Gerri Ann Glasco

[Eric F]

Mann -

I didn't say the skill of hitting couldn't be improved, or that good mechanics don't affect success at the plate. However, a pretty swing without the coordination to deliver the the bat to the ball at the right time in the right location isn't going to be as successful as a player who can get the bat solidly on the ball with a less than perfect swing.

Cannonball's DD has what some people consider to be a "flawed" swing. As I understand it, there are some who claimed that she would never be successful at the college level. She has proven that her "flawed" swing works just fine as she moves closer and closer to the top of the list of all-time HR hitters in D2. Her ability to deliver the barrel to the ball with speed is the difference-maker.

Also, the athletic skill of hitting is not always connected to all-around athleticism. CB has said himself that his DD is not very athletic, but yet she crushes. Some kids that are very athletic do hit well. Some don't. I see it regularly at the 10U level. One girl, in particular, is a spectacular natural athlete. She moves with a speed and smoothness that reminds me of a predatory cat. Despite having decent swing mechanics, she struggles to make contact consistently, and as a result, strikes out a LOT. On the flip side, a girl currently on my DD's team has among the worst swing mechanics I've seen, and has trouble throwing and catching, but she's strong as a bull. Her strength and ability to get the bat on the ball - even on pitches nowhere near the zone - results in a lot of balls driven hard to the OF.

 

[tjintx]

-Stride foot in the air early in the pitcher's delivery, before K position is passed through.
-weight shift towards the ball begins/overlaps the leg lift.
-Slow and early, puts Her in position to deliver the barrel when and where She wants. She doesn't feel rushed.
be early, allow your hitters to succeed.

 

[Greenmonsters]

I agree. The single most important factor in hitting is the athletic skill of being able to get the bat on the ball.

There are a lot of players that strike out rarely, but are average hitters at best so IMO its not just about getting the bat on the ball; the real challenge/accomplishment is being able to consistently make solid contact/hit the ball hard.

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

CB has said himself that his DD is not very athletic

IMO CB is being modest.

 

[FP26]

IMO CB is being modest.

I was thinking the same thing. There are different types of "athletic". It isn't necessary to be a track star.

 

[FiveFrameSwing]

There are a lot of players that strike out rarely, but are average hitters at best so IMO its not just about getting the bat on the ball; the real challenge/accomplishment is being able to consistently make solid contact/hit the ball hard.

Early in the count, with less than two strikes, be a predator hunting for a good pitch to hit. It need not be a juicy mistake pitch over the heart of the plate ..... but simply a pitch that doesn't short-circuit the 'Along'. Be short-to ('Around') and long-through ('Along').

 

[NoClue]

An analysis of the above game swing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8NaQ547OO0

 

[Rocketech1]

Mann - I didn't say the skill of hitting couldn't be improved, or that good mechanics don't affect success at the plate. However, a pretty swing without the coordination to deliver the the bat to the ball at the right time in the right location isn't going to be as successful as a player who can get the bat solidly on the ball with a less than perfect swing.

Especially true at the younger ages. My DS plays baseball (PONY Mustangs 8-9 YO division, all kid pitch) and one of his teammates has never played before this season. He goes up to bat flat-footed, all upper body swings as hard as he can at anything close. While he leads our team in strikeouts and fewest walks, he also has the highest slugging % at .535 (he has a triple off the top of the fence, 2 doubles and 5 singles). My son has played since he was 5YO, takes regular hitting lessons, has a "pretty swing" and leads the team in batting average (all singles) but can't touch this newbie kid with the goofy swing. Go figure??