Evaluating the Swing: The Contact Position

OK, let’s look at the hitter in the photo at right and analyze his position as he's about to make contact with the pitch.

The hitter’s lower body is in excellent position.  When your hitters are at the point of contact with the ball, you should see the same leg position as shown in the photo:

·        The front leg is straight and angled out in front of the hitter.  The front leg should never be bent or vertical! 

·        The front foot is pointed approximately up the first baseline (third baseline for lefties)

·        The back thigh is vertical, and the upper body is aligned directly above the back thigh (for a bit more power, you can lean the upper body back a bit)

·        The back foot has rotated around toward the pitcher and is up on the toes

·        The feet, knees, and hips – the whole lower body –has rotated around facing the pitcher

 The hitter’s upper body is also in good position. 

·        The back shoulder has come down as it rotates, as it should

·       The back elbow is tucked in tight to the body

·        The hitter has maintained some lean out over the plate (nose over toes)

·        His hands and bat are in good position relative to the ball.  Note that his hands have not rolled over

·        The hitter’s head is down and on the ball

All in all, I give this hitter high marks for his swing.  It’s unfortunate that he’s swinging under the ball, but he is taking a good swing at a good pitch to hit.  As a coach, that’s all you can ask of your hitters.