Posted by: THE HITTING GURU () on Sun Aug 31 15:19:25 2003

Jack I have seen on the message board that the swing is a slight upercut by the great hitters. I was always taught to focus on the top half of the ball. What do the great hitters focus on when rotating to the ball ? I hope you don't say I see the ball I hit the ball. 90% of the young hitters I have worked with when they swing and miss are under the ball, I have always told them to focus on the top half and it seems to resolve the problem. I guess I am struggling on what to tell those same kids that appear to be under it but yet they are suppose to be swinging up at it.




Have you ever noticed that when most players swing and miss at a fastball they swing under it? The reason is that they are swinging late in almost all instances. Even though the slight upswing is the desired approach the player's swing must bisect the flight of the pitch in order to connect. If he is late the bat plane will not bisect the pitched ball's plane until after the ball has passed it.
The only way to correct this is to have the player swing earlier and or recognize the pitch plane quicker in order to align his swing better. Due to gravity it is easier to hit a pitch that is low rather than one that is high. Focusing on the top half may help because the batter's usual swing dips into an arc and then goes slightly up. By focusing on the top half the batter's initial swing and his sights will thrust more towards the incoming pitch which should help him at least put the ball in play. Remember though this is a temporary adjustment to help the hitter gain confidence in making contact.
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> Regarding focusing on the top half of the ball, you cant do it, and if u do u are wasting some God given talent. Have you faced a 90 mph fastball? I have and the last thing i thought of was seeing the top half of the ball. I wanted to see the ball out of his hand and get a good read. After that, if you have the proper rotational mechanics and recognize what pitch it is you should not focus on the top half of the ball assuming it is possible in anything other than batting practice.
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> The proper mental approach is "See the ball hit the ball". That is what the great hitters focus on. If they thought "See the top half of the ball, Hit the the top half of the ball" they would not be professionals nor ever drafted.
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> For proof, how do you recognize and 84 mph slider in the Big Leagues after just facing three straight 95 mph heaters? i can't imagine you seeing the spin of the slider by focusing on the top half of the ball. you might say you never will see and 84 mph slider, be it as it may its still hard for kids to hit 70 mph breaking pitches if they dont recognize it immediately.
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> And in interviews with great hitter, they all say "See the ball!" not "See the top half" or "See the bottom half" of the ball, which means they are focusing on the whole thing.