Summer is critical for baseball players who are aspiring to compete at the collegiate and professional levels. You have the opportunity to measure your baseball skills against the nation’s best. Believe it or not but Major Leaguers were young once. They are professionals because they have worked on the right things the right way and often. Here are three drills that you must do before summer begins if you want to dominate like the big boys.
No. 1 – Time and track pitches in the bullpen
The key to getting hits is to get in a good position on time and to track the pitch. Here’s how:
You know that you are in a good loaded position when:
- a. Your feet are a bats length
- b. Your feet are aligned
- c. Your front foot including the heel is engaged in the ground
- d. Your hands are between your back shoulder and back ear
The benefits of being in a good loaded position are:
- a. Being able to properly track the pitch
- b. Being able to initiate a short approach
If you want to learn how to get properly loaded on time, watch the pitcher as he warms up in the bullpen. Pitchers should be categorized as having an above average fastball, average fastball or below average fastball. You know you’re doing this drill right when you can successfully call the pitch type and/or balls and strikes before it crosses the plate 80 percent of the time.
In order to develop good habits, complete 300 reps per week.
No. 2 – Throw Frisbees
On your mark; get set; go. This is much like hitting starting with your stance – load and approach.
You will know you’re in a good approach position when:
- a. Your front foot remains down and closed
- b. Your back foot rotates with the hands
- c. The barrel of your bat is above the hands
- d. The barrel of your bat is parallel to your body
The benefits of being in a good approach position are:
- a. Being able to adjust to varying pitch types, locations and speeds
- b. Being able to hit the ball hard without forced effort
Note: To develop and maintain a short approach, throw the Frisbee with your bottom hand. Be sure to treat this drill like hitting and not like throwing a Frisbee for fun. You know you’re doing it right when the Frisbee is thrown straight and flat.
No. 3 – Drive heavy baseballs
If you want to repeat the feeling of driving through baseballs, hit heavy baseballs. Purchase 30 new baseballs, soak them in water for 3 minutes, and then let them dry for three days. They are going to be heavy, which will require you to get in a good loaded position, followed by a short approach to drive the balls.
Hitting the ball hard requires maximum effort while driving the ball requires good hitting mechanics. Being in a strong position at the point of contact and extension is crucial.
You will know you’re in a good contact position when:
- a. Your front foot remains down and closed
- b. Your back foot is 45-90 degrees and directed toward the pitcher
- c. Your bottom hand is palm down and your top hand is palm up
- d. Your head, back shoulder, back hip and back knee are aligned with the ground
You will know you’re in a good extension position when:
- a. Your front foot remains down and closed
- b. Your back foot is 45-90 degrees and directed toward the pitcher
- c. Your arms are in a Power V position
- d. Your head, back shoulder, back hip, back knee and ground are aligned
Note: You will be in a good contact and extension position when you’re able to drive all pitches.
A simple drill to ensure that you’re in a good contact position and maximizing extension is hitting 300 weighted balls using a tee per week up the middle between a 10 foot gap on either side of second base.
Remember: Good hitters don’t work hard; they work smart.
For more information, visit www.diamonddirectors.com today.
BIO
C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an area scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, CJ has more than 12 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J Stewart has a proven system of development and track record of success that can work for you.
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