Achieve greatness in baseball by learning how to hit to the opposite field. While you may hear this term watching sports on television, learning what it means and how to accomplish it can improve your batting skills. Here’s how to master this fine art and improve your swing at the same time.

What Is Opposite Field Hitting?

When you take your stance at the plate, you’re likely thinking about where you want to hit the ball.  When you hit a baseball to the opposite field, it means you’ve struck the ball from the outside of the plate to the opposing side of the field. Left-handed batters will hit into left field, and righties will hit to right field.

Why Do Players Do It?

Hitting to the opposite field can throw opponents off course and help your team score. You’re less likely to deal with the dreaded jammed ball—an inside pitch—or one that causes you to strike out frequently.

Letting the ball come to the outside of the plate before swinging, gives the batter more time to make a decision. Players and coaches will also recognize the skill of an opposite-field hitter, and you’ll be an invaluable addition to your team.

How Is It Done?

It’s not as easy as it may sound to hit the ball in the opposite direction. It requires a certain finesse for baseball players to master, mainly because timing is crucial. The ball needs to travel deep into the strike zone, giving you more time to watch the ball and react to the pitch. 

However, you still need to make contact with the ball in front of your body instead of from behind. While this limits the amount of power you can generate to some degree, you can guide the ball in the right direction by rotating your body correctly.

Strike the ball as you would other pitches—with your hands touching while lightly gripping the bat. Make contact with the ball as it reaches the outside of the plate. Rotate your core as you pull your back shoulder across the plate. Follow through on your swing to send the ball soaring to the opposite field.

Are you ready to learn how to hit to the opposite field? Visit Line Drive Indoor Batting in Jupiter, FL. This training facility offers batting cage time and HitTrax® technology to help you improve your swing speed, arm strength, and ball placement. Whether you have major league dreams or want to have some fun with friends, this sports complex can help you take your game to the next level. They also offer batting classes for beginners. Visit their website for more information, or call (561) 283-6614 to speak with a representative.