When you catch up to a fastball, you should recognize the possibility of a strike in a split second. You will then physically get the bat to hit the ball into a decent area because you realize it. The ball could go into fair territories such as a line drive or a home run.
What Is A Fastball?
A fastball is one of the most feared pitch in baseball. It could go as fast as 90 miles per hour and even more. Batters are aware that they have more chances of not hitting the fastball than hitting it, so they practice hitting such kinds of pitches as much as possible.
How to do it?
To perfectly catch up to a fastball, you should already be in motion even before the ball gets pitched. Remember that a fastball is a tricky pitch, so you must be alert from the start. So, if you recognize that it is already a fastball, you can step forward toward the pitcher and begin to swing.
Another tip to know how fast the ball would go is to look at the catcher’s hand signals. Although it can be a trick to play with the batter’s mind, at least you can anticipate the fastball. You should also look at the ball and have excellent eyesight to execute catching up to a fastball well because you need to see the ball to hit it.
Why do it?
You need to do this because you need to collect the necessary energy to decently hit the ball. You have to control your muscle’s tensing everywhere from your hands and forearm so you can swing forward and not get a strike.
How to Master it?
To master how to catch up to a fastball, you should do repetitive practices while in the batting cage. That way, you can look at the timing and improve the things you cannot do yet to catch up to a fastball. It might be frustrating at first, but when you work on it, and you can finally do it, it will be worth it. As with any other skill, when you do it over and over, there is a good chance you will perfect it.