How to Hit Power Pitchers

Time the pitcher in the on-deck circle. The way to successfully hit a power pitcher happens long before you step the plate. As the power pitcher pitches to the previous batter, try to time your swing. Timing your swing means assuming your stance and taking a swing as if you were up at the plate. If you think you can handle the fastball, you do not have to make adjustments. However, if your swing feels late, you will have to adjust accordingly.

Select a lighter bat. This is especially true late in a baseball game as you get tired and have swung the bat multiple times throughout the game. A lighter bat will allow you to swing the bat faster, creating more bat speed. If there is not a lighter bat available in the same length, then drop down an inch. For instance, if you usually swing a 32-inch, 28-oz. bat, drop down to a 31-inch, 27-oz. bat if no 32-inch bats are available in a lighter weight.

Shorten your stride. When facing a power pitcher, you want to make your swing as quick as possible. This is so you can get the bat head through the zone and make contact with the baseball. The stride refers to the step that your front foot takes when you swing. This step helps give the swing power. However, against a power pitcher, you need to sacrifice a little power of your own to gain speed. Practice a shorter step when you swing. If you have a "hitch" in your swing, remove it all together.

Set your hands so that they are already in the back position. When most baseball players swing, their hands move back, pause and then drive forward. However, your true power comes only as your hands are moving forward. By setting your hands already in the back position, you are shortening your swing, looking to get through the zone faster.

Look for a good pitch to hit. This is advice for facing any pitcher and not just a power pitcher. However, sometimes your mind can play tricks on you as your nerves tighten over the fact of facing a pitcher with such an awesome fastball. Stay true to the basics and make sure you are swinging at a pitch that is in the strike zone.

Watch out for the off-speed pitches. A good power pitcher will mix in a curve ball or change-up into his rotation. Try to lay off those pitches unless you have two strikes. Trying to hit the change-up will throw off your timing, and hitting a curve ball can prove even tougher than hitting a fastball if you are not looking for it.

Keep your eye on the ball and see the baseball hit the bat. Another common mistake against power pitchers is that you swing the bat so hard you step away from home plate with your front foot, thus taking your eye off the baseball. Focus on locking into the pitch as soon as it leaves the pitcher's hand. Watch it all the way through your swing until you make contact.