So, if you have been following any of the zombie apocalypses episodes, you would know that having an indispensable weapon like the baseball bat is a better choice than a colt that has limited bullets. Even so, not everyone can swing a baseball bat as ferociously as Neegan(See the walking dead). The deadly swing needs lots of practice and it stems from the regular baseball training that one should never skip.
1. Have a good stance
It is important to have a good stance before you initiate your swing. This will ensure that you are able to provide the maximal amount of power and energy to your swing without losing stability. Put both feet on the ground shoulder-width apart.
2. Place your toes pointed towards home plate
Place your toes pointed towards home plate, and lean slightly forward with a straightened back. This will help you keep your balance as well as provide power in your swing by using the kinetic energy generated from forwarding momentum and gravity to propel the ball onto the catcher’s mitt or into left field!
3. Keep your back straight
Keeping a straight back will allow you to create more power for your swing and help you control the energy being generated, rather than losing it because of improper posture. If you are leaning forward, then there is less chance that you will be able to create a full-powered swing.
4. Maintain a wide hip position
Usually, if someone has difficulty swinging with good mechanics, they tend to move their hips too quickly during the downswing phase or too slow during the acceleration phase, but in reality, both of these are incorrect motions that can’t lead to increased flexibility and power in your swing! However, through good hip positioning, one can produce maximum energy and precision execution of proper form while obtaining maximum power at impact.
5. Let your elbows hang down and through
When you make the transition from the backswing to forward swing (the “acceleration” phase of your swing), it is important not to move your elbows while extending them onto the follow-through, as a good hitter should. By maintaining speed and accuracy in reaching this extension, one can achieve maximal power at contact with minimal energy remaining due to poor execution.
6. Keep your head steady during the whole swing
Any motion other than following through straight will lead to a loss of stability and control over your hit. If you are unable to keep a still head throughout impact, then there is an increased chance that you lose sight of what’s going on around you (i.e., where the ball is), which can lead to loss of movement control.
7. Keep your hands back until you make contact with the ball
It’s hard to get a good swing if you don’t keep your hands back and are unable to generate energy. The best way to ensure that one does not advance their arms too quickly towards and into the zone of impact is by swinging through using the kinetic energy stored during the acceleration phase, instead of muscle-power generated from pushing forward with your upper body.
8. Maintain stability throughout the swing
Keeping a strong stance will help you maintain your balance while keeping control over all motion components involved in executing a good baseball swing, allowing for minimal loss of power at impact and efficient execution! This will ensure that you minimize loss of energy and maximize your chances at getting a hit!
9. One last thing…
Don’t forget to follow through after making contact with the ball!
By simply keeping these simple guidelines in mind while practicing, you will see a rapid improvement in your hitting skills and form as well as increase your consistency. But of course, when the horde starts coming at you, anything that works will do.
