How to Step in the Bucket in Baseball
When it comes to trying to hit a baseball, there are many things that can impede a successful batter's stance. "Stepping in the bucket" is a problem that many coaches try and correct in hitters because once it occurs, it pulls the batter away from the outer edge of the plate. However, there are certain times, like on an inside pitch, where stepping in the bucket may actually be a bit helpful.
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Instructions
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Assume your normal batting stance, facing the pitcher with your feet parallel with the top and bottom of the batter's box lines.
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Watch for an inside pitch. As the pitcher releases the baseball, look to see if it is heading toward the inside of the strike zone over the plate and make the determination to swing.
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Step away from the plate with your front foot. During a normal swing, your front foot strides forward toward the pitcher. When stepping in the bucket, your front foot will actually step away from home plate. If you're right-handed, then it will be your left foot that steps to the left. If you're left-handed, it will be your right foot that steps to the right.
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Open your front shoulder. As you continue your swing, your front shoulder will begin to pull away in the same direction as your front foot. Because your chest is now "open" toward the pitcher, it is considered "opened up." This will occur naturally with the momentum of your swing.
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Complete your swing and make contact with the baseball. As your hands come through the hitting zone, you will pull the baseball because you have stepped in the bucket. Drive the baseball and start running to first base.
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Tips & Warnings
To correct the problem of "stepping in the bucket" have the hitter take his normal stance. Place a baseball bat just behind the heels of the batter's feet. If the batter goes to "step in the bucket" his front foot will step on or over the bat, signifying that he's "bailing out." Continue to throw pitches until the batter corrects the problem.
Watch out for a breaking pitch that seams as if it is coming inside and then darts to the outer edge of the plate. If you step in the bucket, it will be hard for your to make contact with that pitch.
Keep your eye on the baseball. Because your foot is moving away from the pitcher, there is a tendency for your eyes to "pull off" the baseball as well. Keep your eyes trained on the baseball even as you step in the bucket.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit baseball image by Tomasz Plawski from Fotolia.com
