Why Hitting A Small Ball Leads to Big ResultsIn all of sports hitting a round ball with a rounded bat is said to be toughest thing to do. It might be true, it might not, but I can tell you that
difference in Major League Baseball between $2 million per year and pumping gas at a Texaco station could be as little as 30 more hits a year. So, it sure is not easy!
Think about that for a second… 500 at bats and 150 hits, and you are hitting .300. 500 at bats and 120 hits, and you are hitting .240 and maybe out of baseball!
So what’s my point? THE GAME ELIMINATES US ALL (see related article of this same title). Some way, some how and some day we are all out of game. Sometimes it’s injury, but more frequently, it’s on-field performance. And hitting is one skill that will keep a position player in game longest! Whether it is breaking into starting line-up, clean-up spot, a travel or High School team, or even a Major League roster, hitters have a way of staying in game longest! (Remember, there still is a DH for poor-fielding wall-bangers in Big League ball).
Focus Plus Quality Repetitions Equals Success Can you find ways to make better, solid and more frequent contact with talent you now possess? You bet you can. It’s easier than you think and can be done right in your backyard! Hit a small ball…first with a bat, then with a smaller bat, then do it again and again. It’s a simple idea. I hope most readers will agree that this makes sense. … But lets dig deeper into how and why this works.
I will tell you that it is a baseball truth that if you learn proper swing mechanics and then simply do it again and again… You become better…period!
Here’s Why It Works 1st - Players of all ages can do this though we will be making some adjustments based on age and skill level. 2nd – Hitting requires timing and balance. This is achieved through repetition of proper swing mechanics done again and again. 3rd – Focus heightens when a player is challenged – a smaller ball perhaps struck with a smaller bat will create an even greater amount of focus. Do this again and again…you will see results almost immediately! 4th – Hitting is fun!
Here’s How It Works Your local K Mart or Wal Mart sells golfball sized whiffle balls by dozen. They also sell broom handles. Get picture? It stands to reason that if a player can hit a small ball, he certainly can hit a regulation-sized baseball. The same is true with a smaller bat. Start with 2-3 dozen balls and a bat. Throw from 15 to 20 feet depending on hitter’s age and skill level. Even if he struggles in beginning, watch what happens when he starts connecting. The eyes narrow, “this is no fun” attitude disappears. In short order, he’s taken 50 – 150 swings! This is where progress begins to happen.
Note - If you do this three times or more during first week especially day of or day before a game, you have just raised hitter’s timing and confidence levels tremendously! But if you do it one time only, you or your player may not be motivated enough at this time in player’s development to become a more skilled player or coach. I say this simply because this exercise requires less effort and time than most skill-building exercises that I could possibly invent or teach!
