Expert: Rick Bundy - 6/1/2011

Question
Hi,I need advice on how to fix something when im hitting. When i am hitting I have noticed that i always go on my heels when the ball is pitched and this leaves me standing straight up. Can you give me advice on what to do to fix this problem?

Answer
Greg:  Thank you for your question.

Concentrate on striding on the ball of your foot, online straight back at the pitcher.  Work on getting your foot down slow and early.  You should feel balanced over both knees and not back on your heels.

The earlier you start to stride, the slower and calmer you can do it.  It will result in less head movement, thus less ball movement.

Start out just striding with no swings.  Add in some practice swings, move to the tee, then have someone throw you some short toss, so that you can work on seeing the ball out of the pitcher's hand, getting your foot down, tracking the pitch and swinging.  After you feel good about where you are at, work on it in some live bp.  The goal is to be able to reproduce those parts of your swing, without consciously thinking about it.  

Dynamic balance is an important part of the hitting equation.  You need to feel solid in your power position.  If you are not, it is almost impossible to hit the ball hard.

If you look on my site at "http://www.theoleballgame.com/baseball-hitting.html" you may find some additional information that will help also.  Besides the hitting page, there are links at the bottom of that page to additional hitting information.

I would be interested in knowing how you are progressing.  Also, your age and level you play at would be helpful in working through this situation.

Keep in touch.  It's not an uncommon problem, and is certainly one that can be corrected.

Yours in baseball,

Rick