Softball Hitting – The Maver Method for Hitting Success

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The Maver Method is a simple yet powerful technique/program of hitting that is customized for every hitter in order to generate maximum consistency, contact, and power with every swing. It is a combination of mental practice, emotional control, and an understanding and confident execution of the biomechanics of hitting. Below you’ll find everything you need to know to get you and/or your team into tip-top hitting form and raise those batting averages from meager to masterful.

1) The Compact Swing

The compact swing begins at the top inside corner of the strike zone. Touch the thumb of your top hand to your rear shoulder, or place your hands in a “punch” position in front of the rear shoulder. This will give you a feel for the position of the hands in the compact swing. The front hand pulls (forward to the ball) while the back hand “throws” the bat. The knob of the bat leads directly towards the pitched ball. Extension of the arm occurs on contact with the ball, out in front of the plate. Bat speed is proportionate to power, and the compact swing enhances a quick bat through the strike zone. The follow-through is a natural wrap of the bat around the back as the body also follows through. (Note: Often the hands move across the plate away from the body prior to moving towards the ball. This is called a “sweep swing.” It decreases quickness and power.)

Checkpoints for the Compact Swing

The keys are:

1) Hands begin at the “power point,” in at the top inside corner of the strike zone;

2) Elbows are relaxed, pointing slightly downward;

3) The knob of the bat points down the baseline. The front elbow aligns with the front
hipbone.

Easy Visualization of the Compact Swing

Imagine that the bat is a pencil, and the knob of the bat is the point of the pencil. See yourself drawing a straight line from your hands to the ball as you swing.

2) Set-Up for Success

“Setting up for success” is the most revolutionary aspect of the Maver Method. This means the legs are always in position, with the weight over the rear foot prior to the release of the pitch. There is no step as you swing, just a driving transfer of the weight from the rear leg to the front foot. (Note: It is important to stay on the “cutting edge” as you swing; that is, your center of gravity is over the balls of your feet.)

A Common Mistake

Technically, the stride (movement of the front foot towards the pitcher) occurs prior to the weight transfer, and the weight transfer occurs with the swing. In my experience, the following description is the most common fault among hitters of all ages. The stride includes the weight transfer, and is taken before the ball reaches the batter. Therefore, the power of the legs is already ahead of the swing – timing and balance are thrown off and power is diminished.

Two Types of Stride

There are actually two types of striding you can work with. The consistent similarity is the weight-back technique, and “no step with the swing.”

A) Compact Stride

Hitter takes stance with feet shoulder distance apart, knees bent, and weight equally distributed. As the pitcher presents the ball, the weight is shifted over the back leg, and the front foot strides toward the pitcher. However, the weight remains back. This means the stride is no more than four to six inches, and the front foot is closed, balanced on the ball of the foot. As the pitch comes in, the swing and weight transfer occur almost simultaneously, and the weight shifts (pushes) over the front foot. There is no extra step after the initial stride.

B) Revolutionary Approach to the Stride

Hitter takes stance with feet slightly wider than shoulder distance apart, thereby incorporating the four to six inch stride in the stance. The knees are bent and weight is equally distributed. As the pitcher presents the ball, the weight is shifted over the back leg; neither foot moves. As the pitch approaches, the swing and weight transfer occur at virtually the same time. There is no movement of the feet with the swing, except for a pivot on the balls of the feet; the hitter learns to drive the weight transfer behind the swing. (Note: I find the greatest consistency when a hitter incorporates the stride in the stance, utilizing the weight-back as her trigger. However, whatever your choice, you will be successful if your feet are in position, with the weight back toward the catcher, prior to the release of the pitch. That is the secret.)

Checkpoints for Setting Up for Success

1) Feet are about shoulder distance apart, weight equally distributed, knees bent, rear foot pointing down the baseline; front foot points straight ahead, even slightly pidgeon toed.

2) Get on the “cutting edge” – your weight should be over the balls of your feet.

3) Shift weight back, toward the catcher, over the rear foot. Are your shoulders level? They should be. If you have not incorporated the stride in your stance, stride now, four to six inches to the pitcher, keeping the front foot closed. Check your weight. It should still be over the rear foot, on the “cutting edge.”

4) Pivot (with the compact swing). Allow your weight to shift/push from the rear to the front foot, driving your weight over the balls of your front foot. You will notice that when the weight transfer is effective, the rear hip closes and replaces the front hip as you finish your swing, and you have a tendency to lean in toward home plate.

Easy Visualization

The body is a door; slam the door on the pitch, rear hip and shoulder replacing front hip and shoulder.

3) The Head and Hitting:

I sometimes title this, “Your Mental Game.” Attitude is important, and there are many tips concerning keeping your head in the game. My favorite is “energy follows thought.” Your mental game, a positive mental attitude, and the consistent use of mental visualization, are important secrets of hitting success. And there are some tips concerning the physical mechanics. Keep your head in is a commonly heard phrase in hitting. Your head will stay in naturally if your shorten your stride and utilize a compact swing. Also, it is important to look at the ball with both eyes. This is a statement of common sense, yet many hitters tilt the head as they take their stance. You would not drive a car with your head tilted to the side. Give yourself the full advantage of your eyesight, looking straight ahead at the top half of the ball as it approaches the plate. The initial point of concentration is the pitcher’s hip – the release point.

A Quick Tip

Focus on something in centerfield prior to the pitch, and then the release point. This makes the ball appear slightly larger as it approaches the plate.

5) Putting It All TogetherSound mechanics will make a significant difference in hitting control and consistency. However, that is not the whole story. Hitting is a complex skill that requires an integrated approach for maximum performance. Work with the physical, emotional, mental, and essential parts of yourself and know yourself as a confident consistent contact hitter. Confidence of success is a keynote for offense as we rise to the challenge of pitching excellence!