Batting is one of the most critical skills in baseball and softball, yet even experienced players can fall victim to common mistakes that hinder their performance at the plate. It’s true that hitting a round ball with a round bat is one of the hardest things to do in sports because there are so many ways it can go wrong. Whether it’s the stance, timing, swing, or focus, there are many opportunities for a batter to make a mistake.
We’ll explain the most common batting mistakes and how to fix them in this article. If you’re regularly producing weak grounders, lazy pop-ups, and swings-and-misses, it’s likely due to one or more of these typical batting errors.
Mistake 1: Improper Grip - How To Identify and Correct It
A good place to start when reviewing your swing and stance is how you hold the bat itself. Your grip is the foundation of a strong swing, but many players unknowingly hold the bat incorrectly, reducing their control and power. One telltale sign of an improper grip is excessive tension in the hands and forearms.
To fix this, ensure your top hand grips the bat lightly, almost like holding an egg. Your knuckles should align with each other to allow your wrists to move fluidly during the swing, maximizing bat speed. Practice with dry swings while paying attention to your grip pressure; it should feel natural and easy for your hands.
Mistake 2: Stepping Too Early - Timing Solutions and Drills
Another area where many batters struggle is the timing of their step as they load up to swing at the oncoming pitch. Stepping too early throws off your timing and balance at the plate, often leading to weaker contact, while stepping too late will mean you’re slow to react and can miss the pitch, produce weak contact, or push the ball foul. Without proper timing, you’re not in a position to drive the ball deep into the outfield.
Focus on drills that enhance your timing. A great example is the "Count Drill," where a pitcher varies the timing of their throw. This teaches you to adjust to the pitcher and time your step for the opportune instant. Practicing with a tee and exaggerating a slow, deliberate stride can also develop better muscle memory for timing.
Mistake 3: Dumping the Barrel - Maintaining a Level Swing
Dumping the barrel of your bat is a result of dropping your back shoulder. It’s a classic mistake that leads to pop-ups and fly balls. Batters will sometimes unintentionally drop their back shoulder during the transition phase or when initiating the swing. Typically, this occurs when batters try to exert more power on the swing and lift the ball into the outfield, but it disrupts their swing’s natural plane and results in batters driving the ball into the dirt or getting under it for an easy pop-up.
To avoid dumping your bat’s barrel while swinging, stay level and on plane throughout your entire swing. Perfect Swing USA’s Swing Path Trainer is an excellent solution for ensuring batters commit to a level swing plane and smooth swinging action.
Mistake 4: Incorrect Stance - Finding Your Ideal Setup
A poor stance can compromise your balance and ability to react to different pitch locations. Signs of an incorrect stance include being too upright, crouched, or off-balance.
The key is finding a stance where you're athletic and comfortable. Start by keeping your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and distribute your weight evenly. Like a golf swing, a batting swing can undergo slight tweaks and adjustments occasionally, but as long as the foundation is stable and strong, your swing won’t suffer.
Mistake 5: Not Watching the Ball - Focus Drills That Help
Failing to track the ball is a surefire way to miss your swing. It’s common to lose focus, particularly when facing fast or tricky pitches. Batters must train their eyes to see and pick up pitches immediately out of the pitcher’s hand.
To stay locked in, focus on drills like the "Soft Toss Drill," where you track and hit balls tossed underhand from the side. For even better focus, try using mini wiffle training balls. Another helpful technique is calling out the seams or colors on the ball during live batting practice to train your eyes to follow the pitch to the bat.
Mistake 6: Swinging Too Hard - Control and Power Balance
Another common batting mistake that we can show you how to fix is swinging too hard. Many batters think swinging with all their strength and energy gives them a better chance to hit the pitch further, but often it means they swing with incorrect mechanics and timing. Swinging too hard can cause you to grip the bat too tightly, cast at the back end of the load, pull off on the ball, and swing across your body.
A controlled, balanced swing generates more reliable power, so batters must adopt a "controlled aggression" approach. Practice slowing down your swing during tee drills to emphasize form over force. Once you master control, you can increase your swing speed incrementally.
Mistake 7: Pulling Off the Ball - Staying Through the Swing
Pulling off the ball is a classic mistake that happens when players unconsciously pull their front shoulder out too early, usually to try to launch the ball. The lunging contact produces either a foul ball or a weak grounder in the infield.
To stay "on the ball," try the "Towel Drill." Hold a small towel tightly under your front arm during swings, ensuring it stays in place throughout the movement. This encourages a compact swing and helps keep your weight centered.
Mistake 8: Poor Weight Transfer - Utilizing the Lower Body
If your weight isn’t transferring properly during your swing, you’re likely losing out on power. You might notice you’re either leaning back too much or awkwardly lunging forward as the ball approaches.
The "Step and Swing Drill" can bring awareness to your weight transfer. Begin with your feet together, then take a step forward as you start your swing, emphasizing balance and fluidity. Incorporating lower-body strength exercises like squats or lunges can also improve stability and power.
Mistake 9: Slow Bat Speed - Building Explosive Swings
Bat speed is a critical factor in generating power and driving the ball. Many players overlook the importance of building quick, explosive swings, which can result in weak contact or missed opportunities.
Focus on exercises that improve your bat speed, such as resistance band training, plyometric drills, and weighted bat swings. Perfect Swings USA’s lag bat is an excellent bat speed trainer as it helps batters train to hit the sweet spot, release the barrel out front, and stay connected.
Mistake 10: Flawed Swing Path - Creating Consistent Contact
A poor swing path causes pop-ups, ground balls, and strikeouts. Many players struggle with keeping their swing on the optimal plane for solid, consistent contact.
Work on drills that promote a level swing, such as Perfect Swing USA’s Swing Path Trainer. The trainer guides batters to keep their bat level and on plane and provides instant feedback for every swing.
Improve Your Batting Today With Perfect Swings USA
Mastering your batting mechanics takes time and practice, but identifying these common mistakes and implementing the corrective drills above will undoubtedly elevate your game. Baseball and softball are about progression, and improvement starts with recognizing where you can grow.
If you're ready to take your swing to the next level, explore the premium training tools and expert guidance available at Perfect Swings USA. Don’t wait to see results—visit our site today and start improving your swing!
