Come on hitters, you know this is true. You are in a serious relationship with your swing and just like any relationship there are stages and phases that impact how you feel each day. Some days are balloons, seashells and happiness. Some days, NOT!
Relationship Stages for Hitters
I love my swing! Everything is clicking. I feel strong, powerful and the bat is flying through the zone. The ball looks like a beach ball coming to me. Every time I swing the ball jumps off the bat. I can’t miss!
I like my swing. I feel pretty good but I know I’m not quite in the groove. I’m making pretty consistent contact. I’m getting hits but I’m not driving the ball the way I know I can.
I can live with my swing. I’m getting some hits but I don’t feel great. Each at bat is an adventure, I’m not sure if I will have a great swing, but I’m battling.
I have some doubts about my swing. I’m scuffling and can’t seem to find any consistency. Each at bat is a struggle where I’m not sure what will happen. I feel off-balance and weak. The ball seems to get to the plate way faster than I am ready to handle.
I need a divorce from my swing! I’m lost. I have no idea what is going on at the plate. The bat feels like a foreign object in my hands. I have no idea what I’m doing and no idea what to do to get things fixed. I hate this game!
Why worry about your relationship with your swing? Just like any relationship sometimes we need a little help. Sometimes you can talk it through. Other times you need some counseling. No matter what, you need to fight to build a stronger relationship.
If a hitter understands that hitting (your swing) will have its up and downs we are all going to get along better. If you are struggling a little bit, never forget that with some work you can make your relationship stronger. You know what it feels like to be really happy, keep working to make your relationship better. If you don’t love your swing today, don’t worry, tomorrow is a new day.
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
