Turning on the Inside Fastball: A Hitter’s Guide
One of the toughest challenges for any hitter is handling the inside fastball. It comes in quick, and if you’re not prepared, it can jam you, leading to weak ground balls or pop-ups. But fear not! Learning to handle the inside pitch opens up a whole new world of hitting opportunities. This post will provide actionable drills and techniques to help you conquer the inner half and become a more complete hitter.
Why is the Inside Pitch So Difficult?
The inside pitch presents several unique challenges:
- Reaction Time: It gets to you faster than a pitch on the outer half of the plate.
- Bat Path: You need a compact, quick swing to get the barrel to the ball.
- Hand Position: If your hands are too far from your body, you’ll get jammed.
- Mental Game: Many hitters develop a fear of being hit, making them hesitant.
Drills to Conquer the Inside Pitch
Here are some effective drills to improve your ability to hit the inside pitch:
1. The “Inside-Out” Tee Drill
This drill focuses on keeping your hands inside the ball and driving it to the opposite field.
- Place the tee on the inside corner of the plate, slightly forward.
- Focus on staying “inside” the ball, letting it travel deep.
- Drive the ball towards the opposite field (right field for a right-handed hitter, left field for a left-handed hitter).
- Repeat 20-30 times, focusing on solid contact and a good swing path.
2. Soft Toss – Inside Focus
Have a partner toss soft underhand pitches specifically to the inside part of the plate.
- Start slow, focusing on making solid contact.
- Gradually increase the velocity of the tosses.
- Visualize driving the ball hard to all fields.
- Work in sets of 15-20 tosses.
3. High-Tee Inside Drill
Set the tee extra high and to the inside portion of the plate. The emphasis will be on hand path, getting on top of the ball, and using a quick compact swing.
- Set the tee high and to the inside.
- Focus on getting on top of the baseball.
- Drive the ball at a downward angle.
- 15-20 Reps.
4. The “Quick Hands” Drill
This drill develops bat speed and quick reflexes.
- Use a short bat or just choke up significantly on your regular bat.
- Have a partner soft toss from a short distance (15-20 feet).
- Focus on reacting quickly and making solid contact with the inside pitch.
- This drill forces you to have quick hands and a short, compact swing.
Key Techniques and Mindset
- Stay Short and Quick: A long, looping swing won’t work on the inside pitch. Keep your hands close to your body and your swing compact.
- Early Recognition: Pick up the ball out of the pitcher’s hand as early as possible. This gives you more time to react.
- “See it Deep, Hit it Hard”: Let the ball travel deep into the hitting zone, allowing you to stay inside the ball and drive it with power.
- Don’t Be Afraid: You might get hit occasionally. Wear protective gear if needed, but don’t let the fear of being hit affect your swing. Embrace the challenge!
- Turn your Hips: To generate sufficient bat speed, you need to have a quick turn.
Mastering the inside pitch takes time and dedicated practice. By incorporating these drills and techniques into your training routine, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to handle inside heat and become a more dangerous hitter. Get out there and start crushing those inside pitches!
