universal, though the approach may be tailored to suit different age groups.
  3. Is online coaching as effective as in-person sessions?  Yes, with the right coach and tools, online coaching can be highly effective, offering convenience and the ability to review sessions.
  4. How important is the mental aspect in hitting?  It’s crucial. A strong mental game complements physical skills and is essential for consistency and confidence at the plate.
  5. Can the RocketHitting Formula help with hitting in competitive leagues?  Definitely. The techniques and strategies are designed to elevate hitting performance, even in highly competitive environments.
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Youth Hitting Strategy For Converting Best Baseball Softball Practice Swings Into Games For Beginners

Youth Hitting Strategy For Converting Best Baseball & Softball Practice Swings Into Games For Beginners

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Youth Hitting Strategy For Converting Best Baseball Softball Practice Swings Into Games For Beginners

Discover one of our seven powerful hitting strategies for converting the best baseball or softball practice swings into game swings, for beginners.  This is a video Alejandro “Hando” Carrasco did when he came into town to hit.  Follow him on Twitter here.

 

 

Summary of Hitting Strategy #5: Get It Get It Rounds

In baseball hitting strategy, “Get It Get It Rounds” focus on pitch recognition and decision-making based on the count. Here’s a breakdown:

Broad vs. Fine Focus

  • Broad Focus: General observation of the pitcher, from waist up, during windup.
  • Fine Focus: Shifts to the pitcher’s hand at hand break to identify the pitch type.

Identifying Pitch Types

  • Fastball Blur: Recognizing the fastball by its visual characteristics.
  • Curveball Blur: Easier to identify due to the hand turning sideways and top spin motion.

Understanding Pitch Patterns

  • Fast Pitcher Pattern: Fastballs tend to be located middle-up or middle-in, while breaking balls and change-ups are down, middle-down, or middle-away.
  • Slow Pitcher Pattern: Emphasizes pitches tend to be middle-away and middle-down, including both fastballs and breaking stuff.

Practical Application

Adjust which plate the hitter starts on (front or back plate) based on the type of pitch you want to focus on:

Strategic Hitting

  • Recognizing patterns and adjusting your approach based on pitcher tendencies, speed differentials, and location.

Get It Get It Round Practice

  • Choose to focus on a fast pitcher pattern for a more challenging round.
  • This strategy helps hitters understand and anticipate pitches, improving their chances of making solid contact more often.

 

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Effective Velocity Formula Breakdown: Best High Level Front Arm Bat Path Baseball & Softball Swing

Effective Velocity Formula Breakdown: Best High Level Front Arm Bat Path Baseball & Softball Swing

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Effective Velocity Formula Breakdown: Best High Level Front Arm Bat Path Baseball & Softball Swing

The Front Arm Secret to Crushing Exit Velocity: Perry Husband Reveals the Hidden Key to Unlocking Your Hitter’s True Power

If your youth hitter feels stuck—constantly topping balls, losing power on inside pitches, or underperforming in game-time situations—you’re not alone. In today’s game, over-coaching mechanical perfection often robs athletes of their natural athleticism at the plate. In this exclusive Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast episode, elite hitting strategist Perry Husband reveals a science-backed, game-tested secret that could instantly change everything: the locked-out lead arm.

Forget the outdated “keep your hands inside the ball” drills. This episode uncovers why fully extending the front arm—not collapsing it—is the true key to maximizing barrel awareness, bat speed, and in-game exit velocity.

Whether you’re a baseball or softball parent, coach, or player, the insights here could save your athlete from years of frustrating plate struggles — and finally unlock their explosive potential.

In case you missed the other parts to Perry and my conversations, then here you go:

Key Insights & Actionable Takeaways

1. The Hidden Power Leak: Bent Front Arm Mechanics

  • Many hitters—even MLB stars—unknowingly leak power by bending their front arms at contact, especially on inside pitches.

  • Perry shares real data showing that a bent lead arm can drop exit velocities from 101 mph down to a weak 73 mph.

  • Quote from Perry:

    “When you bend that arm, you’re always going to be less than max. Lock it out, and you unleash the full leverage of your swing.”

2. Debunking the ‘Stay Inside the Ball’ Myth

  • The old drill of keeping your hands tight to the body (belly button drill) kills bat speed.

  • Perry explains that true barrel control and inside paths come from locked-out leverage, not collapsed, short arms.

  • Keeping the front arm extended maximizes kinesthetic awareness and reduces swing mishits, especially against velocity.

3. Effective Velocity (EV) & How the Best Hitters Dominate

  • Perry details the groundbreaking Effective Velocity (EV) principles that show how the fastest swings are built:

    • Up and in fastballs require higher EV recognition.

    • A longer, locked-out arm path better matches those speeds.

  • Expert Comparison: Even elite players like Mike Trout lose power up in the zone because of bent-arm compensation.
    Locked-out hitters? They crush those pitches consistently.

4. Simple Drill to Train the Locked-Out Lead Arm

Here’s a powerful yet simple drill Perry and Joey recommend you try immediately:

  • Set a tee 18–24 inches out in front of the plate (where real contact happens).

  • Focus on swinging with a fully extended front arm, skipping the barrel “across a table” without dropping or smashing into it.

  • Build feel by keeping slight wrist tension—not rigid, but firm—and skip the barrel across an imaginary flat surface.

This resets muscle memory, promoting fluid, powerful movement instead of tension or swing steering.

5. Why Heavy Bat Training and Overload Methods Matter

  • Heavy bat training (like using properly designed overload bats) helps hitters maintain form under real in-game force.

  • Perry explains how a weak front side gets exposed when hitters can’t maintain leverage against heavy or high-velocity pitches.

  • Training with added resistance forces better mechanics naturally—without overthinking.

Related Resource:
👉 Smart Overload Bats at TheStartingLineupStore.com – Use code GET5OFF to save!

Why This Matters for Your Athlete

Without mastering front arm leverage:

  • Your hitter risks losing power when it matters most—especially on tough fastballs up and in.

  • Timing gets harder, barrel control drops, and confidence fades.

With Perry Husband’s approach:

  • Hitters unlock effortless bat speed.

  • They maintain barrel awareness across the entire strike zone.

  • They build real confidence knowing their swing holds up under pressure.

Ready to Unlock Your Hitter’s True Potential?

🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode here:
👉 Unlocking Elite Power: Perry Husband’s Science-Backed Secrets to Boost Exit Velocity & Fix Youth Hitting Flaws

📚 Plus, explore related resources:

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Coach-Tested Swing Trainer for Youth Baseball: Fix Mechanics & Boost Exit Velocity Fast This Season

Coach-Tested Swing Trainer for Youth Baseball: Fix Mechanics & Boost Exit Velocity Fast This Season

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Coach-Tested Swing Trainer for Youth Baseball: Fix Mechanics & Boost Exit Velocity Fast This Season

What If Everything You’ve Been Taught About Swing Mechanics Is Wrong?

If you’ve been telling your kid to “swing hard,” “stay back,” or “copy what the pros do,” this episode of the Swing Smarter Hitting Training Podcast is a must-listen. Legendary coach and data researcher Perry Husband, creator of Effective Velocity, returns to dismantle the biggest myths in hitting today — and shows why most MLB swing models are not only inefficient… but disastrous for youth development.

Whether you’re a coach trying to help your team hit for more power, a parent tired of watching your kid pop out, or a serious athlete struggling to build consistent contact — this blog unpacks the truth behind elite performance at the plate, backed by over two decades of research and elite-level case studies.

Here are the “parts” of Perry and my conversations:

 

💡 Key Takeaways from the Podcast Episode

🔥 1. Why Copying Big Leaguers Like Mike Trout & Aaron Judge Backfires

“Mike Trout loses up to 30 MPH in exit velocity on inside pitches. And youth hitters trying to mimic him? They’re hitting 38 MPH dribblers.”

Most elite pros can “get away” with inefficient swings because of their size, strength, or pitch recognition. But youth hitters don’t have that luxury. Instead, they need mechanics that maximize efficiency, timing, and barrel control on every swing.

🚀 2. 100/100/100: The New Gold Standard of Hitting

“100% on time. 100% swing efficiency. 100% sweet spot contact.”

The “100/100/100” framework outlined by Perry and host Joey Myers is a revolutionary way to measure and build repeatable success at the plate. Unlike traditional metrics that ignore timing or swing shape, this approach demands total efficiency under pressure — and delivers game-day results.

⚾ 3. Swinging Up = More Popups, More Whiffs

“If your bat path is coming up steep and the pitch is on a downward angle, your margin for error shrinks to almost nothing.”

Perry uses the speedboat vs. torpedo analogy: most hitters today swing like a torpedo coming up from underwater, trying to hit a fastball (speedboat) zipping across the top of the zone. It only works if the timing is perfect — which rarely happens.

Solution? Train swing planes that match pitch paths.

🧪 4. Exit Velocity Is King — But Only When It’s Efficient

“When your EV average goes from 90 to 95 MPH, you get 50–70 points in batting average, more home runs, and higher slugging.”

But here’s the kicker: if your swing mechanics are flawed, your peak EV doesn’t matter — because you’ll rarely hit that number in-game. Perry’s research shows that most hitters operate at only 78–84% of their potential exit velocity.

🔗 Related Resources You’ll Love:

🎧 Listen to the Full Podcast Episode

👉 https://www.truthaboutexplosiverotationalpower.com/podcasts/swing-smarter-hitting-training-podcast-hitting-performance-lab/episodes/2148110454

You’ll hear:

  • Why most swing drills don’t transfer to game-day

  • How Perry predicted 11 straight MLB pitch outcomes using EV principles

  • Real examples of hitters with efficient swing paths and those without

  • Why Oklahoma softball hitters dominate with simplified, science-backed mechanics

Let’s raise smarter, stronger, more confident hitters — one data-driven rep at a time.

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Impossible To Hit A Baseball Or Softball? Youth Swing Science Drills Are Key To Hitting Power, Line Drives, & Batting Timing

Impossible To Hit A Baseball Or Softball? Youth Swing Science Drills Are Key To Hitting Power, Line Drives, & Batting Timing

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Impossible To Hit A Baseball Or Softball? Youth Swing Science Drills Are Key To Hitting Power, Line Drives, & Batting Timing

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.

Science vs. Superstition: Guiding Young Hitters with Wisdom and Legacy

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.

Baseball’s Deep Roots: Between Tradition and Technique

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.

Right Course For You? Take Quiz Now

Why Old Tales Persist

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.

Merging Wisdom with Science

You’re not just a coach. You’re a mentor, a guide. So, it’s crucial to understand the why behind the how.

Cracking the Code: Biomechanics and Those Legendary Hits

Myth 1: “Keep your eye on the ball”

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.

Myth 2: “Swing as hard as you can”

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”.

  • Alignment: is the ability of the hitter to hit the sweet spot more often.  MLB calls this sweet spot% or “barrels”.  Things to fix in the swing that are in this category include: pulling the head, stepping in the bucket, dropping hands, and over-rotating (more on this in future posts).
  • Structure: is the ability of the hitter to put their body in the best possible position to exert force.  Things to fix in the swing that are in this category include: Neck Brace drill, and Hollow Hold.

Myth 3: “Choke up on the bat for more control”

Balance, Coach, balance! You juggle family and coaching every day. Similarly, a hitter must find that sweet balance between power and control.

Physics: That Unseen Coach on the Field

The Sweet Spot’s Legacy

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.

Launch Angles: The New MVP

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.

Evolving Tools: When Legacy Meets Modern Engineering

The Bat’s Journey

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”.

Glove Tales: More Than Just Leather

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.

Sabermetrics: Because Every Legend Started with a Number

The Metrics That Matter

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.

Analytics: The Unsung Hero

Sure, it may feel distant from the dusty fields, but sabermetrics is the bridge between history and today’s game. Embrace it.

Leaving a Legacy: Tips for the Modern Mentor

Instill discipline, respect, and a thirst for knowledge. It’s not just about winning the tournament but about crafting legends.

Conclusion

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.

FAQs

  1. How can I use sabermetrics to guide my team better?  Sabermetrics provides insights into player performance and potential, offering a strategic edge in mentoring and game decisions.
  2. Why should I trust new techniques over tried-and-true methods?  Merging tradition with modern methods ensures you’re offering your players the best of both worlds, honoring the past while preparing for the future.
  3. What’s the best way to instill discipline in my team?  Consistency in expectations, valuing respect, and leveraging the lessons from baseball history can shape discipline and team spirit.
  4. How do I manage travel team finances?  Explore sponsorships, fundraisers, and effective budgeting to ensure the team’s needs are met without compromising on essentials.
  5. How can I ensure my players respect the legacy of baseball?  Incorporate stories from baseball legends into your coaching, emphasizing values, struggles, and triumphs that shaped the game.

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.

Right Course For You? Take Quiz Now
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Crush Elevated Fastballs: Best Swing Trainer to Fix Youth Swing Plane & Boost Exit Velocity Fast

Crush Elevated Fastballs: Best Swing Trainer to Fix Youth Swing Plane & Boost Exit Velocity Fast

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Crush Elevated Fastballs: Best Swing Trainer to Fix Youth Swing Plane & Boost Exit Velocity Fast

Why Most Hitting Cues Fail (and What Actually Works): Unpacking Perry Husband’s EV Truth Bombs

If your athlete is still struggling at the plate despite trying every drill, swing cue, or viral TikTok tip, you’re not alone—and this episode might just be the breakthrough you’ve been searching for.

In part two of a powerhouse series with renowned data-driven coach Perry Husband, creator of the Effective Velocity System, we take a flamethrower to conventional swing wisdom. From swing plane myths to why most youth hitters are training for pitches they’ll never see, this episode goes beyond theory and delivers pure, game-day-ready insights. If you’re a coach, parent, or player chasing real results—this is essential listening.

🎧 Listen now: Click here for the full episode »

Here are the other “parts” of Perry and my conversations:

 

💣 Game-Changing Insights from Perry Husband

1. Most Hitters Are Training for the Wrong Pitches

“The entire world of hitting right now is geared toward hitting twos and threes… but what happens when pitchers throw ones and fours?”

According to Perry, nearly 66% of pitches in MLB fall within a certain velocity “bubble”—what he calls “twos and threes.” Most modern swings are designed to hit pitches that match those speeds. The problem? Elite pitchers are shifting toward throwing high fastballs (ones) and low offspeed pitches (fours) that completely disrupt those swing paths. Most hitters are left chasing air.

2. Swing Path vs. Pitch Path Is the Battle No One’s Talking About

“You’re trying to hit a speedboat with a torpedo coming from the bottom of the ocean.”

Perry’s analogy is as powerful as it is true. Many hitters are swinging up at a steep angle (10–25 degrees), while fastballs—especially up in the zone—are coming in at -2 to -4 degrees. That mismatch? It’s why hitters pop up, whiff, or top the ball far more than they should.

3. 100/100/100: The New Gold Standard
Perry and Joey introduce a revolutionary framework:

  • 100% on time

  • 100% efficient swing

  • 100% sweet spot contact

By chasing this “triple metric,” you create a hitting model that actually transfers to the field. Unlike traditional stats like OPS or launch angle alone, this gives players and coaches a tangible blueprint for real-world success.

4. Votto’s Two-Strike Approach: A Red Flag

“Joey Votto loses 50% of his slugging percentage with two strikes. Is that really success?”

The myth of “shrinking the zone” with two strikes is dismantled here. Instead, Perry advocates for staying aggressive with a flatter swing that covers more of the zone—especially up—rather than defaulting to passive, defensive swings.

5. Why Oklahoma Softball Dominates
Perry repeatedly points to the Oklahoma Sooners as the benchmark for what a data-driven, efficient hitting program looks like. Their hitters:

  • Stay on plane with pitch trajectory

  • Minimize guesswork

  • Crush EV-efficient sequences

It’s not magic—it’s measurable.

🔧 Want a Fix? Start With This

If your athlete is:

  • Getting blown up by high fastballs

  • Struggling with consistency

  • Missing good pitches in the zone

👉 It’s time to rethink your hitting system.

🔗 Internal Links to Dive Deeper

🎯 Final Takeaway

If you’re tired of generic coaching cues and swing mechanics that don’t stick on game day, this episode pulls back the curtain on what really works. Perry Husband’s data-backed philosophy doesn’t just challenge the norm—it redefines it.

📣 Ready to hear the full breakdown?
🎧 Click here to listen now »

Let’s train smarter—not harder—and finally give youth athletes the tools they need to dominate the zone.

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Hitting Training For Baseball & Softball Swing Trainers | Hitting Performance Lab

Load Stride: How To Fix Lower Body Swing Mechanics, Weight Distribution, & Proper Footwork For Beginning Baseball & Softball Hitters

Discover the load and stride!  Learn how to fix lower body swing mechanics, weight distribution, and proper footwork for beginning baseball and softball hitters.

Gain Distance The Easy Way PART 1

 

 

We’re going over:

  • How to feel lighter in the Final Turn using the rule of Un-Weighting,
  • Moving the body forward to create momentum, and
  • Turning Yourself into a Projectile Missile (Broad v. Triple Jump).

It’s amazing what happens when you add a little momentum.  Muscles don’t have to work as hard, and the body moves effortlessly through space.  We get a “head start” using our body’s weight more than we realize…to get up from the floor, the couch or chair, or to step up into the bed of a truck.  Why should hitting be any different…heck, just about every good player uses momentum in some way.  I hope you enjoy Baseball Hitting Video Gain Distance PART-One.

CLICK HERE to watch a YouTube video on how Babe Ruth gains distance the easy way.

 

MLB Small-Boppers Who Use Forward Momentum…

Jose Bautista (4-Time All-Star):

Baseball Hitting Video Gain Distance the Easy Way: Jose Bautista

Video courtesy of MLB.com

Andrew McCutchen (2013 NL MVP, 3-Time All-Star):

Andrew McCutchen Spine Engine

Video courtesy of MLB.com

Robinson Cano (5-Time All-Star):

Robinson Cano Baseball Hitting Video

Robinson Cano is one of the best examples I can think of for Baseball Hitting Video Gain Distance the Easy Way PART-One

 

Jumping World Record Holding Athletes Who Use Forward Momentum:

Standing Long Jump, Korean World Record holder at almost 10.5 feet:

WR Standing Long Jump

Look at how he uses his arms to gain Forward Momentum…video courtesy of YouTuber Hyrugaful

Triple Jump World Record Holder Jonathan Edwards from Great Britain at 18.29 m (60 ft 0 in):

Jonathan Edwards GBR WR Triple Jump

Look at how much Forward Momentum is gained before breaking the world record. Video courtesty of YouTuber MCTnF

CLICK HERE for Baseball Hitting Video PART-2, where we go over how to apply what we learned in this video.

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Hitting Training For Baseball & Softball Swing Trainers | Hitting Performance Lab

Best Launch Angles For Distance: How To Hit Line Drives & Square Up Baseball Instead Of Hitting Ground Balls

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Discover the best launch angles for batted ball distance, and learn how to hit more line drives and square up the baseball or softball instead of hitting too many ground balls. Check out this interview with EffectiveVelocity.com’s Perry Husband…

Why You SHOULD NOT Teach Hitters To Hit Homers?

 

 

Here’s the Hitting Jam Session Interview Collection with Perry Husband:

  1. [YOU ARE HERE] Why You Should Not Teach Hitters To Hit Homers?
  2. What’s The Biggest Mistake Coaches Make In Boosting Ball Exit Speeds
  3. How To Make Teaching Proper Weight Shift In Swing More Understandable To Hitter
  4. Teach: How To STOP Hitting Excess Of Ground-balls & Fly-balls
  5. 5,000 Swing Experiments Validate Locked Lead Arm Is Superior To Bent
  6. Overload Bat Training: Hitting Has To Work Butt Off To Resist “Casting”

Here’s what we discuss in Hitting Jam Session #1:

  • Formal Introductions
  • Carlos Pena and Boston Red Sox hitting coach phone conversation for segment on MLB Now Show,
  • Bro-Science v. REAL Science,
  • How to know who/what to follow,
  • Demystifying Launch Angles, and
  • Q&A…

You can also CLICK HERE to view the original video and comments from the Jam Session on Facebook.

 

Show Notes

  • At about the 3-minute mark, Perry Husband shares a phone conversation he had with Carlos Pena and Boston Red Sox hitting coach Tim Hyers about Effective Velocity (EV) tunnels from a hitter’s perspective (watch Liquid Analytic videos to MLB Now segments below)
  • At about 5-min, 30-secs mark, cool swing experiment Perry did with Tim Hyers in the past, showing how same speed pitch “appears” faster or slower depending on location in the zone, and how this disrupts a hitter’s reactionary timing (aka hitter’s “attention”).  Gear hitters to a speed, they focus on that speed – changing it causes hitters to be early or late.
  • At about 12-min, 30-min mark, the basic idea of Liquid Analytics, and how to look at pitchers through EV “eyes” we can get hitters to understand the best approach against certain pitchers.  How pitchers adapt to changes to hitter’s approach, it’s like a Chess game, approaches can shift and change multiple times throughout the game, and how to use Liquid Analytics to make these changes predictable.
  • At about 15-min mark, we talk about sabotaging hitting coaches who have no clue how to counter EV by releasing EV 101, 202, and 303 to pitchers.  This will take a couple years for younger pitchers to catch up.  Our hitters will have the anecdote.  2018 World Series was a great picture of a team using EV on both sides of the ball (Red Sox), and a team that really wasn’t (Dodgers).  Any hitting approach right now will get away with murder, but when pitchers get EV efficient, most approaches that don’t take EV into account will die off.
  • At about 20-min mark, Perry using the football cornerback analogy to explain EV tunnels and where hitters tend to stay when it comes to timing pitches.
  • At about 22-min mark, what is the main operating system you’re teaching your hitters? Decrease strikeouts? Hit homers?  Increase Batting Average?  Hard Hit Contact %?  Every drill, teach, hitting aid, etc. will lift up the main operating system, example of the early armbar teach in mechanics.
  • At about 25-min mark, these Jam Sessions are an experiment in themselves, what you’re doing right now may be working, but someone somewhere is doing it better, how to find out what “optimizing” hitters looks like, tinker and test, tinker and test, Growth Mindset v. Fixed Mindset, swing experimentation, REAL Science v. “bro-science”, Scientific Method: question, hypothesis, research & study, collect data (experiment), conclusion, is data Science? Jam Sessions going forward…
  • At about 31-min 30-sec mark, Perry starts talk on Launch Angles, Jay Bell experiment (at 10-degree Launch Angle), hit center of circular target at about 10-feet to measure Launch Angles, early or late hitter pulls or pushes the ball away from the center of the target, more ground-balls – hitting ball later in the swing arc, pop-fly – hitting ball earlier in the swing arc, comparing 9 possible golf shots to hitting, precision in golf.
  • At about 36-minute mark, ranking 10 swings off a tee using the circular target, how many times hit the target, measuring precision how often swing line is inline with pitch, hitter is going to miss more than they hit it good, Aaron Judge 75% of his one-rep swing max a majority of the time, it’s not about hitting it perfect, it’s the quality of your misses.
  • At about 41-min mark, are ALL ground-balls bad? 100-mph+ GB’s equals batting over .500 at the Big League levels, take out ground-ball hits and Donaldson hits .205, it’s about maxing out the Ground-balls, 90-mph fly-balls – how many guys hit .400? zero.  Did you know MLB skews data on fly-balls by adding line drives in the formula.
  • At about 45-min mark, I talk with my hitters about hitting the ball back through the “tube” that it came from, roughly misses are 40% up, 20% on a line, and 40% are down, trying to hit fly-balls causes more ground-balls?  Base your hitter’s operating system on the Jay Bell 10-degree Launch Angle, -5-degrees to 25-degrees highest exit velocities – keep misses within 10-degrees above or below the 10-degree line, extreme up Launch Angles will create a big hole in the swing for EV-minded pitchers to exploit, it’s about the “miss”
  • At about 50-min mark, we finish with Q&A…

Where you can find more about Perry Husband:

  1. HittingIsAGuess.com (Effective Velocity) use discount code: EV25 for 25% OFF
  2. Twitter: @EVPerryHusband
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Swing PreLoad And Coil Hitting Drills For Power To Increase Bat Speed At Home For Beginners

Swing PreLoad And Coil Hitting Drills For Power To Increase Bat Speed At Home For Baseball & Softball Beginners

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Discover swing preload and coil hitting drills for power learning how to increase bat speed at home for baseball and softball beginners.

What Everybody Ought to Know About Softball Batting Drills for Power…

 

 

This softball batting drills for power “Hit-Bit”, or hitting tid-bit, is an answer to questions from my readers when I asked them, “If you could have a private conversation with me, what two questions would you ask?”  The answers are meant to be short, actionable, and tips you can use today.

Today’s Hit-Bit answers the reader questions:

“How much can your shoulders turn on the load? Do you transfer all your weight to the front leg at sometime during the forward swing?”

We’ll talk about:

  1. The shoulder load & the “back eye” test,
  2. Weight transfer & the ‘Float’, and
  3. Weight transfer & the ‘Free-Fall’…

 

The Shoulder Load & “Back Eye” Test

I often relate the Goldilocks Golden Rule with my hitters.  Some movements we can do too much.  Some not at all.  We want to practice softball batting drills for power, such as loading the torso, “just right”.  And to make sure our hitters do this, in the video, I demonstrate the “back eye” test.

 

Weight Transfer & The ‘Float’

The “Float”, or as some call it a “negative move”, is a movement back towards the catcher before shifting the hitter’s body weight forward during the stride.  It’s a timing mechanism.  Hitter’s use different kinds of Floats: High, Medium, and Low Leg Kicks & Toe Taps.  See link below for different examples of this…

 

Weight Transfer & the ‘Free-Fall’

For the definitive guide to the Free-Fall, or Forward Momentum, Click the following HPL post link: “Baseball Batting Techniques: Simple Way To Use Forward Momentum That Works For Elite Hitters“.

Please comment below with any questions or comments about this video post…

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Hitting Training For Baseball & Softball Swing Trainers | Hitting Performance Lab

Hitting Drills To Use Legs, Footwork, & Ground Forces In Baseball And Softball Swing According To Matt Nokes

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Matt Nokes REVEALS hitting drills to use the legs, proper footwork, and ground forces in baseball and softball swing…

(UPDATE: this webinar is no longer available, but there’s great information shared here)

Learn 3 Things Hitters Can Do To Make Them Irresistibly Attractive To Recruiters

 

In this post, I have the privilege of sharing with you a FREE webinar opportunity that Matt Nokes is putting on and you’re getting first crack at it…

But before I get to that, I wanted to let you know this guy is the real deal.

I’ve had numerous hitting conversations with him in underground (and above ground) parking garages, libraries, conferences, and over dinner.

If you remember, I did three past blog posts showcasing a bit of his hitting knowledge:

And let me tell you,

He’s an former Big Leaguer who knows what he’s talking about.  And that means a lot coming from me because I listen to current and past Big Leaguers talk hitting with a VERY skeptical ear as most of you do.

Oftentimes, what gets lost in translation with Big Leaguers is what’s real and what’s feel.  Matt tows this line very well.  He understands the difference.

The reason I’m sharing his information with you is because he has quite a different approach than me, but yet it’s very similar when we have our talks.  His system is very complimentary to mine.

What I have for you in this post is:

  • Matt Nokes introducing himself and building a case for why coaches and parents managing High School hitters on up MUST register and attend this free webinar,
  • The Tyler Moore Nokes student case study, and
  • The Matt Forgatch Nokes student case study.

Without further adieu,

Enter Matt Nokes…

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.

Right Course For You? Take Quiz Now

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I’m a 10 year MLB Veteran, Silver Slugger Award Winner, MLB American League All Star Catcher, and I have the most successful hitting advisory program in baseball.

I’m sure you’ve had some good coaches that you’ve really liked over the years!

Yet year after year the pitching gets better, and it’s easy to get caught over thinking, with your timing getting all messed up more often than not.

I remember when I was I senior in high school and I told my dad I wanted to quit baseball all together… I was going through a tough time and there wasn’t anyone around me who I felt understood what I was going through, and could get me back on track.

I don’t know about you?  But it’s easy to fall into a trap of over processing, looking for an adjustment that’ll give you that “In The Zone Feel Again”…the feel you have hitting soft toss from 12 feet, and yet in the game you’re looking at it from 60 feet…that’s what I call a cross your fingers approach.

In life, if you want to accomplish great things, you seek out someone who’s the best in the world at what they do! (Hall of Fame) Frank Robinson gave me the MLB plan and 2 years later I was in the big leagues at 21 years old! No I wasn’t just a freak hitter, before I got perspective from Frank Robinson, I was having trouble even making contact.

Are you ready to put that kind of frustration behind you?

Do you look at other players around the league or on your team for that matter, and you know you have equal ability, but you’re not producing or getting the recognition from the recruiters and scouts that you’ve set your sights on?

The frustration is exhausting and affects your home life, your social life, your school work, every part of your life and on top of that, you feel like crap as person if you’re not hitting!

Whatever your biggest challenges are, I’ve seen them, and I know how to help you overcome them.

I know you gotta be sick of the roller coaster ride of emotions, the pain and uncertainty about your future.  Inside this FREE Master Class Webinar (Sorry, this webinar is no longer offered)…There are 5 Simple Shifts you need to make to put all the talent you know you have inside you, and get it working for you again, and not against you.

It’s time for the scouts and recruiters to start pursuing you, but you gotta make a shift where you’re not hitting like you’re defending yourself with your back up against a wall, but instead you’re ready like a SNIPER, ready and you never miss your pitch when it’s in your zone.

Learning the 12 Touchstones, Simple Natural Hitting Moves that deal with the plan, your timing, mechanics and solves 99 out of 100 problems that will ever come up.

Tyler Moore Case Study

Matt Nokes: Tyler Moore Case Study

Tyler Moore, a kid I coached in the minor leagues with the Nationals, was all but buried with nearly 300 AB’s in July with 6 weeks left and only hitting .195, a hand full of home runs and 20 something RBI’s.

It’s very difficult for a player to dig himself out of a hole like that after so much of the season has passed. But like most hitters, I was sure he’d been burned by coaching in the past and felt like he was better off making adjustments on his own.

One of the many MYTHS in the main stream hitting community is that “you gotta go back before you go forward”.  Going back first is great for practice when you’re hitting off a tee or when you’re hitting soft toss, but in games if you’re going back at the wrong time, you’ll get beat every time…and that’s what was happening.  We reviewed the 12 Touchstones, the one big one was “you gotta already be back and be going forward at release”…

So we finally sat down and talked…I said, “what’s there left to lose at this point, you’re hitting .195, let’s get something positive out the rest of this season and see what happens in the last 6 weeks.

Now with Tyler I was dealing with a young professional player, very in tune with the way his body feels when he moves, he can feel what his body is doing, and because of his advanced awareness of his body, we ripped through the 12 touchstones in less than an hour.

THAT VERY NIGHT HE HIT 4 SCREAMING LINE DRIVES shot out of a cannon like the pitcher was throwing front soft toss to him.

By the end of the season he was hitting:

.269   |   31 HR’s    |   111 RBI’s    |    43 Doubles

That Season – We WON the Carolina League Championship.

Tyler won player of the week 4 out of the last 6 weeks of the season, and was named Carolina League Player of the Year!

Inside this Master Class Training Webinar (Sorry, webinar is no longer available)…There are 5 Simple Shifts you need to make to put all the talent you know to get it working for you and not against you.

You’ll learn 3 things you can do to make you irresistibly attractive to RECRUITERS, even if you don’t get a hit while they’re WATCHING YOU!

 

Matt Forgatch Case Study

Matt Nokes: Matt Forgatch Case Study Webinar

Matt Forgatch came to me from a small D3 College (Denison University) and was playing football and baseball. He was very athletic but did NOT know how to use his tools and translate it into the powerful hitter he would become.

I took him through the 5 Shifts and he transformed immediately.

His first season back from training, he hit .444 and led the league in 12 of 15 offensive categories.

Matt, made the decision that baseball was important enough to fully commit to this process!

He knew he wanted a program that was organized so he didn’t have to think about his workouts day to day…he just had to follow the workout each day before he went to the ball park and it took 5-10 minutes a day to do his rehearsals and focus work…it’s simply what successful people do.

Today the modules are on your phone or computer and even easier to work with.

Since he was playing D3 baseball, he was already on a team, playing games, working out, taking BP, doing drills, all the physical “bat to ball” training…

He liked and respected the coaches, so he obviously wanted to be cool and not disrespect them in any way so he was discrete about what he was doing. It wasn’t very far into the season when he was dominating the league in hitting, that he revealed to his coaches that he’d been working with me on the side in a way that didn’t interfere with the team program.

The last thing you want to do is be the guy who’s the “know it all” and bucks the team system and workouts, doing odd drills and things that stand out in an almost distracting way.

I explained it to him like this…

Be a good soldier and follow your coaches drills and workouts, because he’s put his own time and energy into it his program and you owe it to him to follow his lead, if for no other reasons than he’s in authority and you can always learn everyone.

Because you’re going through my program, it’s an at home Tai Chi type program where you learn all the natural mechanical and timing moves, along with the plan that came from Frank Robinson himself (hall of fame).

I said…

“If I were your age and on your team, with all that I knew after 30 years of professional experience and the research I’ve done, with a 10 year MLB career, Silver Slugger Award, All-Star Catcher.”

If I could go back in time, yet retain all my memories in tact so I had all the skills of the big leaguer I was, how hard would it be to get along with a coach who see’s you’re a talented hitter, with all the high level moves and YOU DON’T MISS YOUR PITCH! He’s going to love you, especially if you respect him and thank him for the feedback he gives you every day.

You guys would just relate on a different level than the other players because he’d have more respect for your abilities…you’d have a more collaborative relationship with him…But he’s your coach and having your name written in the lineup card every day, partly depends on how you relate to your coaches, no matter how good you play.

So he learned how to apply the 5 Shifts to his Mindset quickly each day, by following simple videos in the modules every week.

You learn the 12 Touchstones (The natural timing and mechanical hitting movements with the correct technique)

You learn 6X Rules for the INSIDE PITCH (The moves you rehearse on deck to make sure you’re never get sucked into a MYTH idea every again).

The system is designed so you don’t have to think…you just REHEARSE!

Everything becomes automated and you become a hitter with natural timing and natural mechanics…AND THOSE AMAZING RESULTS ARE YOUR NEW NORMAL!

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Who is this webinar for?

Mostly for those coaches and parents managing High School and College level players.

Will younger hitters get something out of Matt’s information? 

Yes.  But the information in the webinar is geared more towards those hitters getting ready for college or pro ball.

Is Matt Nokes’s information good for fast-pitch softball?

YES!!! It’s outstanding information for ALL humans.

Please let me know what you think of the webinar y’all 😀

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