Posted by: Hardball10 (snickas10@msn.com) on Fri Oct 7 11:17:08 2005

After reading all the reponses I haven't come across anything about what a hitter's mentality should. I firmly believe that seeing the ball is very important, but I also believe having a plan is also a key aspect and will benefit in seeing the ball. A hitter must go into the box with an idea. Whether what pitch to look for, what location, what the pitcher is doing to the hitter(s), basically a hitter must do his homework before he goes to hit. This will aid in his concentration and will help in picking up the ball. I have done the color and number drill. visualize the box in front of the pitcher. These techniques are helpful for the hitter. The USA softball team actually did a lot of the color and number drills and their BA was well over .400. Another thing that I tell hitters is to go into the box thinking that they are going to swing. This gives them an offensive and aggresive mentality. The hitter then lets his eyes tell him to continue to swing or not to swing. Hitters tell me that this helps in picking up the ball as soon as possible. Hitting is the hardest thing to do in any sport. If a hitter waits until the ball is 15-20 away and then decide to swing is making hitting harder to do. Hitters need to pick the ball up as soon as possible. Some hitters can pick the ball up sooner than others due to better vision and mentality. Another aid is seeing the pitcher tip is pitches before he throws the ball. Good pitchers are decpetive and don't tip their pitches. It is a matter of studying the pitchers as they pitch. HItters should watch pitchers as they sit on the bench. Study each pitch and pick up different tendencies for each pitch. A guy that isn't in the game can do this too. I have had players who don't play much chart the pitcher, his pitches, and his tendencies. Every player has a role on the team. We have won many ball games from these charts kept by nonstarters. it is a great tool for success.