How to Hit a Baseball
It’s baseball season and time for the kids to get out the balls and bats. The following are just a few tips to help them get the season started right. So round up the gang and let the games begin.
Comments (22)|12 Liked It
The only way to learn to hit a base ball is practice, practice, practice but these pointers will show you the right way to get started. With baseball season opening up you can’t find a better time to learn so get out that bat and ball and play ball.
The most important thing is choosing the right size bat. Check the length, weight ,and feel of the bat. Hold the bat level with your outstretched arm. If you have trouble keeping it level it is too long and heavy.
Image via Wikipedia
Grip the bat and hold it firmly at the base without squeezing it too tightly. If you are right handed hold it with your right hand on top. Reverse that for lefties. The middle knuckles of both hands should be in line. Sliding your hands a few inches up the bat may give you more control (choking the bat).
Stand close enough to the plate so the thick of the bat covers all areas of the strike zone, but not close enough for your hands to enter the strike zone during your swing. Your front foot should line up with the middle of the plate.
Your legs should be firmly planted in the dirt, parallel to the plate and about 12 inches apart. Stand slightly pigeon toed for balance, distribute your weight more on your back leg and bend your knees slightly.
Both upper arms should be parallel to the ground when the bat is cocked. Hold the bat at shoulder level, tilted to a 45 degree angle to your body.
Keep your eyes on the pitcher and wait for the pitch. Watch the ball as it comes to you. Swing only when it hits the strike zone. The sides of the zone are determined by the plate, the top by the level of your arm pits and the bottom by the tops of your knees.
Your swing should be a fluid motion followed through completely.
Here are the steps to follow.
- Step toward the pitcher with your front leg, approximately 6 to 12 inches.
- Plant your front foot firmly on the ground and shift your weight onto your front leg as you begin your swing.
- Pivot your back foot as you thrust your hip forward and begin turning your torso toward the pitcher.
- Swing the bat around, with both power and control, parallel to the ground. Pivot your front foot on the heel and your back foot on the toes. Your eyes should be on the ball, and your swing should be timed to meet the ball as it crosses the plate.
- Follow through even after contact has been made with the ball. The swing should not stop until the bat is on the other side of your body and your torso is facing the pitcher. your feet should remain on the ground, pointing at or turned past the pitcher.
Way to go guys, keep practicing and you will soon be hitting the ball out of the park.
Follow these tips and keep up the good, hard, work. That’s what it takes.
More sites you might want to check out.
http://sportales.com/Baseball/How-to-throw-a-curve-ball.101031
http://sportales.com/Baseball/How-to-throw-a-change-up/13473
Never even seen a base ball – but at least I know what to do if I come across one now!
Love that game! As you say the best way to learn is practice
Baseball is fun.
I’ve never played baseball in my life. Great tips anyway.
Great advice for the baseball players. I like watching a good game. Thanks for sharing.
Good tips for new baseball players. It is a great game.
Christine
I had to sub for the gym teacher a few times. A student (who is now my pastor) asked me one time, “So Mrs. Gross, do you know the rules of baseball any better than you knew volleyball?)
I am so glad mine are grown and the grandkids are too little yet. I spent way too many hours running my boys to little league games, but the memories are priceless.
I loved to play baseball when I was growing up. I grew up in Toronto and played wherever we could find the room in parks, schoolyards, and even in the streets.
You have given some great tips here, Ruby.
thanks for the tips Ruby. though basketball is the #sports in our place, baseball is now gaining somemomentum.
Very good pointers Ruby. I loved playing baseball many many years ago in school. I guess I was somewhat of a Tom boy. I grew up with 4 brothers! I think I did better too!
My nephew will want to read this article. He says he’ll be a champion player one day. Great writing!
My son loved this Ruby, thank you!
Good one, Ruby. Played ball in HS, and you are right on target.
Gread article Ruby. Thanks for the info.
one hit to the face and baseball is all over for me.. never again! great share!
Interesting read.
I have the feeling you’ve played a little baseball, Ruby. Good directions. I never was much of a baseball player, but I have hit one or two.
This article is a home run as far as I am concerned Ruby. I played baseball from the time I was in first grade and pitched for several teams until after I had my first baby. I even played while pregnant until the coach found out…lol
Great article Ruby and some very great tips. Brought back some memories from school days
Thank you my good friends. Sorry I didn’t get back sooner to thank you. I must have lost this article. I truely do thank you for your interest and your comments.
Very in depth and informative article. Well done