Posted by: dougdinger () on Sat Oct 1 19:54:48 2005

> Hi Jack,
> I understand the mechanics of this process that you have displayed. I find as a hitter it is almost impossible to find the ball during the wind up because pitchers are trained to hide the ball or they should. I don't agree with finding of the ball at release point this action takes place so fast that with all the movements up to release with proper seperation and hiding of the ball how can either of the two examples that are given be applied .I could see maybe if at the lower levels with kids finding the ball would be easier to achieve. I want to focus here on proven drills or a process to find the ball early. I have heard that Barry Bond picks the ball up earlier than most hitters, this allows him more time to decide to go-no. I am looking for drills that are proven to achieve what I feel is one of the most important, under discussed actions that purtain to consistency to attacking a ball in a timely manner. I would love to here from anyone that has developed a training method that will provide a stable teaching program purtaining to locating the ball consistently out in front. I feel that there has to be more focus on this subject of hitting. Thanks!
>
> Erik,

Well you can't really 'see' the ball until the pitcher releases it, so it's just logical to try and pick up the ball at the release point. During his windups you can tell where the pitcher's release point is. Ted Williams says he imagines a square over the pitcher's throwing arm, which is the area where he releases the ball. Just as the pitcher is striding and bringing his arm back, he shifts his focus from elsewere on the pitcher to that imaginary box. IF it works for Williams, it should work for most other ppl.