How a hitter takes a pitch matters

Listen to this week’s podcast with Tyler Packanik, 

Recruiting Coordinator 

Jacksonville State University 

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How a hitter takes a pitch matters.
 

I put takes into 4 categories:

1. Amateur take 

2. Process Take 

3. All-Star Take 

4. Move back take  

Let's dive in:

When evaluating hitters, how a hitter takes a pitch tells me a lot. 

Things you see when a hitter takes a pitch

1) Upper body load 

2) Bat path

3) Sequence

4) Gather

5) Timing

6) Approach (or lack of one) 

7) Confidence 

Hitters are under a time constraint, and the better the pitching, the less time they have. 

So, being able to wait as long as possible before deciding to swing is beneficial.

Let’s dive into each type of take. 

1. Amateur Take

Here's the thing with the amateur take: we’ve all seen this, even from good hitters. 

Usually, a take will look like this because: 

1) Bat path cuts in the zone.

2) Sequence is off

3) No approach

4) Anxious 

Not having an approach and being anxious are the 2 main reasons I see this happen. 

(Also, I know from experience. Lol)

2. Process Take
 

Why would a hitter take a pitch on purpose?

1. The pitcher is having a hard time finding the zone.

2. The hitter isn’t picking up the ball well.

3. The hitter is trying to slow the game down 

(They’re feeling anxious)

This is the art of hitting.

3. All-Star Take

The best hitters in the world share common traits from a mechanical standpoint.

How they take a pitch is the same.

1) Bat path

2) Sequence

3) Balance

But most importantly, they always have a plan, and that’s why they take pitches the way they do.

4. Move back take

The last and final type of take is the…move back take. 

This is when a hitter takes a pitch and it’s obvious they’re locked in and confident. 

If you see someone take a pitch like this, immediately have your outfielders move back onto the warning track.

 BTW..the next pitch

 The hardest exit velocity statcast recorded all season last year. 120.

That’s all for today

See you next week! 

College Recruiting Program 

(High School and JUCO Players)

I’m currently working with players in my Diamond Recruit college recruiting program. 

What players receive: 

1. Feedback from college coaches  

2. Full evaluation on where you stand in the recruiting process

3. What camps/showcases to attend  

4. How to communicate with college coaches