Batting Tips
Batting
average going down? Can't get the big hit when your team needs
it? RELAX. Here's some hitting tips that could be of help. It doesn't
matter if you play slow-pitch or fast-pitch softball, we all need to
relax in the batters box. Some of this you're about to read is things
I've picked up, and things I've read and heard.
The games on the line, are you up for it? We know at least one of the things that we need to do in order to maximize our performance is relaxation, the necessity of staying relaxed under game conditions. Are you ready to go over some idea's to help you relax on the ball field, and in the batters box, then please read on.
Let's say that it's the bottom of the seventh and you're down by two runs. There's two on, you got two outs. There is no one on the bench to hit for you, should you try for the the walk or go for the big hit? So now you've got to do it yourself. Your also in one of the biggest games of your life. The butterflies are there, you want to be at the plate, but at the same time you'd rather be anywhere else, only because you haven't hit the way you should be hitting. Your going to the plate with all the wrong thoughts in mind, you're not relaxed, you're up tight.
As we've seen, tension like this can be devastating to your game, but it does not have to happen. Even these unexpected panic attacks and yes, we all have them and can be controlled with a little bit of hard work, and a little bit of practice. There are a number of good ways that we can employ that will go a long way toward this problem. But again, it is important to remember that nervous tension is normal, it's ok.
Slow yourself down, relax. The immediate tendency in a tough situation is to hurry up and get it over with. Take a few slow, deep breaths, get the tension out. Next, begin to move slowly and easily, as if you were totally relaxed. Tense muscles are no good in the batters box. Do a few light stretches, a clear focused mind will follow from a calm body. If you're on deck, swing your bat at about quarter speed. Again, the idea is to slow down. One or two full practice swings are okay, but we want our bodies thinking, easy does it. Notice at this point that our concentration is somewhere other than on the game situation.
A quick look at the game will tell you if you need the long ball, or the opposite field hit. Since the amount of time the mind is capable of focusing is limited to is seconds, too much attention to the task at hand will rob you of this ability when you need it most. Also, by diverting your attention elsewhere, you are making effective use of the flight mode, and forcing yourself to work with, and not against, the forces of nature.
Many ballplayers find it helpful to tune their focus on some nearby object as they are settling into the batter's box. Squeeze your hands tightly on the bat, then relax. Ray DeMarini says that relaxed hands will increase your bat speed five to ten miles an hour. By incorporating this technique into your pre-at-bat ritual you'll get the additional benefit of a clear mind as well. And that is the ultimate goal, a quiet mind and a calm body that's ready to perform as it's been trained. Remember, "Relax, see the ball, hit the ball" it's that easy!
Remember to be consistent. However you prepare yourself to hit, whatever ritual you go with, get in the habit of doing it every time up. This will help keep you in your comfort zone, in a safe zone, and a familiar zone, this is where you'll find less distraction and better performance.
Another tip that goes hand in hand with all the above. Keep your hands loose, (relax) tight grips will TAKE away bat speed, so relax your grip, and get that bat speed back. Remember the grip, which is maybe the most important part of the swing, is something that most players over look. You will have a hard time reaching your power potential, and bat speed if your grip is poor. You don't want to have a death grip on the bat. Always keep that in your head. Say it a few times and then relax. You're up!
The Basics - Batting Tips - Play Defense - Managers Tips - Practice Drills - Base Coaching - Lineup Ideas
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