Daily Swing Routine

1. How to run the drill

Any hitter who continues to succeed as they move up through the different levels of baseball all have a few things in common. One of them is a quick bat. A quick bat can only be developed by thousands of quality swings. This includes BP, T-work, live game hitting (which is the smallest number you will take), and dry swings (which is the most swings you will take). The key words here are “quality swings”. To develop quick hands and good bat control, the hitter must keep the hands inside, take a short path to the ball, attack the inside part of the ball and drive the bat head through the ball. All hitters are different and all hitting coaches have their ways. Just be sure that if you become tired or just can’t seem to get in a groove to stop swinging. Taking bad swings is worse than not swinging at all. Hitting takes discipline to gain success and those who are disciplined to follow this plan will improve. 95% of all players will lack the self discipline to transform themselves into a collegiate or pro ballplayer. I hope you are in the 5%. Here is a sample daily routine to follow.

50 Ready / Set drills
Comfortable, relaxed yet ready position in stance. 50/50 weight distribution on feet. Good head position with both eyes level and facing the pitcher. Track imaginary ball in , shift weight to back side, send hands to your launch position. Stop and return to Ready position.

50-100 Ready / Set / Swing drills
Same as Ready / Set drill except add a full, balanced swing. Concentrate on being balanced and fluid throughout the swing. Feel your hips begin to turn just before the hands come forward. Take your hands in an inside and downward path, keep them close to your body. The top hand delivers the bat head to and through the inside part of the ball. Finish swing with balance and your hand above your shoulder. It is best to begin by going in slow motion (25% speed) to get the feel of being balanced throughout the swing and to feel and control the bat head. Then at 50% for 10 - 15 swings and then 75% for 15-20 swings until you finish the last 10 at 100%

50- swings off the batting tee
Ball should leave tee and hit net at the same height, directly in front of tee. Again these should be done at about 50% speed for the first 10-15 swings , then 10 -15 at 75% before ending at full speed.

50 - small bat swings
Swing a small bat, 28 or 29 inch bat if you use a 32 or 33. This will develop the feel of fast hands. Your muscles will learn this feel and try to recreate it when using your regular bat. Result, faster hands. For best results, do this drill while facing a chain link fence to help keep the hands in side. See Fence Drill. Don’t take full cuts. Go 3/4 speed or 75%.

2. Equipment needed

Bat, Small bat, Adjustable Tee, Net to hit into, 12 Baseballs or poly balls (if you use baseballs, please do not hit into a chain link fence it ruins the balls but most importantly it ruins the fence).

3. Number of players

One motivated kid

4. Skills that are improved by the drill
Work Ethic
Attitude
Confidence
Quick Hands
More Fluid Swings

5. Variations of the drill

Players can work on the inside or outside pitch with the tee. Be sure to adjust the tee up and down as well.

6. Coaching suggestions

Be sure that the player understands that only quality swings should be taken. If they get lazy, frustrated or tired they must stop. Continuing only reinforces bad habits.

Article Source: http://www.sportspracticedrills.com

18 years High School Coaching Experience 22 years Quality Athletic Team Sales To order products visit www.wizardsports.com and click on Team Sales mention sport practice drills for a special discount

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