The last area to work on when improving your swing is when you are actually
at bat. Every professional ball player seems to have a unique stroke, but for
the average weekend warrior, or someone learning the fundamentals, you should
stick with the basics. A nice square stance, bat level and ready, and you are
good to go. Some things to keep in mind about batting:
No time to be tentative. Statistically, you are likely to strike out.
Knowing that, make the most of your at-bat, be ready to go down swinging.
Be a student of the game. If you hit a ball down the first base line
and are tagged out at first, yes, you may be out, but did you advance a runner?
That counts too.
Watch the front shoulder of the pitcher. Follow his hand as he
releases the ball, and then follow the ball with your eyes until you are ready
to swing.
Expect the fast ball and be ready to adjust down, otherwise you will
be behind in your swing.
Now go out there, practice these skills and be ready to swing for the fences
next weekend.