Good two strike hitters have a few things in common. First they have the ability to stay relaxed but ready. Second, they employ good hitting fundamentals with the sole purpose of putting the ball in play. Third, they keep a positive mind set with a good knowledge of the strike zone and a belief in their ability to make contact. Fourth, they have the ability to raise their awareness level.
The following are ways of teaching a good two strike approach and heightened awareness:
1. Coaches should point to their own eyes. This gives hitters the idea of watching and focusing on the ball more. Heightened awareness will begin with seeing the ball with increased urgency.
2. Have hitters focus on using their “hands” more – when hitters focus on simply throwing their hands at the ball they generally will not over swing with the big muscles of the legs, rear end and shoulders. This will make them less likely of pulling off balls and missing.
3. The concept of heightened awareness can be taught with “eyes closed drills.” These drills should only be done with flip drills or batting tee work and not with batting practice. Drill 1 – have hitters close their eyes until the coach flips the ball into the hitting zone and yells “now”. Hitters open their eyes; find the ball and swing if it is a strike. Drill 2 – the coach moves the location and height of the ball on the tee while the hitter’s eyes are closed. When the coach says now, hitter opens their eyes, finds the ball and swings immediately. Having to swing immediately after their eyes are closed gives the hitter the heightened awareness with a sense of urgency.
4. Batting practice should include changing speeds with pitches so hitters are getting more “game like” practice. Hitting is difficult because of the different speeds and movements of balls, so as much practice on the various pitches is helpful. Using rag balls mixed in with hard balls can help because better breaking can be thrown balls with rag balls.
5. Having “situational” practice where hitters take batting practice with a two strike count will help them develop confidence and become more comfortable with two strikes in games. This is a good opportunity to instruct hitters to try and hit the ball back through the middle.
6. Coaches should encourage hitters to expand their hitting zone slightly to an inch or so each way out of the strike zone. Getting called out on a very close pitch can be avoided if the hitter swings at pitches slightly out of the strike zone. Staying alive by fouling off a close pitch or putting the ball in play is obviously better than risking getting called out on close pitches.
7. When coaches notice the umpire’s strike zone seems to be expanded in a certain direction then hitters should be made aware of this. For example, if the umpire is calling the high strike, hitters should be made aware of this in between innings and be prepared to swing at high pitches with two strikes. However, coaches should not get upset with hitters when they do not expand their zone more than an inch or two each way.
Additionally, there are many “tried and true” two strike ideas that are worth trying. These methods should be based on hitters individual style and confidence level. Experimenting with each hitter to find out which idea they are most comfortable and confident with is good.
1. Choking up on the bat an inch or so can help. This is highly recommended for hitters who strike out often or when the pitcher is dominating hitters.
2. Having hitters widen their stance or having them hit with no stride can be helpful. This can be especially beneficial for hitters who have trouble with off speed pitches or those who get over anxious. The less moving parts allow hitters to just think of using their hands.
3. Hitters should look for fastballs and adjust to all other pitches. Hitters have the best chance of making contact with this thought process because fastballs are the most common pitch and it is easier to adjust to slower pitches like change-ups and curve balls. It is much more difficult to look for slower pitches and readjust to fast balls.
4. Along the same line, having hitters look away (outside pitches) with two strikes and adjust to inside pitches is recommended. This allows hitters to keep their front side closed and in on the pitch longer. This also protects hitters against being fooled by pitches or getting called out on outside corner pitches.
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