Posted by: THE HITTING GURU () on Thu Jul 10 18:01:42 2003

I have been teaching my kids to maximize their plate coverage try hitting up the middle with the count 0-0 2-2 3-2 2-1, and look to hit their pitch 2-0 3-0 3-1. Any thoughts un this ?
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> Also is there anyone in the game today that can cover both sides of the plate corner to corner on any given pitch and drive it ?


The key to maximizing plate coverage involves three issues. 1)knowing the strike zone 2)knowing what pitches you hit best within the strike zone and 3)having an idea of what pitches the pitcher throws. A good hitter can look for his pitch up to two strikes regardless of the count if knows those three things. Bonds is about the only hitter who can hit any pitch in the strike zone out of the park if he is hot. Though if facing the elite pitcher's (if they are hot) he must look for the pitches he can handle. Ted Williams preached to look for your pitch up to two strikes. At two strikes shorten up on the bat and try to put the fat part of the bat on the ball. Few hitters today use the latter concept. In addition 0-0 is a good count to look for your pitch. During that count the pitcher may try to get ahead by throwing a fastball right down the middle. But you need to have an idea of what speed he throws so that you are not fooled by his initial offering. Your thought process is good but the most important concept for them is to be able to make hard, consistent contact! (Some kids may need three swings in order to put the ball in play.) Practice is the key.