Six Steps to a Major League Swing

Step 1 Using a "Good Grip" Using the proper grip allows the batter to achieve as much hand quickness and bat speed as possible. The key to a good grip is positioning the bat in the fingers and not the palms. The bat should be held firmly but not tight that the batter's hand speed is slowed. The batter can assure a great grip every time by lining up the "door knocking knuckles" as shown. Step 2 Have a Super Stance The batter should always be taught to use a balanced parallel stance with both feet about shouolderwidth apart with his toes even and slightly facing inward. He should assume his stance about 8-10 inches from the plate. The batter should slightly bend his knees with his weight on the balls of his feet. The batter's front shoulder, hip and knee should be slightly turned forward. A proper stance will allow the batter to react to the pitch with speed, quickness and power. Step 3 Correct Hand, Arms and Bat Angle The bati is correctly held at a 45 degree angle. The hands should not be held too high or too low. A medium location is desired with the back elbow down and the hands located 3-6 inches from the body. The bottom of both elbows should be parallel. To assume the most comfortable stance the batter should position his arms and hands so that the upper edge of the top of the hands on the bat is even with the shoulder. Step 4 Five Keys to a Correct Stride The batters stride should be short, no more than two or three inches. The stride should be at a 45 degree angle towards home plate. The batter should land softly on his front foot as if he were stepping on an egg. The batter should stride and land on the big toe or inside of his front foot. The batter's front knee should become straight and stiff, keeping about 70% of the batters weight on the back leg. Step 5 Head Action and Ball Tracking The batter should turn his head enough that he can see the ball with both eyes. The "IKE to MIKE" method should be taught. The batter,s front shoulder, toward the pitcher, is "IKE", and his back shoulder is "MIKE". The batter should start with his chin on "IKE". During the swing the head does not move. The body rotates and the shoulders switch places with the head finishing on "MIKE". The batter should keep his eyes on the ball and should be taught to "track" the ball from the pitcher's hand to the bat. Step 6 Swing and Finish The batter should take a good level swing or slightly downward, He should strive to keep his back foot in position while lifting his heel slightly and then turning his foot towards the pitcher as he starts his swing. This movement is also called "squashing the bug." He should concentrate on hitting the "top-half" of the baseball. When his front foot lands, he should thrust or turn his hips. Finally, his back shoulder should have swapped positions with his front shoulder and be pointing right back at the pitcher at the end of the swing.