One of the most difficult qualities to instill in young players is teaching them the importance of swinging at good pitches. Plate discipline and "being a tough out" are only learned by a small percentage of hitters.
Partially at fault for the small number of players understanding the importance of this approach to hitting is the coaches. It is not uncommon to see "batting practice" consist of the team lining up one at a time and getting their hacks in. Ten hacks and you are out of there.. Next!
As coaches, if the game is 90% mental, it is imperative that "hitting practice" be emphasized. Hitting practice includes involving the proper approach at the plate. This leads to the proper Plate Discipline and begins to ingrain the very important mental approach that there is a "Process to Hitting". Good hitters don't just walk up to the plate and take their hacks. They have a process. They have a plan. They have a purpose. Even then they will fail more than 60% of the time. But.. by having the proper approach, the proper Plate Discipline, they increase their chances above and beyond what most hitters achieve. Most hitters simply go up to the plate and take their hacks. Why? Because that's what they were taught in "batting practice".
I came across a really good drill that emphasizes a nice approach to "Hitting Practice". It's great for the players and should be incorporated by coaches if they have any desire at all to improve a team's performance at the plate.
Click Here to be just a little bit better today than you were yesterday!
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