Catching

Catching, Skills, Training, Development, Baseball

Youth Baseball Hitting Program

Essential Skills Overview: 

The Hitter's Foundation

Note: Foundations vary based on Player's Ages. This Post represents the Foundation for 12+ Players preparing to play in Middle and High School or other Competitive Programs. For age specific content, contact Coach Pryor for an evaluation.

In the world of baseball, developing strong pitching skills from a young age is essential for aspiring athletes. The journey to becoming a successful pitcher requires a combination of natural talent, proper technique, physical conditioning, and consistent practice. Youth pitching development plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of baseball by nurturing the talents of young pitchers and equipping them with the skills necessary to excel on the mound.

This article explores the key elements of youth pitching development and highlights the essential pitching skills that aspiring young pitchers should focus on honing.

Hitting Skills, Hitting Development, Hitting Training

Building a Solid Foundation to be a Next Level “HITTER”: 

Unleash Your Power:

A Comprehensive Youth Baseball Hitting Training Program

An Overview

Introduction:

Welcome, young sluggers, to our comprehensive youth training program designed to enhance your hitting skills and unleash your power at the plate. Hitting is a fundamental aspect of baseball that requires a combination of technique, coordination, and mental focus. In this training program, we will focus on a three-step approach to hitting and provide you with drills to support each step. Get ready to step up to the plate and take your hitting game to new heights!

Step 1: Stance and Set-Up: A solid stance and proper set-up are the building blocks for a successful swing. In this step, we will focus on:

1. Stance and balance:

• Feet positioning: Teaching the importance of shoulder-width stance and distributing weight evenly between both feet.
• Grip: Demonstrating the proper grip on the bat, ensuring hands are relaxed and wrists are flexible.
• Body alignment: Emphasizing the correct posture with a slight bend in the knees and hips, ready to explode into the swing.

Drill: Balance and Weight Shift Drill

• Purpose: To improve balance and weight transfer during the swing.
• Instructions:
  • Assume the hitting stance with a bat.
  • Practice shifting weight from back foot to front foot while maintaining balance.
  • Start with a slow transfer and gradually increase speed and intensity.

Step 2:

Timing and Tracking: 

The ability to time pitches and track them effectively is crucial for consistent hitting. In this step, we will focus on:

2. Timing:

• Recognition of pitch speed: Teaching hitters to adjust their timing based on the pitcher's delivery speed.
• Load and stride: Demonstrating the proper load and stride movements to generate power and maintain balance.
• Tracking the ball: Training the eyes to track the pitch from the pitcher's hand to the hitting zone.

Drill: Soft Toss Drill

• Purpose: To improve timing and tracking skills.
• Instructions:
  • Have a coach or teammate softly toss balls from the side.
  • Hitter stands at the plate, focusing on timing and tracking the ball from release to contact.
  • Encourage hitters to maintain their stance and execute a controlled swing.

Step 3:

Swing Mechanics and Follow-Through: 

The final step focuses on the mechanics of a powerful and efficient swing. In this step, we will cover:

3. Swing mechanics:

• Bat path and barrel control: Teaching hitters to create a direct path to the ball and maintain control of the bat barrel.
• Hip rotation and weight transfer: Emphasizing the importance of generating power through hip rotation and transferring weight effectively.
• Extension and follow-through: Instructing hitters to complete their swings with a full extension and follow-through.

Drill: Tee Drill

• Purpose: To reinforce proper swing mechanics and develop consistency.
• Instructions:
  • Set up a batting tee with a ball at the desired hitting location.
  • Hitters take their stance and execute controlled swings, focusing on proper mechanics.
  • Encourage hitters to make consistent contact and follow through with their swings.

Congratulations! 

You have completed our comprehensive youth training program designed to enhance your hitting skills in baseball. Remember, becoming a successful hitter requires dedication, practice, and a keen understanding of the fundamental techniques. Utilize the three-step approach and the accompanying drills to build a strong foundation for your hitting game. Keep working hard, stay focused, and have confidence in your abilities. With perseverance and a growth mindset, you have the potential to become a formidable hitter and a valuable asset to your team. Best of luck in your baseball journey!

With perseverance and a growth mindset, you have the potential to become an outstanding catcher and a true asset to your team. Best of luck in your baseball journey!

If you (or your Player) are ready to take their Skills to the Next Level…

Contact Us at:

PryorBaseBallFarm.com/Contact

To Schedule a "Farm Visit" or an Evaluation...