June 7, 2023
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How To Break A Hitting Slump Right Now – 42 Things To Tell Yourself At The Plate

Laura05 mins

Every day, I get calls from players, parents and coaches who want to break hitting slumps or to end hitting slumps quickly and efficiently.

The callers typically say things like, “My son is great in the cage, but he is terrible when the pressure is on and when is at the plate.”

“My kid has a great swing. He is mechanically perfect. He works with a top hitting coach. He looks different when he gets up to bat in a big game.”

“I was a great hitter in high school and in college. I have not been able to hit at all, since I started to play pro ball.”

Now, some hitting slumps are more complicated to break than are others. However, there is one thing that has helped lots of baseball players to end frustrating slumps. And that is adjusting what they are thinking or telling themselves when they prepare to hit during a game.

You can think of this idea as kind of mantra or a swing thought for baseball hitters. Hitters need to train their mind to be calm, focused, confident and relaxed. Telling a player to do this usually does not help them to end their slump.

Rather, they need to be trained to approach hitting somewhat differently. Part of this training involves examining and adjusting the hitter’s self-talk related to the art of hitting.

I encourage players to have either one swing thought or an empty mind when they get enter the batter’s box.

The right swing thought can help with focus, relaxation, confidence and actual performance. Some players need to change these swing thoughts from time to time to maintain a fresh and effective outlook about hitting.

Here are some examples of swing thoughts which players seem to find helpful:

I am going to hit it into the gap.

Gap it.

Rip it over second base.

Bat on the ball.

Hit it hard.

Watch the path of the ball.

See it. Hit it.

I’ve done this a million times.

I will trust my swing.

I am a.350 hitter.

Attack any ball in my zone.

I control the plate.

Focus

Turn on it

The ball goes where my hands send it.

The ball goes where I tell it to go.

It’s me the bat, the ball nothing else.

The bat is an extension of me.

The bat is my weapon.

Make great contact.

I love this game.

I love hitting.

Crush it.

Crush it now.

Still eyes, still head.

Swing 85 per cent. That will do it.

Easy does it.

See the ball.

Center of the plate.

This is fun.

I’m having fun up here.

Center of the plate fat part of the bat.

Bat meets ball.

It’s just like being in the cage.

Drive it.

Just hit it.…

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Turning Yourself Into A Professional At Baseball

Laura06 mins

Baseball has been one of the favorite pastimes for people everywhere for decades. However, some people lack what they need to play at their very best level. When you read the following paragraphs, you are going to improve your playing ability, understanding and passion for the game.

You can practice alone. A pitching machine allows you to set the speed of the ball. By loading several baseballs into the machine, you can practice hitting without needing a pitcher. This electronic machine is perfect for those who wish to practice baseball alone. Pitching machines can be picked up at your local sporting goods store.

Learn how to use cut-off men when playing the outfield. With your adrenaline pumping, you may feel like you can throw that ball clear to home plate, but cut-off men are typically the better choice to make. Getting the ball back into your closest infielder will give your team a better shot for an out. The shorter throw means a more accurate throw.

Make sure you use the proper grip when hitting a baseball. You should go with a “standard” grip. The middle knuckles of your hands should be on the bat. Make sure the bat is across the callus line of your fingers instead of the back of your palms. This grip betters quickness and bat speed.

The kind of glove you choose to use is crucial. There are gloves made for each position. For instance, a catcher’s glove and an outfielder’s glove vary by shape and size. To ensure you handle the ball according to your position, be sure you are equipped with the appropriate glove.

Don’t let baseball take over your life. You need a break from everything, including baseball. Time away can actually have a rejuvenating effect on you and your baseball ability, so take time to enjoy other interests. When you return to baseball, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to conquer the world.

If you’re into stealing bases, practice taking leads off of bases. Taking leads means you need to know not only your own speed, but also the speed of the pitcher’s pick off move, the speed of his delivery to the plate, and the speed and accuracy of the catcher’s arm. There’s a lot to consider that’ll affect how much lead you take.

Shaving cream can be used to break in a new baseball glove. When you get a new glove, spray a handful of shaving cream into your hand and rub it into the pocket area of the glove. Next place a baseball there and tie a rope around the glove and baseball. Repeat this process a few times for the first month you have the glove.

If you are a first base coach, you have certain responsibilities. Basically, you must encourage the batter to hustle down the first baseline on all infield hits. You also have to remind the runners as to how many outs there are. You must instruct the runner when it is time ti take …

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