Expert: John Priest - 1/3/2010

Question
Hey John. My name is Brandon, I'm 16, and have been playing ball for nine years. I love the sport and would love to continue to the college level, but I have one big problem hitting. I'm a right-handed hitter that can never seem to get a handle on the ball no matter the speed of the pitch or weight of the bat, mind you at my age level you must use a minimum of a drop three bat so no more super lightweight bats to try and beat the pitchers. Only on rare occasions can I get contact and that is usually fouled off or headed towards the first or second baseman. My mechanics are fine according to all of my coaches through the years and I excel at most, if not all of the hitting drills except hitting in a game. The last sentence from one of your other answers (http://en.allexperts.com/q/Baseball-Instruction-327/2009/6/Late-Swing.htm) said to step sooner and I'm pretty sure that's my problem, but for me it's not that simple. Probably because I want to be 100% sure that this pitch will be hittable, but I just don't have the time and I know that too. So I guess I'm asking if you have any tips, hints, drills, anything to improve the timing of my hitting. Thank you, Brandon.

Answer
Brandon,
I doesn't seem to be a timing issue but more of a confidence issue.  If you excel at the hitting drills in practice than you are doing something right, you just have to translate your technique to the game.  The step is important but it is not something to be concerned about.  When you throw a baseball do you think about your step?  I would guess probably not.  I would also guess that when you throw you always step at the right time and you never step late or early.  You statement of "I want to be 100% sure that this pitch will be hittable"  may not be the correct philosophy.  Think every pitch is hittable you just have to decide if its not.  If you are trying to be sure you will never be on time.  No one is on time with every swing so good hitters adjust.  Make sure to keep the hands back to prevent being too early and if you are late make sure to get inside the baseball.  Rotational mechanics are also important to keep you on the baseball longer.   Just let the step happen and bring the confidence you have in practice to the game.  Sounds like your on your way just give it some more focus.

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Thank You,
John Priest