HOW TO SWING A BAT: Should You Swing Up, Down, or Level?

"Swinging in Baseball: Should You Swing Up, Down, or Level?"

Welcome to the FBP podcast! In this episode, Coach Victor will be discussing an important aspect of baseball - whether you should swing up, down, or level. This topic has been widely debated among coaches and players, and Coach Victor will provide some insights to help you improve your hitting game.

The Ideal Bat Path: According to Ted Williams, one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, the most ideal bat path is to match planes. This means that you should swing in the same plane as the pitch thrown by the pitcher. The pitch is usually coming down at an angle of four to eight degrees, so you should swing up within that range to make solid contact. Matching the plane of the pitch is a non-negotiable in hitting, as it allows you to be more consistent and effective as a hitter.

How to Get to the Ideal Bat Path: While matching the plane of the pitch is essential, how each hitter gets to that spot is subjective. Each individual hitter will need to find their own feel, mindset, mentality, and approach to achieve the ideal bat path. This is where a hitter's coach can be helpful, as they can guide the player in finding what works for them through trial and error. It is important to note that what works for one player may not work for another, so it is crucial to experiment with different approaches and mentalities.

Thinking Up vs Swinging Up: Contrary to popular belief, thinking up does not necessarily mean you should swing up. Some of the best hitters in history, who hit for high average and power, often thought down to achieve their best results. The key is to find what works for you and experiment until you achieve the ideal bat path.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Swinging in baseball can be a challenging task, but by matching the plane of the pitch and finding what works for you, you can become a more consistent and effective hitter. Keep in mind that each hitter is unique, so it is important to experiment with different approaches and mentalities to achieve the ideal bat path.

Thanks for tuning in to the FBP podcast, and if you have any topics you'd like Coach Victor to cover in future episodes, be sure to let us know in the comments below.