The Dead Simple Guide To Optimizing A Hitter’s Timing In Games
Reader Question: “How to improve my son’s timing?”
Josh Donaldson talking to Sean Casey in an interview about timing. Photo courtesy: MLB.com
In this post, I wanted to tease out the adjustment tactics discussed by US Marine Col. Mark Coast in this case study post on how to take well timed practice swings into game at-bats.
(And by the way, Col. Coast has a college background in Physics and Engineering. He’s currently a Tactical and Firearms Training Specialist for Navy Seal and Marine snipers)…
But before I get into what’s in the above video, I want you to watch the following of Josh Donaldson explaining his approach to timing with Sean Casey:
Now, leg kick or no leg kick, the point I want my hitters to get is there MUST be some sort of ‘FLOAT’, which I get into more detail in my video above.
Notice how Donaldson connects music to rhythm. He mentions the ‘flow’ of Manny Ramirez in the box…I actually tried to copy this as well when I was playing.
Josh Donaldson is one of the first elite hitters I’ve seen (Bautista does a good job too) to break down what he’s actually doing, and not what he thinks he’s doing.
In my video above, we’ll cover:
- 3-5 swing rounds,
- Game intensity swings,
- Using the Hitting Outcome Evaluation Checklist,
- Minimal coaching feedback & okay to make mistakes,
- Tactical: Float & Fall or (Ride & Stride), and
- Tactical: Varied Reaction LIVE Toss Timing Drill.
Member of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), the International Youth and Conditioning Association (IYCA), and the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR).I’m also a HUGE supporter of the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA).
Spent 15+ years in the corrective fitness industry, and have too many alphabet-soup certifications to bore you with.I also played four years of Division One baseball at Fresno State from 2000-2003.
Welcome to the blog!
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You say 3-5 swing rounds but how many rounds would you suggest per cage session if it is just you and your son?
Don, good question. It will depend on the age of the hitter, and their temperament on a given day. Minimum Effective Dosage, to me, would be 20-30 mins in a day.