Successful Slugging
Baseball, the American pastime, is one of if not the most difficult sports to play successfully. In contrast, playing basketball involves shooting a ball into a stationary opening its size. Further, golf takes enough skill to hit a small ball from the ground at point A to the hole in the green at point B, also stationary. Baseball, on the other hand, requires the batter to swing a narrow bat at precisely the correct speed to contact a ball traveling at speeds up to ninety miles per hour. After many years of playing the sport, I still find hitting to be difficult and discouraging. There are many processes involved in successful batting. The first step starts in the dugout or in the on-deck circle. It is here that the batter studies the pitcher. While watching the pitcher, you should analyze the delivery of the pitch and the different types of pitches that are thrown. Take note of pitching patterns for specific situations (pitch counts, number of outs, men on base, and left or right-handed hitters).Secondly, you need to know how to grip the bat. Place the dominant hand above the off-hand near the base of the bat. The traditional method is to align the first knuckle of one hand with the second line of knuckles of the
The physical part of the swing now begins. Pivoting the hips also generates a magnificent amount of power to insure a solidly hit ball. You continue to drive forward forcefully, your back hand is moving as if you were to deliver a karate blow. Now your bat has made a full circle around your body and your top hand releases from it as you complete the follow-through and prepare to run. This is where you shift your weight to your back foot and then stride with your front foot toward the pitcher. Like a gun, the swing has a starter mechanism or trigger. The last portion of the swing is the follow-through. Furthermore, attempting to avoid any of the eight players trying to field it complicates the process. Gripping the bat at the knob will give you more power but less control. At the same time, your weight begins to shift forward and the back leg forms an "L. Also, stand with your upper body completely relaxed. As you are standing in the batter's box waiting for the pitcher to deliver his pitch, you need to be looking at the bill of his hat. Hitting a fast moving sphere with a round bat into fair territory is difficult, but in its own right. This area is about one square foot in size and is located above the shoulder and beside the head of the pitcher.
Common topics in this essay:
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upper body,
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home plate,
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