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Article Series: Baseball
Teach Me About Baseball
How
To Swing A Baseball Bat
One of the most crucial parts of baseball
is to know how to swing the bat. Once you know this, you are
ready for everything from home runs to bunts. Here are some
tips to get you started.
First, know
how to hold the bat. Start out by holding it like
you would an axe used to chop wood. If you are right-handed,
place your left hand near the knob at the end of the bat and
your right hand above that. Left-handers simply need to do
the opposite. The curve of the bat should be in the middle
of your fingers, not in the palm of your hand. Make sure to
grip the bat firmly. You may find that gloves will help you
grip the bat better as well as help you avoid painful blisters.
Find
a comfortable position in the batter’s box. As your skill
improves, you will start to know what type of pitches the opposing
pitcher uses, and be able to position yourself accordingly.
Standing in different positions in relation to the mound provides
you different advantages for different pitches. For example,
if you are standing towards the rear of the batter’s box you
have more time to react to a fastball, while standing at the
front is a better position if you need to bunt. Your stance
should
be comfortable and effective. Try positioning your feet at
different angles and positions until you find one that is comfortable
for you. Your knees should be slightly bent and your legs spread
a little more than a shoulder width apart to help you maintain
your balance.
Get
yourself ready as the pitcher begins to throw. You should
hold the bat at the top of the strike zone, with your hands
level with your armpits. Your arms should be away from your
body a little, but not extended. Do not forget to bend those
knees! As the pitcher throws the ball, step towards the pitch.
Your head and torso should remain steady, and always keep your
eyes on the ball. Your hands and shoulder should also remain
steady when you step forward.
You will have just a moment to figure out what kind of pitch
has been thrown before you have to go after the ball. Your
swing should stay level and behind the ball, giving it that
extra boost forward. Do not stop the swing when the bat hits
the ball – you must follow through. Once you have connected
with the ball, follow through by turning and shifting your
weight from your back foot to your front foot. Your front leg
should remain braced. Your elbows should remain tucked in close.
Keep your head steady and watch the ball as it strikes the
bat.
It is also important to keep your mind clear as you step up
to the plate. Not only do you need the correct stance and reflexes
to connect with the ball, you have to be willing to face head
on a 95 mph fastball.
Your
bat should be comfortable enough for you to stay controlled
and balanced when you swing it. A heavier bat does not make
you a power hitter, and could cause you to swing off balance.
A lighter bat properly wielded is much more effective.
Your coach or trainer will be able to give you tips on stance
and grip as well as technique. If you are serious about playing
the sport well, listen to and follow their advice. Chances
are they have seen a lot of players through a lot of seasons
and will know exactly what you need to improve.
Do not forget to practice your game! Knowing when and how
to hit is one of the most important skills you can have in
order to have a successful career in baseball.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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