The mechanics described within are derived from the very best hitters to ever play the game.

Watch only the bat

Attention to detail is key

Babe Ruth before hitting a ball 500+ ft

This information is for players who want to play Division 1 baseball, be drafted, stand out from the crowd and take their game to the next level.

Fact is, traditional coaching theory will never produce elite level swing mechanics.

Forget everything you’ve ever been taught about how to hit.

Hard work will not save you.

A new approach…

To become great at anything, you have to study those who are the best at what they do.

Swing Down?

This is NOT good bat path. Unfortunately, many respected hitters and instructors still believe in this old school way of thinking.

Many Professional Hitters will demonstrate this type of bat path, then perform the exact opposite in a live action swing.

Swing Down?

To consistently make square contact with the baseball, the bat must travel behind and then through the plane of the pitch. Regardless of whether you want to hit line drives or home runs. Don’t take my word for it, Ted Williams said this in his book “The science of hitting.” Published in 1971

Back Shoulder

Your back shoulder (and bat) has to match the plane of the pitch.

Low pitch, low back shoulder

Back Shoulder

This… is the most powerful hitter to ever walk to planet, Dick Allen. This is what power looks like, he is swinging a 40oz bat!

Create Bat Speed

A baseball bat is much heavier on one end than the other (obviously). We want to use the weight of the barrel to our advantage. Most hitters will try to push the barrel through the hitting zone. This is very inefficient.

Look for the barrel to tip forward. This is the loading action for the hands to twist (whip) the bat.

Creat Bat Speed

Tip the bat forward or to the second baseman (righty) to initiate the whip

From the tipped position, twist the barrel around your hands.

Keep the hands back

The Triangle

This is a position that you will see in the greats. Bat tipped forward, back elbow pulled back. And notice, the wrists are flexed to keep an ax grip.

Turn the Triangle to the pitcher

The triangle shape of the arms should be maintained until after contact.

Notice how long the hands stay back. Contact is made with the hands above the barrel.

Turn The Triangle to the pitcher

The triangle shape should swing under your head. Keep the triangle pulled up and back as long as possible.

Notice the blur of the bat in this picture. This is where the whip is happening.

Try to get the bat to full speed at this point in the swing.

Hands back = weight back

Pull the elbow back. Leave it back as your leg pushes forward. Back leg and hands power the swing.

By pulling the triangle back (towards the dugout behind you) before you stride, this will act as a counterbalance, keeping the weight from falling to the front foot too soon. This allows you to adjust to off speed pitches.

230 lbs vs 180 lbsTwisting the barrel around the hands is the most efficient way to swing a baseball bat. It does not require super human strength.

Great hitters who pull back and twist the bat

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Players who have turned their career around after learning to twist the bat

A scout's thoughts on Anthony Rendon

http://projectprospect.com/article/2010/07/15/anthony-rendon-scouting-report-part-i

The fundamentals described can, and should replace all other instruction.

Only perfect practice makes perfect.

Sean@Hitterish.com