Hitting a baseball is one of the most challenging tasks in sports. It requires a combination of hand-eye coordination, power, and technique. When it comes to hitting, one of the most crucial aspects is "feel vs real".
Feel: Refers to the physical or mental sensation that a hitter experiences while swinging the bat. It can differ from person to person, and it can also be different for the same person based on the situation.
Real: Refers to what is happening in reality during a hitter’s swing. This is the actual movement and mechanics of the swing that can be measured and analyzed with technology. While "real" is important, "feel" is equally crucial in helping a hitter make contact and generate power.
The problem with old-school coaching methods is that they often try to teach a one-size-fits-all approach to hitting. This approach ignores the fact that every hitter is unique and has their own swing feel. When hitters are forced to conform to a particular swing style, they may struggle to make contact and generate power. In contrast, the new era of teaching hitting focuses on analyzing data and using it to develop personalized drills and vocabulary for each hitter. Coaches can use technology like slow-motion video analysis and swing sensors to measure swing real and identify areas of improvement. They can then work with the hitter to develop a specific feel that will help them improve their swing.
For example, some hitters may need to feel like they are swinging up to generate more lift and power and other hitters may need to feel like they are swinging down to to accomplish the same goal. The key is to find the right feel for each hitter based on their swing real and the data. It’s important to note that "feel vs real" may not always match up.
The key to understanding "feel vs real" is to recognize that they are both important factors in hitting. Coaches need to use technology and data to identify swing real and develop personalized drills and vocabulary to help hitters develop the right feel for their swing. By doing so, hitters can maximize their potential and achieve success at the plate.
