Swings N Things

Getting into the swing of things

Of course, Tiger Woods can break a ball over 300 yards but the ball does not move when he balances things. Michael Jordan could put a ball in the hoop in an infinite number of ways, but he knew where the goal would be. Hitting a baseball, however, is even more difficult! Hitting a round ball with a bat head around like curves, sinks and slides to near 100 mph is the hardest thing to do in sports. There is no margin for error. There is no rim to bounce the ball and no t to hit the ball more easily.

In this spirit, how does Manny Ramirez make it look so easy? How Natasha Whatley routinely hits when they are most needed? How did you always Tony Gwynn on the base?

Simple: they all have a great swing. You can also, if you focus on the fundamentals and practices that have been proven season after season.

Handle

The handle is very important because it is the only physical contact that you make with the bat. A good grip is essential throughout the swing.

Hold the bat in your palms limit your swing, then hold in your hand. In doing so, you can rotate freely with a maximum range of motion. In addition, do not get too tight.

Position

When you swing at a height, your whole body is moving very quickly in response to a baseball at a high speed approach. If you do not have a very homogeneous and balance and position, the ball is hit even harder.

Stand in the batter's box with your feet does not exceed the width of the shoulders relaxed with your knees bent. Your hands should be around shoulder height. Maintaining balance large can not be overstated!

Stride

As the pitcher winds and preparing to release the ball, take a short, 2-3 inch balanced stride towards the pitcher. Some players like David Wright, just look for the front and the back heel down. The important thing is that when you wake, keep the head and upper body level and balanced. Imagine the ball bouncing up and down trembling as he approaches you. If you do not keep your head level, that is what the ball will look like! You have only a split second to make the decision whether to swing, do not make it more difficult.

Load

The charge is the trigger of your swing. When you throw a punch, you do not just move your hand, but you roll backwards and then release it before. The same thing applies to your swing. This winding action serves two purposes: 1) produce electricity, and 2) helps you time the field.

To load properly, make a slight movement, like picking up and dropping your hands or roll your shoulders forward and back. Avoid dramatic movements like wriggling mass "of Gary Sheffield. Maybe it works for him, but for most players of this energy actually far from the swing, you slow down.

Turn

When the bat swinging at the ball, not swinging for the parking. Move the bat to the ball directly, without loops or make an uppercut. Lead with the hips, turning to the pitcher, and keep your hands behind your hips to complete their turnover. This level of control allows you to adapt to different terrains and locations. Again, maintaining a level head is important for you to see the ball meet the bat.

Follow Through

After contact, extend the bat toward the pitcher and let the barrel swing around you naturally. Finish your swing is very important. If you do not, you really start to let up before making contact with the ball, as you can not stop moving your body and beats instantly.

Practice

Just like anything else.