How to hit a curveball

Hitting curve

My observation is that the players that do the best job hitting sliders, cutters, splits, curves and change ups are the ones that seem to keep their hands back and let the ball travel where they are hitting the ball while it is over the plate instead of when the ball is in front of the plate. As they advance their approach at the plate seems to change where their swing becomes shorter and quicker and in many cases their strides are reduced or limited as well.

Not a hitting coach, just an observation.

 

The key for the hitter is to make sure you look good while striking out. Once you realize it's a curve ball, make sure you swing the bat as hard as you can. Don't let the umpire get the satisfaction of calling you out looking. For some reason umpires gyrate a whole lot more on called 3rd strike curve balls. Swing like there's no tomorrow! Then, confidently walk back to the dugout & proclaim to your teammates that you just missed it. That technique works for alot of batters!

 

Cya son...have a safe walk back to the dugout.

I actually prefer to do the moon walk.

 

Sorry, but I do not see how kids cannot hit a curveball in HS. They have all been seeing them since they were 5yrs old. Each year players throwing breaking balls are getting younger and younger. Hey when is the next 5 year old travel team gonna start up?

 

Usually, those kids aren't pitching in High School since they've been throwing the CB for such a long time. 12 yr old hero - 16 yr old zero. I know that's not like it is for everyone, but a lot of the kids I've seen through the years never increased their velocity's and went into early pitching retirement.
IMHO - While they have seen some form of the CB growing up, hitters aren't prepared for the kids who have saved their arms, have strong mechanics, and are now being coached by someone that can teach them a real curve ball or slider. A 65 mph curve ball left up and in is a little different than a 85 mph slider in the dirt.
To hit the curve ball - Dig in, dip in, and don't rub it while you're going down to first on a HBP.

 

Very good observation

 

Observation

Question: How do you hit an 87 mph curveball from Cliff Lee (Phillies)?







Answer: You dont! Nobody does!

 

I saw a bunch of Phillies missing a lot of curve balls during the third game I believe. Must not be something you learn; just something you guess and swing at and hope the ball hits the bat.

 

You hit a fastball where it's at, and a curveball where it's going.

 

Sometimes the most simple advice is the best...I like this approach.