Posted by: Coach C () on Mon Sep 8 22:28:43 2003

Coach C,
>
> I think what you're saying does make sense. Because then for a few times, I was just swinging lightly yet still made contact right on the money then.
>
> But can you explain to me the theory why practicing against slower pitching will build you a better swing?

For me there are a couple of reasons. First you need to have an understanding of the mechanics that you are trying to achieve. This means identifying those feelings that make those mechanics repeatable. Slower pitching is an outstanding way of convincing yourself that very little effort is needed to drive the ball and hit the ball squarely. My guess is that against fast pitching you will increase your effort. My feel is that smooth repeatable swings are the only way to be consistant. Slower pitching makes you more aware of your balance in the execution of that swing, thus when you get in against fast pitching you will recognize when you are not in balance and the timing is bad. Slow pitching will give you a baseline from which to build from. Remember the feelings, the balance, the tension free aspect of those swings and bring those with you to the game or faster BP. Some choose to do T-work for a baseline swing and that's fine, but I always wanted to track balls.

Some additional advice without ever watching you swing. Have the feeling that your feet are smooth and well as the hips, most people are way out of control in these areas, thus pulling their whole upper half off the ball. On the rare occasion that you should go to extremely fast BP, try to repeat the swings that you've built for yourself.

Ask yourself this question the next time you watch a big league game......Do they look under control? and do some look smoother than others? I think what you'll find is that the majority of great hitters rarely look bad, even when they swing and miss. That's what smooth looks like. A-Rod has been quoted as saying (in an interview with Joe Morgan on ESPN) he only swings at 70%. I don't know that I buy that on every swing, but it's a great mental picture to have, instead of 100%.

Good luck,

Control the things that you can control and don't do more than is necessary to be consistant. You can't control the batting average, the home runs, but you can control your level of expertise in finding the sweet spot. This is where average and home runs come from.

Coach C