Core Principles of Hitting (The Big Three): Balance, Vision & Timing

with Josh Bloomer,
Arizona State Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator;
Arizona Hitting Coach from 2023 to 2024;
South Carolina Hitting Coach from 2022 to 2023;
Duke University Assistant Coach from 2019 to 2022;
2022 NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year;
2021 ACC Tournament Champions;
2021 NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year;
Louisville Male High School (KY) Head Coach from 2012 to 2019;
2019 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Champions (undefeated, 39-0);
2019 Kentucky State champions;
6x Regional Champions;
2019 USA Today National High School Coach of the Year finalist;
Mercy Academy Head Coach from 2005-12;
2012 Kentucky State champions;
5x Regional Champions

This video featuring hitting coach Josh Bloomer covers the three main concepts players need in order to have a successful swing. You'll learn what to look for in your hitters and be introduced to key concepts that Coach Bloomer believes will lead to the most success at the plate.

Instructional movement drills to establish a good base, prior for introducing a moving ball, are included. Bloomer makes it clear that the essential concept is learning how to load and separate in the swing. Many athletes don't get separation, or make the fatal flaw of opening their front side too soon.

Hitting's Three Big Ideas

Balance is the first thing to recognize when it comes to hitting, according to Coach Bloomer. Next, there must be vision on what the pitcher is going to throw, as well as the timing of when to actually start to swing. The mastery of these concepts will allow players to move forward with the development of their swing.

Movement Deficiencies/p>

Bloomer addresses a number of movement deficiency issues hitters may have and also provides constraint drills to help hitters address those issues in order to feel how their body should move. He demonstrates multiple ways to address similar issues using med balls, PVC pipes, and bosu balls.

Throughout this video, Coach Bloomer shows and explains the drills he has players begin with. These are more individualized drills that are tailored for each player, but Bloomer expresses how a whole team could benefit from them in certain hitting situations. You'll get over 20 drills in total for tee work, hitting off a machine at different angles and speeds, and the movement prep with PVC pipes and medicine balls.

Coach Bloomer does a great job of blending the mechanics of the swing with individual player movement patterns. He offers multiple drills and variations that address a number of swing development problems. With these methods, your hitters will be well on their way to developing efficient swings!

51 minutes. 2021.