The problem with most "pseudo-coaches" these days, is the vast amounts of information out there (my website included), but the sheer lack of playing experience. Coaches who have decent playing experience and swung the bat themselves understand that some things are better left alone until its time to tinker. Tinkering a swing for the sake of making it look like what they see in their books or computer/DVD screens is the big problem.
Makes me wonder how many coaches trying to teach hitting actually played a high level of baseball or even take time to hit off a tee, do soft toss, or hit in a cage, you can learn a good bit just taking swings from time to time.
Good advice. Just look at Roberto Clemente. He did everything wrong according to nearly every hitting instructor except make contact and hit for power. This is especially true at younger ages. Teach the basic fundamentals and let the player find what works. Not every higher level player has the same swing. They have found what works for them. I think it is more important to be consistent in your mechanics then adjust when it no longer works.
I agree, most of the time less is better. Sure, there are certain fundamentals that every hitter must possess however over complicating things can really turn an average hitter into a bad hitter. I think hitting philosophy is almost as important as mechanics. Let's face it, if there was one correct way to hit we'd have a bunch of .500 hitters in the big leagues.
Interesting comment on hitting from a scout
Posted - 09/16/2009 : 14:54:08
