These are the 3 things I learned to flat out dominate day in and day out…whether I was hitting well or not. I stuck with it…stayed dedicated…and fought my way through, making sure to touch on each piece of the game each day.

These “Mind Maps” really sum up what I was able to do…and it paid off in ways I never really expected.

Download your Free Gift Here.

If you’re serious about really taking your hitting knowledge to a whole other level, you might want to watch this free video where I go over my 10 Step Hitting System.

The fact of the matter is, no one has really defined either of these approaches…well…people have, but no one agrees. So, forget about “labeling” yourself, and learn the real fundamentals that make professional hitters. This is just me…but I bet if you ask most Pro hitters what their style is…they probably wouldn’t have an answer.

I addressed this issue in the latest baseball training podcast. Download this Episode.

[audio: /linear_rotational.mp3]

A Full Comparison of Hitting Techniques that I found online. It’s a pretty good breakdown…but the problem is…many of these things overlap. I agree more with Rotational, but there are things under the Linear Hitting Style that are a part of hitting. Let’s take a look at what the Internet has labeled these two approaches as.

Rotational Hitting

Who Do Coaches Say That Teach It

• Circular hand path (I’m not sure what they mean…but the hands go RIGHT at the ball…then obviously around your body)
• Lead with your hips
• Don’t roll your wrists (I agree with this completely)
• Don’t extend your arms (I agree with this completely)
• Use your hips (I agree with this completely)
• Keep your weight back (I agree with this completely)
• Keep your hands back (I agree with this completely)
• Keep the bat in the plane of the ball (I agree with this completely)
• Keep your back elbow bent and tucked (This is personal preference)
  
• Strong, powerful swing
• Rotate your shoulders on an axis

What Generates the Power in this technique

• The rotation of the whole body (I agree with this completely)
• Thighs and hips (I agree with this completely)
• Body torque (I agree with this completely)
• Elbow drop to hip (I agree with this completely)
• Bat head extends in front of the hands early in the swing plane (This is flat out wrong)

Linear Hitting

Who Do Coaches Say That Teach It

• Straight (linear) hand path
• Lead with your hands (I agree with this completely)
• Roll your wrists (This is flat out wrong)
• Extend your arms (This is flat out wrong)
• Use your hands
• Get your weight forward (This is flat out wrong)
• Hands to the ball
• Swing down on the ball
• Form a Power V with your elbows at contact (This is flat out wrong)
• Short, compact swing (I agree with this completely)
• Don’t drop your shoulders
• Most efficient swing
• Squish the bug (I agree with this in theory, but a powerful swing takes you off the back foot at contact)
  
• Line up your door knocking knuckles (I agree with the bat in your fingers, but knuckles do not need to be lined up)
• Get the knob to the ball

What Generates the Power in this technique

• Movement of the hands and arms (That doesn’t make any sense to me)
• Wrist snap (I agree with this completely)

The Conclusion: Learn From the Best

This is what I mean. There are far too many contradictory statements when you have random people spitting information about hitting styles. The fact is, no one agrees on everything…and for someone to take one of these styles and force it on a hitter doesn’t make any sense.

If you want to be safe…don’t blindly listen to anyone. Watch the pros…learn from them. They’re obviously doing something right if they’ve made it that far.

Does anyone know where these styles came from? They seem to have popped out of nowhere…almost like someone was using them to promote some new idea of hitting. Sorry, I’m just always skeptical of these sorts of things.

Comment below if you know where these ideas originated.

• Pujols changes his approach later in the season
• McGwire points out the key to knee position during your swing (we hit this is lesson 3 of the Academy)
• Pujols changes his approach with 2 strikes tremendously
• Pujols key to hitting the outside pitch = letting the ball get deep
• Even Pujols has a hard time explaining how he makes himself do it\

The more I learn from this guy (Pujols) the more amazed I become. He’s so down to earth, and yet so serious about what he does. You can tell that even he doesn’t know how to explain his though process sometimes. I can’t explain how important it is to just watch hitting. Watch the best out there. See what they do. Break their swings down.

Inside “10 Step Power Hitting” we break down 4-5 of the top guys in the majors, including Pujols. We have found their swings in High-Definition Super Slow Motion, and we’ve taken advantage of it for your benefit. We’re getting ready to launch pretty soon.  To pre-order your copy, just visit the 10 Step Power Hitting Report.

After using his Sample Forearm Workouts, I couldn’t wait to open this thing up, and I was shocked. OVER 500 PAGES OF PURE FOREARM WORKOUTS! I can’t even digest this in one sitting. If my forearms looked like this after the sample workout, I can’t imagine what’s next.

In case you don’t really get it, forearms are kind of a “baseball” thing. Look around the major and you’ll notice one thing across the league…every guy…big or small, has jacked forearms. Every action inside the game of baseball requires forearm strength: swinging the bat, throwing a ball (it’s the last muscle group you use), and the list goes on.

Why This Thing Is Guaranteed to Work

The stronger your forearms are, the faster your ball will fly and the quicker and more powerful you’re bat will be. Bat speed does not come from bench pressing, bicept curls, pull-ups, push-ups, or anything else…it comes from your wrist action.

Jedd’s “Ultimate Forearm Training for Baseball” flat out crushed this. If you try this thing out and don’t become a forearm powerhouse…I will take all the blame…b/c it’s just not gonna happen.

What Results You Will See

Your bat speed, hitting power, and throwing velocity WILL INCREASE…you just can’t argue the science behind it.

The coolest part about this, is Jedd’s college baseball background helps him understand it even better. Tons of his secret forearm exercises he actually uses a bat to do…and makes you go through baseball motions to build strength…what’s better than that? You actually perform the same motions in the gym that you do on the field…pretty sweet

Check out Jedd’s “Ultimate Forearm Training for Baseball”

Before the Workout…

Download the Video Here

So, I put Jedd’s forearm workout to the test…and here are the results…

After the Workout…

Download the Video Here

Evidence of the Process

…and here are some pictures to go with it…after the workout…

So, obviously this stuff works for me. I can’t remember the last time a forearm workout wore me out like that.

I’ve been talking to Jedd and he actually has something pretty big planned for you guys, and I can’t wait to see what it is tomorrow.

My suggestion…if you liked this workout, or think it will work for you, check back here tomorrow for some more action.

Coming Tomorrow [VIDEO]

Obviously, I had to put this thing to the test …so tomorrow I’ll be posting a quick video of me using Jedd’s workout, so you know exactly how good this thing is. I have a feeling it’s gonna rock.

I have a feeling that this quick workout is just scratching the surface of what Jedd knows about baseball forearm and grip strength, and how it really can translate to on-the-field success. He said he’s got something else he really wants to share, so I’m sure that’s coming later this week

Grab Jedd’s Ultimate Forearm Training Workout Here

Across the nation, our eyes are fixed on the last 20 or so games of the regular season.  We want to see who is going to step up and take the title in each division and in each Wild Card slot.  It’s always an exciting race to the finish!

As we watch the pro’s fighting for the pennants this fall, it’s important to remember that we are in the off-season now, so we need to begin getting ready for next season.  You can bet that people you are going to be playing against next Spring are hitting the weight room, the track, and attending seminars, looking for the way they can get an edge on you.

Don’t you want to get an edge on them?

Do you want to hit the ball harder, pounding out more base hits and getting more home runs?

Then one thing you need to work on is your Grip and Forearm Strength.

Hi I am Jedd Johnson and I played baseball for years.  These days I am strength coach and work with mostly baseball players and it amazes me that to this day there is very little understanding of proper Grip training.

“What are you doing for Grip?” I ask my guys when they first come to train with me.

“Oh, I carry around this tennis ball and squeeze on it throughout the day.”

This kind of answer burns me like I’m being stabbed through the throat with a hot pitch fork.  I don’t know who started this tennis ball squeezing craze, but it needs to stop.  Squeezing a tennis ball is good for warming your hands up, and that is about it.  Proper Grip and Forearm training involves hitting everything from the elbow joint down to the fingertips from multiple angles – like a SWAT attack on a hostage situation.  Here’s a run-down of what a solid Grip and Forearm Training Program should include.

Crushing – This is the act of squeezing the fingers into the palm.  This is like squeezing a tennis ball.

Pinching – This is where your thumb works in opposition to your fingers.

Supporting – This is where you hold something statically for time.

Crimping / Clamping – Like crushing, these variations are where you pin something against your palm to hold it.

Finger Extension – Opening your hand up

Pronation / Supination – This is where you rotate your forearm.

Deviation – This is where you move your hand back and forth in line with your forearm; the thumb moves toward your radius bone and your pinky moves toward your ulna bone.

Flexion / Extension – This is where you bend your wrist either toward the front of your forearm or the back of your forearm.

All of these movement patterns must be work regularly and in balance in order to get strong and also so you stay injury free.  If you start hitting all of these movement patterns today, then by the time the season rolls around you are going to swinging the bat with better bat speed and you’ll be crushing the ball.

Pitchers need this kind of training as well, so they can add snap on there curve ball and apply pressure more efficiently.

Plus, fielders need to build their lower arms up so they can be resilient against injuries.  You dive, you slide head first.  Crap happens.  Baseball is a sport that includes its share of collision.  You play hard, so you need to make yourself bullet proof and Grip Training is a place to start.

Unfortunately, players, parents, and coaches don’t understand what real Grip and Forearm Training is.  That is why I wrote Ultimate Forearm Training for Baseball.  This is packed with literally hundreds of ways to strengthen, stretch, and injury-proof your lower arms so that you are a force to be reckoned with in the Spring.

Or you can go ahead and just squeeze your tennis balls and hope for the best.

Make it a great day.

Jedd Johnson, CSCS

——————————————————–

If you’re ready to lay the ground work to a League leading season, then watch for tomorrow’s post…Jedd is allowing me to give you guys an awesome workout plan…completely free

Stay tuned…

QUESTION TO ANSWER

Do you think adding real grip and forearm strength will help your hitting power, bat speed, and throwing velocity? Comment Below Now.

The FREE Hitting Report

Once I get this data put together, I am going to put it into a nice report and distribute it for free.

I told you all I’ve been working on something over the past 6-8 months, and once we open this thing up, we’re not going to be keeping it up for long (I’ll explain why a little later).The best way to get a chance at this Hitting Drill System is to sneak on the Priority Notification List. Get on the Priority Notification List here.

Here is the download link :

Free Hitting Frustration Report Here

The PDF should open in a new window where you can save, print, or do whatever you want with it. You can also Right-Click + Save As to save it right to your desktop.

If you have any questions about the Instant Hitting Drill System, leave a comment below and I’ll get right back to you.

What To Do Next

What are your most common hitting frustrations?

Question – What on this list do you or your players have? What do you WISH you had?

Comment at the bottom

#1 The Science Of Hitting by Ted Williams | $10-$15

This is the greatest book ever written. (In my humble opinion ) It is the easiest read on the planet, probably about 60 pages in huge, 6 year old sized font. Williams breaks hitting down like I’ve never seen and makes it seem so easy. On top of that, he reveals what made his mental game so strong and teaches how we can get the edge that he had. More Information

#2 Hitting Tee | $15-$45

The most important tool a hitter will ever own, well other than a bat, because I guess you can’t use a tee if you don’t have a bat…or balls. You get the point. Get a tee. Or stop complaining that you don’t get enough cuts at practice. A real player creates his own results and doesn’t let practice end when it’s time to go home. More Information

#3 Flip HD Video Camera | $125-$175

If you’re looking to really start understanding your swing instead of being left in the dark when things aren’t working right, get yourself a camera. The Flip is the easiest camera in the world to use…just point and click. It has a built in USB port so you don’t even need any cords. Upload your swings to your computer, and find some good video of major league swings, then compare and contrast. Simple and effective. More Information

#4 Tripod | $15-$25

Unless your camera floats magically in the air, you’re gonna need a tripod. Have a dedicate dad? Then skip the tripod. But in the event that you’re on your own, it might be a good idea to have. Make sure to get a tall one though. Those 6 inch ones aren’t going to cut it.. More Information

#5 Turf Cross-Trainers | $50-$90

For those of you with indoor practices during the colder months, this is a must. Turfs are great in the cage, at the gym after practice, and for just kicking off the cleats after games. Built for ballplayers, with a lot more support and durability then those running shoes have. Plus, you look like a ballplayer wearing them. More Information

#6 Phiten Necklace | $20-$35

Purely for style. Although some say they make you feel better. It’s all a mind game if you ask me…but hey, if you’re feeling better while looking good…that’s good enough for me. Just please don’t go overboard with these things. More Information

#7 Louisville Slugger C271 Maple Wood Bat | $65-$85

Even if you’re in a metal bat league, you should still have a nice wood bat in your bag. Wood bats give you a better feel when hitting, and it makes it a little tougher on you during batting practice. While other guys are showing off during BP, trying to hit everything over the wall, you’re in the box with something else in mind: actually improving your game. More Information

#8 DeMarini CF3 Batting Gloves | $25-$30

Hands down the best grip you’ll find in any batting gloves. I bought 4 pairs at the start of my senior season to make sure I wouldn’t be left without a good pair. They’re soft, thin, and the grip is outstanding. If it’s in the gudget, get at least 2 pairs so you have a fresh pair for just in-game hitting. More Information

#9 Oakley Sunglasses | $50-$200

Any glasses will do, just make sure they’re polarized. Cutting out glare is huge, especially if you’re an outfielder. I hated sunglasses until using polarized because every other pair will block the sun, but also your view of the ball coming off the bat. Go polarized or no glasses at all. More Information

#10 Eye Black | $5-$10

Again, more geared towards the look and style. But hey, if you’re looking good…you’re probably playing good. So sport the eye black. More Information

#11 Phiten Sports Sleeve | $15-$30

I haven’t done any scientific studies on the actual results that these things “say” they give you, but they do help with arm pain just by purely compressing the muscle. They look sick too. More Information

#12 Mizuno 9-Spike “Vapors” | $50-$100

Tried these puppies on in high school, and never bought another pair. For you speedsters out there, grab a pair of these and you’ll thank me. The lightest pair of cleats on the planet, and you feel in it every step you take. More Information

#13 Pine Tar & Rag | $5-$15

Great for when those batting gloves are shot from all the spit and dirt you stuck on them. Pine tar never fails to give you the grip you need at the plate. Grab that wood bat, and have fun decorating it too. More Information

If you’re serious about really taking your hitting knowledge to a whole other level, you might want to watch this free video where I go over my 10 Step Hitting System.

Question – What on this list do you or your players have? What do you WISH you had?

Comment Below!