Posted by: Joe Hernandez (laclave@latinfame.com) on Fri Jun 8 21:52:11 2001

Hi,
> im going to high school next year and i want to make the team bad. i have a few promlems for example i swing a high balls. i dont no why but i do and if theres a reason for it i would like to know. and i would not mind a few more tips on hitting and fielding .
> thanx

.....

You need to develop good judgement of the strike zone and of your hitting zone. This is very important. Knowing the strike zone can be the difference between a good hitter and a poor one. Some of the reasons for poor judgement of the strike zone are (1) poor positioning of the eyes...tracking with one eye (2) movement of your eyes, head and or body (3) not able to track and predict the path of pitches.

The first is easily cured assuming you do not have an eyesight problem. Simply turn your head so that both eyes are focused on the pitcher. As far as the second possible problem you need to understand that if you are moving your head or eyes or the body (which causes the head to move) you cannot focus, process and send all the information to the brain that is needed for you to successfully hit the ball.

All this is compounded by the fact that a good pitcher will quickly see your "handicap" and make your life even more miserable. Developing a good eye, where you can quickly and accurately make a good judgement on a thrown pitch actually increases the chances that you will get a good pitch...and good pitches are a lot easier to hit.

Do remember that a strike zone is to some extent subjective and everyone has there own. Try standing at the plate while a pitcher is working. Pretend you are in an actual game. Get ready to swing, but don't...watch the pitch all the way into the catcher's glove. Determine what the pitch was then ask the catcher and see if he agreeds. Move on to where you are calling the pitches and a coach or teamate records your call while they write down theirs...see how well you have matched. Continue with this drill until you are 100% correct or at least close to it. This drill will help you develop "good-eye".

Go to the library or bookstore and read up on this...browse through the internet. a good hitter is a smart hitter...you need to put in the time and the practice. Good luck!