Gripping the bat 1–2 inches (2. 5–5. 1 cm) above the bottom is called “choking up. ” You can get more power the lower your hands are, but choking up improves bat speed. Find a comfortable spot for you.
Keep the bat high – shoulder height or higher – in order to come down on the ball with power.
Your feet should face in front of you. Do not splay your toes out to the side or in towards the plate.
You should be able to quickly pick up your front foot and step it towards the pitcher’s mound.
Keep your eye on the ball the entire time you are swinging.
Make sure you are turning your hips before your hands. Remember the adage: “your hips lead your hands. ”[2] X Research source
Your lower hand also helps you get speed, but do no try to “pull” the bat forward. Your hips are driving the bat forward and your hands are helping guide it.
Make sure your elbow stays behind your hands as you tuck it in. You want your hands to lead the bat.
Stay on the inside of the ball. Keep your swing compact and think of hitting the half of the ball closer to your body. Hit down on the lower two-thirds of the ball. This lifts the ball and spins it backwards off the bat, allowing it to cruise towards the bleacher seats. You might feel like you are almost “chopping” at the ball, but the trick is to catch the bottom two-thirds of the ball to get power.
Check out this table of bat lengths by body type to get a good idea where to start shopping.
Remember, good mechanics and a smooth swing are more important than trying to force as much power on your swing as you can.
Focus on hitting the lower two-thirds of the ball to get the best height and distance on the ball you can. You can tell when you hit it well by comparing distances.
Abs and Core: A strong core helps you transfer energy from your legs through your torso, and is essential for bat speed and power. Incorporate sit-ups, crunches, planks, and medicine ball throws into every workout. Legs: Most of your power comes through your legs, so you can often make the most dramatic gains through squats, leg presses, and box jumps. Arms: Of course, you have to have strong arms to hit the ball hard. Practice swings and hitting off the tee should be a part of every workout, but you can also incorporate barbell rows, bench-press, and forearm curls to gain the bat speed needed for home runs.
Dropping your or hands before your swing. Moving your lower body frequently before and during the swing. Forgetting to turn your hips. Opening the feet away from the plate. [5] X Research source
This is the best way to time your swing. If you know when the ball is released, you know when to start your swing.
If the pitcher snaps his wrist down then they are throwing a fast-ball or change up, which only moves vertically. These pitches are usually faster, so swing earlier. If the pitcher torques their wrist to the side they are likely throwing a change-up or slider, forcing the pitch to move side to side. These pitches are usually slower, so hold your swing a half second. If the pitcher does not move their wrists, they are throwing an unpredictable knuckleball pitch. These are frequently slow and difficult to predict
