As we transition into the Build Phase (November-January), it is time to focus on strengthening what works. The foundation of this phase is built on the insights gained during the Assessment Phase (August-October), where hitters experiment with new approaches to discover what doesn’t work and, most importantly, what does.
At its core, this phase is about creating habits—specifically those that will carry you through the season and beyond. But what exactly is a habit? A habit is composed of three essential components: cue, routine and reward.
- Cue – The trigger that initiates an action.
- Routine – The actions you take consistently in response to the cue.
- Reward – The outcome that reinforces the habit.
The Build Phase: Key Areas of Focus
For hitters, about 95% of their intentional practice time during this phase is devoted to building a consistent routine centered on timing, approach, and extension. These elements are critical for producing power and, ultimately, getting lots of hits—the reward every hitter desires.
But the true challenge comes when the game season arrives. Many hitters fail to maintain a high level of performance, leading to doubt about the effectiveness of their winter workouts. The issue often lies not in the routine itself but in the lack of adjustments to the cues.
Why Changing Cues is Crucial
In games, pitchers are the ultimate curveballs—literally and figuratively. They introduce variable cues through changes in pitch type, speed, and location. If a hitter’s training environment doesn’t simulate these unpredictable changes, the habits built during the Build Phase won’t translate effectively to the field.
To address this, I incorporate tools and techniques that modify cues and simulate game-like scenarios:
- Hitting Jack-It Weights – These weights are excellent for altering swing mechanics and simulating changes in pitch speed. By training under varying resistance, hitters adapt to fluctuating cues, much like they would in a real game.
- Duraband & Durabat – The Duraband Complete Baseball Trainer is a game-changer in developing strength, mechanics, and focus. It introduces variability to the training process, allowing hitters to build habits that withstand the test of in-game conditions. Learn more about the Duraband HERE.
- Tanner Tee Adjustments – By varying height placement on the tee, hitters develop adaptability in their swing plane and extension, preparing them for the wide range of pitch locations they will encounter during games.
- Front Toss & Coach Pitch – These methods help train hitters to react to changing speeds and trajectories, further reinforcing their ability to adapt their routines to different cues.
Building for Success
The Build Phase is not just about physical repetition; it is about intentionally training the mind and body to adapt. The routines established during this phase should be robust enough to handle the inevitable changes that come with competitive play.
Remember, the key to building a good habit lies in embracing change—not resisting it. By modifying cues during training, hitters develop a level of consistency that prepares them to thrive under the unpredictable conditions of the season.
The habits formed now, during the Build Phase, will serve as the backbone of success when it matters most. So, stay focused, embrace the process and trust the work you’re putting in this winter.
** Photo at 2025 Buck O’Neil Professional Scouts and Coaches Association Convention
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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.
