Swing Decisions: The Skill That Makes Bat Speed Count
Two hitters with the same swing can have very different seasons. The difference is usually which pitches they swing at.
Why decisions matter
- Pitches in the middle of the zone are hit hardest. Pitches on the edges and off the plate are hit weakly.
- Taking balls moves the count in your favor, and hitters do far more damage ahead in the count.
- Chasing gives the pitcher a free strike and a reason to never throw you a good one.
Build an approach
An approach is a plan made before the pitch.
- Early in the count: look for one pitch in one area. If it is not that, take it.
- Ahead: stay with your pitch. You have room to be selective.
- Two strikes: widen the zone, shorten up and compete. Putting the ball in play has value.
- Know the pitcher. What does he throw for strikes, and what does he throw when he is behind?
- Know yourself. Every hitter has pitches he handles and pitches he does not.
Training recognition
- Track bullpens without swinging. Call pitch type and location early.
- Mix the machine. Change speeds and pitch types without telling the hitter what is coming.
- Take rounds. Whole rounds where the job is to decide, not to hit.
- Colored or numbered balls in front toss to force the eyes to pick up the ball early.
- Live at-bats as often as possible. Nothing else trains timing and decisions together.
Training the zone
- Mark your zone on a tee or with a strike-zone target.
- Play point games: a point for hard contact on a strike, minus a point for swinging at a ball.
- Chart at-bats on video: pitch, location, decision, result.
Measuring it
- Walks and strikeouts over a season
- Chase rate, if someone can chart it
- Quality of contact on pitches in the zone
The link to mechanics
A hitter with a long or slow swing has to decide earlier, which leads to more chasing. Shortening the path and adding bat speed buys time to decide. That is why approach and swing work belong in the same plan.
MLB's challenge system has made zone judgment a visible skill. See what it teaches young hitters.
This article is general information, not medical advice. See a doctor or physical therapist about pain or injury, and check with a qualified professional before starting a new training program.