Getting Rid of Minutia in the Baseball Swing
By Nate Barnett
It seems like the more you learn and know about the mechanics of a baseball swing, the more you think you have to learn
and know about the baseball swing. Confused? It's simple. Many times baseball instruction, and specifically the area of hitting
mechanics, can be taught to the extent that one looses focus on what is really important and necessary to produce a good baseball
swing.
Let me explain. There are certain key movements in a hitting motion. The basics are, the stance, the load, the trigger,
contact, and the finish. These five steps all have a few key mechanical movements within them that if done correctly
will help a hitter develop a proper baseball swing. Notice that I paid special attention to the word few. The problem
comes when one explains that there are more than a few movements in each of the five steps listed. This is what I refer to
as "minutiaitis".
So what are the main reasons that coaches feel the need to instruct the minutia? Here are my top reasons.
1. Ego problems.
2. Lack of playing experience.
3. Over-analytical tendencies.
4. Enjoy having "new" answers
to problems.
The reason why I am bringing to attention this problem of "minutiaitis" is simply because it confuses athletes. Heck, it
confuses me! Players enjoy things that are put plainly and clearly. They enjoy a clear plan of action to solving a mechanical
problem with their swing. Bringing in extra information that muddles and clutters the information flow hurts everyone involved.
My suggestion is to learn the basics to hitting a baseball and then learn how to communicate those basics in a clear fashion.
Athletes will learn far more with this style of instruction.
About the Author
Nate Barnett is owner of BMI Baseball http://bmibaseball.com and is based out of Washington State. His expertise is in
the area of hitting, pitching, and mental training. Coach Barnett's passion is working with youth in helping expand their
vision for their baseball future. After finishing a professional career in the Seattle Mariners Organization, Nate pursued
his coaching and motivational training career. His instructional blog is located at http://bmibaseball.com/blog
His new FREE ebook, Toxic Baseball: Are you polluting your game? can be found on the main BMI Baseball website.
Hitting 101, an ebook on complete hitting mechanics will be released by June 1st, 2008. Features include numerous illustrations,
video clips, and a special offer to discuss your hitting questions over live on the phone strategy sessions.