Trick for helping fastpitch hitters adjust their timing

Ken Krause said:

As important as it is, timing is one of the most challenging things for fastpitch hitters to work on. You can build your swing on the tee all day every day. But it isn’t until you have to actually face a moving ball that it really becomes game-like hitting. What you’re really trying to do […]

More...

Click to expand...

Gambler Bob said:

I would like to see an example of where you place the tee according to the plate. Lets assume you are using a Tanner Tee, how far out in front of home plate would you typically place the tee? Also if you are training a player to prepare for hitting an inside pitch, do you place the tee more out in front of home plate so the hitter can possibly pull the ball, or do you train hitters to try to hit the inside pitch up the middle regardless of location? How about training to hit the outside pitch also, would you place the tee a little deeper on the outside corner?

Click to expand...

Ken Krause said:

That, of course, would be completely different from what's being illustrated here. But to answer the question, I don't focus on placement relative to the plate as much as placement relative to where the hitter stands. Because it's different if you're in the front of the box versus back of the box.

Basically for core swing training (down the middle pitch) I will place the tee to be about even with the front foot, or slightly ahead, after the stride. That seems to work pretty well, although I will adjust slightly as-needed. For an inside pitch, I will place the tee well out in front of the hitter. If the hitter takes the same swing she should pull it. For outside, I will usually place it about where the foot starts before the stride, with the hitter taking the ball to the opposite field. The thing to watch out for is the hitter adjusting based on where the tee is placed. For example, when working on an outside pitch will catch hitters cheating by striding in more rather than straight, which is what will happen on an actual pitch.

Bob, I will try to get some photos taken this week to make it more clear, but hopefully this is a good start.

Click to expand...

Gambler Bob said:

Thank you. Your explanation to my question was answered very well. My question was referring to the 3rd from last paragraph regarding coaches using the tee that is attached to a home plate, which may cause a player to hit the ball to far behind them.

Click to expand...

Fastpitch86 said:

Nice post will share it with our players.

Click to expand...