We were all taught to face the pitcher to get a good look at the pitch as it leaves the pitcher's hand. But it doesn't stop there and the most important part is what is to follow. Something that you very simply must do!
It is very important to make sure your head is turned and facing the pitcher to ensure that you get a good view of the pitch that will soon follow. Your head should be totally relaxed and pretend that you are simply watching TV. A very good point of focus is the pitcher's cap because it's approximately the same height as where the pitch will be released from. The advantage is that your eyes will not have to refocus on the baseball and will be focused already.
What you do when the pitch is released is very important for being a successful baseball hitter. If your head remains turned toward the pitcher at the point of contact, you will be seeing the ball out of the corners of your eyes and this must be avoided. It will not work. If your head is facing half way between the pitcher and the point of contact, you will see the ball a little better. If you turn your head directly toward the point of contact, you will get the best possible look at the baseball and this is what you must do. It's a medical fact that you can not see an object as well when looking at it out of the corners of your eyes.
If it's a medical fact, imagine the importance when trying to see a baseball that takes less than a second to get to the catcher's mitt, may have movement on it and you have to decide if it's a ball or a strike! And all this happens in less than one second so you need to see the baseball as clearly as possible.
To prove my point, here is what a fabulous professional hitting instructor once did. He was very much into still photography and he took photos of every swing in a professional all-star game. In every situation where a hitter made contact, their head moved to the point of contact! Every time. This is a fabulous hitting instructor and it was a professional all-star game. Some of the finest hitters in the world and every one of them turned their heads. On that note alone, I rest my case.
When it comes to baseball hitting, it is mandatory that you turn your head toward the point of contact if you want to be a successful baseball hitter. This is not a debatable issue and must be done.
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