Consistent success at the plate requires a great deal of mental preparation and focus. In my previous hitting series blog I talked about how mechanics is not the main driver of hitting success from tournament to tournament.
When parents come to me with all these physical reasons why their kid struggled I try to assure them to stop looking at the swing at starting looking at the kids process and execution of that process in each at bat. What is the kid doing to be prepared --- are they creating a plan before every at bat and pitch? Are they studying pitcher tendencies? Is their timing and decision making working to their advantage or against them? How do they feel both physically and mentally in any given weekend. These are typically the reasons players struggle with consistency, not the swing itself although a bad swing creates obstacles, a good swing creates more opportunities for success.
With my 10u team we work on what I call the "Funnel of Focus. This is my way to help them with a focus plan thats not too overwhelming for their age however this techniques can help any age player.
FUNNEL OF FOCUS
I expect next 4 hitters in every offensive inning to be fully engaged in the FOF.
Hitter #4 - WIDE (this player is also expected to retrieve the bat in game after a hit)
Hitter #3 - Medium
Hitter #2 - Narrow On-Deck
Hitter at Plate - Narrow In-Box
IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PDF of the FUNNEL OF FOCUS let me know!
HAPPY HITTING
Coach JB