If your kids want to play a sport, consider introducing them to baseball. The game is an excellent way for them to have fun, stay fit, and build their hand-eye coordination. While hitting the ball may seem challenging, with consistent practice, they'll soon be hitting the ball consistently. Here are a few tips to get your child started.

A Guide to Hitting for Baseball Beginners

1. Grip the Bat Firmly

Always have your child grip the bat firmly with their fingers rather than their palms. When swinging, keeping the bat stuffed between the palms prevents the wrists from flexing and rotating. It’s better to line up their knuckles for better control and maintain a light grip before making contact with the ball to optimize speed and reactivity.

2. Know the Basic Stance

The basic stance is to make both feet parallel and shoulder width apart. Let your child slightly bend their knees and hold the bat vertically, but a bit angled over the shoulder as opposed to resting flat across the back. Keep their toes, knees, hips, and shoulders straight, with the head directed toward the pitcher. 

3. Keep Your Eyes on the Ball

There's a chance your child won't see the pitcher deliver the ball if the baseball field is hectic. Instruct them to keep their eyes on the ball at all times, so they can anticipate when it will hit the bat. Keeping their attention on the task at hand is essential as they prepare to swing. Have them lower their heads somewhat, but not so much that they lose track of the ball.

4. Swing the Bat

In order to hit the ball, the bat doesn't need to be swung hard. A proper grip on the bat allows your child to move the bat in one fluid but forceful motion. Encourage them to follow through on the swing after hitting the ball rather than stopping at the point of contact. This movement maximizes rotational momentum, sending the ball as far as possible.

5. Do Hitting Drills

Practice makes perfect, so have your child perform drills to improve movement and reinforce good habits. Help them use a batting tee to do the K posture, bat path, and stride and separation drills. Once they’ve got the posture and stance correct, they can practice hitting balls from pitching machines.

Have your kid practice their baseball swing and hitting at Line Drive Indoor Batting. Located in Jupiter, FL, this 8,000-square-foot softball and baseball training facility has experienced instructors, batting cages, HitTrax®, and Rapsodo® Pitching Unit to help beginners and players improve their essential skills on the field. Call (561) 283-6614 or visit them online.