Did you know that it takes .5 of a second for an average fastball to leave the pitcher’s hand and cross the plate? That’s faster than the blink of an eye.
This means you cannot watch the bat hit the ball.
Tracking pitches is what I teach. Tracking is determining how, when and where the ball will cross the plate.
The process of tracking is a result of rapping: R.A.P.
- Reaction
- Anticipation
- Prediction
As my hitters know, there are seven parts to the swing, which include:
- Stance/Load
- Timing
- Tempo
- Tracking
- Approach
- Contact
- Extension/Finish
Major League Baseball players have developed skills to track. You can watch them do it this month during the MLB playoffs.
Talent is what you do well, while habits are things you do well repeatedly without thought. Skills are things you do well repeatedly without thought while under stress.
Remember: It takes 3,000 reps to create a habit and another 3,000 to convert it to a skill.
Here’s a drill to get you going.
For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today.
C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.
