This is one of many baseball hitting drills coaches teach —“Get the bat off your shoulder!”
It is a common phrase used by fans, coaches, parents, and players.
The question is “Why is that so bad?”
Here is what happens when a player moves his bat away from his body in his hitting stance.As he finishes this, his hands will ultimately cut away from his body.When connecting with the ball, a hitter’s hands will be above the plate.Stay away from this.
So why is that a problem?Here’s a question.If you were to arm wrestle someone, would you want to have your hands far apart from your frame? Or would you want your hands close to the body for support?
If you had to throw the best punch you could, would you hold your hands away from the body?No, this is not good.You would keep your hands by your back shoulder.
If you had to push an automobile, would you want your hands at your side, or would you want them in front of you?Your body allows for thrust to your hands.But of course, keep your hands in front of your body.
Now, stand up like you’re at home plate with your bat out over the plate like it is in contact with the ball.Do you know what’s behind your grip? Nothing!Your body gives your hands no support.
You might say…”I’ve seen major leaguers start with their hands away from their bodies.Essentially, this will be good.”
And the answer to that is –“Major leaguers make an adjustment. Yes, they may start out with their hands far apart from their body, but they quickly get in the correct hitting position by bringing their hands to their shoulder.It’s hard to see.They have a lot of strength to pull this off.
Therefore, let us be clear.Always keep your hands in the shoulder area to allow a good foundation to make good contact with the ball.Keep your hands near your shoulder as you release your hips to take you to the ball. Your hands should now be in front where you want to be.
So if you want to learn how to hit a baseball, remember this rule: The only time separation of the hands from the body occurs is when they move forward to hit the ball.
These techniques are fully explained in the “Super 8 Hitting System”, completely demonstrated in a series of baseball hitting videos, which includes many baseball hitting drills.
Get the bat off the shoulder in the hitting stance? No.
Should you contact the ball over home plate? No.
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May 24, 2009
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I have taught this swing for many years with tons of kids now hitting “a ton”! D1 kids do this to “round” a swing off. When you see curve balls the hitter tends to “follow the pitch” down. Creating a “loopy” swing. To fix a loop in the swing the bat on the shoulder rounds the swing off!!!.. My kids flat out Hit!
Bob Sirtak
The Art of .400
Great comments Bob! It’s good to get some discussion going. Maybe the article writer would like to reply.
Jason