Hitting Program for an Explosive Swing

with Jay Johnson,
University of San Diego Hitting Coach

How can you ensure getting an explosive swing every time at the plate? Johnson shares the San Diego drill progression designed to maximize consistency, strength and power in the swing. The first concept is the impact of seeing the ball, as timing, pitch selection and the path of hands during the swing are all dictated by seeing the ball. The zone drill, including three zones, is taught to hitters at the plate. Drills include the colored ball tracking drill and the slider drill. Explosive hitting is developed with three drills; backhand catch, torque drill with tee and the uphill tee drill. Balance and timing are added to the most important areas of hitting. Johnson demonstrates the bounce drill where the ball is bounced off the ground before hitting. The hands are also important in hitting, and the short bat drill emphasizes the batter's hands going straight in the direction of the pitch. Angle hitting and angle screen are two drills that enhance the short, quick swing, and the "Smoke the Cones" drill helps develop hits to center.

40 minutes. 2007.

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