If you’re serious about hitting, it starts with how you stand — plain and simple. Before you even think about swinging, your body needs to be in a spot where it can move. Not stuck, not stiff — just ready. That’s what your stance is for. An important first step in mastering the baseball mechanics is your batting stance1
It doesn’t need to look perfect. In fact, most great hitters don’t stand the same way. What matters is how it feels: balanced, comfortable, and ready to react when the ball comes in.
Make It Work for You
There’s no one “right” stance. What feels good for one player might feel totally off for someone else. So don’t get too caught up in copying someone you saw on TV. You’ve got to build something that fits your own body and rhythm.
If you’re standing there and already feel tight or awkward before the pitch even comes, that’s a problem. Back off. Loosen up. Adjust until you feel like you can move easily in any direction.
Feet and Legs: Keep It Simple
Start with your feet somewhere around shoulder width — not too wide, not too close. Keep your knees relaxed. Not locked out. Just soft, like you're ready to move in any direction.
Some hitters load a little more on their back leg, which is fine. Just make sure you're not stuck leaning back. You need to be able to shift forward without feeling like you're falling over.
Where Should Your Hands Be?
This part’s all about feel. Most players rest their hands near the back shoulder, but the exact spot doesn’t matter too much as long as you're relaxed and ready to go.
If your hands feel jammed up or tense before the pitch, slide them out or drop them a little. You want to be in a spot where you can launch the swing without wasting motion.
Watch the Pitcher Early
Your head should stay steady. Not locked, but calm. The quieter your head, the easier it is to track the pitch — not just the ball, but the entire motion the pitcher makes.
Eyes relaxed. No tension in your face or neck. That tension will creep into your swing if you let it.
Take a Breath
This one gets overlooked all the time. Before you dig in, take a deep breath. Let it out. It helps. It resets your body and lets you swing with less tension. Simple, but effective.
Test Your Balance
Try this: get into your stance, then lift your front foot just a bit. Can you stay steady without tipping or leaning? If not, your balance is probably off. Tweak it until you feel stable without locking up.
Keep It Repeatable
Your stance shouldn’t feel like a science project. You want something you can repeat over and over without thinking. If you're always adjusting in the box, that’s a sign it’s too complicated.
Pay Attention to What You Feel
Next time you’re hitting in the cage, take a second to notice how your setup feels. Are you swinging late? Lunging forward? Getting jammed?
Sometimes it’s not your swing that’s off — it’s your stance. A small fix like moving your hands or shifting your weight a bit can unlock everything.
Drills Worth Doing
- Mirror Drill: Look at your stance in a mirror. Don’t just guess. You’ll catch things you might not feel — like posture or hand height.
- Step-and-Hold: Take your normal stride and freeze. Check where your weight ends up. Are you staying balanced or drifting?
- Front Foot Test: Pick up your front foot slightly while holding your stance. If you wobble, work on finding a better base.
Conclusion
Do not overthink your stance. It doesn’t have to match anyone else’s — it just needs to give you the freedom to swing. Balanced, relaxed, and ready. That’s the goal.
If it feels weird, tweak it. If it feels good, keep it simple and roll with it. That’s how hitters grow.