Hitting Mechanics

Question
Hey Rick,

i have a question regarding my hitting mechanics and my swing.

Recently, i have been pulling all my hits foul. I am not sure whether this is a issue with my mechanics or my swing.

Could it be because I am swinging too early, or because i am opening up my hips too much?

I was wondering if you had any tips to help me turn those fouls into fair hits, as well as add some power to the opposite field as well.

Answer
John:  Thank you for your question.

Some thoughts on things for you to look at.

Are you only pulling inside pitches foul, or are you rolling over middle and away pitches?

You may be rushing too much.  Try getting your front foot down slow, and early.  Check to see that you are striding on line, straight back at the pitcher.  For a while, attempt to get to your load/stride, or power position as the pitcher is releasing the ball.  If you are on line, it will keep your front side closed.

Getting your foot down early and slow will also limit your head movement.  The less your head moves, the better you see the baseball.

If you are late getting to your power position, you will have felt it, and may be compensating by starting your swing early, or by over swinging in an attempt to catch up.  That generally results in pulling your head, when your head goes, your shoulder goes.  Everything gets pulled off the ball.

Think about what would be causing you to speed up.  Try some mental game adjustments to slow yourself down.  Deep breath, exhale.  Great to relax.  Use music to regulate the speed your mind is running at.  Everybody has music that they run through their head to pick them up, as well as slow them down and relax.  Use yours to control your mental game.  

Part of the relaxation thing is to feel that you can let the ball travel, or get deep.  Work on hitting balls to the opposite field.  The power that way comes from your dynamic balance.  There is no adjustment with your feet or body, let the ball get deep and put a good swing on it.

Those are a few things to look at.  Knowing your age and the level you are playing at, as well as some additional details on how long this situation has been happening for you could help with some additional things to try.

On my site, http://www.theoleballgame.com/baseball-hitting.html there are many pages on hitting, from mechanics to mental preparation and adjustments, hitting theories etc.  You may find some help in those sections also.  http://www.theoleballgame.com/baseball-hitter-development.html is another page that you may get some assistance in.

Good luck as you go forward.  Please keep me posted.  There is a reason for everything that happens, as well as a solution.

Yours in baseball,

Rick