Tips for Hitting a Baseball: Slow feet equals quick hands

Slow feet equals quick hands.  This baseball saying is for hitters as a reminder that your feet get you in a position to hit.

Lets face it, some people are born with quicker hands than others.   But there are some tips for hitting a baseball that will help you achieve your own maximum hand speed.

Have you ever noticed that many big league hitters look as if they are not swinging 100%?  They are under control and don’t over exert themselves on their swings.  Having a smooth and controlled stride allows for a controlled swing.

This is easy to see but difficult to trust.   In little league through high school, I had a leg kick and thought the bigger my kick and stride the quicker my hands would be and the further I could hit the baseball.  I failed to realize that being relaxed and having your hands back in a strong position with your front foot on the ground creates tension in the front oblique that translates into torque for better bat speed.

Many hitters have a slight pause in their swing that happens once their front foot hits the ground.  This pause allows the hitter to make any adjustments to hit the baseball.  At this point in his swing, his eyes have already told the brain what to do and this pause allows for the body to do what the mind tells it.

When you have fast feet (hard and/or quick stride) there is a tendency to run through the pause most quality hitters have. This makes it difficult to repeatedly put your “A” swing on the baseball.  Your bat speed is obviously the best when you can put your best swing on the ball.

To help slow your feet down, start a little earlier.  I am not saying to stop your leg kick if you have one, just make sure your foot is hitting the ground softly and under control.  We can learn a lot just by watching big league hitters.  Next time you watch a game remember the baseball saying –  ”slow feet equals quick hands”.

More tips for hitting a baseball:

• All Hitting Articles
• The Baseball Swing, part 1 – Rhythm
• The Ideal Bat Path
• How to Bunt for a Hit
• Best Wood Bats

About the Author: Doug Bernier

Doug Bernier, founder of Pro Baseball Insider.com, debuted in the Major Leagues in 2008 with the Colorado Rockies, and has played professional baseball for 11 years. After hitting .361 with the New York Yankees this 2012 spring training where he relieved Derek Jeter at shortstop, Doug spent the 2012 season with the Yankees’ triple A team. Click here to get personal, one-on-one instruction with Doug Bernier

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