On-Deck Preparation

Many young players waste valuable time waiting for their turn to hit. They stand in the on-deck circle and talk to teammates or take lazy swings with the bat. Poor on-deck preparation reduces their probability for success. Good on-deck preparation should include the following:

• Position yourself in the on-deck circle so that the pitcher and home plate are both in view.

• Quickly loosen up your muscles by swinging the bat back and forth and over your head.
  Take your stance and focus on the pitcher.

• When the pitcher releases the ball, stride and then swing hard, the same way you plan to swing when getting up to the plate.

• Time your swing so that your bat head crosses the plate before the ball does.

• Make timing adjustments on the remaining pitches until it’s your turn.

• When leading off an inning, don't waste time talking. Go time your swing.

• At least after a swing or two, do not use a bat donut on-deck. This will throw off your timing (studies have found that the probability of hitting the ball on the first swing is lower for players using a donut on-deck).