"Coach Dunn's Quick Pitches" — By Coach Jack Dunn

Hitting

1. BATTING TECHNIQUES

   Batting techniques differ with each performer. Since all of us differ physically, it is extremely difficult to single out a particular procedure and encourage everyone to follow it. Only you can tell if a bat feels right in your hands, or a stance comfortable; however, here are some rules all hitters attempt to follow.

2. PSYCHOLOGY OF HITTING

   Branch Rickey: “The biggest difference between major leaguers and minor leaguers is the attitude of the hitter when he steps in the box and when the pitch is on its way.”

   The hitter must have a positive approach—I'm going to hit this pitch! The hitter is ready and set, cocks his wrists and is ready to swing, and starts forward on the pitch. Then, if the pitch is out of line, the hitter eases off and lets the pitch go. The wrong approach is “If it is in there, I'll hit it.”

3. BAT SELECTION
   1. In selecting a bat, remember always that you must control the bat—never let the bat control you.
   2. Select a bat of proper length, weight and balance. These qualifications vary with most young performers because of varying physical characteristics.
   3. Be cautious about selecting a bat that is overwhelmingly heavy at the hitting end.
4. GRIPPING THE BAT
   1. Shake hands with the bat.
   2. Place knuckles in line with each other to aid in keeping the arms away from the body and to allow for good wrist action.
   3. Have a relaxed grip prior to the swing but a firm grip when swinging and meeting the ball.
   4. Fingers and thumbs should be around the bat, not against it.
   5. Long grip: Holding the bat at the end. Used for long ball hitting.
   6. Choke grip: Gripping the bat up on the handle for better balance and control. Used by player who is satisfied to meet the ball often and solidly. Sacrifices power for consistency.
   7. Spread grip: Hands are spread apart, choking the bat. Used by place hitters.
   8. Recommend modified choke grip for little youngsters. (About one-inch.)
5. POSITION AT THE BAT
   1. Distance from the plate is determined by touching the outside edge of the plate with the extended bat. Bat must cover the outside edge of the plate.
   2. Feet should be comfortably spread, a little wider than the shoulders.
   3. Weight should be equally distributed on both feet, the front foot slightly nearer home plate than the rear foot.
   4. Body should be erect and knees straight but not locked.
   5. Shoulders and hips should be level.
   6. Arms should be away from the body.
   7. Hands should be gripping the bat at shoulder height—the barrel end over the shoulder and somewhat parallel to the ground.
   8. Bat should be held still.
   9. Eye should be on the ball as soon as the batter takes his position in the batter's box.
6. SWING
   1. Take a firm grip on the bat and cock wrists.
   2. Swing level and meet the ball out in front of the plate.
   3. Rotate the hips toward the ball.
   4. Watch the ball hit the bat.
   5. Rotate wrists, right over left, for right-hand hitters; and left over right for left-hand batters.
   6. Hold head steady and still.
7. STRIDE
   1. Stride short, approximately 6 to 8 inches.
   2. If it‘s an Inside pitch, step away.
   3. If it‘s an Outside pitch, step straight away.
8. FOLLOW-THROUGH
   1. Wrists are fully rotated after meeting the ball.
   2. Bat follows through naturally, over the shoulder.
   3. Body pivots in a complete rotation.
9. SUGGESTIONS:
   1. Swing only at good pitches.
   2. Don't be a guess hitter.
   3. Believe in yourself as a hitter.
   4. Try to hit a line drive every time.
   5. Hit the ball back through the box.
   6. Use a batting ‘T’ in teaching and correcting faults.

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