Hitting Tip - 7

You must go back before you can go forward and is often referred to as the "load". The object is to create momentum so you can attach the baseball. From your relaxed, balance stance shift your weight back toward the catcher, but keep your back knee inside your ankle. There are different ways that hitters create the load; Chipper Jones and Prince Fielder does a step back or "toe-tap"; Alex Rodriguez loads by exaggerating his leg lift; Albert Pujuls merely coils his front knee. You have to do something to get your weight to go back before you start your stride and move forward. Check the following YouTube video of the 2012 MLB Homerun Derby that's in slow motion and notice how these super stars get ready to hit.