Posted by: The Hitting Guru () on Thu May 27 14:52:54 2004

I am looking for opinions.
> Should the swing plane be slightly down, level or slightly up???
>



The swing plan should be slightly up in order to give you the best chance for success. This is so because the slight upswing gives the bat a longer chance to stay in the hitting area (the plane of the incoming pitch). This methodology is easier to see and understand from a side view in slow motion of the pitcher to the hitter. A version of the level swing was used effectively by Mike Schmidt and Cal Ripken (Hall of Fame) though they usually did not bat for high averages. A slightly downward swing may be recommended for slap hitters possessing great speed and who do not have sufficient power to help the team.