Hitting in 3D!

After leaving Indiana State University as a college coach, I made a stint at a St. Louis High School coaching baseball and football. Because our school dismissed at 2pm, I could finish practice and then go directly to a 4pm game of one of our opponents to scout. I put a scouting report together for all of the competitive teams we would face which I knew would put us at a huge advantage as long as our pitchers could locate. The reason being that 90% of high school hitters that we faced I classified as "1 dimensional" hitters. Here is my classification system:

1 Dimensional Hitter - Can Handle 1 pitch (fastball) on one part of the plate
2 Dimensional Hitter - Can Handle 1 pitch (fastball) on both sides of the plate
3 Dimensional Hitter - Can Handle a fastball and off-speed pitch on entire plate

This system made our pitching and defense plan very easy. In fact, in 2003 our team ERA was below 2.00 for the entire season, and we were the top ranked team in the St. Louis area! If we located, a 1D hitter became an very predictable out. 2D guys we would have to pattern pitch to keep off balance, and we would not let a 3D hitter beat us, pitching around him if necessary.

Now as a private instructor, I see that same 90% of 1D hitters in a lesson for a first time and create a plan to take them to the "next dimension." 1D guys typically pull off the ball or cut off their swing so synchronization and bat path is in order for them. 2D guys typically have stride or weight distribution issues that keep them from hitting an off speed pitch.

My high school hitters are all being evaluated right now by their coaches. My off season plan for all of my hitters was to help them become at least 2 dimensional. If a player can use the entire field, by staying through inside and outside pitches as well as making timing adjustments to both they can have success at any level of baseball and really excel at the high school level.

Provided by website design company directory.