It’s easy – get your tempo down and you win at the plate

Tempo is the speed of movement. I spend a lot of time teaching my hitters about timing, while providing several hours of repetitions to convert what they understand to a usable skill. Tempo is a skill that hitters must have, as well to make a lot of contact and drive pitches from elite pitchers.

Major League hitters can get to a good loaded position on time 90 percent of the time. They also can get into get to a good loaded position with good tempo 90 percent of the time. As a result of good timing and tempo, hitters now are in a position to:

1. Track pitches well
2. Initiate a short and fast approach to the ball
3. Make solid contact
4. Maximize full extension with a high finish

Tempo is simply measured by being:

1. Too fast
2. Too slow
3. Just right

If your tempo is too fast or too slow, you won’t be able to complete your swing with balance and drive the ball. Immature hitters swing hard to hit the ball hard, while mature hitters rely on their swing mechanics and tempo to drive the ball.

Good hitters don’t work hard; they work smart, so the smart thing to do when your tempo is too fast is to slow down. If it’s too slow, speed up. If it’s just right, do it rather than trying to do it better.

Let’s get started with some simple drills to improve your tempo.

You need:

• Tanner Tee or Swing Away
• Hitting Jack It (9 ounce, 12 ounce and 16 ounce)

The Hitting Jack It Weighted System allows hitters to focus on controlling and mastering the tempo of their body so that they can

1. Track pitches well
2. Initiate a short and fast approach to the ball
3. Make solid contact
4. Maximize full extension with a high finish

Tempo Drill with Tanner Tee and Hitting Jack It

• 20 swings with a 9 ounce weight hitting a target 60 feet away (goal is to hit the target five times)
• 15 swings with a 12 ounce weight hitting a target 60 feet away (goal is to hit the target four times)
• 10 swings with a 16 ounce weight hitting a target 60 feet away (goal is to hit the target three times)

Caution: It takes 3,000 reps to develop a habit.

Tempo Drill with Swing Away and Hitting Jack It

• 20 swings with a 9-ounce weight
• 15 swings with a 12-ounce weigh
• 10 swings with a 16-ounce weight

Caution: It takes 3,000 reps to develop a habit.

Get started today.

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.