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Most of these tips come from the book
Illustrated Hitting Guide with permission from the author.
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On-Deck Preparation
Many young players waste valuable time waiting for their turn to hit. They stand in the on-deck circle and talk to teammates or take lazy swings with the bat. Poor on-deck preparation reduces their probability for success. Good on-deck preparation should include the following:
- Position yourself in the on-deck circle so that the pitcher and home plate are both in view.
- Quickly loosen up your muscles by swinging the bat back and forth and over your head.
- Take your stance and focus on the pitcher.
- When the pitcher releases the ball, stride and then swing hard, the same way you plan to swing when getting up to the plate.
- Time your swing so that your bat head crosses the plate before the ball does.
- Make timing adjustments on the remaining pitches until it’s your turn.
- When leading off an inning, don't waste time talking. Go time your swing.
- Do not use a bat donut on-deck. This will throw off your timing. Studies have found that the probability of hitting the ball on the first swing is lower for players using a donut on-deck.
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