Basic Principles of Hitting – Part 1
Below are a basic set of principles that all great hitters do!
Grip
- Your grip should be comfortable and relaxed
- Fingers are loosely spread
- Index fingers should have a triggered look
- From the deepest joint on the pinky to the furthest joint on the index finger
- Thumbs are loose and not pressed into the grip
- More here
Hands
- Hand position varies in height and location
- Individual comfort level which leads to efficient movement into a ready position
- Hands should be located over the back shoulder with the bat at 45 degree angle
Feet
- The most efficient positions is in a neutral foot placement
- Can start closed or open – the important piece is where your foot gets down when you stride
- The width of the stance is a matter of preference and style, but generally half your height or the length of your bat. Too wide of a stance can restrict good negative and positive movements
Stance
- The head should be inside the knees and the knees inside the feet
- Get a good two-eyed look at the pitcher
- Must have complete plate coverage for all pitches with the “sweet-spot” of the barrel
- All good hitters have a small rhythm or movement
Placement in the Box
- Being up in the box or back in the box – adjustments can be made for different pitchers
- Starting in the middle of the box even with the plate allows for greater room for adjustments in both directions
- Distance from plate should depend on complete plate coverage