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How to Hit a Knuckle Ball in Baseball

Contributor
By Rodney Southern
eHow Contributing Writer
Hit a Knuckle Ball in Baseball
Hit a Knuckle Ball in Baseball
Rodney Southern

The knuckleball is a major weapon if a pitcher has learned to throw it for a strike consistently. No pitch in baseball is harder to hit than the knuckleball, so it will take a lot of practice to learn to hit it with regularity. Here are some tips to help you learn to hit a knuckleball in baseball.

From Quick Guide: Baseball Hitter's Guide
Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Baseball
  • <br>Bat
  • <br>Pitcher
  1. Step 1

    Implement an effective technique. When hitting the knuckleball be sure to move up in the box. You want to give the ball as little of a chance to dance as possible. A knuckleball will move all over the place, and will generally dive at the end of the pitch so every inch counts.

  2. Step 2

    The next thing to remember is that the best offense against a knuckleball is a walk. If the pitch is not straight down the middle, let it go. Chances are it will dance out of the strike zone and you will be more likely to get a fastball.

  3. Step 3

    Shift all of your weight onto your back foot in preparation for a knuckleball. This will help you to keep your balance as the ball approaches the plate. Do not lean or you will find yourself swatting at the ball rather than stroking it. Keep your weight back and do not commit to the pitch until the last moment.

  4. Step 4

    Focus all of your concentration on the center of the ball and swing through the pitch. Do not try to slow your swing or speed up your swing. This will only result in failure against the dreaded knuckleball. Your swing should be the same as it is when attacking a fast ball.

  5. Step 5

    When you are in a 2-0 or 3-0 count against a knuckleball pitcher, let them pass. As a side note, look for a straight down the middle fastball and jump all over it if you get one. Any other pitches should be ignored.

  6. Step 6

    Know if you are facing a pitcher that throws an effective and accurate knuckleball, the fast ball is his true weapon. If you receive three or four knuckleballs, then you will be very susceptible to a good fastball. It will seem twice as fast as a normal fast ball. Be sure that you take advantage of those opportunities when you get them.

Tips & Warnings
  • Keep your weight back.
  • <br>Move up in the batters box.
  • <br>Let pitches go when you are way ahead in the count.
  • <br>Swing through the ball at full speed.
  • <br>Do not lean.
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