-

Introduction Keep Your Shoulder In There Get Your Arms Extended Roll Your Wrist At Contact You Must Have Quick Hands Transfer Your Weight To A Stiff Front Leg Stride With The Front Toe Closed Swing Down At The Ball Let Go Of The Top Hand Keep Back Elbow Down You're Pulling Your Head Off The Ball Swing For The Fence - Ruin Your Mechanics

I am sure it is quite obvious to everyone that if the bat head starts above the batters head and makes contact at his knees, the bat must have been swung downward sometime during the swing. The problem is, to many coaches think "swing down at the ball" means the bat is still on a downward angle when it strikes the ball (as in the Two-Tee Drill). They would contend that hitting down on the top of the ball results in the ball leaving the bat with more backspin. Note: A ball with backspin will carry farther. --- But, when I recall my old pool shooting days, I seem to remember I more often hit the bottom half of the ball when I needed backspin.

One of my main concerns with having the bat angling downward in the contact zone is the problem it would cause in making consistent contact. Most players have enough trouble making contact when the path of their bat is inline with the path of the ball. This way, if their swing is a little early, they will pull the ball. If they are a little late, they will hit it to the opposite field. The timing would need to be near perfect to make contact if the bat is just passing down through the path of the ball.

Swing level

I think most coaches would agree that the bat should pass through the contact zone in a "level" position. But some may offer different views if we were to ask; "level in reference to what?" --- An 85 MPH fastball is angling downward (in reference to the plate) at about an 11 degrees as it passes through the contact zone. Therefore, should the batter swing level with the path of the ball, or level with the plate?

During the swing a hitter's body will be slightly leaning away from the pitcher (front leg straight, back leg bent). This places the rotational plane of his hips and shoulders angling upward at about 10 to 15 degrees. Once again, should the swing be level with the rotational plane of the body - or the plate? --- Or, would you still think the bat should be angling downward in relation to the plate?

Which of the following most closely describes Mark McGwire's swing at contact?
1. Bat angling downward 10 to 15 degrees
2. Level with the plate
3. Angling upward 10 to 15 degrees