By: Nick Dixon
The BatAction Hitting Machine is the Original Rotational Hitting Machine. The BatAction Machine is a great baseball training device for baseball players of all ages and ability levels. The BatAction Machine has an innovative patented design that has a ball suspended horizontally. This simple design makes learning to hit easy, simple and safe. When a player hits the BatAction Ball, the ball is driven forward and around the machine. The machine then stops the ball and returns it to the player. The horizontal patented design of the machine suspends the ball in mid-air allowing the ball to react to bat contact like a real baseball or softball. The player can hit the ball moving or wait until the ball stops. The batter has ample time between swings to reset and prepare for the next swing. The Bat Action Machine allows the batter work at a comfortable speed and pace. There is no need for another person. The batter has to do nothing but swing the bat. The Bat Action Machine does everything else. These are no balls to gather, no balls to chase and no balls to pick up. There are no levers to press, balls to toss, or pedals to step on. The Bat Action is absolutely 100% energy efficient and it is so much fun to hit! It's no wonder; the Bat Action Machine is one of the most popular and best selling baseball training machines ever!
The BatAction Baseball Training Machine offers 5 great benefits:
1. The BatAction Machine has a large circle of ball movement - This large path of ball movement allows the batter to see, hit and track the ball before and after each swing. The BatAction ball movement closely simulates live pitching!
2. The BatAction Machine allows the batter to read swing contact. The ball is suspended in mid-air without cables, string, or ropes. This unique patented design allows the ball to react to bat contact much like a real ball. The batter receives instant feedback as to the quality and power of every swing. The batter can immediately read the ball after contact to see if the ball hit was a line drive, ground ball or fly ball. This instant feedback is extremely useful and beneficial to rapid skill improvement and bat speed development.
3. Every swing is a challenge - The BatAction Machine features a moving ball with adjustable speeds. Players really love the challenge and fun of seeing and hitting a moving ball. The harder a player hits the ball, the faster it will return. This ball movement keeps the batter challenged and motivated to practice more and more.
4. The BatAction Machine fast moving ball makes every swing a challenge - The BatAction Machine features a moving ball with adjustable speeds. Players really love the challenge and fun of seeing and hitting a moving ball. The harder a player hits the ball, the faster it will return. This ball movement keeps the batter challenged and motivated to practice more and more.
5. The BatAction Machine is a great trainer for planned or impulse training - The BatAction is often used as a hitting station for team training. It is great for these planned activities. But, one of the benefits that makes it one of the most popular home trainers ever, is the fact that it can be set up as a hitting station in the backyard. This makes the BatAction Machine always available to a hitter for fun and recreational use. These impulse workouts can be done alone, even when Dad or Mom is not at home. This is why the Bat Action Machine is often called the Backyard Basketball Goal for baseball and softball players. It is so much fun to hit that kids spend hours and hours of their free time hitting the fast moving ball. These fun workouts are the reason that BatAction Machine owners are some of the most dominate hitters in the game today.
For more BatAction Hitting Machine drills, tips, and coaching information visit the BatAction Training Blog. Check out the BatAction Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Baseball Exercises for Strength and Flexibility
By Chris Moheno
Certainly you're aware of the importance of strength & conditioning for baseball. Long gone are the days of the 155 pound shortstop that barely hit above the Mendoza line. Today's game has dramatically turned into a blend of power, speed and explosiveness and if you're not performing the correct baseball exercises you'll be left behind faster than a Josh Beckett fastball.
Sadly, most are extremely confused about how to properly train for baseball. So called "experts" (who've never really trained a real athlete) dole out advice even if you don't ask for it. The mindset of most is if they've worked-out a few times in their life all of a sudden they know it all. Well, the only one that hurts is you, the individual looking for exercises that will help take your game to the next level.
I've compiled a list of Do's and Don't when selecting baseball drills. First, the Do's:
DO:
Learn the basics - learn how to properly perform all versions of the squat, deadlift, Olympic Lifts (Power Clean & Power Snatch), bench press, push press, pull-up and row. These are movement patterns that should comprise about 90% of your training. The rest is just details. If you fail to make these exercises 90% or more of your strength work, you'll fall short of your goals by a long shot.
Focus on movements, not muscle - The body does not work one muscle at a time. So why would you train that way? The exercises above help develop athleticism and the ability of the body to work as one harmonious unit. This type of development is what makes a great athlete. So don't worry about a burn or a pump, focus on moving properly.
Always aim to move fast, yet controlled - I'm sure you've heard the term slow and controlled when describing how to lift weights. Slow doesn't happen in baseball. Everything is explosive and ballistic. You're training should be that way. This happens over time. Each time you're performing baseball workouts try to move a little quicker tan the last. It's that simple. Be sure to always maintain control. A great ball player is explosive and controlled. It's VERY difficult to move a light object (bat, ball) at very high speed while under control. Some were born with this. Others have to work very hard at it. Either way, make it a focus of your training.
Perform a balanced routine - Don't simply do a few sets of bench press and bicep curls and think that will help your game. In fact if you're not doing a 3 to 1 ratio of pull to push exercises then you can just about count on an injury occurring at some point in your playing career in addition to never realizing your full potential. You must balance out the muscular imbalances baseball (and life) develop.
DON'T
Train for more than 1 hour - I you're training for more than an hour you're not training all that hard or you're just talking too much. Get in, do the correct baseball training exercises and get out. It's that simple
Try and do "advanced" exercises if you're not ready - Stick to the basics. Trying to do a one-legged front squat before you can front squat twice your bodyweight will simply leave you frustrated and injured. This holds true with any exercise progression.
Listen to the so-called "experts" - Seems as though everyone's an expert in weight training. For some reason people think that if they've spent some time in the gym that gives them the right to talk as though their word is gospel. While their intentions may be good, their impact is not. Just because I've had surgery a few times doesn't make me a doctor. Stay away from these clowns.
Rely on fad's such as "plyometrics" and balance boards - Plyometrics, the way some will sell them to you, is the quickest way to get injuried and burnt out. In fact, unless you're very experienced (3-5 years) in workout routines with the correct baseball exercises, you shouldn't even think about plyo's. That is unless you want to get hurt. Also, please get off that silly balance board. It doesn't make you have better balance, but it will make you weaker because you lose all ground contact.
Overlook the importance of nutrition - Proper nutrition is vital to your health, development and performance. While some players (genetically gifted) can get away with poor nutrition for a while, it certainly will catch up to them. And, for us non genetic freaks, proper nutrition is almost as important as selecting the correct baseball exercises. As the old saying goes "You are what you eat". A simply rule to live by, "If you can't catch it, kill it or pick it, then don't eat it."
Stick to this list and you’ll not only be performing the correct exercises, you’ll be light years ahead of your competition!
We have the best baseball training videos.
Get more information regarding baseball training videos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Moheno
The BatAction Hitting Machine and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine are two of the absolute best batting trainers available today. This compact and self-contained hitting machines allow players to take full speed batting practice swings in indoors or outdoors with little space required. The high speed ball movement drills that these machines feature is known for developing incredible batting skill, bat speed and batter confidence.
Certainly you're aware of the importance of strength & conditioning for baseball. Long gone are the days of the 155 pound shortstop that barely hit above the Mendoza line. Today's game has dramatically turned into a blend of power, speed and explosiveness and if you're not performing the correct baseball exercises you'll be left behind faster than a Josh Beckett fastball.
Sadly, most are extremely confused about how to properly train for baseball. So called "experts" (who've never really trained a real athlete) dole out advice even if you don't ask for it. The mindset of most is if they've worked-out a few times in their life all of a sudden they know it all. Well, the only one that hurts is you, the individual looking for exercises that will help take your game to the next level.
I've compiled a list of Do's and Don't when selecting baseball drills. First, the Do's:
DO:
Learn the basics - learn how to properly perform all versions of the squat, deadlift, Olympic Lifts (Power Clean & Power Snatch), bench press, push press, pull-up and row. These are movement patterns that should comprise about 90% of your training. The rest is just details. If you fail to make these exercises 90% or more of your strength work, you'll fall short of your goals by a long shot.
Focus on movements, not muscle - The body does not work one muscle at a time. So why would you train that way? The exercises above help develop athleticism and the ability of the body to work as one harmonious unit. This type of development is what makes a great athlete. So don't worry about a burn or a pump, focus on moving properly.
Always aim to move fast, yet controlled - I'm sure you've heard the term slow and controlled when describing how to lift weights. Slow doesn't happen in baseball. Everything is explosive and ballistic. You're training should be that way. This happens over time. Each time you're performing baseball workouts try to move a little quicker tan the last. It's that simple. Be sure to always maintain control. A great ball player is explosive and controlled. It's VERY difficult to move a light object (bat, ball) at very high speed while under control. Some were born with this. Others have to work very hard at it. Either way, make it a focus of your training.
Perform a balanced routine - Don't simply do a few sets of bench press and bicep curls and think that will help your game. In fact if you're not doing a 3 to 1 ratio of pull to push exercises then you can just about count on an injury occurring at some point in your playing career in addition to never realizing your full potential. You must balance out the muscular imbalances baseball (and life) develop.
DON'T
Train for more than 1 hour - I you're training for more than an hour you're not training all that hard or you're just talking too much. Get in, do the correct baseball training exercises and get out. It's that simple
Try and do "advanced" exercises if you're not ready - Stick to the basics. Trying to do a one-legged front squat before you can front squat twice your bodyweight will simply leave you frustrated and injured. This holds true with any exercise progression.
Listen to the so-called "experts" - Seems as though everyone's an expert in weight training. For some reason people think that if they've spent some time in the gym that gives them the right to talk as though their word is gospel. While their intentions may be good, their impact is not. Just because I've had surgery a few times doesn't make me a doctor. Stay away from these clowns.
Rely on fad's such as "plyometrics" and balance boards - Plyometrics, the way some will sell them to you, is the quickest way to get injuried and burnt out. In fact, unless you're very experienced (3-5 years) in workout routines with the correct baseball exercises, you shouldn't even think about plyo's. That is unless you want to get hurt. Also, please get off that silly balance board. It doesn't make you have better balance, but it will make you weaker because you lose all ground contact.
Overlook the importance of nutrition - Proper nutrition is vital to your health, development and performance. While some players (genetically gifted) can get away with poor nutrition for a while, it certainly will catch up to them. And, for us non genetic freaks, proper nutrition is almost as important as selecting the correct baseball exercises. As the old saying goes "You are what you eat". A simply rule to live by, "If you can't catch it, kill it or pick it, then don't eat it."
Stick to this list and you’ll not only be performing the correct exercises, you’ll be light years ahead of your competition!
We have the best baseball training videos.
Get more information regarding baseball training videos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Moheno
The BatAction Hitting Machine and the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine are two of the absolute best batting trainers available today. This compact and self-contained hitting machines allow players to take full speed batting practice swings in indoors or outdoors with little space required. The high speed ball movement drills that these machines feature is known for developing incredible batting skill, bat speed and batter confidence.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Baseball Hitting Excellence
By Chris Moheno
While baseball has always been considered America's pastime, our youth was starting to see it is not so glamorous but compared to other major sports. That has changed recently as power numbers continue to soar and we see more and more baseball players becoming prominent members of our communities. That being the case, once again the interest in baseball has risen and everyone wants to be the next home run king. The way to achieve that of course is through better baseball hitting.
One thing that has been very noticeable in recent times is the lack of fundamentals and the young players coming up. We are seeing all different types of stances and swings as our children try to emulate the professional baseball players they see on TV. While we of course want them to establish their identity, there are still fundamentals that they need to adhere to. The job of the coach is to make these fundamentals enjoyable and interesting so that the developing player uses them for the rest of their lives. That of course means bending the rules a little bit as to the way that we were traditionally taught baseball.
When the forty-something generation was growing up, there was no option as to how you swung a bat or stood in the batter's box. You did it one way and that was the way the coach wanted you to. Every stance and swing were cookie-cutter products of how the coach perceived the game to be taught. In order to be successful today, the coach needs to be a little bit more willing to work the style of swing the player wants into their coaching techniques. This is by no means to say they should abandon basic fundamentals, quite the opposite. You are just trying to allow them some type of identity and implement the fundamentals of baseball hitting into their style.
When coaching a young player, you have to make it fun for them to try new things out. They obviously love the game at that stage and you need to continue the enthusiasm. Introducing them to new drills will help with that. Trying out new stances, different approaches and unique drills will enable them to keep a fresh look and heightened interest in the art of hitting. One thing remains consistent though, hard work is the only way to achieve the desired result.
We've all heard the saying that there is nothing harder to do in sports than to hit a ball moving at 90 miles an hour with a round object, the baseball bat. If that is true, then coaching the art of hitting a baseball is no simpler. The coach needs to put in just as much work as a student. One of the tougher aspects of the coaching job is to again realize that each and every student has her own personality that needs to be adapted to. You can have all the knowledge in the world but the inability to capture their interests will result in failure.
One of the early keys to success in coaching hitting is to try and not change the players hitting style too quickly. There is obviously a reason they're swing that way and you need to find out. If you start making radical changes immediately will have no idea why they started hitting the way that they did. Take the time and learn how they develop their style and you'll have a better idea of how to coach them.
When implementing changes into a player swing and stance, make sure they're comfortable with these changes. If the player is not like them or doesn't feel comfortable they will end up going back to what they were doing prior and this is not good for anyone. It will lead to frustration for both the player and the coach. Always get ample feedback when making any type of change their swing.
Patience is also a huge factor in successful coaching. You may be dealing with a hitter who has established habits over years and years. The changes you are trying to implement are not going to take place overnight. As a coach, you need to realize that and gradually work these changes into their swing. A helpful tool during this process is video. There is nothing like visual feedback to help make your point. You can take the progress of their swing throughout the coaching process and have daily or weekly video sessions with the player to show them exactly what you're working on and how they are becoming a better athlete.
While we are stressing the aspect of allowing the player to have their own identity, keep in mind that basic fundamentals are still the same. If you're faced with a player who is flat out fundamentally unsound, these issues need to be addressed immediately. However, it will have to be approached in a manner so that they understand that implementing the basic fundamentals of baseball heading into their swing will immediately result in positive results.
Every successful baseball hitting instructor should have a set of drills that there are continuously fine-tuning. Drills are just that, daily and structures that are meant to bring the fundamentals home in a sound matter. You cannot coach properly without having these trolls in place and making them enjoyable for your players. Better baseball hitting is a continuously evolving process. Both the coach and player must work together and work hard in order for this endeavor to become successful.
Chris Moheno has a long time passion for sports in general and for baseball coaching more specifically.
His goal is to spread the word about effective non-fluff baseball training techniques for both more experienced and young baseball players, to help them perform better during the game.
Discover more about baseball training secrets on baseballtrainingsecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Moheno
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible bat speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
While baseball has always been considered America's pastime, our youth was starting to see it is not so glamorous but compared to other major sports. That has changed recently as power numbers continue to soar and we see more and more baseball players becoming prominent members of our communities. That being the case, once again the interest in baseball has risen and everyone wants to be the next home run king. The way to achieve that of course is through better baseball hitting.
One thing that has been very noticeable in recent times is the lack of fundamentals and the young players coming up. We are seeing all different types of stances and swings as our children try to emulate the professional baseball players they see on TV. While we of course want them to establish their identity, there are still fundamentals that they need to adhere to. The job of the coach is to make these fundamentals enjoyable and interesting so that the developing player uses them for the rest of their lives. That of course means bending the rules a little bit as to the way that we were traditionally taught baseball.
When the forty-something generation was growing up, there was no option as to how you swung a bat or stood in the batter's box. You did it one way and that was the way the coach wanted you to. Every stance and swing were cookie-cutter products of how the coach perceived the game to be taught. In order to be successful today, the coach needs to be a little bit more willing to work the style of swing the player wants into their coaching techniques. This is by no means to say they should abandon basic fundamentals, quite the opposite. You are just trying to allow them some type of identity and implement the fundamentals of baseball hitting into their style.
When coaching a young player, you have to make it fun for them to try new things out. They obviously love the game at that stage and you need to continue the enthusiasm. Introducing them to new drills will help with that. Trying out new stances, different approaches and unique drills will enable them to keep a fresh look and heightened interest in the art of hitting. One thing remains consistent though, hard work is the only way to achieve the desired result.
We've all heard the saying that there is nothing harder to do in sports than to hit a ball moving at 90 miles an hour with a round object, the baseball bat. If that is true, then coaching the art of hitting a baseball is no simpler. The coach needs to put in just as much work as a student. One of the tougher aspects of the coaching job is to again realize that each and every student has her own personality that needs to be adapted to. You can have all the knowledge in the world but the inability to capture their interests will result in failure.
One of the early keys to success in coaching hitting is to try and not change the players hitting style too quickly. There is obviously a reason they're swing that way and you need to find out. If you start making radical changes immediately will have no idea why they started hitting the way that they did. Take the time and learn how they develop their style and you'll have a better idea of how to coach them.
When implementing changes into a player swing and stance, make sure they're comfortable with these changes. If the player is not like them or doesn't feel comfortable they will end up going back to what they were doing prior and this is not good for anyone. It will lead to frustration for both the player and the coach. Always get ample feedback when making any type of change their swing.
Patience is also a huge factor in successful coaching. You may be dealing with a hitter who has established habits over years and years. The changes you are trying to implement are not going to take place overnight. As a coach, you need to realize that and gradually work these changes into their swing. A helpful tool during this process is video. There is nothing like visual feedback to help make your point. You can take the progress of their swing throughout the coaching process and have daily or weekly video sessions with the player to show them exactly what you're working on and how they are becoming a better athlete.
While we are stressing the aspect of allowing the player to have their own identity, keep in mind that basic fundamentals are still the same. If you're faced with a player who is flat out fundamentally unsound, these issues need to be addressed immediately. However, it will have to be approached in a manner so that they understand that implementing the basic fundamentals of baseball heading into their swing will immediately result in positive results.
Every successful baseball hitting instructor should have a set of drills that there are continuously fine-tuning. Drills are just that, daily and structures that are meant to bring the fundamentals home in a sound matter. You cannot coach properly without having these trolls in place and making them enjoyable for your players. Better baseball hitting is a continuously evolving process. Both the coach and player must work together and work hard in order for this endeavor to become successful.
Chris Moheno has a long time passion for sports in general and for baseball coaching more specifically.
His goal is to spread the word about effective non-fluff baseball training techniques for both more experienced and young baseball players, to help them perform better during the game.
Discover more about baseball training secrets on baseballtrainingsecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Moheno
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible bat speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
How to Get Your Star Baseball Player Noticed?
By Jack D. Elliott
A question that often comes up from coaches and parents of a good high school baseball player is how can I get my son or star player noticed by scouts. This is a very good question when you consider how difficult it can be for great players to get attention from college coaches and scouts. For this reason, I have put together a list of tips that can help you increase the chances that your player will get noticed:
1. Have the kid go to a professional major league try out in your state soon. This provides some exposure and allows him to get tested in a control environment for running, arm speed, hitting, etc.
2. Start to build a videotape of his performance for next couple of years. These tapes can be consolidated and sent to college coaches and/or major league scouts.
3. Send a letter introducing the player to area scouts. The letter should include basic stats like name, address, height, weight, position, age, grade, high school team and summer league team. Some scouts frown on letters being sent to them and others don't mind it at all. For this reason, it is best to send a letter and take your chances.
4. Have the kid join the best all star and top level travel teams in the area. This is a way to get some additional exposure. Many players have been discovered when scouts were checking out another player.
5. Have him take lessons with top baseball instructors who have ties to the major leagues. These tend to be more in the big cities, but this can be another way to get exposure. The kid can follow-up with the instructor on how to get noticed and they may be able to open some doors for him.
6. Recommend the kid go to a "showcase" event. These are events that have the best players in an area play in several games. Scouts come to these games and watch the games. If he does well here, this gives him more exposure.
7. Get started immediately on promotion of this kid. Scouts start looking at kids at age 14 and 15 so you can definitely get started beginning with high school.
By applying these methods, you have a very good chance of getting your son or star player noticed. Remember every little bit helps and so try to take a comprehensive approach to these methods as that extra letter may make all the difference.
Jack Elliott, is a former player and fan of the game. To read more tips and techniques like the ones in this article, please click here: http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com/Baseball-Strategy/ or Baseball Strategy
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_D._Elliott
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Baseball Swing - Rotational Hitting Explained
By Nate Barnett
It seems like baseball instruction in the area of hitting mechanics is splitting into two different camps. Rotational hitting vs. Linear hitting. If you're new to the baseball world, or are just unfamiliar with the new exciting terminology, let me offer some explanation.
Rotational Hitting
The purpose of the baseball swing is to transfer the most energy into the baseball as possible. In order to get the most energy created, there are specific parts of the body that need to move at the correct time in order for this energy to occur.
A rotational approach offers that the energy used in creating a powerful baseball swing stems from the back side of the body, and more specifically the lower half of the back side. The controlled chain reaction that happens when the back side is moved at precisely the correct time toward the pitch is quite powerful. On the flip side, incorrect timing of the back knee and hip will produce a sluggish bat.
A rotational approach to hitting uses the follow steps to a good baseball swing:
1. A good weight shift to the back leg from the stance position as a hitter is preparing to hit. Make sure that this weight shift is not purely horizontal in motion, since this will create an imbalance.
2. The next step is the trigger. This is the most important movement that separates a rotational hitter from a linear hitter. The triggering process should begin with the back knee turning and moving towards the pitcher (as apposed to simply spinning in place). The back hip will quickly follow the back knee in the rotation process. Lastly, the hands will begin to enter into the hitting zone. It's important that the hands do not begin the swing since the power is stemming from the back knee and hip. Early hand movement would negate any effort to use energy from the back side of the hitter's body.
3. As the bat enters the zone, one will begin to see signs that a rotational approach has been utilized. The common tell tale signs are the balance points. The easiest to explain in writing is that upon contact with the pitch there will be vertical alignment with the inside shoulder joint, the back hip, and the back knee joint. This alignment shows that balance is retained and no weight has shifted forward onto the front foot (more of a linear style).
As an aside, rotational hitting is used by most major colleges and a vast majority of Major League hitters. It provide balance and power to the baseball swing.
Nate Barnett is owner of BMI Baseball designed to improve the mental game of baseball in athletes. Learn how to help your game by improving the skill of mental baseball
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett
Check out Baseball2u.com/Coachesbest.com for all of your coaching and training equipment needs. Visit the Baseball Dealz Ebay Super Store to purchase top quality baseball training equipment at discount prices.
Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest for daily post and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball. The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog. Check out the Bat Action Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
It seems like baseball instruction in the area of hitting mechanics is splitting into two different camps. Rotational hitting vs. Linear hitting. If you're new to the baseball world, or are just unfamiliar with the new exciting terminology, let me offer some explanation.
Rotational Hitting
The purpose of the baseball swing is to transfer the most energy into the baseball as possible. In order to get the most energy created, there are specific parts of the body that need to move at the correct time in order for this energy to occur.
A rotational approach offers that the energy used in creating a powerful baseball swing stems from the back side of the body, and more specifically the lower half of the back side. The controlled chain reaction that happens when the back side is moved at precisely the correct time toward the pitch is quite powerful. On the flip side, incorrect timing of the back knee and hip will produce a sluggish bat.
A rotational approach to hitting uses the follow steps to a good baseball swing:
1. A good weight shift to the back leg from the stance position as a hitter is preparing to hit. Make sure that this weight shift is not purely horizontal in motion, since this will create an imbalance.
2. The next step is the trigger. This is the most important movement that separates a rotational hitter from a linear hitter. The triggering process should begin with the back knee turning and moving towards the pitcher (as apposed to simply spinning in place). The back hip will quickly follow the back knee in the rotation process. Lastly, the hands will begin to enter into the hitting zone. It's important that the hands do not begin the swing since the power is stemming from the back knee and hip. Early hand movement would negate any effort to use energy from the back side of the hitter's body.
3. As the bat enters the zone, one will begin to see signs that a rotational approach has been utilized. The common tell tale signs are the balance points. The easiest to explain in writing is that upon contact with the pitch there will be vertical alignment with the inside shoulder joint, the back hip, and the back knee joint. This alignment shows that balance is retained and no weight has shifted forward onto the front foot (more of a linear style).
As an aside, rotational hitting is used by most major colleges and a vast majority of Major League hitters. It provide balance and power to the baseball swing.
Nate Barnett is owner of BMI Baseball designed to improve the mental game of baseball in athletes. Learn how to help your game by improving the skill of mental baseball
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett
Check out Baseball2u.com/Coachesbest.com for all of your coaching and training equipment needs. Visit the Baseball Dealz Ebay Super Store to purchase top quality baseball training equipment at discount prices.
Visit the Baseball Coaching Digest for daily post and articles on every aspect of coaching baseball. The Baseball Coaching Digest Blog. Check out the Bat Action Hitting Machine baseball pitching simulator. This high speed training machine is 100% Guaranteed to raise Batting Averages and has a full year warranty.
Friday, September 25, 2009
3 Hitting Drills Guaranteed to Produce Hits
www.BatAction.com
By Jack Perconte
When a player doesn't hit, frustration sets in for players and parents alike. Hitting can be a very difficult skill for parents and untrained coaches to figure out. The good news is that you don't have to know what is wrong as long as you know how to "fix it." Hitting in its most basic form comes down to doing three things - watching the ball, throwing the hands (bat) at the ball, and opening the hips. The following three drills will make these things happen and can prove a quick exit from the player's hitting slump.
1. Seeing the Ball Drill - In batting practice put an object like a ball glove or empty soda can at the front of the opposite side batter's box. After taking their swing, the hitter should keep their eyes on the placed object for a second or two before looking out to see where they hit the ball. This will prevent hitters from pulling their head out early on the pitch and help prevent them from over swinging.
2. Pad Drill - Place a pad like a sponge, towel or the player's glove under their lead armpit when taking batting practice. The hitter's goal is to keep the glove under the arm until contact and then allow the pad to fall out after making contact. This drill ensures that the hitter is using their hands and forearms to swing the bat in a compact, direct manner.
3. Back Knee Pick-up Drill - Have the hitter pick up their back leg with their back knee turning to point at the pitcher as they swing. This drill will force the hitter to use their front side to pull the bat initially as well as forcing the hitter to open their hips. Both of these forced moves with this drill promote contact, weight shift and power.
There are many hitting drills that can benefit a hitter and it is a good idea to continue with some of them throughout the season. Drills are the best way to develop good fundamentals whereas batting practice is good for the hitter's timing.
Finally, it is always best to challenge hitters during batting practice with game like speeds and speed changes. There is no speed that is too slow or too fast, within reason of course based on the age of the player. Remember, you don't need to know what is fundamentally wrong with a hitter's swing as long as you know how to fix it.
Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball hitting lessons advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte
Shop CoachesBest.com for your baseball coaching needs including baseball training aids, training videos, and other coaching supplies. Check out the Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting machine by SKLZ at HurricaneTrainer.com.
See the “Original” Rotational Hitting Machine at BatAction.com. Are you looking for the perfect trainer to teach proper timing and swing mechanics? You can stop looking and go to HandsBackHitter.com.
Players develop incredible bat speed and confidence when they regularly use the Quick Swing Trainer. See it at QuickSwingTrainer.com. See the world’s most advanced batting tee at AdvancedSkillsTee.com.
Are you looking for a great batting cage at discount prices? Are you considering building your own backyard batting cage and training center? If so, you should visit BattingCagesDirect.com now!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The BatAction Batting Machine 20 Minute Workout
Sample:
Daily Workout Sheet
A 20 Minute Hitting Workout using the BatAction Hitting Machine, by Nedco Sports, done 3 days a week is all a young baseball needs to improve bat speed and battings skills. The BatAction Machine is 100% Guaranteed to Improve Hitting Success!
BatAction Daily Workout
Drill..............Number of Swings
Hip Turner............10
Top Hand..............10
Inside Contact.......10
Middle Contact.......10
Away Contact........10
Hit & Bunt..............10
Bring-Bys...............10
See & Hit Drill.........30
Total Swings..........100
Home - BatAction.com
BatAction Machine Video Clips
Order Page
BatAction Trainer - 15 Reasons Why You Must Own This Machine
Message to Parents From Coach Nick
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)