45 Hitting Fundamentals ALL Hitters Should Execute

Baseball and Fastpitch Softball

 

We begin this 45 Hitting Fundamentals ALL Hitters Should Execute article by distinguishing between universal hitting fundamentals and customizable hitting techniques.

 

Universal Hitting Fundamentals

 

Head Centered during Approach (Universal Fundamental)

Rear Knee Hinge to Un-weight Rear Foot (Universal Fundamental)

 

Building Rome Series defines universal hitting fundamentals as follows:

For at least ninety percent of professional and successful college hitters, there is one prevalent technique for executing the fundamental.

Nearly all expert performers execute the core group of 45 fundamentals the same way – there is one absolute, and all hitters should do it this way to reach their potential. In fact, to a large degree, this is what makes them so good. Building Rome Series has examined hundreds of slow-motion videos of great hitters to identify these 45 universal hitting absolutes.

 

Fit to Player Hitting Techniques

In addition to universal fundamentals, intricate hitting techniques must also be trained. Each technique should be a good match for the abilities (strength, athleticism, speed, desire, aggressiveness, etc.) of the specific hitter. Moreover, a hitting strategy that works for one hitter can be ineffective for another.

The choices hitters make, by experimenting and selecting which techniques work best for them, comprise the hitter’s own unique style.

In a separate companion article, Building Rome Series identifies 57 hitting techniques (click the link for another free article) that hitters execute differently. With each of these style-oriented options, the hitter has a choice of mechanics where one may be most productive for them.

 

The Art of Coaching Hitting Fundamentals and Techniques

The real “art” of coaching hitters is to know when to let things be (style). When to experiment with a change (techniques). And lastly, when to insist on a change (fundamentals).

 

THE 45 Universal Hitting Fundamentals

Here is the list of 45 universal hitting fundamentals. All great hitters can be seen executing each of these fundamentals.

Developing hitters should strive to train and build habits for universal fundamentals. The single biggest problem with developing hitters trying to learn to hit is their lack of productive concepts. If the inexperienced hitter has poor concepts, they will simply get better at doing the wrong things.

This list is presented in a recommended order for coaching the developing hitter. Combined with 57 hitting techniques, these companion lists encompass an effective and efficient, step-by-step, “ground-up”, swing build plan.

 

Beginning Hitting Fundamentals

Stance and Grip

Gather

Stride, Separate Hands, and Approach

Legs

Core Rotation

Head and Shoulders

Arms and Hands

Follow-Through

Timing Related Hitting Fundamentals

Basics of Quality At-Bats

Mental, Strategic, and Situational

Hitting Fundamentals Conclusion

The extent of this list of hitting absolutes may surprise some readers. Two conclusions can be derived:

 

57 Hitting Non-Universal Techniques

57 Hitting Techniques Which Should be Customized to the Player lists non-universal mechanics (click the link for the companion article to this one). Each option should be fit to the abilities of the individual athlete.

 

 

Building Rome Series Books: Building the High-Level Swing Series

Click Building the High-Level Swing Series to learn more about our new two-book hitter series containing a detailed and comprehensive description of 100 hitting fundamentals and 140 step-by-step drills that efficiently construct the batting swing from the ground up.

In the Building Rome Series of books, the construction of skills are in functional order, providing a “roadmap” to becoming a great hitter.

All baseball and fastpitch softball players can “climb the Roman Coliseum steps” to become a powerful and productive hitter.

Enjoy the quest!