HITTING TIPS WITH BRIAN MCRAE
Ask 10 year Major League Veteran Brian McRae any tips you have on hitting or the game of baseball. Its our job to make you a more confident hitter whether that maybe with Premium Equipment or with Major League advice. To submit your questions for Brian email us at talk@ifungo.com.
Our Customers Questions:
Steve: Hi my 12 year old son has a tendency to swing with just his arms and not drive through the ball. It also seems that he does not finish his swing when making contact. He looks like the bat stops and he does not follow through.
Brian: Get a flat soccer ball or basketball and toss it to him........ like soft toss drill.You have to hit through the ball because it is heavy. Should force him get that feeling of driving the ball.
Bill: My 10 year old son has developed a bad habit when hitting. He was one of the best players in the league a couple of years ago, but now he is moving his back foot while the pitch is on the way---not much just moving it back a couple of inches. It seems to be taking away his power. Do you know of any drills that may help him get rid of this bad habit? I had thought of putting a brick behind his foot so it cant move back towards the catcher and trying that during batting practice??
Brian: I would try having your son hit off of a tee and work on getting his weight on his front foot a little more at contact. That may keep his back foot from moving. Putting something behind his foot may help in this drill too.
Our Questions to Brian:
iFungo: With your experience do you prefer ash or maple bats?
Brian: I used both and didnt notice much of a difference. I swung a 35/35, so i think a heavy bat had better wood.
iFungo: My coach keeps telling me im opening up. What does this mean?
Brian: He may be talking about your front leg goin away from the pitcher as you get ready to swing.
iFungo: If I keep dropping my hands, does this mean I need to do more one hand drills?
Brian: You can drop your hands, but need to get them back in the hitting position before you hit the ball. The best drill it to focus on hitting the top of the baseball when doing soft toss. This will force your hands to stay up more.
iFungo: Do you believe hand speed is more important or is hip rotation is more important?
Brian: Quick hands allow you to have a good hip rotation. Let your hands do the work and the body will follow.
iFungo: Do you know of any drills i can use to train my eyes?
Brian: Playing video games where you have to focus on targets.
iFungo: What was your approach at the plate? Were you a zone hitter or a see it and rip it guy?
Brian: Hitting is about knowing what you can/can't do and the game situation. I always looked for something I could drive early in the count and then made adjustments with two strikes.
