There are many things players can do to raise or maintain a high batting average. Obviously, developing improved baseball swing fundamentals and working on timing the ball are the most beneficial things to do. Beyond that, there are other not so obvious ways to keep a high batting average. This can be the difference between continuing to play and getting a seat on the bench. Dedicated players will look for all means to improve. Improving in the following areas can make at least a hundred point difference in a baseball player's batting average.
1. Improve running speed - the ability to beat out a few extra ground balls a season for a few extra hits will help maintain a good average.
2. Develop good bunting technique - as the previous point, being able to put down a few base hits via the bunt can make a big difference, especially when players are struggling with their swing or timing.
3. Have eyes checked before season - nothing is more important to hitters than their vision. Playing even a few games without great eyesight can be detrimental to a good average.
4. Learn and adhere to the strike zone - chasing bad pitches and not being willing to take a walk will hurt the player's average.
5. Know strengths and weaknesses - hitters who know what pitches they hit best and which they don't will have better success early in the count. (Players should consult coaches for this information if unsure).
6. Study the opposing pitcher - even young players should watch the opposing pitcher during warm-ups and in games to get an idea of their speed, control, etc.
7. Use the whole field - during batting practice players should work on hitting balls where they are pitched. It's a big advantage to be able to hit balls to all fields as opposed to only using half the field.
8. Cut down on swing with two strikes - players who just try to make contact and hit the ball back through the middle with two strikes have a great chance to maintain a high average.
9. Keep a good attitude - hitters that realize their next at bat can be different than their previous failed attempts will succeed. Forgetting bad at-bats is crucial to maintain confidence and belief in oneself.
10. Remember the directions to Carnegie Hall - practice, perfect practice, practice when others aren't.
Finally, good coaches will stress the above suggestions and help players develop these parts of their game. Over time, players will begin to do these on their own and notice how their batting average soars.
Former major league baseball player, Jack Perconte gives baseball hitting tips and batting practice advice for ballplayers of all ages. His baseball hitting lessons advice can be found at http://www.baseballhittinglessons.com/baseball Jack is the author of two books, "The Making of a Hitter" and "Raising an Athlete" - his parenting blog can be found at http://positiveparentinginsports.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Perconte
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I absolutely love this article! There are many youth baseball players that are never going to be pure hitters, but they can definitely work on all of these skills to raise their batting average which will help their team. All youth baseball coaches should stress these little things!
ReplyDeleteI would love it you would post this on my youth baseball web site at: http:www.my-youth-baseball.com/baseball-practice-drills.html
Or if you can just email me and give me permission to use it! Let me know.
Check out my web site for all your youth baseball needs. We have everything youth baseball for coaches, players, parents, etc.
Have a great day!
Brent Henze
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