How to Be a Good Hitter in Baseball

Being a good hitter in baseball, does not mean hitting home runs. It means having the right bat, having the right stance, holding the bat correctly when you are standing in the plate and swinging the bat in the correct way. By following these tips, you will be making good contact with the ball. Even though you may not be a home-run hitter, you will be a crucial player in baseball. Please note that these tips are for right-handed hitters. If you are a left-handed player, do the opposite of what is suggested.

The first thing you need is the right plate. It has to be long enough to cover the plate and heavy enough to give some speed to the ball. However, it should not be too heavy. Try this simple test to see if the bat is too heavy. Hold the bat in your right hand and fully extend your arm in front of you. If the weight is putting too much strain on your arm, the bat is too heavy.

Wrap the thumb of your left hand around the bottom of the handle and grip the handle with your fingers. Put your right hand on top of your left hand and grip the handle in the same way.

Next you have to have the correct stance in the batter's box. You do not want to be too far or too close to the plate. Extend you bat out and walk backward until the tip of the bat is just past the opposite edge of the plate. Your feet should be shoulder width apart or wider, with the toes of your feet facing toward the plate; each foot should be an equal distance from the plate.

Turn your head towards the pitcher and maintain eye contact. Keep your head still and your muscles relaxed. Hold the bat straight up, with the handle facing towards the ground. The bottom of the handle should be chest high.

Do not hold the bat to the rear; the top of the handle should be slightly further than your back leg. Keep your back elbow at a 45 degree angle. Aim your forward elbow directly at the pitcher.

When the pitcher starts his wind-up, shift the weight in your feet to the balls of your feet. However, do not raise your heels.

When the pitcher releases the ball, take a small step towards the pitcher with your front leg and pivot on the ball or your rear foot. Your knee cap of this leg should be facing toward the knee cap of the front leg.

To make contact, you have to pull and push the bat at the same time. Your lower hand is pulling the bat towards the ball; your upper hand is giving strength to the hit. Once you hit the ball, follow through with the swing.

When you are done swinging, the bat should be behind your head and shoulders.

Obviously, you do not want to wait until a baseball game to work on the above tips. You will want to practice again and again until you feel comfortable with your batting technique. Even though it may seem boring, you will never become a good baseball hitter without practice and determination.