Expert: John McInnis - 3/8/2009

Question
I know this is the generic question you get a lot (or maybe not), but I'm 14 years old and am definitely not a power hitter. I can field and make contact fine...but I lack that umph I need to smash the ball. I have a hitaway, but I feel like if I'm doing something wrong I'm repeating that in my brain and it's going to screw me up! Please, what's an exercise I can do that improves batting power? I also have a z-ball I bounce around my driveway for reaction time. It's fun...you should recommend that to people. But please list a few exercises that help me! Thanks

Answer
Hi Skyler,

I'll take a look at the z-ball tip you gave me.  Thanks.

As for improving power hitting, you'll need to improve upper body strength and timing.  Weight lifting (not too heavy), curls and bench press, pushups will do the trick.  Keep the upper body flexible and warm up before batting practice and games.

I think power hitting is a question of timing, weight shift and upper body strength.  Any exercise that gives you more speed in the swing and strength is what you need.

Batting practice as much as you can is the next suggestion.  Choose a heavier bat for batting pracice to build strength...choose the best bat for actual game.

Best of luck in your season,

JohnMc