[Vertical Swing Introduction] Former Osaka Toin Captain Teaches Vertical Swing
Hello!
Amazing baseball partners!
This time we'll be talking about "vertical swing" which I'm sure you've all heard of at least once!
In recent years, there have been an increasing number of cases of professional baseball players incorporating this theory and significantly improving their performance, so it has also become popular among little league players.
So let's get into the article!
table of contents
- What is vertical swing?
- The benefits of vertical swing
- How to learn vertical swing
- Recommended gear for vertical swing
- lastly
1. What is vertical swing?
"Vertical swing" refers to the hitting technique of swinging the bat vertically. This style is one of the hitting methods that is commonly seen in Japanese baseball, especially in recent years. We will briefly explain the characteristics and theory of vertical swing.
Vertical swing characteristics
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Bat Path : In a vertical swing, the bat is swung from top to bottom towards the ball, as opposed to a horizontal swing.
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Compact swing : Vertical swings tend to eliminate more of the swing waste than horizontal swings. This allows for a quicker swing.
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Contact with the ball : The vertical swing is characterized by being able to get into the line of the ball on a long vertical trajectory. This increases the contact rate with the ball.
- You can see the ball for a longer time : With a vertical swing, the contact point is closer to the catcher, so you can see the ball for a longer time. This makes it harder for you to swing at balls that are out of the strike zone, making you a more difficult batter for the pitcher to strike out.
2. What are the advantages of vertical swing?
It's easier to catch the ball
In Japan, everyone is thoroughly taught the "downswing" from elementary school age.
On the downswing, you cannot hit the ball unless you hit it at the exact spot.
On the other hand, with a "vertical swing," the center of the bat is in the swing trajectory for a longer period of time, so you can hit a ball that comes over a wider range with the center of the bat, whether it's closer to the catcher or closer to the pitcher.
Also, with a "vertical swing," the grip position is higher than the head, so the center of the bat naturally points upwards. If you hit the ball in that position, it will be a line drive and will fly farther. On the other hand, if the grip is lower, you will hit more grounders when you miss the ball.
3. How to master vertical swing
A three-dimensional view of the strike zone
The important thing when practicing a vertical swing is to see the strike zone in three dimensions while following the ball's trajectory with your eyes.
Even within the same strike zone, the point at which you should hit the ball will be different between inside and outside the strike zone, but rather than focusing on whether it is close or far from your body, it is a good idea to also be aware of the front-to-back width, such as whether it is on the catcher's or pitcher's side.
Especially when hitting the ball on the outside, it is recommended to imagine yourself looking down at the ball coming from behind and swinging the bat from behind.
The advantage of a vertical swing is that you can hit a strong ball even if the point is closer and you can't put in as much power.
With the traditional downswing or old-fashioned swing, you have to hit the ball in a comfortable position with the point in front of you in order for it to fly.
Nowadays, pitching speeds are faster and there is more emphasis on pulling the ball towards the catcher and catching it, so it is no exaggeration to say that by mastering the vertical swing you will be able to acquire a swing that is suitable for the level of modern baseball.
4. Recommended gear for vertical swing
HEAD RUN BAT
When mastering the vertical swing, it is essential to use gravity to make the head fall downward.
The bat head's trajectory is like swinging it straight down from a high position, so a bat with a heavier head so you can feel the gravity is ideal.
Therefore, the HEAD RUN BAT is the perfect training item.
Please see the figure below.
This is a recommended practice method for mastering the vertical swing trajectory. Hold the bat high at ear position and swing it straight down twice, then swing it a third time.
This practice method will help you easily master the vertical swing form.
*This can be done with a regular bat, but the HEAD RUN BAT is more effective.
▼HEAD RUN BAT is here
https://shop.amazing-baseball.com/products/head-run-bat-common
5. Conclusion
What do you think? Did you learn more about vertical swing?
You can practice vertical swing not only with the HEAD RUN BAT introduced this time, but also with the GET LINE BAT.
(There's something called a palm up as an element of vertical swing...)
▼Read the article about Palm Up
https://shop.amazing-baseball.com/blogs/news/parmup?_pos=1&_sid=914a78bfc&_ss=r
Finally, I would like to tell you something important.
As with anything, "persistence is power" and you won't acquire any skills unless you keep at it.
Continuity differs from person to person, and I am often asked how long I should continue, but the first thing to do is to keep going until you feel something change within yourself.
It's only when people start telling me I look different that I notice any changes in my appearance.
Let's go there at least.
Continuing is the hardest part, but only those who put in the effort will see results, so keep practicing!
[Amazing Original Product List]
▼HEAD RUN BAT
https://shop.amazing-baseball.com/products/head-run-bat-common
▼GET LINE BAT
https://shop.amazing-baseball.com/pages/new-get-line-bat
▼Amazing glove (hard glove)
https://shop.amazing-baseball.com/pages/amazingglove2
▼Bamboo bat AIM-CLASSICO
https://shop.amazing-baseball.com/pages/aim-classico
▼Maple bat ULTIMUS
https://shop.amazing-baseball.com/pages/ultimus
▼TSUMADACHI
https://shop.amazing-baseball.com/pages/tsumadachi
