The Baseball Swing 1: Rhythm

Rhythm is part 1 of the baseball swing.  It provides the relaxed readiness that is essential to a well-timed swing.  Good rhythm allows for quick reactions that will have you making contact with the baseball more often.

Rhythm

Rhythm is an important part of the baseball swing and timing

SWB Yankee Brandon Laird is relaxed and rhythmic before the pitch. Image by Frank Lauri.

(The baseball swing, Stage 1)

In every sport, before a quick action, relaxation and rhythm precedes your explosive move.

Example: When a tennis player is returning a serve, or a basketball player is defending in a one on one situation, each defender is relaxed and waiting to explode.

In other words, it’s is the movement that helps keep the hitter on his toes and ready, but loose and not rigid or tense.

Why rhythm is important:  This idea is the same for hitting. Once you get into your stance, the slight movement in your hands and legs will help to keep you relaxed and under control. This helps us not get too stiff or mechanical when we start our swing.

The bottom line is…

You are quicker and more in control of your body if you have rhythm and are relaxed.

This means better bat speed, and better reactions and adjustments in the split seconds you have before contact.

  1. Load (The Baseball Swing 2)
  2. Separation (The BaseballSwing 3)
  3. Grip and bat angle
  4. Ideal Bat Path
  5. Best Wood Bats
  6. 5 Keys to hit for more power | Baseball swing mechanics & hitting tips from former MLB player

Or, return to the hub page for Batting

About Author

Avatar für 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 5 organizations (CO Rockies, NY Yankees, PIT Pirates, MN Twins, & TX Rangers) over the past 16 years. He has Major League time at every infield position, and has played every position on the field professionally except for catcher. (You should click to watch this great defensive play by Bernier) Where is he now? After 16 years of playing professionally, Doug retired and took a position as a Major League scout with the Colorado Rockies for 2 years. Currently Doug is the Data and Game Planning Coordinator with the Colorado Rockies

7 Comments

  1. Avatar für Greg

    I am looking for drills that might help my son. They say he is leaking as he is heading. This is a reference to leaning into the pitch. It is not a new issue we have had several instructors trying to work with him but nothing seems to take, it is robbing him of his power.

  2. Avatar für Bert

    How can I order these videos on hitting, in field defense, as well a fundamentals for my grandsons (ages 6 & 11)

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