When we develop hitters we need to create a practice design that will improve
performance in competition. Practice design is simply the format or structure of
your practice.
The practice environment includes types of feedback, drills, tools used, and
individualization. The practice environment will have the most impact on
training hitters. While we do spend time training mechanics and swing
movements, the environment we create for hitters to practice those skills is
directly correlated to game day performance.
What kind of feedback do you give? How often? What outcomes are you
encouraging? What drills are being used? How much failure occurs? How often
do they hit off of tees, see live pitching or off speed pitching? Are the drills always
easy or are they more game like? Does the practice promote individual growth for
all hitters?
Feedback can be objective or subjective. Objective feedback is measured and
tangible. Bat speed, exit velocity, the actual outcome of a drill or swing such as a
hard hit line drive vs a pop up or weak ground ball.
Subjective feedback is simply opinion based and usually not measured. “That
looks good. You’re dropping your hands.” Most of the time, hitters get subjective
feedback. There is a time and place for both, but objective feedback is more
impactful than subjective feedback.
Good objective feedback is received immediately. Hitters can see their bat speed
and swing path using a sensor while hitting. Hitters can also see their ball flight
and outcome of an intended drill immediately.
Hope this helps,
See you on the diamond