Lots of coaches who want to learn more about hitting are always looking for the latest tool that can help them get their hitters' to hit better. These coaches know that hitting is a very challenging skill to understand and that a lot of different professionals have different theories on how to swing a baseball bat.
There are tons of really good hitter training programs out there, but the problem is that they are designed for different types of hitting goals. One program may be more suited for line-drives, while another is for ground hoppers and another for pure power. This problem brings on the biggest problem out there; coaches are teaching rotational hitting mechanics with only limited success!
Coaches that have been around long enough and have tried to apply some different theories or techniques soon learn to implement their own ideas with combinations of research they have done over the years. Coaches usually find out that some of the claims on hitting mechanics do not work as advertised and aren’t suited to everyone, regardless of age, skill level or size.
Over time, the inconsistencies among hitting systems have made coaches stop looking for answers to hitting, They have given up and now refuse to listen and try new hitting systems. We believe that in order to find the right hitting system, you have to ask the right questions. The system that answers most or all of those questions, will be the system that works best for you.
Many trainers have some real scientific answers to the best baseball swing and they communicate their key points very well and make a lot of sense. However, if these trainers do not have solid evidence, and numerous testimonials from more than 20 different sources at different levels, than something maybe missing.
Coaches who look for the answers to hitting must ask and look for solid evidence. Just relying on someone who has a lot of experience, or has a professional background is not enough these days.
The most important questions a coach should ask when trying to find a reliable hitting system that works for everyone in baseball and softball, of any age over 10 and of either gender are:
1. Is there evidence that the program will increase batting averages?
2. Is there evidence that the program will increase slugging percentage?
3. Is there evidence that the program will increase collision and bat speed?
4. Is there evidence that the program helps hitters at all ages and levels.
5. Is there evidence that the program helps hitters hit for power the opposite way?
6. Is there evidence that the program helps hitters stay back and hit off speed pitches more efficiently?
7. Is there evidence that the program can help hitters hit faster pitching?
8. Is there evidence that the program can help stop hitters from swinging at bad pitches?
9. Is there evidence that the program can help hitters hit low pitches more efficiently? (those are the hardest to hit)
10. Is there evidence that the program can help recognize and break bad habits quickly.
Obviously these questions are simple but the answers should be a bit more in depth and come with proof. If the program your looking for does not answer most or all of these questions then you may be disappointed with the results you will get from that program.
As a rule, most hitter training programs can provide a piece to the puzzle if you pay close attention. Asking the right questions will guide you to the right program for you and your team.