Using Imagery

The mind is a powerful tool. Anytime you can use it to aid in developing a skill or
task, it is wise to do so. When reinforcing certain hitting skills, you can put your
mind to work to enhance skill refinement.

An example is somebody who is hitting off of a tee. Where do they normally
focus their eyes? Usually, right on the ball sitting atop of the tee.  Why?

Let's take a look at this for a second. Whenever you a practicing a particular
skill, you should make every effort to recreate a game-like environment. In a
game, where are a hitters eyes focused initially? On the pitcher. Then
what happens? As the ball is released, he tracks it into the hitting zone.

When hitting off of a tee, why should your eyes be fixated on the ball
right from the get-go?

Are you really recreating a game-like situation here? The answer is simple,
NO!!

* Instead, the hitter's eyes should be focused out in front of him, fixated on
 an imaginary pitcher.

* He should then track an imaginary pitch into the hitting zone.

* This is where his eyes should pick up the ball on the tee.  This should
  happen for a fraction of a second then the swing occurs.

We have now recreated a game-like situation.

Using this concept will allow a hitter to imagine both right handed and left handed
pitchers. On top of that, they can now track both fastballs and curveballs into the
zone as well.

Creating Imaginary Hitting Lanes

When hitting off of a tee or even through front toss, another way you can put
your mind to work is through creating imaginary hitting lanes.

Heres how it works

The principle of hitting to all fields depending
on pitch location is enhanced through actually
envisioning a lane to the area of the field
you wish to hit to.

Start out on the tee first. Set yourself up in a
position where the ball is down the middle of
the plate. Right before you hit it, allow your mind to create an imaginary lighted
lane through the middle of the field in front of you.

Now do the same for the inside and outside pitch. When it seems as if you are
able to create these lanes consistently off of the tee, try doing it with somebody
front tossing to you.

I've received a lot of good feedback on this concept. Hitters I have worked with
have told me that it has helped them to force their hands into a position that
allows them to hit the ball to the designated area of the field.  Some have even
said they have become proficient enough with this concept to actually use it
during a game.

The reason it works is that it enhances your sense of focus. It helps to block out
undesired areas of the field and creates an escalated focus on the area of
preference. Try it...it works!!
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