Take lessons from Gary Barr, author of Building the High Level Swing, Volumes 1, 2, and 3. For information on Gary’s books click here.
Here are some unique aspects of lessons with Gary:
- Hitting lessons are given for both baseball and fast pitch softball. Click here (Eight Truths and Three Myths About Hitting a Baseball vs. Softball) to see the differences between hitting instruction provided for the two sports.
- Gary categorizes hitting into three crucial components necessary to be a successful hitter: mechanics, timing, and mental approach. The student can choose which to emphasize, but it is crucial the student masters timing adjustments and develops effective mental processes during both practice and games. Being a successful hitter is much more than correct techniques.
- A critical part of a good mental approach to hitting includes having a plan at the plate. Lessons gradually bring students along, seeking an evolution from simple planning to more involved. Click here (Plate Approach Checklist) to view a checklist of a plate approach appropriate for planning each at bat at a high school or college level of play.
- While power and batting average are highly interrelated, the student can choose where to focus most intently depending on the type of hitter they are or want to be.
- New students have the option of following one of two paths to success. The student can choose 1) a ground up swing build, or 2) Gary can help the student prioritize where improvement would most increase productivity in the shorter term.
- Click here (Fundamental Matrix) for a checklist of fundamentals and mechanics.
- Fundamentals are identified as Universal or Fit to Player. Understanding these concepts is crucial for the student’s long term success.
- For quickest improvement, students are taught how to observe and coach themselves. They are encouraged to own their swing!
- The why of any recommended change in techniques, including both pros and cons, will be discussed so the student can make an informed decision whether to incorporate the recommended change into their baseline swing.
- How a hitter learns is just as important as what they learn.
- For fastest progress two points are critical:
1. The training plan must provide the best order to learn things. Training must start with simple and progress to complex. From easy to hard. Remembering individual hitters will progress at different rates.
2. Training in any complex endeavor requires putting a bunch of “baby steps” together to reach a longer-term goal. Gary defines and details each of these baby steps in the strategies, fundamentals, techniques, and mechanics covered in each lesson. Steps are ordered to continually push the player just beyond their current skill level.
- Goal setting.
- Feedback is objective and measurable.
For example, measuring increases in hitting power is done via modern technology. Gary will measure and track early bat speed, overall bat speed, and ball exit speed for each student. Additionally, slow motion video analysis is available as needed or requested.