Right Handed Batter Always
Hitting Down the First Base
Line
Some right handed
batters have difficulty pulling the ball to left field and
end up hitting the ball to the first base
line.
This is problematic because it makes for an easier out as
these hits are closer to first base resulting in easier plays
for the defense.
This issue occurs
because of two things:
1. Vision problem: for a right handed batter it can
sometimes be hard to see the
ball from right handed
pitcher because it appears to be coming at home from
behind his head or
2.
Weak arm strength and/or bat
speed: he may be able
to see the ball, but is slow in reacting to it resulting in it
going towards the first base line.
Depending of which
issue it is, there are different ways to correct the
situation.
If it is a vision problem, try
these:
1.
Have him use a
more open stance where his lead foot is pointed more towards
third base and as the pitch comes he can move it more
towards the pitcher. A number of major league hitters
use this approach.
2.
Have him
crowd the plate and ask him to hit the ball out in front
of the plate.
It may be that his sees pitches to the outside part
of the plate better. By having him crowd the plate
he is more likely to be able to pull these
pitches.
3.
Practice
hitting of a practice tee where he uses his stride to
pull the ball.
Get him in the habit of pulling the ball when he
hits off the tee. Study his hitting here and it may
also show what he is doing wrong as well.
If it is bat strength and bat
speed problem, try these:
1.
Have him
swing his bat 100 times a day. He can break this up into four
intervals throughout the day if he wants, but this will
develop muscle memory in his swing. It will also
develop arm strength and some improved bat speed.
Great players like Mickey Mantle and Barry Bonds
are said to have swung their bat up to 500 times a
day.
2.
Consider
having him use a wooden bat in batting
practice.
A wooden bat tends to be slightly heavier than
aluminum and using one will do two things: (1) help him
develop more arm strength by swinging the heavier bat in
practice and (2) a wooden bat teaches you to hit the ball
with the right part of the bat. If you don't it
won't go anywhere or you will sting your hands.
Using a wooden bat in practice and then moving to
an aluminum bat should result in him having a faster bat
and more confidence.
These tips should help him
improve his swing and see more of hits go to center and left
field.
The result will be more base hits and a higher batting
average.
In addition, you should see an increased confidence in
this person’s game as they see that they are contributing to
your team’s success.
*If you are looking
for some outfielder fielding tips, check out
Baseball Fielding
Tips.
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