Hitting and Hitters Discussion Hitting: 60 second drill

[SIZE=-1]One of my favorite drills to improve bat speed is the 60 second drill which was taught to me through my uncle. What you do is, get someone to time the player for 60 seconds and make them swing as many times correctly as possible. While you are timing the player make sure each swing is done correctly. [/SIZE]

In my opinion any drill that promotes not using the correct mechanics in a swing will build incorrect muscle memory and poor mechanics. This sounds like the quick hands drill where you throw a ball and the hitter tries to keep swinging quickly to keep up with the person tossing and before long they abandon the lower half of the body mechanics and the top half takes over to become quicker and beat their record or some one else's.
I know you say to swing correctly however the competitive nature is to short cut the process and get more swings in to beat their previous time or some one else's.

It is a ballistic sport not an endurance sport however bat speed can be obtained without destroying your mechanic's.

We use weighted pitching balls that weigh 10 to 13 ounces so it provides resistance when the hitter makes contact so they will drive to the ball and through the ball and no we do not use basketballs as it puts too much stress on the shoulder, elbow and wrists.

We toss a tennis ball first, then a hard ball, then a regular soft ball and then a weighted pitching ball and repeat the cycle 15 to 20 times at their pace not timing them...solid mechanics on every swing. When they are near the end of the workout we will pitch 5 straight weighted balls in a row and then 10 regular soft balls in a row so hopefully they will remember what it feels like and do it in a game situation.

We use what is termed a whiffer stick. We make it two different ways...both are 44 inches long, one is made of metal electric conduit pipe and has 18 ounces of weight inside the handle. The weight is from steel re bar used to reinforce concrete and is secured with screws and then we drill a series of holes in the other end so when you swing it, a sound is made as the air goes through the holes. We use tennis racket grips as they are cheaper than batting grips and last longer.

The louder the sound you create the faster you are swinging it. The idea is to swing it faster each time using the exact same mechanics you would in a game. Because of the length being 44 inches once you start it using a proper hand path you can not stop it and YOU will get to extension and over your shoulder and you will not roll your wrists and hit your shoulder. The weight being in the hands primarily allows you to create the whip effect versus the casting out or swinging around the ball.

The second type we make are made with PVC pipe about 3/4 inch OD and we find steel rod that will fit inside it. If you can not find the exact size just take duct tape and tape the ends of the steel and in the middle so it will be a snug fit when you slide it inside the PVC and drill the top end into place and secure it with a bolt and then put a PVC cap on the handle and put a tennis racket grip on the handle. Drill a series of hole at angles in the other end so it will make noise.

The main difference between the two types is how the weight is distributed along the length of the stick. With the electric conduit it is a little heavier however the main weight is still in the hands.

With the PVC stick the weight is focused in the hands completely and in my opinion you feel more semi circular in your swing mechanics especially in your forearms and hand area. We start with this one and progress to the conduit one.

We have made special ones for different kids based on size and strength as one size can basically fit all however you have some kids that need more or less for their situation.

About 12 to 18 ounces in the handle seems to work for most hitters.

I am sure you didnt expect the 500 word dissertation but that is the norm with Hitter.

ThatGuy2120 said:

I am sure you didnt expect the 500 word dissertation but that is the norm with Hitter.

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THatGuy or THATGAL not sure....I think it was about 697 plus or minus 10 not 500 and I had PM's on how to make some of the stuff we use. Did you make it to the clinic last weekend? You might have seen some of the stuff we used at our stations.

Are you the score keeper on your daughters team?

A few years back, the dad of one of my daughter's high school team mates made the statement "Great hitters are born; either you know how to hit or you don't". His approach to helping his daughter become a better hitter was to yell to her during games to "swing level". Well, she DID swing level - the classic "drop the hands", and arm-swing the bat around in a nearly level plane, regardless of where the pitch was! Well, she DID listen to her dad, so I couldn't blame the poor kid! I don't ever remember her getting a hit in high school.

Becoming a GOOD hitter takes a LOT of work. Being athletic helps, but doesn't guarantee success. There are some that take the time needed to figure it out, then there are some who have the attitude of the dad I mentioned above. Personally, I am grateful when someone is willing to give valuable hitting advice FOR FREE. It may be 25 words or 1,000 - but I'm listening!

And to that I say - Thanks Howard...

I am with you Sammy! I may actually try to make one of these contraptions....I'm just not very good with the drill! I'm thinking I may find a "rain stick" and alter it....sounds easier!
BTW, the Finch is up and I am getting the results I was expecting! Thank you!

My daughter uses those contraptions that Howard makes looks forward to every lesson with Howard. I have been able to see her college team twice this fall. The first was at the Dayton tournament sponsored by Miami Valley Xpress. She batted .778 (14 for 18), 7-8 doubles, and two sacrifice flies. This weekend she batted .625 (5 for 8), and she thinks she needs another lesson from Howard as she noticed something she wants to fix.

Howard, everything you said above and in your many posts is correct. My daughter is living her softball dream because of you.

p.s. When will your new contraption be done that you were working on with a friend from Texas?

If you are talking about Elliot's device he has it done and has improved on it.. Howard's devices work and many are easy to make. It's his insight and creativity that no one can match. I look forward to my daughter's lessons as much as she does. Talk to some parents that attended the SWOBAT Clinic. I think he has more lemmings., after such a great presentation.

My daughters use the whiffer stick and they really can tell the difference in their swings. It has been a very helpful feedback tool. Thanks Howard for all the helpful hints. Doc

I have been banned by my municipality from using all power tools. I do want one of the noise making stick and can pay with cash, water, gatorade and ect.... any takers?

Very easy to make. PM me and I will give you the info.