JEFF'S HITTING TIPS-STANCE

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Batting Stance

What batting stance should one use? You've heard of and maybe tried the numerous types of stances: open, closed, feet wide apart, feet closer together, hands held high or low, etc.

It's a good idea in batting practice to experiment with different stances until you find the one you are most comfortable with. Before we talk about batting stances further, let's examine hitting in its purest form:
Hitting a ball is moving the barrel of the bat through the strike zone at its maximum force.

I believe one must adopt a stance and posture that enables you to strike through the ball out in front of your body with the maximum force. To do this successfully here are a few key points to consider:

Imagine you are a coiled spring waiting to unleash stored energy.

After you hit the ball, try to have most of your weight on your back foot. This will ensure a balanced swing.

Your knees should be slightly bent with most of your weight on the balls of your feet.

Batting is a stroke, much like a golf swing. Hold the bat more in your fingers than in the palm of your hand and hold the bat loosely. This will increase bat speed.

Try to sense and feel the energy in your bat.

Visualize points in these areas: the sweet spot of your bat, your hands, the center of your stomach, and your feet. When you find the posture and stance you feel enables you to swing through the ball at a maximum force with accuracy, remember the feel and positions of these points. Once you feel a sense of balance and synergy between these points, you have probably found a stance that will work best for you.

Remember that every human being is built differently. That is why players adopt different stances and make modifications throughout the years. Try to keep it simple. Always remember the basic definition of hitting: the barrel of the bat strikes through the ball at its maximum force. If you're struggling, video tape your swing or have someone watch where you make contact with the ball. Ideally, it should be slightly out in front of your front foot.