Bringing the rhythm to your swing

As you move from the cages and batting tees to live pitching, you should be ready to flip the switch that is your swing. We talked about timing and tempo, and the importance of having sound swing mechanics.

Now it’s time to talk about timing. And when you talk about hitting, it’s all about the timing. Truth be told, if you focus on it, timing is easy. Sure, an undisciplined hitter wants to hit balls hard without spending the time needed to master the art of timing. (Check out this timing exercise – and more – in our Diamond Directors Toolbox. If you’re not a member, sign up today.) 

But that’s not you. That’s not what a Diamond Director student does.

You know that a successful season at the plate means focusing on “when” to swing, not “how.”

To help set your tempo, try music. Musical choices are very important in complimenting your swing mechanics. If you think about it, this is why players carefully choose an appropriate song as their “walk out” music before every at bat.

Loading to hit means getting your hands back (your trigger), and then striding forward with your front foot. Remember, you must load before you approach the ball. Your trigger, your stride and your approach are the combination of three beats.

BOOM. BOOM. CLACK. These are the sounds of the Tomahawk chop – the rhythm that gets the Braves’ going each and every game. It is played at the perfect tempo – a tempo that helps each player rise to the occasion.

Do you have your timing and tempo down? Now is the time to get going.

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.