Hitting: Keys to a Good Hitting Stance

One of the most over coached areas of hitting is the hitter's stance. It is what it is…it is the hitter's own, personalized stance prior to initiation of the swing process. What we know about every Hall of Famer is one thing... they were all different. Stances will range from simple to quite radical. However, in saying this, let's remember one thing: If style (stance) adversely affects mechanical efficiency, subtle change to the stance may be required. However, the stance is not as important to good hitting as many like to believe it is. In fact, constant change or modification is often a waste of precious teaching time and does not necessarily mean a basic flaw will be corrected. In examining the types of hitters stances it can be easily concluded that although each is different, there is a simple grouping of key fundamental concepts that one must adhere to. First, let's make it simple by ensuring the head and eyes are set up and forward. Any tilting or angular head and eye position only serves to impair one's ability to see and track the ball. Second, all great athletes - in any sport - have the ability to relax and be tension free. Thus, a tension free stance that combines a loose, thoughtless mindset coinciding with loose body parts are essential for positive results. Finally, what every hitter can do, regardless of ability, strength or desire is create rhythm, movement and momentum prior to initiation of the swing. This is all part of any hitters pre-pitch ritual.

Let's get one thing straight - we, as humans are all built and wired differently, thus what works for one may not work for another. The key to coaching is finding what works for each individual hitter instead of trying to create clones.

For more tips, please visit our Tips Archive