In baseball, success at the plate often comes down to having a solid approach. A strategic plan for each at-bat can significantly improve your performance and increase your chances of making solid contact. One of the most effective and fundamental hitting approaches is "Look Away, Adjust In." In this blog, we'll delve into what this approach entails, why it works, and how you can implement it to elevate your game.
Going up to the plate without a plan is like driving without a map. You might get somewhere, but it’s unlikely to be your desired destination. At higher levels of play, pitchers and their coaches always have a plan to get you out. Therefore, having a plan, or an approach, is crucial for hitters to counteract the pitcher's strategy.
As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." This quote applies perfectly to hitting in baseball. Without a plan, you leave too much to chance and significantly reduce your chances of success.
Our basic fundamental hitting approach, especially when there is no specific data or scouting report available, is "Look Away, Adjust In." This means focusing on pitches on the outer half of the plate and being ready to adjust to pitches on the inner half.
Pitchers often target the outer half of the plate. This is because it’s the safest area to pitch, offering the least risk of a hitter making solid contact. By pitching away, they can use the natural rotation of the hitter’s body against them, making it harder to pull the ball with power.
The majority of defensive players are positioned to field balls hit to the middle or opposite field. The deepest part of the park is in center field, and this is where pitchers aim to have hitters direct the ball. This defensive strategy minimizes the chances of extra-base hits and home runs.
When hitters swing, their bodies naturally rotate. Pitchers exploit this by throwing away from this natural rotation, making it harder to pull the ball effectively. By looking away and adjusting in, hitters can counter this strategy and make solid contact more consistently.
When you step into the batter’s box, set yourself up to look for pitches on the outer half of the plate. This doesn’t mean focusing only on pitches on the black of the plate, but rather the outer half. By doing this, you prepare yourself for the most likely pitches you will see.
When the pitch comes in on the outer half, your goal is to drive it up the middle or to the opposite field. By focusing on these pitches, you increase your chances of making solid contact and driving the ball effectively. If you are set up for the outer pitch, you are in a strong position to react and adjust to inside pitches as well.
If the pitcher comes inside, you simply turn on the ball. By setting up for the outer half and adjusting in, you keep your body and swing mechanics in line, making it easier to react to inside pitches. This approach allows you to handle both outside and inside pitches effectively without overcommitting to one area of the plate.
Set up a tee on the outer half of the plate and practice driving the ball up the middle or to the opposite field. Focus on maintaining a balanced stance and a smooth, controlled swing.
Have a coach or teammate toss balls from the front, mixing in pitches on the outer and inner halves. Work on looking for the outer pitch and adjusting to the inside pitch as needed.
During live BP, focus on implementing the "Look Away, Adjust In" approach. Pay attention to your stance, balance, and timing as you work on driving the outer pitch and reacting to inside pitches.
By focusing on pitches on the outer half of the plate and adjusting in, you increase your chances of making consistent contact. This approach helps you stay balanced and in control, leading to more successful at-bats.
This approach allows you to cover more of the plate effectively. You are prepared for pitches on the outer half, but also ready to handle inside pitches, giving you better overall plate coverage.
When you drive the outer pitch up the middle or to the opposite field, you utilize the full power of your swing. This can lead to more hard-hit balls, extra-base hits, and home runs.
The "Look Away, Adjust In" approach is a fundamental and effective hitting strategy that can significantly improve your performance at the plate. By having a plan and focusing on pitches on the outer half of the plate, you increase your chances of making consistent, solid contact. Remember, having a plan is crucial for success in hitting.
For more tips and insights, visit Lupo's Baseball. Check out a free preview of my book BASS: The Path To Elite Level Hitting and feel free to ask Coach Leo a question.
Embrace the "Look Away, Adjust In" approach, and watch your hitting performance soar to new heights. By focusing on strategic planning and execution, you can become a more consistent and powerful hitter.
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