Being mentally prepared to hit will help hitters become more successful at the plate. Here is a strategy players can use to not only get physically prepared to hit but also mentally prepared.

Three "R's" of the on deck circle...

• Rhythm-Get your timing down for the inside fast ball...Every other pitch you can wait on if you are ready for the pitcher's best fast ball inside.
• Release-Know the pitcher's arm slot prior to entering the batter's box.
• Rotation-What is the pitcher's out pitch. Curve ball, slider, change-up and which way does it break.

You see many different stances among baseball players. To say that there is a one size fits all stance would be inaccurate. However, there are some commonalities among great hitters with their stances.

When building a stance some of the Key Reference Points that need to be considered are

• Width of Feet
• Angle of Knees and Upper Torso
• Height of Hands
• Head

Baseball coaches use various terms to describe the stride. Some use the term load and others use the term trigger.

With the stride hitters will use it to load their weight and the stride serves as a trigger or timing mechanism in their swing.

Key Reference Points with the Stride

• Straight
• Short
• Soft

Stepping in the bucket and lunging are two common mistakes hitters make.

This course covers keys to helping hitters use a stride to load and then transfer their weight during the swing.

The baseball swing is a very complex series of movements. However, this video simplifies one of the key reference points of a great swing.

Using the Hips properly in the swing will:

• Initiate the swing
• Clear a path for the Hands
• Generate rotational force
• Help to maintain balance

Focussing on the hands during a player's swing can help the player be short to the ball and long through the ball.

Staying Short to the Ball and Being Long through the Ball is an effective way for players to improve barrel accuracy along with bat speed.

Great hitters keep their head still through contact.

This lecture shows coaches and parents an easy way to teach this concept to their players.