Posted by: rob (ratteberle@earthlink.net) on Tue Jul 24 08:24:45 2007

One thing that may be happening is your preparedness to hit. It is a timing issue that just needs to be resolved. If hitting from the left side is new to you then your timing may not and probably is not as keen as your natural side(right). One thing I teach is being prepared to swing. Let me give you an example. You have one optimum swing %. whether you swing at 80% of your maximum or 95% one swing will give you the best results with your mechanics and timing. When a real hard thrower takes the mound you see many young players swing and flail at hard fast balls. The reason is the hitters are still using their regular fast ball timing and must compensate with extra bat speed. Swinging harder than your optimum % of bat speed will not yield good results over time. I tell students if a slow pitcher is on the mound, Do you swing slower?? The obvious answer is no. But on the other side of the fence is, Should you swing faster(harder) with a fast pitcher on the mound?? Not so obvious but the answer is still no. What should be done to compensate for a hard thrower or for being late?? Make adjustments to your timing to get yourself into a hitting position sooner. Usually I que on a hitters front foot. The front foot must complete its timing movement and be on the ground when the ball is no more than half way to the plate. This is only one of many sequences that can or should help out. Time, patience, and hard work will get your swing into shape. Just remember to get yourself prepared to hit sooner and I think you may see some results happen fairly quickly.
Rob