|
I have coached some good hitters who have had a poor bat path.
How does that happen?
They have very good bat to ball skills.
Unfortunately, that will only go so far. It eventually catches up to you.
Some hitters like J.D. Martinez had such good bat to ball skills they were still able to make it to the MLB with a poor bat path.
But, he too had to change if he wanted to stay in the MLB.
First what is a 'steep' bat path?
This occurs when the bat travels too vertically downward to the ball, often resulting in weak ground balls or poor contact.
The bat's angle is too steep, and it cuts through the strike zone quickly, reducing the opportunity to make solid contact.
You can only get so far in this game with a bad bat path.
Why a Steep Bat Path Happens
When hitters lose side bend their upper body often shifts to an upright position during the swing.
Without side bend, they lose the ability to keep the barrel on a level path that matches the plane of the pitch.
The result?
A steep, downward swing path that leads to:
- Weak contact: This path often causes the bat to make contact with the top half of the ball, leading to groundouts or weak pop-ups.
- Reduced power: With a steep path, hitters can’t efficiently transfer energy into the ball, limiting their power potential.
Why Side Bend Matters
Side bend, or lateral tilt, allows hitters to stay “in the zone” longer. When hitters keep their torso slightly tilted toward the plate, they align their bat path with the pitch, which leads to better contact and more power.
Proper side bend also keeps the hitter's weight balanced over the plate, helping them stay centered and maintaining a strong base.
By creating a more direct and level swing path, hitters give themselves the best chance to drive through the ball.
A steep bat path happens for 2 reasons
1. A lack of side bend in the torso during the swing.
2. High hands: Starting your swing with your hands too far above your back shoulder.
How to Fix a Steep Bat Path
Here are some drills and techniques to help hitters maintain side bend and improve their bat path:
Eyes on ball
1. Place a baseball on the back half corner of the plate.
2. Instruct the hitter to take a full swing and keep their eyes on the ball after making contact.
Benefits:
Helps the hitter stay closed longer.
Maintains side bend and prevents flying open.
Improves bat path by keeping it in the zone longer.
2. Eyes on ball (Tee)
Have the hitter hit the pitch off the tee on the outer half, then instruct them to continue to look at the ground.
Takeaway
Side bend might seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact on swing mechanics.
A consistent side bend helps players maintain a level bat path, which leads to harder contact and more reliable results.
By incorporating some of these drills and making side bend a point of focus, your hitters will see improvements in their consistency, power, and confidence at the plate.
|
