Jr RTE Sports

Keep your swing sharp and your hand-eye coordination on point by using one of the oldest and simplest forms of baseball training aid: the batting tee. Sometimes there’s a stigma from t-ball that says you should outgrow it, but that’s not the case. The tee is one of the best ways to hone your swing as a hitter.

One drill you can work on with the tee is to simulate your eyes tracking the pitch. Get in your normal stance and act as though you are looking out at the pitcher. Let your eyes travel as if they are following the pitch in and then lock onto the ball as you complete the swing. Remember to make contact off the tee. This is a great way to help fine-tune your swing and work on making it a consistent motion.

What a badass!! "Swing the k**b and the barrel will follow." This guy was a tremendous hitter, the best contact hitter post-1940. In 1995 he came to the plate 535 times and struck out a grand total of 15. Think about that!!?? 15 in 535??!! In his 5 best years with 2 strikes he hit .335!!!??? With 2 strikes!!?? That's insane. Oh, and lifetime with 2 strikes he was around .300 if I am not mistaken. Also, he wasn't juiced out of his mind, played against juiced pitchers, and looked like he was playing pool out there and could place the ball wherever he wanted. He has incredible eye-sight and bat control. It is a national tragedy he has passed because with all of his baseball greatness you cannot find a single person who doesn't say glowing things about Tony's heart and overall kindness to everyone. I am saddened for his family and friends and feel privileged to have watched him hit a baseball. - By a Fan, Liam G.

When batting, the goal is to swing with a level bat path that is somewhat parallel to the ground. This promotes line drives and consistency in making solid contact with the baseball. A level path keeps the bat in the hitting zone for a longer period of time and can lead to more line drives and greater success.

If you’re not hitting level, then it’s possible you have an uppercut swing that starts low and finishes high. Another common bat path flaw hitters make occurs when their swing is on too much of a downward angle. These bring the baseball bat in and out of the hitting zone quickly and make it more difficult for batters to hit their target.