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Baseball TipsOverview
Hitting a baseball is one of the hardest things to do in all of sports. One thing that can make hitting a pitch easier is to hold a baseball bat correctly. When you hold the bat correctly, you increase the odds of a fluid and natural baseball swing. This is a must whether you're trying to hit a fastball or a breaking ball. Learning how to hold a baseball bat isn't difficult, but it may take you awhile before you are comfortable with your new grip.
Step 1
Begin by picking the baseball bat up with your weak hand. In other words, if you're right handed, pick the bat up with your left hand. When you pick the bat, the bat should rest along your fingers and not your wrist.
Step 2
Position your weak hand (known as the "control hand" when gripping a baseball bat) at the bottom of the bat. The bottom of your hand should make contact with the top of the knob of the baseball bat. When holding the bat, your knuckles should point outward. In other words, if you were standing on home plate when you extended your arm, your knuckles should be pointing to the pitcher's mound.
Step 3
Place your strong hand (the "power hand") over the weak hand. The bottom of your strong hand should make contact with the top of your weak hand when you do this. Be sure the bat is being held more by the fingers of your strong hand and not sitting in your wrist.
Step 4
Align the middle knuckles on both hands when holding the bat. In other words, the eight knuckles that you would use to knock on a door should be in one straight line when you are holding the baseball bat. Holding the bat in this manner can take some time to get used to. However, holding the bat this way allows for more movement in your wrists when swinging through a pitch, which gives you a more effective swing.
Step 5
Keep a firm but loose grip on the baseball bat throughout your entire swing. In other words, the bat should not go flying out of your hands during your swing. Somebody should be able to remove the bat from your grip with little struggle, though. You can practice this with a friend until you are comfortable with the tightness of your grip.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Play around with different batting stances at the plate. Some batters like to rest the bat on their shoulder while they wait for a pitch while others will hold the bat over their heads. How you stand while waiting for a pitch will be based on your personal preference level and comfort level at the plate.
Use batting gloves to avoid feeling discomfort when holding the baseball bat.
- WARNING : Avoid "tightening up" in your arms, hands and wrists during the swing. Doing so could slow down the velocity of your swing, causing you to miss-hit the baseball or to miss completely.
