Many people believe that hitting a baseball is the most difficult feat in all of sports. While this statement certainly rings true for many ballplayers, there are plenty of hitters who regularly knock the cover off the ball. How do they make it look so easy? Well, the first and most obvious answer is through hours of practice. However, you might be surprised to learn that the second reason has nothing to do with the body, but everything to do with the mind. In this guide, we’ll give you some batting basics to help keep both your mind and body in sync the next time you step in the batter’s box.

Let’s first take a look at the mind and the way psychology can hinder your ability to hit a baseball. The first thing you have to overcome is being afraid of the ball. Most inexperienced hitters will fear being hit by a pitch, and therefore will lack the confidence required to take solid swings. It is absolutely crucial to overcome this fear before taking your cuts. This will lead to being more secure when facing a pitcher, and your mind will be more relaxed and focused on the task at hand – crushing the baseball.

So, let’s say you have confidence in your abilities and you aren’t afraid of the ball. What physical steps do you need to take in order to become a quality hitter? The first thing you need to do is select the proper bat for your weight and height. Your coach should be able to help you select the correct bat for your size. Before you even step into the box, you should be watching the pitcher closely. Pay attention to the way he pitches to your teammates. You will often be able to pick up certain tendencies (when he throws certain pitches, where he locates most pitches, etc.). By focusing on the opposing pitcher throughout the game, you will be much more comfortable when it comes your turn to hit.

O.K., so the lineup has come around to your place in the order. When you step into the batter’s box, the first thing you should do is get comfortable. Dig in with your back foot and take a few practice hacks. This will send a message to the pitcher that you are confident and you intend on making life difficult in this at bat. Always employ the same pre-hitting routine, as this will also increase your comfort level.

Position yourself in a comfortable hitting stance and also make sure that you can properly cover the whole plate. If you are standing too far away from the plate, the pitcher will be able to exploit you with the outside corner. Conversely, being too close to the dish will leave you vulnerable to inside pitches. Take a deep breath and make sure that you are holding the bat fairly loose with the knuckles evenly lined up. When you launch into your swing, this is the time to tighten your grip.

It may sound cliché, but “keep your eye on the ball” is still valuable advice. Make sure to keep your head steady and your eyes focused on the pitcher’s delivery and follow through. You will then be able to pick up the ball easier while recognizing different pitches (fastball, curve, etc.).

Make the pitcher work to get you out. Be selective, and don’t swing at the poor pitches you may get. By swinging at pitches in the strike zone, you will force the pitcher to give in to you, as opposed to the other way around. When starting your swing, it is important that you take a small stride towards the pitcher, while transferring the weight from your back leg up front through your hips. This is where you will derive most of your hitting power. Keep your bat level throughout the swing, and drive right through the baseball until your swing is completed.

These batting basics should help you gain confidence in both mind and body the next time you step into the batter’s box. Hitting is a science that requires a lot of work, and by practicing with your coach and putting in the time you will soon find yourself hitting the ball with awesome authority.