1996 Decatur Braves - National "Fall Classic" Champions
Instructor: Mike Nappi
Manager/Player

Mini-Hitting Camp - May 9,1998

The Basic Things That Good Young Hitters Should Do!

• Listen to the people who know (Everyone learns from each other)
  
  A. TV Baseball Announcers.
  B. Listen as they talk about the good hiders.
  C. Listen to your coach.
  D. Learn the fundamentals.
  E. Practice, Practice & Practice everyday, especially before and during the season.

The Basics: Use the batting Tee

• The Pros Do, College & High School Players Do  and SO SHOULD YOU.
   

• TEE WORK - Position the Tee so that you make contact with the ball when your arms are extended.
   

• Always keep the Same Position & Stance when moving the Tee.
   

• Use a Lightweight Comfortable Bat, one you can handle.
   

• Hands on the Bat - Front Knuckles are lined up - Top Hand should be loose.  (Don't squeeze the bat too tight)
   

• Be Loose & Relaxed in the Shoulders.

BAT SWING - FORGET IT - IT is A BAT THROW!

THROW YOUR HANDS TO THE BALL

• This way you are not using too much of your shoulders.
   
• Plant your Back Foot first in the Batters Box. (Heel Out-knees bent)
   
• Shift weight from center point slightly to the back foot.
   
• Weight should be on the inside and balls of both feet.
   
• A little movement in the legs, toes, etc. - Don't be stiff.
   
• Elbows Down! Relax in the shoulders - Chicken Wings
   
• Elbows Close to Your Body. Keep the Front Elbow Down by Your side. A good drill for this is to put a Towel under your Front Arm. Swing (Throw) the Bat Normally - the Towel must still be under your arm after you swing (Throw your Hands)

 WHEN YOU THROW YOUR HANDS AT THE BALL

• You Must Have A Good Cocking Action (Trigger) Hands move straight back 4 to 6 inches.
   
• Throw Your Hands forward to the Ball. Your hips must be open and finish up facing the pitcher (Follow-Through)
   
• Back Foot - Pivot on the Ball of your Foot. - Everytime...Squash the Bug. If you pivot on the back foot on every swing (Bat Throw) your hips will open automatically.

FINAL NOTES:

• ALWAYS STUDY HOW THE PITCHER RELEASES THE BALL. NEVER LOOK AT THE PITCHER - LOOK AT HIS RELEASE POINT.  (Timing, Timing)
   
• BE CONFIDENT! KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO GET A HIT WHEN YOU GO UP TO THE PLATE! DARE THE PITCHER TO THROW A BALL IN YOUR STRIKE ZONE!  REMEMBER, THE PITCHER IS NOT YOUR FRIEND. HE IS TRYING TO STRIKE YOU OUT AND YOU ARE NOT GOING TO LET THAT HAPPEN.
  (You can Be friends after the game)
   
• IF YOU DO STRIKE OUT - THEN YOU SHOULD KNOW WHY AND REMEMBER - YOU GET TO HIT AGAIN. BASEBALL IS A GAME, LETS LEARN TO PLAY THE GAME CORRECTLY AND WE WILL ALL HAVE FUN.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BASEBALL CAREER.

Your Friend,

Mike Nappi

© 1998 - Mike Nappi ®