5 drills to building winter habits

As we pushed closer to the end of the year, here are five drills you must do to build habits this winter. As we have discussed, building good habits is at the core of everything we do in our journey to be a great hitter. Are you ready?

Parts of the Swing

1. Stance/Load
2. Timing
3. Tempo
4. Tracking
5. Approach
6. Contact
7. Extension/Finish

No. 1 – Wall Drill Load
What you need: A wall and bat

What to do:

1. Put your back foot against a wall facing away from the wall in your batting stance
2. Trigger your hands back and rest your back elbow against the wall
3. Take a short stride
4. The trigger and stride equals the load
5. Hold the load for five seconds
6. Remember: It takes 3,000 reps to build a habit

Why do it: To develop the habit of getting in to a good position to track pitches and complete the remaining parts of the swing, which enables you to hit the ball hard

Here’s how to do it

No. 2 – Timing
What you need: A partner and a bat is optional

What to do:

1. Start in your stance with a partner serving a pitcher at least 20 feet away
2. The pitcher will repeat the delivery of a pitch without throwing a ball
3. Get loaded on time varying between an above average, average and below average fastball
4. Remember: It takes 3,000 reps to build a habit

Why do it: To develop the habit of being on time to track pitches and and complete the remaining parts of the swing, which enables you to hit the ball hard

Here’s how to do it

No. 3 – Tracking
What you need: A pitcher, 10 to 100 balls (baseballs, Wiffle or tennis), a protective screen

What to do:

1. Pitcher will pitch from behind a protective screen at least 30 feet away
2. Pitcher will pitch a variety of pitches, including fastballs, curves, change ups, etc.
3. Pitcher will indicate one pitch that you can swing at for a strike
4. Do push-ups as a consequence if you swing at any other pitch
5. Pitcher doesn’t have to have MLB experience
6. Remember: It takes 3,000 reps to build a habit

Why do it: To develop a habit of tracking varying pitch types, locations and speeds, and complete the remaining parts of the swing, which enables you to hit the ball hard

Here’s how to do it

No. 4 – Tempo – Fungo
What you need: A bat, 10 to 100 balls (baseballs, Wiffle or tennis) and target 20-plus feet away and elevated

What to do:

1. Start back away from the Tanner Tee or tee of choice so that you must walk up to hit the ball
2. Walk up to the same loaded position with your feet aligned (thus the reason I love the Hitting Deck with the numbers)
3. As your feet are getting to position for the load, you should toss the ball up
4. Be on time to start your approach as the ball is coming down to your strike zone

Why do it: To develop a consistent load, timing and approach that will also allow you to complete the remaining parts of the swing, which ultimately will enable you to hit the ball hard

Here’s how to do it

No. 5 – Wall Drill Mirror
What you need: bat and wall

What to do:

1. Start in your stance 12 inches or less facing the wall
2. Start your load with your front foot striding straight followed by your approach
3. Your front foot should remain closed and your approach should involve your hands and back foot working together
4. The barrel of the bat should remain parallel to the wall
5. The knob of the bat should not go beyond your front knee

Why do it: To develop a repeatable and compact approach, and complete the remaining parts of the swing, which enable you to hit the ball hard

Here’s how to do it

Remember: Intelligence trumps being smart.

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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.