To be a successful hitter, it's crucial to have the right mindset. No matter how well a player's mechanics are, if they're held back by fear or doubt, they won't perform at their best. This means that shedding those negative emotions must come first, before any mechanical adjustments can truly help in a game. A hitter's intent starts at practice and carries through to the games.
Seeing the ball is a fundamental skill, but it's often overlooked. Hitters must understand that good vision is an active process, not a passive one. They need to turn their head inward as their body rotates out to better track the ball. When hitters can't see the ball well, it negatively affects their power and consistency.
Most of a hitter's practice and game time is spent without an instructor. They must have a high degree of body awareness and the ability to self-adjust quickly. While instructors can guide them to get to this point, it's ultimately up to the hitter to learn how to get themselves out of slumps or avoid them altogether.
Three key areas that are critical for success at the plate: Intent, Vision, and Body Awareness. Here are the main points in each of these areas:
Intent:
A player's mental and emotional state at the plate is crucial for success.
Without the right mindset, mechanical adjustments won't make much of a difference.
Intent starts with practice and carries over into games.
Vision:
Seeing the ball well is a simple concept, but often overlooked.
Good vision requires a specific movement, where the head turns inward as the body rotates out.
Losing sight of the ball as it approaches can negatively impact power and consistency.
Body Awareness:
Hitters spend most of their time away from their instructors.
They need to be able to quickly self-adjust during practices and games.
Instructors play a crucial role in helping hitters get to a point where they can handle slumps or avoid them altogether.
