How to Hit a Baseball Like the Pros
Everyone wants to be able to hit a baseball like the pros, and with a few expert tips and tricks, you could be on your way to doing just that. Swinging a baseball bat like the pros is a difficult task; hitting an object moving as fast as 100 miles per hour can seem a bit daunting. The best baseball swings all have one aspect in common though, which is that they aim the bat so that the ball can be hit in the shortest amount of time possible. When minimizing the distance between point A and point B, force is maximized. Of course, a lot goes into making that happen, including the proper body movement, weight shift, hand movement, and so on. The perfect baseball swing is a symphony of moving parts working in unison. Read on for more information on how to hit a baseball like the pros.
Re-think Old Habits
A lot of people think one of the most important aspects of a baseball swing is the stance. Children spend countless hours perfecting a certain stance they are told is the correct one. Look around the Major Leagues, however, and you will see all kinds of stances, some of which look quite unorthodox. This is because, in reality, the stance does not matter at all. Instead, you simply need to find the manner in which you are most comfortable getting from A to B.
Another misconception about a baseball swing is that you should take a giant step forward prior to bringing the bat forward. Actually, you do not need to step at all. Some of the best pro baseball hitters take a small step and put their foot right back down, or step backward, or even do not take a step at all. The step, contrary to what you may have been taught, is not about power. The step is actually a timing mechanism to make sure you can bring the bat through the zone with maximum force and at the right time. The manner in which you step just depends on your personal preference.
Move through the Swing
When actually swinging, the most important aspect is the hips. Almost all of your power comes from your legs and hips, not your arms or upper body. You want to have your rear hip fly forward as the pitcher lets go of the ball, not moving your hands or your head until you do this. Then, your bodyweight will shift from a backward position to forward. This shift in weight is actually what generates power.
As your hips fly forward, you can begin to swing by bringing your back elbow down to your hip. A lot of people believe you should keep your back elbow up, but this is a myth. In reality, you actually need your back elbow to come down to your hip in order to swing. As your elbow drops, you are going to launch your hands through the zone, flicking your wrists as you do this. This flick of the wrists turns the bat over and prepares the bat for contact with the ball.
As you finish your swing, remember to follow through with the bat ending up near your shoulder blades. If the bat ends up down near your hip at the conclusion of your swing, you are probably not dropping your elbow and flicking your wrists as you should. A swing that finishes high is a sign you are on the right track.
