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The Batting-Cage Basics of Knocking it Out of the Park

When it comes to batting cages, it’s all about HITS.

The satisfying crack of connection between ball and bat leaves you buzzing… and craving more!

Want to avoid strikes and whiffs? Follow these simple tips to become the Babe Ruth of the batting cages:

The Stance

Taking the right stance is fundamental to making the right moves when it comes time to swing. From top to bottom, here’s how you set up your body for success: Plant your feed just a little wider than your shoulder width. Bend at the waist and knees slightly. Your hands should be parallel with your rear shoulder. Eyes forward, on where the ball is coming from.

And it helps if you stick your butt out a little (sorry, it’s true!).

The Step

Not to be underestimated, the step is a key component to the momentum and timing of starting off your swing right.

A good step is short and sweet, 6″-12″ and landing your foot on the pad of your big toe. You want to keep your weight primarily on your back leg and remember to step THEN swing – not stepANDswing as one motion.

The Lower Launch

Think of your baseball swing as something that starts at your feet, and moves UP your body toward the point of contact with the ball. Once you’ve taken your step, the next move is to launch your rear hip towards the ball.

This begins the “torque” of your body that’s really going to pay off once you make connection!

The Upper Launch

Beginners often confuse this PART of the swing with the WHOLE swing, when it’s actually the fourth step in your hit. Once you’ve taken your step and launched your hips, it’s time to finally swing the bat!

As you continue the “torque” motion you started with your lower body, extending your arms and bringing the bat forward, your wrists should flick right at the point of contact – putting your top hand palm up and your bottom hand palm down.

It is also critical that while you are shifting your body, your head stays in the same position. Moving your head forces your eyes to adjust and re-calculate the ball position, making you more likely to strike.

The Follow Through

Even after you’ve hit the ball, if you’re swinging right, that does nothing to stop your bat.

Carry on that perfect arc over to the other side of your body for the right amount of momentum.

And that’s it!

These steps might be a little clunky or unnatural to follow at first, but that’s what Batting Cages are for! Come visit us to try out your moves, making a sensational swing into muscle memory (and having fun doing it.)

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