How to Take Batting Practice
Hitting a round ball with a round bat is said to be one of the most difficult things in sports. This is of course the genesis of offense in baseball. It requires immense hand eye coordination. Taking batting practice frequently is the best way to improve this skill. Here are some tips on how to take a productive baseball batting practice.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Select a bat. If you hold your arm straight out to the side a properly sized bat should fit from the base of your arm pit to the tip of your fingers. Of course if you are exceedingly tall or short you may have to make a variation when selecting the bat. Now that you have approximate size, feel a few different weights. Most bats (which are determined by length) only have a few corresponding weights. Take a few practice swings. The bat should feel comfortable when you swing. Not at all heavy or as if you're "dragging" the bat through the air. If it does, consider going down an ounce.
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2
Pick a helmet. Helmets should ALWAYS be worn when taking batting practice. No exceptions. Try a few different helmets on. It should fit snugly but not tightly.
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3
Step in the cage or batter's box. Now you are ready to begin taking batting practice. Whether you are facing a "live arm" (someone is pitching to you) or a machine, assume your stance, stay relaxed and wait for the pitch.
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4
Watch the ball. Don't swing at bad pitches. As batting practice commences, be sure to only swing at strikes. Not only is hitting the ball crucial in baseball, but also developing a good eye. If you have to "reach" for the ball, it's probably not a strike and should be left alone.
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5
Change it up. If you are at a cage or having a pitcher throw to you, be sure to change up the speeds and pitches you are facing. Hit the fastball, curve ball and if possible have the pitcher not tell you what he's going to throw. This will keep you on your toes and train you to be ready for any pitch the pitcher might throw during an actual baseball game.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use your head. While it's good to challenge yourself at the batting cage, know your limit. If you're comfortable hitting a 60 mph pitch, stick with that and slowly work up to faster speeds. Don't just start in the 90 mph cage, not only is it dangerous, you probably won't be able to hit anything.
Get a group of friends together. The tough thing with baseball is the amount of people you need to play a game. But if you just want to take batting practice, grab four or five friends and a bucket of balls and you are good to go. Take turns, and have your friends spread out on the field to shag balls. You can even play "Home Run Derby!"
